Exotica December 2021

EXECUTIVE EDITOR NAVIN UPADHYAY Chief Operating Officer Abhishek Saxena 09818600128 EDITORIAL Consultant Editor Saimi Sattar Feature Writer Khushbu Kirti Chief Designer Anand Singh Rawat 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 Navin Upadhyay 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.

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YEAR END LESSONS & RESOLVES

WHILE

many of us are still processing 2019, we are already in the last month of 2021! Two years have practically flown past and swamped us with loss, lessons and learning. But strangely, we seem to be on a loop and none the wiser for it. Just as we were gearing up to undertake trips and venturing out farther, a new strain of Covid is rearing its head and skipping countries via the air travel route. So, it is a balance that we need to strive for. While keeping alert, we need not give up on the business of living or all that makes us feel alive. Don’t give up on meeting friends and family but do it with proper precautions since it seems that we will be living with the virus and its several mutations for a long time to come.

Our celebrity interview this time around is an actor who straddles the world between art house and commercial cinema with an ease that is self-cultivated. Abhay Deol might have come from a family that revelled in films that were popular and fired the imagination of the masses but he was having none of it. With films that were a genre in themselves, the other Deol boy has not compromised on his principles nor had an attitude that was condescending towards commercial cinema. In short, a tightrope that seemed tough till then was achieved.

On the travel front, we crossed the Palk Strait to land in Sri Lanka. The experience took us from the tea growing regions near Hatton to the sandy swell of Weligama. But India was always omnipresent in our interactions — whether it was the owners of the tea gardens (Ambanis) or a hospital that was built by the country or even hoteliers who had started careers with Indian hotel chains — as people were at pains to point out their connection with the country as soon as they knew the nationality.

Another traveller ventured into the forests of Uttarakhand not in the pursuit of tigers, as do most, but to trail butterflies that are found in abundance, some of them very rare and specific to the area.

With the year drawing to a close, we can always try and end it on a sweet note. So, you can get the latest lowdown on some of the newest (and most expensive) desserts that are ready to titillate your taste buds right here within the pages of this magazine.

Our art expert takes you through Karen Knorr’s work while our guest columnist tells you what it takes to design several jewellery shops in one venue while making each of them distinct.

All this and more in this issue. Catch you the next time around.

Ayubovan!

EXOTICA [4] DECEMBER 2021

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Celeb talk [p12] In between two worlds: Abhay Deol Cover story [p22] Nirvana with tea & sea: Sri Lanka Christmas special [p34] Santa without a claus(e): North Pole Novel paths [p40] In a forest full of butterflies: Ramnagar Dessert tales [p46] The sweetest tooth Art frat [p50] Architectural juxtaposition Style space [p54] Shine on, you crazy diamond

I N S I D E DECEMBER 2021 VOLUME 16 NO 2

CONTRIBUTORS Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p56] GURUSPEAK: Love and ego Bharat Thakur [p58] FITNESS: Healthy thyroid Sanjay Jumaani [p61] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 64 INCLUDING COVER

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Hermes makes it a favourite fragrance for me. I love it.

It’s very earthy. Very good and very natural. It has got notes of, I would say, watermelon and it’s more fruity. So, let’s put it this way — I love it.

FAVOURITE HAUNTS OF STYLISH PEOPLE

I feel comfortable in flat shoes because I stand for long hours.

Church’s from England offers handmade shoes that suit my feet very well. People think I wear them for posh-ness but that's not the reason. These fit my feet well.

For clothes, I dabble between Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss.

My favourite film is Tootsie. Dustin Hoffman has always been my favourite actor as he's wonderfully versatile. I absolutely love him.

My favourite food is daal chawal and it’s, honestly, childhood nostalgia. I can live my life on it.

ATUL KOCHHAR is an Indian-born, British-based chef, restaurateur and television personality.

He was one of the first two Indian chefs to receive a Michelin star For me, the best travel location for holidays is a place where my mobile phone doesn’t work. And that has been the Maldives, to be honest. On a recent visit to Mauritius, we were not watching the TV because the electricity was provided only for a couple of hours. We were living on lanterns and small candles. That was an amazing experience! I absolutely loved it.

I love reading detective books.

Okay, so Stella Rimington is my favourite author.

She's an ex MI5 boss. She retired several years ago and started writing spy books.

This one is tough because I often don’t talk about accessories. If you’re talking about toys for boys, then at this age, I absolutely love my car, which is Tesla. I’ve always been all about revolutionising the world and making it greener. So, I’ve been driving an electric car since 2005.

EXOTICA [7] DECEMBER 2021

TRAVEL NEWS

BELFAST: A CITY OF MUSIC AFTER Liverpool and Glasgow, Belfast is the third city in the UK to be honoured with the title of the City of Music. There are just 59 Cities of Music worldwide forming part of the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Belfast is also the first city on the island of Ireland to receive this status, which celebrates its rich musical heritage and recognises its outstanding contribution to music.

Various home-grown musicians were involved in making the successful bid to UNESCO, including Gary Lightbody, best known as a vocalist and guitarist in the band Snow Patrol, as well as Emmy-nominated composer Hannah Peel.

Having supported and committed to the delivery of the Belfast City Council bid, the pair have now been appointed official Belfast Music patrons.

As a holder of the title, and as part of UNESCO’s

City of Music programme and the wider Creative Cities Network, Belfast will deliver a series of major music events over the next few years.

The events will aim to build an infrastructure to further support music creators, and will also see music woven into public spaces to ensure that the power and benefits of music can be felt by all who live, work in or visit Belfast.

Music has long been recognised as a distinctive aspect of Belfast’s cultural profile. A sister city of Nashville, the world’s country music capital, it has nurtured diverse music scenes and artistes ranging from harpists and counter-culture punks, to rock legends, ravers and outstanding traditional musicians. The city’s musical roots run deep and more and more talent continues to emerge.

The capital of Northern Ireland is dotted with live music venues suitable for small and intimate gigs as well as the big sets of international superstars. The city regularly hosts top-notch

EXOTICA [8] DECEMBER 2021

music festivals and it even hosted the MTV European Music Awards back in 2011.

Among the musical highlights on a trip to Belfast is the Oh Yeah Music Centre, a threestoried creative hub for musicians housed in what used to be a bonded whisky warehouse.

Here you’ll be able to enjoy an exhibition and learn about the depth and breadth of creative talent that has originated from Belfast and Northern Ireland, including top DJs, world-famous bands such Snow Patrol, Thin Lizzy and The Undertones, the legendary Sir Van Morrison plus a modern scene that includes the likes of Foy Vance, Ryan McMullan and Two Door Cinema Club.

A great way to experience Belfast as a music city is to take the Belfast Traditional Music Trail, which starts in The Dirty Onion bar in the buzzing Cathedral Quarter.

You can also delve into Belfast’s musical heritage with a trip to EastSide Visitor Centre, just a short distance from the childhood home of Van Morrison, or take the self-guided Van Morrison Trail which reveals a wealth of information about his life and links to the city.

A PRIVATE RETREAT AT KANDIMA MALDIVES

KANDIMA

Maldives, in the Dhaalu atoll, which has many uninhabited islands, has introduced the ultimate ‘Castaway Island Experience’.

This transports guests physically and mentally to a hidden island paradise.

Imagine spending time with loved ones on a secluded island that is exclusive to you.

Surrounded by powder white sand beaches and unexplored coral reefs, the sunset views from here are something straight out of a painting. The K’Krew organises a day starting with a speed boat ride to a serene location. Guests can enjoy food and beverage options with

personalised service, and a choice of curated gourmet experiences include a barbeque or an exclusive lunch menu, or a sundowner toast or picnic with freshly prepared sandwiches.

Kandima Maldives is perfect for a honeymoon with complete privacy and exclusivity. Bury your feet in the sand, splash away in the glistening waters, enjoy picnics, or just relax with a glass of wine as you listen to the waves.

Whether renewing or exchanging vows or celebrating a milestone birthday with loved ones, the castaway island experience makes for the ultimate private escape in the Maldives.

WORLD’S FIRST ‘MUSEUM IN

VISITORS

were invited to book a unique inflight experience as SAUDIA and AlUla highlight arguably the world’s biggest archaeological programme.

The world’s first “Museum in the Sky” is a collaboration between AlUla and SAUDIA Airlines, to highlight the significance of AlUla as a living museum, with only a small fraction of archaeological sites identified currently being investigated.

The flight took off from Riyadh to AlUla on November 4.

Onboard the flying museum, a replica collection of artefacts discovered in AlUla during excavations by archaeologists revealed some of the mysteries of AlUla’s ancient civilisations.

SAUDIA also used the opportunity to launch their new In-Flight Entertainment System (IFE), Discover Saudi Arabia, on which passengers were encouraged to watch the Discovery Channel documentary movie — Architects of Ancient Arabia. The full-length documentary produced by PowderHouse in 2021 revealed that some of human civilisation’s first building blocks were set in place in AlUla. An introduction to the documentary was provided by archaeologist Dr Rebecca Foote, the director of

WORLD’S FIRST FINE DINING ZIP LINE EXPER

SONEVA

Fushi, the Maldives’ original barefoot luxury hideaway, has unveiled a new dining experience high among the treetops. Called Flying Sauces, it is the world’s first fine-dining zip line experience.

It combines world-class gastronomy with zip lining over the lush jungle and the sparkling ocean beyond.

"This new experience gives our guests a new perspective of our unique island ecosystem, allowing them to reconnect with the sights and sounds of nature while enjoying fine dining hospitality at the same time," said Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and co-founder, Soneva.

