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CONTENTS February 2019

On Eva: Sports Bra: Forever 21 Track pants: FHM Shoes: Reebok On Barjinder: Vest: Reebok Track pants: FHM

Cover Credits: On Eva: Sports bra & Shoes: Puma; Briefs: Forever 21, On Barjinder: Full look: Adidas, Photography by Kunal Sharma & Ankush Sharma; Styling by Mitali Goyal

GYM REVIEW: SETTING THE STANDARD p10

TRAINER: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED p14

February 2019

MUSCLE: STRETCH FOR GAIN p26

ASK FHM: FITNESS APP p13

HEALTH: ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALL IN YOUR MIND p30

EDIT NOTE Let me start my note with a big thank you. Thanks for all the encouragement and appreciation that you have been sending our way for FHM Fit. Let me tell you that we are planning something grand for you. Keep a close watch. Remember the debate our team had last month over what drives men to work out in a gym? While the jury is still out on that one, we got into another battle. The topic this time was the relevance of fitness applications. I have been using fitness apps for a couple of years. My trainer sits out of Bengaluru, who keeps a watch on my exercise routine. My daily diet chart and calorie counter is right here, in my palm. Does it work for me? Yes. Absolutely. I have not only been able to keep a check on my weight and overall fitness, but it is ridiculously convenient for me. Sitting in the privacy of my home, at a time convenient to me, and of course the music that I like, I log onto the app, logging all my workouts (reps et al) religiously. At the end of the week, my trainer updates me on my progress. But it is easier said than done. Working out remotely, all by yourself, takes whopper of a commitment. Let’s just say that it needs a different level of endurance to work on your endurance. If you are planning to get an online trainer, then repeat after me. I will not cheat my trainer. More importantly, I will not cheat myself. I will not be lazy. I will not get distracted. Repeat. While I can sing praises for online training and mobile apps—I know I can squeeze in a slice of cheesecake after a portion of spaghetti aglio olio—there are those who don’t think remote training works. For them, mobile apps aren’t motivation enough and that calorie counting makes people neurotic about what they eat (and what they shouldn’t). To each their own, I say. But, we did not stop there. Our team went out on streets for a vox pop asking people if fitness apps do work. Check out FHM Ask section to know what do most of them feel. Even as our features team racked their brains over this, our fashion team got a sizzling photo shoot done with our cover stars, Barjinder Singh and Eva Gadeikyte. See their opposing energies come together to create a fiery workout regime that has come alive on the pages. We also have resistance band workout decoded for you and our regular section on gym review will tell you the USP of a gym near you. To add to all this, we also have tips and tricks on how to make your face, especially your lips desirable. After all, you have to survive all the Valentine’s Day hoopla. See you on the other side of the frenzy… in the month that will usher in a new season. — Nidhi Raj Singh

On Eva: Sports bra & Shoes: Puma; Briefs: Forever 21, On Barjinder: Full look: Adidas

February 2019

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LETTERS

Get in touch!

02/19

fhm@tcg.media fhmindia @fhmindia @fhmindia

Letter of the

month

Hustle Don’t Hold Amyra Dastur really is a tough cookie! Thanks FHM Fit for sharing with the world how Amyra got in shape for her role in Rajma Chawal. It felt so great to see a star that does not advocate just dieting, but who actually believes in working hard and sweating it out. — Mohit Ahuja, New Delhi

Well, thank you Mohit! We too were fascinated by Amyra’s portrayal of Seher/Tara.

Lean And Mean Shivohum rocks! As a fitness enthusiast, it was endearing to see someone so passionate about fitness and ddedicating their life to help others get fit. Glad that trainers like him are getting this kind of attention —Pratyush Jaiswal, Jaipur We were inspired by him as well Pratyush! So much so that one of our correspondents has joined a gym and vowed to get fit!

Hulk Up I had attended a show where Tom was a participant and have been following him ever since. He is truly a beast when it comes to working out. — Yogesh Chandok, Pune

We agree Yogesh, he is indeed a beast! We were impressed by the number of fitness enthusiasts who could connect with him

February 2019

Hair To Stay I was considering getting a hair transplant and had many questions even before consulting someone. Luckily, the section covered most of them. Thank you team for the informative piece —Osho Saini, Mumbai

Thank you Osho. We are glad that you found the article and informative.

JANUARY 2019 • ` 200

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GYM

February 2019

SETTING

THE STANDARD By MUKUL KASHYAP

OVER THE LAST DECADE, GOLD’S GYM HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER FITNESS CHAINS IN INDIA.

he year 2018 marked the 16th Anniversary of Gold’s Gym India. In this time, Gold’s Gym has opened 130+ gyms in India across more than 90 cities and has a few more in the pipeline.

in the world with over 701+ facilities in 30 countries. In 1977, Gold’s Gym received international attention when it was featured in the movie Pumping Iron which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno.

The first Gold’s Gym was set up in Venice in 1965. Since that time, Gold’s Gym has become the largest co-ed gym

The India chapter of Gold’s Gym started in 2002, when the first Gold’s Gym India branch was set up in Mumbai.

Over time, Gold’s Gym has become the preferred gym of celebrities, athletes, bodybuilders, corporate head honchos and military and fitness enthusiasts. In this time period Gold’s Gym has received multiple awards such as Excellence in Marketing, Best Fitness Chain, Best Turnaround Gym, Visionary of the Year, Best

February 2019

GYM

TOP Reasons

community engagement, Best personal training program, National Fitness Chain of the Year & the President’s Award.

to join the Gym

Gold’s Gym has expanded its fitness profile to offer all of the latest equipment and services, making it the best in the industry. With certified trainers and nutritional counseling, Gold’s Gym provides a comprehensive approach to the health and wellbeing of its members. Gold’s Gym Fitness Institute has been imparting fitness knowledge to the nook and corner of the country with courses comprising of theory as well as practical training and job placement options as well. Gold’s Gym lives up to its reputation to give results. Whether your goal is to burn fat, tone or add muscle, build strength, increase flexibility or improve your cardiovascular health, Gold’s Gym provides the right atmosphere and experience.

Cleanliness

4.5/5

Gold’s Gym has been successful at imparting fitness to more than 50,000 corporates through its Corporate Wellness Programs. If you can’t come to the gym the gym comes to you. With their outdoor activities, Gold’s Gym makes sure that they are instrumental in spreading fitness awareness.

Trainer

4/5

Location

Working out and staying fit is no longer a fad or fashion, it has become a way of life. Apart from the conventional gym set-up, Gold’s Gym also has facilities such as functional training with HIIT, under proper guidance of certified trainers. They also have a special Quick Result Program for the ones who are looking for targeted results. One has the option to join dedicated Circuit Training Zone at select locations which focus on clockwise fitness. The specially designed area is where you can perform clockwise fitness and it is comprised of 9 workout stations with 9 different accessories which include the Rebounder, Power Bags, Hammer and Tyre, Power Sled, Medicine Balls, Sand Balls, Kettle Bells, Climbing Net and Plyometric stools. The program is ideal for those looking for a cost effective but sure way to get quick results. The Circuit Training Zone is a high intensity workout and should be performed only under expert

February 2019

4/5

Equipment

4.5/5

Apart from the conventional set-up Gold’s Gym, also has facilities such as functional training with HIIT under proper guidance. guidance. Hence, Gold’s Gym has highly qualified trainers to help you experience the specially choreographed circuit workouts for small groups of individuals, get the adrenaline rush and achieve your goals.

Gold’s Gym believes that fitness is not just about toned abs rather it about building the will-power to overcome all the obstacles. More so, fitness is a total holistic development of the mind, body and soul.

FHM t verdic

4/5

With a long history of expertise in the fitness industry, Gold’s Gym is ideal for someone who is serious about starting a fitness program. They also have a special Quick Result Program for the ones who are looking for targeted results.

ASK FHM

ATIF KHAN 33, Company Director, New Delhi “A fitness app gives you levels of training modules, but you need to be self-motivated enough to do it. If you are a beginner, you need a trainer, because you need someone experienced with you to make sure your movements are right and hold you and rectify it if you go off track. Fitness apps are helpful, if you know the movements perfectly.”

MEET MANEKMOTI, 23, Student, New Delhi “No, I don’t think fitness applications are helpful. While using an application, you have to be mentally and physically prepared but when it comes to hiring a trainer or some professional, you get enough motivation and some push to work upon your goals. Every one of us has different a physique.”

APPS TO AID?

Is fitness and a healthier lifestyle your mantra? Do you think fitness apps guide you the best while you are it? We bring you bytes from the youth that use these apps. We couldn’t be more boggled about the results! By VEDIKA KAUSHIK

UTKARSH TRIPATHI, 22, Cyber Security Analyst, Noida “Fitness apps are helpful only if a person is disciplined as there is no one available physically to make you do things than perform certain exercises. People who find it hard to gather motivation to workout and pay attention to health, often lose interest in the app. On the other hand, the disciplined ones follow the instructions on the app and take healthy steps forward in their life.”

CHAITALI AGGARWAL, 23, PR Professional, New Delhi “I’ve been using a fitness app for over six months now and it has been working well for me. It makes me monitor my ideal weight and also helped me control my calorie intake for the day. It provides a search option which enables me to search for calories in any dish/food item. This app is especially helpful for me when I go on a keto-diet. The search options helps me keep track of my carb intake.”

KESHAV SONI, 23, Software Engineer, Noida “They are helpful in keeping track of your goals and progress. Also, some of the apps that I’ve used have particularly been very good in calculating and tracking your calorie goals. Apart from that, if you are new to this world, they help you by suggesting and demonstrating exercises as well.”

SIDDHARTH SINGH, 22, Student, New Delhi “I find using a fitness apps really helpful. It keeps my workout and diet consistent. Initially, it helped me in the figuring out the right routine. But the only drawback is after some time, when you yourself memorise all the workouts and diet plans, it barely is of any use.”

February 2019

TRAINER

CHALLENGE

ACCEPTED

DANIEL VAZ IS THE HEAD COACH OF NIKE RUN CLUB INDIA. HE HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR 22 YEARS AND HAS COMPLETED OVER 29 FULL MARATHONS. By MUKUL KASHYAP

February 2019

Tell us a bit about yourself… I am an engineer by profession and the head of a division in a listed company. Marathon training and distance running is my passion. I am a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from NSCA, USA, which is a credential you earn based on the study you do on the entire domain of fitness. I have been training runners for the last 12 years and have worked with corporates as well. I am also the head coach of the Nike Run Club in Mumbai. When did you take up running as a sport? I started in 1996 when a friend told me about the Pune Marathon - one of only two events in the country at the time. It was a full marathon and I wasn’t aware of the exact nuances. I was an active football player and managed to do 21 out of the 42km - but was not allowed to proceed since I did

When you look at running in the domain of the half or full marathon, you’re going to experience fatigue, exhaustion and pain. At such times, it is your perseverance that can help you get through it. not make it within the cut-off time. That’s when the running bug bit me.

access to a swimming pool. Running is something that anyone can take up.

What are the advantages of running over cycling and swimming? The biggest advantage is that for running you don’t need a club or gym - no matter where you are, you can always go out for a run. It doesn’t require too much of an investment other than a pair of shoes and apparel. With cycling, you need a proper road and a cycle. With swimming, you need to be part of a club to

What are some of the best outdoor surfaces for a long-distance run (e.g. Road, unpaved etc.)? A tar surface is the best, since it has some amount of damping capacity and isn’t too hard on your legs. A better surface than that would be a grass track - but that isn’t something you would find everywhere. The worst surface to run on would be concrete.

February 2019

TRAINER

Have tool like fitness wearable’s increased the interest around running? They have increased the interest since they tend to provide proper data. Before they came in, you needed a stopwatch to time your runs and you couldn’t measure the distance properly. Today, you can track your distance, pace and some of the more expensive ones come with GPS tracking as well. Plus, you get to network with people wearing the same accessory. Also, in Apps like ‘Nike Run Club’ you have voice overs from famous athletes that provide encouraging words whenever you finish a run or achieve a new personal best in your training. What does one need to know before investing in a pair of running shoes? If you have no lower extremity problems like flat feet, the best thing is to go for a standard shoe from a good brand. They are designed with technological inputs and are designed with materials meant for runners. If you are uncertain about whether you have feet issues, you can get a gait analysis done by one of the shoe companies – post which they can recommend the best shoe for you. There are reports that long distance runners suffer from knee injuries. Any thoughts? Knee injuries can be part of any sport, not just running. It depends on how safely you make progress and whether you have done excessive mileages – you need to know how to recover and include strength training as it is a significant part of your domain. There aren’t long term injuries with runners and

February 2019

they don’t get arthritis because of running. Sedentary people will have more knee problems that runners. How can one include running in their routine and stay motivated enough to follow it? You should work with experienced runners or a coach, if you have access to one. You can even link up with a group which will motivate you, since it’s not easy to get up every morning and head out for a run. Steps a novice should take on their journey to becoming a runner... You must work with runners who could advice you about progressions or with a coach, especially if you have a significant long-term goal. They can advise you about what kind of shoes and apparel to buy, how much to run and how to take care of injuries. Some essentials equipment required for an aspiring runner... The most important is to buy the right pair of shoes for you and running apparel. The sports bra is a very important part of women’s apparel. Any spiritual benefits of running... When you look at running in the domain of the half or full marathon, you’re going to experience fatigue, exhaustion and pain. At such times, it is your perseverance that can help you get through it. The moment you overcome these factors and cross that line, a spiritual aspect embraces you. Dr George Sheehan, a late running guru, said “I run, therefore I am.”

On Eva: Bodysuit: Superdry Crop top: Forever 21 Shoes: Puma On Barjinder: Track pants: Superdry Shoes: Puma

February 2019

TRAIN, LIFT, REPEAT

Barjinder Singh and Eva Gadeikyte are poles apart. One loves workouts, other... not so much. What happened when they got together one afternoon at the gym. Text By KANGAN GUPTA Photography by KUNAL SHARMA & ANKUSH SHARMA Styling by MITALI GOYAL Makeup & Hair by BLOSSOM KOCHHAR COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS & DESIGN Location Courtesy: ANYTIME FITNESS Model Agency (Eva): 6th AVENUE MODELS Fashion Intern: CHANDNI AGARWAL February 2019

arjinder Singh wears many hats. He is a businessman and also a certified trainer. His passion for fitness runs deep, taking up workouts sessions and training sessions very seriously. Eva Gadeikyte, a busy model, on the other hand, has started to explore exercise routines and see what training combination works best for her. As Barjinder got down to training Eva, bringing about her fitness A-game for our cameras, followed by a candid conversation about their individual workouts and diet preferences with us. Excerpts: Fitness is a way of life. What is your take on the statement? Barjinder: Fitness is definitely a way of life for me. The mechanism of human beings is such that we have been exercising in some or the other way since forever. In the primitive times, people moved their bodies and kept fit. But with time, humans have gotten busy and developed a sedentary lifestyle. If I speak for myself, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even walk for 500 metres a day. Gym is a new platform where you can work out. Coming from a family of athletes, it was instilled in my mind that I should be fit and strong since I was a child. Even today, my health is the only thing that I can absolutely be sure of. Keeping fit gives me a feeling that I can accomplish anything. Even youngsters come to me for inspiration and tips. Eva: It depends from person to person. For some, fitness may be the way of life but not for me. It is nice when people do all those tough workouts, but I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it. It is too much for me. How often do you work out? What kind of regime do you follow? Barjinder: It has been almost 15 years of lifting weights in a gym. Before that, it was a routine workout including 200 push ups and 100 pull ups a day with lots of running. Right now, I work out 20

February 2019

On Eva: Sports bra: Reebok Shorts & Shoes: Adidas On Barjinder: Track pants: Adidas Shoes: Reebok

If you are not flexible, you cannot perform strength feats four to five times a week. My approach in the gym is to gain functional strength. I focus on a lot of compound movements like bench presses, overhead presses, clean and pull, squats and body dips, natural movements with added weights. Eva: Two times a week. I don’t have any regime. I just do what my body feels like.

snack consists of eggs and some fruit. Dinner usually consists of post workout protein shake and supplements followed by chicken, fish or mutton with rice. I take regular rice. I like my sweets too. I indulge in Indian sweets but in moderation. Eva: No diets at all. I eat whatever I want and whenever I want.

