DARPAN Magazine- SEP/OCT 2019 by Darpan Magazine

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2019

REFLECTING THE SOUTH ASIAN LIFESTYLE

Anita

Dongre Fashion Spotlight

2019

California Dreaminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Budget-Friendly

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HOME DECOR

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ello readers, here’s our brand new issue, put together fondly by the DARPAN team. We are currently all geared up for our annual event, DARPAN’s Extraordinary Achievement Awards 2019. The special night takes place on September 13 in Surrey. This year is special for DARPAN Awards as not only is it the 10th Anniversary of the event but it marks 10 successful years honouring and encouraging the contributions of the South Asian community. Recognized as the pre-eminent South Asian event-of-the-year, the spectacular Awards gala will honour ten remarkable individuals within the South Asian community who embody the spirit of community and believe in giving back through their own avenues in an effort to build society. We are excited to celebrate this magical evening with the South Asian community in attendance. On the theme of extraordinary, our cover story is on a sensational singer who has touched souls through her beautiful voice. Shashaa Tirupati is a National Film Award winner, a prominent name in the Indian music industry, a role model to upcoming singers, and an invaluable gem of the industry. From Bollywood playback singing to giving her voice to almost 13 languages and releasing her own independent music, Shashaa has explored every single aspect of the music industry and continues to crave for more. She has accomplished a lot as a singer, and it’s just the beginning of her glorious career ahead. Music-lovers beware, the singing queen is going to rule your heart. In the Lifestyle section, we have featured the top five fun events you shouldn’t miss this season. Summer may be on its way out but there’s still a lot to do in Vancouver in fall. Besides enjoying the beautiful autumnal colours and the host of Halloween events, be sure to check out some of these events and activities across the Lower Mainland. Try out two delicious recipes – Tandoori Chicken and Daulat Ki Chaat (Saffron Mousse) – from Gaurav Anand, chef, caterer and owner of three critically acclaimed and internationally recognized New York City restaurants, and also one of the youngest restaurateurs in the city. We hope you have a great time reading this issue. Share your thoughts and suggestions by emailing us on editor@darpanmagazine.com or posting on our social media sites. Happy reading!

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2019

REFLECTING THE SOUTH ASIAN LIFESTYLE

Anita

Dongre Fashion Spotlight

2019

BACK-TO-

SCHOOL Shopping ACTIVITIES

HOME DECOR

Revamp your Bathroom

AUTO REVIEW

Pick your Poison

Jaskirat Sahni

Tirupati

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

PHOTOGRAPHY A Master Media

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COVER CREDITS

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Cover: Shashaa Tirupati

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Photo: Raymond Kam

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Harjan Padda

Sumesh Sharma

Gurvinder S. Hundal Ramneek S. Dhillon

STORY

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2019 CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER|OCTOBER

116 138

Tirupati

IN EVERY ISSUE

78 FITNESS

66 YOUTH COLUMN

SPOTLIGHTS 12 Karanvir Gill 16 Anjali Dhaliwal 18 Darsh Grewall

The Importance of Time Management

142 GLOBAL INDIANS Harpz Kaur

144 HOROSCOPE

BUSINESS PROFILE 36 Chanpreet Kooner 40 MNP LLP

108 TECH

Have Fun this Fall Lighten up your School Commute

Meditation and Your Mind

60 NEWS IN PICTURES

Harpreet Singh

68 RECIPES 72 HEALTH

Protsahan: Where Creative Education & Entrepreneurship Come Together

10 DARPAN’S 10

106 ACTIVITIES

Chef Gaurav Anand

55 SALUTES

8 READER’S REACTION

LIFESTYLE

146 CANADIAN IMMIGRANTS

Get Fit in Style

82 BEAUTY

110 WEDDING Seema and Sunny

116 TRAVEL

California Dreamin’

Beyond the Beard

86 FASHION SPOTLIGHT Anita Dongre

ENTERTAINMENT 134 BOLLYWOOD

The Bollywood Directory

98 STYLE

138 HOLLYWOOD Pick Your Poison

Fashion Trends that are Dead Already

134

102 HOME

Revamp your Bathroom

Meet the Sandhar Family

48 FEATURE

Budget-friendly Backto-school Shopping

52 LAWYER SPEAKS What Exactlty is Mediation?

FEATURES

54 FEATURE Being a Good Neighbour

38 FEATURE

Make ‘Me-time’ a Priority

44 FEATURE

Must-haves for the Big Move

64 FEATURE

The Art of Listening

76 FEATURE The Keto Craze

AUTO 122 2019 BMW X2 M35i 126 2019 Mercedes Benz AMG C 43 4MATIC Wagon 130 2020 Jaguar F-TYPE P380 132 2019 MINI JCW Countryman ALL4

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Write to us: editor@darpanmagazine.com or Tag us on social media: @DarpanMagazine & #Darpanmgazine

eaders tions eac

NEERU BAJWA COVER STORY Had a great time @ darpanmagazine mua.. @bluerubyartistry styling @kanikasasan9 photography @studiolv.ca (sic) – @neerubajwa/Instagram

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It is True, Neeru is Queen of Punjabi Cinema. (sic) – @ashraf775544/Instagram

REALLY NICE ARTICLES Really nice articles in the July/August magazine. All are very interesting and helpful in daily life.

congratulations mam,A true defination of success proud moment (sic) – @rohitss0786/ Instagram

ENJOYED READING

Most gracious Punjabi diva (sic) – @lovepoison6799/ Instagram

– Smita Nair

I enjoy reading the magazine and sharing it with my friends and colleagues. – Jag Deol

Combination of beauty and brains lovely (sic) – @tabishzafar1/Instagram

EXCELLENT WORK I like to read your July/August issue. Congratulations, proud of your excellent work. – Ashvin Dave

YOUTH COLUMN Enjoy reading the article on how to play smart in office. Very informative. – Chandan Das

Re: Hey Chandan, happy to hear you liked the article featured in the youth column. The youth column gives an opportunity to youngsters and young adults to share their thoughts on various issues and experiences. – Editor

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Thank you once again for letting me be a part of this issue! It’s so cool because I always read the Darpan magazine and read articles about people I aspire to be like and now I have my own article – such a full circle moment. Thank you for your hard work and efforts! – Jasleen Bahia

Re: Jasleen, the pleasure is all ours. Your academic excellence and involvement in the community is impressive and you are inspiring youth through your good work. You deserve the recognition. – Editor Supinder Wraich Spotlight: ''Being an actor, it took me a while to get comfortable enough with myself so if the opportunity presented itself, I would have the ability to seize it.” - @Swraich is killing it in this @darpanmagazine interview on #Talenttowatch @ the410_series! (sic) – @Telefilm_Canada/ Twitter Supinder Wraich Spotlight: SPOTTED in the latest issue of @ darpanmagazine - actress @Swraich who chats all things @the410_ series and so much more! Pick up your copy on newsstands now! #clientlove #projectfourpr #talktomyrep #actor (sic) – @ProjectFourPR/ Twitter

Re: Thank you for your kind words. We enjoy

working on each issue and feature stories that we believe our readers can relate to. I hope you enjoy reading this issue and continue to support us ahead. – Editor

SPOTLIGHT

RECIPES: #SuperChef @SuvirSaran dishes for @darpanmagazine and shares #recipes for his famous #Masala #FriedChicken and an unctuous #Pavlova! #ChefInspired #Indian #MenWhoCook #NewDelhi #Foodie #DecadentDesserts (sic) – CharlesBurd/ Twitter Thank you @darpanmagazine A Women's Wellness Evening with @drpushpachandra hosted by The 3E Organization - 3 Es Connecting to Engage, Enable and Empower was on May 31 (sic) – The 3E Organization/Facebook TRAVEL FEATURE: We saw this publication and it is really well done! Hats off to the people involved in showcasing Powell River (sic) – Rhonda Berg/Facebook HEALTH FEATURE: Nice that you are discussing sleep apnea ;) It’s under diagnosed in Punjab (sic) – @puneetn2510/ Instagram

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN’S

1 Why are you contesting as a Conservative

We will need our border enforcement to stop drugs and guns from being smuggled into Canada.

Party candidate for Surrey-Newton at the Federal Election 2019?

8 What are your thoughts about safety in the community, the job market, and overall community development?

Surrey-Newton has been neglected for a long time. The people of Surrey, I believe, should be involved in decision making. There are lots of things that need to be done in SurreyNewton: infrastructure development, jobs for youth, and involving the community. That is what I will focus on.

CONSERVATIVE PARTY CANDIDATE

So many parents are sending children abroad for medicine, law or engineering. Why not over here? I will be a voice for the common man and raise such concerns. We need to have more spaces in Canada for our children to study, work and get jobs here. Secondly, the issue of affordability is apparent; it is difficult for a person to survive in the Lower Mainland. A recent report says that most new immigrants and refugees are going homeless. We need to work on our infrastructure before we call people here. No job is bad. However, if we have a doctor coming here, he or she should go in his own field. If he or she is becoming a security guard or driving a taxi, we are wasting talent. We, as Canadians, need to start thinking on those grounds whereby we are able to firstly provide jobs to our children studying here, who are now not even getting jobs after graduation or post-graduation. Then, our international responsibility should be looked into. There are so many elders and veterans that are going homeless, but we are giving money to other nations. I do not say we should deflect from our international responsibilities, but we should look into our home first. Our government will prioritize our elders, veterans, youth, the middle-class moms and dads first. Then, we will look into our international obligations being met.

BY NAINA GREWAL

9 What are some changes Surrey-Newton needs for further growth? What does the region lack?

2 What are your campaign promises?

My campaign promise is very simply: transparency, honesty, integrity and involving the community in decision making. Honesty and integrity are the hallmarks of my career, for which everyone knows me. Being a journalist, that is what I have been doing. Even in politics, I will be focusing on these aspects because I believe we need to become role models if we want to involve youth. That is where we are lacking – we need to walk the talk. My campaign promise is recognizing that the job of an MP is not just to go to functions or provide letters for immigration, which is another issue that needs to be tackled. Our government believes that it has been handled lopsided by this government, which needs to be put to a stop. We believe in a fair, orderly, and compassionate immigration system, where we will get in international students, those who want to work under work permits, those who are under the skilled category, parents and grandparents. The focus will be balance. 3 What is your stand on Prime Minister

Harpreet Singh FOR SURREY-NEWTON

Justin Trudeau’s carbon tax?

Our party believes that it is a tax grab and we will scrap that tax. We are already paying high amounts for the cost of gasoline and heating bills. To add carbon tax onto these expenses makes no sense because it is not being used to fight climate change. Climate change cannot be fought by imposing taxes. We believe that it should be the other way around. We will be investing in cleaner technologies and use our influence as a world power to ask countries like India and China to reduce their global emissions. We, as Canadians, only make up 1.4 per cent of the total world usage when it comes to carbon emissions. We will use our influence on other countries, which Justin Trudeau has failed to do as a result of high failed foreign policies with India, China and USA. 4 What is your perspective on pipelines? Do you or do you not promote them?

PHOTO: AMASTER MEDIA

We are in favour of pipelines because Canada cannot succeed economically otherwise. The consumption of oil is increasing day by day. It does not make sense to get oil from Saudi Arabia, which comes not from air, but by ship – ships use energy. Basically, we will use pipelines to get our oil and our leader has already proposed an energy corridor, which will link the West and East. We are also concerned about the environment. Technology has advanced a lot. I believe that pipelines and the environment are not opposing things; they should go hand in hand. We will focus on using the best technology for pipelines. 5 How do you feel about lowering taxes for working parents?

Hardworking and struggling moms and dads in Canada should be given incentives. We have already announced that maternal benefits will be tax-free. We want to live within our means. Our government believes that borrowing and spending money will not make a difference. Consider that our deficit, right now, has increased to $20 billion. More deficits mean more taxes on common people. Our government will

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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live within our means and we will give that benefit to moms and dads by lowering taxes. 6 Traffic is an increasing concern in our community. What is your take?

Infrastructure development is the answer to our progress. We will be investing in our infrastructure to provide the best facilities for an increasing population. When we talk about climate change, lots of people would opt for transit or SkyTrain. For that, they need something. If we cannot provide the right infrastructure, the only option left is to use cars. We will invest in infrastructure development of having more transit and better facilities, in conjunction with the municipalities. For example, Surrey is demanding a SkyTrain till Langley. We will not impose our thoughts on the community but give the community what it wants. We will work in tandem with the municipalities and provide them with the money required. 7 Crime has always been a dominant problem. How will you address it?

Firstly, I will spend money on educating the community as to why we should work together to get our children back on track. The environment has become such that they get enticed by criminals and gangs. It is important to spend money on organizations that are doing well for the community and provide them with resources. The second aspect is rehabilitation. If someone has gone into this, they should be given chances to come back. Thirdly, we will be toughening up laws so that criminals are not just let out on parole. A strong message needs to be sent to criminals. A Conservative government will take action to make it easier for police to target gang members and put them behind bars. Our plan will end automatic bail for those accused of gangs crime, create tougher sentences for violent gang crime and make it easier for prosecutors to convict known gangs.

The most important thing is that people are losing faith in politicians. My focus will be on honesty and integrity so that we can restore that faith in the democratic process. I will be involving the public in decision making through town hall meetings. So, public faith in democracy can only be restored by becoming a role model yourself and not bringing in ‘dirty politics’. Secondly, a pressing issue people are talking about is public safety. So many youngsters have passed away because of drugs and gang violence. My focus will be on the particular aspect of giving priority to the concern surrounding prime. Our party believes that the victims should not suffer. Rather, the culprits should be taken care of. The third point is that of affordability. It has become so expensive to live here as so many taxes have been imposed by Trudeau, especially for small businesses that are actually boosters for the economy. Our party believes in putting more money in the pockets of people by giving them tax incentives. People should be deciding how to spend; the government should not have a role in that. We will restore many of the taxes incentives stopped by Trudeau, with examples being income sprinkling and child-tax benefits. 10

Why should people vote for you or the party?

We cannot afford Trudeau for another four years. Our foreign policy, economy, immigration policy and relations with foreign governments are at their lowest. We cannot afford to have Trudeau again because he has already brought our country to a disaster, where our deficit has gone to $20 billion. There will be even more taxes for common people. We need to bring Canada back on rail. By living within our means, our party will ensure more money in the pockets of people, fighting climate change with cleaner technology (not taxes), and a foreign policy where people respect us. The time where people used to look up to Canada has gone by. Relations with China, India and USA need to be improved. We will use our diplomatic skills to bring back Canada. Finally, democracy thrives where people are involved. We will focus on public decision making.

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DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

KARANVIR

GILL BY GURLEEN KAUR BAJWA

The co-founder and president of Lifestream Sick Kids Awareness Society aims to improve the lives of children with his team of university and high school students.

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DRAWING AWARENESS TO CHILDHOOD DISEASES

eyond the common cold, chickenpox, measles and perhaps food allergies, there isn’t much that the general public is aware of when it comes to childhood illnesses. Which is surprising, considering every year, there are approximately 12 million deaths of children before the age of five, tragically, many of which were preventable. In other words, awareness surrounding childhood diseases is not only severely lacking, but has also never been more significant. Karanvir Gill, the co-founder, and president of Lifestream Sick Kids Awareness Society (LSKAS) understands this problem. In fact,

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he and his dedicated team, made almost entirely of university and high school students, have spent the last few years striving to close this very gap in knowledge. Gill, who recently appeared in Surrey Board of Trade’s Top 25 Under 25 list, graduated from Tamanawis Secondary School and moved on to pursue a bachelor of science at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He is currently majoring in Biology and heading into his fourth and final year in September. Besides being a full-time

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DL30568

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF KARANVIR GILL, AMASTER MEDIA

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

academically distinguished student, he is also invested in multiple extracurricular university activities. Just last year, he headed a large organization committee for Science Week, a massive event held by the Science Undergraduate Society at UBC. However, Gill’s most impressive achievement is the LSKAS. The Society was established by Gill and a few others, in order to service what they saw as a severely lacking area of awareness and research Lifestream is a non-profit organization that operates from Surrey and focuses on not only raising awareness of childhood illnesses but also gathering support for actions that could drastically improve the lives of the children in question. To this end, they have worked alongside many institutions, including Canadian Blood Services and BC Children’s Hospital. Some of the initiatives they have partaken in include, but not limited to, recruitment of blood donors, fund-raising, and the organization of educational events throughout the community to provide information on healthcare and treatment advances. Gill also delved a bit into the inspiration behind the non-profit, recalling how his time spent working at the BC Children’s Hospital, where professors would often visit to lecture about childhood diseases, inspired

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

more easily accessible to the younger volunteers. “I would specially like to thank Amarveer Sandhu, Mahtab Gill, and the boys of the graduating class of 2019 from Panorama Ridge, Tamanawis, and LA Matheson. They have been a big part of Lifestream's efforts,” adds Gill. Through offering encouragement and a starting platform, Lifestream aims to go a long way in setting up the incoming batch of leaders for even bigger opportunities later down the line. By drawing him to take Lifestream from a his executive team, made awareness to childhood diseases barely materialised idea to the up of young inspiring role while also managing to quietly fight nationally recognized non-profit models. Furthermore, Gill even a formed narrative surrounding it is today. And yes, Lifestream makes a point of appearing young adults, Lifestream manages has been nationally awarded for in person to supervise many to stand out as an organization the services it had provided to of the events held by the that is aware of the needs of the communities. Gill humbly credits organization, so that he is community around it and is willing the advances of Lifestream to to mold itself accordingly. Looking his team, whom he praised as a towards the future, Gill sees very hardworking and dedicated Lifestream continuing to grow. group of people. Surprisingly, When asked about his personal almost all of them fall on the career aspirations, he says that smaller end of the age spectrum. while he is keeping his options And that is no accident. open, he is certain about pursuing The reason behind Gill’s a path that will allow him to continue focus on the recruitment to help people. To learn more of younger volunteers about Lifestream and is tied into his effort to their work, check out combat the negative their Instagram page connotations @lifstreambc. surrounding teenagers, especially in Surrey. In fact, he handpicked

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN SPOTLIGHT

Our mission is to empower the next generation of future change makers, and to positively impact the youth communities for the betterment of the world,” shares the founder of Youth Helping Youth organization.

BY JASKIRAT SAHNI

njali Dhaliwal is not only a stellar grade 12 student, but also an entrepreneur, a student leader in her community, and a notable influencer for the new generation. She is the founder and executive officer of Youth Helping Youth (YHY),

a student-led, non-profit community organization that promotes opportunities for youth through social media. The young founder explains, “Our mission is to empower the next generation of future change makers, and to positively impact the youth communities for the betterment of the world.”

ANJALI

inspiration was behind starting this organization, Dhaliwal says “Personally, I’ve been faced with the stigma of ageism almost every day. There is always that adult who says ‘You are too young, or you don’t know what you are doing.’” This has fueled her motivation to create an organization which supports youth in fighting these stigmas, and using their merit and experience to showcase their capability.

DHALIWAL: EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION YHY works to combat stigmas such as ageism, which may stop youth from reaching their full potential; thus, it provides opportunities such as job fairs, conferences, mental health care, workshops, volunteering, summer internships and much more. This allows youth to get involved with their community and start making their impact. When asked what her

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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The youth leader has also co-founded a local high school business called Nutri Lip Balm, a 100 per cent vegan and organic, eco-friendly handmade lip balm. The mission is to help make Vancouver’s goal of becoming

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Grewall is a BC Technical Director of the Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA) as well as the Adult Referee-In-Chief for the CBHA.

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rowing up in New Westminster, Gurdarshan Singh Grewall, popularly known as Darsh Grewall, played a lot of street hockey with friends and family. One day, his cousin asked Grewall to be a referee for their ball hockey game. He declined three times before accepting the call to action. Since that day, Grewall hasn’t looked back, progressing through the ranks of refereeing in ball hockey ever since. Currently, he serves

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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as a BC Technical Director of the Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA) as well as the Adult Referee-In-Chief for the CBHA. Grewall started in the Arenex New West Ball Hockey League in 1984 before refereeing for BC Ball Hockey. He moved on to provincial tournaments and then his first national tournament in 1998. He was also one of the original founders of the Metro Minor Ball Hockey Association and served as the President for 10 years. His work continued as he helped set up Tri-City Minor Ball Hockey. Grewall has refereed eight ISBHF World Championships – something that no other Canadian has accomplished. He was the only referee from BC who attended every year. Also, he was the only Indo-Canadian referee in these events. Grewall points out that he didn’t receive any direct racism from his time refereeing. “In Czech Republic, they referred to me as the exotic referee which was fun,” he mentions. The sport has embraced diversity in BC, especially with Indo-Canadian representation; national teams have multiple South Asian players. Grewall has seen this growth through

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the years and notes how ball hockey is much more accessible to play with no need to skate, you can play if you can run. “It truly is spectacular to see South Asian representation at such a high level in sport and they seem to be getting better every year,” remarks Grewall. He has also coached kids and has seen them move on to senior roles in the sport, including making the national team.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF DARSH GREWALL

Darsh has refereed eight ISBHF World Championships – something that no other Canadian has accomplished. He was the only referee from BC who attended every year.

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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The long-time referee’s shining moment came in 2009 in Pilson, Czech Republic, for the 2009 World Championships. Specifically, the semi-final game between rival countries Czech Republic and Slovakia, which was attended by over 7,000 fans. The magnitude of this game was also highlighted by the fact that Grewall and the other referees were escorted by armed guards to and from

the rink. “It was gut-wrenching; I didn’t know what was going to happen. The atmosphere was unlike any other I have been to,” he recalls. For Grewall, the highlight of his career has been making life-long friends across the country. Referees often face the brunt of verbal abuse from fans, players and coaches. For young referees trying to make their mark and progress in the sport, there needs to be more respect of the officials. This starts from the top with coaches who maintain their composure during games and teaching their players to respect the referees. Parents also need to calm down, and let the officials do their job. Refereeing teaches a lot of important values as outlined by Grewall: “It develops maturity for these kids, as they learn how to stay composed in high pressure situations.” He goes on to mention that several kids he has seen referee go on to successful careers in the police and fire departments. The Adult Referee-In-Chief for the CBHA points to his family support as being a major key to his success in his career. It is important to note that Grewall is not just a full-time referee or director, he also works in the lighting fixture industry with his family business, S&N Lighting in Burnaby, and juggles that with family life. Grewall states that he gets his drive from his father who came here in 1957. “Growing up, my family has taught me respect and has shown me the level of work ethic that you need to be successful here. My father is my role model who taught me how to be respectful, and I carry this in all facets of my life every day.” Grewall plans to continue his roles with the CBHA, family business, and his family.

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A Soulful Voice

Tirupati By Petrina D’Souza

I feel blessed, grateful and honoured to be a recipient at the age I’m at, more so because it’s the product of the hard work, acceptance and faith of a lot of people. Furthermore, I hold a tremendous responsibility to achieve beyond what I have. The National Award marks a beginning.” 22

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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he has captured everyone’s interest with her soulful voice and beautiful songs. Today, Shashaa Tirupati is a prominent name in the Indian music industry, a role model to upcoming singers, and an invaluable gem of the industry. From Bollywood playback singing to giving her voice to almost 13 languages and releasing her own independent music, Shashaa has explored every single aspect of the music industry and continues to crave for more. Not to forget winning a National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer and other deserving honours. Her passion for music and singing is incredible and her extraordinary journey over the past years is a testament to it.

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Sticking to morals and values we inculcated growing up has made the journey longer but more fruitful and worth my while. I wouldn’t go back and change a thing today.”

Shashaa has accomplished a lot as a singer, and it’s just the beginning of her glorious career ahead. Music-lovers beware, the singing queen is going to rule your heart. A career in singing was Shashaa’s destiny; she started singing at the tender age of two. “I began singing religious aartis with my mother during her morning prayers, my parents and family friends noticed that I sang quite in tune,” recalls the Indo-Canadian. At

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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the age of six, she started singing live on BC’s local radio station, Rim Jhim, on a Friday night program called Aapki Pasand Aapki Zubaani. “The platform had me noticed in the Vancouver Mainland as the “prodigious” child singer. This popularity resulted in my first live show aged eight years with a local band called Rising Stars,” says Shashaa. Realizing her talent and potential, Shashaa’s parents decided to focus on her musical education. She trained briefly under Devinder Hundal in Vancouver and went on to train under the Late Kamala Bose in Allahabad, India. To further her musical knowledge, Shashaa and her parents also relocated to India for six years. “There was plenty of back and forth between Canada and India and within both countries for concerts, education, competitions and television shows. I finally relocated to

DARPAN

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COVER STORY

India around 2010 to make a career in singing,” adds the 31-year-old. Shashaa made her Bollywood singing debut in 2010. During that time, she had grown quite active in the advertisement sector as a singer and voiceover artist. Music composer Tapas Relia, who was the first composer Shashaa recorded a jingle for, felt her voice was well suited for the title song of

AR Rahman sir chose me to sing in the Deepika Padukone and Rajnikanth starrer Kochadaiiyaan after having performed with him on MTV Coke Studio. The ‘Humma’ song came shortly after that, which became the beginning of a string of blockbusters.”

Bumm Bumm Bole, a film he was working on. “I recorded the female vocals for the song ‘Rang De’, alongside Clinton Cerejo and Keerthi Sagathia on male vocals. That was my first Bollywood break,” shares Shashaa, who has sung over 200 songs in various languages till date. Though the established singer has had plenty of amazing opportunities to showcase her talent so far, the initial struggle was challenging and difficult none the less. Be it walking six to 10 km a day just to save some money for food; commuting by local train to save money; standing in the

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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rain for hours with a broken umbrella, only to wait for one composer to listen to your audio CD; or going months without a job, Shashaa endured it all to reach her final goal – to become a singer and earn her achievement on her own accord. Yet, it has been a fulfilling experience. “Sticking to morals and values we inculcated growing up has made the journey longer but more fruitful and worth my while. I wouldn’t go back and change a thing today,” she states. Shashaa feels that in terms of opportunity, the music industry has opened up tremendously in today’s time. “Meeting the right people is important,” the experienced artist remarks. I ask her if she has any favourites in terms of music genres and Shashaa mentions that she “enjoys singing Jazz Standards, Pop, Alternative and Singer-

DARPAN

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

COVER STORY

AR Rahman Sir is a visionary, an optimist, and a genius. He believes in his people, in his artists, in his God, and in his vision, which is what makes him unlike any other.”

Shashaa singing with music legend A.R. Rahman

Songwriter style of songs, old Hindi and Punjabi classics, Sufi and folk songs, and Indian Classical.” Delving deeper into her musical journey, Shashaa describes it as a tumultuous one, albeit enlightening. “There were a series of unsuccessful films I’d sung in for the initial couple of years as a Bollywood playback singer, followed by a period of three years of next to no

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

singing, after being told I’ll never be a successful playback singer, wherein I’d changed track unto exploring music composition and arrangement,” she remembers. But she did not lose hope; Shashaa was gifted and her talent and hardwork were bound to shine soon. Her re-entry into Bollywood was an opportunity given by none other than Indian

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of a string of blockbusters, including ‘Baarish’, ‘Phir Bhi Tumko Chaahunga’, and ‘Kanha’ for which I won the Star Screen Award,” she mentions. What established her mark in the Indian music industry was the National Film Award she received music legend, A.R. Rahman. in 2018 for Best Female Playback “AR Rahman Sir chose Singer for the Tamil song me to sing in the Deepika ‘Vaan Varuvaan’ from Kaatru Padukone and Rajnikanth Veliyidai. The National Film starrer Kochadaiiyaan after Awards is the most prominent having performed with him film award ceremonies in India; on MTV Coke Studio,” the coveted Award is the highest explains Shashaa. She sang rank of recognition a person can the song ‘Vaada Vaada’ which receive for his or her work, often was an instant hit. From that termed as the Indian equivalent point onwards, there was of the Grammy by many. “It’s no turning back; Shashaa inarguably one of the biggest started working on multiple honours of the country,” songs. “The ‘Humma’ song expresses the National came shortly after that, award-winner, “And I which became the beginning feel blessed, grateful and

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It’s incredible to see how open our country [India] is to accepting singers from outside their region. Some of my biggest hits are not in my mother tongue. I now sing in about 13 odd languages and I want to push that number to 130!” immensely because I come from a spiritual, God-fearing family background myself, wherein moral “karmic” values have been ingrained within us.” There’s a lot she has learnt from this internationally-known maestro. “Every recording with Sir has been like finding water in a desert: the kind of teachings that stem from every thought within every conversation before, during or after a recording have a relevance in our everyday lives. There’s much that I’ve imbibed from him that I apply daily. One such conversation being him telling me “If you don’t like

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

yourself, how do you expect others to like you?” This came when I told him I don’t like hearing my own voice!” This love for her mentor is evident; Shashaa has sung multiple songs for Rahman and worked on many of his projects. After ‘Vaada Vaada’ in Kochadaiiyaan, she sang ‘Aye Mr. Minor’ from Rahman’s musical, Kaaviyathalaivan which gained immediate recognition in the Tamil music industry. She sang three songs in the 2015 Mani Ratnam-Rahman film OK Kanmani. She sang backing vocals in ‘Laadli’ in his album RAUNAQ, alongside Rahman and Lata Mangeshkar. She toured extensively with Rahman for Encore Tour 2017, Infinite Love Tour, Rahmanishq Tour, T20 Opening

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‘Singappenney’ with Rahman, which was also composed by him, from the film Bigil. The song features 11 women football players. “Singappenney is apparently the female anthem of the year. I feel incredibly Concert, Greatest Hits Concert at the O2, and NH7 honoured to be, in a way, representing women in this song, Weekender, among others. carrying a powerful message of She was part of his Coke the strength, valour, and honour Studio Episode (Season 3) of women. Being part of the video and has sung more than 30 songs (including languages) with Rahman Sir makes it all the for Rahman. She sang the song more special,” says Shashaa. Besides her soul-touching voice, Shashaa’s trademark is her passion for singing in different languages. “Singing in as many languages as I can is a goal. It pushes you to achieve beyond preconceptions,” says the musical genius. Shashaa always had an affinity for languages; she selftaught herself broken Farsi, Italian and German, and to read and write Urdu and Gurmukhi. She has sung songs in Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Arabic, Urdu/

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Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Konkani, Gujarati, Sanskrit, English, Armenian, Assamese and others. “It’s incredible to see how open our country [India] is to accepting singers from outside their region. Some of my biggest hits are not in my mother tongue. I now sing in about 13 odd languages and I want to push that number to 130!” claims the multilingual artist. Some of her popular songs include ‘Vaan’, ‘Oday Oday’, ‘Un Kadhal Irundhal’, ‘Thaen Kaatru’, ‘Uyiraagi’ and ‘Kadhalaada’. And what kind of music does she enjoy the most? “I love listening to a wide plethora of music, especially Jazz. Love bands and artists like Imogen Heap, Bon Iver, Novo Amor, The Japanese House, Rashid Khan Saab, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Saab, Bade Ghulam Ali Saab, AR Rahman Sir, Sigur Ros, Jason Mraz, John Mayer. Also Armenian, Turkish, Pakistani Folk and Arabic music,” Shashaa answers. The global star has been fortunate to work on a wide plethora of songs/ genres/ styles: from hip hop to romantic ballads, to peppy numbers, lounge tracks, to semi-classical numbers. In terms of favourite experiences, Shashaa discloses that she loved performing at the prestigious O2 Arena in London with Rahman. “That’s definitely one of my most memorable musical experiences! Sharing stage with the Maestro himself, at a venue having witnessed artists like Coldplay, Whitney Houston, Adele and who not, I couldn’t feel more grateful.” Beyond her successful career as a playback singer, Shashaa has also ventured into independent music and song-writing. Earliar this year in April, she released her first independent English single, ‘String of Air’ on her YouTube channel. The song

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delves on the concept of “letting things be and allowing yourself to soak in the moment.” Her second original composition titled ‘Oceans Rained’, a song of hope and pain and of finding something to hold on to when there seems to be no way out, recently released in August. Shashaa gains inspiration everywhere and through everyone. “No one is void of talent or artistry or something that is worth imbibing. We aren’t perfect and I keep my head and heart open to soaking in any information or mindset or sensibility that I feel betters me or my art. Growing up, Norah Jones, Rafi Sahab, Surinder Kaur ji, Nusrat Sahab and Rahman Sir have been primary influences,” explains the young songwriter, who plays the Kazoo (African instrument), western classical guitar, keyboards and harmonium. She is also a motivational speaker and has been a part of TED Talks Vancouver with Rahman. She hopes to collaborate with talented artists such as Salim Sulaiman, Vishal Shekhar, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Ajay Atul, and many others. “Plus independent artists. I’d actually love to work with prospective Canadian producers and musicians/ multilingual artists/ directors/ screenwriters/ VFX artists. I’m very keen on exploring on any front under the sun!” Currently, she is working on more songs to be released on her channel soon and shooting videos for her independent music singles. Her future plans include, “To better the artist in me. To express more. To sing, write and compose more. To learn more and teach more.” Photos: Raymond Kam, Jerin James, James Chen, courtesy of Shashaa Tirupati

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Two common presumptions regarding civil litigation: You can sue whenever:

PHOTOS: STUDIO LV

ivil litigation might sound like a complicated term to understand but it’s extremely important when dealing with a legal matter. What makes a difficult legal process easy to comprehend is enabling the services of a qualified civil litigator who has your best interests in mind. This is where Chanpreet Kooner, a trial lawyer at Bobblaw, fits the bill. Kooner’s work primarily focuses on a broad range of complex civil litigation matters which include real estate, commercial, construction, and personal injury. The Surrey-based civil litigator pursued engineering at Montreal’s McGill University and attended Bond University to study law. “The main objective of Bobblaw is to provide advice, advocacy, and legal representation that exceeds expectations and produces results,” says Kooner, one of the youngest lawyers in British Columbia to be called to the bar. Bobblaw, founded by Shawn J. Bobb in 2018, also provides a full range of services in the area of family law, including prenuptial agreements, property and debt division, spousal support, child support and custody matters. “We have extensive experience in family law matters whether through mediation or in the court room,” says the young trial lawyer. Kooner took interest in civil litigation during his articling term. “I had countless opportunities to attend court on my own and with senior legal counsel. I saw how litigators were in a unique position to provide legal services and zealous representation to their clients,” he recalls. It inculcated in him a desire to use his skills to advocate for clients in court, as a civil litigator. “It can be rewarding to help a client navigate a complex legal matter and provide a successful outcome.” Further,

the practical experience Kooner brings from the construction and engineering industry allows him to tap into the diverse development and project management skills he carries to ultimately save a client’s time, money and headache while providing the best service. “I have gained significant experience at trial, in mediation, and at the negotiation table,” he adds. Kooner’s fluency in English and Punjabi also helps him communicate with different clients in their chosen language. The role of a civil litigator is crucial, asserts Kooner. “Would you act as your own surgeon, electrician, or mechanic? Most people do not know enough about the law to appear without legal representation. Retaining a civil litigator early on in your case can potentially change the outcome,” he says. Kooner strongly believes in client satisfaction. “Customer care is everything for us. We want our clients to know that we delivered, and that hiring us is a significant decision and serious commitment for both the client and our firm.” Besides his legal efficiency, Kooner is also an active member of his community. The dedicated lawyer often volunteers with various charities. He is a member of the South Asian Bar Association and Surrey Board of Trade; team member of the Land

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Use and Development Committee; and Board of Director for the Surrey Hospice Society. His social work aligns with Bobblaw’s objective to give back to the community by raising awareness for the Surrey Food Bank, a non-profit charitable organization that provides food to families living in Surrey and North Delta. The team also provides free initial consultations by inviting potential clients to bring donations for the Surrey Food Bank. “Through this initiative, we show our passion for both helping people with legal advice, and continuing to raise awareness for the local food banks,” shares Kooner. Dealing with a legal issue? Speak to Chanpreet Kooner today!

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DARPAN FEATURE

new study released by OnePoll shows that most Americans aren’t getting enough ‘me time.’ It also found that too much noise, current events, jobs, partners and kids are the top five things that prevent people from getting the R&R they need. What can we do differently? The good news is there are some very simple steps you can take to incorporate more ‘me time’ into your daily routine.

Make

‘Me-time’ A Priority BY DR. VINAY SARANGA M.D.

Simple steps you can take to incorporate more R&R into your daily routine.

You have to make the time ‘Me time’ is just as important to your health as eating a balanced diet and getting enough exercise. For many of us, it’s simply a matter of making the time. Start seeing this as a ‘must-do’ activity and block off 30 minutes to an hour each day to just sit and get quiet with yourself. Anytime of the day will work, but to make it a regular habit it’s best to schedule this precious time around the same time each day.

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Strengthen your timemanagement skills There are only 24 hours in a day. But you might be surprised how strengthening your timemanagement skills can free up some much needed ‘me time’. Some people prefer to organize their daily tasks in order of importance. Try spending less time clicking around on social media or surfing the web. Maybe you can wake up a half-hour earlier to give yourself some extra time.

There is no set agenda The best part about ‘me time’ is there is no set list of things you have to do. It’s about doing what you want to do. You can sit in a room that you find soothing. You can listen to relaxing music. You can go to the park and people-watch. This is your time to spend by yourself to rest, relax and clear the mental clutter that often bogs us down.

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Alone time really means alone The mistake most people make with ‘me time’ is they don’t spend it by themselves. This is not a time to be with your friends, spouse or children. It’s not a time to catch up on the Facebook activities of the day. It’s time for you to rest, relax and recharge. It’s time for you to take a mental break from the world around you and refresh your mind.

Give yourself permission Many people feel guilty for taking time to themselves. You must have a change in mindset and realize that scheduling some ‘me time’ is a positive step in caring for your mental health and overall well-being. In fact, it’s something everybody can benefit from. Bet of all, you’ll feel better, think clearer and be more productive.

Photos: iStock

Create your own space The study findings showed that most people don’t have a place in their home to relax. You don’t need a lot of space or a big budget to create a soothing environment. You can designate one room or even a section of a room for this. Paint the walls a comforting colour. Add some pillows, candles, pictures and other decorations that you find relaxing. Add an Alexa or other device to play relaxing music.

Dr. Vinay Saranga M.D. is a psychiatrist and founder of Saranga Comprehensive Psychiatry.

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BUSINESS PROFILE I help bridge the gap within the local South Asian community who have outgrown their current accountant and are looking to optimize their profit, save on tax and plan for expansion while still wanting to work with someone who truly cares about their business and their culture.˝ RICKY NIJJAR, CPA, CA

MNP LLP PARTNER AT MNP LLP SURREY

Understanding Your Needs

ommitment to a relationship-based approach and growth are two main pillars that have led MNP LLP to be the fifth largest firm in Canada. MNP is wellknown in the industry as a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm that proudly serves and responds to the needs of its clients in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Through partner-led engagements, the organization provides a collaborative, cost-effective approach to doing business and personalized strategies to help organizations succeed across the country. Ricky Nijjar, partner at MNP’s Surrey office, says MNP’s small-firm culture and national resources combined with a full breadth of services and commitment to business owners appeals to him most. The newly-appointed partner adds “MNP understands that business is multi dimensional and success depends on every facet working together. Our diverse service offerings have been designed to ensure we

can provide solutions for every aspect of our client’s business, so they are effectively positioned to capitalize on opportunity.” MNP has hundreds of specialists in each field that provide customized and tailored advice to each client – which is why it is a preferred choice among many new and existing clients. Ricky, who has been an integral member of MNP for almost a decade, provides accounting, tax and consulting advice to his clients. “My focus is working with ownermanaged businesses. Most of my clients are involved in residential and commercial real estate developments including single family homes all the way to high-rise buildings and professional clients such as lawyers and doctors.” Building trust with clients is key to any relationship, asserts Ricky. “I take a partner-lead approach with all my clients to ensure the client’s business strategies and objectives are met with sound advice,” he states. In addition, Ricky’s fluency in Punjabi

RICKY NIJJAR, CPA, CA

PARTNER AT MNP LLP SURREY

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

778.571.3523

is a great advantage, through which he not only connects with his South Asian clients in the region but the community at large. “I help bridge the gap within the local South Asian community who have outgrown their current accountant and are looking to optimize their profit, save on tax and plan for expansion while still wanting to work with someone who truly cares about their business and their culture,” he says. As B.C.’s South Asian community continues to thrive on its entrepreneurial skills and produces more and more entrepreneurs each year, MNP can be the perfect companion to work with and help grow one’s business to greater heights. As an entrepreneurial firm built for entrepreneurs, MNP has the services and experience to assist you with every step of your journey – from start-up to succession. Customer satisfaction is an important component at MNP. By developing and maintaining strong personal relationships, MNP ensures that its clients are well protected and positioned effectively for long-term growth and prosperity. “Our clients are very important to us and we will never lose sight of that,” adds Ricky, who takes pride in being part of the fastest growing national accounting and business consulting firm in Canada and a team of professionals who put clients first.

Why MNP is your best choice: ► Our complete line of services provides solutions for every stage and sector of your business, from start-up to succession. ► Customized solutions considering the whole picture of how your business operates and what it needs. ► For knowledge that goes beyond numbers we offer services that go beyond traditional accounting. ► Our partner-led engagements lead to better strategies and better results in better time. ► Our partner-led engagements ensure value is delivered from the outset - efficiently and cost effectively. ► You need a firm that understands who you are, where you’re coming from and where you want to go. MNP is that firm.

ricky.nijjar@mnp.ca

Suite 301 – 15303 31st Ave, Surrey, BC

www.mnp.ca

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MUST-HAVES FOR THE

BIG

MOVE Four essential products every student needs to navigate their first year of independence.

INPUTS FROM HOME HARDWARE

s the end of summer draws nearer, thousands of students are anxiously gearing up to live on their own for the first time as they head off to college or university. In addition to the fun and excitement that comes with the big move, adulting can be daunting for teenagers leaving the nest. Whether they’re moving into residence or off-campus housing, getting organized and equipped with the essentials can make the transition go a lot smoother. Here are a few must-have items Home Hardware experts say every student needs to navigate their first year of independence:

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Power Gear Residence rooms and bedrooms don’t necessarily have electrical outlets where you want them, especially if the room is doubling as a place for students to sleep and do school work. It’s a good idea to bring a few smart plugs with USB ports to give yourself flexibility to plug in essential electronics exactly where you want them.

Mini Fridge Even with meal plans and roommates who love to cook, it’s still recommended you bring along your own personal mini fridge for your room to keep essentials like water, fruit, left-overs and other snacks. Mini fridges don’t take up much room and they also give you another surface to store supplies.

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Toiletries Kit Shared bathrooms are a staple of life in student residences and off-campus housing, which means there’s not usually room to store personal belongings. Having a proper case or bag to bring your toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo – from your room to the washroom is more than just a convenience; it’s a necessity.

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Laundry Supplies Chances are most students living on their own for the first time will be handling all of their own laundry for the first time. Most residences have laundry facilities on site, but you still need a laundry basket or bag that can be packed away between loads. It’s recommended to bring the other laundry basics – detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets – so you don’t have to spend more on individual serving supplies.

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Tips to protect yourself on social media: • Don’t update any statuses or tweet on what you are going to do or where you are going to be or if you are spending time alone at the dorm. Also, be sure to utilize the privacy settings on social media sites to ensure that strangers don’t see anything you don’t intend for them to see. • Be careful when using the “check-in” feature on Facebook or tweeting about where you are, and be weary of apps that share your location to others. The new generation of apps broadcast your location at all times to friends – and in many cases to people you don’t even know. Unlike the previous generations of applications that required you to check in to a venue, these apps are persistent unless you pause them or turn them off.

• Do post updates or tweet about the great new security system or lockset that you just had installed. - Inputs by Weiser

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Photos: iStock

• Don’t post about how frustrated you are because your door or window doesn’t shut properly. Snaps, Vines and other videos taken inside your house can also give potential burglars an idea of your home’s layout and possible entry points.

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN FEATURE

Here are some tips to weather the chaos and cost of backto-school shopping.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY

BACK SCHOOL SHOPPING -TO-

BY STACY YANCHUK OLEKSY

Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy is the Director of Education and Community Awareness at the Credit Counselling Society. She presents at conferences in Canada and the United States and serves on expert panels. She is a regular contributor to Canadian Living and Reader’s Digest, and is frequently interviewed by media outlets. Stacy has co-written two workbooks and developed personal finance curriculum for workshops and webinars.

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

hat a beautiful summer we’ve had – warm days and cool nights! But now we need to start talking about back-to school. Wait…what? Didn’t the kids just get out of school? Yes but they’re heading back in a few weeks so here are some tips to weather the chaos and cost of back-to-school shopping.

Spend some time taking inventory of what you already have. Kids wrap up the school year with a bunch of stuff in their backpacks. Check to see what can be reused for this coming school year. This should include school supplies, clothes and shoes. Perhaps some items can be passed down to younger siblings, cousins or friends. And let’s be honest, some stuff just needs to be recycled or composted (think back to that apple you put in their backpack in June)!

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Make a master list of all supplies needed. You can cross off whatever you already have and now you have the list to shop from. Remember that this is the list that you’ll be working from so include everything – clothes, shoes, school and lunch supplies and electronics.

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Ask your kids to go through the list and make some decisions on what they need on the first day of school and what can be put off until later. Remember that not everything needs to be purchased on day one of school. It’ll still be warm so your kids can wear their summer clothes and they won’t go through 200 sheets of paper or 10 pencils in the first month. You can take some time to make your purchases, which can relieve your budget a little.

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Do some research and compare prices. Depending on how old your children are, you may consider giving them a job/quest/challenge to find the lowest prices on various items. Perhaps there’s a prize for the best savings. If your children are too young then download an app like Flipp where you can search various store flyers, find the best prices and then shop somewhere that price matches.

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DARPAN FEATURE Photos: iStock, contributed

When you go shopping, decide early on whether you’ll do it alone or bring the kids. If you go alone, you’ll get it done a lot faster and likely won’t be tempted by the latest and greatest. However, if you decide to take your kids, treat the event as a learning opportunity. Firstly, have a hearty breakfast because nothing can ruin a shopping trip like a ‘hangry’ child and/or parent. Also agree to the “rules” which could include “if it’s not on the list, it’s not going in the cart” and “we speak with kind voices and tone.” Consider creating a challenge or quest for your kids to find the best deal or best savings. And don’t forget to reward the “team” for achieving their quest, perhaps homemade pizzas and a good movie. By involving your children right at the beginning of the process, letting them do some work and make their own decisions, you can minimize the impact of peer and market pressure to get the latest and greatest.

Give your children a clothing allowance for back-to-school outfits. This allows them to make some money decisions, assuming they’re old enough. This will help you stay within budget and it’s a wonderful opportunity to teach your children some important money lessons like quantity versus quality, needs versus wants, name brand versus not and taxes. And depending on your children’s ages, you may consider having them contribute to their clothing costs, especially if they want something outside of your budget. You contribute the amount that works for your budget and they’re required to pay the difference. You’ll notice very quickly how important that item is to them.

And finally, here is a bonus tip, consider starting a savings account for school supplies and contribute to it each pay cheque. This will alleviate any financial stress because you’re breaking up the costs over the course of nearly a year. The back-to-school season can be chaotic, costly and a little bittersweet because summer is over and everyone is a year older. However, it’s also a time to set some new goals, get back into a routine and before we know it, Halloween will be here. So until then, remember to work your back-to-school list and breathe throughout the whole process. You’ve got this!

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

know the law better than the other party. Though a mediator cannot give you legal advice, they can give legal information. Therefore, the rogue party will be quickly and efficiently contained from overpowering the other. Once you and your partner eople have a vague familiarity reach a resolution, the mediator will with the Court process but recommend their notes become part are often unaware of the of a written separation agreement to alternative ways to resolve legal make sure that both parties have a disputes. One of these alternatives legally enforceable contract. is Mediation. The mediation process Since your mediator is not allows you and your partner to sit with representing you as your lawyer, a mediator, who is often a lawyer, with they cannot give you independent specialized training to help you try legal advice. Often people who try to resolve your legal issues without mediation will have lawyers who they going to Court. You can usually meet turn to, to ask any questions they with a mediator before you start the may have. Some have their lawyers process to discuss whether mediation attend mediation, though this is not is right for you. necessary. A mediator can’t make decisions for you, force you or your partner to agree, or take sides in the dispute. They are trained to help you and your partner talk through the issues, and It is a completely voluntary help you reach an agreement both process. Both parties have to parties can live with, often through want to work together to resolve their comprehensive negotiation. problems. One party can’t force the People usually prefer their other to “accept” their perspective mediator to be a trained lawyer, so and has to actually negotiate. one party cannot posture that they

And why it may be your best option when going through a separation or divorce

Why is mediation a better option?