After being securely strapped into safety harnesses, diners soar along a 200-metre zip line route to reach an elevated dining platform, enjoying an amuse-bouche, refreshing shooters and other gastronomic surprises along the way. Once they arrive, Chef Rasal prepares a delectable seasonal menu in the open kitchen, high above the ground, paired with a selection of over 9,000 fine wines from Soneva Fushi’s extensive cellar.

Chef Rasal Jayawardene is a long time Sonevian and has trained with some of the world’s best chefs, including Chef Benoit en Bernard Dewitt at his Michelin-starred restaurant near Ghent, Belgium. Since working with Soneva, Chef Rasal has also had the opportunity to work alongside more than 50 Michelin-starred visiting chefs,

EXOTICA [10] DECEMBER 2021

N THE SKY’ FLIGHT AT ALULA Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Research at The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). Besides introducing the documentary, Rebecca explained about the artefact museum pieces and passengers had an opportunity to ask questions.

AlUla is offering a wide range of all-year-round and seasonal activities to welcome both domestic and international visitors over the coming months.

Under the banner of AlUla Moments, musical events kicked off at the end of last month. A new programme of four distinct festivals commences from December 21 including the 3rd Winter at Tantora, AlUla Skies, AlUla Arts, and AlUla Wellness Festival.

In addition, visitors will enjoy a wide variety of new culinary experiences such as Maraya Social by Chef Jason Atherton, the return of Annabel’s.

Equestrian events will include the new haute couture horse fashion event, the return of the competitive Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Race and AlUla Desert Polo.

Guests from all over the world can book special rate packages in AlUla that include flights, accommodations, and activities through www.saudiaholidays.com.

RIENCE AT SONEVA FUSHI including Tom Aikens, Tim Raue, Alberto Faccani, Rafael Gomez and Vicky Ratnani. For Flying Sauces he has crafted a six-course menu using seasonal ingredients such as Hokkaido scallops carpaccio with crispy wild rice, celeriac two ways with a raisin salsa, marinated prawns with avocado puree, chorizo oil and rocket, baby leeks with brie cheese cream sauce and rosemary crumble, black cod with artichoke puree and teriyaki truffle sauce and to finish a plant-based cheesecake with mango salsa and mixed berry compote.

The Flying Sauces zip line begins from The Den — with guests gliding along the scenic route elevated up to 10 metres in the air — and finishes at the treetop table on the edge of the forest near Dolphin Beach. Operating during daylight hours, guests can choose from a selection of Flying Sauces experiences, including breakfast, high tea, and dinner with optional wine pairing, or enjoy the zip line only.

The Flying Sauces zip line route takes approximately one-hour 15 minutes, with each additional dining experience lasting around one hour for breakfast and high tea, and between two and three hours for dinner. The zip line experience is suitable for adults and children aged eight and above, with a minimum weight requirement of 25 kg. Up to a maximum of 12 guests can join each Flying Sauces experience, divided into two

groups of six diners, and only one guest is permitted to use the zip line at any time. To ensure safety at all times, harnesses are compulsory along all sections of the zip line route and must be fitted and verified by a trained Soneva Host. These can be removed when diners reach the elevated dining platform.

Prices (including zip line experience): o US$ 175++ per person breakfast o US$ 180++ per person high tea o US$ 350++ per person dinner only o US$ 595++ per person dinner with wine pairing o US$ 100++ per person zip line only

EXOTICA [11] DECEMBER 2021

C E L E B TA L K

In between two

worlds Actor-producer ABHAY DEOL does not believe in travelling along the well-trodden path.

In conversation with SAIMI SATTAR, he tells her the reasons for him not being a part of more projects, signing up his latest Velle and playing a father to a teenage daughter

E coming from a family where his uncle and cousins were a part of films — where mainstream was a byword for success — Abhay Deol chartered out an unconventional path. He hit the middle road between commercial and offbeat cinema with great success.

For an actor who has done just 23 films (the 24th will hit the theatres this month), in more than 15 years, Deol makes for a compelling study in defying the formula to his advantage.

Calm, collected, intelligent (never mind a project where the wardrobe of the female lead was more talked about than acting) in the choice of his films and the character he portrays on screen, people listen attentively when he talks.

DESPIT

‘I LOOK FOR SUBJECTS THAT ARE NOT FORMULAIC. I’M IN THIS NO MAN’S LAND WHERE I’M NOT COMPLETELY MAINSTREAM NOR COMPLETELY OFFBEAT. MY WORK HAS STRADDLED BOTH SPACES. FILMS LIKE SOCHA NA THA, ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA OR DEV.D HIT THE MIDDLE GROUND AND ARE TOUGH TO MAKE. I’VE STUCK TO MY GUNS’

When we connect over a Zoom call, without a video, Deol is in Los Angeles but I can visualise him as his personality seems to come through even on the audio. Deol will be sharing screen space with Karan Deol, his cousin, Sunny’s son in his upcoming venture, Velle. “It’s definitely comfortable with family because you’ve grown up with the person. Familiarity, especially when it is family, leads to comfort. It’s nice to see Karan on the set. I’ve never seen him acting. I was happy watching how dedicated he is and the way he talks to people... He is a good boy. He really is,” says Deol.

Given that the actor doesn’t average more than two films a year, what made him take this up? “It is light-hearted and funny with a nice pace. It’s a remake of a film from the south (Brochevarevarura in Telugu) which I saw but wanted to read the script to see how they’ve adapted it. I liked Deven’s (Munjal, the director, who worked on Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om in different capacities) take on it. He’s talented and, the writer, Pankaj has a great sense of humour. I could see people having a good time and enjoying the wild ride.”

So, Deol — who made his debut with Socha Na Tha (2005) which was also the first film of director Imtiaz Ali — is working yet again with a new director. Deol laughs heartily and in between says, “My career is peppered with more first-timers than anything else. I don’t know how that happened.” Incidentally, four more films which followed his debut — Ahista Ahista (2006) by Shivam Nair, Honeymoon Travels Pvt.

MILESTONES

o He made his on-screen debut in 2005 with Imtiaz Ali's romantic comedy Socha Na Tha.

o Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) earned him his first nomination for Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.

o Deol's breakthrough role was in Anurag Kashyap's neo-noir film Dev.D (2009), a modern-day adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic Bengali romance novel Devdas.

EXOTICA [15] DECEMBER 2021

Ltd. (2006) by Reema Kagti, Ek Chalis Ki Last Local (2007) by Sanjay Khanduri, Manorama Six Feet Under (2007) by Navdeep Singh — were helmed by first-time directors.

The actor, whose film Dev.D is a cult classic, says the reason why we don’t see him on screen more often is that, “I try to look for subjects that aren’t formulaic. I am in this no man’s land where I am not completely mainstream nor completely offbeat. My work straddled both spaces. Films like Socha Na Tha, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) or Dev.D (2009) hit the middle ground and are tough to make. I’ve stuck to my guns and have not made compromises.”

However, with the coming of the OTT platforms and content taking precedence, avenues have opened up for actors like him. Deol agrees, “More than ever before. But I inherently work on a maximum of two projects in a year. That hasn’t changed. Moreover, the OTT platforms took time to start in a big manner. And now they are as big as the film industry. They need to grow and experiment. And as these OTT platforms experiment with new talents — as I was doing 15-16 years back — more fresh ideas come in. And it is a great thing and I am really enjoying it.”

Deol believes that the demand for a variety and quality of content from the audience had existed for a long time. “We do have a decent amount of people in our country who wanted something outside the formula. We had that possibility but it wasn’t being entertained. Films create cultures and since the

‘WE DO HAVE A DECENT AMOUNT OF PEOPLE IN OUR COUNTRY WHO ALWAYS WANTED SOMETHING OUTSIDE THE FORMULA. WE ALWAYS HAD THAT POSSIBILITY BUT IT WAS NOT BEING ENTERTAINED. FILMS CREATE CULTURES AND SINCE THE INDUSTRY WAS CONTROLLED AND SHAPED BY A FEW, THERE WAS NO SCOPE FOR INDIVIDUALITY’

industry was controlled and shaped by a few, there was no scope for individuality. Moreover, films were released in theatres, which were physical entities, so there was limited space. The only reason why I got my kind of films was that multiplexes were coming up and growing. So, there was more exhibition space than there was the product,” he pauses before adding, “OTT platforms are digital entities and so they’ve unlimited space. Bollywood niche ensures subscribers for OTT but with unlimited space, they can invest in other ideas like Delhi Crime.

Bollywood would never make that. Forget that it’s a show... Even as a film, they wouldn’t make it the way the show was done. The acting style, the way it is directed and shot... is not formulaic. Sooooo (he drawls), you see it happening because of OTT platforms.”

Deol believes that the demand for fresh content is powered by the generation — that is 20 or even younger — which has grown up being exposed to world cinema all their lives.

“They aren’t shaped by the 80s and the 90s with limited access to cinemas and that makes them more demanding. This is why footfalls for Bollywood are going down every year as people are spoilt for choice. These youngsters feel that we are Indians but can provide something universally appealing.

As long as there is a Bollywood formula, that isn’t possible,” says Deol.

PERSONALLIFE

o Abhay Singh Deol was born on March 15, 1976 o Actor Dharmendra is his uncle. Sunny, Bobby and Esha Deol are his cousins.