What kind of diet do you follow? Barjinder: My diet is the base of my physique and strength. I follow a very strict and healthy diet. I don’t need to indulge in other things because I enjoy my diet. I have been following it since a decade. I start with porridge and 10 eggs. My mid meal is a protein shake with fruits and nuts. In my lunch, I have around 250 grams of chicken with rice. The evening

What is more important to you, flexibility or strength? Barjinder: Flexibility and strength go hand in hand. You cannot ignore flexibility. If you are not flexible, you cannot perform your strength feats. If you are stiff, you cannot lift. A stiff body is more prone to injuries. I start my workout with flexing for good 15 minutes. Stretching is must! Eva: Flexibility for sure.

3 must-haves in your wardrobe? B: Underwear, shorts and T-shirt E: Leggings, Sneakers, a comfortable Sweater What’s on your playlist? B: Dollar by Sidhu Moose Wala E: Just You and I by Tom Waker Your fitness icon? B: I don’t have icons. I look upon my guru Mr. Sateshwar Parasad. E: My brother A movie that you can watch again and again? B: Haseena Maan Jaayegi and Dangal E: Kimi no Na wa Your preferred comfort food? B: Lamb with Rice E: Anything my mom cooks Workout preference, indoors or outdoors? B: Both E: Indoors What’s on your travel bucket list? B: Vietnam E: Japan, China, Taipei, Italy Would you rather be the fittest person in the room or the most intelligent? B: Both E: Most intelligent

On Eva: Crop Top: FHM Leggings: Puma Shoes: Reebok On Barjinder: T-shirt: FHM Shorts: Puma Shoes: Adidas February 2019

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a myth that stopping gym workouts leads to weight gain. It is more because of a faulty diet plan.

On Eva: Bodysuit: Superdry Crop top: Forever 21 Shoes: Puma On Barjinder: Track pants: Superdry Shoes: Puma

A myth about fitness that people should stop believing? Barjinder: For women, I would particularly say that if I lift weights I will gain muscles but a woman won’t gain muscles the way a man does. Women have different hormones than men. Weight training is important for everybody because the more you train your muscles, the more fat you burn. Everybody has muscles, it depends on you how you develop those muscles. There are people who do CrossFit and hence are extremely muscular. There are also people like models who work out and lift and are in great shape but not muscular. If women think that they will develop muscles like men, it is not possible. Biggest myth is when people say that they gained weight after leaving gym workouts. The problem is not the gym, the problem is your diet that you can’t control. Eva: I don’t think I am not the best person to answer that but I do believe that it depends from person to person. How has keeping fit helped you personally? Barjinder: I am really glad about the fitness regime that I have been following, over the years. It keeps you really happy and makes you feel good about yourself and your body. It pays off when you age in a very impressive manner, without any ailments or hassles. There are so many ups and downs in everybody’s life but I love my work outs. They keep me motivated and enthusiastic. Eva: It has helped me with my flexibility. That’s what I have been working on, trying to be as flexible as possible. It made me happier as I start to move more. My body finally started to do something, rather than just lying down and laze around. Name one sport you wish you were good at? Barjinder: One sport would be Power lifting. If I wanted I would have been a professional power lifter, with the way I train. Eva: Probably tennis. If you could do just one type of workout for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? Barjinder: My compound lifts. Eva: I am still exploring and trying to find out what works the best for me.

On Eva: Sports bra & Shoes: Puma Briefs: Forever 21 On Barjinder: Full look: Adidas

What would be your advice to someone who is just getting started with their fitness journey? Barjinder: Find the right person and listen to the right person. Eva: Just have fun with it. February 2019

GROOMING

LIPS DON’T LIE

The metrosexual man has up his sleeves tricks, cues and DIYs that make their lips kissable. By GEETMALA SARKAR

s a gorgeous actor presents himself on the silver-screen, my friend exclaims, “Such pink lips!” Astonished, I look at her and then turn to the screen. It is Ranbir Kapoor. And, women are seen drooling over his luscious lips. Gender roles are massively shifting. Today, gorgeous lips are not a preserve of women. Men have been actively seeking to amp-up their attractive facial features through routine lip care. The notion of wellness

and care among men is witnessing expansion and is here to stay. “Since lips do not produce natural oils like does your skin, keeping them hydrated and beautiful needs a few steps to be followed,” says Dr Nirupama Parwanda, Dermatologist and Founder, Zolie Skin Clinic, New Delhi. Also, this Valentine’s Day could be a ripe moment for ensuing that your meticulously cared for pairs help you kick start your proposal. Of course, your beloved can kiss and tell.

EXFOLIATE Dead cell build up must be removed through exfoliation. It could be done at least once or twice a week. A DIY exfoliating lipscrub is: • 1 tablespoon sugar

February 2019

• 1 tablespoon honey Mix both the ingredients well and then simply apply them to your lips and massage for three to four minutes and get smooth healthy lips.

UV GUARDS UV rays are a threat to our skin and can cause a lot of damage. Our lips are no exception to it. Choose a chapstick that contains at least SPF 15 or above. Its properties can contain orange as the fruit has photoprotection and nourishment properties in them. DIY TRICKS Some men have dark lips. Smoking cigarettes exacerbates lip blackening. To reduce dark colour of lips, a DIY trick is: • 1 tablespoon saffron

• 1 tablespoon yogurt Mix a small teaspoon of saffron with some yogurt. Apply this mix on lips twice a day to reverse the damage from smoking and sun exposure. It goes without saying that quitting smoking is good for the suppleness of your lips. MOISTURISE Dryness brought on by a sudden temperature change can take a toll on the appearance of your lips. Using aloe vera can be very helpful. It provides proper moisturisation and also helps getting rid of impurities from mouth area.

HYDRATE One and the only way to hydrate is drinking plenty of water. Yes, even when the temperature runs cool and dry, drink water. Men experience chapped lips due to low levels of fluid intake. Keeping yourself hydrated the entire day is your elixir. Lip-licking is a common and bad habit. It worsens lip drying and makes them darker too. Use a chap-stick to curb drying every time. If you are ready to impress in this fashion, finding a valentine may become anything but serendipity.

When a Milan based blogger with as many as 29.3k followers on his Instagram handle, @mensbeauty.it gets things right, it makes him the right choice for us to explore the skincare exercise he bestows. By GEETMALA SARKAR

en’s skin is essentially considered to have less sheen and nourishment. Therefore, we fork out ways given by Nicola Surbera, a men’s beauty blogger from Italy to keep a nourished skincare routine. Read on to improve the tone and texture with daily steps down a road as yet less traversed. The important thing is to have consistency and to dedicate some time to it in just five moves. Once made into a matter of habit, your mirror will tell you “there you go!”

MASK IT

Face masks contain nutrients and are fundamental to protecting your skin and making your face glow. Apply them before going to sleep. This will help in absorbing the nutrients with maximum capacity and make the skin appear cleaner. In fact, face mask helps fight the tortures of daily smog, air pollution, dirt etc. Doing one cleansing mask per week and exfoliating at least once a month are time tested techniques. In fact, exfoliation or peeling, if done at short intervals causes formation of sebum and oily skin.

DRINK WATER

The body is made up of 60 per cent water and needs liquids. Drinking at least three litres of water is important for the health of your body and for a healthy and hydrated facial skin. If you engage in sporting activities, you will need to consume more water as physical activity deprives you of liquids that must be replenished. To keep a tab use an app or diary to pen down every glass of water you drink.

DAWN, DUSK CLEANING

Wash your face twice a day: morning and evening. Make sure the water is warm to avoid drying the skin with too high or low temperatures. Use a cleaning product based on your skin type or alternatively also water. Avoid the soap as it can be aggressive on face. Dry with a gentle dab and not by rubbing the towel. The dabbing prevents any bacteria present spreading all over the face.

EYE CONTOUR

Use an eye contour to combat fatigue and stress that is created around your eyes. Fatigue from staring at computer screen all day is detrimental to the thin, sensitive skin around your eyes. Eye contour is found in the form of gels and with aluminum applicators that give a vibrant look to your eye area. Before closing in do inculcate a healthy diet rich in vitamins, fruits and vegetables in your diet. Since all this does not involve finding a needle in a haystack, play it cool, guys!

February 2019

MUSCLE

STRETCH

FOR GAINS EXERCISING WITH A STRETCH BAND IS THE LATEST CRAZE THAT IS SWEEPING ACROSS VARIOUS GYMS IN INDIA. HERE ARE A FEW THAT WE BELIEVE ARE REALLY BENEFICIAL. By MUKUL KASHYAP

STANDING BENCH PRESS

Use an anchor on a wall to secure the band. Stand 3-4 feet away from the anchor while facing the opposite direction. Position your arms parallel to the floor and parallel to the anchor. Make sure your back is straight and your chest is taut. Push the handles forward at eye level and then pull them back. Keep your grip light to ensure that the stress is placed on your chest.

February 2019

02 03

BENT OVER ROW

Start by holding a resistance band with straight knees and at shoulder width. Maintain a braced core and flat back throughout. Raise your hand over your head and bend forwards till your torso is parallel to the ground. Hold for five seconds. Now, get back to the normal position, slowly, without arching your back.

BAND LUNGE

Put one foot on top of a resistance band and hold the grip handles of the band over your shoulders so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tight. Take a giant step backward with the

free foot, till your back heel is raised. Bend at the hips and knees to lower into a deep lunge. Complete the set and then move to the opposite side.

LYING LEG EXTENSIONS Lie on an exercise mat with your feet flat on the floor and straighten your knee to a 90 degree angle. Contract

your glutes and extend legs outward until they are at an angle of 45 degrees, and your leg is straight.

February 2019

MUSCLE 05

BAND PULL APART

Hold the opposite ends of a long resistance band. Position your hands about shoulder width apart, or at a distance where you can feel some tension in the band. Pull your hands outward, as far as you can and feel the tension in your upper body. Return back to the original position and make sure to keep your shoulders down throughout the movement.

ABS WORKOUT WITH RESISTANCE BAND PERFORM THESE AB EXERCISES WITH A RESISTANCE BAND.

BAND SIDE STRETCH 3 SETS, 10 REPS

BAND LEG PRESS 3 SETS, 10 REPS.

BAND SQUAT

Start by placing the resistance band under your feet while keeping your feet at shoulder width. Hold the top of the resistance band by pulling it over your shoulders using your hands. Squat and then push up to a starting position.

ONE SIDE STRETCH 3 SETS, 10 REPS.

BAND LEG RAISE 3 SETS, 10 REPS.

February 2019

HEALTH

e live in a global village. The millennial man is going great guns with his sense of achievement and accomplishments in

almost every sojourn he undertakes. However, there still are some issues he shirks away from discussing. One of which is low libido and its concomitant problems, such as sexual dysfunction. These are talking points one must not refrain from for it has a bearing on both the individual and his family.

Though a scapegoat could be found in the underlying premise of a socio-cultural background that is less open, the new-age man can prepare adequate grounds to disrupt the same. Dr Mehak Nagpal, Consultant Sexologist and Psychiatrist at Centre for Sexual and Mental Health clinic at New Delhi, says, “Situation of low libido or sex drive among men is due to many reasons. The most potent being psychological; though there are other environmental, personal, economic and, physiological reasons too that can lead to one or another form of sexual dysfunctions. Some often neglected reasons are fatigue and tiredness from working round the clock, anxiety or stress, sedentary lifestyle, feelings of dissatisfaction with a relationship, etc.”

IT’S ALL IN YOUR MIND

Do not let a low libido ruin your pleasure. It is a psychological conundrum you can emerge out of. By GEETMALA SARKAR

This is one problem that must not be pushed under the carpet. “Men find it difficult to satisfy their partners as they are driven by the idea of doing things in an ideal manner. It leads to performance pressure. This burden can lead to psychological problems such as clinical depression and performance anxiety which exacerbate problems of low libido,” quips Dr Mehak. Of course, as a society, we must be able to differentiate between the real and the imaginary and not mix the two into unwholesome mixtures. Another factor for low libido could be the ageing process. Dr Mehak says, “As men age they may not be as much interested in indulging in a sexual interaction. This happens because libido tends to plummet with age and

andropause and testosterone production goes downhill. Testosterone maintains the sex drive, sperm production, muscle, hair, and bone health, hence a low testosterone level can affect both the body and the mood.” With hormones heading south there is a downward spiral on other aspects of healthy living too. Besides this, there are medical factors that are responsible for low libido. “There are physical illnesses, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic diseases affecting blood flow, nerve disorders and pain. These are conditions that must be specifically dealt with by specialist doctors so that they do not create problems of low libido or sexual dysfunctions,” says Dr Mehak. The complications that unravel are many. “When libido goes down men have fewer sexual thoughts and fantasies. They show less interest in sex and masturbation. They may initiate sexual activity less frequently too,” says Dr Mehak. Stimulation levels among men also hit rock bottom. “Even sexual stimulation, visually, by words, by touch, may fail to provoke their interest. However, they may still retain capacity for sexual activity.” In seeking treatment many men take to hormonal supplements. “An increasing number of men with low libido are asking for

testosterone supplementation these days, even though most of them actually have a normal testosterone level. It is important to bear in mind that adding this hormone can come with many long-term side effects as well. Therefore, when undertaking treatments or medication, it is important to look at all the hormones involved, besides testosterone; these are FSH, LH, Prolactin etc.” explains Dr Mehak. Dr Arvind Vaid from Indra IVF Hospital, Delhi says, “Sexual dysfunction in men can be in the form of erectile dysfunction, early ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, low libido or decreased desire. But, the most common cause is psychological. Psychological reasons can stem from stress, loss, fears etc. It is something that affects you to a great extent, so much so that you cannot perform with your partner.” This goes to mean that if psychological causes can be taken care of most people would not suffer from erectile dysfunctions (ED). However, one needs to be careful if other medical reasons factor in to cause erectile dysfunctions. Dr Arvind says, “The causes could be three. Diabetes is one reason. When your blood glucose levels fluctuate it could cause some sort of erectile dysfunction. Another reason is men with cholesterol disorders can have problems due to narrowing of the diameter of veins. It causes trouble in

blood flow and thereby leads to ED. Also, taking some drugs for the long haul may cause ED.” Men looking to cure a condition of erectile dysfunction must treat their psychology. A wrong mental construct should not be allowed to rule says Dr Arvind. “Treatment through counselling is effective and one must pursue it for long haul. Improve your psychology and you can set yourself free. Also one should try to live stress-free. Try to go on long holidays with wife and family. Family support is essential to overcome feelings of lonliness. In very severe cases, urologists can equip the person with pump-like implants.” Dr Manu Gupta, Urologist, Sir Gangaram Hospital, Delhi says, “Healthy lifestyle, weight loss, exercise and occasionally taking drugs like viagra are initially recommended (though it varies from case to case basis). Testosterone supplementation is the best therapy for treatment in men with low testosterone in a non-reproductive age group. Treatment should be done under careful supervision of an expert urologist only.” At the level of society, we must upgrade education and information to nip the problems in the bud. There is no sense of shaming lest we remain silent about it.

What do I do..!

