Exotica Magazine January 2020

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FROM THE EDITOR

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

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

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

RENEW YOURSELF

MAKAR

Sankranti has a special meaning this year what with the Kumbh Mela taking place in Prayagraj, the biggest assemblage of devotees there is. That is the day the Sun commences its annual journey northward from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer, also known as Uttarayan. Ritual purification by taking a dip in a holy river constitutes an integral part of Hindu religious practice. Of course, nothing about Hinduism is mandatory except perhaps cremation rather than burial after death. But even in this post-modern age, millions of devotees congregate on the banks of holy rivers to take a dip on auspicious days, especially on purnima or full moon. Sometimes, even moonless nights or amavasya are also regarded auspicious.

For example, Mauni Amavasya, during which silence is supposed to be observed as part of a day of prayers and meditation, is one such occasion. This amavasya, though, is rarely observed on a significant scale in urban India but lakhs of rural devotees throng the Sangam at Prayagraj on that day. Incidentally, I was surprised to discover on my visit to Bali that Mauni Amavasya is not only an official holiday there but even the airport is shut to ensure that the atmosphere of silence over the island is not disturbed! For most of my childhood and even adult life, I have been a strict non-believer in rituals. Having grown up in a family environment that was indifferent to religion, although we celebrated community pujas with gaiety, I was happily immune to dietary taboos and more on holy days. An exuberantly non-vegetarian household, my mother, however, insisted on vegetarian meals twice a year — Maha Ashtami during Durga Puja in autumn and Saraswati Puja (Basant Panchami) in spring. My father used to conduct a makeshift Saraswati Puja at our home with books and pens kept on a raised platform but without idols or pandits chanting mantras. The holy Ganga flows right past my ancestral home in Hooghly town (from which the river derives its name in this part of Bengal), some 50 km from Kolkata. Despite the ease of access to the river, I do not recall my father ever going down to the river for a ritual bath. As a child, I would often go for a swim in the river, braving strong currents especially during the low tide or bhata.

In 2013, I suddenly decided to go back to my ancestral home and offer prayers to the river while ritually purifying myself on Makar Sankranti. The day is observed as Magh Mela all over eastern India and millions gather for a ritual dip both at Allahabad and Ganga Sagar in Bengal — the point where the mighty river merges into the sea. The water in the river is chilly and strong winds sweep Bengal at that time, making the dip quite a challenge. But after taking the dip one feels not only cleansed and pure but also sprightly and energetic, ready to start a new year full of enthusiasm. I must admit that there is something invigorating about a purifying ritual. I have bathed in the Ganga umpteen times in Haridwar, a holy place for a ritual dip. I recently calculated that I had dipped in the Ganga there at least once in each calendar month over the past many years, no matter how bone-chilling the water was in the winters and how refreshingly cold in the height of summer. Every dip in the Ganga makes for an ethereal experience.

I don’t regard myself as a paapi (sinner) but many sinners also regularly take a dip to cleanse themselves of their sins. No wonder it is said in a song “Ram teri Ganga maili ho gayee paapiyon ke paap dhotey dhotey.”

[CHANDAN MITRA] Editor-in-Chief EXOTICA [4] JANUARY 2020

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DIRECTORATE OF TOURISM JAMMU

MANSAR LAKE [57 KM*]

MATA CHANCHLO DEVI [170 KM*]

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: www.jammutourism.gov.in

: @jammutourismofficial

SANASAR LAKES [129 KM*]

: @jammutourism

: 0191-2520409

*ALL DISTANCE FROM JAMMU

RANJIT SAGAR LAKE [165 KM*]

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[p24]

LBB [p08] A peek into Bollywood’s sartorial style while vacationing Q&A [p18] Effervescent Elizabeth Travel bug [p24] The known, unknown and the unsung: Jaipur Celeb talk [p32] Mind over body: Sunny Leone

I N S I D E

[p32]

JANUARY 2020 VOLUME 14 NO 3

[p18]

COVER: SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW AT AMER FORT, JAIPUR

The future A decade’s warp & weft [p40] Writing on the wall [p50] Eating through the decade [p54] Around the world [p58] Globe trotter [p66] Look a gift horse in the mouth: Troy

PHOTO: GUSTASP & JEROO IRANI

CONTRIBUTORS

[p66]

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p72] GURUSPEAK: Real freedom Bharat Thakur [p76] FITNESS: Warm-up Kushan Mitra [p78] HOT WHEELS: Back to the future Sanjay Jumaani [p75] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 84 INCLUDING COVER

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OUR PARTNER HOTELS Send us your feedback at exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/Exotica-394686670715776

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LITTLE BLACK BOOK Alia Bhatt paired her Song of Style dress with knee-high boots sending the temperatures soaring at Rodeo Drive, California; Fashionista Sonam Kapoor got it together in a Valentino ensemble — a maroon turtleneck top with balloon sleeves tucked into a flared indigo-hued skirt at Saudi Arabia while Siddharth Malhotra went local and sported a Keffiyeh (headgear) in Dubai

LET’SGETLOST Celebs can’t let their style quotient slip even when they are on a vacation.

Here are some looks that our Bollywood brigade aced

Actor Shahid Kapoor turned biker; Kareena Kapoor Khan in a floral jacket at Gstaad, Switzerland accompanied by sister, Karishma while son Taimur and Varun Dhawan kept it casual vacationing at the same location

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TRAVEL NEWS

AN

archipelago of 333 breath-taking isles drenched in golden sunshine, Fiji is a pure dream of a destination. Besides the two major islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, there are hundreds of smaller islands covered in lush tropical jungle and palm-fringed shores.

Visitors can discover islands uninhabited by humans, snorkel amidst a rainbow of soft corals, laze on white sand beaches or catch a wave at a top surf break.

UNIQUE GETAWAY: Escape to a private, whitesand, tropical island for a day. Charter a helicopter or seaplane to reach the most deserted atoll on the planet and touch down for an intimate champagne beach picnic for two. Charter a private yacht and sail off into the sunset, with a crew navigating you to secluded beaches and unforgettable sunsets.

Indulge at a lavish spa. Chill in an over water bure (wood-and-straw hut) with a butler on call to tend your whim. Befitting the ultimate escape, Fiji features some of the world’s most luxurious fivestar resorts. Taking the islands famous tradition of hospitality to unthought of levels, Fiji’s luxury

resorts present a sophisticated level of service, extraordinary cuisine and indulgent amenities – in nature’s finest surroundings. Rated one of the world’s best sand-between-the-toes experiences, one can reach the the privately owned Laucala Island by plane and stay at a villa with private pool among coconut plantations and jungle. The three luxurious villas on Vatuvara, a speck in the Lau chain, are also accessible by private plane. At this adults-only retreat there’s a range of activities, including golf, spa, or just relaxed swimming.

Royal Davui, with 16 villas, is perfect for an exclusive and intimate wedding, birthday or a special occasion. Dolphin Island Resort on a private island off the tip of Viti Levu is available for exclusive use with rooms for up to just eight guests.

There are only a handful of over water bure resorts in Fiji, including Vanua Levu’s Koro Sun and the Fiji Marriott Resort at Momi Bay. Resorts like the Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a romantic haven for couples only. Situated on Malolo Island 25 km from Nadi International Airport, 10 of its 45 rooms are over water bures. If

G E TA W AY 2 0 2 0

SPEND A LUXURIANT VACAY IN FIJI

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you prefer a private, floating resort, charter a luxury yacht or catamaran. Wake up refreshed from your stateroom to explore a deserted sand cay, snorkel pristine reefs, game fish or dive before enjoying a gourmet meal on deck.

SPA AND WELLNESS: Most resorts have their own spas, set within tranquil surroundings and offering luxurious amenities. Qamea Resort & Spa is an intimate resort in Taveuni, catering to maximum 34 adults, with bures nestled among coconut palms and tropical gardens. Jagged volcanic mountains soar behind; in front is a private one km white-sand beach. Named the best luxury destination spa in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, Qamea’s Jungle Spa is perched deep in the rainforest and offers the ultimate Fijian body therapies and French facial therapies to rejuvenate, revitalise and renew mind, body and soul. Indulge at Namale Resort and Spa’s Valeni Sasauni Spa Sanctuary, a leading luxury spa in Fiji, offering a wide range of treatments inspired by ancient healing traditions. Also pamper yourself in large hydrotherapy room featuring aromatherapy pools, waterfall massage, hot tub, cold plunge and sauna.

The Bebe Spa at Outrigger Resort on the Coral Coast houses eight treatment rooms which

overlook the main resort, each with private openair balconies and ocean views. Four balconies provide hydrotherapy tubs, and all have “showers in the sky”. Health and therapeutic tours include a rainforest trek to a waterfall and a dip in warm therapeutic mud pools.

NATURE TRAILS: Fiji is known for its exclusive resorts and luxurious private islands, but it also offers exhilarating activities just outside your beach villa. Adrenaline junkies can choose from diving, snorkelling, surfing and kayaking or probably engage in all of them. Inland, there’s white water rafting, skydiving from a light aircraft or bouncing through rugged jungle terrain in a buggy. Nature lovers can explore rainforests, mangrove forests, river gorges, waterfalls and cool swimming holes, and spot birdlife, reptiles and rare endemic species. Over 200 marine parks are home to a huge array of marine life, including five of the world’s seven sea turtles and pods of spinner dolphins. Visit a village to experience and learn more about the locals and what makes up the Fijian culture. Or experience sustainable eco-tourism at many of the island resorts, where flawless service, unlimited personal attention and pure luxury make for an unforgettable stay.

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GET THAT GLOW

NIRAAMAYA

Retreats’ Ayurveda Skin Care package blends the goodness of natural ingredients such as milk with tropical fruit wraps and warm oil massages to add a sparkle to your skin. This skincare package does not involve intrusive laser treatments or a surgeon’s scalpel and rejuvenates the skin naturally.

The luxury wellness retreat skincare recipes are taken from Ayurvedic beauty regimens followed in the past.

The process of restoring the natural lustre of your skin begins only after identification of your skin type, which is divided into vata (dry), pitta (sensitive) and kapha (oily), and possibly a combination of more than one type.

Besides these three broad break-ups of skin types, there are combination skin types such as kaphapitta, vata-kapha and others.

If you enroll for the package, you would be in for an extensive programme, including Ayurvedic Skin Consultation, lifestyle consultation and counselling session, Abhyangasnana (conditioning warm oil

massage to stimulate circulation), Gharshanam (herbal exfoliation to revitalise the skin), Ksheerasekam (medicated milk bath therapy to nourish the skin tissue), Njavarakkizhy (warm bundles of rice and nutritive herbs warmed in milk applied on the body for skin toning), tropical fruit wrap (anti-oxidant rich fruit pack with skincare herbs help skin renewal), Mukhalepam (natural face packs are applied based on skin type), personalised yoga and Pranayama sessions as well as cooking sessions on wellness cuisine.

Niraamaya personalises every skincare package based on the body constitution and needs of an individual and takes a final call on a treatment plan after a thorough consultation with its in-house doctors.

These packages are available at Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam; Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond, Kumarakom; and Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady.

The cost for the package for a minimum of five nights starts from `30,000 per person per day.

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EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH NEW

FROM

Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall gems, awe-inspiring global cuisine to aromatic street carts, New York City has endless dining options. The cuisine of each borough and neighbourhood tells the story of the city’s history, culture and latest trends, making food tours the perfect way to experience authentic NYC. Visit the neighbourhoods that make each borough so special.

BROOKLYN: On A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour, cover Brooklyn and pizzas from end to end via bus, stopping at iconic landmarks and movie locations. The tour company’s latest is the Chocolate Bus Tour of Brooklyn, which features chocolatiers in the lesserknown neighborhoods of Red Hook, Cobble Hill and Gowanus. Learn how chocolate is made, sample traditional and artisanal chocolates and visit Valentino Pier for a view of the Statue Liberty.

Visit four of Williamsburg’s hottest restaurants and enjoy a four-course progressive meal on Avital Tours’ Williamsburg Food Tour, all the while learning about the neighbourhood’s culinary history, important places and must-eat dishes.

Why not get some exercise while you taste local delicacies and take in the vibe of the borough? Dine on pizza, dessert or a combination of both on one of Brooklyn Bike Tours’ offerings.

Enjoy Brooklyn’s burgeoning craft beer scene on a City Brew Tour. Meet brewers, get VIP behind-thescenes tours and enjoy 12+ brew samples paired with gourmet food throughout the borough.

Explore three different neighbourhoods of Brooklyn during a Literary Pub Crawl Brooklyn, focusing on history, literature and, of course, drinking.

MANHATTAN: Dine in true luxury on City Chic Experiences’ Signature Culinary Experience. This curated culinary tour features notable Michelin-starred dining establishments throughout Manhattan.

On Like A Local’s Flatiron Food, History & Architecture Tour, see two of New York City’s most iconic and picturesque neighbourhoods, Flatiron District and Union Square, and explore classic restaurants and hidden gems.

Experience Harlem like a local, enjoying soul food and the cuisines of the Caribbean, Africa and Italy on a Taste Harlem Food and Cultural Tours.

Learn to appreciate New York City’s authentic street food on Turnstile Tours’ Food Cart Tour. Enjoy bites from some of the city’s best food carts and trucks while learning about Midtown Manhattan or the Financial District.

Celebrate the Year of Pride on Urban Adventures’ LGBTQ+ History, Neighbourhood and Pub Tour of Greenwich Village. Have a drink at Julius’, the oldest gay bar in New York City, visit the historic Stonewall Inn and cool down with an ice cream covered in rainbow sprinkles at Big Gay Ice Cream.

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YORK CITY’S FIVE BOROUGHS QUEENS: With three different culinary walks in Queens, there’s something for everyone on a Culinary Backstreets tour. A full Sichuan banquet in Flushing, food trucks in Corona, the Queens Night Market and a Thai grocery store/community centre in Elmhurst are just a few of the options.

On Food On Foot Tours’ International Express Food Tour of Queens, delight your taste buds in New York City’s most diverse borough. Along with food stops, your guide will take you around famous TV, movie and sports landmarks.

From traditional Greek to Brazilian, Venezuelan and Balkan food, the Noshwalks Astoria Tour unearths both the classic and lesser-known cuisines of Astoria.

Groups will also stop to see the Museum of the Moving Image and Kaufman Studios along the way.

STATEN ISLAND: Cititrek offers a variety of Staten Island tours, including two culinary adventures. The Taste of Diversity Tour of Victory Boulevard takes visitors through Tompkinsville to discover Albanian, Sri Lankan, Ecuadoran, Caribbean and African shops and restaurants. The Pub Crawl Tour of St George by the Ferry features brewery tours, samples, wine and appetisers in St. George close to the ferry.

Afterward, take a ride on the free Staten Island Ferry.

Noshwalks Staten Island Tour includes a diverse offering of food and culture in Tompkinsville. See and taste the area’s rich history, shops and cuisine from Jamaica, Poland, Honduras and Nigeria.

THE BRONX: Follow Me New York City Adventures has two new walking tours in the Bronx centered around delicious bites.

The Arthur Avenue Adventure includes samples of meats, cheeses, seafood and baked goods. It gives a “crash course” on how Italian immigration shaped New York City. The Food and Faith Adventure incorporates these elements with neighbourhood houses of worship.

Shop for authentic culinary delights on Inside Out Tours’ Bronx’s Little Italy & Arthur Avenue Shopping Tour. Learn

about the rich history and cultural heritage of Belmont, home to generations of Italian-American families.

Join Bronx resident and food aficionado Susan Birnbaum on a SusanSez NYC Walkabouts tour to see the neighbourhood like a local. Susan’s Little Italy on Arthur Avenue tour takes you to some of her favorite spots for fresh pasta, mozzarella and cannoli.

Play ball and eat game-day classics in the greatest sports city in the world. Pair a Yankees Stadium Tour with ballgame fare and new dining options.

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FLY WITH AMAN PRIVATE JET

THE

world’s most remote destinations are often its most exceptional. From the lofty peaks of Bhutan to the reefs surrounding Indonesia’s fabled Spice Islands, Aman is renowned for making these destinations accessible to its guests in privacy and comfort. They have now taken to the skies, with the launch of the Aman Private Jet — an airborne extension of the brand’s resort philosophy.

With this, a traveller can create bespoke itineraries incorporating several Aman destinations around the world, or for use between non-Aman destinations as journeys can be tailored specifically to the needs and interests of its guests. Each booking is fully customisable and every itinerary flexible, with passengers having access to their very own Aman Jet Concierge, who will plan every detail of their travel.

Aman’s Bombardier Global 5000 is one of the world’s most luxurious and spacious personal aircraft. Seating a maximum of 12 passengers, the

plane can reach top speeds of 574 mph, with a range of 9,630km.

With flexible departure times and seamless customs clearance overseen by expert staff, passengers can commence their journey relaxed and stress-free. The Aman Private Jet itself is best-inclass in terms of speed, range and field performance, promising the smoothest ride possible for a restful flight. Guests can choose their in-flight meals ahead of their journey and will have access to their luggage throughout their flight, as well as constant, high-speed Wifi connectivity. Other unique Aman touches include a tea ceremony and amenities from the brand’s all-natural range of Aman Skincare products.

Catering for both short- and long-haul trips, the Aman Private Jet is ideal for group, family and corporate travel.

Aman has curated four new journeys, incorporating multiple Aman properties, that explore some of the world's most beguiling destinations in a

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unique and insightful Aman way. These include Bali & Beyond, The Secrets of China, Indochina Past & Present, and From the Himalayas to the Sea. Bali & Beyond offers passengers the chance to build a bespoke Indonesian itinerary including up to five Aman destinations. These include Aman's trio of Balinese retreats — Amandari, Amankila and the Aman Villas at Nusa Dua — as well as Amanjiwo overlooking Borobudur in Central Java’s spiritual heartland, and Amanwana a tented camp on the island of Moyo in the Flores Sea. This is an opportunity to experience the cultural, spiritual and natural diversity of this archipelago.

From the rural peace of Hangzhou’s West Lake and the thousand-year old history of Lijiang, to the 21st century dynamism of Shanghai, The Secrets of China combines stays at Amanfayun, Amandayan and Amanyangyun to create a personalised privatejet tour of the country’s hidden wonders — both ancient and modern.

Indochina Past & Present takes in the ancient

culture and timeless scenery of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. With their proximity to the historic city of Luang Prabang in Laos, Cambodia’s temples of Angkor and Vietnam’s coastal Nui Chua National Park respectively, Amantaka, Amansara and Amanoi are uniquely placed to enable this private-jet journey.

Combining a Bhutanese spiritual escape with a Phuket beach break, From the Himalayas to the Sea incorporates a minimum seven-night journey through Amankora’s five lodges, and a three night stay at Amanpuri in a consecutive journey. Guests can enjoy traditional Bhutanese blessings and the wonders of the centuries old culture, followed by secluded beach views and pristine waters in Phuket.

All flights, private transfers and accommodation at Aman properties, private tours of key cultural sites plus a host of exclusive privileges at each resort are included in the tour. These range from personalised spa treatments and traditional blessing ceremonies, to unique culinary and cultural experiences.

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Q&A

EFFERVESCENTELIZABETH

ELIZABETH GILBERT hit big time with her quest Eat Pray Love, which continues to inspire women all over the world 14 years after it hit the stands. The author, who is attending the Jaipur Literature Festival this year, tells SAIMI SATTAR what makes the book resonate even now o Eat Pray Love is a one of a kind book. How difficult was laying your life bare in front of people that you didn’t even know? Or maybe, more so, those who supposedly knew you?

I’m not a particularly private person (I suppose that’s obvious by now) so it actually wasn’t difficult for me. As I get older, I feel that I am even less concerned with privacy. Whenever I reveal something painful or difficult about my own life, I hear echoes back from thousands upon thousands of women saying, “Me, too!

Thank you for saying that out loud.” I’m not concerned about sharing my hopes and fears anymore because they seem to be identical to the hopes and fears of everyone else. And I think anything we can do to share our struggles helps everyone. As for Eat Pray Love, my only concern was protecting the privacy of other people in the book who might not be as open with their lives as

I am. I was achingly careful not to expose anyone in a way that they would not be comfortable with. I’m always much more careful and respectful of other people’s private lives than I am of my own. o Would you say writing the book was therapeutic?

Absolutely. I would go even further and say that writing it saved my life. o The book spent a record 199 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. Did you anticipate its success?

Not for a minute. In fact, I thought I was taking a huge creative risk by writing Eat Pray Love and that perhaps I was even committing career suicide. Up until that point in my life, I was known as a writer who wrote for herself, and about men. I was a journalist at GQ magazine, and my first books had been about very masculine worlds. To quit my excellent and very macho

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journalism job and go on a spiritual journey to write about a woman’s interior life...well, that just felt like it would cost me my entire career. (Happily I was wrong about that.) o While writing, who did you think would be your readers?

My best female friends, who all seemed to be struggling with the same questions that I was facing at the age 30: Should we be married or not? Should we have children or not? Is there a larger purpose to our life? Is it more important to be free or to be secure? Essentially, I took the conversations we’d had for years over many bottles of wine and brought those questions to the page. o Some critics said that Eat Pray Love peddled Eastern exotica? And others said it was pre-lit.

I’ve never heard the word “pre-lit” before, but without even understanding the term, I suppose we have to consider the possibility that both criticisms are valid and quite possibly absolutely true and that many more criticisms of the book are valid, besides these.

Certainly in the last decade and a half since Eat Pray Love was written, conversations about cultural appropriation have changed, deepened and intensified. My own values have changed along with

A BOOKWORM’S PERFECT WORLD Here’s why you shouldn’t miss out on the 13th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival

THE

Pink City will be infused with enthusiasm, a riot of colours and infectious energy as literature and art-enthusiasts will converge for the 13th edition of Jaipur’s annual Literature Festival. Well-known as ‘greatest literary show on earth’, it brings together a line-up of exemplary speakers from India and across the world at the historic Diggi Palace.

The past decade has seen it transform into a global literary phenomenon having hosted nearly 2,000 speakers and over a million book-lovers from across India and the globe. During the festival days, there are endless places to see, and things to do, some of which include insightful sessions and an exciting and buzzing carnival encapsulating a bookstore, food stalls, a bazaar along with artists at work and multiple parties hosted on the festival’s fringes. Here are a few reasons why you should not miss out on the festival.

LISTEN TO SOME OF THE GREATEST MINDS OF THE WORLD: The festival hosts some of the world’s best literary minds and brings them together for several panel discussions and interactions. Experts from diverse fields such as literature, economy, environment, food and science take the stage for stimulating and thoughtprovoking conversations. Eminent speakers such as recipient of the 2010 Man Booker Prize, Howard Jacobson, Pulitzer-winning authors, Stephen Greenblatt and Dexter Filkins, celebrated culinary expert Madhur Jaffrey, acclaimed author Elizabeth Gilbert and leading filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, are among the first few speakers which have been announced for the 2020 edition.

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the culture. I was not nearly as aware of the dangers of “peddling Eastern exotica” as I would be if I were writing the book today. To be honest, I’m quite certain that I would not write the same book today or at least not with the same blithe self-confidence about being a spiritual tourist in other people’s cultures. That said, I’m moved by the sheer number of women from disparate cultures all over the world, who claim that they were inspired by Eat Pray Love to change their lives. I still get messages from women every day, from every corner of the planet, who say that they were encouraged to leave destructive relationships, take risks and set out alone in the world because they read that book — imperfect as it is. For that, I’m grateful and humbled. The bottom line is this: The book exists as it is and as a snapshot of a particular moment in time, written from a particular worldview. I

welcome the criticism, as part of an ongoing cultural conversation about privilege and about who is allowed to tell what stories, when, and how. This is a conversation which we all deeply need to keep having and it’s important for writers like me to listen to that criticism without defensiveness, fragility or reactivity. In the end, we can only leave it to readers to decide for themselves how they feel about my story. It will be interesting to see how their own feelings might change over time. o How closely were you associated with the film? And what did you think of it?

I love the film but I wasn’t closely involved with its production. I’d had some experience with Hollywood in the past, and I had learned this lesson: The best place for a writer to be during the adaptation of her book is very far away. I felt it was important to give Ryan Murphy (the director) and

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BOOK-SIGNINGS AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHORS: For all those literature enthusiasts who have spent days glued to books, turning one page after another captivated by the magic of a well-written novel, the Jaipur Literature Festival offers the perfect opportunity to meet your favourite authors in person. Besides attending noteworthy sessions and witnessing book launches, the festival also has book-signing kiosks at all venues where you can grab that rare signed copy and earn bragging rights.

Javier Bardem and Julia Roberts in the movie adaptation of Eat Pray Love

actor Julia Roberts all the space in the world in which to create their own vision for the film, without my interference. This was a gesture of respect on my part. It’s hard enough making a film without an anxious writer peering over your shoulder saying, “I would never have worn that dress.” The other benefit to my hands-off approach was that I could watch the film with fresh eyes and that was an absolute delight. o It was during the writing of City of Girls that you lost your partner, Elias. How difficult was completing it?

After my partner Rayya Elias died, I threw myself into writing City of Girls. I needed the escape and I was so grateful that I had a huge project to do, to take my mind off my loss. Creativity has always been the place where I go to heal and so writing the novel

ART AND CULTURE: In addition to being a platform for conversations related to literature and books, it also gives the visitors an opportunity to experience various forms of art and music. From installations to backdrops for the perfect Instagram shot, there is something for everyone. Dance and music performances make the festival even livelier. For shopping enthusiasts, the annual festival bazaar is a must-visit as several craftsmen, designers and entrepreneurs display and sell a vast array of hard-to-resist collectible items. Among the many things to be bought are embroidered shawls, meenakari jewellery, funky stationery, edgy accessories, spiffy footwear and home décor.

MORNING MUSIC: For those passionate about music, each day the festival begins with the calming strains of morning ragas. The stage will be graced by acclaimed artistes such as BC Manjunath, an exponent of Konnakol and the mrindangam; sitar maestro and recipient of the President’s Award for best instrumentalist, Purbayan Chatterjee; leading Carnatic veena-player Saraswati Rajagopalan, and Supriya Nagarajan, a renowned Carnatic vocalist and founder of Manasamitra.

HERITAGE EVENINGS: JLF will also host a powerpacked heritage evening. Supported by Rajasthan Tourism, the Amer Fort will feature a performance by Pandit Rajendra Gangani, one of the leading practitioners of the Jaipur gharana of kathak. He will pay tribute to the age-old classical dance form, along with an ensemble of kathak dancers. Les Souffleurs or The Whisperers, an artistic group created by Olivier Comte,

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I SPENT FOUR YEARS RESEARCHING EVERYTHING I COULD DISCOVER ABOUT THE NEW YORK CITY THEATRE WORLD IN THE 1940S. FORTUNATELY, THIS WAS NOT A SACRIFICE. IT WAS A FASCINATING TIME IN HISTORY AND I LOVED VANISHING INTO THAT LONGLOST, GLAMOROUS MOMENT

was incredibly nourishing for me. It was especially important for me to write something that had nothing to do with Rayya or with cancer or with tragic death. I wanted to write something fun, light and life-affirming to help bring myself back into the light. o The novel is set in 1940s. What kind of research went into it?

I spent four years researching everything I could discover about the New York City theatre world in the 1940s. Fortunately, this was not a sacrifice.

It was a fascinating time in history and I loved vanishing into that long-lost, glamorous moment. The best part was getting to interview women in their 90s (or even their hundreds) who had been actors, dancers, songwriters, costumedirectors during that time. I feel so blessed that I got to meet so many of these amazing women at the tail end of their lives and to incorporate their stories into mine. And the best part of meeting them was hearing their stories about their sexual and romantic escapades — some of which were quite shockingly wild. Every generation thinks they invented sex and that the past was a more innocent time, but talking to these free-spirited nonagenarians proved otherwise... o How did your growing up years influence your writing?

I was raised in a family without a lot of luxuries

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— puritan, almost, in the starkness. I grew up on a farm where only one room was heated in the winter, where we didn’t have a television, where we raised our own animals and grew our own food. There were no other children nearby and so my sister and I, both, had to rely on our imagination in order to create games and worlds that we escaped to together. It is no accident that we both became novelists. Creativity was our religion and salvation. o Which authors have influenced you?

Charles Dickens was basically my nursemaid, I learned so much from him. o Any Indian authors that you like to read?

Arundhati Roy, Salman Rushdie, Anita Desai and Amit Chaudhuri come to mind. o What does the future of the written word look like since we are swamped by digital entertainment?

I’m more worried about the future of the planet at this point than I am about the future of the written world. Worrying about where literature is headed seems almost a luxury at this point, as the temperature of the oceans rises and rises... o What is the relevance of literature festivals like the JLF? I see them as family reunions, bright lights in the midst of the darkness and a pure delight to be invited to.

with a production where they whisper poetic secrets into each other’s ears using a hollow cane. To end the evening on a musical note, world-renowned sitarist Shubhendra Rao will present East Marries West - A Legacy which is a celebration of his Guru, the sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar’s 100th birth anniversary.

WRITE AT JAIPUR BOOKMARK: For all aspiring authors and poets with multiple drafts scribbled behind every notebook and diary filled with words that you hope will one day be read by the world, iWrite

by Jaipur BookMark is the perfect platform. After a successful first edition last year, it is back to inspire literary aspirants. Shortlisted participants get a platform to share their work and receive constructive guidance from international publishers, literary agents, translators and other industry experts.

BLOGGING COMPETITION: If you can write a compelling copy and want to get close to where the action is, JLF’s blogging competition is your chance to make that leap. Highlighting the festival’s core aim to support and promote artistic expression through writing, the competition will give 10 chosen writers a chance to inspire the audience through their words on its official blog site. The winners will also be invited to the festival’s various sessions.

THE DELEGATE EXPERIENCE: While the festival is open to all, specially-curated delegate packages guarantee an experience to remember. Delegate-only lunches serve as an opportunity to meet and mingle with like-minded literary enthusiasts and make new connections. The delegate packages range from `6,300 per day to `23,800 for five days.

— The festival will be held between January 23 and 27, 2020

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TRAVEL BUG

THE KNOWN, UNKNOWN AND THE UNSUNG

GUSTASP and JEROO IRANI delve into the city of Jaipur to find treasures beyond the obvious

WE

weren’t debutante tourists in Jaipur but repeat visitors enthralled by an enchanting city. Over several visits, we had explored most of Jaipur’s awesome roster of attractions and realised that the city’s sights could give other great metros an inferiority complex. Throw in unforgettable cameos of proud locals in colourful turbans and handlebar moustaches; village belles in swirling skirts and chunky silver jewellery and proud camels squatting in the sand… Soon, Jaipur begins to resemble a stage set up with extravagant props.

But it’s all very real and we decided to re-visit some of its known architectural marvels and scoop out some of its hidden treasures as well. A quick stop at the 18th century Hawa Mahal or Palace of Wind wasn’t enough.

Locals ushered us up narrow stairs, above a warren of

Hawa Mahal, the pink, five-storey palace, honey-combed with over 150 latticed windows, enabled ladies to watch unseen life and processions swirl on the broad street below

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shops opposite the monument, to get picturepostcard-perfect photographs of the palace. The pink, five-storey palace, honey-combed with over 150 latticed windows enabled ladies to watch unseen life and processions swirl on the broad street below. On a terrace across Hawa Mahal, perched precariously on a parapet, some selfiestruck tourists posed, pirouetted and pouted in front of cell phones held aloft to get the Hawa Mahal as a backdrop to their preening selves.

One of the country’s first planned cities, the origins of Jaipur go back to 1727 when Jai Singh II, Raja of Amer, traded his grand palace within the fortified walls of Amer Fort for an even more magnificent city, to be named after him. Jaipur

was dubbed the Pink City in 1876 when Sawai Ram Singh I who had the city painted pink in honour of the visit of Prince of Wales’, who was later crowned King Edward VII. Ever since, and even today, the city has been getting a coat of fresh paint every once in a while.

To escape the traffic-clogged streets of the old city, we retreated for a while into the rambling City Palace, a maze of cool courtyards, gardens and palaces from different eras where royal memorabilia is on display. There we stumbled on a Craft Centre where visitors can view and buy goods directly from craftsmen and artists personally selected by a member of the royal family and asked to set up shop.

Jantar Mantar at City Palace attracts tourists with its 19 architectural astronomical instruments

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(Left): The City Palace gate is decorated with contemporary architectural style prevalent at the time. (Below): The entrance fresco is resplendent with beautiful colours

We sat next to an artist and watched his paintbrush glide over the paper. The crisp clean lines that danced across his canvas started to merge and a few moments later, he handed us his creation: a miniature painting of a fierce Rajput prince with a sword held aloft and ready to strike.

The contrast between the menacing posture of the handsome young warrior in the painting and the gentle demeanour of the wrinkled old artist who

created it was striking, and in many ways captured the spirit of Jaipur. For this is a city that is both artistic and imposing; a city of fantasy with modern contours.

As a break from Jaipur’s history-webbed monuments, we stopped at Channi Carpets and Textiles, a factory-cum showroom, one of the oldest in the city, where on an upper floor, handknotted carpets in wool, silk and a blend of silk

An artist displays his miniature work; hand-knotted carpets in wool, silk and a blend of the two are a must pick-up item

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and wool cascaded down walls or were rolled up against them. They were then strewn and unfurled on the floor for us to gawk at and perhaps buy. The carpets and rugs with Persian, Kashmiri, oriental and other designs glowed and shimmered and we realised how art and beauty are woven into the DNA of the city. In a ground floor atelier, artisans demonstrated the art of block printing with vegetable dyes and teak wood blocks. They even encouraged us to try our hand at it.

Shopping sprees can be addictive in a city where the past continues to burnish the present.

We would take frequent breaks from tumultuous Jaipur, at the recently re-launched Ibis Jaipur Civil Lines hotel in the city centre. Functional, funky and the epitome of modern-day cool, the

relaunched Ibis Jaipur Civil Lines offers guests the option to go green, peddle away and explore the city on their e bikes. A gaily painted auto rickshaw, minus the beeps so typical of the city, is an arresting art installation in the porch where guests love to click some mandatory selfies. When we felt overpowered by the city’s manifold charms, we would often relax in the vibrant lobby which flows seamlessly into the restaurant; pour over the inventive menu and admire the witty doodles by local artists on the walls and tables which cleverly evoke Jaipur life.

On our last evening, we headed for Amer Fort, the former capital. En route to the fort, we saw another enchanting marvel that Jaipur showcases so casually, typical of a city that suffers from an

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The Sound and Light at Amer Fort brings the past back to centre stage in the form of a dramatic play. (Inset): Jal Mahal was the playground of the maharajas in the 18th century

FAC T F I L E Jaipur on the eastern apex of the Golden Triangle, that includes Agra and Delhi, is well-connected by road, rail and air to most major cities around the country.

Jaipur has a vast spectrum of accommodation ranging from palace hotels such as the Taj group’s Rambagh Palace to more modern and functional ones like the Ibis Jaipur Civil Lines.

For more information visit Rajasthan Tourism at: www.tourism.rajasthan.gov.in

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embarrassment of riches‌We stopped to gaze at the recently restored Jal Mahal or water palace moored in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. A hidden gem, oft-overlooked by tourists on their way to the muscled Amer Fort, the Jal Mahal is a lake palace that exudes feminine charm and romance. It was once the playground of the maharajas in the 18th century when it resonated with the sounds of duck hunting parties, firework displays and elaborate music and dance festivals. In its heyday, the palace was strewn with silk pillows and glowing carpets, and the courtyard and corridors were shaded with rich awnings. Today, a forlorn beauty clings to it.

The 16th century Amer Fort is another eyeful and as the fading light of a post-sunset sky brushed its ramparts, we quickly explored its labyrinthine but stunning interior. Massive arched gates protect the outer courtyard which is dominated by the many arched Diwan-e-Aam or hall of public audience. The main palace complex is

tucked away behind walls and archways alive with a mosaic of inlaid images. The magnificent Diwan-e-Khas or hall of private audience, elaborate gardens and courtyards, a hall of mirrors that recreates star-studded night skies, the private residential quarters of the king and his queens cooled by breeze blowing across channels of water and filigreed walls with delicate designs speak eloquently of a love for opulence...

And as the sky darkened, the Sound and Light show brought the past back to centre stage once again as in a dramatic play, the story of Amer Fort unfolded. Twenty-eight kings of the Kachwaha dynasty ruled from this impressive fort till the capital was moved to Jaipur. Local legends and folk music enhanced the delve-into-the-past experience while the stunning setting of the Amer Fort and Palace complex in the foreground and the Jaigarh Fort to the left, back-dropped by shadowy hills reverberated with the thunder of battle and

Sahu Restaurant is famous for its hot, milky tea and Rajasthan is famous for delicacies like Laal maas and Gatta curry

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(From Top): A thematic cafe at Ibis Hotel; the potato and onion kachoris at Rawat Mishtan Bhandar are a must-try and a rickshaw painted in the colours of Rajasthan

galloping horses; the thrust and parry of swords, the cries of fallen soldiers, and of bereft princesses left grieving in their opulent citadels.

After the show, we headed to Sahu Restaurant in the old city to warm up. Sahu, famed for its hot milky tea served in an earthen kulhad, turned out be a hole-in-the-wall tea stall which was set up by the present owner’s grandfather and is now a popular “watering hole” for locals.

The sweet milky tea is slowly brewed on a coal fire with a dash of their secret masala. Anything between 1,500 to 2,000 cups a day are consumed as the stall is open from 5 am to 11 pm. Political heavyweights and even royalty have stopped by for a sip of the beverage, with which they wash down the sting of mirch vadas.

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But it was at the over 50year-old Rawat Mishtan Bhandar (a takeaway with a restaurant attached) that we found the flavours of Jaipur packaged into crisp mava, potato and onion kachoris; mirch vada, lassi, sweets and other delicacies. A magnet for locals and the Indian diaspora visiting Jaipur, we were told that the kachoris are carried all the way to the US and last for seven days when refrigerated.

Our voyage of discovery ended with a taste of city at Spice It, the edgy, modern restaurant at Ibis Jaipur Civil Lines, where we savoured timeless and succulent local specialties like Laal maas and Gatta curry for which Rajasthan is famed. We were aware that in this Land of Kings, we were biting into hefty chunks of history.

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C E L E B TA L K

Mind over BODY DIGNITY

and poise, these are the two adjectives that come to mind when one mentions the name Sunny Leone. Adjectives that in our kind of social set-up would never be applicable to someone, who has been an adult film star. But this association started taking root when the actor appeared on an interview during which despite being talked down several times, she gracefully answered the questions and put forth her point without getting in the least unnerved. But this was not the lone instance where she came across as someone who could keep it all together. She did so when a web series, Karenjit Kaur, based on her life invited the ire of the Sikh community and also when people objected to her website which they said was corrupting the Indian culture.

When we meet her at a hotel, she raises her hand in mock horror and says, “Sunny and controversies! no,” before saying, “I am so happy that I kept it together. Each situation is very different. If there is something that is intertwined with violence, then I feel it is my job

Actor SUNNY LEONE is calm and collected in her approach to politics, controversies and films as she makes a cameo in Ragini MMS2, a web series, says SAIMI SATTAR

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PHOTO: PANKAJ KUMAR

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film we only touch them on the surface. But with a digital show, I love getting to know the characters. I love watching episode after episode and really liking one character or hating another. That is why we binge watch.

Writing in digital shows is so much more intricate and layered. Something might be shown in episode 1 which is connected in episode 8. The character shifts are so subtly done through each episode. I was watching a film the other day and realised it is not the same.”

However, she does feel that the web content has ensured that the film industry and its people have evolved. “There is a need to do something different. There is a big shift in so many directions. The idea of creating the same content doesn’t appeal anymore and there is no formula. This is reflected in box office numbers. It is no longer true that a person, actor or producer is known for making amazing films and this will work.

The consumers are so smart and we need to give them credit about the things that they want to consume,” she says and points out that the shift started happening two-three years back because some people who were a little bit more forward thinking took a chance.

Besides acting in films and web series,

PHOTO: PANKAJ KUMAR

to speak up. If it is nonsensical, then I don’t think it is worth being given the dignity of a response and make them popular. I won’t give justification or more hits to their websites, news outlets, or Instagram because I know what my Insta post is worth.”

Sunny is in town to promote Ragini MMS 2, a web series where she makes a cameo. She had, earlier, in 2014, starred in an eponymously named film. “The biggest difference is that the role is a lot shorter,” she says with a laugh and adds, “When I shot the film I was so new. I did not know my head from my feet and my toes. I was basically flying from the seat of my pants and trying to figure out things. I have changed and evolved,” while her eyebrows keep on rising up as she makes a point.

The segment that she acts in is like a short film which is a kick-off to the series.

Sunny, who made her Bollywood debut in 2012 with Jism 2, says, “There is a huge difference between a film and a digital show. In the latter, you are able to learn so much more about the characters, the story and the underlying issues. In a

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‘WHEN I SHOT JISM 2 I WAS SO NEW. I DID NOT KNOW MY HEAD FROM MY FEET AND MY TOES. I WAS BASICALLY FLYING FROM THE SEAT OF MY PANTS AND TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THINGS. I HAVE CHANGED AND EVOLVED’

Sunny has also anchored the show, Splitsvilla.

“You are being yourself. There is no script or lines. You are just having fun. The contestants write the story while Rannvijay (Singha), my cohost and I, just responded to it.”

However, before going mainstream, from 2001 to 2010, she was a part of the adult film industry in the US. So does she feel that her transition was easier in India? “I am a living proof that this country is very accepting.

Hundred per cent. It is more a matter of how you conduct yourself when you are in someone’s country. It is weird because people do not always think that and assume that US would be so. But it has its pockets and bubbles of very judgmental people. That is true for all countries,” she points out, dressed in black.

Over the years, Sunny feels that people have become more vocal and aware about their sexual rights. “It is apparent that people want a change where there are stricter laws and punishment. It has to just move from top down.

It is that simple. Moreover, the focus is no longer on physical but also mental abuse like cyber bullying. We can definitely make a difference. So teaching young men and women about violence whether it is verbal and physical has to start at home,” she says.

Sunny has also been very vocal about child sexual abuse and when we asked her about it, her face registers a surprise that it is a question that we should even be discussing. “I don’t know who would think that it is right. There have to be stricter laws. Usually abusers are people that the child knows. And it is a mistake to think that predators differentiate between a boy or a girl.

It is a very heavy subject and needs to be addressed collectively. We need to hear our children and notice the signs or even a change in behaviour,” says Sunny.

Talking of children naturally brings us to her adopting Nisha Kaur Weber, her daughter in 2017. “I have been wanting to adopt a child since I was a teenager. I knew I had so much love to offer that I wanted to do this. Every time I look

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PHOTO: PANKAJ KUMAR

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‘INDIA IS A DIFFERENT SOCIETY, MADE OF DIFFERENT RELIGIONS AND WAYS OF LIFE. DELHI IS FAR-REMOVED FROM A PLACE WHICH IS PERHAPS JUST TWO HOURS AWAY AND MIGHT NOT EVEN HAVE ELECTRICITY. PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO HURT SENTIMENTS’

at her, even for one second, I do not believe that she is not my blood. She is my heart and soul. She really is an angel. Compared to her brothers who are very naughty. She is so easy, intelligent, smart, fun and very sensitive,” says Sunny who also has two boys through surrogacy.

With 29.4 million followers on Instagram, Sunny finds social media as a great way to put out social messages, “or post silly things about yourself. What I love is that your fans now have direct access and can post comments. Most of them are nice and some not so nice. I’ve filtered out a lot of bad words and it is possible to do that,” she says.

Sunny also has an app on iPhone which she credits to her husband. “Over the last so many years, we tried and work out many digital outlets.

Especially Daniel,” she laughs as her face lights up at his mention. She points out that he makes sure to connect to people, talk to them, attend every phone call and meeting as anyone might bring some interesting idea. “I hope a lot more people harness this as it is truly an amazing time. A lot of

young actors and actresses should harness this content with digital media sources out there. You are missing out on so much,” she says.

With so much happening in the political space in India and USA, where she was born, talk turns towards it and how Hollywood is more political as compared to their Hindi film counterparts.

“India is a different society, made of different religions and ways of life. Delhi is far-removed from a place which is perhaps just two hours away and might not even have electricity. People don’t want to hurt sentiments,” she says and adds that she believes that actors do not make the greatest people to be talking about politics. “Know your craft and leave it at that. The second that I hear someone saying something, even in America, I am like, I grew up watching you and I love you but after hearing that comment I don’t like you any more. The political divide in the US is unbelievable.

We have a rule in our house that we don’t talk politics because we love our friends. They are family to us,” says Sunny.

Next up she is starring in a film called Coca Cola, which is in the same horror genre as Ragini MMS2. She is starting a cosmetic and fragrance line. She has also started an interactive school in Mumbai six months ago.

Certainly, there is an aura of dignity and poise that moves with her.

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MAKING ‘ASSAM AWESOME’

Tourism and transport are intricately linked. How are you ensuring a seamless travel experience for tourists visiting the state?

A seamless travel experience is the primary concern of every tourist visiting a destination. And Assam Tourism recognises that. We have devised a training module for drivers, guides as well as elephant mahouts. Further the Red River Tours & Travels, the travel agency of Assam Tourism Development Corporation, has a dedicated team that ensures that all travel plans of tourists availing its services get a hassle-free experience.

Are there any programmes for the locals to enhance their skills for the service industry? Can you elaborate on them.

Yes. As stated earlier, we have a scheme to train drivers, guides and elephant mahouts, which also include the jeep safari drivers operating in Kaziranga, Manas and Pobitora. Moreover, we are exploring the possibility of partnering with Assam Skill Development

Mission for enhancing the capacity building and skill development of the tourism stakeholders.

How do you maintain the balance between the need to encourage tourism and also ensure that it does not affect the fragile ecosystem?

Our major tourism segment is nature and wildlife.

People from all over the world visit Assam and get attracted by its wealth of exotic flora and fauna. