Exotica Magazine December 2020

FROM THE EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief CHANDAN MITRA EDITORIAL BOARD Chief Executive Officer Shobori Ganguli Chief Operating Officer Abhishek Saxena 09818600128 EDITORIAL Editor-in-Charge Rinku Ghosh Consultant Editor Saimi Sattar Chief Designers Anand Singh Rawat & Satish Jakhmola Production Manager Syed Nawab Raza Staff Photographer Pankaj Kumar SALES & MARKETING Vice President Jetender Rawat 9810404096 General Managers Kumar Gurudutta Jha & Sweety Verma Senior Managers Madhukar Saxena & Divyesh Kothari Managers Bharat Singh Sajwan, Prabhakar Pathak & Barun Choudhary MUMBAI OFFICE General Manager Devendra Adhikari KOLKATA OFFICE Vice President Suzanna Roy HYDERABAD OFFICE V Sunil Kumar General Manager (Circulation) Rajeev Gautam Printed and published by Chandan Mitra for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd, printed at JK Offset Graphics (P) Ltd, B-278, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110020 and published at No. 6, Behind Gulab Bhawan, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002.

Editor: Chandan Mitra. Entire Contents Copyright (C) 2006 CMYK Printech Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation in any language in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Requests for permission should be directed to CMYK Printech Ltd. Opinions carried in Exotica are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by CMYK Printech Ltd. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material or for material lost or damaged in transit. All correspondence should be addressed to CMYK Printech Ltd; F-31, Sector-6, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh-201301 Phone: 0120-4879800 & 4879900 Email: exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com

A NEW WAY TO BE JUST

like that the year has come to a close... It is time to ponder over what the past months have held out and taught us. Despite the previous few months having been difficult for most of us, there is a lot to be thankful about. We can take inspiration from nature itself. The mountains remain as steadfast in the face of all adversities. We have woken up to our inner potential, embracing the virtues of kindness, love and empathy. The ripples on the surface of any river bear witness to the obstacles that it faces in its path. However, it doesn’t reverse its flow and continues to course its way through the pebbleladen terrain in pursuit of its destination. So does life. This has been especially true of this year. Many of us and our loved ones faced illness or its threat. Some of them made it and others, unfortunately, were not as lucky. Despite that the human race, hardy as it is, battles on in search of a vaccine or a cure.

Not surprisingly, Christmas too, on the lines of other festivals this year, will be subdued. Despite its religious significance, it is certainly one of the most secular (or should we say universal) of festivals. There were always marketplaces and shops with Santas ringing a bell and laughing their jolly laugh. Everybody could be seen putting up Christmas trees or handing out gifts to their children under the guise of Santa Claus having brought these in during the dead of the night. But this time around, the gifts, if any, can be more to do with the actual Yuletide spirit of embracing kindness, empathy and selflessness. Those are the learnings that would see us through the next year as well.

One of our articles features the unique Christmas celebrations by the Anglo-Indian community in Bow Bazaar, the way these festivities involved the community in the past years. Of course, it would not remain the same this time around. And since we are supposed to stay at home and avoid congregations, this is a great year to do up your homes in a way that does not have to stick to the basic colours of Christmas.

Since this time has been about doing things a little differently, we have some tips for those with itchy feet, who are looking to travel. Keeping safe while travelling and doing it in a manner that sustains local communities are the new ways to be.

We also undertake another journey, albeit of a sensorial kind, with celebrity photographer Steve McCurry’s images that make a powerful impact. Documenting theatres of war and peace, his powerful imagery always placed humans at the centre of his works of art.

Our celebrity interview this time around features the power-packed performer, Shweta Tripathi. With a string of shows on the OTT platform, the actor tells us that the characters that she has played take a bit from her personality and they in turn, add a bit to her, as a person, as well.

So let the year draw to a close with these lessons... of resilience, wisdom, courage and compassion; in short humanity itself.

Hope we can go into the coming year surrounded by the love and warmth of our loved ones. Adieu. See you in the New Year!

EXOTICA [4] DECEMBER 2020

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DECEMBER 2020 VOLUME 15 NO 2

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[p26] Photo gallery [p32] Eye of the tiger Festive vibes o Silent will be the holy night [p40] o More than red, green and white [p46] Blithe spirit [p48] Raise the bar By design [p50] Floored by carpets

Travel bug o Back on the road [p12] o Humans Sans Frontières [p26] o A new world [p38] Q&A [p20] The importance of being earnest: Shweta Tripathi COVER: FLOWER SELLER AT DAL LAKE, SRINAGAR, KASHMIR CREDITS: STEVE MCCURRY STUDIO & SUNDARAM TAGORE GALLERY, NYC

CONTRIBUTORS

[p20] TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 64 INCLUDING COVER

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p52] GURUSPEAK: Live life to the fullest Kushan Mitra [p54] HOT WHEELS: Puppy love Bharat Thakur [p57] FITNESS: Flowing & flexible Sanjay Jumaani [p61] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate Follow us on:

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READERs write

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plendid layout! The entire issue looks FAB!!! Amazed how you have accomplished this mammoth task in such a short time. Truly, this anniversary issue is a collectors’ item.

Congratulations, Exotica!

— Richa Sharma, General Manager — Corporate Communications, ITC Ltd. Hotels Division

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his issue is indeed lovely, a total collector’s item and full of pretty rich content.

It’s like a bouquet... What is called a smorgasbord of arts and culture... superb...

— Aseem Bhargava, Consultant and Senior Advisor, Edelman India Pvt. Ltd

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nteresting anniversary issue.

— Mandip Singh Soin, Founder & Managing Director Ibex Expeditions and Founding President Responsible Tourism Society of India and Board member of the Adventure Travel Conservation

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n issue that gives a holistic round-up of the year that was. It makes for immersive reading as the content is not just varied but gives an overarching view of the the changes that were brought about by the pandemic.

The variety of authors and their insight into their respective industries provide an all-round view.

— Shirish Singh, Independent Human Resource Consultant

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e are happy to have been featured in Exotica’s Anniversary edition prominently. It is an attractive spread and the write ups sent in by us have been used with some good value additions.

Thank you.

— Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board

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happened to come across the anniversary issue of the Exotica and was pleasantly surprised when I browsed through the magazine. The write-ups, whether on travel, fashion and food, made for interesting read.

Particularly incisive was the piece on sustainable fashion as the way forward for the industry by designer Nida Mahmood.

The measures put into place by the ITC group to ensure the safety, security and health of the guests and staff were certainly reassuring.

Keep up the good work Exotica team!

— Neha Sinha, Quality Control Manager, Exports

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he write-ups, design and authors in the November issue were befitting of an anniversary edition. But what

would have made it even better was perhaps a write-up by an actor or director who could talk about the film industry since this, along with tourism, was the worst hit by the current pandemic.

— Arun Kumar, Retired Marketing Executive

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he November issue of the Exotica was a treat for the senses. While giving in-depth information, it was beautifully put together and the design was impeccable. At a time when we are looking forward to travel again, the measures taken by different tourism boards give us the confidence to venture out again. Here’s hoping that the forthcoming issues would be even better.

— Ajit Ahluwalia, Architecture student

Please send all your feedback, letters and suggestions to letters2exotica@gmail.com

EXOTICA [7] DECEMBER 2020

TRAVEL NEWS

FESTIVITIES AT SONEVA

The brand brings back all the traditions to its properties in the Maldives and Thailand SONEVA FUSHI: Younger guests can enjoy a range of Christmas-themed activities and events from Christmas carols, a candy cane hunt, making paper stockings, Christmas tree decorating, and storytelling with the Barefoot Bookseller in The Den. The second season of Soneva’s Junior Master Chef lets aspiring chefs show off their culinary skills before a panel of judges. Later in December, Lana Murphy and Jonathan Näslund, 10 times Sweden’s dance champions, are offering dance lessons to children. There are pool parties, late-night themed Den parties, arts and crafts sessions for young guests. Quiz Nights and Carnival Games, as well as a Pirate Treasure Hunt, are ideal for bringing the family together. The former Manchester United and Arsenal player, Mikael Silvestre, will host the Soneva football camp for children and teens from December 14 to 26.

At the new Conscious Experiences, guests can learn to fish sustainably or track and spot the local flora and fauna. Start your day with Meditation at Turtle Beach before a nutritious

breakfast, or Floating Breakfast in the privacy of your villa. Follow it up with snorkelling, diving and eco-friendly surfing. Tennis legend Jonas Bjorkman offers exclusive coaching from December 19 to 26.

Guests can explore the night skies through the lens of the state-of-the-art telescope with Lars Christiansen, the award-winning astronomer.

There is also Christmas Eve Gala dinner, Biodynamic Wine Tastings and pop-up Martini Bars. On New Year’s Eve, there is 2020 Slowlife

EXOTICA [8] DECEMBER 2020

Journey which begins at Bar(a)bara, and winds along lantern-lit paths, where you can dine on a myriad of dishes and drinks, while acrobats, singers, musicians and performers perform. The night culminates with fireworks and dancing which go on till the wee hours.

SONEVA JANI: Christmas and New Year’s festivities at Soneva Jani centre around fine dining, over the lagoon, in the lagoon and on the white sandy shores. Start mornings with a Sunrise Dolphin Cruise and Champagne Breakfast, or indulge in the selections at Down to Earth’s buffet breakfast. Choose from Wine Lunches, Live Station Lunches in The Gathering, succulent crustaceans at the Crab Shack, or dining in the midst of the Organic Gardens. Chef Kat’s Degustation Menu will take diners on a sensory discovery of Thailand’s flavours and aromas. Indulge in sake tastings with sushi and sashimi, Champagne tasting in the Lagoon and Sunset Cocktails and Champagne at the beach by the Crab Shack. There is also the New Year countdown on South Beach.