February 2019

CONTENTS February 2019

FHM DISCOVERY: AISHWARYA DEVAN p18

FHM POKER: The Stakes are Set p50

On Kriti: Shrug & Skirt: Purple Paisley Sports Bra: Superdry Jewellery: Arkish Jewels by Vibha Gupta On Kartik: Shirt: Marks & Spencer Cover Story: When Venus met Mars p32

MUSIC: Bars Dropped p64

WHAT THE HELL

TRAVEL

MAVERICKS

GADGETS

WELLNESS

FILMS

9 CATCH AND RELEASE 12 MUSIC TO CUPID’S EARS! NEW LAUNCH

14 SKULLCANDY VENUE GAMES

15 HITMAN: AGENT 47 SPEED: CARS

24 STEP INTO THE WILD SPEED: NEW LAUNCH

26 NISSAN KICKS SPEED: BIKES

28 RIDING PILLION SPEED: NEW LAUNCH

30 KTM DUKE 125

42 FIXING A BROKEN HEART 45 REJUVENATING RETREATS ADVENTURE

46 DAREDEVIL’S DATE SPORTS

48 A VOLLEY GAMEPLAN FHM GIRLFRIEND

52 ANGELA KRISLINZKI QUICK BYTE

57 A MASTER’S SNAPSHOT PET

58 PAWING AROUND MONEY

60 STITCHING IT TOGETHER

62 SELLING BY THE PINTS 65 SEASONED STAR MUST HAVE

68 FOR HIM & FOR HER FASHION

70 SUNKISSED IN SARDINIA DRINK

74 RIGHT SPIRIT EAT

76 TASTE OF DECADENCE DATING & RELATIONSHIPS

78 LOVE IMMORTAL BABE OF THE MONTH

80 INES TROCCHIA

Cover Credits: On Kriti: Dress: Purple Paisley; Jewellery: Arkish Jewels by Vibha Gupta; On Kartik: Blazer & Pants: NM Design Studio T-shirt: Tommy Hilfiger Photography by Rohan Shrestha; Fashion Editor: Aakanksha Jain

February 2019

EDIT NOTE The month of February makes me uncomfortable. Very, very uncomfortable. Not because of the feeling of winter days slipping away from us (may be a bit of that too), but because how the second month of the year has been subjected to so much pressure. And the pressure is palpable. It’s not just about love, but also to find love (at a lightening speed) and make grand gestures. The most nightmarish of them all? To be loved. To be desired. For an editor, the challenge is beyond this. It’s saving a Love Special issue from slipping into a clichéd rut. So, when the star writer in our team narrated how after his friend had a break-up he swung into a rescue mode, I knew I have to make him write it. What did he do? He took his friend to Khajuraho. Well, there might be arguments on his choice of destination, but I did commission the story to him, without wasting a minute. The peril of being a journalist is that your story (and those around you) becomes a part of an article, at one point or the other. While our writer was feverishly typing his story away, we thought of ways to bring about a balance in our segments. Not too sweet, not too cynical. A former colleague once told me that the ultimate test of compatibility is when a couple takes a vacation together. Not the kind where you check into a luxury hotel and indulge in spa rituals, but where your personal endurance is put to test. The idea is to see if you still want to be with the person you love, even in the worst of conditions. Check out our adventure section and pick which activity you can take with your partner and see if you survive the daredevil’s date. We have also found some aphrodisiacs to get things going between the sheets. But, we bet you didn’t have a clue that ants can make you, well, aroused. A quick question for you. What is it that you and your partner fight the most about? You might say it is over how much is too much when it comes to sex (or too little?). But, according to surveys, it is money that brings the deepest rifts. To help you manage your finances, without getting into a fight, we took some help from experts to give us tips. Read our Money section now. Thank us later. Can love be described without a mention of Ghalib or quoting a few lines from his poetry? The answer is No. So, we spoke to contemporary poets and shayars to find out how the definition of love has evolved over the years. Our cover stars, Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon are a perfect example of the ‘new and evolved’ equation, which is what their next film is about. As they sizzle on our cover, they tell us all about what turns them on and what is on their bucket list. All we want to say is that love is not all mushy. It can be fierce. It can be encouraging. It can be harsh but honest. It is you, who choose what it is for you and what it can do for you. For all those singles out there, let love find you. Or take a solo trip to see aurora borealis. — Nidhi Raj Singh

On Kriti: Dress: Purple Paisley; Jewellery: Arkish Jewels by Vibha Gupta; On Kartik: Blazer & Pants: NM Design Studio T-shirt: Tommy Hilfiger

February 2019

Publisher & CEO

Nitin Agarwal

Associate Publisher

Arpit Agarwal

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Fashion Editor Assistant Editor Senior Content Writer Content Writers Fashion Stylist

Nidhi Raj Singh Aakanksha Jain Geetmala Sarkar Mukul Kashyap Mehul Reuben Das Kangan Gupta Mitali Goyal

Desk: editorial@tcg.media DESIGN Art Director Lokesh Mishra Designer Braja Kishore Sukla SALES & Vice-President Deputy General Manager Regional Heads

Distribution PAN India by Living Media India Limited TCG MEDIA LIMITED

LETTERS

Get in touch!

02/19

fhm@tcg.media fhmindia @fhmindia @fhmindia

Letter of the

month

Indefatigable Crusader The interview with Swara was awesome! It was very refreshing to see a mainstream actor be in such proximity to reality and realise where the shortcomings of the industry actually are. The shoot was also done very tastefully. Kudos team FHM! — Rahul Rastogi, Pune

Well, thank you Rahul! We really had a great time workinng with Swara and are glad that our readers enjoyed the interview as much as us.

Solitude In Sight When I read ‘Solitude In Sight’ it was as if the entire Kumaon region appeared like a day dream in front of my eyes. Thanks to explore such a hidden beauty. It was wonderful to know about the hidden jewel in the rustic nature of Kumaon, Sattal. —Laaeqa Uruj, Hyderabad We are glad that you enjoyed the story so much Laaeqa!

Verse Queen The interview with Raja Kumari was really insightful. Glad that FHM is focussing on emerging artists and musicians for this section. —Kanak Gogia, Delhi

Thank you Kanak. We really feel that these emerging young talenst will be very crucial in putting India on the global stage in the years to come.

February 2019

Broad ‘Band’ Connection Simply loved the feature! I couldn’t help but dig up some old music CDs and listen to them for hours. —Peace Kumar, Gurgaon

You know Peace, most of us actually did the same!

WHAT THE HELL IS

CATCH AND RELEASE

The language of love may be universal but is never constant. A friend with benefits can become an umfriend. Likewise, fishing has a new meaning in the dating world. Intrigued?

By KANGAN GUPTA

WHAT IS CATCH AND RELEASE? Catch and release is a contemporary dating trend practised by those who love the chase but are not too big on commitment. These daters are always wary of committing to one person. They like someone, woo them and try to establish an equation with them. But, once things start getting serious, they trace back their steps, look for someone else and repeat the pursuing and wooing all over again. LIKE FISHING Ring a bell? If you have ever gone fishing in your life, you would know what we are referring to. You sit still, for hours, anticipating a big catch. You finally catch a fish and the thrill is unmatched. When you examine it, sudden fear encompasses you because you know there are more in that water body. So you don’t settle, you release your first catch and continue looking for a better one. IN TIMES OF INTERNET Online dating pool is an excellent turf for some ‘catch and release’ fun. Everyone indulges in it, consciously or unconsciously. You keep swiping right anticipating a big match. On attaining a match, you start pursuing them. From that point on, you either lose interest or things become too serious. That’s when you swipe a little more and wait for another match and the thrill of chase lives on. Which side of the line are you?

February 2019

LOW ON

CALORIE

HIGH ON TASTE

honey tea concentrate

retail packaging

mini jar for room service

GADGETS

r Und,0e00 0 `2

MUSIC TO

CUPID’S EARS!

Looking to gift your BAE a nice pair of bass pumping audio cans? We have you covered! Here’s our pick for various budgets.

By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

r Und,0e00 5 `1

`OR15,000 UNDER This is where things get really serious. At this price point, the headphones offer an experience so ethereal that we could not believe that music, even Bollywood music would be so nuanced and detailed. You have to get your hands

February 2019

on the Sennheiser HD 4.50 Special Edition or the Marshall Bluetooth Monitors. While the Sennheisers accentuate the base slightly to get you in the groove, the Marshalls on the other hand are every audiophile’s wet dream because of their balanced

sound signature. Both these wireless headphones offer great additional features, and boast great built quality. Additionally, the Sennheisers also have Active Noise Cancellation, which means you can enjoy your music and videos without any disturbances.

`20,000 OR UNDER

At this price point, you cannot go wrong. Not only the offerings here sound surreal, they promise the best aural experience, without making a gaping hole in your wallet. We cannot help but recommend the Bose QC 35 II, the OG and the most badass headphones one can get their hands on today. A great built quality that allows the headphones to last an eternity? Check. A sound signature that closest what sound engineers want you to hear? Check? A solid isolation and ANC to make you oblivious to the world? Super Check. Alternatively, you can go for the Sony WH-1000XM3 as well. Both these headphones are almost perfect. Trust us when we say that after listening to these pairs of cans, you can never go back to the pesky little duds that phone manufacturers include in the box.

`10,000 OR UNDER

Under `10,000

At this budget, you get a lot more room to play around. Not only do you get tons of additional and really cool features as Active Noise Cancellation and better construction, you get tons and tons of variants to suit your specific needs. Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live without that thumping bass? Get your hands on the TaoTronics HiFi Stereo TT BH040. Completely wireless and with great fidelity, the headphones will literally rock your world. Moreover, you can also adjust the bass as per your application and needs. Alternatively, you can also go for the Audio-Technica ATH-M40X. These wired studio monitors have a more flat sound signature, thus, needless to say, they will be suitable for all tastes, at all times.

`5,000 OR UNDER

If your girl (or guy) is a serious audiophile and is looking for a great pair of headsets this Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day pickings at this budget is slim. However, the Tagg PowerBass 700 is one pair that will not disappoint. These wireless headsets sound great considering the price and have a great battery life. Furthermore, the call quality is phenomenal, and easily blocks out the ambient noise from your surroundings. Alternatively, you can also consider the Mivi Saxo. The headphones along with delivering some great bass, is also capable of producing decent mid and lower ranges. So no matter what your choice of music is, Electronic or Classical, you cannot afford to give these a miss.

r Unde0 `5,00

February 2019

GADGETS

FOR THE HEAD BANGERS

Skullcandy

QUICK

Figures on Skullcandy Venue

VENUE Bass enthusiasts have a whole new reason to rejoice in Skullcandy’s first attempt at Active Noice Cancellation. We investigate how it fares. By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

FHtiM ng Ra

DRIVERS 40 mm BLUETOOTH Version 5.0 with 100 metres range IMPEDANCE 32 Ohms WEIGHT 235 gms.

taying true to the Skullcandy’s identity, the Venue is targeted towards the modern bass lovers, people who prefer, rock, metal and electronic music. That being said, if you are into other genres, like classical and vocal centric ones, you will not be disappointed by the Venue. It sits perfectly with most music and videos which have a more balanced sound, accentuating the dialogues and soft background noises just aptly. You can put these headphones on for those binge watching sessions and go on watching one season of your favourite show after another. The Venue’s battery life and wireless capabilities are phenomenal. During our testing, we got upwards of 20 hours of battery life consistently. The official fact sheet states that connectivity is maintained even over 100 metres, which our testing found was true. In case you ever run the Venue out of juice, you have the option to

February 2019

hours of playback. All the cables as well as the headphones come in sturdy carrying box. What disappointed us about the Venue is its Active Noice Cancellation capabilities. There is a persistent weird hissing noise and at times, the ANC simply falls flat on its face. The built quality leaves a lot to be desired as well. It isn’t flimsy per se, but for the price that you pay for the headphones, you should expect much better construction. The only saving grace for the Venue’s built quality is the generous foam padding on top of the headband and the memory foam ear cups, which will allow users to use these pairs hours at an end.

connect it to your phone or music player with the included auxiliary cable. Or else, you can charge it for 10 minutes, for another five

FHM VERDICT At `18,500 there are much better ANC options available, with rock solid construction and a sound signature that suits everyone. It seems that Skullcandy is charging a premium for these headphones. For what exactly, we still haven’t been able to figure out.

PRICE `18,500

YAY . Packaging and Carry .. Case Quality of bass foam ear cups .. Memory Wireless capabilities Quality . Call Rapid Charge

NAY .. The Construction Active Noice capabilities . Cancellation The Price

GAMES

WELCOME BACK

AGENT 47

The Hitman franchise is back with another game among great aplomb and hue. But does it live up to the hype, or does our favourite assassin misses his mark? By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

O Interactive Games is known for one franchise and one franchise only â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Hitman. This has allowed them to develop and revamp the game time and again in a such a manner that none of the previous Hitman games have ever missed the mark, for both, critics and gamers alike. So good is the reputation of these games, that even after a botched Hollywood movie, supporters of the characters were able to coerce Hollywood biggies to revamp the title and make Hitman: Agent 47 with Rupert Friend, playing the titular role.

If you are looking for a good storyline like the latest Max Payne release, then you are barking up the wrong tree. If there is something that IO interactive does not do well, that is create engaging stories for Agent 47. Ever since the first title was released, we get bits and pieces of the Agentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past and abilities, and never the complete picture as to who he exactly is. Most of the missions and assignments that he gets from his trusted handler, Diana, are repurposed and very similar. The latest iteration tries to do away with this, but you get the distinct feeling that you have played a certain level before somewhere, sometime, in the last 15 years. But does anyone care if they have played a level before? Not really. The thing is, with a game like the Hitman 2, what really matters is how you complete your objective, and how you terminate someone. How do you not go about the obvious and find the most creative way to kill someone and dispose the body off. And trust us, this is easier said than done. This is what keeps gamers going. IO Interactive seems to know this and is pushing ahead with a tried and tested formula. So all in all, kudos IOI for a job well done.

February 2019

NUMBERS GAME

2 to TANGO

350 BOTTLES OF CHAMPAGNE WERE ONCE

USED TO FILL UP THE TUB IN WHICH MARILYN MONROE TOOK A BATH

42,000

Million Bubbles are there in a 750 ml Bottle Of CHAMPAGNE!

bottles - Winston Churchill consumed these many bottles between 1908 and 1965, making him one of the heaviest drinkers in history!

Champagne is supposed to be one of the catalysts in igniting romance between couples. However, romance isn’t the only thing that fascinates when it comes to the eloquent drink. Wait until these amazing facts boggle your mind!

By VEDIKA KAUSHIK

IS THE GREATEST NUMBER OF CHAMPAGNE BOTTLES SABERED IN ONE MINUTE TO BE OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS (“SABRAGE” IS A TERM FOR OPENING A CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE WITH AN ACTUAL SWORD)

70 to90

pounds per square inch is the typical pressure (estimated) in a champagne bottle

$2.07 MILLION IT IS THE COST OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE CHAMPAGNE NAMED GOÛT DE DIAMANTS, TASTE OF DIAMONDS

February 2019

In 1693

19 year old Dom Pierre Pérignon (A French Monk) invented Champagne and is also tagged as Father of Champagne by many!

3 TIMES More gas is found in

CHAMPAGNE in

comparison to beer!

19th CENTURY

England, high society men thought that the best way to polishing their shoes was with Champagne!

1-3 GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE ONCE A WEEK CAN PREVENT MEMORY LOSS/ DEMENTIA, AS PER A NEW STUDY.

Male

MODEL HUNT

Want to be featured in FHM Fit? Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your chance! For more details, visit www.fhmindia.com

TURNING

HEADS AISHWARYA DEVAN HAS ACTED IN MALAYALAM, TAMIL AND KANNADA FILMS FOLLOWED BY A BOLLYWOOD DEBUT. SHE WAS CROWNED FEMINA MISS INDIA MAHARASHTRA 2017. By MUKUL KASHYAP

Name Aishwarya Devan Date of Birth 21st December Grew up in Bengaluru Height 5’6’’ Vital Stats 34-28-36 Zodiac Sign Sagittarius Profession Actor Facebook @Aishwaryadevannofficial Instagram @aishwaryadevan Twitter @aishwaryadevan3

Your first celebrity girl crush? Kareena Kapoor Khan Who should take charge in bed – you or your partner? My partner! One fan given sexy nickname that you really like? They call me the ‘softer version’ of Bipasha Basu. What song do you listen to in the shower? Dance Like We’re Making Love by Ciara Do you prefer men clean shaven or men with beards? I prefer stubble. What’s your number one aphrodisiac? Honey What’s one part of your body that you love getting massaged? My back What’s your outfit of choice for sunbathing? Bikini! A gesture that always makes you go weak in the knees? A surprise gift.