EXOTICA [17] DECEMBER 2021

Velle stars four youngsters besides TV actor Mouni Roy. The coming together of the three different spheres must have naturally had an impact on the film, I venture. “It doesn’t matter if Mouni has done TV and I’ve done films because she has worked for a while and that has an impact on the way you are on the set and the way you work. And you might be navigating this space like the kids are. You have to do it so that the inexperience doesn’t show. I am not here to show off my experience and skills. At the end of the day, an actor is an actor. The inexperience and experience don’t matter, when you are performing, especially if you are talented. What’s most important is the way you talk to your co-actors, the crew and how you conduct yourself and make things easier for others,” says the actor who established a production company, Forbidden Films, in 2009.

Deol plays a scriptwriter in Velle and that is a part of the industry he works in.

So, did he dig into his experiences to create the character? Deol — who reprised the role of Devdas, which had earlier been done by the likes of KL Saigal and Dilip Kumar, in Dev.D — says, “This character is a cynic and maybe even bitter. I am not cynical about the industry though I was at one point. I could see why he felt that way. It’s a tough place to survive in. You can be used and thrown out or just taken advantage of and thrown away. It is quite a cut-throat place that this character has seen up close and

‘THIS CHARACTER IS A BIG CYNIC AND MAYBE EVEN BITTER. I AM NOT CYNICAL ABOUT THE INDUSTRY THOUGH I MIGHT HAVE BEEN AT ONE POINT. I COULD SEE WHY HE FELT THAT WAY. IT IS A TOUGH PLACE TO SURVIVE IN. YOU CAN BE USED AND THROWN OUT OR JUST TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF AND THROWN AWAY’

decided to step away from. I could understand why he makes that choice because I am from this industry. Every industry has its inner workings and I am most familiar with this one and that is why it was easier to understand.”

Each actor has a method to approach the characters onscreen.

Deol, who has played many complex ones, says, “It’s never just one thing but a bunch of several. It could be an observation, you might know someone or have read something or the director might have some inputs. The first thing I note, when I read the script, is not my character but the story. Am I getting entertained or not, is my question?

My approach is to understand the story, its tonality and, from there, I go into who is my character and what he is all about.”

The actor, who is known for playing characters that are layered and nuanced — whether it is Kabir from Chakravyuh (2012) or T A Krishnan in Shanghai (2012) — says, “I try not to make things too complex because I believe that the simplest solution is the only one and the best. I often get that, ‘you play very complex characters’ and I’m laughing in my head as I’m always simplifying things. But there is a complexity that comes through from simplifying things. You get more layers. On the surface, it looks complex. And again, that is why I love what I do.”

Deol, who has never shied away from expressing his opinion — whether it was about our

DIDYOUKNOW o In 2009, Deol was included in the list of Zoom's “50 Most Desirable Hotties”, being placed seventh. o Deol knows the Israeli martial art, Krav Maga.

EXOTICA [19] DECEMBER 2021

hypocrisy of standing with Black Lives Matter while obsessing with fair skin or critiquing his films for misogyny — had earlier observed that the industry operates in cliques.

He says, “It is the environment. I have observed this. It wasn’t an opinion which we can change.”

While older actors play the romantic lead or even college students, Deol will play a father to a teenage daughter in Spin. “I played a father in my fifth film, Manorama Six-Feet Under. I never had that insecurity and did it early in my career. I’m older now so I can have teenage children. I’m playing a romantic lead in the next film.

Velle, too, does have a romantic track. He’s a young man who isn’t the father of anything. I like the idea of jumping. My next Netflix show spans 20 years till he’s in his 50s. For me, it’s fun to change the dialect, the look and whatnot in my workspace. I would never let that go away. I’ve always worked that way but, I realise, that this isn’t true for most people in the industry.

So, journalists are bound to ask this — just the way you did — because that’s what you’ve observed,” says the actor who will be seen in a limited Netflix series that has a working title. Trial By Fire, and will be out in the second half of next year.

I can hear the actor stifling a yawn in the background as his manager interjects that Deol, operating on US time, needs to draw the conversation to a close.

Deol laughs and trails off, “I am sure you have 10 other questions...”

But, I’ll save them for the next time.

A FAMILY ESCAPE TO MONACO

THE

Principality of Monaco has family at the heart of its culture and ensures that families are able to relax and enjoy themselves in a safe, high-quality environment.

From toddlers to adults, each can indulge in activities, stroll in parks, enjoy green spaces and laze around on the beaches.

EXPLORING MONACO If you would like to discover Monaco in the wink of an eye, what could be more appropriate than a ride on the little train (Monaco Tours) or a Hop-on Hop-off bus (Monaco Le Grand Tour) where you can get on and off as you please all day long. And if you are restless for action, you can always don a helmet, hop on to a share bike to visit Monaco's streets and alleys. MonaBike, a pillar of Monaco’s Smart City programme, aimed at promoting low-carbon mobility is a great way to explore the beautiful cobbled streets of Monaco.

SEASONAL ATTRACTIONS

Bring together the family to share unforgettable moments in Monaco!

FUNFAIR: This year the fair will be arranged in a slightly different format as the attractions, entertainment stands and food stands will extend over the entire upper part of Quai Albert Ier and the lower part, the Darse Sud, will have activities.

THE MONTE-CARLO INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS FESTIVAL: The 45th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo will be from December 22-January 30, 2022. This Circus Festival is the largest and most prestigious circus event in the world. It awards the most respected prize in the world of the circus, namely the Golden Clown (Clown d’Or) award. A selection of the best international acts is presented each year at the festival which is broadcast around the globe.

OPEN-AIR ICE RINK: Each year the Stade Nautique Rainier III is transformed into a 1000m2 skating rink for the winter period so that residents and visitors can enjoy ice skating as well as ice karting. In addition to the main rink, a smaller size rink, reserved for young children, is also in place.

The Museums of Monaco reflect the remarkable history and heritage of the Principality!

CARS COLLECTION OF HSH THE PRINCE OF MONACO: Located on the Terrasses de Fontvieille, this remarkable exhibition brings together almost a hundred cars of all ages, produced by the top European and American manufacturers, as well as six coaches belonging to HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

MUSEUM OF PREHISTORIC ANTHROPOLOGY: The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology was founded by Prince Albert I in 1902 “to conserve traces of early humankind exhumed in the Principality and neighbouring regions.” The numerous collections from over more than a century represent the various phases of regional prehistory and protohistory. The majority of the archaeological and paleontological exhibits come from the Principality and neighbouring areas.

MUSEUM OF STAMPS AND COINS: The Museum, of contemporary design, houses rare stamps depicting the Principality’s postal

history, as well as all the documents which have been used in the stamp-printing process from the first Charles III stamp in 1885 to the present day.

NAVAL MUSEUM: Monaco’s Naval Museum, founded in 1993, exhibits an extraordinary collection of more than 250 model ships, paintings and maritime objects, dating from ancient times to the present day and enriched by the loan of numerous antique models from the magnificent personal collection of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

NOUVEAU MUSÉE NATIONAL DE MONACO: The Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM) showcases the heritage of the Principality of Monaco and promotes contemporary works of art through temporary exhibitions at its two locations: Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber. This approach is rooted in a unique country whose history has always been characterised by a dialogue between artistic, scientific and cultural disciplines, and support for designers, thinkers and researchers.

OCEANOGRAPHIC MUSEUM OF MONACO: Built on the side of Monaco’s legendary Rocher, the Oceanographic Museum is also known as the Temple of the Sea. The museum has been an international benchmark for loving, protecting and raising awareness of the oceans. From the flourishes on the facades to the decor in the halls, every aspect of the Museum’s architecture evokes the marine world.

UNWIND AT THE SCENIC GARDENS OF MONACO: High on the cliffs overlooking Monaco, the Exotic Garden of Monaco is a showcase for the exuberance, strangeness and surrealism of nature. Spread over an area of approximately 15,000 m2, the Exotic Garden is home to a thousand cacti and other succulent plants.

Conceived by Prince Rainier III in memory of his wife Princess Grace, the Rose Garden is laid out according to the principles of an English garden, while retaining a Mediterranean character through the planting of hundred-year-old olive trees. Here visitors can discover more than 315 varieties of rosebush, with a total of 6,000 rosebushes divided into seven themes.

The Japanese Garden is a rich mix of Japanese tradition and Mediterranean touches. Those who take a stroll through the gardens will be able to discover all the essential components of a Japanese garden: a pond, islands, a waterfall, lanterns, bridges, a tea house and a Zen Garden.

Monaco is not just a destination; it is the experience of a lifetime. So whether you are travelling to Monaco by yourself, with family or with friends: Monaco is FOR YOU, At last!

COVER STORY [SRI LANKA]

TEA

NIRVANA WITH

From the understated old-world charm of Ceylon Tea Trails near Hatton to the palm-fringed beaches of Cape Weligama, SAIMI SATTAR experiences and captures the Emerald Island in a variety of hues

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&SEA EMI.

Bills. Fees. Deadlines. Work. Office.

Home. The rat-a-tat of the woodpecker in my head intruded my consciousness even as the vista of lush green in front of me vied for attention. The road, lonely and meandering with manicured tea gardens bordering it, stretched before me.

Lalith, the naturalist, assigned to show me around, egged me on with the promises of a delicious yet unique tea planter’s tiffin lunch at a scenic spot. But then, this incident is strictly not in line with the way things unfolded chronologically during my visit to Sri Lanka.

And this can be a slight irritant for a student of history who believes that the past casts its

shadow (or in this case, lights up the road) on the present.

The previous evening I had landed at the Tea Trails, near Hatton, which comprises five restored colonial tea planter bungalows perched at an altitude of 1,250 metres. After being restored by Resplendent Ceylon, these became the first of the three resorts run by the Fernando family known as the founders of Dilmah Ceylon Tea. The three resorts under the banner — Ceylon Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala — are the only Sri Lankan members of the Relais & Chateaux, the global fellowship of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants.

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SUCH A LONG JOURNEY

THE

longish journey became even more circuitous as no direct flights were available. With travelling opening up to the Emerald Isle, with due precautions, everyone and their aunt were making a beeline to Sri Lanka. Thanks to that — and as just one flight from Delhi was operational by the island’s national carrier — I found myself travelling via Mumbai to Colombo before undertaking a road trip of almost five hours across looping roads to reach Summerville, the bungalow that was to be my abode for two nights. It was way past dusk and the rain too obscured the view a bit as I alighted. But the warmth of the welcome, where umbrellas snapped open to shield me from the moisture even before I stepped out elicited a smile despite the exhaustion.

TIME TRAVEL

AND

we skipped to the good part... almost immediately. The bungalow’s doors opened into a long corridor, that was flanked by rooms on either side. The carpeted floor — wherever exposed — was tiled in rust, the walls had myriad sketches of flora and fauna. But it was the living room that practically transported me back in time. It was reminiscent of the many bungalows in the Cantonment area of Kanpur (or Cawnpore, if you please) where I spent a good (and favourite) part of my childhood. A gramophone perched on a wooden side table, a Phillips radio with dials, a rotary phone were just some of the specific elements that heightened the feeling of reliving the days of the Raj. Classical English music, though played from an i-Phone subtly tucked away behind a corner, further upped the ante which had been set by the well-polished and comfortably upholstered furniture. Despite my modern attire, I could almost imagine myself as a pucca British parasol-carrying memsahib visiting an outpost of the Empire.

The bungalows — called Castlereagh, Norwood, Tientsin and Dunkeld besides Summerville — are

between two and 15 km apart, with 27 rooms and suites in all. Overlooking the Castlereagh Reservoir, each has a staff of about 12-14 people to maintain it. One can take up the entire bungalow or just one room, each of which is named after a planter who lived and worked on one of the estates. Mine, called Goddard, opened out into a spectacular personal garden. The centrepiece, though, was the rather dreamy canopy bed.

“Exquisite,” I muttered out a tad too loudly for it was absolute love at first sight. The elegant bathrooms with rust, black and white patterned tiles had fittings that were in sync with the place.

Interestingly, unlike other hotels, there was no phone to call room service. One had to ring the bell to summon the butler to ask for practically anything under the sun... and it would materialise in a jiffy. Jagath, the bungalow executive, was my very own genie to do my bidding. The level of personalisation means that there isn’t a set menu. The chef discusses and curates each as per your preference and taste. Despite that, nothing was over the top.

It was subtle luxury that whispered class in hushed tones rather than proclaiming it from the top of gilded tables.

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TASTE MATTERS

SINCE

I was tired, I settled for a salad and the chef made a spectacular one. Suffice it to say, I could have munched on to it for every meal during my time here. At dinner, Kosala, the bungalow chef, also enquired about both my lunch and dinner preferences. I decided to go local to dive deeply into the culture and opted for the traditional hoppers (appam) paired with sambol, a savoury dish of grated coconut. Though delicious, it was the location that made it even more scrumptious. The table, set up in the verandah, overlooked the gardens and the vast expanse of the reservoir.

Jagath told me about the place’s India connect as all the tea gardens are owned by the Ambanis and are on a 99-year lease. But my attention didn’t waver from the panorama before me and the invigorating whiff of greenery and flowers that were such a refreshing change from my life where screen time has primacy.

Post breakfast, descending some steps led me to a small jetty to board a powerboat which raced across the Castlereagh Reservoir to deposit me on the other side where I met Lalith, the naturalist.

The human version of sunny side up, he pointed

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out plants and asked me to guess their names. His broad smile didn’t waver when I failed miserably at the task.

The hike up went through manicured tea gardens, often bordered by trumpet vines in vibrant shades of pink, yellow, orange and white.

The view of the reservoir against a backdrop of lush green mountains on the opposite side, made me wonder if anyone could dispute Sri Lanka being called the Emerald Isle. On our way up, we also visited Dunkeld and Castlereagh bungalows.

While there was a general air of similarity to Summerville, each had a distinct personality that makes the place perfect for a revisit by just opting for a different bungalow each time.

But I was trekking further for something more substantial. No, not a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow but lunch that had been specially prepared and packed in tiffins just the way it was done in the days of yore for the planters in the region. When we reached the spot, a basic structure — with a sitting area and a table covered with a blue checks tablecloth and tiffin carriers placed on top alongside cutlery wrapped in napkins — greeted us. Each of the

containers had a separate course — salad, mains and a dessert. As soon as I segregated them, a distinct aroma mingled in the moisture-laden air. The mains consisted of a parcel of food, cooked in a banana leaf which gave off a mildly woody smell. This mingled with the aroma of meat. The dish, called lamprais, is an addition to the Sri Lankan lexicon by the Dutch Burghers, a small group of European-origin settlers who have called the island-nation their home since the 16th century. I felt satiated as each of the taste buds and the olfactory had been invigorated. On cue, the mist rolled in lending the place a mystical aura. I made my way back in an almost drunken stupor as the food and the heady smells wafting from the tea shrubs and the plants were beginning to cast their spell. I saw some workers at the tea estate plucking tea. “Two leaves and a bud, two leaves and a bud,” the woodpecker in my head was at it again as geography lessons from school made a special appearance.

Back at the resort, a seven-course tea-infused meal awaited me. Yes, the entire spread can be altered as per your personal preference. Whether it was the caffeine in the tea or the excitement of the day, I had less than a restful night.

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ALL ABOUT TEA

WAKING

up the next morning, a visit to the Dunkeld Tea Factory was in store. Aboard the powerboat, to cross the reservoir yet again, I felt a tinge of regret knowing that this was my last day here. At the factory, Bernard Holsinger, a tea expert, not only showed me around but also told me the finer nuances of growing tea, its origin in Sri Lanka and the details of the ideal size and feel of the leaves. Though retired, the affable manner of Holsinger — who has Dutch ancestors — ensures that the information does not seem like an overload but something that you just absorb naturally. He told me about the most expensive tea (Virgin White Tea, the flagship product of Herman Teas), the appropriate height of the shrub while debunking the romanticising of the ‘two leaves and a bud’ myth (sometimes just leaves are picked). After a tea tasting session, I boarded the powerboat to take me back.

A slight kerfuffle on the placid waters announced the arrival of a seaplane bringing in guests at the bungalows. I looked at them wistfully, knowing fully well the lovely time that they were bound to have.

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SEABOUND AHOY

HOWEVER,

my mood lifted as we drove towards Cape Weligama on the palm-fringed southern cliffs close to the popular retreat of Galle.

Designed by one of Asia’s most celebrated architects, Lek Bunnag who, closer home, has been associated with masterplan, architecture and interior space planning of The Trident Gurgaon and The Roseate, New Delhi besides other properties.

The hotel is a combination of private villas and suites with stunning panoramas. My introduction to the property was through the Ocean Terrace, the restaurant which overlooks the sea. Reaching at dusk, I was privy to some spectacular drama unfolding in the sky. But a server hinted that the sunrise could beat it hands down if I did not laze around in my room and headed to the 60-metre crescent-shaped infinity pool. And boy, was he spot on!

The pool turned from blue to a burnished orange as the sun gradually climbed up in the sky. I could have just sat there for some more time with the water lapping up at my ankles but there was work to be done. Well, sort of. The life of a travel writer isn’t easy, you know!

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GETTINGTHERE o Sri Lankan Airlines, Air India, Vistara, Indigo and GoFirst have direct flights to Colombo from Delhi which are about three hours 30 minutes long. o From Colombo, Ceylon Tea Trails is 144 km away and the road trip will take a minimum of four hours, depending upon the weather. The seaplane flight takes 30-minutes. o From Tea Trails to Cape Weligama, road transfers take about six hours and flights 75-minutes. However, if you go there directly from Colombo, it is a drive of about 2.5 hours.

CULTURE CURRY

I

dipped my toes in the local culture which entailed a visit to the Kushtaraja Rock, the origins of which are shrouded in mystery. Myth has it that a king was cured of leprosy which prompted the sculpture’s carving. Natasha Arumugam — assistant manager, experiences — and I unpeeled the layers of similarity in languages as we discussed how kushta in Hindi means leprosy. She also pointed out how this was the only statue with three figures of Buddha engraved on it making it unusual.

Natasha told me that this sculpture was a part of the Agrabodhi Raja Maha Viharaya, which we visited next, till it was separated thanks to a railway line. According to folklore, the first Bodhi (the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment) saplings were being carried by a group that rested here one night. In the morning, they found that the Bodhi saplings had taken root.

It was left undisturbed making the place revered.

We returned to the hotel to be accompanied by the enthusiastic Chamindra Goonerwardene, the

director of sales and marketing, who gave us a low down on the history and geography of the region while placing it in the context of contemporary incidents and time in both Sri Lanka and India.

We were headed to Galle known for its fort that has structures, built over several years, starting in 1588 by the Portuguese. It was fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. The cobbled streets, street-side cafes, quaint shops lend the historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument a charm that is unmatched. This was evident from the number of pre-wedding shoots that were taking place in the area. During the course of the hour that we were there, we counted nine couples in various stages of amorous encounters that were being captured for eternity in coordinated outfits!

Climbing on top of the parapet of the Fort, we had splendid views of the Galle International Stadium. Of course, during a match, spectators who don’t wish to buy tickets can occupy vantage points here to watch it live.

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IT’S A WRAP

AFTER

grabbing a quick lunch, I headed out on a sunset cruise along with a few others. As the wind picked up, the sail emanated a groan and snapped. But we were without a care and put our trust in the engine power. As the sun started to dip, the constant barrage of the outside world trying to intrude into my very own private haven had quietened down. Despite the shrieks of delight of my fellow passenger, the solitude was soul-calming. I took in the rays skipping on the waves. Finally, life seemed to be a lot more than work and deadlines.

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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

SANTA WITHOUT A

CLAUS(E)

Rather than the man in the red suit visiting her, KARISHMA KRIPLANI heads to his home

THROUGHOUT

my childhoo d, on Christmas Eve, I would strategically place my stocking at my bedroom door with a little note specifying what I wished for from Santa. My parents would tuck me into bed, with clear instructions, that my wish would only be fulfilled if I slept well. Absolutely NO cheating on that. I was warned, that if I stayed awake, Santa Claus would not visit our home. As I grew older Santa stopped visiting our house as his policy, I was told, is that he gives gifts to and visits only young children.

While the man who rides the reindeer sleigh stopped making an appearance at my house, the crib, Xmas tree, mistletoe, lights and decoration continued to be a part of the tradition that we followed. In my mid-thirties — which can be classified as being grown up — I continued to

believe in Santa Claus aka Saint Nicholas and hoped to meet him one day.

So that is how we found ourselves on the way to Alaska (the 49th state of the USA) as a part of my annual birthday ritual trip. Most Indians usually visit this destination during summers by boarding a cruise ship from Seattle or Vancouver. However, in a post-pandemic world, we decided to avoid taking a cruise liner and flew directly into Anchorage from Seattle.

The beauty of Alaska begins to unfold from the moment you step out of the flight and into the airport. From the windows of the arrival terminal, we could see the white snow-capped mountains and bright sunshine. The sight was gorgeous and inviting.

Stepping out of the airport, we hopped into a rented car and drove directly towards Seward to take the last ship of the season to view the Kenai

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Fjords. During the three hour cruise, we saw a variety of marine animals — otters, sea lions, puffins, California grey whales — primarily in Resurrection Bay. The ship takes you right up close to the Exit Glacier, the star attraction of the area. On a more sombre note, it is predicted that — half a century from now — due to climatic changes and global warming, the glacier will cease to exist. On our return from Seward back to Anchorage we drove through the Whittier Tunnel, also known as the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a 2.5mile stretch that is the longest in North America. It connects the cities of Girdwood and Whittier and serves the dual purpose of a rail as well as a car tunnel.

Another very popular excursion from Anchorage is hiking the Matanuska glacier. We began our day at seven in the morning to drive two hours to Portage taking the Glenn Highway. The crew takes you through a magical and surreal experience where — during a six-kilometre long hike — you can feel, touch and experience an actual glacier. What makes it even more interesting is the fact that while initially, the temperature hovered around -5°C — with the wind making it seem even chillier — as you walk into the glacier, it actually gets

very warm. At certain points, I wanted to remove my thermals. Touching a glacier and walking on it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After spending four days in Anchorage, we flew to Fairbanks which is considered to be the highlight of and must-visit in Alaska. We immediately checked into the Chena Hot Springs Resort. Located about two hours north of Fairbanks, it’s known for its sulphur hot springs with healing properties and its ice museum, where over 100 ice sculptures are maintained at about -10°C. It is great for viewing the Northern Lights.

Despite its many attractions, people primarily stay here to experience waking up at -3°C and, then, jumping into 40°C boiling water of the sulphur springs, which feels like bliss.

And experiencing the phenomenon was... well, more than really, really cool. For about two minutes, my bones froze and so did my hair when I dipped it in the hot water followed by exposing it to the chilly air.

These sulphur springs are really good for aches and pains too. Since we stayed at the resort, we

experienced taking a dip during the day as well as the night. Both are unique. During the day, you see the white snow, Christmas trees and a beautiful landscape while, in the evening, the neon lights around the spring almost create an illusion that you’re viewing the Northern Lights. Very often during the winter months, you can view the actual natural phenomenon which features on the bucket list of most avid travellers.

Another place, high up on the list of must-do inside the resort, is the Ice Museum. Made with thousands of tonnes of ice, it houses multiple sculptures including the world’s largest ice chessboard and a wedding chapel. Pro tip: Do not miss the green apple martini in the ice glass. That night the skies did dance for us and we saw a spectacular show put up by the Aurora Borealis.

The sky in the area around Fairbanks does display spectacular colours from August to March.

Not even in my wildest dreams had I imagined that I would put my foot on the Arctic Circle.

Alaska made it come true. We took a flight, on one of those small eight-seater planes, from Fairbanks

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to Coldfoot (yes, your feet will be very cold there if you don’t have warm socks and boots as it’s about 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle). The views were spectacular as we flew over snow peaks and right through cotton candy clouds. From Coldfoot, we boarded a tour that took us back to Fairbanks. One cannot self-drive as the terrain is very rough and filled with slippery snow which can make the cars skid ever so easily if one is not an experienced driver. The entire road trip is about eight hours long with multiple scenic stops. The main stop is the Arctic Circle point right by the frozen lake. At this spot, we held out some bread crumbs in our hands for the little birdies to peck on. Just being there, breathing the fresh air, seeing the glittery white snow everywhere created a feeling of bliss and calm even among the most harried.

My childhood dream of visiting the North Pole — 50 miles from Fairbanks, which is also known as Santa Claus land — was fulfilled. The city, as soon as you enter it, always feels as if it is in the midst of Christmas. The street lights are shaped like candy canes. Here every day is Christmas. I visited the Santa Claus House, where we met the jolly fellow and his reindeer. This is the world’s largest gift store. We sent postcards from the North Pole and letters from Santa Claus to our family and friends around the world.

Having visited, Alaska my belief in the joy of Christmas and the love of Santa Claus was reinforced... as an adult.

N O V E L PAT H S

The area around Ramnagar in Uttarakhand might be known for tigers but NIVI SHRIVASTAVA finds it to be a haven for winged creatures also

IN A FOREST FULL OF

butterflies EXOTICA [40] DECEMBER 2021

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DID

you know that just like bees, butterflies are excellent indicators of environmental changes? Not only do they play a vital role in an ecosystem by pollinating billions of flowers and trees, but they also warn about the climatic changes and rise in temperature of the earth by their lifecycle patterns. According to experts, there are 1,327 identified species in India but due to data deficiency, one cannot put them in the endangered category. In the forests of Ramnagar, adjoining the Jim Corbett Park known for tigers, one can find myriad varieties of butterflies and moths in the Terai West region of Kumaon, Uttarakhand.

On a balmy winter day, I travelled with some butterfly experts to discover the hidden aspects of eco-tourism in this area. Just 250 km away from Delhi by road, it’s convenient to plan a last-minute getaway to explore this offbeat forest region solo or in a group. The best time to visit this quiet town is mid-November to mid-June when the jungle safari is open for the public and the weather is pleasant to explore the forest on foot.

The Ramnagar forest belt, especially the Kyari region, is blessed with a variety of flora and fauna and hence a wide variety of butterflies and birds are found here. As we crossed the semi-arid Khichdi River at Corbett Tiger Reserve to reach our destination, I couldn’t help but notice the monkeys perched on lush green pines and a curious herd of deer crossing our path and guiding us into the dense forests. There are many places to stay inside the forest as well as close to it. The adventure lovers can book luxury tents while those who prefer leisure accommodations can stay at resorts and hotels that are operational in the tourist season. Early morning is the best time to find butterflies in their natural habitat near the Kosi River forest area where many local villagers go to catch fish and some mushroom enthusiasts trek to collect the rare fungi varieties that only grow here. During the nature walk, one can hear the wild calls of birds and see butterflies fluttering over wildflowers. On close inspection, one can even see the various stages of a butterfly’s lifecycle on the trunk of an old tree. Right from the cluster of eggs to metamorphosis into larva, pupa and adult butterfly — the forest fauna nurtures these colourful creatures in every stage of their life.

As for the myriad butterflies, one can spot the Common Mormon, Oak Leaf, Common Mapwing, Plain Tiger, One-Spot Grass, Walnut Blue as well as various types of Hairstreak butterflies like WhiteSpotted, Wonderful, Dull Green, Brown Gorgon across the forests.

Experts have even reported some rare species of Swallowtails, Five Bar Swordtails and Redbreasts in this region.

To highlight the attractions and create awareness about butterflies, a month-long festival for tourists and local children was held recently in Ramnagar. Anil Oraw, regional director (North), the

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EXOTICA [43] DECEMBER 2021

Ministry of Tourism, informed, “People so far know Jim Corbett Park for tigers but the whole Bhabar belt around the National Park is also very unique.

We want more people to enjoy the forest area and the Titli Tyar programme was one such initiative to spread awareness about the beautiful butterflies, moths and rare birds.” As part of the awareness for butterflies, Sohail Madan, an ecologist from Bombay Natural History Society, mentioned how chemical poisoning with man-made fertilisers and linear infrastructures (roads and highways, electric power lines, railway lines, canals, pipelines, firebreaks and fences) in cities and towns are hampering the habitat of butterflies. He says, “Habitat loss is the primary reason for the fall of insect population coupled with the use of chemical

poison and anthropogenic pressure. To prevent this, we must plant native host plants, stop the use of chemical poisons and raise our voice against linear infrastructure development.”

It is a fact that butterflies need the sun to survive and ecological experts studying their behavioural patterns point out that every specific butterfly sub-species requires a specific temperature to continue its life cycle. Any delay in their annual patterns could be a clear indicator of changes in average temperatures, leading to the inference of climate change. “Although, scientifically inconclusive, a comprehensive study of butterflies may lead us to decipher the subtle evolution of nature and climate around us,” mentioned Saurav Bhattacharya, founder member

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of Tyar Foundation. His non-profit organisation hosted the Titli Tyar festival centred around butterflies to impact the wildlife tourism industry through tourists and the local community. “Did you know that moths and butterflies are the same species? And that one comes out with the sun and the other in the darkness of the night. All creatures are created equal and were supposed to have an equal share of the environment. With a higher intellect, humans have evolved into supreme beings with the biggest footprint. However, micro-fauna such as the amazing butterflies have an equally significant role to play in the scheme of nature. With a multi-pronged life cycle, butterflies are involved in many crucial aspects of ecology.

From feeding on the host plants as a caterpillar to

being the high protein nutrition of birds and reptiles, from helping floral pollination to being indicators of a diverse and healthy habitat, this species is an absolute miracle in our sacred environment,” informed Bhattacharya as he guided us through the butterfly trail.

After an informative butterfly exploration, one can also visit the untouched Corbett falls and have a little picnic in the jungle with proper precautions. This pristine waterfall is located 25 km away from Ramnagar and is surrounded by teak wood forest. After reaching the parking area near the forest, you will have to trek 1.5km up to get there but the walk is worth remembering.

— The writer is a freelance journalist who reports on responsible travel and hospitality trends

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D E S S E R T TA L E S Restaurants and patisseries are creating sweet, edible masterpieces to get you back into the swing of things this festive season, says SUSMITA SAHA

RESTAURANTS

— our magical foothold to a world of a good time, laughter and memories — lost their zing as the novel coronavirus ravaged the globe and sent us scurrying to our homes. The very idea of a restaurant, based on community, friendship and gathering, induced fear, unleashing the anxiety of a contagion. As we pick up the fragments of our isolated and disconnected world, hope is in the air. We are gathering around a communal table once again, treading carefully on the glass shards of hugs and raising a toast to the generosity of the human spirit. What better way to celebrate this new chapter of dining than sampling the best iterations of sugar? These new expressions of desserts carry the echoes of top-flight ingredients, a cacophony of textures and imaginative minds.

The

LADURÉE

KHAN

Market, one of the costliest retail destinations in the world, is once again the centrepiece of celebrations. The market’s narrow lanes, crystalising the idea of idle summer afternoons, are back as venues of buzzy hangouts and secret dates with fashion.

Khan, the endearing moniker used by Delhiites, is now home to Ladurée, the Parisian luxury food brand, known to have put the macaron on the food map.

The modern-day macaron is believed to have been invented by Pierre Desfontaines, the grandson of the founder of La Maison Ladurée.

sweetest

tooth

Straddling three storeys, the Khan Market store of the patisserie brand has been brought to India in collaboration with the CK Israni Group. Labelled as Ladurée’s First Flagship, Salon de Thé, the dessert outpost has been inviting connoisseurs since September and has options for takeaways. Bite into their iconic pastry called Ispahan (`895), evoking memories of Oriental gardens. It is a rose macaron with generous lashings of rose-perfumed cream, while fresh raspberries and lychees conjure up images of bounty. Even the vanilla and salted caramel French toast (`1,295) reconfigures the savoury-sweet balance with vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce and caramel macarons.

COLOCAL

ENTER

the sun-drenched premises of Colocal’s Dhanmill Compound outlet, and you are immediately transported to a Mediterranean landscape. India’s first live ‘Bean to Bar’ chocolate factory and café has a spectrum of green, perhaps hinting at the origin story of the cacao bean, lying at the heart of the Colocal story. The owners, Nishant Sinha, also the promoter of Roastery

Coffee House India, and his wife Sheetal Saxena, a former banker and chocolate-maker, are keen to showcase the gorgeous bounty of Indian cacao beans, from Idduki to Malabar. “Indian beans compare with the best around the world,” says Saxena, who has followed the chocolate trail from Vietnam to France and is offering indulgent dessert experiences at both the brand’s outlets in Chattarpur and Khan Market. One menu entry that bursts with flavour and promise is the Chocolate tasting platter (`545), a concept dish featuring several bite-sized confections with increasing proportions of cacao. There’s dark chocolate mousse (55 per cent), dark chocolate Juliet (60 per cent), orange canape (72 per cent), dark chocolate with ganache (82 per cent) and the alchemical 85 per cent hot chocolate. Chocolate, swirled into steaming cuppas, or moulded into orbs of molten artistry, is celebrated in all its iterations here. The highlight for geeks is the glass-fronted workshop on the first floor, where various steps of the chocolate-making process — roasting, conching, tempering — can be closely watched while reliving the fantasy of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

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CAFE MONIQUE PATISSERIE

AS

dining outdoors becomes mainstream in the post-pandemic world, Cafe Monique, a French patisserie in Delhi’s Amaara Farms is hoping to start winter pop-ups from December 2021. Cafe Monique is founded by Shivan Gupta, former financial manager with Merrill Lynch, with the support of Chef Maxime Montay, a food processing engineer from École Centrale de Lilleis and hailing from the champagne city of Reims, France. The café, named after Montay’s grandmother Monique, anchors its heirloom recipes of tarts, macarons and more, in the North of France, where she spent most of her life. Gupta — who started Amaara Farms in 2015, as a destination for luxury weddings, as well as events in fashion, music and art — is hoping to seamlessly blend the idea of a high-end French café into this picturesque landscape. “The idea of Monique was influenced by my visit to France where I experienced the quaint, family-run patisseries with beautiful sweet treats,” he says.

Not surprisingly, Monique’s menu is mobbed by vintage French desserts, celebrated for their layered textures, flakiness and soft-as-cloud fillings. Their classic Paris-Brest will take you on a tour of the cobbled streets, boulevards and sidewalk cafes of Paris. At Monique, the Paris-Brest (`1,700, serving two-four people) ratchets up the richness with its fluffy choux pastry, crowned with almond and

hazelnut praline. “The Paris-Brest was created in early 20th century France, paying tribute to the cycling race between the cities of Paris and Brest. The dessert is also shaped like the cycle wheel,” says Chef Montay. La tarte bourdaloue (`1,200 for two-four people), has crescent moons of pear arranged like bespoke jewellery on a canvas of flaky pastry, flanked by fragile laces of toasted almonds. For the grand finale, bite into Le saint-honoré (`2,500 for two-four people), an artistry of French patisserie techniques — puff pastry and choux pastry —that speak a complicated language of vanilla and Chantilly cream.

Currently operating as a delivery-only format, the brand’s winter pop-ups from December would be the perfect icing on a fine-crumbed cake.

L’OPÉRA

STEP

into any of the outlets of the high-end pastry and bakery house, and the enveloping warmth of glass cases and chandeliers reminds you why it continues to be a favourite haunt of the well-heeled. To usher in patrons with renewed vigour, some of the stores — for instance, the one at Nehru Place — have introduced

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picturesque al fresco seating. Sit outside, framed by the flaming colours of the sunset, and tuck into the textural fantasy of the Nutty chocolate treat (`345). It is wave upon wave of layers — eggless brownie, dark chocolate mousse, caramel and caramelised peanuts — that can lead to an ecstatic palate. Browse through their confection library and stumble upon the Chocolate orange walnut (`345). It is a nuanced tapestry of clashing yet imaginative flavour profiles. Dark chocolate, walnuts and orange swirl through the dessert, giving it depth and complexity in equal measure.

PETITE PIE SHOP

THE

French bistro vibe comes alive at the Petite Pie Shop in Worldmark, Gurgaon, with its harlequin flooring and marzipan pistachio-green walls. It is a venture of Chef Vanshika Bhatia, who earned her spurs at trailblazer restaurants such as Noma (Copenhagen), Gaggan (Thailand) and Junoon (Dubai) and later showcased her culinary sorcery at Delhi’s Olive Bar and Kitchen and Ek Bar. True to its name, Petite Pie Shop, has all kinds of sweet-savoury pies, tarts, quiches, pizzas; as well as croissant and baguette sandwiches, French onion soup, terrines, cold cuts, spreads and preserves. But the sweet pies and other desserts are notches above humble puddings ordered as afterthoughts at restaurants. They make a statement on your platter and sing of tropical flavours such as coconut, rose, honey and nuts. For instance, the Honeybee pie (`375), a memory of raw floral honey and nuts, lays out a carpet of flowers on your tastebuds. “Honey is my favourite sweetener and I source it from a farmer friend.

Since honey becomes toxic if cooked, I add it to the custard after cooling it, in the Honeybee pie,” says Chef Bhatia. Another bouquet on your platter comes by way of the Rose baklava (`325), a freewheeling interpretation of the Middle Eastern

dessert, where filo sheets, nuts and roses recreate the Arabian Nights on your tongue. “I use a different technique than the traditional baklava.

First, I make the roulade, cut it and then bake it,” says the Chef. Even the Coconut clafouti (`325) presents marzipan with a confetti of fresh, caramelised coconut shavings — a marriage of exotic but comforting flavours.

Desserts, of course, are more than mere confections. They are indulgent acts of whimsy, coaxing flavours out of fruits, nuts, chocolates, condiments and what have you. And there’s no excuse left to skip one this season.

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A R T F R AT

Architectural

juxtaposition KAREN KNORR’s Transmigrations delves deep below the surface to consider issues of colonialism, exoticism, appropriation, societal hierarchies and femininity, says UMA NAIR

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DISPLACEMENT.

SACRED AND SECULAR SITES celebrates the rich visual culture, the foundation myths and stories of northern India while focussing on Rajasthan and using sacred and secular sites to consider caste, femininity and its relationship with the animal world. The interiors are painstakingly photographed with a large format Sinar P3 analogue camera and scanned to high-resolution.

Live animals are inserted into the architectural sites, fusing high-resolution digital with analogue photography. The animals — photographed in sanctuaries, zoos and cities — inhabit palaces, mausoleums, temples and holy sites, interrogating Indian cultural heritage and rigid hierarchies.

Cranes, zebus, langurs, tigers and elephants mutate from princely pets to avatars of past feminine historic characters, blurring boundaries between reality and illusion and reinventing the Panchatantra for the 21st century.

KNORR

IMAGES: ©KAREN KNORR, COURTESY AUGUSTA EDWARDS FINE ART

Reincarnation. Migration of souls to an afterlife.

Karen Knorr’s Transmigrations, unveiled at the Augusta Edwards Fine Art, London, refers to all three. In this age of climate change and of great migrations to come, Knorr creates juxtapositions in gorgeous architectural interiors and probes hidden embers in the old tales of the ruler and the ruled.

Since 2008, her work has taken a new turn and focussed its gaze on the upper caste culture of the Rajputs in India and its relationship with the ‘other’ through the use of photographs, videos and performances. The photographic series ventures into men’s space (mardana) and women’s space (zenana) in Mughal and Rajput palace architecture, havelis and mausoleums through large format digital photography.

EXOTICA [51] NOVEMBER 2021

ANCIENT MYTHS AND ALLEGORIES examines the meaning of a place, drawing from ancient myths and allegories to express contemporary ideas. A lifechanging journey to India in 2008 altered the focus of her practise, shifting her gaze to the upper caste culture of the Rajput in India and led her to examine its relationship with the ‘other’.

Transmigrations is a seminal photographic series that focusses on the interiors of sacred and secular spaces of Rajasthan as well as Chateau de Chantilly.

Knorr revels in the rich visual culture of northern India and the layered, syncretic nature of the architecture, where Hindu and Islamic motifs merge and migrate from room to room. Within these lavish spaces — symbolic of wealth and societal power structures — Knorr digitally imposes images of live tigers, animals, peacocks and birds, which she photographed separately in reserves and zoos.

KNORR

CHATEAUS AND FORTS turquoise tinted room or a verdant emerald green interior become her canvas as she blurs the line between reality and illusion. Chateau de Chantilly is as exotic a locale as the Amer Fort. In

A

EXOTICA [52] NOVEMBER 2021

its rooms, she places a pair of flamingoes, as well as a gracefully-seated giraffe. In the Amer Fort in India, she places a puissantly plumed peacock; the contrasting colours of the bird, against the ivory sheen of marble, make for a stunning portrait of architecture and the animated living being.

The Samode Palace is fit for a statuesque Siberian crane in all its resplendent beauty. In the zenana, of Udaipur’s City Palace, we get a glimpse of yet another redolent peacock gazing into eternity. In Amer Fort’s Sheesh Mahal stands a lone white tiger; its ivory tones nestling into the pristine white walls. At Chhavi Niwas, Jaipur, the white peacock dress itself is titled Ganesha’s Mount as it shines against the Prussian blue interiors.

Knorr’s titles reflect an understanding and depth of Indian heritage as well as ancient literature based on myths and sacred stories. Yet there is also a hint of sadness in the irony she wants us to contemplate upon.

Knorr’s work, influenced by surrealism and the magical realism of the past leaves of history, delves deep below the surface to consider issues of colonialism, exoticism, appropriation, societal hierarchies, and femininity as it relates to the animal world.

EXOTICA [53] NOVEMBER 2021

S T Y L E S PA C E

Shine on, you crazy diamond

DEEPA MEHTA-SAGAR describes how she designed a luxury jewellery collective, featuring 14 eclectic brands, by playing with shadow and light

AT

Ruani — the newly-opened jewellery design collective in the swanky suburb of Bandra, Mumbai — 3,200-odd fibre optic lights are the scene stealers. Despite a large number of lights, the design allows you to see the darkness. Illumination and shadows may seem like opposites, but one cannot exist without the other.

It's sort of like the equation between good and evil.

And that's one of the tenets of the modernist style of architecture that I borrowed from to design the space.

When I first walked into the bare area, my biggest challenge was that the 2,000 sq ft space was on a curved axis and had large windows that ran right through it. But while there was plenty of sunlight, there were very few shadows. I had to create that drama. A showroom needs to be bright, particularly one that deals in diamonds and jewels.

But if you have too much of it, you steal the sheen from the twinkling gems. That's why I went with ribbed glass panels that helped sieve the natural light. I also used full-length mirrored panels to

reflect the black-and-chrome rippled metal ceiling and graphite-grey flooring that further served to dim the palette.

To enhance the play of shadows, I went with optics in a subtle amethyst hue, which is Ruani's brand colour. The fibre-optics run vertically from the ceiling, in varying lengths, some reaching for the floor, others hang several feet above the

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flooring. In between the fibre optics lie crystal tubular panels that reflect the light; these refractive tubes create a peek-a-boo effect which was an important element in a shared space. They work as separators without the use of intrusive solid partitions. So, the customer moves from one brand to another effortlessly. The varying lengths also create a wave formation, which adds a sense of fluidity, while subtly segregating spaces.

This sense of movement is further enhanced by the fact that the lights look different as you move through the room. The same panel could look like a shade of lilac when you're checking out one label but may seem a more expressive purple as you move to yet another display area. The lighting interacts with the customer as she moves; I wanted her to feel like she is a part of the area, a creator rather than a passive bystander.

When designing shared or multi-utility areas — whether they are malls, hotels, clubs — the key is to allow for differences to shine through while keeping one element — in this case, the colour palette — that holds everything together.

I also decided to use an unconventional material — metal — in the ceiling. Rippled metal ceilings create reflections and add height and dimension, which is much-needed in a city like Mumbai. This aspect along with a minimalistic style is what creates an illusion such that spaces appear larger.

The flooring is a large-grid porcelain tile of faux marble. It was set out on a diagonal axis to

follow the natural curvature of the area. Again, it was the addition of light elements that worked as dividers; you know you've walked into the bridal atelier because this is the only part of the showroom where you walk on glass. Beneath the glass lies a pattern of a tree crafted out in the fibre-optics.

Nature was also my inspiration for the display cases. Instead of conventional rectangular glass boxed cases, I went with glass bell jars. These are perched on a showcase in the shape of a tree with branches that hold out the jars. The rounded jars come in varying heights to add to the drama. Each set of displays, within a designer's area, comes with its dimming zone. An individual jewellery designer can set the scene via light automation that works best to bring out his/her designs. The lighting automated technology used is really what sets the mood, at the simple flick of the switch. After all, everything — forms, shapes, colours, and every other element of design and architecture — can only be seen and experienced thanks to the light.

— The author is a Mumbai-born interior designer and decorator and founder of Area Decor LLC in Dubai, UAE

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GURUSPEAK

ALL

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru

There’s no use cribbing and complaining about this and that or getting angry about trivial issues and disturbing the peace of others around you

troubles in life begin with love. If there was no love in the world, people would have lived much more comfortably and peacefully. Love brings restlessness and gives rise to jealousy and anger. If there is pain and misery in life, it is because of love. All the fights and wars that happen have taken place because of love. If you look deeper into this, then you will understand that love for an object is called greed. Love for a person turns into moha (attachment). When a person is in love with a particular situation then, in its absence, s/he feels sad and depressed. Love is the single reason for all the problems in the world. The other perspective is: There is no joy in life without love.

What is life without love? Nothing. Even a small insect doesn’t wish to live a life bereft of love. Everyone wants it — the birds, trees and animals. The Brahman or God wants it. So, there can be no life without love, yet all difficulties arise because of it. So, how do we resolve this contradiction? Knowledge can help solve this.

With knowledge, you can preserve love as it is and not turn it into attachment, greed, or jealousy. Knowledge helps to preserve love from getting distorted.

Knowledge keeps the mind calm and composed. If you feel a sense of jealousy, knowledge extricates you out of it. When you remember that life is temporary and the person, of whom you are jealous, will die one day and so will you, it makes the mind calm and composed. Just remembering that everything is temporary and short-lived will bring you out of it. You can also come out of it by surrendering the feeling of jealousy and attachment to the Divine. So, if you are very attached to your son, just offer this attachment to the Divine, thinking that even your son belongs to God. Pray to God saying, “Oh Lord, I surrender this attachment to you.” When we yield, we are freed of that which causes us pain and misery and, once again, experience joy and

Love &ego

peace in life. And when we are joyful, then everyone wants to be with us. For example, if a wife sits with a long face all day, when the husband returns home and sees it, he feels like running away. So, he comes home, quickly changes his clothes and heads out. If the lady is happy and doesn’t complain, then no matter how the day might have been, the husband wants to come home thinking of the joy and peace he will feel at home. Similarly, if the husband is always grumbling and complaining, the rest of the family members may feel like running away too.

One often wants a life partner to fill each other’s life with love. But what do people end up doing instead? They fill each other’s life with misery. This should not happen. All of you should resolve today that whoever comes to you — whether it is your friends, family members, relatives, husband or wife — s/he should leave with joy and peace. You will endure and go through whatever karma you have to bear but you will make their life happier.

Life is temporary and you never know when it will end. So, there’s no use cribbing and complaining about this and that; or getting angry about trivial issues and disturbing the peace of others around you. This is how an ignorant person lives his/her life.

How does a wise person live? S/he has firm faith in, “Whatever I deserve, I’ll get it. I just have to continue putting in the effort. What is important is that whoever comes to me should go back happier and contented.”

We should aim to spread joy and

‘WHATEVER I DESERVE, I WILL SURELY GET IT. I JUST HAVE TO CONTINUE PUTTING IN THE EFFORT. WHAT IS IMPORTANT IS THAT WHOEVER COMES TO ME SHOULD GO BACK HAPPIER AND CONTENTED’

laughter wherever we go. What is the harm in some humor? You should just laugh and have fun, and make others do the same. When you do this, you are truly a satsangi (one who dwells in the company of the truth). When you don’t and, instead, complain or want people to behave as per your wish, then you are not a satsangi, because people will only feel miserable in your presence. What good is that?

Everything in life works according to the law of karma. If you reflect on your life, just see how many people, against whom you have not done anything wrong, have become your enemy? You wake up one day and see such a sudden change in someone’s behaviour, and think, “Oh, what has happened to this person? How come such a good-natured person has suddenly turned against me?”

Also, you would have met some people in life for whom you did nothing special, yet they have helped you in times of need. Haven’t you been helped by strangers in times of need? Several times enemies have helped you.

So, one cannot know for sure who is a friend and who is an enemy. All this takes place according to some unfathomable karma. When our karma is good and time is favourable, then even our enemies come to help us. But, when time is not in our favour, then even our friends may behave like enemies. This is why we should leave everything to karma.

FITNESS

THYROID Bharat Thakur is a yoga guru and founder of Artistic Yoga

A healthy endocrinal system and hormonal balance are the keys to a healthy body and mind, believes the ancient science

problems affect one out of 10 people in India. More women than men suffer from the disease. The effects can be unpleasant but, if it is properly diagnosed, it can be managed fairly well.

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the throat that secretes the hormones, Thyroxin (T3) and Triiodothyronine (T4), directly into our bloodstream. These hormones regulate our heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and the rate at which food is converted into energy. In infancy and childhood, these are also crucial for brain development. Thyroid hormones are essential for the functioning of every cell in the body.

The most common thyroid problems are to do with over and under-production of the hormones. During hyperthyroidism, too many hormones are produced, which speed up the metabolism and the body loses weight. There can be a rapid or irregular heartbeat, insomnia, intolerance to heat, muscle weakness, more bowel movements than normal and redness or bulging of the eyes. Sufferers are prone to feeling nervous, anxious and irritable. Women experience fewer and lighter menstrual periods than normal and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

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During hypothyroidism, too few hormones are produced. There can be symptoms like fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, throat problems, hair thinning, high cholesterol and muscle ache, weakness and impaired memory.

Sufferers can feel low, sad and depressed.

Women can experience heavy or irregular menstrual periods. It can impair the growth and delay the development of children and teenagers.

In yoga, it is believed the Vishuddhi Chakra is located in the throat and is largely responsible for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and an individual’s communication and power of expression. Vishuddhi is a centre of purification and balancing. Its function is to purify and detox harmful substances in the food we eat, the air we breathe and accumulate in our bodies as well as mental and emotional suppression or discord that are toxic to our health and well-being. When Vishuddhi is blocked, there can be symptoms of unnatural reddening of the face, frequent colds, throat and digestive problems. There are also suppressed emotions that express themselves either explosively in rage, tears, irritation or some other form as the individuals are not always able to express their feelings.

Yoga understood, thousands of years ago, that a healthy endocrinal (glandular) system and hormonal balance were the keys to a healthy body and mind. Numerous asanas compress, stretch, twist the thyroid gland. This stimulates and helps to regulate and restore its normal functioning. Breathing practices like Kapalbhatti and Ujjayi affect the thyroid and also help the body and mind to relax. Bandhas are neuro-muscular locks that exert gentle pressure on the major glands of the body.

A healthy lifestyle, which includes healthy eating habits and regular exercise, will help manage thyroid ailments better. Adding yoga to the daily routine will help to improve your thyroid function and benefit you overall.

JALANDHAR BANDHA (CHIN LOCK)

o Sit in Padmasana (lotus position) or any comfortable sitting posture o Back straight, palms on knees, eyes closed o Inhale slowly, retain the breath and lock your chin against your chest o Straighten arms and lock in place, pressing knees down o Slightly hunch your shoulders o Hold as long as comfortable o Unlock the chin, look up and exhale slowly o Repeat three times BENEFITS: o Regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland and improves metabolism o Helps relaxation and relieves stress, anxiety, anger

SARVANGASANA

o Lie flat on your back, arms by your side, legs straight and feet together o Inhale, contract your stomach muscles and slowly raise the legs to 90 degrees o Keep elbows shoulder-width apart and bend.

Raise legs, hips and back to a vertical position and turn palms upwards. Support your back with both hands o Gently push the chest forward so it presses against the chin o Relax, breathe normally and hold for one-two minutes o Support your back and slowly lower the hips, place arms by your side and slowly lower the legs o Relax till your breath and heartbeat become normal BENEFITS: o Stimulates Vishuddhi (throat) Chakra and regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland o Helps detoxify the body and calm the mind o Improves blood circulation and revitalises cells

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HALASANA o Lie flat on your back, arms by your side o Inhaling, raise your legs, keeping them straight o Lift your back off the floor and take your legs towards your head o Exhaling, gradually lower your legs, touch the floor with toes and straighten legs (support your back if needed) o Hold for 30-60 seconds or as long as comfortable o Inhale, slowly raise both legs, exhale, bring them down slowly to start position

BENEFITS: o Stimulates and regulates the functioning of the thyroid and thymus glands o Stimulates the digestive system o Improves the immune system o Good for flexibility of the back o Strengthens back, shoulders and neck

MATSYASANA

o Sit in Padmasana (lotus) or with your legs stretched out o Slowly lean back, place the elbows on the floor o Carefully bend back, supporting the back with your arms and elbows o Lift your chest slightly and drop your head backwards till the crown of your head touches e floor. Arch your back o Hold the toes with the hands and breathe slowly and deeply for 10-30 seconds o Relax the head, use your elbows to return to the start position BENEFITS: o Regulates the thyroid and thymus glands and improves the immune system o Strengthens the neck and shoulder muscles and respiratory system

EXOTICA [60] DECEMBER 2021

NUMBERGAME Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist

COUNT YOUR FATE

NUMBER 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th of any month) Missed opportunities could resurface. Financially and socially, you’ll make a mark. Don’t let workaholism threaten your loved ones; strike a balance. Those looking for a job-shift and eligible for marriage might be successful. Those pursuing further education might up the ante.

NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) You can get paid while you learn. There might be an impetus in your job or commercial activities. The number of transactions could spike but expenses are a sign of prosperity. Don’t be impulsive.

Those applying for jobs or starting a new business may succeed.

NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) December will showcase your ambition. Many of you have fulfilled your travel lust. Your expenses may multiply, so find newer ways to increase income.

Hobbies might be turned into a profession. This could curb your restlessness and churn productivity. Guard against minor accidents.

NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) You may be jolted from your daydreams. If you’re prepared, you’ll cross the line.

With added responsibilities, you’ll get much-deserved dues but may have to be patient.

There’s no room for sensitivity during an emergency. You’ll get busier and your talent shall find takers.

NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) Your lucky streak continues and gets better in 2022. Expect an exciting exchange of ideas. If you plan your steps, you could be on a roll. Allow your work to do the talking, self-praise is no recommendation.

Develop a skill. Spend rationally. But overspending on necessities can’t be avoided.

NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) You’ll win after a long fight.

Finances could look up.

Singles might get hitched before the 21st. Those starting new ventures could receive assistance but be prepared to toil. Students could complete unfinished tasks. You could be more optimistic and social surprising people.

NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th of any month) Without being at the forefront, you’ll grab eyeballs. Unfinished projects will see the light of the day. Support from colleagues, family and friends will help.

Take the plunge, for those looking for a newer and better job, business start-up, or marriage. Moneywise, it looks like you’ll have full pockets.

NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) You’ll be the cynosure of all eyes. You’ll make new friends, some of them would be longlasting connections. You’ll get a platform to take a leap and fly.

Those eligible might tie the knot.

Students might perform well.

Those close to moving into new homes or starting new ventures could make giant strides.

NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th of any month) Unfinished projects shall materialise. Marriage or health of a loved one could get resolved.

Save from extra income instead of raising the bar. There could arise a need to invest time in relationships and marriage.

Focus energies towards mental and physical well-being.

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I N S TA D I A R I E S

With the wedding season around the corner, all the celebs are reaching into their wardrobe to go traditional

TARA SUTARIA is having a good time as she is, “Probably laughing at my own joke… #Tadap.”

ETHNIC ADVANTAGE

ALIAA BHATT makes it clear that, “It me”.

KIARA ADVANI goes the bridal route with, “#JugJuggJeeyo in cinemas 24th June!”

DHANUSH wears a mundu and says, “To win a national award for best actor on the same stage where my Thalaivar was winning the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke award was just indescribable. Thank you to the National award jury for bestowing me with this honour. Also Thank you to the press and media for your constant support.”

MALAIKA ARORA decides to amp things up with her fourlegged friend as she says, “#coco #cutiepie #dogsofinstagram ##mybaby #dogmom #loveher# throwbackthursday.”

KATRINA KAIF attended an event where she says, “I recently spoke at the @hsbc panel event at the Expo 2020 Dubai where @hsbc unveiled #TheGlobalIndianPuls e report exploring the theme of how Global Indians connect back to India from whichever part of the globe they’re living in. Indian food, films and family keep us bonded no matter where we are.”