Travel through the cosmos with private star-gazing experiences with the resort’s resident astronomer, or hone your serve and smash with one-to-one tennis lessons with Coach Millis Heimklo. Hit the ‘gym’ surrounded by tall screw pines when you take on the Jungle Gym’s obstacles, think balancing beams, monkey bars, rope climbs and rings. For the children, picnics and barbecues, beach Olympics, Secret Santa and a special Christmas disco await.

SONEVA KIRI: At the island of Koh Kood, guests can learn to make chocolate truffles or take part in mixology or cooking classes. For the children, pizza classes involve choosing favourite toppings. Festive activities and experiences at The Den and Eco Den include traditional Thai games, cupcake decoration, blind ice cream tastings and more.

Lunch at the Colours of the Garden begins with an interactive tour of the expansive organic garden.

Japanese lunches, gastronomical wine or Champagne dinners, wine tastings, Middle Eastern and Indian popup dinners and more await guests with cuisines from around the world. Countdown to 2021 at The View and head to The Dining Room for the main event. Be a part of the countdown and witness fireworks and live music at The Living Room.

Guided Meditation and Muay Thai Fitness are available at the spa. Learn to make coconut oil or organic sunscreen with the spa team. Head into the wild of Koh Kood with rainforest treks to cooling waterfalls, cruise the Gulf of Thailand at sunset for breath-taking views, snorkel off of the neighbouring Koh Rang, home to a National Marine Park, or learn how to fish the Thai way.

CELEBRATE AT AMAN

VENTURE

into Amanbagh this festive season to admire the colours of rural India or hike on trails, detoxify your body and mind at the Ayurveda centre or pamper yourself with a massage, bask by the pool or immerse yourself in the sound of Indian music.

Also on offer is a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.

On December 25, there is Babu — the red-nosed camel — as reindeer are tough to come by in Rajasthan. On December 26, guests can learn the art of making lac bangles or applying henna. On December 28, learn to create a colourful rangoli.

And December 29 is the day for Camel Polo.

Usher in the New Year with a traditional Indian fair.

ITDC TO SET UP ‘CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE’

INDIA

Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) Ltd, the public sector undertaking under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism (Govt of India) and Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), in an attempt to further enhance skilled youth in the hospitality sector, signed an MoU for setting-up a centre of excellence in the state. With an aim to bridge the gap in the hospitality industry, ITDC will be responsible for designing and developing courses as well as curriculum for hospitality education and providing training to students registered with APSSDC. ITDC will also provide valuable inputs to APSSDC in teaching/ training methodology.

As part of the MoU, ITDC will also conduct various short-term hospitality courses and online certificate courses to train the youth in required skill-set to make them industry-ready.

VANTAGE HOLIDAYS

STERLING

Holiday Resorts, a vacation ownership and leisure holiday brand, has unveiled ‘Sterling Vantage’ — a new versatile holiday plan — designed to perfectly suit the millennial lifestyle. By locking in the holidays for the next 10 years at the current price, guests can enjoy their vacations without the fear of annual price inflations, last minute surge pricing and varying holiday requirements. The Sterling Vantage membership is based on a Flexible Point System that allows members to choose multiple short holidays in

a year. In case of a shortfall of points, members always have the option of an easy top-up option that ensures a hassle-free holiday experience.

The product is primarily divided into three variants: Luxe with 1,200 points, Prime with 800 points and Uniq with 500 points. Each category comes with its unique set of inclusions and flexibility. Starting at `1.50 lakh, 10 years of assured holidays can be easily locked in.

If for any reason a holiday season is missed in a year, members can carry forward the points.

AMERICAN MUSIC MECCAS

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United States is the birthplace of various music genres, including jazz, blues, rock and roll, and country. Below is a list of places where you can learn all about musicians and the origins of American music.

GRACELAND – MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Legendary Elvis Presley’s former abode is located in the Whitehaven community of Memphis, Tennessee. The Trophy Building displays his awards, including Elvis’ GRAMMY Awards, Gold and Platinum records. In the Racquetball Building, there are Presley’s legendary stage costumes. Visit the Meditation Garden, where he is laid to rest.

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM – NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: At the intersection of the city’s French Quarter and the Frenchmen Street live music corridor, the museum celebrates the history of jazz in the city of its birth. It has the world’s largest collection of instruments played by iconic jazz musicians.

DOLLYWOOD – PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE: The Dolly Parton-themed amusement park in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains features different rides, a slew of live entertainment and other attractions.

PAISLEY PARK – CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA: At the 65,000-square-foot Paisley Park, the private estate of Prince, fans can visit the studios where the singer recorded, produced and mixed most of his biggest hits, see artifacts from his personal archives, including iconic concert wardrobe, awards and musical instruments.

GRAMMY MUSEUMS – LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, AND CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI: The power of music can be celebrated at these two venues. The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles boasts the huge collection of memorabilia and clothing. The Cleveland museum houses impressive memorabilia with an emphasis on interactive exhibits.

STAY SAFE IN PHILADELPHIA

PHILADELPHIA’S

growing collection of hotels has committed to upholding enhanced health and safety standards by taking the PHL Hospitality Health Pledge.

SOFITEL PHILADELPHIA HOTEL: For a hint of French flair during your stay, head to Sofitel Philadelphia Hotel. The hotel’s health and safety guidelines include a 48-hour settling period for rooms between guests.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL PHILADELPHIA: Those seeking a luxurious stay in the sky can check into the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. The Lead With Care programme ensures all rooms and amenities are cleaned and sanitised regularly.

LOEWS PHILADELPHIA HOTEL: The first international style skyscraper in the US, the hotel has implemented “Welcoming you like Family” health and safety protocols.

CANOPY BY HILTON: The brandnew Canopy by Hilton, a 236-room hotel, has the Hilton Honors app, which allows guests to check in, unlock their room, set the temperature, order room service, and more all via their phones.

THE WINDSOR SUITES: The Windsor Suites has enhanced cleaning protocols, contactless experiences, and physical distancing measures.

THE INN AT PENN, A HILTON HOTEL: It follows the health and safety guidelines outlined in Hilton’s CleanStay programme, which include contactless food delivery and the regular cleaning and disinfecting of rooms and public spaces.

TRAVEL BUG

BACK ON THE ROAD

Tired of being holed up in one place, more people are opting to travel.

But, in a post-COVID world, stepping out is far more challenging.

NAVNEET MENDIRATTA puts together some pointers for those on the move

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there ever was a time when you felt guilty or were made to feel accountable for travel, it is now. With a pandemic raging wild across the world, itchy feet are finding it tough to hold themselves back. But travel in the current times comes with its own challenges.

“I am beginning to dread well-meaning messages such as ‘Stay Safe’ sliding into my DMs every time I put up a picture of my travel on my social media these days. I feel as if I am being judged for being reckless, short of being labelled a Covidiot for even daring to venture out, when the rest of the world it sitting tight at home,” laughs Alka Kaushik, a travel writer who has chosen to take short travels to the northern hills to break the gloom that was beginning to settle in during the lockdown period.

“What they don’t realise is that I am perhaps more careful about where I travel and how. The detailing that goes into planning each trip is tight

and meticulous. Certainly, I don’t want to come across as reckless but there is also my mental sanity that needs to be maintained,” Kaushik shares. For someone who is a frequent traveller, this summer was the longest that kept her at base.

For a lot of those who would take off at the drop of the hat, travelling post lockdown has come with a certain stigma. While many have chosen to shrug it off as jealousy or even concern on the part of their families and friends, the voices of those pro-travel are beginning to get stronger.

“The more I speak to my friends and people around me, the more I realise they, too, are keen to travel. It is just that they don’t want to be the first in their immediate circle to move out,” shares Saloni, who used her birthday as an excuse to escape to Naukuchiatal in Uttarakhand. There really has been no stopping her since. She has made three short trips by road to Uttarakhand and Rajasthan already.

TRAVELLERS’ TRAILS where is it that Indians are choosing to travel in the recent times? Given that most countries have shut their borders to tourists, domestic tourism seems to be the only hope. In the international space, Maldives (being a one island-one resort nation) has opened up for international travellers but with stringent tests and measures in place. The island nation has been a COVID-safe space so far and the government and resorts are careful to keep it that way.

Several other countries are also taking tentative steps in that direction but a lot depends on the COVID situation in the host and the country of the traveller. With rules changing every other moment, and stringent flight and stay restrictions in place, people are finding it safer to stay put within their countries and explore domestic first. Dubai in the Middle East is the next best bet, if one must, suggest the ones who have ventured out.

Back home too, travel has been largely dependent on the easing of restrictions by the host state. In the north, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh were the first few to open doors to the travellers. Down south, you can travel but with certain restrictions. Goa, however, has been most welcoming, pulling big crowds from the north and Mumbai. North-east India, on the other hand, has been the most reclusive.

Tempted to pack your bags and take off, but not sure where to start? Let us help you get there.

SO

PLAN YOUR TRIP WELL a location closer home or accessible by road. Road trips are the most preferred in the current times as they allow you more control over timings and touch points. Travelling in your own vehicle ensures limited contact with people and lets you choose your own pace. Book your space well in advance.

Opt for a homestay or a smaller property as this would mean lesser number of people around. It

CHOOSE

EXOTICA [14] DECEMBER 2020

would also ensure some business for the smaller players and help local ecology.