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Photo: Charles Zuckermann

LAWYER SPEAKS

What Exactly is Mediation?

ABOVE: (L-R) David Halkett, Partner & Aman Kahlon, Associate, are experienced lawyers in McQuarrie's Family Law Practice Group & Aman is a certified mediator.

A good mediator can help parties reach an agreement, even in cases of violence, as the mediator will have safeguards in place to ensure the process is safe, and imbalance of powers is accounted for and hopefully ameliorated. The mediation process is also often faster, without having to account for delays due to limited availability of the courts.

It is a private process – you or your partner will not need to deal with being vulnerable or exposed in a room full of strangers – a stressful factor for many people going through the court process. The agreement to mediate can also include terms about information not being reported to third parties, including the Canada Revenue Agency, children’s teacher’s, new partners, employers and so forth. The parties are free to agree to additional terms as they see fit to ensure the process can address their specific concerns.

In court, a complete stranger will tell you when you can see your children, how you will spend your money, where you will have to live and so forth. It is naturally difficult having a third party like a Judge or a lawyer telling you what to do with

your family, finances, or time. You may walk out of court feeling the Judge has not heard your side of the story or has given a solution that doesn’t work for your family. Mediation helps you reach an agreement you helped create, a solution that works for your real-world needs.

Costs – litigation is an expensive process. The reality is that a court appearance can cost between $2,500$5,000/day and a day of trial between $10,000-$15,000. The more issues that are outstanding, the longer a trial can become, with experts, witnesses, cost awards and so forth. With mediation, since both parties pay for the mediator, both parties are invested in resolving the issues quickly.

David Halkett and Aman Kahlon are experienced Family Lawyers, and Aman is a certified mediator. If you have questions about your family law matter or potential family law mediation, contact McQuarrie at 778.765.1176. McQuarrie is a multi-practice, Surrey- based law firm that serves the needs of businesses, individuals and institutions in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland and throughout B.C.

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DARPAN FEATURE

Put yourself in your neighbours’ shoes

What if your neighbourhood’s dreaded neighbour… is you?

Being a Good

Neighbour Small acts of kindness count

BY JONATHAN FOUX

he people we share our neighbourhoods, apartment buildings, and dormitories with can have a significant impact on everyone else’s enjoyment of those spaces. How miserable would you be if your dream rental experience was ruined by the behaviour, noise or attitude of the neighbours you see every day? Well, here’s a twist: What if that terrible neighbour… is you? Not that anybody actually intends to be a bad neighbour, right? However, sometimes we may not realize how our actions affect other people. Here are 11 tips for being a good neighbour.

Have a problem? Be polite but direct If you have an issue with a neighbour, try speaking directly with them to resolve the situation. If that doesn’t work, talk to the property manager, the landlord, or the homeowner’s association for assistance with resolving the issue.

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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Even something as simple as holding the door open for a neighbour can go a long way toward establishing common trust and respect.

How can you tell if something you’re doing is disruptive for a neighbour? Well, think about their life stages and routines. For example, if you’re the only person in your building who works late hours, try to be considerate of your neighbours’ sleep schedules as you come and go. Likewise, if a neighbour has a new baby, they probably didn’t intend to wake you up with crying at 4 am. Give your neighbours the benefit of the doubt while also trying not to create new disruptions for them along the way.

Less noise = more friends Nothing turns a good neighbour into a bad one faster than loud noises at late hours. If you’re prone to arguments, try keeping your voice down. If you like to party, move it indoors at a reasonable hour. And if you want to blast music at 3 am., go for it — just make sure you’re wearing headphones, so your neighbours don’t have to hear every drumbeat.

The police should only be called for emergencies Some people are inclined to call the police over the slightest inconvenience or disruption, but that often creates more trouble than it solves. Plus, it’s challenging to repair a relationship with a neighbour after you’ve sent the police to their door.

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E: info@darpanmagazine.com | T: 604.537.7277

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Floors can be sound amplifiers Dancing, jumping, or even just walking in heavy shoes or heels can sound like noise torture for the people who live below you — especially if you have hardwood floors. Consider laying down rugs in areas where you know you’ll make a lot of noise, or in spots directly above where your neighbours are trying to sleep.

Make sure your home is up-kept and clean, inside and out Even if you’re just renting, you still have a responsibility to ensure that your space is clean and approachable. When you have trash or recycling, dispose of it in the proper receptacles and take them to the curb on the appropriate pickup days. If it snows and your lease says you’re responsible for shovelling your own steps or sidewalks, keep them clear. If you have weeds, pull them. And don’t use your porch or your yard as storage.

Alert and invite If you’re going to have guests over for a graduation, baby shower, family reunion, or just a simple party, consider mentioning the event to your neighbours and letting them know when you expect the event will wrap up. You can also invite them to stop by during the event. (They may politely decline, but your good manners will still be appreciated.) Plus, try to see your event from your neighbour’s point of view: there’s a big difference between a neighbour having a party that you know will end at 10 pm. and a party that might last forever.

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DARPAN FEATURE ARE YOU A BUSINESS LOOKING FOR MORE CUSTOMERS?

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The people we share our neighbourhoods, apartment buildings, and dormitories with can have a significant impact on everyone else’s enjoyment of those spaces. Treat shared areas as if they were your grandmother’s If you have a shared laundry room, a lobby mailroom, or a communal kitchen, keep it as clean and orderly as you would keep the home of an older relative. (We would say “treat these areas as if they were your own,” but honestly, most people’s sense of “clean enough” is probably much lower than their grandma’s!).

Buy & Sell With

Confidence!

Don’t let your dog treat your neighbourhood like a chew toy If you own a dog, always clean up after your pet when you’re out on a walk. If they’re prone to barking, try not to leave them outside for too long at a time — especially if it’s cold or raining. And if you know any of your neighbours are uneasy around dogs, or if they have small children who may not yet know how to calmly approach a dog, steer your dog away from those potential conflicts before they arise.

Inform your property manager about any repairs ASAP

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PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

778.891.4339

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Accidents happen. Things break. Parts wear out. If something in your rental needs to be repaired or replaced, contact your landlord, property manager, or maintenance staff to make sure it gets on their radar. Remember: they can’t fix the problems they aren’t aware of.

Jonathan Foux is a Chief Technology Officer at UpTop, a free end-to-end rental platform.

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motivation behind her inception of Protsahan. The mother spoke about sending her eight-year-old daughter to work at the brothel so she could feed the rest of her family. “Sonal was so shocked that within the hour, the idea of starting a unique creative school had started taking shape. Within three weeks, after a small feasibility study in the area, Protsahan started as a one room creative arts and design school in one of the darkest slums of the country, in the heart of the capital city New Delhi. These slums are described by the best newspapers of the country as ‘ghettoes’,” says the Protsahan website. With its operations close to where their target audience is, Protsahan has rescued more than 800 girls and integrated them into its formal school. also credited for integrating youth into her Approximately 68 girls have been saved organization; she is often seen collaborating from child marriage; and, 19,800 girls with students at universities and young have received education and awareness on professionals in corporate offices. child rights, prevention of sexual abuse and Over the years, Protsahan has menstrual hygiene. seen a spike in the number Creative of young volunteers from education and across the country. entrepreneurial Kapoor’s skills training meeting with is the thrust a young pregnant mother of six daughters was the

PROTSAHAN: By GARIMA GOSWAMI

The not-for-profit teaches children design, art, digital stories, photography, technology and cinema.

aswinder Singh and Sonal Kapoor have been working to provide a holistic education to children in New Delhi, India’s capital city, through their work at Protsahan, a not-for-profit founded in 2010. The organization primarily targets children living in slums but over the years it has grown to combine children from different backgrounds. Kapoor, the founding director of Protsahan, has received national and international acclaim for her impact on the lives of vulnerable children across the country. Kapoor is

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Photos: Courtesy of Protsahan India Foundation/Facebook

Where Creative Education & Entrepreneurship Come Together

behind Protsahan’s success with children. The organization teaches them design, art, digital stories, photography, technology and cinema. “We use simple techniques, but with a difference. We use scrabble to teach them English, cartoons and photographs to keep the interest alive, game and art based education, digital storytelling to make teaching a fun process. Our sole mission is to encourage creative education and skills development through creative design thinking approaches,” Kapoor mentions to Ashoka, a network of changemakers around the world. Starting with a classroom of 23 children with her own savings, Kapoor, one of the youngest social advocates for child rights in India, increased her class size through various programmes with families living in the slums. One of these programmes called Food for Work has made a heavy influence on the lives of women. Kapoor tells a media organization, “When as a young team we couldn’t pay them hard cash for their work, I thought of an idea. All the volunteers went to homes asking for people to donate dry food grains. We used these as a payback to the women working on handicrafts. That way, we were able to eradicate hunger from those starving families and at the same time didn’t have to spend a penny as a part of their wages/salaries. The organization is making these women financially independent by providing a platform for them to sell lamps, clothes, bags and more.” Corporate funding brings bigger opportunities for expansion at Protsahan. Kapoor mentions that in the coming decade, the organization aims to reach out to at least 10,000 families by next year. “To achieve such scales of operation, Protsahan is aware of the need to venture into new things, and not continue doing only more of the same. This requires a radical shift in stance, becoming more outwardfocused in goals, more proactive in collaborations, and more aggressive in building synergies with corporates,” the young activist adds.

To support Protsahan, visit: www.protsahan.co.in.

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Independence Day Celebrations at Vancouver Consulate Independence Day celebration at Laxmi Narayan Temple On August 18, the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society celebrated the 73rd Independence Day at the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Surrey with wrestling sports games, flag hosting and parade. Photos: Red Knot Films

Dilawri Ride & Drive Gala The 3rd Annual Dilawri Ride & Drive Gala presented by AllWest Insurance was a grand success. An amount of $36,082Â was raised from ticket sales, raffle and auction items, and all proceeds went to the Ride to Conquer Cancer and the BC Cancer Foundation.

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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73rd IndependenceÂ Day of India was celebrated with gaiety and fervour by the Consulate General of India in Vancouver together with a large gathering of members of the Indian community and friends of India. Consul General Abhilasha Joshi unfurled the national flag which was followed by singing of the National Anthem. Community leaders from the prominent gurdwaras, temples, cultural and business associations and friends from all walks of life participated with great enthusiasm in the ceremony.

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Surrey Fusion Festival Surrey Fusion Festival took place at Holland Park for its 12th annual year. The two-day festival saw participation from over 50 cultural pavilions and seven stages of live entertainment including headliners Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;NAAN, Mankirt Aulakh, Busty and the Bass, Random Recipe and Alex Cuba.

Indian Idol Concert KVP Entertainers presented 2018 Indian Idol singers Salman, Neelanjana and Nitin at a concert in August. The evening was a treat to all music lovers. Photos: Atish Ram

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India Live - Granville Street Block Party The South Asian Family Association (SAFA) hosted their annual India Live Block Party, a celebration of art, culture and history in downtown Vancouver. The event showcased cultures from all around the world and included delicious snacks and fun cultural activities. Photos: Aziz Ladha

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DARPAN FEATURE

True listening can be more challenging than you may think. Listening is a conscious choice that you make and requires continual effort to pursue.

The Art of

Listening BY NAINA GREWAL

In the process of communication, listening is the most frequent activity and we theoretically spend a large amount of our day indulged in listening. Given its heavy prevalence, here are five tips to become a better listener.

a world bombarded with technological distractions and an ongoing influx of media, true listening can be more challenging than you may think. Hearing others speak is a biological reaction and often passive. However, listening is an active process, requiring active participation and involvement. Listening is

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

a conscious choice that you make and requires continual effort to pursue. Like any other healthy habit, listening requires an investment of time. The benefits you reap not only impact you individually by making you more self-reflective, but also aid in becoming a better student or professional, alongside enhancing your relationships. The power of listening can save one from misunderstandings and repair social issues. Even in the workplace, listening allows an organization to effectively function and improves cross-functional interactions. In the process of communication, listening is the most frequent activity and we theoretically spend a large amount of our day indulged in listening. Given its heavy prevalence, here are five tips to become a better listener:

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Have an open mind. Listening begins much before words have been exchanged. If you go in with assumptions, it will be difficult to truly understand the perspective or point being made. A blank slate and clear channel of thought allow for one to properly soak in what is being said. You should also consider other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opinions about the topic.

Listen with more than the ears. Body language and tone are two important complements to listening. Words are merely the content, but physical behaviour and tonality add the context. Listening to the way something is being said is an advantage over other less richer forms of communication, such as texting.

Listen with the intend to understand, not reply. Especially when involved in a debate or discussion on controversial topics, you may often find yourself beginning to prep a response to what the other person is saying. When this happens, you automatically pay less attention to what is being said and start to focus on crafting the perfect answer. Refrain from bringing in your own agenda to the communication.

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Buying, selling or investing in Real estate? Give feedback Listening is a dynamic process. Good listening – when not in a one-to-many format – requires participation. This may be in the form of auditory cues to showcase that the listener is fully involved in the conversation or visual signs such as nodding. Avoid forms of distraction that may become an obstacle or portray that you are not an engaged listener. Constantly checking your phone, yawning, looking around/ not maintaining eye contact, and changing topics are actions that depict negative listening habits.

Ask the right questions and confirm

Photos: iStock

In appropriate situations, asking questions is a good technique to gain insight if there are doubts or probing with follow up questions to peak interest. Asking for clarification is not necessarily a sign that you are not a good listener. Rather, it means that you genuinely care about the conversation. It is always a good idea to confirm understanding by rephrasing a point as long as the speaker is not being interrupted. Overall, listening is a powerful tool and often results in a win-win situation for both parties. If you listen attentively and uncover otherwise hidden needs, you are in a position of more power when it comes to persuasive interactions such as negotiating. Unlike talking, where you are transmitting information you already contain within yourself, listening is the process of learning something new. Many times, listening can be transformational as we are exposed to new points of view when coming from a non-judgmental, non-defensive space. The next time you listen, try to be a proactive listener and feel the difference!

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YOUTH SPEAK

of trying to do everything. It’s much better to do less and do it well than do a lot but do it all poorly.

4. Have a balance between academics and hobbies

THE IMPORTANCE OF

TIME MANAGEMENT Key tips to maintain a balanced lifestyle! 1. Write things down

BY JASLEEN BAHIA Jasleen Bahia will be entering her first year at Western University this fall in the Management and Organizational studies program. She enjoys playing sports, volunteering, and reading in her free time.

Photos: iStock

I can’t stress the importance of a planner enough. Having a visual outline of my weekly and monthly schedules allowed me to maximize my time and efforts to as many endeavours as possible. If I didn’t write things down in my planner, I would not remember what I have going on.

2. Prioritize Sort your responsibilities based on the highest priority. What are the things you need to get done

igh school taught me a lot about time management and prioritizing. I often get asked how I juggle my academics and extracurriculars and frankly, I never think of myself as doing anything extraordinary. However, this led me to reflect on my time in high school and I’ve come up with a list of some of the key things I learned and tips I have that helped me maintain a balanced lifestyle!

first? Which deadlines are coming up first? One of my favourite quotes when it comes to planning ahead and prioritizing is: “a lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” Do yourself and others a favour and plan ahead to be organized!

3. Don’t overpack your schedule Don’t commit to too many things to the point where you can’t fully invest yourself in each activity. Pick and choose which things you genuinely like doing and focus on those instead

Spend enough time on your academics to do well but don’t overdo it by sacrificing your physical and mental health. Make sure you’re incorporating things you enjoy doing whether that’s art, volunteering or playing sports. For me, I really enjoy playing sports and staying athletic, so I try to make time to do something active every day. Team sports are a perfect way to be social and meet with your friends while doing something active.

5. Have self-discipline Know when to have fun and be social with your friends but also know when you just need to sit down and get some work done. Again, balance is essential.

6. Set goals Plan your days in accordance to the goals you set for yourself. Outline what you will do to achieve your objectives and stay committed for the final result. This definitely isn’t an exhaustive list nor is it the ultimate guide for being able to manage your time well. Time management is something I am still working on and will continue to work on for the rest of my life. I am always learning more and adjusting my routine accordingly. Time management looks different for everyone, but I hope you can take something away from these tips of mine and apply it to your life in a way that works best for you!

To contribute to this column, please email us:

editor@darpanmagazine.com

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN RECIPES

ABOUT THE CHEF

Daulat Ki

Chaat (Saffron Mousse)

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Preparation

• 2 cups whole milk • 1 cup whipping cream • Pinch of saffron • 4-6 slices of rum baba cake • Fresh fruit (berries) • Almond flakes, candied pecans, edibles flowers (optional) for garnish

• Boil the milk with the saffron so that the colour of the milk changes to a light yellow. Once the milk has cooled, add cream and whisk till frothy in texture.

• Layer pieces of rum baba cake in a bowl (or any other soft sponge like cake, soaked with rum) with the berries. Pour the cream froth mixture on top of the cake.

• Garnish with almond flakes, candied pecans and edible flowers.

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN

Gaurav ANAND G

aurav Anand, chef, caterer and owner of three critically acclaimed and internationally recognized New York City (NYC) restaurants, is one of the youngest restaurateurs in the city. His restaurant Bhatti Indian Grill soon celebrates its 10 year anniversary; his Moti Mahal Delux restaurant was awarded 2 stars by The New York Times; and Awadh restaurant showcases a unique dum pukht cooking style common to the city of Lucknow. Awadh was rated the best Indian restaurant in NYC by The Village Voice. Anand has been praised by numerous media outlets for the authenticity and innovation he brings to Indian cuisine. Chef Anand has created sold-out dinners at the prestigious James Beard Foundation and has been a guest chef at the New York Wine and Food Festival. He is also a wedding caterer and has catered to numerous medium to large-sized weddings in NYC and worldwide. He has had numerous television appearances, including Good Day New York (Fox 5), Dining Deal with Tony Tantillo (CBS NY), The Best Thing I Ever Ate (Cooking Channel), Neighborhood Eats with Lauren Glassberg (ABC7), and many others.

DARPAN

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN RECIPES

BY CHEF GAURAV ANAND

Tandoori

Chicken

Ingredients

•1 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder • 1 tsp chaat masala • ½ tsp black salt • 4.5 oz mustard oil • 1 oz white vinegar • 2½ tsps tandoori masala • 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves • 3½ pound chicken or 2 Cornish hens • 2 tbsps minced ginger and garlic • 3 tbsps full-fat Greek yogurt • 1 lemon

Equipment: • Large cast iron pan or Dutch oven • Long metal skewers (oven-proof)

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Gaurav Anand has been praised by numerous media outlets for the authenticity and innovation he brings to Indian cuisine.

Preparation • Double marination: Whisk the Kashmiri chilli powder, chaat masala, black salt, two tablespoons of mustard oil, white vinegar, and one tablespoon of ginger and garlic paste together in a large bowl. Rub this mixture all over the chicken(s), cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

• Whisk the Greek yogurt, the tandoori masala, dried fenugreek, rest of the mustard oil and ginger-garlic paste and salt together. Coat the chicken in this batter and marinate for another three hours or overnight.

pierce one or two skewers all the way through. Place the chicken, breast side up, with the skewers over a large cast iron pan or deep dutch oven, such that the chicken does not touch the bottom of the pan.

• Place the pan and chicken in the oven and cook for 12-14 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

• Finish: Remove the chicken

• Roast: Preheat the oven to

from the oven. Before removing it from the skewers, baste with a mixture of melted butter (or oil) and fresh lemon juice until shiny and juicy.

450 degrees F. Remove the chicken from the marinade and

• Carefully remove the skewers,

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carve and baste again with the mixture before serving with a green chutney and side salad or roti of your choice.

Tip: If you do not have metal skewers or a cast iron pan, a large roasting pan with a metal rack fitted in will do. The key is to not have the chicken directly on the pan.

Photos: Courtesy of Gagan Anand

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

DARPAN HEALTH

By Manraj Waraich

Meditation

Mind

And Your

Meditating for 15 minutes simply takes

one per cent of our day, but the result is immeasurable.

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

here’s no doubt about it, meditation is the newest “craze” that many in the western world are captivated by. Unlike the millennial trend of avocado toast, it is here to stay. Having been around for over 5,000 years, with roots in Asia, South Asians are familiar with the sacred practice. It has garnered attention from neuroscientists, intrigued by the claims holistic practitioners have made. This includes the reduction of symptoms of depression, anxiety, pain and insomnia.

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Meditation and Self-awareness Research has shown that those who meditate are in better control of their emotions, are more compassionate, and empathetic. This means that meditators may approach life in a more proactive manner, rather than just reacting. In today’s society,

we are constantly bombarded with “indulgences” distracting us from the stress of everyday life. It is easy to resort to mindnumbing habits to “relax,” including binge-watching Netflix and overeating, as we’re not necessarily aware of our own habits. According to yoga teacher, Janeen Yuseef, “when we engage in intentional practices such as yoga, our daily activities can be practiced with greater awareness, and our desire for mindless activities naturally decreases. Yoga is the process of knowing yourself, you become more self-aware, present and less reactive.”

Meditation and Brain Our brain can change based off the behaviours we engage in. By learning new behaviours, for example, brushing our teeth with our non-dominant hand, this results in new neural connections being created. At first, we may feel clumsy and uncomfortable using our non-dominant hand, but eventually, our brain becomes more familiar with the task. Similarly, as we meditate, new pathways are created within our brain.

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How to Meditate 1

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Sit down, however feels most comfortable, either cross-legged or seated on a chair. Some prefer lying down but that may lead to one falling asleep.

Close your eyes and clear your mind, I know it’s easier said than done.

O R T H O D O N T I C S

Focus on your breath, taking several long and deep belly breaths.

If focusing on your breath is difficult, check in with your body starting from our toes and working your way up.

You can tense and relax each part of your body. You might find your teeth clenched and shoulders hunched, signalling that your body is carrying the day’s stressors.

Your mind might jump from thought to thought. You can gently remind yourself to return your focus back to your breath.

Congratulations! Even if you were only able to focus for two minutes, you have successfully meditated!

Photos: iStock

Meditation and Memory As we age, parts of our brain get smaller. Neuroscientists compared the brains of long-term meditators and twenty-five-year olds. They found that meditators had similar amounts of brain mass as the younger people, suggesting that meditation may decrease the aging of our brain. Researchers further studied the effects of meditation and found

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it is connected to an increased size in the brain area linked to memory called the hippocampus. We don’t have to memorize the parts of the brain, but what we want to remember is that the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning may increase in size. If this means we will actually remember where we left our cell phone, then a lot of us will likely start meditation today.

Meditation and Stress

Dr. Karim Kanani

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Dr. Diya Chadha

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According to Yuseef, “yoga and meditation allow us to relearn how to rest rather than continually being in a fight-or-flight response.” After working long hours at a stressful job while balancing life’s many priorities, we may lay awake at night, unable to sleep because our mind churns over a never-ending to-do list. This reality of stress and burnout is common for many. Research has shown that when we meditate the area in the brain linked to stress and in charge of our fight-or-flight response can shrink. This means that what we once found stressful becomes more manageable. Meditation is not a cure all for burn out but is a tool we can use to help make stress more manageable. As neuroscientist Sara Lazar puts it in her TED Talk, the environment doesn’t change, our relationship to the environment changes. The brain is a mysterious part of the body, and as time goes on neuroscientists will learn more about the positive links between the mind and meditation. We are ever evolving people and meditation is just one of the tools we can use to become more compassionate, proactive and self-aware. It is up to us to determine whether we apply this knowledge to our lives. On a final thought, meditating for 15 minutes simply takes one per cent of our day, but the result is immeasurable.

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Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Keto, is it the right diet for you?

13 pounds after being on the keto diet for six weeks, shares, “The biggest pro is that you are not starving yourself. Other than limited options when in a social setting, there is no big con. You just watch your calorie intake.” While hunger is arguably not an issue, it is important to consider the foods that one can and cannot consume. Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and lean protein are encouraged. Additionally, it is suggested to cook in high fat oils and go for drinks that are low in sugar and calories.

THE

- Raman Multani, who followed the diet for almost two months to lose 18 pounds

CRAZE The biggest pro is that you are not starving yourself. Other than limited options when in a social setting, there is no big con. You just watch your calorie intake.” - Manish Mohan, who lost 13 pounds after being on the keto diet for six weeks

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

You are able to have some very yummy food throughout the process, but this diet could be very challenging for vegetarians as there are many restrictions on the types of fruits and vegetables one can consume. I would not recommend it to someone that is not able to eat fish, meat or eggs."

By NAINA GREWAL

f it hasn’t hit you yet, chances are it’s hit someone around you. Keto is the new black – it’s everywhere and you wonder if you should do it too. To make an informed decision, however, it is firstly important to educate yourself on what a keto diet truly consists of. In a nutshell, the ketogenic diet is low-carb and high fat. As carbohydrate intake is dramatically reduced and replaced with fat, the body enters a state called ketosis. In simpler terms, fat is burned for energy rather than carbs, alongside lower insulin and blood sugar levels. Manish Mohan, having lost

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While vegetables and fruits are allowed, the keto diet avoids ones high in sugar; natural and processed sugar are not to be eaten. Grain-based items and carbohydrates (rice, flour) are off limits. Note that there are many variations of the keto diet and list of allowed foods may vary.

Raman Multani, having followed the diet for almost two months to lose 18 pounds, elaborates, “You are able to have some very yummy food throughout the process, but this diet could be very challenging for vegetarians as there are many restrictions on the types of fruits and vegetables one can consume. I would not recommend it to someone that is not able to eat fish, meat or eggs.” It should also be kept in mind that the first bit of the keto diet may result in lower energy levels as there is decreased glucose reaching the brain. After the first week of a potential ‘keto flu’, one may feel an even

Photos: iStock

DARPAN FEATURE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Naina Grewal is a SFU graduate. Alongside winning national awards such as the Ruth Hancock Scholarship from the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, she has been featured in an international documentary featuring her accomplishments and passion for stirring youth involvement and creating dialogue.

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Don’t know if keto is for you? Ask yourself these questions before taking the leap:

Are you informed?

Research using different sources to ensure you are well informed on what you are signing up for.

What do you eat?

Reflect on what you eat and whether it is rational for you to enter a keto diet, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

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Do you know the risks?

The keto diet is high in saturated fat, which may be linked to specific health issues. Consult a doctor or registered dietician!

heightened sense of energy as the diet goes on. That said, other than intrinsic motivation, a great pillar of support is friends and family who help ease the transition to a new lifestyle. Paul Gill was on the keto diet for three straight months, plus an added month with cheat weekends. Gill was able to lose a total of 90 pounds, but credits his success to more than just himself, “The first three months were all possible thanks to my mom. She helped me make whatever I asked of her. I was able to learn a lot about keto recipes from online sources, which I would tell about to my mom. I would definitely not have been able to drop my first 50 without her!” Undoubtedly, losing weight is only the beginning. Once a person is off the keto diet, water weight may return, and weight gain may happen if diet is drastically changed.

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DARPAN FITNESS

Get Fit

GET

FIT

STYLE

BY NICK HILDEN

What to Wear While Working Out?

ou might not realize it, but the clothing you wear while exercising can have a major impact on how you feel before, during and after your workout session. With this in mind, let’s take a look at a few things you should consider when choosing what to wear while working out.

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Dressed For Success Exercising is a largely mental endeavour, and preparation beforehand can improve your likelihood of optimal exertion in the moment. Just like you would put a certain degree of attention into how you dress before a date or job interview, that same preparedness can influence how you perform during exercise – especially if you’re exercising in a gym or public space. By wearing a set of clean, will-fitted workout clothes, you can walk into your session with greater confidence.

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Photos: iStock

Choose workout clothes that fit you well. This means that they’re not so loose that they can get caught up in a machine or while running, and they’re not so tight that they limit mobility or even cut off circulation. These days fitness apparel companies make options that are cut for a wide range of body types, so look around and find something that offers the right fit for you.

Choose Your Fabrics Wisely A lot of people who are new to fitness simply throw on an old-cotton t-shirt and call it good, but this is a mistake. Cotton absorbs sweat, which is not only uncomfortable as it clings to your skin, but it prevents evaporation and makes it harder for your body to cool. Go with breathable synthetic fabrics that are made to “wick” sweat from the skin. And always avoid rubber or plastic-based materials that don’t breathe and can cause you to overheat.

Socks And Underwear A lot of people make the mistake of simply wearing their everyday undergarments, but you should look for socks and underwear that not only provide proper support, but that are made from wicking fabrics for coolness. Antimicrobial fabrics are also a good option, as they help to prevent strong odours from building up. And stay away from all-cotton socks, as these can become soggy, cause friction, and then create blisters.

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Cold/Wet Weather? Dressing for a workout in in-climate weather can be tricky due to the fact that your body temperature will rise as you exercise. Wear an inner-layer of wicking fabric against your skin, then removable layers for insulation above that. If you’ll be outdoors in the rain or wind, wear weather-proof layer on top. And remember to protect extremities like the nose, ears and hands accordingly.

Test Beforehand Your leggings or yoga pants might look great at home or when you’re just walking around, but sometimes when you’re doing squats or other movements they can stretch to the point of becoming…revealing, to say the least. The same goes for low-cut or tight tops, which have a tendency to pop at all the wrong moments. Put your new outfit through more than just a visual trial. Do a few movements to make sure it provides proper coverage.

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There are a wide range of workout accessories out there that provide varying degrees of utility. Perhaps the most common are weightlifting gloves, belts and hooks. While these can be useful for people who are lifting heavy, the fact is that most people are only wearing them to look cool. If you genuinely need them to help with big lifts, go for it. Otherwise you can save yourself some money and go without.

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Once your session is over, don’t just leave your workout clothes festering in the bottom of your gym bag. Wash them somewhat promptly to ensure that the scent and stains of sweat don’t set into the fabric. Over time they will build up a persistent stink, so do your nose and everyone else’s a favour by replacing them periodically. eleganthomestaging

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About the Author A lifestyle journalist, Michele Marko is the former Arts & Life editor at the Vancouver Sun and Province newspapers. While writing about beauty, fashion, design, food and travel, she’s written on a variety subjects ranging from ethical beauty to couture fashion designers to discovering the best pizza in the world. Hint: It’s in Italy.

BY MICHELE MARKO

t used to be that men who paid too much attention to their appearance were a target for a gentle ribbing or even outright ridicule. Yes, men should look presentable, but it really shouldn’t involve too much obvious effort. Let’s face it, compared to women, they

really do have it easy. Haircut, shower, shave — surely that’s all that’s needed for a guy to be well-turned out. Maybe. The emergence of the metrosexual in the 1990s began a slow subtle shift in the approach to men’s grooming. Big brands caught on and the stigma eased a bit. Fast forward past the naughts to today, and it’s apparent the ongoing fascination with beards and moustaches has sparked a whole new approach to men’s grooming. It also created a demand for different types of products — something beyond the drugstore mass

Men are recognizing that caring for their skin is not just about good grooming, it is part of a healthy regimen. We had tried a lot of products and because none of them were up to our satisfaction, we decided to try our hand at making them.” Taking pride in the appearance of one’s beard or moustache created an awareness about skincare beyond just a quick morning shave. “I think for people who got into beards and

Beyond

the

Beard market offerings. Montreal-based Groom, a men’s care brand, was born of that demand five years ago, and it was quite personal. “The project started out because me and one of my friends were looking for products to maintain our moustaches and beards,” recalls Groom co-founder Julien Blanchard. “We were in our late 20s and understanding that we needed to take care of ourselves a bit better …

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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moustaches and wanted it to be clean, this was their stepping in [to skincare.] It was at work before that, but I think it was the door through which a lot of new guys got into it,” says Blanchard. Kassie Whitteker, treatment supervisor for the Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie, says that the spa industry has noted more men availing themselves of spa skincare services. “Approximately 35 per

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“Men are often concerned with the appearance of their skin and are looking for easy, effective solutions to visibly make a difference to the way their skin looks,” he says. But, he cautions, they need to stick with it to see any benefits. “Get in the habit of treating your skin with respect by introducing a routine is something we’ve been seeing regimen.” for a while now,” Whittaker Specifically, what should that regimen says. “Men’s interest in entail? Since men either shave every skincare continues to day, or have facial hair, their skin needs grow as many see their grooming regimen as an are different from women’s. “The most common skin complaints from men important component of wellness and healthy are usually tied to shaving,” Clinique’s Whittaker says. “Dryness and irritation, living; right alongside ingrown hairs and razor bumps are the eating right and key ones that come to mind.” Exfoliation exercising.” is key to reducing skin issues from Travis Gerow, shaving, says Caudalie’s Whitteker and The Body Shop she advises men to integrate it into Canada’s men’s their routine two to three times a week. skincare expert, “This will leave the skin smooth and agrees that men — though generally soft and will help prevent ingrown hairs caused by shaving. Another plus with the 20s to 30s demographic — are exfoliation for men is a closer shave can be achieved.” taking more of an Surprisingly, Blanchard says having a interest in skincare.

cent of spa guests are men … and that number is rising.” More than specific skin concerns, Whitteker says that men come into the spa looking for the general knowledge on how to take care of their skin. “They seem to lack education and really don’t know where to start.” And it’s not just the smaller niche brands that have responded to the increasing interest in men’sspecific products. Sara Whittaker, director of education for Clinique Canada, confirms the brand has seen an uptick in men looking for skincare solutions. “Yes, this

Four Quick grooming tips for men: - By Starks Barber Company

Don’t forget the conditioner. Shampoo gets your hair clean, but conditioner helps keep it looking full and healthy. Conditioner does for your hair what moisturizer does for skin, keeping it soft and manageable. SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Speaking of moisturizer... Most men don’t care for their skin enough or properly, particularly after going through the rigors of shaving. What your skin needs after a shave is hydration, but some of the most popular aftershaves on the market are loaded with alcohol — and alcohol dries out the skin. (Good tip here: If your aftershave stings when you put it on, chances are it has alcohol in it.) A good quality moisturizer is a great anti-

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aging agent, and you can use it between shaves to keep your face (or any part of your body) looking healthy and vibrant.

Prepare before you shave It may be an extra step, but your face will thank you for applying a pre-shave lotion before applying your shaving cream. A hydrating pre-shave lotion shocks the skin and gets your stubble standing on end to prepare it for the shave. (Another tip: when you shave,

do so right after a hot shower, which softens your skin and opens your pores.)

Take care of your hands When meeting new people or greeting old friends, your hands are among the first contact you will have with them — whether via handshake or a friendly hug. First impressions matter, so keep your nails neatly trimmed and use moisturizer to help keep your hands free of callous and rough edges.

DARPAN Beauty beard actually can be more stressful on the skin than having short stubble or being clean shaven. “Dry hair is as stiff as copper wire. So, when you grow a beard, all the tips of the hair as it curls back is pretty much like having copper wire on your face and it’s creating these micro irritations on the skin.” He further adds, “There are couple of ways to deal with it. You condition the hair, and the way we encourage that is [by] using a beard oil which is a blend of natural oils — light oils that are going to be nourishing to the skin underneath without leaving any shine or oiliness.” Groom’s beard oil is a mix of jojoba, hemp seed and argan oil which absorbs easily into the skin. Blanchard joking refers to it as a face serum for men. “But if I call it a face serum, no man is going to buy it,” he laughs. Like women, hydrating and moisturizing men’s skin is necessary for a healthy, balanced complexion. “Keeping skin hydrated is something that all men should be concerned about,” says Clinique’s Whittaker. “When skin is dehydrated, the skin cells have shrunk due to a lack of water. The salt remaining becomes concentrated, causing molecules to break apart and triggering free radicals to form. Prolonged dehydration can lead to irreversible damage to skin and tissues and even cause damage to DNA in the cells that can lead to subsequent problems such as sensitivity.” Using an effective daily moisturizer is key to averting skin dehydration. Whittaker offers the Clinique For Men Maximum Hydrator 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator as an example. She says it’s formulated to combat “dry and dehydrated skin by providing an instant moisture boost after shaving while actually helping skin continually rehydrate itself for 72 hours – even after he washes his face.” And like women, men should use an SPF too. But are there some “don’ts” that they should avoid? “Cleansing the face with “multi-purpose” body cleaners or soaps. Often these products have harsh soaps that may dry the skin or heavily fragrant and may cause irritation,” says Gerow Blanchard agrees and advises to avoid any products with sulphates. Cleansers should be gentle and not strip the skin. “Vigorous shaving without proper lubrication on the face is a common skincare mistake that men make,” says Clinique’s Whittaker. “This can cause uncomfortable facial irritation, and lead to things such as razor burn and ingrown hairs.” She recommends shaving in or immediately after a shower and following up with a hydrating, lightweight, facial moisturizer to help keep skin calm. Blanchard says as much as a good skincare routine is important, it’s all about each man determining what’s comfortable for him and knowing that it’s not about adopting a woman’s regimen. “Right now, it’s manly to do nothing; it’s manly to do a bit of things and it’s manly to do more. It just depends how you consider yourself and what version of manliness you want to embody.”

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

FASHION SPOTLIGHT

To the artists, Pichhwai is more than just art, it is a skill that has been passed down through generations. It is a form of art, which often flows seamlessly between the realms of imagination, skill and meditation.

Pichhwai

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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n art as old as time, the traditional Rajasthani art of Pichhwai inspired this special edition bridal couture capsule. Comprising 15 limited edition pieces, exquisitely hand painted by the brand’s master craftsman, each ensemble from the Pichhwai collection is full of minute details and intricacies. Have a closer look at each outfit and you will realize the countless effort of the artist in painting different styles of motifs, each narrating a poem that flows seamlessly in the realm of one’s imagination. “Two years ago, during my visit to Rajasthan for a shoot, I had a chance encounter with Lekhraj Ji, while he was painting the walls of City Palace. Intrigued and inspired by the intricacy of his work and his flawless brush strokes, I immediately knew I wanted to give this art another form of life. We chatted about his art and he shared stories of his work being inconsistent.

What fuels my creativity today is not just restricted to design but also about reviving the craft. So, I invited Lekhraj Ji over to our Design Headquarters in Mumbai, and that’s how the Pichhwai Collection came to life.” The art of Pichhwai is renowned for presenting nature in all its glorious detail – an element that is revisited in all our collections. Intricately painted by hand, each Pichhwai lehenga mirrors the countless effort, minute detailing and intricate handwork of the artist. Depending on the size and complexity of the design, it takes an artist anywhere between a few weeks to a few months to create. To the artists, Pichhwai is more than just art, it is a skill that has been passed down through generations. It is a form of art, which often flows seamlessly between the realms of imagination, skill and meditation.

BY ANITA DONGRE

AN EXCLUSIVE BRIDAL COUTURE SHOWCASE

Photos: Courtesy of Anita Dongre

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT 90

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

FASHION SPOTLIGHT 92

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

N PA R A

le y t S

Attention Fashionistas! Here are the 2019 trends that you need to ditch right

away to stay on top of your style game.

ashion is an everchanging game. In fact, some trends change so swiftly that what’s hot today may not necessarily be the in-thing the next day. Even something that the fashion police has vouched for as the biggest trend at the beginning of the year may lose all its fizz in a matter of months.

NO MORE NEONS Neons were a rage in 2018 and they sneaked in 2019 too, however, they have definitely overstayed now and it’s time to tell them goodbye. Not only is it one of the least wearable trends but the fact is not everyone can carry it off either. If you want to make an eye-catching impact, instead opt for more soothing and trending hues like peach and pistachio.

Hence it is not at all surprising that several hot and happening trends of 2019 are now either out or slated to fizzle out in the coming months. And if you are one of those fashionistas, who like to stay up-to-date always, then you must check out our list of eight trends that you need to ditch right away. So, without further ado, here’s what is already dead or on its way out in 2019…

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

FASHION

TRENDS

THAT ARE

DEAD ALREADY

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STOP PAINTING THE TOWN IN RED Red may have been a hit in the beginning of the year, but the hue is already losing its fizz and it’s time to welcome some new shades in your life. The new colours of the season that are flooding the market are – beige and ecru tones, and these are a definite must-have in your wardrobe if you want to amp up your style.

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CAST AWAY THE TINY SHADES Well, no doubt they were a rage just a while ago but it’s about time that you trade your slim-thin sunglasses for bigger retro style ones, as this futuristic looking style is already a passé. Horizontally slim shades, available in a variety of shapes and hues, were a hot-favourite among all, including popular celebs. However, when it came to utility these itty-bitty sunnies were good for nothing and even received tremendous backlash from health professionals. And now the trend is finally flung out of the fashion radar. So, lovelies you too can cast away those micro-good-fornothing sunnies, and instead opt for oversized and retro shaped shades, which not only guarantee sun protection to your eyes but also help you make an impeccable style statement.

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CHUCK THE CHUNKY DAD SNEAKERS Basically all things too tiny or too big are already out from the list of fashion must-haves, including the chunky dad sneakers. They were far from flattering even when they made it to the headlines earlier this year and now finally, they are on their way out from the fashion circuit. No doubt, these comfortable thick-soled chunky sneakers were a hit when they debuted this year on the runways, but they were hardly versatile and didn’t complement too many ensembles. What’s more, they were definitely not pleasing to the eye either. Most stores have already put them up on the discounted racks.

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SET THE ZEBRA & COW PRINTS FREE With their presence felt strongly at several runways and a big hit among the celebrities too, zebra and cow prints were undoubtedly hailed as the biggest fashion trends of the year from all quarters. However, these fancy prints are already making a quick exit from the fashion circuit, and it’s time for you to bid adieu to them too. But, do hold on dearly to your other animal prints, especially the leopard and snakeskin print as they are still piping hot and very much the in-thing.

PACK UP THOSE TINY BAGS TOO With the likes of Priyanka Chopra, Lady Gaga and a horde of other celebs showing a strong affinity towards them, just like the tiny shades, micro-bags too were a big hit at the beginning of this year. However, these miniatures bags have been truly good for nothing too and are not exactly practical for everyone. No wonder, the trend is already seeing a downslide and shall soon be completely out of the fashion circuit.

GET OVER AND OUT WITH OVERALLS

Embroidered, sequined, patched, printed, 2019 saw a new wave of denim style. Right from runways to street style, embellished denim was a hit with everyone, however, it was certainly a short-lived trend. Nothing beats the staple old classic denim and that’s what you need in your wardrobe to continue to stay up-to-date in your fashion game.

Now this is one trend, the absence of which we shall really miss. None can refute the fact that overalls are the comfiest piece of garment ever designed, but it’s time to say goodbye to baggy overalls now. They are out and done with and moving forward, what’s going to reign in the fashion world are utility jumpsuits. So, now you know, what you need to put your bucks on. Photos: iStock, Images for representation

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GIVE A NEW LEASE OF LIFE TO YOUR BATHROOM ON A BUDGET

One of the major eye-catching elements in any bathroom is the sink and the vanity area. Try to either upgrade your vanity or spruce up the existing one with some DIY project. You can transform your existing vanity with spray paint or new hardware. You can even repurpose some existing old piece of furniture into a unique vanity.

BY SHWETA KULKARNI

he bathroom irrefutably is one of the most intimate, and after the kitchen, one of the most important spaces of your house. This is one room where you not only spend some private time but also where ‘eureka moments’ can actually transpire. Hence, it is all the more important to keep it well-maintained and occasionally even spruce up its look. And the good news is; it needn’t necessarily be an expensive affair. Yes, you don’t have to always burn a hole in the pocket to remodel your bathroom. If you tread wisely, you won’t end up spending a fortune to give your washroom a makeover. Read on to find out how to give a new lease of life to your bathroom and that too on a budget…

102 SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

Upgrade The Fixtures

Upcycle/Save Whatever You Can

A small change also has the potential to make a big impact, and this rule can easily apply to your bathroom suite as well. So, if replacing your bathtub, shower or sink is completely out of your budget, then focus on small details that can instantly give a new lease of life to your bathroom. You can upgrade your fixtures like the faucets, knobs, handles, lights, towel racks, drawer pulls, without actually spending a bomb. And voila, your bathroom will instantly have a certain kind of newness to it.

The first and foremost rule of renovating or remodelling any space in your pad on a budget is to try to either upcycle or save what’s already there. Because while you may want to upscale your bathroom, chances are it may not really be screaming for a complete makeover. So, try to keep what can be salvaged. Often some things just need a little bit of servicing, so make your moves wisely instead of just randomly changing everything. If your bathroom just needs a new look there are cheaper alternatives to do so, like changing the colour of your existing suite. One can even spray paint the tiles with

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specialised products to achieve a fresh new look, at a small cost. The most important thing to remember while remodelling your washroom on a tight budget is to try and maintain the existing plumbing layout if possible.

COME HOME TO COMFORT

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Ditch Expensive Glass Shower Enclosures When you are renovating your washroom on a budget, it is all about making smart choices. And opting for shower curtains as opposed to expensive shower enclosures is the wisest thing you can do when remodelling your bathroom. By doing so, you will not only save a ton of money but also add the much-needed softness and warmth to your washroom.

Add Space With A New Mirror

Accessorize The best way to spruce up anything in life is to accessorize it. Likewise, some pretty, beautiful accessorizing for your bathroom can instantly freshen up the look of your space. Invest in some stylish soap sets, dress up the window sills with potted plants or fresh flowers, get some scented candles and give some character to your bathroom walls either with some artwork or quirky posters.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Go Overboard With Tiling Whether you like it or not, tiling work for your bathroom is an expensive business, and if you limit the use of tiles, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end up saving big bucks. Experts advise that restricting tiles usage in your washroom only to high-impact areas like the floor and where water is splashed, will drop the washroom renovating cost drastically. For the shower area, one can consider installing the shower wall waterproof panelling systems, which are not only easy to install but also easy on the pocket and an attractive alternative to tiling. For the rest of the space, a good quality mold-resistant paint can do wonders.

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Photos: iStock, Pictures for representation

So, you have been hoping that you had a bigger washroom? Well, the simplest way to increase the perception of space and make your bathroom look more spacious is to replace your old mirror with a large one. A large mirror is a wonderful addition to any room and can help it look twice as big. Apart from creating the illusion of space, mirrors can also make your space look brighter. Opt for a statement piece that can actually give some character to your bathroom.

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105

The Sky’s No Limit Event

HAVE

Photos: Courtesy of events featured, www.girlsfly2.ca, Glenna Turnbull, iStock

THIS

FUN

FALL

On October 5-6, visit Abbotsford International Airport for an aerospace and aviation industry event. Aiming to improve gender diversity in high tech STEM fields, activities include meeting a NASA astronaut and going up in a small aircraft (for female first-time fliers). Admission is free and all are welcome. BY TARANA RANA

ummer may be on its way out but there’s still a lot to do in Vancouver in fall. Besides enjoying the beautiful autumnal colours and the host of Halloween events, be sure to check out some of these events and activities across the Lower Mainland.

There’s so much to experience in Vancouver in fall. We’ve picked five fun events you shouldn’t miss.

Flyover Iceland If you enjoyed Vancouver’s Flyover Canada, be sure to check out their newly released experience – a virtual flight over Iceland. Running till October 20, experience the majesty of Iceland with its sweeping glaciers and stunning fjords. This new flight experience takes place twice per hour. Guests also have the option to see FlyOver Canada and the new Iceland flight ride on a dual ticket to save 15 per cent.

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Vancouver Film Festival Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is back in town! Kicking off on September 26, this annual festival is a great way to check out some thought-provoking films from all across the globe. With more than 300 films from over 70 countries presented, the hardest part is selecting what to see! Check out the program details at viff.org.

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A national celebration of arts and culture, this annual event lets people participate in cultural events across the country. Taking place this year from September 27 to 29, enjoy free public events across BC. You can sing along in choirs at the Vancouver opera, visit art exhibitions and art walking tours, watch dance performances, and more. Visit culturedays.ca for a full list of local events.

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DARPAN TECH

Android Auto

BY BENJAMIN YONG

LIGHTEN

UP YOUR

SCHOOL

t’s the three words many people don’t want to hear: back to school. However, students can make the upcoming academic semester a little more pleasant with the following products designed to lighten up the commute to school.

For the first time since being introduced five years ago, the Android Auto app receives a major update significantly enhancing the interface and functionality. Essentially mirroring a smartphone onto a vehicle infotainment system display, features such as hands-free calling and navigation are accessible directly via the dashboard. There are numerous upgrades, among them a dark mode and a new app launcher that reveals larger, colourful icons to improve readability. The launcher is accessed by pressing the familiar round button in the lower left corner of the new navigation bar running along the bottom. On the opposite end is a notification bell icon: pressing it brings up a list of all recent calls, messages and other alerts, rather than having several popups cluttering the middle of the screen.

COMMUTE

Make the upcoming academic semester a little more pleasant with these items.

JBL Free X wireless in-ear headphones Students already have so much to worry about, tangled cords shouldn’t be one of them. The JBL Free X are a set of truly wireless headphones capable of streaming Bluetooth content from a compatible source. An on-board microphone means whatever is playing seamlessly transitions into an

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incoming or outgoing call, with stereo mode automatically switching over to mono to present a more natural experience. Like similar products on the market, they are a one-sizefits all design including three differently-sized tips to accommodate most users. Battery life is approximately four hours, the handsome round charging case providing an additional 20. Plug the supplied USB cable in to achieve a full charge in approximately two hours. The Free X’s are waterresistant and rated at IPX5, meaning wearing during workouts or a sudden rainstorm is no problem. So how do they sound? Expect clear treble, robust mid-range and punchy bass. Comes in white or black.

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myGEKOgear OwlScout dual dash camera & MagiClaw As prices of quality dashcams continue to drop, a great new option is the OwlScout by mobile tech specialist myGEKOgear. Recording in high-definition 1080p resolution — the exterior camera utilizes Sony Exmor image processor technology and is able to adjust light sensitivity on the fly — this unique unit also possesses an inwardpointing camera to capture all the good times happening inside the car, too. Four infrared LED lights ensure footage in the cabin is clear even in challenging night conditions. Reviewing video is easy using the companion software for Apple and Android mobile devices.

Having to hold your smartphone at an awkward angle or enlisting the help of a stranger for a selfie are a thing of the past with the myGEKOgear MagiClaw. Simply locate something solid for the innovative piece of hardware to clamp onto, i.e. a grab handle on a bus or train or headrest in a car, and tighten the first twist lock to secure it in place. Then, place the phone inside the adjustable cradle, rotate the 360-degree ball joint to the desired angle and tighten the second lock to shoot a timed picture or video. Or, unscrew the cradle to reveal a standard tripod mount that can accommodate a digital camera or GoPro. The heavy duty claw may be positioned upright as well to take on-the-ground shots, the three digits acting as sturdy legs. Afterwards, fold everything up and toss into a bag or backpack.

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For the uninitiated, Micro-Star International (MSi for short) is a Taiwanese technology company well known for producing gaming computers. Last year, the brand released a couple of sleek laptops — for the first time aimed at non-gamers — under its Prestige line. Measuring a mere 15.9 millimetres thick with a weight of 1.19 When you need business wireless communications solutions, personalized advice kilograms and boasting a brushed aluminum lid, the PS42, is closer than you think. Experts are ready andsolutions, waiting atpersonalized your local Bell store When you need business wireless communications advice to help you do more and make more. All on your own schedule. sold in a number of different configurations, is guaranteed is closer than you think. Experts are readycommunications and waiting atsolutions, your local Bell store advice When you need business wireless personalized No appointment necessary. to make other passengers on public transit jealous. to help you more and make Allare on your is do closer than you think.more. Experts readyown and schedule. waiting at your local Bell store Inside, a shallow but easy-to-type-on keyboard No appointment to help necessary. you do more and make more. All on your own schedule. No appointment necessary. utilizes a futuristic typeface and has toggle-able white backlighting. The 14-inch IPS 1080p display is housed within an ultra-thin 5.77 millimetre bezel, and a webcam can be found nestled underneath. The compact track pad For a complimentary consultation, visit: contains an integrated fingerprint reader. Under the surface SURREY lurks a powerful eight-generation Intel Core i7 processor, For a complimentary consultation, visit:

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DARPAN Weddings

Sunny proposed to me with the Eiffel Tower in the background, our favourite song playing and roses petals sprinkled through the suite, it was beautiful and so romantic.ˮ

a & m e e S

SUNNY Photography: Blink and Company Photo & Salshan Photo & Cinema

Q: How did you meet? Seema: I was visiting a friend in New York City in December of 2014 and met Sunny as he was a mutual friend of hers. When I returned to Vancouver, the two of us spoke everyday – all day, and after six months dating long-distance, I moved to NYC to be with Sunny permanently. The same year, we founded Venus ET Fleur and the rest is history!

Q: What do you love most about one another? Seema: Sunny is so meticulous, detailed and so caring with everything. He is so funny and very loving. He’s my best friend, my person.

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DARPAN Weddings

Walking into our wedding ceremony was surreal for the both of us and sitting next to each other in front of the Guru Granth Sahib and thinking wow this is happening! Partying with our family and friends in one of the most gorgeous rooms we’ve ever been in and celebrating with DJ Khaled’s positivity was the icing on the cake!”

Sunny: Seema is beautiful inside and out, she loves and cares so hard; she’s taught me to be better person. We truly are each other’s missing puzzle.

Q: Could you share your proposal story? Seema: In June of 2017, on the terrace of a suite at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris, Sunny proposed to me with the Eiffel Tower in the background, our favourite song playing and roses petals sprinkled through the suite, it was beautiful and so romantic. I had tagged him on a photo on Instagram when we first started dating telling him this is exactly where I’d like to be and he never forgot and recreated it for our engagement.

Q: Describe your wedding day. What was your favourite moment? The entire wedding week was so magical. We both enjoyed our Sangeet so much as it was the first big night to our festivities

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– everyone danced a ton and it was good party. Walking into our wedding ceremony was surreal for the both of us and sitting next to each other in front of the Guru Granth Sahib and thinking wow this is happening! And of course, our AMAZING reception, partying with our family and friends in one of the most gorgeous rooms we’ve ever been in and celebrating with DJ Khaled’s positivity was the icing on the cake!

Q: Could you tell us about your reception? It was absolutely breathtaking. We went for details, from floral ice cubes to florals inside the acrylic

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“We truly are partners in all facets of our life – personal and business. We respect, love and truly care about each other. We are each other’s best friends and biggest cheerleaders.” tables. Our reception was covered in red roses and candles. The dance floor was packed all night and tequila-based cocktails were served all night – it was a blast.

Q: Can you describe your outfits? Seema: For the Mendhi, I wore custom Supria Munjal lengha in a dusty pink mauve; for the Mayian, I wore a coral suit and coral lengha gifted by my mother-in-law. For the Sangeet, my outfit was a Tarun Tahiliani grey lengha with a cape, and then I changed into a custom dark blue zodiac, constellations and evil eye lengha that I designed with Sajda By Suman. For the wedding outfit, Anita Dongre and I sat down to custom make my lengha in a rust/ burnt orange colour that I wanted. She added in a special design just for me. Incorporating roses and a special tile design from the most famous Sikh temple in the world – the Golden Temple – onto my lengha as well as a few evil eyes spread out the outfit to protect me from negativity. All my jewellery was from Jaipur, India. I wanted a very old school Mughal/Rajasthani look and found a small shop in Jaipur that had just the perfect jewellery to compliment my wedding outfit.

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DARPAN Weddings

I was visiting a friend in New York City in December of 2014 and met Sunny as he was a mutual friend of hers. When I returned to Vancouver, the two of us spoke everyday – all day.”

For the reception, I wore two Marchesa gowns, one for cocktail hour and one for the entrance and then changed into a lengha by Sajda By Suman to dance in. All my outfits were pretty custom and I was very involved in the design process. On the Sangeet, Sunny wore a grey and gold achkin and then changed into a black and gold achkin custom made in Mumbai. On the wedding day, he wore a traditional ivory sherwani, it had florals and birds sewn into it. It was stunning. Rohit Bal also customized Sunny’s collar and added the golden temple tile throughout. Sunny wore an emerald green turban and velvet shawl from Rohit Bal. On the reception, Sunny wore a Dior Tuxedo and bow tie.

Q: Where did you honeymoon? We went to Singapore, Bali, Thailand and Japan.

Q: What are your goals as a couple? We have so many professionally and we can’t

“We just want to be happy, healthy and create more beautiful memories together and in the future have a healthy family.” wait to achieve them! Personally, we just want to be happy, healthy and create more beautiful memories together and in the future have a healthy family.

Q: What are the strengths of your marriage? We truly are partners in all facets of our life – personal and business. We respect, love and truly care about each other. We are each other’s best friends and biggest cheerleaders.

Q: If you could provide any advice to other married couples, what would it be? Communicate! Put in an effort, the other person may not know how you are feeling when you’re happy or down – always COMMUNICATE!

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DARPAN TRAVEL

a i n r o f i l a C in’ Dream

BY RENU SINGH-JOSEPH

There is so much to see, do and experience in the SoCal cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Santa Monica – the land of sun-kissed beaches, rows and rows of palm trees and Hollywood glitz and glamour!

ights, camera, action! When you think of Los Angeles, you think of glitz, glamour and Hollywood! While LA certainly does have that element, there is so much more to experience in Los Angeles and its downtown core and picturesque, surrounding cities like Long Beach and Santa Monica. Over the last decade or so, Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) has undergone a renaissance, transforming

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this traditional business district to a more exciting playground with innovative museums and art galleries; hip rooftop bars like The Rooftop at The Standard which boasts panoramic views of the city; trendy restaurants with cutting-edge chefs; and unique and inspiring nightlife venues like The Edison – a world class lounge and nightclub fusing architectural and historical artifacts with art deco style featuring celebrity DJs and classy burlesque shows reminiscent of old Hollywood glam.

The City of Angels Known for its year-round Mediterranean climate, the vibrant city of Los Angeles was whispering my name and I couldn’t resist the call. It had

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been years since I visited the largest metropolis on the West Coast of North America and the City of Angels did not disappoint from start to finish of my travels. Take a day to play tourist and visit some of LA’s best-known sights such as the following:

The Dolby Theatre Take a guided tour of this live performance theatre that is not only a Hollywood landmark, but home to the annual Academy Awards/Oscars ceremony. The theatre also hosts large-scale Hollywood movie premieres rolling out the red carpet for its talented cast and crew.

Hollywood Walk of Fame Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and check out the famous fivepointed brass stars embedded in the sidewalks and take pictures with your favourite musicians, actors, directors or fictional characters like Mickey Mouse.

Madame Tussauds Located next to the TCL Chinese Theatre, you can visit this renowned wax museum and take selfies with people from all walks of life from pop stars and actors to royalty and more.

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TCL Chinese Theatre

The Hollywood Roosevelt

Formerly known as the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, this historic and cultural landmark is home to over 200 Hollywood celebrity handprints, footprints and autographs from Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland to Morgan Freeman, Robert Downey Jr. and Jackie Chan, who even imprinted his nose in the cement!

Known as LA’s most famous hotel, The Roosevelt has been a favourite amongst past and current stars since opening its doors in 1927. The hotel is rumoured to be haunted by a few ghosts, including Marilyn Monroe, who was a frequent main stay at the hotel. It’s the perfect place to drop by for a drink at its intimate cocktail lounge The Spare Room.

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TM TM

If you’re a sports enthusiast, you will want to visit the Staples Center to witness the Lakers, Clippers, Sparks or Kings play. Adjacent to the stadium is LA Live, an entertainment district with restaurants, retailers, theatres and a 54-storey hotel and condo tower. A highlight of LA Live is The Grammy Museum, which has four floors showcasing historical musical artifacts. Outside the museum, there are bronze disks embedded into the sidewalk honouring each year’s top winners – Record of the Year, Best New Artist, and so forth. A surprise find in DTLA that soon became a favourite neighbourhood to explore, dine in and visit amongst its eclectic venues was Chinatown. Consisting of 24 blocks, Chinatown has also undergone a revival and is a historic and cultural district with festive red lanterns, speciality stores, art galleries, renowned restaurants, and beautifully designed buildings and statues including one of

Bruce Lee. Two of our fave, no frills restaurants offering authentic, delicious food were Yang Chow, which has been visited by celebrities for decades, and Foo Chow, where the movie Rush Hour featuring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker was filmed. Nature enthusiasts can hike Griffith Park to the top of Mount Hollywood, home of the iconic Griffith Observatory, which you may remember from La La Land and the Transformers movies. Admission to this space and science observatory is free, and afterwards, explore the exterior grounds boasting spectacular, unparalleled views of the Hollywood Sign, DTLA and the Pacific Ocean.

The Edison As DTLA continues to evolve and transform, the nightlife is fresh, exciting and legendary. Our favourite venue was The Edison, a world class lounge and nightclub, that transports you back to the 1920s. Housed

DARPAN TRAVEL

in LA’s first private power plant, this hot spot is a sensory experience the minute you walk in from its architectural and mechanical artifacts and gorgeous art deco style to its bartenders and servers dressed in 1920s fashion. The Edison is a stunning, multi-level venue that offers something for everyone. Adding to the excitement, the main entrance is located through an alleyway and it feels like you’re entering a speakeasy of days gone past. Once you’re in, descend down its three-storey staircase into the main part of the club where you can explore the diverse sections from intimate lounges to the main bar and dance floor. Or take a seat near its grandiose stage and watch the classy burlesque shows reminiscent of old Hollywood glam with giant feather fans and all. The Edison also features celebrity DJs and on the night we visited, we were in for a real treat as DJ and Actor Shawn Wayans was spinning! We got a chance to meet him, and he was just as funny and down-to-earth as you would imagine. Known for its heavenly, vintage cocktails, The Edison has a long list of delectable cocktails to sip on – my favourite was its namesake ‘The Edison,’ a mix of Woodford Reserve Edison Barrel Bourbon with pear cognac, honey and lemon. And make sure you visit on an empty stomach, there is a wide range of gourmet dishes to indulge in from ahi tuna tartar and artisanal flatbreads to truffle mac and cheese.

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Long Beach Located on the coast and home to the famous Queen Mary ship, Long Beach is a port city that is quintessentially California with white sandy beaches, bike- and pedestrianfriendly paths and rows and rows of palm trees. We spent the day biking around Shoreline Village and its picturesque waterfront boardwalk – a great place to dine with ocean views, catch some live entertainment or hop on the Ferris wheel as the sun starts to set for some Instagram-worthy pictures. Continue to explore Shoreline Village and its illustrious lighthouse at night when it’s all lit up so you can admire the truly beautiful views and take in the ambiance that is Long Beach. And if you’re interested, you can take a one-hour ferry ride from Long Beach to Catalina Island.

Santa Monica is simply a lovely destination – this beachfront city fringed by Palisades Park is home to 3rt Street Promenade, a pedestrian-friendly shopping, dining and entertainment complex that is fun to explore and its historic, 100-year-old pier that features Pacific Park (amusement park and games), an array of yummy food, musicians and artists and its iconic Ferris wheel that is a city landmark. The Santa Monica Pier is also home to an aquarium for close-up views of marine life native to the area; famous carousel built in 1939 with wooden horses and sleighs – “one of the few structures remaining from Santa Monica’s original pier” – and is a frequent pit stop for those who end their Route 66 trek at the pier – you can even get a Route 66 completion certificate.

Known for its year-round Mediterranean climate, California is a sought-after destination any season of the year and there is so much to see, do and experience in Southern California. My latest travels to Los Angeles, Long Beach and Santa Monica did not disappoint and was one for the books! I’m already looking forward to heading back to the land of sun-kissed beaches, rows and rows of palm trees and Hollywood glitz and glamour!

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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF RENU SINGH-JOSEPH, THE EDISON, ISTOCK

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2019

BMW X2 M35i BY BENJAMIN YONG

A SUBCOMPACT CROSSOVER WORTHY OF THE M PERFORMANCE BADGE Being an M Performance, model designers have added extra flair such as a Cerium Grey finish on the kidney grille frame, bumper air intakes, side mirror caps and dual tailpipe finishers, as well as an aggressive rear window spoiler. 122 SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

hen news of the arrival of an X2 broke back in 2016, I’ll admit I rolled my eyes a little. Was there really a need for another subcompact crossover in the BMW lineup between the X1 and X3? With the recent release of the all new M35i xDrive variant, however, I finally got the chance to get behind the wheel of one and fully admit it’s won me over. Keep reading to find out why. First of all the vehicle doesn’t really resemble the other products within the X family. Rather than possessing a traditional bulbous

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SUV form factor, the greenhouse is compact, the hood long and the overhangs short, embodying the traits of what the automaker calls a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC). Being an M Performance, model designers have added extra flair such as a Cerium Grey finish on the kidney grille frame, bumper air intakes, side mirror caps and dual tailpipe finishers, as well as an aggressive rear window spoiler.

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $49,200 Motor: Turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder Horsepower: 302 @ 5,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 332 @ 1,750 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 12.3 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

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Rather than possessing a traditional bulbous SUV form factor, the greenhouse is compact, the hood long and the overhangs short, embodying the traits of what the automaker calls a Sports Activity Coupe. In addition, DARPAN’s press loaner had the optional sport seats draped in gorgeous perforated red Dakota Leather

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information including precise speed and turn-by-turn navigation instructions appear to be floating approximately two metres in front of the driver, right above the hood, easily accessible without needing to take attention off the road. Under the hood of the M35i is a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine — the first application of an M Performance four cylinder — mated to a responsive eightand large 20-inch split-spoke speed automatic transmission, “721M” alloy wheels fitted, producing a surprising 302 punctuated by standard signature horsepower and 332 lb-ft Dark Blue metallic powder coated of torque. The powerplant brake calipers peeking through. is undoubtedly quick, good Unusual for the segment, for a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 BMW’s excellent Head-Up Display seconds, but I would be remiss is available. This is no chintzy not to mention that turbo lag is motorized translucent panel à la noticeably perceptible in first gear. Mazda CX-3 or MINI Countryman, There were times over my week but a full-colour projection of testing where my intention onto the windshield. Essential

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was to merge quickly to follow the traffic flow, and after pinning the accelerator, the SAC didn’t get going for a second or two. Once things start cooking though, the noise pouring out of the M exhaust system boasting a special adapted silencer system is purely intoxicating. I was so happy that the brand didn’t hold back on the growl just because of the vehicle’s place in the utility segment. In Comfort drive mode the sound is balanced, relatively quiet building to a nice burble as the rpms climb, while in Sport it turns into a real screamer. Like how the X2 doesn’t take after other crossovers in looks, the handling is also better than most, too. The suspension has been tuned to offer a dynamic onroad motoring experience, resulting in stiffer springs, dampers and a lower overall stance. One particular piece of engineering ingenuity is a differential installed at the front axle, mitigating loss of grip on the forward set of wheels. Refreshingly, when entering a corner enthusiastically, I was met with crisp turn rather than the typical excessive body roll expected from a 1,688 kilogram crossover.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BMW GROUP

DARPAN AutoREVIEW

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2019

THE PERFECT-SIZED LUXURY WAGON

MERCEDES BENZ

AMG C 43 4MATIC WAGON BY GLEN KONOROWSKI list, is that it has all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities. If you’re not familiar with hills, don’t as there is the AMG name, it is Mercedes’ enough torque at 384 lb-ft designation for the performance models in the company line-up. The AMG models have special at low revolutions per suspension, brakes and engine minutes to pull away with enhancements that add to the performance of the car. In the any load in your car. case of my test Wagon, it has a double overhead cam 3.0-litre Twin Turbo V6 with an enjoyable hen it comes to cars I 385 horsepower, giving it very have always liked mine quick 0-100 km/h time in just on the smaller size. I drive a 4.8 seconds. smaller pickup truck, and when All this power is rooted my children where young I had through a nine-speed quick a mini-van, not really small but shifting transmission, and a adequate-sized for the job. Well, the Mercedes C 43 is for me transfer case distributes this power to the front and rear the perfect-sized luxury vehicle, and it’s a wagon I like because it differentials at a 30-front and 60-rear split. This I found was is the performance AMG model. Even better, and topping my wish just about ideal for spirited

If you are worried about

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driving around city streets. I have to add that this AWD system really enhanced the car’s manoeuvrability. If you are worried about hills, don’t as there is enough torque at 384 lb-ft at low revolutions per minutes to pull away with any load in your car. This comes together with a great handling car you feel

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $59,900 as tested $76,380 Horsepower: 385 @ 6,100 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 384 @ 2,500 rpm Gearbox: Nine-speed (speedshift) automatic Fuel economy: City 12.4 L/100 km Highway 8.9 L/100 km

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You feel confident driving in all weather or road PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MERCEDES BENZ VANCOUVER

conditions, and with its stiffer suspension handling, any curvy road in North Vancouver becomes fun again. Even just the mundane chores of driving to work or going shopping are enjoyable.

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confident driving in all weather or road conditions, and with its stiffer suspension handling, any curvy road in North Vancouver becomes fun again. Even just the mundane chores of driving to work or going shopping are enjoyable. I found visibility in the wagon good, so moving around a parking lot was not a worrisome effort. But most of all, I didn’t find the car cumbersome to drive like many SUVs. Yes, you are not sitting up high, but the good visibility makes up for it. The fact that you have an AWD makes the C 43 just as capable as any smaller SUV. The dash is nicely laid out with the tachometer and speedometer as the main gauges in front of the driver, with different displays between the two. An upright centre mounted screen houses the GPS and many other important functions

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like the sound system. Switches below the screen control the basic cabin heating and cooling. I like this as you don’t have to spend time going through different screens to get to the basic functions. All the other plug-in devices are in the lower centre dash and console area Sport-oriented cars need an interior to match and the C 43 is no exception, with meters of black leather on comfortable wellbolstered front seats. Surprisingly they were easy to get in and out of unlike others I have tested in the past with a sporty pedigree.

Now, they say the rear leather seat is for three, but I would say only in a pinch. You need to remember this is one of Benz’s mid-sized cars. As this is a wagon, the back area is good and if more cargo space is needed, the back seats fold in a 40/20/40 split which is nice for carrying longer items. If you need the practicality of an SUV, but don’t particularly like the way most of them handle, the C 43 AMG wagon is one of the best alternatives in the sport/luxury vehicle class. I have to admit I really did not want to return this fine car. The test C-class AMG wagon lists for a base price of $59,900, and with a few key options the wagon totalled $76,380. It is wellworth the price considering the enjoyment this car will give the enthusiast driver or any driver for that matter.

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2020 CELEBRATING SEVEN DECADES OF BEAUTIFUL SPORTS CARS

JAGUAR F-TYPE P380 BY BENJAMIN YONG

“Perfect proportions, design purity and visual drama: every Jaguar must express these qualities, and none more so than F-TYPE. In creating the Chequered Flag,” says director of design Ian Callum.

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER OCTOBER 2019 2019 130 SEPTEMBER/ Reflecting Reflecting The The South-Asian South-Asian Lifestyle Lifestyle

aguar is a brand that knows how to look backward in order to move ahead. For example, in recognition of its 70th anniversary of sports car production — all started by the open two-seater XK 120 — a special 2020 F-TYPE Chequered Flag variant has been launched. This limited edition vehicle is based off the R-Dynamic trim featuring a contrast black roof, polished 20-inch alloys, Windsor leather upholstery and aluminum centre console. Available in both coupé and convertible form factors, consumers also have a choice of

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TM TM

either the 296-horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged or the 380-horse 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine, the latter dubbed the P380 and equipped with all-wheel drive. We took out a hardtop packing the V6 for a week-long evaluation. “Perfect proportions, design purity and visual drama: every Jaguar must express these qualities, and none more so than F-TYPE. In creating the Chequered Flag we’ve focused on details that enhance F-TYPE’s presence and promise of performance. And in doing so, made a fitting celebration of 70 years of beautiful, fast, Jaguar sports cars,” says director of design Ian Callum in a news release. Callum pretty much hits the nail on the head in terms of exterior aesthetics. While I

HIGHLIGHTS MSRP: $105,000 Motor: 3.0-litre supercharged V6 Horsepower: 380 @ 6,500 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 339 @ 3,500 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 13.9 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

absolutely love a good drop top, there’s just something about the flowing lines of the fixed roof. The model already is a serious head turner, but the fastback body style emphasizes how wide the vehicle really is. Details setting the latest creation apart from regular offerings are the

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF JAGUAR

www.darpanmagazine.com

six-spoke “6003” wheels, unique badging front and rear and in the interior, red illuminated sill plates, red brake calipers, dark finish on the aluminum console finisher. In addition, all F-TYPE grades now wear differentiating front bumper skins to distinguish between them, the corner intakes growing in size in direct relation to numbers of cylinders. The V6 is right in the middle of the pack — not too small or big. For those thinking of stepping up into an R spec running the 550-horsepower 5.0-litre V8 motor, the cars receive enhancements to the suspension. Damping has been reduced by 24 per cent in the low range to improve ride comfort at cruising speeds, and the setup borrows the rear upper ball joint from the top-of-the-line SVR and boasts modifications to the rear knuckle and upper control arm to increase handling ability and durability. Last year, I was fortunate to test out an eightcylinder version and the noise coming out of the dynamic quad-exit exhaust can only be described as intoxicating. While not exactly the same, the P380 provides a worthy aural experience full of snap, crackle and pop any time drivers wind out the engine. The slightly reduced output didn’t leave me wanting, either, still very capable of causing heart palpitations at full tilt. All 2020 F-TYPEs receive a backup camera and forward parking sensors as standard, a boon particularly when piloting the coupé as rear visibility is almost nonexistent due to the tiny rear window and significant blind spots. The Touch Pro infotainment system, is anchored around a 10-inch touchscreen. Although significantly improved with each generation in terms of response time to inputs, the lack of a rotary tuner is especially irritating while trying to navigate through 100s of satellite radio stations. At least there’s a volume knob. Seating is supportive and comfortable as always, and as an added benefit the new “slimline” seats are constructed out of lightweight materials tipping the scales at a mere eight kilograms each.

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2019

HIGHLIGHTS

MINI JCW COUNTRYMAN ALL4

MSRP: $46,990

Motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder Horsepower: 231 @ 5,000 rpm Torque (lb-ft): 258 @ 1,450 rpm Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic Layout: Front engine, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 11.5 L/100 kmmixed city/highway (observed)

BLACKED OUT CROSSOVER

BY BENJAMIN YONG

All the styling highlights found on regular grades, like the floating “helmet roof,” are combined with model-specific extras such as red accents, body kit and roof spoiler.

132 SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2019 Reflecting The South-Asian Lifestyle

he lone SUV within MINI’s portfolio is still a relatively new phenomenon, initially released in 2010 as an attempt to break into the utility segment. Surprisingly successful, considering since the brand was built on selling tiny cars, the subcompact crossover entered its second generation and has been given a racy makeover by in-house tuner John Cooper Works (JCW). Let’s take a closer look. This not-so-mini MINI is currently the largest product sold by the BMW subsidiary, and in JCW form, combines track-ready dynamics with off-road pretensions. Measuring

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full-sized fold-flat seats, JCW leather steering wheel and gear lever and an at 4,314 millimetres in length, 1,822 anthracite-coloured roof liner. mm width and 1,557 mm height, it is DARPAN Magazine tested the 200 mm longer and 30 mm wider than Midnight Black edition (+$7,200), the outgoing product. And rare for a the body sprayed in sparkly “Absolute performance vehicle, there is loads of Black Metallic” paint with matching cargo space, ranging from 450 litres sport seats — featuring heat and to 1,390, depending on how the back adjustable thigh support for the seats are configured. forward occupants — inside. All the styling highlights found on The trim is fully loaded, bundling regular grades, like the floating “helmet an 8.8-inch infotainment display, roof,” are combined with model-specific navigation, premium Harmon Kardon extras such as red accents, body kit, stereo and panoramic moonroof. roof spoiler, enlarged front bumper A neat out-of-the-box option is air-cooling inlets, Brembo brakes and a pull out soft “Picnic Bench” that unique 18-inch Grip Spoke alloys. lifts out from beneath the luggage Inside, occupants are treated to five compartment floor, and drapes over

the rear bumper to keep pant legs clean. The bench provides spacious seating for two to take in a lakeside view on a sunny day, or in my case, a drive-in movie during the summer. The JCW Countryman houses the quickest engine of all the variants: a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder mill receiving MINI Twinpower Turbo Technology churning out 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A controllable internal baffle and specialized tailpipe of the sports exhaust allows the system to produce a signature sound profile, like polite backfiring when downshifting from a lower gear on either the six-speed manual or Steptronic automatic transmission. While roof rails, a raised ride height and a high seating position may make it seem as though the crossover is ready to tackle rockier terrain, I think spirited pavement manoeuvres is more the vehicle’s forte. That said, the standard ALL4 all-wheel drive setup is quite good at maintaining grip, working with the Dynamic Stability Control to sense which set of wheels is losing traction and quickly correcting the issue. Amidst a sea of competitors in the market currently, the 2019 JCW Countryman is great for individuals and young families who don’t need an SUV but want an SUV-esque experience, without having to sacrifice fuel economy (I averaged 11.5 L/100 km in mixed city and highway conditions), urban manoeuvrability or driving enjoyment. And for those seeking to go green, an S E Hybrid is also available capable of travelling up to 125 km/h on just electricity. Recently announced, a refreshed 2020 model is on the way boasting a larger turbocharger fitted to the 2.0-litre four-cylinder that generates 306 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The beefed up motor, producing the highest output ever on a road-going MINI, helps the vehicle achieve a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds, or 1.5 seconds faster than previously. Other upgrades will include a next-generation eightspeed gearbox, mechanical front differential lock, bigger brakes, refined exhaust system and Matrix LED headlights.

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0% financing is available on all new 2018 Mazda 3 & 3 Sport for 60 months, 2018 Mazda CX3 for 48 months, 2017 Mazda 5 for 84 months. Finance example of $10,000, the cost of borrowing for a 48/60/84-month terms is $0, monthly payment is $208.33/166.67/119.05, total finance obligation is $10,000. Lease examples apply to 2018 Mazda3 GX (D4XK68 AA00)/ 2018 Mazda 3 Sport (D5XK68 AA00)/ 2017 CX-5 GX (NVXK67 AA00)/)/2018 CX-3 GX (HVXK68AA00) and bi-weekly payments of $103/$123/$185$122 for 60 months, including down payment of $0/$0/$0/$0. $4500 cash rebate applies to 2017 MY Mazda5. Offers valid January 3rd –January 31st, 2018, while supplies last. Prices & payments are plus taxes. $425 Winter Accessories credit applies to all new 2017/2018 MY Mazda’s. Pay off trade & lease termination negative equity to be applied to new purchase. $250 lease termination payment in form of service credit at Langley Mazda. All finance & lease offers to qualified buyers.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MINI CANADA, BENJAMIN YONG

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THE SKY IS PINK Release date: October 11 Starring: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Zaira Wasim, Farhan Akhtar

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here are more than one reasons that makes The Sky Is Pink one of the most awaited films. Firstly, the film not only tells an extraordinary story but also marks the return of Priyanka Chopra Jonas to Bollywood screen after good three years. Directed by Shonali Bose, The Sky Is Pink is an incredible love story of a couple – Aditi and Niren Chaudhary – spanning over 25 years and told through the lens of their spunky teenage daughter, Aisha Chaudhary, who is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Speaking about her association with the film, Pee Cee, whose Purple Pebble Pictures is co-producing the film, said, “The Sky Is Pink is a story that I connected with from the minute I heard it and in Shonali’s hands, it’s been crafted into a moving, beautiful film that will renew our faith in love and life. It’s what led me to not only take on the challenging role of Aditi Chaudhary but also to co-produce it with Ronnie and Siddharth.” Now, this one definitely deserves a first-day-first-show watch.