THE FEELING OF WORKING IN A FILM POST A BEAUTY PAGEANT WAS VERY EXCITING. IT WAS A CRUCIAL STEPPING STONE FOR MY ENTRY INTO BOLLYWOOD.

What’s keeping you busy these days? Post my Bollywood debut which was a few month ago, I have been meeting people and reading a few scripts. I have been busy doing events in south India and also learning Kathak. Tell us something about your Bollywood debut film, Kaashi . How was the experience like? Kaashi is a story of a person in search of his sister. The main character is played by Sharman Joshi and I play a journalist from Lucknow, who is the main character’s love interest. We shot in Varanasi for around 45 days and I enjoyed the experience. I relished the chance of playing a strong character in Kaashi as I have not played any strong characters in South Indian films. It was great to work with Sharman. He was very supportive. How has your journey from beauty pageants to the sets of a mainstream film been? The feeling of working in a film post a beauty pageant was very exciting. I gained confidence and it was a crucial stepping stone which paved the way for my entry into Hindi cinema world. What would your naughty outfit for a romantic date be? A sexy military outfit. “Men only want one thing.” Comments? I don’t agree with this statement. I have worked in a male dominated industry and have come across a lot of decent men who are career focused and interact with actresses in a professional manner. What has been the funniest pick-up line that has been used on you? “Is your father a terrorist, because he made a bomb?” One secret about women, that men should know? That women want everything according to us. And one secret about men, that you think all women should know? They check out all women, no matter how hot or beautiful their girlfriend is.

February 2019

What has been your hottest look so far? Bikini with a transparent cover up! If you could have one cheat day and eat anything without any consequences, what all would you go for? Different desserts, since I tend to avoid desserts as they are high on calorie. And for any girl, chocolates and desserts are her best friends forever. How should a guy ask you out? I would love if a guy asked me out for a movie first. I don’t talk much, so if we go for a movie we will have something to talk about post the movie.

What is that one drunk incident that you sorely regret? I was super drunk at a bar (New Year’s party) and walked into the bathroom. When I turned, I bumped into someone and said ‘gosh I am so sorry’. It took me five minutes to realise that the person I bumped into was my reflection in the mirror.

Would you rather watch 50 Shades of Grey, the film or read the book? Why? I would prefer to watch the movie as I believe visual memories are sharper and can be recalled easily. What is your favourite romantic scene from a movie? A scene from Dil To Pagal Hai where Shah Rukh Khan goes close to Madhuri Dixit as they dance together for the first time.

THIS IS WHAT AISHWARYA’S BEEN UPTO, LATELY!

A relaxed Sunday afternoon, spent well! #sundaymoood

February 2019

Minimal Makeup and No Filters #nofilters

Vintages never go out of style, just like this Lambretta #mondaymoood

Finding serenity at Seema Malakaya, Sri Lanka #travelgram

Getting ready for Jaipur #Jaipur #Throwback

ON WHEELS YOUR GUIDE TO THE LATEST CAR AND BIKE LAUNCHES

Upcoming SUVs of 2019

Pg24

New Launch NISSAN KICKS

Pg26

Riding Pillion Best Cruiser Bikes

Pg28

New Launch

KTM DUKE 125 & NINJA XZ-6R

Pg30

SPEED

STEP INTO THE WILD

There is something innately attractive about big cars that gets every petrol head gushing over them. How will 2019 unfold for the SUV enthusiasts? By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

THIS YEAR, WE ARE BETTING BIG ON SUVS. AND NOT JUST US, IT SEEMS EVERYONE IS WAITING WITH BATED BREATH FOR THE NEXT MIGHTY BOULDER SMASHER TO SWEEP US OFF OUR FEET. SO WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE BEST OFF ROADERS THAT WILL HIT OUR ROADS IN 2019 AND WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THEM.

TATA HARRIER

. . . 24

Tata boldly claim that the Harrier will be the new benchmark for SUVs, and at their targeted price point it seems that they will. Powered by an in-line 4 cylinder, turbo charged engine, the Harrier will not

February 2019

AUDI Q8 We kick the list off with the most luxurious offering of 2019. The Q7 has been one beast of an SUV for being sporty, highly utilitarian and agile, in spite of its bulk and towering height. To think that Audi would have dared to surpass that and go even bonkers with performance would have been madness, but that is exactly what they have done. The V6 diesel powering the new A8

succumb to any challenge and should reign in all terrains and surfaces with ease. And it should. The Harrier’s engine shares its DNA with the Jeep Compass, and it is developed over Land Rover’s D8 architecture. With a heritage such as this, it’s not surprising then that Tata has

generates almost 290 octane fueled horses, which propels the behemoth from 0-100 kmph in under 7 seconds, and onto a top speed of 245 kmph all the while carrying a basketball team. Remember, that during all this, you would be cocooned in a luxury and comfort that is paralleled only by a few. If that does not set your heart buzzing, we wonder what will. Expected By – End of Q1 2019.

been teasing the Harrier for months, nay, over a year now, in the form of leaks and rare spottings. Not only for the car maker, but for the Indian SUV market as well, it seems that the Harrier will be a decisive car. Expected By – End of January 2019.

JEEP COMPASS TRAILHAWK Jeep has been making some of the most iconic SUVs ever. Right from its inception, Jeeps have ruled our streets, mountains and hearts. The Jeep Compass however, as good a car as it was, did not feel like a

true Jeep. It felt urban and that it could not take the same beating that its elder brethren, the Wrangler or the Grand Cherokee could. Now though, the car maker has our attention again, with the Compass Trailhawk. This one will be one cracker of an SUV when it finally hits our

MG HECTOR / MH HS Another car maker that is yet to enter the Indian Market, but already has everyone buzzing with excitement is Morris Garages or MG. In spite of a widely varied and colourful legacy to

KIA TUSKER As a company, Kia has to really prove their mettle in the Indian market, before it is considered a serious contender. It shouldn’t come as a surprise then that

the Korean car maker is gearing up for the world’s most rapidly evolving car market with a slew of some seriously high performance and affordable cars. The Tusker will mark Kia’s entry into the SUV market.

shore. Jeep has been teasing the Trailhawk for quite some time now, so much so, that this might just be, the most anticipated car of 2018 and 2019. We just hope that 2019 is the year, when finally, we get to behold and tame the beast. Expected By – Q1 2019.

bank on, MG Motors will step into the Indian Market with some of the most futuristic SUVs ever to arrive on our roads. At the time of writing this, not much is known about the car maker’s strategy for India, nor about the

car itself. However, British Engineering has never disappointed Indian petrolheads, and we are pretty sure, that this time too, MG motors wont. Expected By – Mid 2019.

Rivaling the Hyundai Creta, it will be interesting to see which of these K-Pop stars dominate the Indian roads. Fingers Crossed! Expected By – End of Q2 2019.

February 2019

SPEED

SMALL KICK, GIANT LEAP Nissan wants to capitalise on the spurt in the number of people buying SUVs, but can they actually acheive it? The Kick holds the answer. By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

issan is no stranger to the cutthroat SUV market that India is. One of their first SUVs to hit our roads, the Terrano, in spite of being one heck of a car, could not really capture the market for them. Needless to say then, Nissan had their work cut for them. So, does the Kicks

ct #FHM Fa

market The SUV rew by g ia d In in er cent over 23 p 18. in 20

February 2019

provide the proverbial kick to petrol heads and all SUV enthusiasts alike? In one word, the answer would be YES. It ticks all the right boxes on the essentials list of a person looking to buy a SUV for the city. It has a short turning radius, which translates to great maneuverability through a busy city traffic. And boy, is this car zippy. We are not

saying that you will be blown away by the performance figures of this car. However, for the size and the fact that this actually is an SUV, it sure packs a punch, thanks to the 1.5 litre in line 4 cylinder and manual transmission set up. For the diesel variant you get a six speed transmission, whereas if you opt for the petrol version, you get a five speed transmission. There are many other features that come as standard. Automatic Climate Control comes as standard, and so does the 360Â° camera, which, if we are honest, is great fun to play with. Plus, you get tons of safety features - ABS with EBD & Braking Assistance, Cruise Control, Stability Control or as Nissan calls it, Intelligent Trace Control LED Projector Headlamp with Smart Vision (Nissanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s version of Automated Headlamps), Rain Sensing Wipers, Hill Start Assist and the lot. Nissan, it seems, is all set to storm the market with the Kicks. They surely get huge thumbs up from us. However, only time will tell if the Indian SUV market is as accepting as us.

Nissan KICKS

IN NUMBERS

ENGINE 1.5 litre Petrol and Diesel variants DISPLACEMENT 1498cc (Petrol) 1461cc (Diesel) TORQUE 142 Nm @ 4000 RPM (Petrol) 240 Nm @ 1750 RPM (Diesel) BOOT SPACE 400 litres GROUND CLEARANCE 2100 mm

START YOUR TRAVEL WITH US... Logon to fhmstore.com & get more excited offers!!!

SPEED

RIDING PILLION

Hop onto one of these bad boys to show your girl the free spirited being that you are. By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE SPEEDMASTER A timeless classic that just had to be on our list of favourite cruisers, the Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is what happens when quintessential British Engineering meets the wild and carefree inhibitions of the born rider. Powered by a 1200 CC, Liquid Cooled, 8 Valve engine, the Bonneville Speedmaster stands Triumph-ant (sorry for the pun) over all its competitors when it comes to the exhaust note. A joy to ride in the stop and go traffic in the city in spite of its bulk, the Speedmaster sings a different tune altogether when it is given some room to play with. The bike entices riders to give the throttle a whole hearted, good wristed twist at low speeds, and brings a joyful glee when you let go.

JAWA FORTY TWO We cannot describe the joy when Jawa finally made their comeback with the Classic Jawa, and the Jawa Forty Two. We all grew up listening to our parents regaling the tales of their adventures on a Yezdi or a Jawa. The Jawa Forty Two blends modern design and technology with its historical legacy,

`11,33,7

perfectly. The end result, is that you end up with an easy to ride cruiser, on which you can cover hundreds of miles with your SO, without breaking a sweat. The Jawa ticks all the boxes of a traditional cruiser, with none of the drawbacks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; speed, ease of riding, low maintenance, and an exhaust that sings a glorious lullaby.

ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT 650 From the makers of the OG Indian Cruiser, comes one of the best riding machines. There is some intrinsic quality about the Continental GT 650 that has all motoring journalists as well as heritage riders going gaga over it. The feel and ride quality of the bike is unmistakably from the

21st century, but it looks pleasant like a classic vintage with modern touches. It is smooth, comfortable, handles brilliantly, darts like a hare when needed and just glides through a busy city. Honestly, the physicality, the refined viscerallike quality that the GT 650 embodies is enough to be madly in love with this bike.

` 2,65,0 ` 1,55,0

February 2019

HARLEY DAVIDSON 1200 CUSTOM This is as dope and wild as things get! One cannot think of cruisers and toys for big bad boys and not think of a Harley Davidson. A great sound track, soft but persistent vibrations, and the ability to rip a hole through time at the twist of a throttle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these are the defining characteristics of any cruiser, and the Harley embodies these perfectly. The best thing about this particular bike, is that Harley Davidson will gladly customise them in any way a customer wants. Want just one seat instead of one? Done. Want to get a wind shield on the front? Sorted. Harley Davidson knows that just like their customers, each of their bike needs to be different.

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INDIAN MOTORCYCLE CHIEF DARK HORSE The most powerful bike on the list, is, not surprisingly, also the most expensive one as well. However, the sensation that one gets while riding this free spirited machine compares to nothing else in the world. Beautifully designed and meticulously engineered, the Dark

Horse is to bikes, what Ferraris are to cars. Although its 1800 CC engine is definitely an overkill for most scenarios, we still believe that as far as cruisers go, nothing comes close to this beauty. The noise, the vibrations, the kick in the stomach when you start the bike â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of them have to be experienced to truly understand what this bike means.

`20,20,0

February 2019

SPEED

SMALL WONDER

The 125 CC segment of bikes has never been this exciting, thanks to the new KTM Duke 125. By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

here was a time when many of us would be disdainful of a 125 CC bike. Sure, there would be tons of options, which allowed riders to have some economical fun, but when it was time to put the hammer down, to really give it the beams, most of these bikes would simply fail to deliver. As a result, over the recent years, all the bikes that were launched in this segment seemed mundane, vapid and downright dreary. Enter KTM and Bajaj to change this perception. What we have here, my fellow

February 2019

IN NUMBERS • Engine - Liquid Cooled Single Cylinder 4 Stroke Engine with Fuel Injection, 125 CC • Performance - 14.5 PS @ 9250 RPM • Transmission - 6 Speed, with a mechanically actuated, multi-disc wet clutch • Top Speed - 130 kmph+ • Weight (Dry) - 137 kilograms

riders, is a 125 CC bike that you must get your hands on to truly believe that good and fun riding does not depend on engine displacement. The KTM Duke125 is one cracker of a bike, especially considering its price. Now, it isn’t the cheapest bike in this segment. However, it is the cheapest bike that KTM has to offer and should prove to be the perfect stepping stone to an exhilarating performance that the 125 Duke’s elder siblings have to offer. Once you take your position on this tightly strung tarmac ripper, you immediately get the

KTM 125 DUKE PRICE STARTS AT `1,18,000

KTM 125 DUKE

feeling what you will be in for – utter savagery, that paradoxically, is still palatable. You immediately get the feeling that you are about to ride a KTM, but one that is easy to live with, while providing the same exhilaration and glee that you would get from the 390 or even the 690 Duke, thanks to the phenomenal built quality and a design philosophy that screams performance. Hats off to the boffins at KTM then, for coming up with a mean little bike that actually gets us to drool. Well done!

Kawasaki’s Ninja Strikes…Again!

The Ninja lineup has captured the fascination of the Indian riding enthusiast for ages. How does the latest addition fare up when compared to its siblings? By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

n an already vast and varied lineup, the Ninja ZX-6R does not make much sense at first. It looks exactly the same as the ZX-10R, sits perfectly well between the 1000 and the 10R without offering much difference in terms of value. Why would anyone take a second look at the 6R then?

different modes for traction control known as the KRTC and it uses a smart cassette transmission that allows setting up the bike quicker than most of its rival. To ensure that you don’t end up off the track and in a pile of sky high flames when you eventually get this beast on a track, Kawasaki has fitted the 6R with semifloating 310 mm dual discs at the front and a single 220 mm disc at the back.

Simply because, first looks can be wildly deceiving. The 6R is like no other Ninja out there. Even though it has been made using bits and pieces that are available across the Ninja’s spectrum, the experience that this bike promises to deliver is vastly different from what the part’s sum total should be. We get a liquid cooled 4 stroke, 636 CC engine, with 16 valves, that is capable of churning our 128 refined Japanese, fire breathing horses. The engine also produces 70.8 Nm of torque. Now this may not sound that amazing, but given the fact that this is coming from a 636 CC engine, we will say that it definitely is brilliant.

One might be compelled to ask then, what is the price of all this ferocity. Well it isn’t cheap. At ~10,49,000/- you definitely are paying a premium, perhaps to the Japanese gods of speed and automotive engineering. Is the premium worth paying? Yes , of course. Look at it this way. Even though a Black edition Mercedes AMG is not an Italian supercar with an exotic name, people do pay a good price for it. Why? Because of the joy that hitting 100 kmph under 4 seconds is something that you can’t put a price on. The Ninja’s legacy it seems is safe in their latest launch. Not only is the 6R a great riding machine, it is also a very capable track monster. Kawasaki, if you are reading this, can we please give the bike a nice and proper go on a track? Please?

The Ninja 6R on paper at least should be one cracker when it comes to handling. It has the aerodynamic capabilities of a fish, it has three very

KAWASAKI NINJA ZX-6R IN NUMBERS

ENGINE 636 CC, liquid cooled in-line 4 cylinder engine

PERFORMANCE 128 bhp @ 13,500 RPM with 70.8 Nm of torque @ 11,000 RPM

TRANSMISSION 6 speed cassette transimission with assist slipper clutch

WEIGHT 196 kilogram curb mass

BRAKES Rear: Single 220 mm Front: Dual semi-floating petal disc, with KIBS 310 mm petal discs with KIBS

February 2019

WHEN VENUS

MET MARS KRITI SANON AND KARTIK AARYAN INHABIT TWO VERY DIFFERENT WORLDS. BUT SOMEHOW, THEY EXHIBIT A CHEMISTRY THAT IS RARE. TEXT BY MEHUL REUBEN DAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROHAN SHRESTHA FASHION EDITOR: AAKANKSHA JAIN ASSISTED BY MITALI GOYAL & DIPIKA C. FASHION ASSISTANT: SIMRAN KABRA

February 2019

On Kriti: Dress: Deme by Gabriella Earrings: Arkish Jewels by Vibha Gupta On Kartik: Pullover: Gaurav Gupta February 2019

On Kriti: Bodysuit: H&M Skirt: Purple Paisley Jewellery: Arkish Jewels by Vibha Gupta On Kartik: Blazer & Pants: Paresh Lamba Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger

he is unfaltering, centred and calm. He, on the other hand, is spry, lively and yet, at times a little, shy. Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon are as opposite as people get. And yet, in front of a camera, they gel perfectly well with each other. So good that they have been cast opposite each other in Laxman Utekar’s directorial debut, Luka Chuppi. We chatted with the duo over what is understandably the most arduous subject ever—the art of love. How was your experience shooting with FHM? Kriti Sanon (KS): It was great! We had a lot of fun. I saw some of the images and they look amazing as they were. I am looking forward to the magazine when it is finally out. Kriti, how do you select a script? What goes on in your mind during a narration? It never is the same. Different scripts have different elements that attract me. More often than not, it boils down to the fact that if I would be interested in the film as it is going to the audience or if I would actually watch the film. Then there is also the way a story gets narrated by the director or the scriptwriter. In such a case, people tend to depend on their first instinct. I also consider the people who are involved with the project. You need to be able to enjoy the project you are working on. So at the end, I think it is a combination of all these things. Tell us something about your upcoming film, Luka Chuppi. KS: As you know, it literally means hide and seek, and I think this is what best describes the film. The film is a situational comedy, based in a small town. It essentially is about two young people in love, who are trying to live together to understand each other better. It is almost a live in relationship, but with the entire family involved. Kartik Aaryan (KA): Luka Chuppi is very close to me. This is the first time you will get to see me in a film set in a small town. This is also the first time I was shooting in my hometown Gwalior, which was surreal. It’s a family comedy entertainer

On Kriti: Sports Bra: Superdry Skirt: Purple Paisley Earrings and Ring: Arkish Jewels by Vibha Gupta On Kartik: Shirt: Marks & Spencer February 2019

On Kriti: Dress: Deme by Gabriella Jewellery: Arkish Jewels by Vibha Gupta On Kartik: Pullover: Gaurav Gupta

with great music and powerful content. Also, I got to play a reporter for the first time. I think the film correctly depicts the madness and chaos when it comes to live-in relationships in a typical small town. Kartik, your monologues from your films are epic. We, too, tried reciting them verbatim and failed miserably. How did you get it right? Were you in a similar frame of mind as Rajjo from Pyaar Ka Punchnama? The monologues were one of my most favourite parts as well as the most difficult scenes. Both of them had to be shot in a single take. I had to prepare them in a certain way, which was

out of my comfort zone. The monologue from Pyaar Ka Punchnama 1 was a scene which was being shot for the first time in the history of cinema, which I got to know about much later. It was a single shot and the monologue was five and a half pages long. Personally, I did connect to a few paragraphs based on my personal life as well as those of my friends. However, there was no frustration. Also, what helped was the way it was written. Describe your ideal date. How would you go about it? KA: It would be a candle light dinner on a yacht in Maldives with just us and where we can just see

the sea and the moon. And the menu should have her favourite food and of course, desserts. KS: I am bit of a romantic when it comes to dating. My ideal date, too, would be by the beach, and would be a candlelit dinner. I would love to have the waves touch my feet. I am a big foodie and would prefer to have some Chinese or north Indian food. There has to be some really good soft music with some wine. Both of you have studied engineering. How were your college days like? Were you completely absorbed in books and auditions or did you find time to date people? KS: Yes, I did date sometimes

KRITI SANON ON HOT OR NOT Men with beard and moustaches Not for me... I prefer them clean

February 2019

Men with glasses Definitely hot

Men with quirks Very hot

Muscular and ripped men Hot

The monologue from Pyaar Ka Punchnama 1 was five and a half pages long. I did connect to a few paragraphs.

On Kriti: Bodysuit: H&M Skirt: Purple Paisley Heels: Christian Louboutin Jewellery: Arkish Jewels by Vibha Gupta On Kartik: Blazer & Pants: Paresh Lamba Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger Loafers: Asteri

Little things leave a lasting impression on me. When someone does something for me, without asking, it shows that they really care.

On Kriti: Bralette, Blazer, & Pants: UraMaku Rings: Arkish Jewels by Vibha Gupta On Kartik : Shirt : Marks & Spencer Jacket : Shivan & Narresh Pants: NM Design Studio

February 2019

WITH KARTIK AARYAN One Romantic Movie that you never get tired of Watching. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai One romantic destination that’s on your bucket list. Paris A song that’s currently stuck in your head. Apna Time Aayega by DIVINE Quickly – Who are you dating now? Quickly, I am single. An Actor/Actress that you would love to share the screen with, next. Alia Bhatt An actor/actress from the current crop whom you find bewitchingly sexy. Disha Patani The most romantic actor and actress, ever to grace our screens would be? Shah Rukh Khan & Kajol

WITH KRITI SANON One Romantic Movie that you never get tired of Watching. Titanic and PS I love You One romantic destination that’s on your bucket list. Mykonos & Paris A song that’s currently stuck in your head. Perfect by Ed Sheeran An Actor/Actress that you would love to share the screen with, next. Ranbir Kapoor or Ranveer Singh An actor/actress from the current crop whom you find bewitchingly sexy. Aditya Roy Kapoor can be extremely sexy. The most romantic actor and actress, ever to grace our screens would be? Shah Rukh Khan, for sure. Among the actresses there has been Madhuri Dixit Nene, and Rekha among many.

On Kriti: Shrug & Skirt: Purple Paisley Sports Bra: Superdry Jewellery: Arkish Jewels by Vibha Gupta On Kartik: Shirt: Marks & Spencer

KARTIK ON HOT OR NOT... When women take charge- Hot

when I was in college. I would often stay up late studying the night before the exam, because that was the time when I would be studying. I loved dancing and was part of a dance troupe. In my second year I took up modelling and started shooting for commercials. It was during this time that I realised that I could actually act and would like to pursue this as my career. KA: College for me was an excuse to come to Mumbai so I could pursue my dream of acting. I was hardly into studies, but was one of those students who used to study a day before and pass with flying colours. When I look back, I find it funny when girls would call me Saawariya as they often found similarities between Ranbir Kapoor and I. I loved all the attention that came my way. Yes, I did have my share of relationships in college. Kartik, in most of your best Box Office performers, you seem to play this wise, know-it-all wingman, who is anti-relationship to a certain extent. Does it bother you might get typecast into a certain frame and that people will fail to see you in any other light? I have always played characters that are lovable and relatable. I believe that they have been positive characters. Talking about Rajjo and Gogo, they were both positive characters. The common thing was that they were in relationships with wrong people. 40

February 2019

Women without Makeup- Hot

They were never anti-woman or anti-relationship. Otherwise there would have been no relatability. I’m happy being called the first Bromantic hero or king of monologues or the Punchnama baby. I feel I have earned these tags because of these films and I am proud of them. In future, you will get to see me play a lot of new characters set in different worlds. Like my character in Luka Chuppi. What has been the most romantic thing that your respective partners have done for you? KS: Little things leave a lasting impression on me. When someone does something for me, without asking, it shows that they really care for me. Little gestures or small surprises that come out of the blue, like offering me their jacket or leaving little notes or a poetry— things like these leave a lasting impression on me. KA: I was in a relationship in which I always felt that my girlfriend was not expressive and was not romantic at all. But, when we broke up, she sent me a diary in which she had recorded even the tiniest moments along with receipts of things that we bought or tickets from films we saw together. All of it was attached to the diary that she sent me. It is one of the most romantic and yet a very sad moment in my life.

Quirky Women- Hot

Do you remember the most horrendous date that you have ever been on? KA: It was I was in college. We went out for a light dinner and this was our first date. I am a vegetarian but my date wasn’t. I don’t have any problem with people eating non-vegetarian food with me, but she ordered a crab. The chef got a live crab that he would kill or boil or don’t know what before proceeding to cook it. She got really embarrassed, whereas I got really awkward. We decided to chuck the dinner. KS: I haven’t dated that much to begin with to have a bad date as such. But yes, there have been times when the restaurant that we wanted to go to was booked or was shut for some reaason, or something or the other did not go as we had hoped it would. Still, I haven’t been on any date that was a disastrous. How would you define love? KA: Love is everything for me. It has to be unconditional. For me, it is like oxygen. You can earn all the money in the world and buy the most expensive things. But, at the end of the day, true love is what you will always desire for. KS: It is difficult for me to explain. It is something that is felt and cannot be really put in words. You know of it when you are in love. It does not have a reason. It exists with all its flaws along with the flaws of the one you love. It is in the way you look at each other, what they mean to you.

On Kriti: Bralette, Blazer, & Pants: UraMaku Rings: Arkish Jewels by Vibha Gupta On Kartik: Shirt: Marks & Spencer Jacket: Shivan & Narresh Pants: NM Design Studio

Love is everything for me. It has to be unconditional. For me, it is like oxygen.

HAIR & MAKEUP (KRITI SANON): FLORIAN HUREL @ ARTIST FACTORY MAKEUP (KARTIK AARYAN): VICKY SALVI HAIR (KARTIK AARYAN): MILAN THAPA FASHION INTERN: SANJOLI ARORA LOCATION COURTESY: SU CASA, MUMBAI

TRAVEL

Fixing a

Broken Heart... ...at Orchha & Khajuraho

Travelling works wonder for a newly single person—so we’ve been told. We travelled to the heart of India to find out. Did it work? By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

A very dear friend of mine had his heart broken. So, like a good wingman, I decided to organise a weekend trip to let him lick his wounds and console

February 2019

himself. Dodging the clichéd post-breakup trip to Goa, we decided to give in to our millennial angst by being different: Khajuraho and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh.

PRO TIP Goa is overrated and who knows what you will encounter in Thailand. For heaven’s sake, think out of the box.

We decided to take a train to Jhansi, the nearest town to Orchha. Unfortunately, we could not afford flight tickets as we had spent most of our salaries drinking away the sorrow and pangs that follow a breakup. At four o’clock in the morning, as we were about to reach Jhansi, we were woken up by a wailing child wouldn’t stop crying. Not a great start to our trip, I thought.

Orchha is also known for Jahangir Mahal. As per an oft apprised legend, Akbar had sent Jahangir on a conquest to Orchha. The then king, Raja Vir Singh Deo lost the battle and had to pay homage. So, a palace was ordained by the defeated king in honour of his victor. Jahangir spent just one day in this castle. Such opulence in hosting guests is still prevalent in Orchha. We had our evening tea at a small dhaba and had a wonderful chat, (as well as some chaat) with the owner.

PRO TIP Don’t travel immediately after having your heart smashed to smithereens. Wait a little, at least for one salary cycle, to allow your mind, and more importantly, your wallet to recuperate. From Jhansi, we took a rickshaw to Orchha the same morning, as it was cheap. Taking a taxi would have been cheap as well, if we could find one. As glorious as it once was, Jhansi definitely is lazy and certainly not a morning town. Once you are out of the main town of Jhansi, the road to Orchha is perhaps one of the best ones in India. I was envious of my driver, since he got to enjoy the swooping, easy terrains of the road. The forest on either sides of the road with its little trees and tall grasses only added to its character. Mind you, this is not a road that you want to drive too fast, as there are cows roaming freely—a lot of them. However, that shouldn’t be a problem. You wouldn’t think of speeding, rather driving slowly, taking in the view.

PRO TIP Hire a car and drive it yourself. Trust me, nothing beats the satisfaction of finding a good road to drive on all by yourself. We reached Orchha early in the morning. Unable to find a living soul awake, we decided to spend a few hours by the river Betwa, hoping to catch the sunrise. And

PRO TIP

we were not disappointed. Sitting down by the side of the river, we watched the sun rise and light up several chattris (cenotaphs), reminding us of the glory of the kings and warriors of Bundela. We also went for a swim in the river, recharging our battered souls. A couple of hours later, we found a hotel by the bank of the river and checked in.

PRO TIP Stay by the river bank. Not only is taking a dip in a flowing river refreshing, just sitting by the bank rejuvenates the mind and soul in an inexplicable manner. Also, always book a room before you land in Orchha. Like modern relationships, it does not bode well to just swing it.

As we looked at the sculptures at Khajuraho, we wondered what made us Indians—who taught the world the art of making love—so confused and uncomfortable about sex? After a brief morning slumber, we set out to explore Orchha. As naïve as we were, we had assumed that the temples and spirituality would help our friend. But you see, God works in mysterious ways. The friend whose terrible luck had led to this odyssey found an old “friend” from his college days. Long story short, he had his palette cleansed. And while he was ‘catching up with her’ back at the hotel, I simply roamed around the town.

PRO TIP It’s always a great idea to be in touch with old friends. You never know when and where you might run into them and have a blast.

Be jovial and friendly towards locals. Not only are their stories a great distraction, if you are a good listener like me, you, too, may end up having many cups of tea and food for free! The next morning, we took a train to Khajuraho. The locals believe that an Indian tourist is only interested in seeing a couple of stone figurines ‘doing’ it. Thus, these maginificent temples are fondly (and wrongly) called, the Kamasutra Mandir. The Khajuraho temples have some interesting carvings on the wall. As mature as we are, we could not stop giggling, as we appreciated the intricacies of the handiwork, both of the sculptors and the couples in those carvings. This also led to an epiphany. What made us, the people who taught the world the not-so-subtle art of making love, to be so frustrated, uncomfortable and confused about sex. This solemn thought was broken by a snide comment by my friend as he looked at a complex position: “This could have been you and your ex.” And with that, we were back to square one.

PRO TIP Choose your friends wisely. One blabbermouth of a baboon can sometimes ruin your hard work, and a perfectly good trip.

February 2019

TRAVEL

CHECK INTO BLISS

ROMANTIC ESCAPADES

Forget crammed touristry spots. A romantic getaway in an offbeat location should be your goal this year. Pick from these luxury hotels and you might not have to step out of your suite. By MUKUL KASHYAP

OBEROI WILDFLOWER HALL, SHIMLA

HOTEL ROSARIO LAGO, LAKE TITICACA

This majestic colonial hotel is reminiscent of a time when luxury and tranquility converged. With rooms overlooking the majestic Himalayan ranges, there is no better place to spend some quality time with your partner. The pine and cedar forests surrounding the hotel make it the perfect backdrop for a picnic, amidst fairytale settings.

LOCAL MUSEUM

KAKSLAUTANNEN ARCTIC RESORT, FINLAND

LA CALA RESORT, COSTA DEL SOL

BUTT’S CLAREMONT HOUSEBOAT, SRINAGAR

Nothing screams romance like the sun kissed Mediterranean beaches and old world charm of a Spanish town. Located among lush surrounding, the La Cala Resort is an idyllic rustic retreat and is within touching distance of the beaches of Costa Del Sol. The al fresco evenings and the sunshine make it perfect.

If you’re for some peace and rest on your next romantic escapade, then a houseboat would be ideal. The Claremont Houseboat next to the historic Naseem Bagh on the Dal Lake. Touted as the perfect honeymoon spot, the houseboat has a rustic and regal charm and offers delicious Kashmiri cuisine as well.

February 2019

Scoping out the farmer’s market is a must on any new destination. It will give you a peek into the local life and culture.

Most popular destinations will have a lot of options when clothes and other trinkets.

Imagine sitting with your partner in a glass igloo and watching the northern lights on a starlit night. This resort, on the edge of wilderness in Finland is surrounded by sublime Arctic scenery and is a great option for your next romantic adventure. Feel free to curl up with some mulled wine as you contemplate the vastness of the universe.

If waking up next to your partner on an exotic villa overlooking a lagoon is your idea of the perfect vacation, then the Lux South Ari Atoll fits the bill perfectly. The resort provides a delicious mix of privacy and luxury and the ocean views are to die for. You can order your favorite cocktails while sitting on your private deck and catch a whiff of the soothing ocean breeze.

FARMER’S MARKET

STREET SHOPPING

Straddled high on the Andes, the Rosario Lago is situated on the banks of Lake Titicaca. Soak in the beautiful sunset on the lakefront with your partner and explore the Incan culture. The hotel highlights Andean handicrafts and serves some delightful Bolivian wine. You can always set off on a boat ride on the lake with your beloved and soak in the panoramic mountain views.

LUX SOUTH ARI ATOLL, MALDIVES

Local shopping tips

A visit to the local museum is a good way to understand the history of the place. Most museums have a souvenir store for tourists.

OLDEST BAKERY

Every town has that old baker shop which is a favourite amongst residents and tourists. Visit such a bakery to try the fare and take some for your friends back home.

LOCAL BAZAAR

If you are unsure what to buy and want to be surprised then visit a local bazaar. You can buy items like clothes, spices and perfumes.

WELLNESS

REJUVENATING

RETREATS

Men don’t land up in spas as an afterthought anymore. They go full-throttle exploring lymphatic massages, detoxification, aromatherapy induced relaxation. By GEETMALA SARKAR

he most trending aspects that are a complete go-to for men at spas are the various kinds of massages. There are different types of massages to choose from, each of which caters to a specific requirement of men. There are varieties of treatments, processes and even scents that are used to make relaxation, relief and recovery easy to come by. “Massages are used as a part of a treatment plan for urban men

who could be wanting to look good, improve his sleeping patterns, decongest his mind or to treat sports-related wear and tear,” says Seema Nanda, Spa Consultant and Founder Director, Estetico The Facial Bar & The Nomadic Spalon, Delhi. Of course, men need a different variant of treatment and therapy as they are exposed to varying set of environments and stressful situations. Seema further adds the kind of massages that are for the uptake. “If your lifestyle demands intense physical work followed by chronic fatigue, Swedish massage is the one to opt for. An hour of Swedish massage is equal to nearly eight hours of rest. Swedish massage uses long, kneading strokes and deep circular movements, rubbing muscles against each other and against the bone. It is done in the direction of blood flow to the heart, increasing circulation and flushing out lactic and uric acids keeping ligaments and tendons supple.” There are alternative therapies that men are keen about. Reflexology is one such area. “There are reflex points in ones feet and hands that spread out to every part of the body, and are accordingly roused through targeted pressure. Reflexology

increases blood circulation promoting muscular functions and emotional improvements such as increased confidence, motivation and concentration.” Given the fact that men today adopt to active lifestyle where sporting activities also find a place, they are prone to injuries as well. “Sports massage is what they resort to to drain out exhaustion, prevent injuries, decrease inflammation, and heal sore tissues. If you’re a serious athlete, this massage is mandatory for you as it improves oxygen flow to muscles that require repair,” says Seema. Spilling the beans on what is the current focus of men when it comes to spa retreats, Dr Poonam Bali, Wellness Director at Bliss Total Wellness and Medispa, New Delhi says, “One point focus is given on detoxification and rejuvenation. It is especially necessary when you are dealing with every day city life which is toxic and very much in the grip of all kinds of pollution. Spa retreats give you a break and refresh you.” Dr Poonam also promotes “Retreats for they provide good end-results. You can be free from visits to doctors, hospitals, surgeries and medicines. It is essential for all-round wellness and relaxation as it ups men’s energy levels and improves their longevity too.”

February 2019

ADVENTURE

DAREDEVILSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

DATE

An edgy adventure is the ultimate test of your relationship. So, dive and leap with your partner. By MUKUL KASHYAP

TANDEM KAYAKING

Your partner, a long kayak and endless expanse of water are the perfect elements for a week-long adventure. While kayaking is tricky yet simple, tandem kayaking is a new ball game altogether. Maneuvering a two-person Kayak requires teamwork and good communication skills. Hop on a kayak to test your coordination and communication.

WHERE: Kerala Backwaters

TANDEM SKYDIVING coordinate your jump and

ROCK CLIMBING

If you are thinking of an activity where both of you will need to be on the same footing, then rock climbing is your perfect bet. It requires sound trekking technique, combined with strength and

CAR RALLY

flexibility. Your partner can assist you while climbing and warn on dangerous rocky slopes. Two pairs of eyes are better than one.

WHERE: Miyar Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Often termed as a tenuous shotgun marriage, the relationship between a driver and a navigator in a car rally is as delicate as they come. A rally driver adventure with your partner will make all your other arguments seem trivial as you will be jointly responsible for

This is the closest you will ever come of fulfilling your partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wish of taking her to the moon and back. If you are both up for new challenges, then there will be nothing quite like tandem skydiving. You can

enjoy sublime views as you free fall in unison. Do not forget to take some training and learn the basics before attempting a jump.

WHERE: Mysuru, Karnataka

steering a vehicle across uneven terrain at ridiculous speeds. You may be the driver or the navigator, but the important aspect is that you must place your faith in your co-driver and trust them completely.

WHERE: Manali, Himachal Pradesh

February 2019

SPORTS

A VOLLEY GAMEPLAN

VOLLEYBALL ENTHUSIASTS ARE FINALLY GETTING A SPORTING LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN. By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

FOR ANY SPORTSMAN, BIGGER THE STAGE, BETTER IS THE INCENTIVE TO PERFORM.

February 2019

e speak to PV Sindhu, Akhin GS, David Lee and Jerome Vinith, all stalwarts in their own right over the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball League, and they tell us that finally, Volleyball enthusiasts have a reason to rejoice. Edited excerpts.

FOR ANY SPORTSMAN, IT’S GREAT TO HAVE ADULATION AND IF LEAGUES CAN BRING THAT, NOTHING’S BETTER.

VOLLEYBALL IS ALREADY A VERY POPULAR SPORT IN THE COUNTRY. HOPEFULLY, ITS POPULARITY WILL ONLY INCREASE.

How important are leagues to the growth of a sport in the country? PV Sindhu: Every domain sees a shift in paradigm from time to time. That shift in paradigm in Indian sports came in the form of the emergence of leagues starting from IPL in cricket. In the subsequent years, leagues have become a trend and a very successful one. Akhin GS: Leagues have developed interest of crowds with innovations and anything that brings more people into the stadium and allows players to showcase their talent to a larger audience is good for the game. Besides, leagues mean that it’s not the select few who represent the national team that get all the attention and, in fact, provide platform to younger players to play at the same level with them. David Lee: Leagues around the world have changed equations by bringing sportsmen of different backgrounds closer to each other. The exchange of ideas and strategies that takes place also has an impact on changing the sport from within and elevating it to a higher and more attractive level. Jerome Vinith: We have seen how so many amazing sportsmen who were not greatly popular a decade ago, have become household names because of their performances in these sporting leagues. For any sportsman, it’s great to have that kind of adulation and if leagues can bring that to a sportsman, nothing better than that. Where do you see Volleyball in the country 10 years down the line? PVS: Volleyball is already a very popular sport in the country. Hopefully, post the league, its popularity will spread even more. DL: I’m pretty happy to see the excitement around the first

edition of the league and if that excitement is anything to go by, the future of the sport looks bright and exciting to me in this country. The league has also generated interest of Volleyball fraternity outside India and I have got a lot of queries about the league from foreign players and coaches. JV: As a player, there is no dream bigger than representing one’s country on the Olympics stage. Ten years is a long time and hopefully as a player, we can take the sport to a level where we can compete on the Olympics stage. Akhin GS: I am hoping the league brings more attention to the game from fans. While the game is popular, we would love to have crowds fill up stadiums for India matches in the coming years. Do leagues enhance a player’s game at an individual level? DL: For any sportsman, bigger the stage, better is the incentive to perform better. When you have bigger audiences cheering for you, it just adds to your motivation to achieve naturally. As a result, you work on your game even harder. PVS: In the leagues, the competition is different. In a team sport like Volleyball, there’s an opportunity to understand team dynamics from a very different perspective. Your roles also change slightly. Besides, there’s a lot of exchange of ideas among players. All this do have an impact on one as a player. Does India have the potential to be a global powerhouse in volleyball one day? JV: There is a lot of talent in the grassroots in the country. With the right opportunities and the right exposure, I’m sure we can be a force to reckon with on the world stage in the coming times. AGS: We already have a team that can compete at the highest level. To be a global powerhouse is a definite dream and I’m sure we are moving in the right direction. Thanks to the league now, young players can improve their game as they get to rub shoulders with the best of the world like Lee, Lotman and others.

February 2019

POKER WPT CRUISE

THE STAKES ARE SET

2019 is set to be a promising year for Poker players. These are some of the big ticket tournaments across the world with a prize pool worth drooling over. By MUKUL KASHYAP

WPT LA, POKER CLASSIC Held in the creative center of the United States, the WPT L.A. Poker classic is all set to be held at the Commerce Hotel & Casino, Los

February 2019

If you looking to combine work and play then the WPT Cruise will be ideal. Play a cash game of your choice as you enjoy the scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea. There are professional WPT dealers on the tables and quite a few tournaments are held. This is a great opportunity for professional players to rub shoulders with Poker experts and play on tables, sans the pressure of a high stakes tournament.

Angeles. The buy-in has been set at USD 10,000 and will see participation of Poker heavyweights from around the world. The 2018 edition saw 493 entries and had a prize pool of over USD 4.6 million.

EPT BARCELONA

EPT, MONTE CARLO

Held in one of the most iconic and famous cities on the planet, the EPT Barcelona is one of the most awaited tournaments of the season. The main event has a buy in of €3,300 and a total guaranteed prize pool of €3,000,000. Another bonus feature is that the event also includes two revered EPT brands like DeepStacks and WPT500.

This event is held in Monte Carlo, which is the most glamorous destination for players in the European circuit. The city of Monte Carlo has a rich history when it comes to casinos, with the first one being built way back in 1862. The buy-in for the 2019 event is set at 5300 euros. The 2018 event saw 777 participants who competed for a total prize pool of roughly 3.6 million euros. Added to that, the famous ‘Place Du Casino’ in the heart of Monte Carlo is worth visiting as it has been featured in various James Bond movies and is famous for its ‘extravagant display of endless wealth.

CHAMPS of the Table from around the World

World Series Poker 2018 John Cynn 8.8 million USD

APT Macau

Michael O-Grady 1.1 million HKD

WORLDS SERIES POKER, LAS VEGAS The World Series Poker is held in Las Vegas. The world series has gained a reputation amongst players who are looking for a shot at glory. The 2018 version drew in 7874 players who paid USD 10,000 as a buy in or earned their spot by winning a series of satellite tournaments with lower buy-ins. Last year’s winner, John Cynn, walked off with a prize money of USD 8.8 million. If that is not enough motivation, then consider that the winner is crowned the unofficial world champion of Poker.

WPT LA Classic Dennis Blieden 1 million USD

EPT Monte Carlo Nicolas Dumont 712,000 Euros

APT MACAU The Macau region in China has been melting pot for different cultures and languages. A region is renowned the world over as a hub for business and a haven for casinos. The last edition of the APT Macau saw 377 entries with a buy in of HK$ 11,000 and a total prize pool that had surged to HK$ 3.6 million.

EPT BARCELONA Piotr Nurzynski 1 million Euros

February 2019

Wings &

HALOS Angela Krislinzki is making a name for herself in the Southern Film Industries, having dished out a major box office success in Rogue. In a candid conversation, we meet her jaunty and blithely side. By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

From reality shows to acting in films in the south, you seem to have come a long way. Tell us something about your journey. Yes, I have come a long way. As I don’t belong to the film fraternity, for me, every chance matters a lot. So whether it was 1921 with Vikram Bhatt or Rogue with Puri Jaganadh or even performing in front of Rohit Shetty and Karan Johar in India’s Next

February 2019

Superstars, I treated everything like an audition. It was about proving myself and giving my best every single time. For me every opportunity counts The tussles and fights in reality shows sure garner a lot of attention. Is the tension all real or is it made to seem so, using clever editing? Yes, most reality shows are actually

edited in that way. At times a romantic angle is inserted and at times, a fierce and animosity is shown. At the end of the day, it is the TRP that matters and crazy sensational content gives the channels the required TRP. For example with India’s Next Superstars, in the bits between the competitions, the content was quite manipulated. Showing my love angle with Aman actually gained a lot of popularity.

W H O ’S SHE? Name Angela Krislinzki Date of Birth 21st June From Mumbai Height 5’7“ Vital Stats 34-25-36 Zodiac Sign Cancerian Facebook @angelakrislinzki Instagram @angelakrislinzki Twitter @angelakrislinzk

You already made your Bollywood debut with 1921. How different did you find the two industries? I have worked in the south with Puri Jaganadh. He is an excellent director. He finishes his work so quickly. We finished our shoot for Rogue in almost a month which was nice. At the same time shooting in London with Vikram Bhatt for 1921 was an amazing experience in itself. He is such an intelligent director. You get to learn so much on set with him. I got to learn so much. Even if I wasn’t shooting I would be on the set to just learn and observe. The vibe on the set was amazing. What is your idea of an ideal romantic date? I am a die-hard romantic. However, I don’t have an ideal romantic date. For me, any place with my Mr. Perfect would turn into an ideal romantic date. All the cute things like a smile, blushes, cuddles, and everything else would make it ideal. So there is no fancy place or setting as such, but any place nice with the one I love. How will you dress seductively or naughtily for a date? If we are going for a drive or to the theatre during the day, I will dress like myself which is quite normal mostly. If it’s a night out maybe I will dress a little seductively and naughtily. Black is my colour. I like lace. It’s my favourite thing. It makes me look

Your first celebrity girl crush? Megan Fox How comfortable are you with PDA? I am a complete PDA fan Who should take charge in bed – you or your partner? It depends. I like to take control at times but I also like my man to take control too One fan given sexy nickname that you really like? Aynlinzki. I really like that Any phobias? Fire What title would you give to your Autobiography? Angel in the skies

February 2019

QUICK FAVOURITES Favourite Sport? Throwball

Favourite Dating app? Never been on one Favourite Car? My BMW Favourite accessories? Handbags. Favourite holiday destination? London. Favourite Cuisine? Chinese. Favourite TV Shows? Game of Thrones and Gossip girl Favourite position to sleep in? I like to curl my body and sleep sideways

pretty and automatically makes me look hot and seductive. What is your favourite hangout spot for a romantic date? It would be somewhere in the exterior, away from the city. It should be somewhere in nature. Maybe somewhere under the stars or somewhere near the beach. I like the beach, I like the sound it makes and it’s very peaceful. You can meditate and do a lot of nice things. What is your ultimate fantasy? My ultimate fantasy involves chocolate as I just love it. Now keep your guesses going , I am not going to talk much about it! One secret about you that nobody knows? That I am very impatient. People think that she is super calm but at times, I get very excited and hyper. What do you find sexy in a man? I think the way a man treats his woman and makes her feel special. That’s the sexiest thing a man can ever do. When his woman is right next to him, him making her feel like a queen, being loyal to her and ignoring other people around. That is what I am looking for in a man which is too much to ask for probably. But yeah that makes him sexy. All my exes had that quality. What according to you is one romantic getaway destination that one simply cannot miss out on? I love Seychelles. The water is so blue. I can just be with my boyfriend all day long on the beach. It is also very beautiful and breezy. In the night, under the stars, it’s just so beautiful. You just don’t need anything else.

I AM A DIE HARD ROMANTIC. HOWEVER, I DON’T HAVE AN IDEAL ROMANTIC DATE. FOR ME ANY PLACE WITH MR. PERFECT WOULD BE AN IDEAL DATE

February 2019

It is said that the key to a man’s heart is through his tummy. What would you cook to impress a man? Maybe I will cook him chicken curry. I feel my chicken curry is very nice. But I might cook him some spaghetti as well. In any case, he’s sorted. He will be in love with for the rest of his life! One secret about women, that men should know? That they love the idea about love and you just treat them with love and they will give everything in return. They will be faithful. They would be a good wife. Just treat them well. That’s all they crave for or at least what I crave for. And one secret about men, that you think all women should know? People think that women are vulnerable. But men are equally vulnerable or maybe more. They need to be comforted by women.

Once you give them that comfort, and a certain kind of love and, he is all yours. That’s why men usually love their mothers so much that’s. Give them the motherly love and comfort and they will love you forever.

What items do you have hidden under your nightstand or bed? So in my nightstand I have my eye cream and my night cream. I have a diary as I write down everything that I am thankful for throughout the day.

While working out, which part of the body do you focus most on? While working out I focus on my legs because I like them well toned. That’s a nice part to focus on. Thanks to genetics, I am blessed with quite a slender upper body but I need to work on my legs.

When all alone at home, what do you like to dress in? I like to dress in something very comfortable. Something in silk which is smooth and nice on my skin. Or else shorts and t-shirts are always fine. It basically has to be very comfortable.

How should a guy ask you out? A guy should just be upfront and ask me out because I think that shows confidence. It is nice if someone just comes up to you and asks you out, rather than play mind games because nobody likes drama these days.

MOST REALITY SHOWS ARE EDITED VERY CLEVERLY. OFTEN LOVE ANGLES ARE INSERTED TO GET A JUMP IN RATINGS AND VIEWERSHIP.

February 2019

RATE YOURSELF ON 10 As a girlfriend 10 on 10 As a style icon Maybe 7 As a kisser 8 As a cook 8 In foreplay 7 or 8 In Bed 8

QUICK BYTE

A Master’s

SNAPSHOTS ATUL KASBEKAR, FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER SPILLS THE BEAN ON HOW TO SHOOT A SWIMSUIT CALENDAR LIKE A PRO. By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

You have appeared on a number of shows but you tend to be a little media shy. Why is that? I keep getting offered gigs on the other side of the camera. My last engagement was as a judge with Top Model India. I believe there is some chatter on renewing the same. I don’t think I would classify myself as ‘media shy’. I’d just rather be in the news when there is something to say. What is the selection process for a model for the swimsuit calendar? We start getting calls from February and March from models and agencies to have their talents featured. This year one of the girls, a Sri Lankan supermodel actually connected over Instagram, so there’s always something new. We shoot all aspirants in identical conditions in the studio and send colour corrected, but untouched images to the client. We also supplement them with images from the model’s portfolio so that they are aware as to what their previous commercial work looked like. As a photographer, you are in a very crucial position, not only to make the models look good, but also, to enable a smooth and comfortable shooting experience. How do you ensure that?

It is a matter of being extremely professional and having everything under control. We have a very efficient, quiet and yet a very fun unit. The stylist, Allia Al Rufai and the makeup artist, Kapil Bhalla have been on the team for years now. The entire feel in the shoot is that of a massive comfort zone of competent professionals at work. I believe it gives the talents a soothing experience and the confidence to carry off the outfits. Will the calendar ever be shot in India again? What challenges does shooting in India bring? Shooting something like the calendar in India is challenging. Getting permits for locations, especially around the coastline is extremely painful. If we ever shoot the calendar in India it will be in an area like the Andamans, which is peaceful and quiet.

MAKING THE TALENTS FEEL AT EASE IS A MATTER OF BEING PROFESSIONAL AND HAVING EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL.

Many in the industry believe that after Prabuddha Dasgupta, we haven’t had anyone close to his ability and vision. What’s your take on that? I think Prabuddha was a genuinely terrific photographer. I have nothing but immense respect for his ability. However, I do believe that every photographer has a speciality and we need to accept that some can be better at a certain kind of imagery compared to others. For example, if there was a shoot that involved movie stars and you needed to do a day’s work in two hours along with an ad film shoot, there was no way that someone like Prabudha would be able to pull that off. Given the fact that movie stars are charging many crores for a day’s work, most clients would not have the luxury of devoting an entire day to print. You are now producing films and are all set for your third release. The first two, Neerja and Tumhari Sullu, were not just endearing and great films, they did extremely well at the box office as well. How does it feel stepping away from the camera? My job as a producer as I see it, is really one of playing Zubin Mehta, in the sense that the conductor is not personally playing any instrument but has to work with everybody and create a symphony. I have been blessed with an amazing partner in Tanuj Garg as well as my other partners in Bling (Atul’s production house). We like to create a platform of creative enterprise where there are no egos and literally anyone can say anything towards the process of making a good film. Who among the current lot of photographers do you think has the potential to stand out? Personally, I think Tarun Khiwal, Prasad Naik, Suresh Natarajan, Tejal Patni, Bharat Sikka are terrific, to name a few. Of the younger lot out there I like Rohan Shrestha’s work. For corporate portraiture and glamour swimsuit, I would quite certainly be at or near the top of that heap, in anyone’s list I believe.

February 2019

PET

PAWING AROUND

Pet cafes are blooming in the country, putting an ear-to-ear smile on our faces on the way. By KANGAN GUPTA AND VEDIKA KAUSHIK

February 2019

Bengaluru houses the Therpup Café where every dog lover can have a therapeutic experience. “I thought of this concept when I wanted to take my pet out but I didn’t know where. There were pet friendly cafes but with a lot of restriction and I wanted my pet to be comfortable. I also have a lot of friends who visited me to play with my dog. Hence, I wanted to create a space where pets could roam around and have fun with their families and dog lovers alike. The

Delhi’s first dog cafe and co-working space Puppychino focuses not only on providing best of treats and a separate playing area for the pets, but also facilities like grooming services like dog spas. They also host dog and cat adoption events. The warm and compact cafe turns into a doggo-hub on such days, having pet lovers from around the place hopping in, enjoying petting and cuddling with other dogs, interacting and ordering in for themselves as well as their adorable furry tails and boopy noses, taking away a surprise while they walk out happy! “We started this cafe in 2016 when I wished to take my dogs out but had nowhere to go. I empathised with other dog parents who felt the same. We didn’t think of it as a business opportunity but a source of

Cafe Pefe (Pets Emotions Food and Everything) in Mumbai is yet another junction to stop by to have your happy hour of the day with your pet. Now your pets can relish that yummy pasta and lip smacking pizza specifically made for them! And the best is yet to come, as 5% of your total bill contributes to the welfare and care of strays! Doesn’t that fill your heart with absolute joy? “It is amazing that I can take my Bruno (2 year old pug) there and treat him for being a good boy that he always is. Dogs are family and they should have a space of their own where they feel safe and happy. It is great that they are finally able to, you know!” says Rahul Nanda who along with Bruno is a frequent visitor of Cafe Pefe. An outing once a while with your pet not only lets you spend quality time with them but also nourishes their mental being and health as they learn to socialise and interact with their kind. It’s a great time for pets and pet lovers to spend quality time in a warm and cosy atmosphere with all these pet cafes springing up. What’s in store for your furry friends this weekend?

Picture Courtesy: TherPup Cafe

Pet lovers are delighted with the growing rate of pet-friendly and pet-specific cafes, where pet owners get to pamper their pets and pet lovers get to visit the place to give those pawrfect little creatures bellyrubs and back scratches! “I have three dogs and they are my life. My husband and I both used to get very upset about not being able to take our babies along for dinners, but I see that has changed and for good. We can all have fun and spend time as a family that we are and walk over that no pet policy, making it a thing of past,” says a happy and glad dog mama Neha from Bengaluru.

showing our genuine love for dogs. Puppychino has been going strong for nearly 3 years now with absolutely no restrictions on dogs, they can wag around anywhere and everywhere. We bake dog cakes too for their birthdays.” Nayani, owner of Puppychinos, Delhi.

Picture Courtesy: Glen Everett

whole concept of pet cafes in India was new when we opened up, it was purely out of love and affection!” Vinayak Chatturvedi, owner of Therpup Cafe, Bengaluru.

Picture Courtesy: TherPup Cafe

ove and affection, the two sentiments that keep us rooted during storms are redefined by our pawrfect friends as they wag their tails and lick our faces. When life turns rocky and rough, all we need is a paw on our palm and a furry friend by our side. You know what kills our joy though? The fact that we can’t take our pets everywhere as majority of the places restrict their entry. Are you miserable about your pets not accompanying you to your birthday dinner or a weekend brunch? Frown no more as we take you on an expedition to the most wonderful pet cafes in the country. There is a variety of pet friendly cafes and establishments now that do permit you to bring your pets along. And then there are pet cafes which specifically focus on your pet’s growth and nourishment through recreational activities, offering them a play-area along with specifically designed menus including a variety of healthy foods and snacks for pets. The wagging tails and slimy woofs can be an everyday scenario for you and your beloved pet as you venture on dates to these cafes.

MONEY

STITCHING IT TOGETHER Studies clearly indicate money as one of the top issues between married couples for parting ways. Here is how you can handle the financial aspect of your conjugal life. By SONALI CHOWDHURY

February 2019

Key to a happy marriage is dependent on many factors, from compatibility in sex, confluence of interests and status of families to career aspirations. However, modern couples today realise the importance of money and its role in keeping them together in the thick of things. In a recent poll of over 2,000 British couples by a legal firm Slater and Gordon, money was listed as the top issue between married couples for parting ways, with one in five saying it was the biggest cause of marital strife. Crunching more numbers, a Citibank survey revealed 57 per cent of divorced couples cited money problems as the primary reason for ending their marriage. According to the latest survey by Ramsey Solutions, a company in financial education, money fights are the second leading cause of divorce after infidelity.

All these facts point towards financial independence of couples and importance of fixing money issues. Each partner has his/ her individual career and aspiration for financial independence, hence, it is important to align individual goal and knitting a strategy that can lead to the couple goal. We spoke to experts to list important things that can lead to a better financial health.

the other’s income is used for saving. According to financial planners, the share in household expenses should match the share in household income. For instance, if one person’s income is used for expenses while the other person’s account goes towards

SEPARATE ACCOUNTS It is not strange that many people in the West prefer to run a credit check on their prospective partner. There is no harm in getting a professional to evaluate individual goals such as retirement plans and investment goals even before you decide to get married. There is no fixed formula to follow when it comes to managing money. “If both partners are earning, you should maintain separate account for investment purposes. You can definitely share your household expenses by opening a joint account. Separate account helps you bifurcate the individual expenses and gives you the feeling of independence,” says Melvin Joseph, Founder, Finvin Financial Planners. It is often advised to maintain three accounts that include a joint account and individual accounts for each spouse. Of these, the joint account can be used for household expenses and each partner’s contribution in the joint account will depend on his/her income. It is always better to have separate accounts, especially from a taxation point of view.

EMPOWER WITH KNOWLEDGE It is important to share every small detail of financial information with your spouse. “You should create a document and hand it over to your spouse containing even very minute information. In case of any premature death, family needs to know investments detail and various utilities that need to be closed or changed,” says Joseph. It should not be the case that only one person’s income is used for expenses while

savings, it can create troubles and jeopardise the relationship. Couple should ensure their spending is in control and they don’t go overboard in maintaining a lifestyle that they can’t afford. “Even in cases where non-working spouse doesn’t take any interest in money management, at least half of emergency fund should be kept in non-working spouse’s control,” says Swapnil Kendhe, a financial planner and founder of VivekTaru.

CHECK ON NOMINATIONS It is a common error that newly married couples don’t update their nomination details in their accounts and other investments. One might want to change the nominations for investments post marriage because prior to that you normally end up nominating siblings or parents.

DON’T UNDERMINE INSURANCE One of the most important aspects of financial planning which often gets neglected is insurance as couples don’t buy adequate insurance cover or ignore adding each other to their corporate insurance policies. Remember some corporate medical allow spouses to be covered and people forget to update the policy after marriage. Never undermine insurance as both partners are equally important.

A Citibank survey revealed 57 per cent of divorced couples cited money problems as the primary reason for divorce

REVIEW GOALS Some of the big budget expenses at the onset of a marriage could be buying a car, home or even higher education. Hence, it is better to discuss the goals and create a strategy in advance so that the same can be achieved within that timeline. There could be a situation when you may want to put one goal on hold to fulfill another, so prioritise goals as a couple. After the goals are aligned the next step is to take a stock of documents so that it is easily accessible. However, at any point in time you find all this too much exhausting, then get help from experts to sail through smoothly.

MAVERICK

SELLING BY THE PINT...

WE GET CHATTING WITH RAMITA CHAUDHURI, CHIEF MARKETER, MAHOU INDIA AND SEE WHAT IT TAKES TO MARKET BEER TO INDIANS. By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

eer can be a particularly difficult product to marlet in a country like ours. So how does a master marketer make her product standout from an ever growing bunch of breweries? Mahou India’s Chief Marketeer believes that a scientific as well as creative bent of mind holds the key. Edited excerpts. Indians like their alcobevs to be a little stronger than what is normally served in Europe. Mahou has been trying to adapt their products for Indian taste buds. How has that journey been? Indian beer market is very different and interesting. Over the years, the beer consumption hasevolved just like the consumers’ tastes and preferences. Consumers are now realizing that it’s not only about the alcohol content but also the taste and ingredients that are responsible for the entire experience. This is where we come into play. We use a proprietary yeast for all our products whether it is being brewed in India or Spain. We are customizing our products to suit the Indian palate, but all products are made with the same yeast that is used to make beer in Spain as well. We are not only bringing our beer here but also the Spanish culture of

February 2019

Cañas and Tapas (beer and snacks) where you enjoy time with near and dear ones in the presence of music, food, and of course, beer. How do Indians fare globally, when speaking of alcohol consumption? Can you comment on certain upcoming trends that we will witness? Indian consumers have certainly evolved. They are well travelled and try to emulate their western counterparts. The trend of craft beers and microbreweries is something that also comes from the west and today, we are seeing a more mature consumer who appreciates taste and experience. Therefore, it can be predicted that brands with global history and distinct tastes will do well, as will the newer craft beers. Other trends that will gain popularity include IPAs (India Pale Ale), sour beers and pilsners. Are microbreweries a pertinent threat to established and reputed breweries? If yes, how are you planning to tackle them? It is not a threat because a consumer in this day and age is more likely to experiment. As I said earlier, the Indian beer market is very interesting one and has a huge

potential to grow. Therefore, while the existing brands and types of beers continue to grow, there is enough room for global brands and new varieties in India to find a strong place. All in all, it isa great news for consumers as they get more options. If you were to give any advice to people who plan to work with Mahou India, what would it be? Never give up! Dream big. Be true to yourself, your job, your hobbies, give all of them, everything you have. Ownership is the key. Good strategy with proper implementation brings successful results. And most importantly stay positive and always spread a smile. Name five things that you don’t leave your home without. A smile, the tenacity to lead by example, a yes we can attitude, homemade lunch and my makeup kit. What’s on your bucket list in regards with Mahou India? This year, we aim to get into other states of the country and increase our consumer base by making them experience what we call the Mahou Maestra Moments. I am also looking forward to different innovations in brand portfolio development.

The Maverickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hobbies

Travelling

Although she gets to travel a lot, Ramita hopes to travel more.

Trekking

Being close to nature is something that the marketing wizard cherishes

Photography

Ramita is an avid photographer.

RAMITA CHAUDHURI IS A QUALIFIED NUCLEAR PHYSICIST AS WELL AS A VETERAN MARKETING PROFESSIONAL! Film making

Eventhough it started out as an hobby, Ramita is a passionate film maker.

Singing

The Chief Marketer also has a golden voice and loves to sing at the parties she hosts.

February 2019

MUSIC

BARS DROPPED Divine spits fire and exhilarates with his flow. As Gully

Boy, a film inspired by his life hits theatres, we unravel the persona behind this affable hip hop star. By KANGAN GUPTA

What are your earliest memories of hip hop and rap music? I discovered hip hop on a T-shirt worn by a friend when I was in school. It turned out to be a 50 Cent T-shirt and made me all sorts of curious about the artist and this genre of music. The same friend then gave me a CD with about 60 to 70 hip hop songs which I played on my grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s player and I was just hooked! How would you describe gully rap? I would describe it as gully rap only. For years, North India had a different sound and a very recognisable one. It is only over the past few years, Bombay developed a sound of its own. Your comments on the underground music scenario in the country. It is still growing but now more than ever, young artists have a lot of opportunities to be heard and try something new. Any future collaborations with Naezy? Naezy is one of my

DIVINE AT GULLY FEST 2018, WITH ACTOR RANVEER SINGH IN THE AUDIENCE 64

February 2019

favourite rappers in the country and I am always open to working with him. Take us through your process of creating music. It varies with situations because I am always getting inspired by people around me and the experiences I go through. YouTube led you to stardom and fame. How big is the power of Internet today? Oh it is amazing! It has given a platform and an opportunity to share your music and art with the world. What do you prefer, recording music or performing live? Both the experiences are a part of being a songwriter and performer, however very few things can match the vibe of a live concert! Which is your favourite hip hop album of all time? I like a lot of the 1990s albums put out by Nas, Big L, Big Pun. Recently, I have been listening to Meek Millâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s album.

I AM ALWAYS GETTING INSPIRED BY PEOPLE AROUND ME AND THE EXPERIENCES I GO THROUGH.

FILMS

SEASONED

STAR

FROM A CONFUSED SCHOOLBOY MAZHAR TO LOVABLE KD AND NOW THE BRASH ANGAD; PURAB KOHLI MASTERS ALL HIS CHARACTERS WITH FINESSE. AS HE PREPARES FOR ANOTHER DIGITAL GEM, WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM FOR A QUICK CHAT. By KANGAN GUPTA

Describe yourself in three words. I would like to think of myself as creative, responsible and hardworking. What’s keeping you busy these days? Constantly dealing with jet lag. I have been travelling back and forth from London in the past two months. As a family, we shifted base to London in September and I am shooting in India for a web-series called Typewriter, directed by Sujoy Ghosh for Netflix.

Hip Hip Hurray completed 20 years in 2018. How do you reflect on your career and the industry from then to now? My career has definitely had an interesting graph in 20 years. I have indulged in various things from acting on TV, films and the web to hosting different kinds of shows on TV. I say indulged because I have often weighed how much fun I will have doing a project over how good or bad it is for my career. The industry has come a long, long way. I started my career doing a weekly show, and today I am shooting series that release eight to ten one hour episodes in one evening! We are flooded with content. Angad Shergil from Its Not That Simple is unlike any character you have played. How well do you relate to him? Angad is a great character. His ideologies

and ethics are very attractive. He is blatantly brash and almost snobbish about it. I really enjoyed playing the part and feel there is a lot to learn from Angad, especially on how he treats men and women truly as equals. I particularly enjoyed his impatience when he cuts through other people’s crap. What has been the most challenging role for you? Every role comes with its own challenges and that’s what I look for in every character I

play. I ask myself how I can push myself to feel new emotions from the point of view of the character I am playing. Often, I have had to shed a previous character I have played and it can be very annoying when a KD jumps into Angad’s shoes. If you could work with any person living or dead, who would you choose and why? On the top of my head, Jenifer Lawrence in a David O Russel film. If you have seen any of their work, you would not ask why. Complete the sentence: Digital content is here to stay but films…will never seize to fascinate.

I ask myself how I can push myself to feel new emotions from the point of view of my character

A millennial trend that you don’t understand or like. #PoutingSelfies Your fitness routine includes.. 45 minutes of training daily. I do a range of things from yoga, swimming, running, to free hand functional training and sometimes weight training. What’s on your to-do list for 2019? I have been shooting web series back to back. I want to shoot a film in 2019.

February 2019

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FASHION

Sunkissed In Sardinia THREE SUPERMODELS, A BRIGHT SUNNY DAY AND THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF SARDINIA - LIFE DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER. THE TEAM BEHIND KINGFISHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LATEST SWIMWEAR CALENDAR TELL US WHAT MAKES THEM THE KING OF GOOD TIMES. By MEHUL REUBEN DAS

February 2019

EVEN THOUGH THIS IS MY SECOND TIME SHOOTING FOR THE CALENDAR, THE EXCITEMENT, THE JOY, THE ENERGY, EVERYTHING WAS AS SAME AS THE TIME WHEN I DID THE FIRST SHOOT. - SUSHRII MISHRA

February 2019

FASHION

THE CALENDAR CELEBRATES INDIAN WOMEN AND BEAUTY IN ALL FORMS. ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NICE TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS. - DIVA DHAWAN

Photo Courtesy:- Atul Kasbekar and team

THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE WAS AMAZING. RIGHT FROM THE AUDITIONS TILL THE FINAL DAY OF THE SHOOT, THE ENTIRE TEAM STRICTLY ADHERED TO THE DIRECTION THAT HAD BEEN LAID DOWN. PLUS, WE ALSO HAD A LOT OF FUN. - SHUBRA AIYAPPA

February 2019

DRINK

RIGHT SPIRIT This Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s season, impress your significant other with these sumptuous wine based cocktails By MUKUL KASHYAP

Wine Sour By Gaurav Gayal, Mixologist, Duty Free, Gurugram INGREDIENTS:

Bourbon whisky: 10 gm Peach liqueur: 3 gm Lime juice: 1 Red wine: 1 Lime twist and red cherry: for garnish

METHOD: Shake the

ingredients and add them to a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist and a red cherry.

February 2019

Bellini

Rebujito

By Suraj Sharma, Mixologist, Anya Gurugram

By Sidharth Behera, Mixologist, Vagator Beach Shack, Goa

INGREDIENTS:

Sparkling wine: 120 ml Peach liqueur: 15 ml

INGREDIENTS:

White Wine: 150 ml Lemonade - 90ml Elderflower cordial: 15 ml Elderflower or edible flowers - for garnish

METHOD: Mix all of the mentioned ingredients in a shaker and serve in a wine glass. Garnish with elderflower.

METHOD: Add peach liquor to a champagne tulip glass and top it up with sparkling wine.

Opposites Attract By Manish Kumar, Mixologist, Lock & Key, Gurugram. INGREDIENTS:

Tequila silver: 45 ml Australian Shiraz: 20 ml Freshly squeezed lemon: 10 ml Homemade Blackberry Puree: 15 ml Frozen Blackberry: 15 ml Mint sprig and blackberry: for garnish

METHOD: Put all the

ingredients in a shaker and shake it well. Serve in a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with mint sprig and blackberry.

Strawberry Muddle By Sunny Singh, Mixologist at Cervesia, Gurugram INGREDIENTS:

White wine: 120 ml Strawberry liqueur: 30 ml Fresh strawberries: 2 pieces

METHOD: Add white

wine and strawberry liqueur in a champagne flute and garnish with fresh strawberries.

February 2019

EAT

TASTE OF

DECADENCE There is no love sincerer than the love for food. Chefs help us indulge in some delectable desserts. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count calories. By KANGAN GUPTA

VANILLA PANNA COTTA WITH RASBERRY JELLY

by Sanjay Kumar, Pastry Chef, Radisson Blu MBD, Noida INGREDIENTS: Cream: 250 ml Full cream milk: 250 ml Sugar: 150 g Vanilla extract: 5 ml

Gelatin: 20 g Water: 130 ml Raspberries: 250 g Sugar: 75 g

METHOD: FOR PANNA COTTA Soak half of the gelatin in water till it gets soft and keep aside. Heat milk, cream and sugar on low heat until they start boiling. Remove from heat, add soft gelatin and mix well until completely dissolved. Mix vanilla extract. Allow to cool at room temperature. Pour panna cotta mixture into the glass and refrigerate.

February 2019

FOR RASPBERRY JELLY Soak rest of the gelatin and keep aside. Place raspberries, sugar and water into a sauce pan over low heat. Slowly boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add soaked gelatin. Strain the mixture through fine sieve to remove seeds. Cool at room temperature and pour very gently into the glass over the panna cotta. Refrigerate for an hour more. Garnish with berries and serve.

NUTTY MOCHA

by Shaikh Samim, Pastry Chef, Fairmont, Jaipur INGREDIENTS: FOR CARAMEL BISCUIT Butter: 1 kg Brown sugar: 666 g Icing sugar: 166 g Eggs: 12 Almond powder: 350 g Baking powder: 24 g Flour: 834 g Caramel sauce: 350 g

FOR CHOCOLATE FUDGE Cream: 200 g Sugar: 100 g Butter: 60 g Cashew nuts, broken: 300 g Milk chocolate: 400 g

FOR COFFEE MOUSSE Eggs: 100 g Egg yolk: 40 g White chocolate: 250 g Coffee: 15 g Gelatin: 5 g Whipped cream: 500 g Sugar: 70 g

METHOD: CARAMEL BISCUIT: Mix cream, butter and sugar. Gradually, add eggs in the mixture. Add all the dry ingredients. Add caramel sauce on it.

STRAWBERRY RASGULLA DOME, BOONDI LADOO STRUSLE

CHOCOLATE FUDGE: Put the sugar to the caramel stage. Then, add butter and cream and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes on slow fire. Add chocolate and roasted cashews.

COFFEE MOUSSE: Make a sabayon out of eggs, yolks and sugar. Add coffee and melted gelatin, fold with chocolate and then add whipped cream.

by Ajay Anand, Director of Culinary, Pullman & Novotel, New Delhi Aerocity INGREDIENTS: Strawberry puree: 500 g White chocolate: 350 g Gelatin leaves: 25 g Ellevire whipping cream: 500 g

Rasgulla: 24 Raspberry puree: 150 g Unsalted butter: 300 g Gram flour: 200 g

Castor sugar: 100 g Ghee: 200 g Lemon: 300 g Liquid glucose: 100 g

METHOD: Warm strawberry puree and white chocolate together. Fold it with whipping cream and soaked gelatin leaves. Make a dome with a rasgulla in the centre and keep it to freeze. Glaze the dish with a red glaze. Serve it along with a boondi strusel, raspberry curd and mint sprig.

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE by Anand Prakash Sharma, Chef, Dum Maro Dum, New Delhi INGREDIENTS: Digestive biscuits: 250 g Melted butter: 100 g Vanilla pod: 1

Cream cheese: 600 g Icing sugar: 125 g Double cream: 284 ml

Sliced Strawberries: for topping

METHOD: Butter a loose-bottomed tin with baking parchment. Crush digestive biscuits. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and pour over melted butter and mix. Tip them into tin and press firmly down into the base to create an even layer. Chill in the fridge for an hour. Slice vanilla pod. Holding onto the tip of the pod. Place cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla seeds in a bowl, then beat until smooth. Tip in the double cream and continue beating until smooth. Now spoon the cream mixture onto the biscuit base making sure that there are no air bubbles. Smooth the top of the cheesecake down with the back of a dessert spoon or spatula. Leave to set in the fridge overnight. Bring the cheesecake to room temperature about 30 minutes before serving. PurĂŠe half the strawberries in a blender or food processor with the icing sugar and 1 teaspoon water, then sieve. Pile the remaining strawberries onto the cake, and pour the purĂŠe over the top.

February 2019

DATING AND RELATIONSHIPS

SHAYARS TELL US WHY IT IS FUTILE TO EVEN TRY AND DEFINE LOVE, AND THAT ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, IT JUST HAPPENS TO BE. By VEDIKA KAUSHIK

February 2019

he month of love commences with Ghalib, one of the most prolific shayars of all times! We cannot help but fathom what churned in the very minds of the great Urdu shayars when they perceived love to be intertwined with divinity and synchronicity. From Ghalib to Meer, Jaun to Gulzar- ishq has been a bittersweet journey; from ranj (grief) to ibaadat (adoration), from ruswai (disgrace) to sajde (prayer), from sufi (pious) to junooni (passionate), the emotion has proven to be the most flexible of all in the history of feelings. To dive in-depth of the roots of its varied interpretation, we got in touch with fours shayars of today’s day and age. One conversation with these artists and your mind is bound to be boggled. With shayars like Bharat Bhushan Pant, Irshad Khan Sikandar, Shariq Kaifi and Vipul Kumar in loop, we explored the idea of love and the art of pursuing it! Bharat Bhushan Pant, much lovingly known as Dada locally, author of Tanhaiyan Kehti Hain and Bechehergi, says, “Love can never be an art, it’s nothing but a western concept, a lose one at that to consider love an art. Love stands for what you feel, it could be expressed with eyes, with gestures, through care and affection, whereas us poets, we choose to express it with words. Whenever it is written upon, there

is no plan, no technique to it. One feels, one writes. The point is to express love, through poems, ghazals, other ways, but as far as the concept of it being an art stands, I think it cannot be one.” Talking of love and how it has been celebrated over time, specifically in the month of February, Irshad says, “It’s an overrated concept. For instance a scientist working for months in a laboratory might want to see the love of his life at a certain day, month and therefore may have created such a concept. We make it global without even considering how we could celebrate love in our own way, whenever we want to, please to and are convenient to. We have turned things global in an instant without making much sense of it.” Interestingly, Irshad also defies the whole idea of love being blind, he says, “I stand against the opinion of love being blind. Love has never been blind. It, in fact, provides a clearer perspective on life and itself. Whenever I have written about love, I haven’t considered it to be blind, instead I’d say lust is blind. Lust blurs it all. People just tend to confuse the two!” Absorbing the valuable perspective of a shayar making love to the sheets of white, one clearly notices how there is a pattern of not being any pattern. A little chaotic, but intense! With published shayar Shariq Kaifi joining in, we were curious to explore how love drives his bridge of syllables, to which he said “Love is more of an expression, a natural emotion to humans and it comes so naturally to us, that it keeps getting easier to mould it into forms of art, including writing! Love and the ways to express it

have been ongoing since generations and look globally upon in a similar way.” Vipul, while elaborating a writer’s outlook on love says, “We can probably define it in hundreds of ways but there doesn’t exist the one way. We can only untangle one strand at a time. Meer is the epitome of everything that has been written about love in Urdu poetry. Ghalib has touched love with a sense of reasoning that is exclusive to him. I do not believe poets have tried to explain or define love but rather paint its gravity and profundity. I do not know if love can or should be classified as an art, but rather as an inherent human emotion. I believe it cannot be induced. It comprises of so many different emotions and means different experiences and memories for everyone. I do not know if a definition yet exists for love but as Kafka writes to Milena, ‘You are the knife I turn inside myself’; that is love.” Stances of love being varied from artist to artist, individual to individual, only makes it evident of how undefined the term stands, how it is much like energy to be felt, to be passed or transferred but never to be created or destroyed, and definitely not something even the greatest of shayars can define. It churns and churns every neuron, every pulse of your existence until it leads to an intense emotion, a cord hitting or absolute art! Maybe it’s time to create your own kind of art, to feel your own kind of love, to make it exclusive and defining it the way you desire to. Is love in the air? Maybe. Maybe not. You tell us!

BABE

OF THE MONTH Ines Trocchia is an Italian TV celebrity, radio personality and a model who knows how to have a good time. She is all geared up for her next big project in Los Angeles By MEHUL REUBEN DAS Photography by ALESSIO MIGLIARDI

WHO’S SHE? Name Ines Trocchia Date of Birth 22nd December Grew up in Nola, Italy Height 5’5” RATE YOURSELF

ON 10

AS A GIRLFRIEND 8 AS A STYLE ICON 7 AS A KISSER 8

Zodiac Sign Capricorn Phobias Arachnophobia Biggest Turn On When guys have their own style and own personality.

IN FOREPLAY 8

Any Tattoos or Piercings? Where? Sorry boys, no tattoos or piercings

IN BED 8

Dream Car A Lamborghini Favourite Romantic getaway Bali Ideal outfit for a naughty date Sneaking into some lingerie by Agent Provocateur Sexual Fetish That’s for the men I’m with to know Facebook @inestrocchiaofficial Instagram @inestrocchia

February 2019