“I chose a remote homestay in Jageshwar, Uttarakhand, precisely for this reason,” shares Kaushik. “As it seems this virus is here to stay, we have to find ways to make our travel safe and stress free. And that largely depends on our choices and behaviour towards the locals,” she says.

By behaviour, Kaushik means respect for the locals’ safety by following the requisite protocols, including wearing masks and limited contact. “I have been consciously choosing destinations where I can practise social distancing and have limited contact with the staff. The bright side of my recent travel has been that we have been able to travel together as family and even take our pet along.” In addition to being a careful, slow traveller, Kaushik has been making that extra effort to buy local just to support the community economy in her little way.

CHOOSE OFFBEAT OVER COMMERCIAL trek comes next to a remote stay. “For those who have been trekking, social distancing comes easy,” says Mini Shastri, a yoga teacher and founder of Om Yoga Shala in Delhi. Shastri chose a trek to Tungnath and Kedarnath to break her

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travel fast post lockdown. Meticulously planned with limited participants, the trek allowed the participants to follow all guidelines with respect to themselves and the locals. “For one, you are anyway spaced out when trekking. Two, it’s always the path less trodden. Plus, we were all careful to maintain distance whenever we crossed or came upon the locals. It was very refreshing and challenging at the same time,” Shastri shares.

Mini has since travelled to a secluded resort by the Ganga Ghat in Haridwar with her family.

Alka Kaushik captures a moment with her niece during a stopover in the Ranikhet hills

Mini Shastri took the challenging trek to Tungnath and Kedarnath with a small group of trekkers just before the doors of Kedarnath temple (below) closed to the public this year

“Nature is the best healer. The recent times have emphasised upon the value of slow travel and being with our own selves. Road trips with immediate family ensure minimum contact with the outside world. The rest is up to us. We need to be mindful of the precautions that we are meant to take for our own safety as well as that of the locals. And this aspect is here to stay,� she says.

Those taking flights to get to farther destinations such as Kashmir, Goa or even south India must have their COVID negative certification in place. While some of these places have a test on arrival, it is good to keep an eye out for any related symptoms. Ground yourself should you feel even slightly off. It is best for you and others around you. During the course of your journey, follow all protocols ascribed to air travel to keep yourself safe.

THE NEW PROTOCOLS

FOR

all of you looking out to travel, follow certain rules to ensure that you are not caught unaware by the virus.

EXPERIENCE OVER EXPLORATION the hospitality sector opens its doors to luxury travellers, the focus is more on experience than exploration. Several luxury and boutique properties are offering irresistible packages and experiences to lure the guests in. This really is a great time to scour the internet and check if you can tick off some from your bucket list. Opt for what would help you rejuvenate and connect with self and family. Be doubly sure before you make your final booking to know what you will get on ground. Plan sensibly and well before you take off. Once there, weigh your surroundings and then decide how comfortable you are venturing out and how many people would you be exposing yourself to.

Last, but not the least, each one of you who travels must come back and isolate yourself for at least four to five days to ensure that you have not picked up the bug at some point or emit any signs of virus. It’s always best to play safe. Be a responsible traveller. That is the “new” normal.

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o Sanitise yourself and the car. Make sure to wipe all frequently touched surfaces with alcohol-based sanitiser or disinfectant as often as you can. o Keep disposables handy. Tissues, sanitisers and gloves are your new best friends. Carry extra disposable bags for your waste on the way. o Mask up and tank up on disinfectants.

While on the move, change your mask every 10 hours. Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, mouth with nonsanitised hands. o Choose digital payments over cash as much as possible. If paying by cash, make sure you sanitise your currency well. o A hot shower upon reaching your destination is a great idea to wash away any bacteria.

Store your used clothes in a separate laundry bag to avoid contact with fresh ones. o Opt for washable footwear. Disinfect with a spray whenever you return to base. o Carry your own drinking water and food. Avoid eating at roadside stalls, dhabas, etc.

Limit contact while on the move. o Keep a list of COVID hospitals, testing centres, helpline numbers handy. Check on the quarantine and other COVID rules before you set out.

Each state has different rules and protocols to be followed. o Most important, maintain social distancing at all times and do not let your guard down.

EXOTICA [17] DECEMBER 2020

The festival celebrates one of the most ecologically and ethnically diverse regions

MILES

of white sand, a tented city, a cultural spectacle that will leave you satiated and crafts that can adorn each corner of your house. The Rann Utsav in Gujarat is all of this and more. It celebrates one of the most ecologically and ethnically diverse regions in the country. Not surprisingly, the festival attracts visitors from India and abroad on account of its uniqueness. The festival is celebrated every year between November and February..

The Great Rann (salt desert) of Kutch was once the estuary of the Indus River but it is now flat and barren and that is what makes it beautiful. It is one of the most breathtaking territory of ‘nothingness’. In the east lies the Little Rann of Kutch, home to India’s last herds of Wild Ass. The villagers in and around the area are herders, craftspersons, artisans and performers.

Head to Dhordo village to immerse yourself completely in the flavours of this Utsav. Located approximately 80 km north of Bhuj, one is astounded by the sea of tents spread out over the white sands. The tents combine modern amenities with traditional milieu to give the visitors a taste of the heritage of the area without compromising on contemporary comforts.

To make it a complete sensorial experience sample authentic Kutchi food at the festival. Make sure to sample the different kinds of dabeli.

There is also the kadak chaat which is typical to the region. Don’t leave without digging into bajra na rotla with curd and butter milk. The simple, earthy flavour sits well not just on your palate but is extremely healthy too.

RUNTORANN N KALO DUNGAR: The highest point in Kutch, Gujarat, India, at 462 m. It is located 97 km from District Bhuj. Catch a panoramic view of the Great Rann of Kutch from here.

DHOLAVIRA: This was one of the most developed cities roughly 4,500 years ago. It was a flourishing Harappan site between 2650 and 1450 BCE.

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MATANO MADH: This village in Lakhpat Taluka is surrounded by hills on both banks of a small stream. It has a temple dedicated to Ashapura Mata, the household deity of former Jadeja rulers and the patron deity of Kutch. It is about 105 km away from Bhuj.

MANDVI BEACH: This white sand beach is serene. The city was once the

Y exclusive summer retreat for the Maharao, the King of the Kutch and founded in 1580 According to Mahabharata, the seashore was named after Mandavya Rishi who stayed here for a short while. It is also associated with a sailor who guided Vasco da Gama during his India voyage. The Mandvi fortress is an attraction.

GETTINGTHERE

o Take a flight to Ahmedabad and drive down to Kutch. o There are several trains to Bhuj Railway Station from different parts of the country. o Ahmedabad to Bhuj by road is is about 334 km and takes about six hours.

The colourfully and aesthetically decorated ship of the desert is a sight to behold as it makes its way across the white sand desert. Surely an Instagrammable moment.

For those looking for something which offers an adrenal rush and is more modern, there are ATV rides, paramotoring, ziplining, wall rappeling and paintball activities.

The last but not the least, make sure to stay here on a full moon night. You won’t regret the experience. The white sand of the desert lights up under the influence of the moonlight and has an ethereal quality about it. The serenity, when the area is awash with moonlight, is an unparalleled experience which belies words.

A major attraction of the Rann Utsav is the crafts of the region. Tourists throng the festival as it offers an opportunity to the locals to showcase their craft and art. The authentic crafts items are a reflection of Gujarat’s diversity. So, pick up wood-carved utensils made by the master craftsmen from Ludia and Dumaro villages or Kutchi hand block prints like Ajrakh print, Batik print and Rogan painting or even exquisite silver jewelry with stunning engraved designs or even toys made from sea shells. The variety on offer is mind-boggling and takes your breath away.

To experience a slice of life of the people who stay in the area, ride on camel back or take the camel carts.

For more information visit: www.gujarattourism.com

ATTEND THE FESTIVAL

The celebratory festival begins in the Bhuj city and goes around the district with a grand finale again being held at the preliminary destination. o For tent booking please visit: https://www.rannutsav.net/ or https://whiterannresort.com/ o For Online Entry Permit of White Rann at Dhordo please visit https://www.rannpermit.com/

Q& A

THE

IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Irrespective of the role that SHWETA TRIPATHI plays, there is a sincerity and righteousness that shines through. In a conversation with SAIMI SATTAR, she accepts that when it comes to acting, she is akin to a ‘front-bencher’ in school

Your characters have a quiet strength, whether it is in Masaan, Made in Heaven, Raat Akeli Hai or Mirzapur. Do directors see that in you or do you tend to gravitate towards such characters?

Oh, wow. I’ll have to think about this. (Pauses) I am drawn towards strong characters. Shalu, in Masaan (2015), is a simple and loving person but at the same time very sure of what she wants.

I’ve learnt that most of us are not born superheroes. In Laakhon Mein Ek (2019), Dr Shreya Pathare is initially a regular girl who wants to study and become a doctor. She has no plans to go to a rural camp without even proper washrooms.

That’s how the character progresses. Even though the audience can’t see their own reflection in the character, I believe it should be relatable. For instance, when you see Faisal Khan in Gangs of Wasseypur, it might not be your journey but you can feel what the character is going through and that his journey is important.

The family I was born in and the one I am married into are super supportive and very encouraging and that’s why I’m unafraid to speak my mind. Be it Masaan, The Gone Game or Cargo, there’s a certain confidence in all my characters. I’ve hardly played a meek or shy person which is out of my comfort zone. In Besan Ke Laddoo, a short film, I played a bahu who had to impress her mother-in-law which I found a little difficult.

As an actor you realise that you aren’t your character and vice versa though I take a part of every character with me and

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give a part of me to it. In Haraamkhor (2017), I play Sandhya, who is in love with her teacher and I went on questioning why can’t she see that he is married and this relationship is not good for her. But it is easier to judge, give solutions and suggestions when you see it from a third person’s perspective. Sandhya didn’t get love and attention from anywhere besides her teacher and so she naturally hung on to him. I’ve hardly anything in common with Golu Gupta (Mirzapur), which is the most complex character that I’ve played. But that is the fun part. As Neeraj Ghaywan (director of Masaan) says, actors are very lucky as they live so many different lives. For any role I don’t dig into some past hurt. As Golu, I think of my pregnant sister, Sweety, who was killed along with my best friend, Bablu. There’s no parallel in my life that I can draw upon.

Coming from a non-film family, did you have problems getting a break initially?

Not at all (emphatically). If you are talking of nepotism, it exists everywhere. When I say I didn’t have a bad experience, it’s my personal take and I’m not discounting anyone has had a bad one. But if your reason to do something is correct, it works out. When I joined the industry, I wasn’t looking to be pretty, beautiful, glamorous or having x-number of followers. While these make me happy, these aren’t my priority. I love acting.

Whenever a film releases, I am happy reading positive reviews. But my cake and eating it is being in front of the camera. Everything else is extra.

AS AN ACTOR YOU REALISE THAT YOU ARE NOT YOUR CHARACTER AND VICE VERSA

You had zero connections in the industry, how did you decide to be an actor?

As a child I enjoyed being on stage but never thought of being an actor. My dad is an IAS and mother, a teacher. Education was important in my family which believed that it was found not only in books but also in what you were exposed to. We had a lot of cultural exposure and went for plays, musical performances, attended workshops and more.

Though I realised I really enjoyed acting but

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MILESTONES

o She was born on July 6, 1985.

o She made her TV debut in 2009 with Kya Mast Hai Life where she played the character of Zenia Khan.

o She made her film debut in Trishna, a British-Swedish-Indian co-production in 2011.

whenever asked what I wanted to be as a child, I never articulated my passion. It was only in college that I told my father that I wanted to pursue acting. He advised me to prepare for it, so that I didn’t land up in the profession without any background. I didn’t go to a drama school but attended workshops which taught me different methods of acting. The sum of these is like my tool kit from which I draw to approach different characters. Acting is my sacred and happy place. I wasn’t a serious student but when I am acting, I am like the school front-bencher.

Were you apprehensive about what people would think while enacting the masturbating scene in Mirzapur Season 1?

What people think is the heaviest rock that you can carry. It’s your life and you should do what makes you happy. People will always say something but who are these people? My family and friends didn’t say anything and it is their opinion that I value. I wouldn’t do anything which would make them feel ashamed.

While approaching a role, do you build its back story with the director?

Discussions with the writer and the director are important because they know the character, the environment and the other dramatis personae much better than any actor. If you have a good writer and director, they literally hold your hand and take you on that journey.

You don’t know yourself 100 per cent, so how can you expect to know your character completely?

Mirzapur Season 2 has been making waves...

It’s the most complex character that I’ve played. But once you get under the skin of the character, it’s easy to figure out how she speaks, talks, walks and the body language. But Golu’s back story and the way Season 1 ended was complicated. So understanding how and why she was doing something and what she was thinking was difficult. There are multiple layers but Puneet Krishna, one of the best writers in Bollywood, was there to clear any doubts at all times.

o It was with her role in Masaan in 2015 where she played Shalu that she grabbed eyeballs.

You tapped into the OTT platform when it was untested waters...

Untested waters excite me. A lot. I like to tread on a path that hasn’t been taken before. Also the story is always the primary thing that draws me to any project, be it audio, big screen or OTT. If I like the story and my character I’ll do it and not because I know the producers or the scale is big. I took up the Season 2 of Laakhon... because I believed in it. I’m an instinctive person and don’t analyse much. As an artiste, you might discuss a project but it has to be your decision which could be right-wrong or a flop-hit. Whenever I look at my filmography, I’m extremely happy. It is like my report card.

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PERSONALFRONT

o Her father works for the Indian Administrative Service and her mother is a retired teacher.

o She has been married to actor and rapper, Chaitanya Sharma since June 29, 2018.

I love OTT because Dr Shreya Pathare couldn’t have been a part of a film. Mirzapur Season 2 is nine hours long and no film can have that graph. On OTT the challenge is that the pause, rewind and stop button is in the audience’s control. When you watch a film in a theatre, you go out with family and pay for tickets, popcorn and parking so there’s little chance that you’ll walk out.

But Masaan or Haraamkhor are films while Mirzapur can’t be one. There’s beauty in both.

OTT has allowed me do stuff which I never thought I would. Dr Shreya and Golu are my favourite characters.

Would you say OTT favours talent over stars?

OTT has given not just actors but writers, directors, musicians a chance. But I wouldn’t take credit away from the stars. Talent should be appreciated in all forms. No one dances like Tiger Shroff. When Ranbir Kapoor is on screen, I can’t look away.

I find looking glamorous all the time, something which is expected from actors in commercial films, a headache.

People got hooked to OTT during the lockdown. Will they return to theatres?

Both can exist. The experience of a theatre and community viewing can’t be replicated. A film like Jurrassic Park or a sports film or even one directed by Rohit Shetty is best enjoyed in a theatre with people.

People also want to watch good stories on OTT which has created a balance. I have fond memories of watching Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Titanic which are meant for the big screen.

Social media is a double-edged sword. It connects but there’s trolling...

I was watching Social Dilemma on Netflix, which has people who have worked at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. They were aware of what they were

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DIDYOUKNOW?

o She spent her childhood in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Mumbai. It was during her stay in the Andaman that she realised her love for travel and outdoors.

o She studied at National Institute of Fashion Technology and graduated with a degree in Fashion Communication.

making but didn’t know that these platforms could become monsters.

A healthy diet is not just what you eat but also what you listen to, the accounts you follow on social media, or watch on OTT. If you follow one kind of news media where it appears that someone is barking, it will create negativity in the house. It’s important to choose what you are exposed to because knowingly or unknowingly, it will make a difference to your life and routine.

Social media enables you to learn and grow but don’t let it affect you. You must realise it is easy for trolls to sit at home and write hateful comments. But it’s your choice whether you let it affect you or not. I don’t take compliments or trolling seriously. Someone told me on social media, ‘you never had a 100 crore film and you do small parts,’ and I laughed. People can have an opinion but I’m entitled to mine. However, constructive feedback is good. My father told me that you should keep your critics close as a reality check is important. My husband and I are each other’s biggest critics and fans.

You aren’t scared to speak your mind. Does that affect your relationship with your co-stars and the films that you get?

I don’t blame people who are diplomatic because I know the kind of hate messages you get. My manager told me not to be a part of the anti-CAA-NRC protests but if we play safe who’ll fight for us when the time comes?

It’s often said that female actors should lie about their age. I never understood that because I will be cast for how old I look. I was 26-27 when I played a 14-year-old in Haraamkhor. I want to work with people who have the foresight and maturity to understand that if they are getting an older actor playing a younger character, they benefit. I want to be in that space where if a director or an actor supports another party or has a different point of view we can still have a conversation.

All my co stars — Ali Fazal, Vicky Kaushal, Nawaz bhai — are not just great actors but also great human beings. None of them has ever made me feel that what I am saying is invalid or coming from a place of ignorance. We might have traversed a distance in the way women are treated but there’s still a long way to go. If you want to clean up the industry or the country, the change needs to begin at home. We are following this as a profession but our personal lives are not anybody’s business which it has become right now.

What are the new projects?

The lockdown has been a difficult time. But I am on a high as Raat Akeli Hai, Gone Game (which was shot at home), Cargo and Mirzapur did release. There are two more projects in the pipeline one each for Hotstar and Netflix. I can only say that the Hotstar one is being directed by Abhishek Sengupta who helmed Laakhon Mein Ek.

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TRAVEL BUG

HUMANS SANS FRONTIÈRES More than the beauty of Dawki in Meghalaya, it was the utopia of a borderless world that had SAIMI SATTAR in a thrall while PANKAJ KUMAR captured each moment

With no physical border, it is tough to make out that the milling crowds are from another country

THAT’S

the Bangladesh border,” said Vikram, our driver, directing our glance to the right. I eagerly looked out of the car window and all I could see was a mass of humanity gleefully dipping into the water of a placid lake or walking towards it. As if it was meant to dissolve differences. Any hint of a combination of barbed wire and watchtowers, synonymous with borders, was completely absent as we watched from above. And just at that moment, Lucky Ali, who was crooning out a number on the journey of memories in our lives, seemed to phase out of my head as Lennon leaped out of my memory’s pen drive: “Imagine there’s no countries It isn’t hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too Imagine all the people living life in peace, you You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope some day you’ll join us

And the world will be as one...”

It took us another 10 minutes to reach Dawki, — the place we were headed to. But during the remaining part of the journey, I was awash with a flood of emotion brought on by the anthem that John Lennon is known for, Gurus of Peace by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan as well as our very own Bollywood take, Panchchi Nadiya Pawan Ke Jhonke. The stellar numbers on what the utopia of a borderless world could mean played on in my head as I was oblivious to what the car stereo was belting out. But this is jumping a little ahead of how it all started.

So, let us take a little step back and get a backgrounder. Four of us had landed in pristine Meghalaya three days ago on official work. While I was quite taken in by the capital, Shillong, my companions, who had visited the place several years ago, insisted that, like all beautiful places, this, too, was falling to the ravages of commercialisation though thankfully the damage was not as bad as some of the hill stations in the northern part of the country. Our work completed, on the night we were supposed to book our return

Colourful boats bobbing on the surface of the Dawki Lake. (Inset): Another view of the calm waters

flights, one of us just dropped a hint that we should take a day trip to Dawki. This was the opportunity that the remaining three were looking out for and we quickly snapped it up. Exhilarated at the thought, as most of us had seen pictures of boats which appeared to be floating mid-air thanks to the clean waters, all of us were on board in a matter of seconds.

This also had to do with the bonhomie that had been established at the quaint Mid Pine Homestay, where we were staying. With its tantalising views, spacious rooms and hospitable staff, the 50-year-old property is a delightful place to stay and very unlike a hotel. Renovated two years ago, it is run and owned by Daphira, a 35-year-old hotel management graduate, along with her staff Carldinho Kharmujai and Anthony Mawlong, who went out of their way to make our stay comfortable. Given that we were visiting Meghalaya during the time of a pandemic, when tourism had come to a standstill, we practically had the place completely to ourselves and could do as we pleased when we got time off from our meetings.

The next day dawned clear and we set out early in the morning after a wholesome breakfast of omelettes

THINGSTODO o Take a boat ride on the Dawki Lake. There are a number of colourful ones anchored at the shore. o Not too far away is the Krang Suri Waterfall with its crystal clear water. o There are campsites along the river, which were missing during the pandemic. It is said the experience is unparalleled. o One can go to Shnongpdeng and cross the river over the suspension bridge. The bridge wobbles and shakes which can be unsettling or enjoyable depending upon how much of an adrenaline junkie you are.

and bread. After some jostling for the window seats, since one of us had to be cooped in the middle, we all settled down to enjoy the views that the winding road had to offer.

The sun played peek-a-boo with the clouds that seemed to be omnipresent. Not for nothing is the State called Meghalaya (the country of the clouds).

While their shapes and colours kept evolving, one thing remained constant — my fascination for these blobs of white and grey.

An analogy of Shillong being referred to as the Scotland of the East, too, came to mind and I could only nod to myself in agreement. The highlands with gently yellowing foliage, interspersed with swathes of green set against a sky that was all the shades of blue, pink, peach and grey peppered with

white, were absolutely picturesque. One could easily imagine Horatio McCulloch setting forth with an easel and a canvas to create Glencoe, his dramatic painting, here rather than his native Scotland. I wanted to sprawl out on a rug in the middle of nowhere with a picnic hamper by my side, some good music and a book that I had been reading. But the translucent waters of Dawki beckoned and we knew that we had to make haste.

The scene swept past and I was still daydreaming about the grassy knoll when the driver pointed out a road which led to Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in the country. But we thought that it was best not to give in to this attraction. Some things are meant to hark you back.

All of a sudden the Dawki Lake came into view from above. The suddenness of it and the fact that

The road offers picturesque sights of clouds in every hue and lush green mountains. (Inset): The Mid Pine Homestay is serene and warm EXOTICA [30] DECEMBER 2020

we were at a border that was hardly imprinted physically on the ground left us astounded as we ruminated on the fallacy of man-made divisions.

But sadly, the lake did not appear to be as clean as it did in pictures and a sigh of disappointment went around in the car. Perhaps the ordinary makes the extraordinary.

We finally reached a place where steps led to the waterfront with boats, painted in the brightest of colours, bobbing on the surface of the lake. But what caught our attention was the mass of humanity that was brimming a little distance away and, that too, without masks which we had donned keeping in mind that we were travelling in Corona times. We were a little flummoxed at this when we spotted a Border Security Forces (BSF) outpost perched high up. The two men in camouflage

outfits told us that these were our eastern neighbours to which a companion quipped, “There is no Corona in Bangladesh!”

There was nothing save a board which said, “Entry is not allowed,” in Bangla to indicate that two countries, which were one not too long back, met here seamlessly. Somewhere the tourist surfaced from within the traveller as we posed with the board before hastening over the pebbled ground to go back to the “Indian side.” But it changed nothing.

The ground beneath our feet felt the same. So much for divisions! Vikram, on the other hand, had made good of the visit to pick up some Bangladeshi jhal muri (puffed rice with condiments) before we decided to head back to Shillong.

And this time it was the car stereo that played, “Imagine there’s no countries...” Or was I imagining?

GETTINGTHERE Dawki is a little over 80 km from Shillong and it takes two-and-a-half hours by road. If you want to make a day trip, you can even visit Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in India.

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Eye

tiger Stilt fishermen in Sri Lanka EXOTICA [32] DECEMBER 2020

of the

PHOTO GALLERY For four decades STEVE MCCURRY’S images have captured conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture while placing humans at the centre. UMA NAIR takes us through some of his unpublished works, which form a part of a new book, In Search of Elsewhere

THERE

are few photos that have as much recall value as that of Sharbat Gula, an Afghan girl with piercing green eyes. A new book by Steve McCurry, the man behind the lens who captured the iconic image, was recently released by the Sundaram Tagore Gallery, Madison Avenue, NYC. Titled In Search of Elsewhere: Unseen Images, the book consists of unpublished and iconic photographs, which will also be part of an exhibition running till December 18. The book is a treat for photographers and lovers of travel. Irrespective of where he goes, McCurry’s images run the litany of inner truths of the lives of most humble people who have an innate echo of rustic resonance and beauty.

McCurry has travelled the globe for his photographic projects, covering areas of international and civil conflict and documenting ancient traditions, vanishing cultures and contemporary culture. His exquisite use of colour and unwavering commitment to retain the human element have made his images timelessly captivating.

His work has been the subject of numerous museum shows and books.

EXOTICA [33] DECEMBER 2020

(Above left): A fruit vendor plies his wares on a colourful pathway, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

(Above right): These men are praying before the Ber Baba Buddha tree, under which Baba Buddha, one of the gurus of Sikhism, would sit and meditate.

The famous Golden Temple can be seen in the background. There is a satisfying visual balance between the three men, all engaged in the act of worship, Amritsar, India.

(Left to right): Dust Storm, Rajasthan; Couple looking over balcony at the vibrant city.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India and Mother and painter, Maqbool Fida Husain, at his studio, Mumbai, India

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EXOTICA [35] DECEMBER 2020

(Clockwise from left top): Moonrise in Mumbai; women climb up a stepwell, Rajasthan; Wadi Rum, Silversea, Petra, Jordan; flower seller at Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir and Shaolin is one of the oldest styles of Kung Fu. An Indian monk played a significant role in the development of this martial art at the newly formed Shaolin Temple.

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EXOTICA [37] DECEMBER 2020

THIS Domestic tourism will power the industry in the post-pandemic world, believes ANAMIKA TEWARI

A NEW WORLD

year, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has estimated a reduction of nearly 80 per cent in travel footprints across the world. This isn’t surprising because this sector is usually the first to be affected and the last to recover during a serious crisis like the current pandemic. We can all agree that when this once-in a 100-years pandemic is over, travel will no longer be business as usual. After all, we can’t ignore that travelling was one of the main reasons why Coronavirus spread across the world forcing Governments to impose strict lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Since the beginning of this unprecedented crisis, the dominating thread of conversation among travel industry experts, operators and even Governments has been on three aspects — survive, revive and thrive. There’s no doubt in anybody’s mind that during the recovery process and after, ensuring the safety of travellers will be paramount in regaining their confidence and business. This means that going forward, any change in strategic gameplan within the tourism industry has to include robust protocols for hygiene and safety for every traveller.

Unlike most countries, India has had a robust domestic market and, now, with limited international travel or complete restrictions in some cases, it could very well be the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel.

It seems prophetic that on Republic Day this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged every Indian to visit at least 15 domestic destinations by 2022. Experts and State Governments now agree that domestic tourism will be the first to bounce back and it’s critical that all stakeholders collaborate to be bold and innovative, use technological solutions to strategically address issues and proactively adopt measures to regain socio-economic stability.

In recent years, Assam has positioned itself as the dream destination for both national and international travellers. The State, with its unique bio-diversity, rich cultural and historical heritage, has witnessed significant increase in tourist footfalls. Domestic

travellers accounted for 54,13,156 entries in 2016-17 which increased to 60,27,002 in 2018-19.

In order to combat the sector’s twin challenges of saving businesses and jobs, the Assam Government, based on the Advisory Committee’s recommendations, prepared an exhaustive budget to provide financial support to stakeholders. The Chief Minister of Assam announced the Sanjeevani Scheme, an interest subsidy loan to support the impacted stakeholders, which will allow the small businesses to access working capital with the Government underwriting a part of the loan amount.

The Government has formulated an intensive marketing approach of the specific micro-markets which will revive the severely-stricken industry. o Promotion of local pilgrim destinations under the Punyadham Scheme to jumpstart the economic growth o Promotion of Weekend Gateways, Staycations and FITs (Fully Independent Traveller) o Promotion of Food Safaris showcasing the region’s ethnic food o Promotion of Educational School and College Excursions highlighting the culture, traditions and heritage

o Promotion of Slow Tourism, Responsible Tourism, Sustainable Tourism for an enriching travel experience The pandemic has provided an opportunity for the global tourism sector, including in Assam, to hit the reset button given that consumer preferences and policies are expected to evolve in the coming months and years.

For the industry to thrive, regulations on health, safety and hygiene along with availability of medical facilities will have to be prioritised along with measures to provide a great travel experience. The Central Government’s initiatives, “Saathi” and “Nidhi”, will assist the hospitality industry to continue their operations, mitigate risks arising out of the health crisis by including Self Certification, Site Assessment and Webinars for stakeholders. These are being actively implemented by Assam Tourism.

No doubt tourists will return but safety restrictions will be here to stay for quite some time. As an industry we will indeed need to be innovative, include adopting digital solutions and be resilient so that the recovery process can be rapid and sustainable.

— The author is Joint Secretary, Department of Tourism, Assam

FESTIVE VIBES Christmas in Bowbazar Barracks in Calcutta places the Anglo-Indian community at its heart. AYANDRALI DUTTA talks to some residents to find out why it is a must-visit and what the celebrations would be like in a year when congregations are not desirable

PHOTO: SUKANTA PAL PHOTO: SUKANTA \PAL

TUCKED

away from the hustle and bustle of Calcutta are these yellow and red bylanes. For anyone familiar with the City of Joy, it won’t be difficult to guess the locality. But for the sake of the uninitiated, we will list that it is called Bow Barracks. Located in central Kolkata, it is home to the Anglo-Indian community in the city. But who are these Anglo Indians? This small community of English speaking minority, with a mixed ancestry of British and Indian, is spread all over the country.

The community came into being during the British Raj when Englishmen married Indian women.

It’s interesting to delve into history to understand how the place was classified as a barrack. These houses were built way back in 1900s to house British troops during WW1. While for the rest of the year it is just another sleepy neighbourhood, come Christmas season and it suddenly comes to life. Francis Yee Lepcha, a musician, who has been singing at the Christmas celebrations in the area since their inception, says, “I have been singing here since 2000 when the Christmas celebration started here for the first time. The celebration here goes on for a week, and particularly on December 23, the jazz reaches a crescendo. The Anglo Indians know merry-making in the real sense. For them, everything is about good music and food. One big Christmas tree at the grotto, where the locals offer prayers, is the star attraction. Both the streets are buzzing with energy. Each balcony looks like it is straight out of a fairy tale.”

Christmas happens to be the largest and most important celebration for the community and it is celebrated over nine days. This is the best time to visit the barrack. Santa, the star attraction of the festival, in a unique Bow Bazaar tradition, comes in an old school rickshaw.

Brunnel Arathoon, an Anglo-Armenian, home chef, says, “While growing up, Christmas always meant family time. Relatives, who lived abroad or across the country, came back to Calcutta irrespective of where they were. ‘Whitewashing’

(Above): The celebrations at Bow Barracks attract visitors from all over Calcutta and outside. (Below): Santa comes riding in an old school rickshaw.

(Inset): Armenian cakes made by Brunnel Arathoon

PHOTO: NAVPREET ARORA

PHOTO: TANAYESH TALUKDAR

The streets light up during the celebration

(house-painting), as we Anglos like to call it, would start in the first week of December, and that’s when the excitement started. Next came the decoration and cake baking. We’d help each other out and all this mingling around meant that this practically turned into a party all by itself. On Christmas Eve, midnight mass with the entire family was a tradition. This was followed by a

get-together with family which inevitably started at 2 am after mass. Lunch and dinner at an aunt’s place were fixed rituals, during which extended family and friends joined in the party.”

As the barracks were decorated with streamers, balloons, silver bells, Chinese lanterns, the lanes came to life and there were posters all over the walls listing different activities that would be held during those days. Singing, dancing and other festivities are arranged to keep each one engaged.

Navpreet Arora, founder, FunOnStreets, a theme-based walking tour in the city, who is also regular at the celebration, says, “Christmas in Calcutta during my growing up years, particularly in Bow Barracks, is what is closest to my heart.

The inclusiveness of the celebration within the

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“NOT

THE ARMENIAN TALE

Indian (kofta curry and coconut rice are standard, along with jelly and custard for dessert), Armenian Dolmas, Harissa, a kind of savoury porridge with chicken, along with Armenian Xmas cakes, which are sweet, spicy and fruitless (heavily laced with cinnamon and nutmeg) and, as my husband spent two thirds of his life in the UK, we have a range of roasts, pies, a traditional ham and mulled wine. The British variety is prepared by him,” says this young home chef. The Christmas party at the Armenian Sports Club, where the community meets, is totally worth a visit during this festive season.

many know that the Armenians celebrate Christmas on January 6, the day when Jesus was baptised. We go to the Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth, offer our Christmas prayers and then the day proceeds,” says Shayne David Hyrapiet, a renowned singer in the city.

It is true that Armenians do not celebrate Christmas on December 25 like the rest. While keeping up with the culinary culture in Armenia, Brunnel Arathoon prepares the special Armenian cakes, which, she adds, are different from the rest in the spice content. “We cook a smorgasbord of dishes covering three cultures; Anglo

(Clockwise from top): Skyla and Sierra, singer Shayne Hyrapiet’s daughters; home chef Brunnel Arathoon prepares rose cookies, the traditional Anglo-Indian dish and cakes

old red brick walls, where everyone was welcome, resonates the true spirit of the city.” Don’t miss the fact that Usha Uthup regularly croons here during the festival.

This year, though, will be different. “The celebration will only be restricted to our homes and the jazz and gala get-together will not take place,” says Richard Das in a low tone. Most families will not see a full house this time as those staying abroad can’t fly in this year, he adds.

Richard, who lives around the area, reminisces about the old days as he continues, “The year-end dance started at 9:30 pm and continued till the wee hours of the morning and then most of us headed to the famous Tiretti bazaar/China town for breakfast.”

Angela Govindraj, the 56-year-old general secretary of the Bow Barracks Residents’ Welfare Association, sounds gloomy as he says, “The Bow fest, mainly about giving and sharing, has been organised since ages. Much of its charm will be lost this year. It will not be the same. People won’t return home to celebrate. Each of us will pray at our own home and no social gatherings will take place.”

With the Anglo-Indian population dwindling with each passing day, let’s salute one of the oldest barracks in the city, which has kept the charm and lustre of The Bow Fest alive. And yes, if you are visiting the gala here, don’t miss the homemade ginger wine. It’s surely going to lift your Christmas spirit.

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FESTIVE VIBES

RASEEL GUJRAL ANSAL lists five ways to bring in the Christmas cheer in your homes

MORE THAN RED, GREEN AND WHITE EXOTICA [46] DECEMBER 2020

o Don’t stick around to the basic red and green décor Think about classic combinations like black and white, which make for a crisp, graphic combination. o Try to incorporate as many eco-friendly décor elements It’s the need of the hour. Succulents are earth-friendly, low-maintenance and an excellent modern Christmas decorating idea. Arrange a few in a centerpiece, or go big with a succulent wreath or garland. o Treat all the senses I’m a big believer in indulging all the senses as the key to create a beautiful home.

Creating a visual buffet is as much a part of the preparations as the Christmas Day lunch. Play with textures to draw interest and convey this special time of year. Sound, smell, touch and taste should all be engaged while preparing your home for festivities. o Don’t be afraid to go bold Use striking colours like emerald green, firs green, Bordeaux, royal blue, turquoise or even black; they play a predominant role in the decoration. Our new porcelain collection, called “Art of Giving”, is actually a great pick for this Christmas décor as well as well as festive gifting. For example, Amazonia is a pure gold accent collection that takes on a vivid journey through the Amazonia jungle, adding a touch of dream to daily living; the perfect add for the festive season. o Don’t go overboard Extravagance is severely overrated around the festive season. You don’t need to display every single holiday decoration you’ve accumulated over the years. Instead of being a sentimental look back in time, it’ll just end up making your home look cluttered. Try to choose three to four holiday elements per room. That way they’ll really stand out and won’t be overwhelming — The author is the Creative Director and Co-Founder, Casa Paradox

EXOTICA [47] DECEMBER 2020

BLITHE SPIRIT POLTRONA FRAU AVAILABLE AT ETRELUXE: The Fidelio High Cabinet uses a combination of solid ash, birch plywood with ash veneer, extra light natural maple wood, Calacatta gold marble, moka-stained solid ash in this simple yet sophisticated piece. Price on request

RAISETHEBAR ALSORG: With a top in Corian and base in copper oxidised finish metal, this bar counter is an accent piece which can be placed as the focal point of a room.

Price on request

INHABIT: Made in teakwood with Corian top in inlaid resin snaffle bit pattern, the Equine collection has horse hair carved on the edges BEYOND DESIGNS: This bar cabinet in brass, with brass knobs and fluted glass shutters, is an ode to the bygone era that suits your contemporary home. Price on request

EXOTICA [48] DECEMBER 2020

ASHLEY FURNITURE HOMESTORE AVAILABLE AT DASH SQUARE: With its glass-panel doors, antique-style hardware, nine-bottle wine rack and classic bun feet, made of veneers, wood and engineered wood, this piece from the Porter collection is priced at `95,134

BAXTER AVAILABLE AT SOURCES UNLIMITED: The Plisse Mobile Bar is made of burnished brass and natural solid maple.

Price on request MADS CREATIONS: The metal base, knobs and handles in gold finish offer a contrast to the black wooden bar unit. This one features open glass and wooden shelves with focus lights in the covered unit with a laminate cladding. The baton has PU finish. Price on request

Do not hide the liquor cabinet in a corner. The designs of the latest units are sure to be conversation starters themselves.

And not just under the influence of spirits

CIPRIANI HOMOOD AVAILABLE AT OTTIMO: Curved Bar Cabinet with engraved design doors and metal base from the Dragonfly Collection.

Price on request

YOMIE AVAILABLE AT PLUSCH: The Magic Cube collection formulates multiple uses in one design with details such as mirror and stainless-steel elements as well as the option to integrate a refrigerator.

Price on request

EXOTICA [49] DECEMBER 2020

BY DESIGN Winter is the perfect time to dress up your homes with tapestry that complements your interiors and imparts a cosy feel

FLOORED BY

carpets HANDS: (Clockwise from top) Sphere Turquoise is made of 100 per cent wool and priced at `58,047 onwards; Burgeon Charcoal is made of wool and botanical silk and priced at ` 50,791 onwards and Sylvan Silver Blue is made in wool and botanical silk. Price: `58,047 onwards

EXOTICA [50] DECEMBER 2020

CC-TAPIS: Infini Stucco Soie is made of Himalayan wool and silk.

Available in several colours and the price is on request; Triple Slinky by Patricia Urquiola is hand-knotted in cotton weave and the price is on request and Bliss Big Yellow by Mae Engelgee is hand-knotted in cotton weave made of Himalayan wool and pure silk. Price on request OBEETEE: (Clockwise) The Firdaus collection’s rich colours and traditional motifs are created with fine quality wool. Price: `5.03 lakh; The Khwabeeda Rug from RR Durbar Gadi Masand Collection has opulent embroidery in velvet. Price: `4.59 lakh and the Charbagh Rug from Tarun Tahiliani Chikankari Collection glorifies the traditional embroidery art of chikankari. The traditional paisley and floral motifs used in Lucknowi chikankari have been deconstructed, distressed and layered. Price: `4.25 lakh

EXOTICA [51] DECEMBER 2020

GURUSPEAK

LIFE’S Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru

Total health can be experienced only when all the layers of our existence are in harmony

hustle bustle does not allow us to live it to the fullest. Today, the biggest enemy of good health is stress. Many of the modern-day disorders are not really illnesses but manifested symptoms of stress. Not only does stress take a heavy toll on our health, it also doesn’t allow us to feel young at heart.

A research in the UK found that a baby smiles 400 times a day, an adolescent 17 times and an adult doesn’t smile at all. It is the stress in life that’s robbing the smile.

Often health is seen as the mere absence of disease. But that’s not totally true. Total health can be experienced only when all the layers of our existence — breath, mind, soul and more — are in harmony. If one is feeling rough from inside, then s/he is not healthy; if the mind is not calm, then one is not mentally healthy. When the emotions are rough, one is emotionally unhealthy.

True health must ensure happiness of the person. Without physical health you can’t be completely happy and without happiness you can’t be completely healthy. The state of health has to flow from the innermost of one’s being to the outermost and vice versa. That’s why in the ancient times health was regarded as a gift from the Cosmic Mind or Indra.

The state of perfect health was what was referred to as swasthya in the shastras. While it means health, it also means being in one’s ‘Self’. To be healthy, one needs to be established in the Self and vice versa. The best way to attain fitness is to follow simple practices that calm the mind and help you get in touch with yourself. Start with your breath. Proper breathing can greatly enhance not only the quantity of life but also its quality.

LIVE LIFE TO THE

FULLEST!

LIFE IS NOT SUCH A SERIOUS MATTER. SO START YOUR DAY BY LOOKING INTO THE MIRROR AND GIVING A BIG SMILE TO YOURSELF. SING, DANCE AND CELEBRATE. THE VERY INTENTION TO CELEBRATE WILL LIFT YOU AND BRING YOU TO THE PRESENT MOMENT

Proper breathing also increases the prana or subtle life force. When the level of prana in the system is high, one feels happy, bubbly and enthusiastic. And when its level goes down, the same person will feel down, depressed and even suicidal. So, the secret of feeling young at heart is in the level of prana. Pranayamas and other similar exercises that help regulate the flow of life force are vital as they also invoke positive emotions, replacing anger, frustration and jealousy.

Yoga and meditation also help greatly in getting established in the Self. Yoga means to unify. It attends to all aspects of life: physical, mental and spiritual. Meditation and yoga lead to the harmony of body-mind-soul which is the indication of true health. Take out some time and go to the most beautiful place, which is within you. A few quiet moments are a source for creativity.

Silence heals and rejuvenates and gives you depth and stability.

Another secret to good health is learning to take life in its stride. Life is as complicated as you

want it to be. Life involves ups and downs. Do not be afraid of this. Know that every pinch that you are feeling is for the best, to make your life more lively and make you stronger.

Life is not such a serious matter. So start your day by looking into the mirror and smiling at yourself. Sing, dance and celebrate. The very intention to celebrate will lift you and bring you to the present moment.

Make your smile cheaper and anger expensive.

Have a sense of humour. You are endowed with certain naughtiness as a child. Keep it alive.

Humour will grease all tough situations. One who has humour can sail through any conflict.

Humour is the buffer that saves you from humiliation. It is not just words but the lightness of your being.

Be enthusiastic as it is another measure of living life to the fullest. Life is enthusiasm, but paradoxically we call the process of losing it as living. Reverse it and keep your enthusiasm alive.

That will surely make you feel young at heart.

HOTWHEELS

love PUPPY

Kushan Mitra Auto & tech expert

EXOTICA [54] DECEMBER 2020

The BMW X3M is very effective in turning a frown upside down

AT

the end of the day you can look at a car as simply something with four wheels that gets you from A to B as and when you need to go. That in essence is its raison d’etre.

The little things, like comfort in the form of airconditioning and even power windows, are nice extras to have. You would like a car to do its job efficiently but also safely. So yes, things like airbags and anti-lock brakes are useful. But if these are your beliefs, you’re not exactly the target audience for a column like this.

Because, like so many other products, like clothing and personal electronics, cars are, for many individuals, an extension of their

personality. Or there are those who use a car to project success and wealth. There is a reason that dictators and presidents move around in the likes of an Audi A8, BMW 7-series or a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That is also a reason that once you taste some success in your career, you don’t mind shelling out a bit for a badge. You don’t need to get a luxury sedan when a regular Honda or Toyota will do the job equally well, possibly better, cheaper and more reliably. But it is what it is. You buy a BMW to project success, to project your love of motor vehicles.

But you do not buy a BMW M car for either of those reasons. You buy a BMW M car because you

EXOTICA [55] DECEMBER 2020

THE BMW X3M IS NO ORDINARY BMW, IT IS A BONKERS CAR. BUT YOU FORGET THAT YOU ARE IN A TWO-TON SUV WHEN YOU DRIVE IT, BECAUSE YOU SEE THE NUMBERS ON THE HEADS-UP DISPLAY BLUR. YOU ARE AT THE URBAN SPEED LIMIT IN A FEW SECONDS AND YOUR EYES ARE SCANNING OVERHEAD GANTRIES FOR SPEED CAMERAS are one incident away from going to the madhouse. You buy a BMW M car because you want to know what turning dinosaur juice into noise sounds like. You buy a BMW M car because, well, speeding fines are petty change. And you buy a BMW X3M because you want to understand how automotive engineering has developed to the point where you can stick a stonking big engine, in this case a three-litre six-cylinder engine producing 480 horsepower, into a Sports Utility Vehicle (or Sports Activity Vehicle as BMW calls it) and still make it handle like a sedan.

The BMW X3M is no ordinary BMW, it is a bonkers car. But you forget that you are in a two-ton SUV when you drive it, because you see the numbers on the heads-up display blur. You are at the urban speed limit in a few seconds, and your eyes are scanning overhead gantries for speed cameras. You see a corner or a sweeping turn and think you should dab the brakes, but you don’t need to as the tyres hold onto the road even as they turn at speeds that should not be possible. Your

brain thinks, “Seriously? How can a car do this?”

And you smile, the widest smile you have in a long time, particularly in a year where everything else seems to have gone to the dogs. Although BMW has hardcoded speed alarms into the system. And once you stop you are awed at how far the Germans have gone in developing cars in which physics doesn’t seem to matter anymore.

And what genuinely surprises me about this X3M is the pricing. A standard X3 30i costs `60 lakh. This X3M, which is an import and well, has all sorts of ‘M’ things such as the the differential, costs just under a crore. Yes, it is expensive but not all that much more when you consider what you get. Because what you get is not something that just takes you from A to B, you don’t just get something that shows the world that you’ve done well. You get something that is not just an incredible feat of engineering but you get something that makes no sense whatsoever. But then again, at so many levels, the BMW X3M does make sense.

EXOTICA [56] DECEMBER 2020

FITNESS

The ancient science gently stretches the joints, tendons and ligaments, loosens them and allows for better blood circulation.

A combination of all of these keeps us young

Bharat Thakur is a yoga guru and founder of Artistic Yoga

WHEN

we are young, our bodies tend to be more flexible.

As we get older, we get caught in busy routines, sedentary lifestyles and, unless we are doing something to counter that, we get stiffer. This affects our physical well-being.

Yoga has stretches, postures that help achieve flexibility but how does that happen? Let us take a look at what flexibility is and how yoga works.

Physically speaking, flexibility refers to our capacity to stretch or lengthen the muscles. The muscles are made up of fibres that have some elasticity. Our joints and tendons also play a role here. Joints are made up of bones connected to each other by ligaments and to our muscles, by tendons. Both ligaments and tendons are not as elastic as muscles. Gently stretching the joints in turn stretches the tendons and ligaments, loosens them and allows for better blood

circulation between the joint bones. They become more mobile and allow the muscles to stretch more.

Three things affect the flexibility of muscles. First is the length of muscle fibres. Those with longer fibres are more flexible. Second is the collagen composition of your muscles. Collagen is a major protein found in and around connective tissue in your muscles, bones and tendons. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and this affects flexibility. The third is our brain and how much it lets us stretch. Our muscles have two receptors, Spindle and Golgi, that signal the brain when we stretch. The brain’s first reaction is to protect the muscle by inducing a contraction if the movement is done fast or forcefully. So you may feel discomfort. Now, if you just relax and hold the position you’ve reached, the body gets more comfortable. The brain now knows that this stretch won’t harm and, next time, it will be easier.

These three factors can be changed and influenced by training the brain and by the way we stretch. Yoga recognises that each and every aspect of our mind and body is interconnected. Each movement is done slowly, with awareness and synchronised with breathing. Your breath is linked directly to your nervous system. So as we slowly inhale, we stretch. Breathing deeply and slowly calms our nerves. Each time we breathe out, we consciously relax into the posture. By combining breathing, stretching, exhaling and relaxing, our nerves relax. Our bodies and minds release tension, stress and we can stretch a little further.

Stretching and becoming more flexible enables our lungs to function better and we inhale more oxygen.

This boosts blood circulation and oxygenates muscles.

We let go of accumulated stress and tension in the body. Our metabolism is improved and the body’s internal organs and systems work effectively. Our chances of injury are lower and we are more mobile as we age.

We are not just physically more flexible but mentally too. The free flow of oxygenated blood, nutrients and hormones, induced by stretching, increases the number of “feel good” neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. So, yoga can put you on a high. You feel good, are mentally more flexible and deal with life’s challenges easily.

EXOTICA [58] DECEMBER 2020

TADASANA

o Stand with your feet slightly apart, arms by your side o Interlock your fingers just above your head o Inhale deeply as you turn palms upwards, rise up on your toes and stretch the body upwards balancing your weight equally on both feet o Keep elongating your spine as you breathe normally and deeply o Hold for 15-30 seconds and gradually build up to two minutes o Gradually extend to 30, then 60 seconds o Breathe in, exhale as you come down to start position o Repeat three-five times BENEFITS: o Gently stretches the spine and the entire torso o Stretches the nerves of the carpal, relaxing them o Eases tension o Prepares the body for more intense stretches

TIRYAKA TADASANA

o Stand with our feet apart, arms relaxed by sides o Lock your hands above your head and inhale deeply, as you stretch upwards o Keeping arms stretched, slowly exhale as you stretch sideways to the left, arm in line with ear o Hold for 15-20 seconds, breathing normally. o Inhale as you come up to start position o Repeat the other side o Do five rounds BENEFITS: o Stretches and strengthens the back o Stretches the spine sideways and tones the oblique muscles o Tones the abdominal muscles and organs, improves digestion o Stretches the lungs, improves breathing

KATI CHAKRASANA

o Stand with feet apart, arms by sides o Place your right arm across chest, hand on left shoulder o Wrap your left arm behind your back with hand touching the right side of waist o Inhale deeply, exhale as you twist trunk to left, pushing left shoulder as far back as possible o Turn your head towards the left as well o Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally o Inhale, exhale as your return to start position o Repeat with right arm behind you, left hand on your right shoulder, head turning to the right o Do two sets, gradually extending the time BENEFITS: o Gently twists the spine o Gently lengthens the back and oblique muscles o Increases lung capacity and calms the nerves

EXOTICA [59] DECEMBER 2020

PADAHASTASANA

o Stand straight, feet together, arms by side o Slowly inhale as you stretch both arms up over your head o Exhale and gently bend forward from the hips o Place palms on your legs, feet or mat as per your capacity to stretch o Hold, breathing normally for 30-60 seconds o Inhale as you stretch up o Exhale as you resume start position o Repeat three times BENEFITS: o Improves blood circulation to face, head and overall body o Increased oxygen and nutrients help cell renewal and give the face a glow o Reduces abdominal flab, stretches the back muscles, spinal nerves and hamstrings

THE JEWEL FACTOR: Brass-based with 18K gold plating, this bracelet uses crystals and stones to create a piece that is unique

HOME4U: This Kamil Candle Holder made of mercury glass can be placed on the coffee table to liven up a room. Spread the light and ring in the festival IZHAAR: The timeless, iconic and fierce, ‘Panther Collection’ is inspired by the wild jungle cats and their beauty.

Featuring a running feline on the collection elevates its charm HONEY & DOUGH: The boat box hamper has the best of everything that the brand has on offer. Crispy cheesesticks, hearty cookie boxes, crunchy caramel popcorn and foxnuts, dessert jars, and much more, all of which make it the perfect choice

U N D E R T H E XM A S T R E E

Celebrate the spirit of the Yuletide with these gifting options and spread cheer all around. There is something for everyone TITAN RAGA: (Left) The Moments of Joy collection has unique playful elements like floating crystals, rotating discs and swivelling butterfly crystals PRI WINES: (Right) Campo Viejo Tempranillo is best enjoyed with a rack of lamb, grilled chicken and baked pasta and other tomato based dishes and tandoori platters LOCHERBER MILANO: This collection of fragrances, diffusers and candles makes for a great gift

THE OBEROI: (Left) The Indulgence pack consists of a combination of savoury and sweet delights, spreads and a wine to raise a toast to the festive season ROASTERY COFFEE HOUSE: (Right) For caffeine lovers, this pack with 3x100 gm of select special edition coffee and two bars of handcrafted chocolates from Colocal is ideal FURSTENBERG: The champagne goblets of SIEGER combine wafer-thin porcelain with metal. With 24 carat gold plating inside, it is a homage to fashion classics as Vichy, Pepita, Glencheck and Herringbone adorn them

NUMBERGAME Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist

COUNT YOUR FATE

NUMBER 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th of any month) Several ideas that need to be implemented or evaluated are hovering in your mind. Some might be brilliant whereas others should be discarded.

Discuss these with people who can guide you. You might get more organised and plan better.

Romance might keep you occupied and energised.

NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) People stuck on the professional front due to pending issues might be able to overcome the hurdles effectively. You might also come across new areas of partnerships that might encourage you to take risks.

Nevertheless, reason things out logically with people you trust before taking the step ahead.

NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) Professionally, the first fortnight might be productive in tying loose ends and finishing things.

Seniors might encourage you and shower you with added responsibilities. Avoid arguments. Don’t let others bother you. Students might be able to overcome the limitations that they’ve been experiencing.

NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) In the first fortnight you might go through some tough as well as easy times, both personally and professionally. You might manage your finances for the time being but things need to be re-evaluated and reorganised.

Express your discomfort to your loved ones if you want them to understand you in totality.

NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) There might be many pleasant activities this month. Career front might settle in the manner you had desired for. New expectations and challenges might motivate you to excel at your skills. However, you might feel moody and not have the urge to do anything at times.

Overcome such phases.

NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) Small rifts at the personal level might disturb your mental peace.

You might feel things are going in the wrong direction on the work front. However, become a patient spectator rather than acting on impulse. Give some time to things to turn in your favour and all might just end the way you had desired.

NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th of any month) Issues on the domestic front might have been bothering you for a long time. However, by the second fortnight, you might be relieved from the tension and also prevent unnecessary stress in future. People in investment need to go slow with expansion plans. Flow with the tide and keep up your spirits.

NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) Your decisions might confuse things on the professional front and make a mess. Try not to leave crucial conclusions to intuitions rather act logically to improve the scenario. Avoid debating with the management or seniors. This might save you till the circumstances take a complete turn in your favour.

NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th of any month) There might be instances during the first fortnight that compel you to take important decisions at the work front. This might go against some people you care for but take appropriate action keeping the larger perspective in mind. Don’t get into baseless arguments, as you might not win them. Let others talk and clarify.

EXOTICA [61] DECEMBER 2020

LOCKDOWN DIARIES RAJKUMMAR RAO proclaims, “dksbZ ‘kdA Players bhi ready hai aur jung ka maidaan bhi! Are you ready to play? #Ludo, streaming only on Netflix.”

MOHD ZEESHAN AYYUB, in keeping with the tone of his sports film, says, “yxk feV~Vh ekFks] vkSj ys #Chhalaang! Watch ‘Chhalaang’ on @primevideoin NOW! Aur bataao kaisi lagi.”

THESOCIALNETWORK With physical promotions restricted, celebrities have taken to Instagram to directly reach out to their fans and promote their films

The ever-young ANIL KAPOOR shared this picture with his co-stars and captioned it, “And we are off!! #JugJuggJeeyoBegins.”

KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN is captured with her co-star in a field as she says, “And all journeys must come to an end. Today, I wrapped my film Laal Singh Chaddha... tough times... the pandemic, my pregnancy, nervousness but absolutely nothing could stop the passion with which we shot, with all safety measures of course. Thank you @_aamirkhan and @advaitchandan for an intense yet poignant journey... thank you to my most wonderful team @avancontractor, @teasemakeup, @makeupbypompy, @poonamdamania and the entire crew... @nainas89 you were missed. Till we cross paths again...”

EXOTICA [62] DECEMBER 2020

DILJIT DOSANJH asks his followers to return to the theatres to watch, “#SurajPeMangalBhari Only in THEATRES NOW. 1 Seat Chodh Ke Betho Par Meri Aur @fatimasanashaikh ki Tarah Galat Seat Pe Nahi. AA JAO AA JAO.”

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2/13/1950

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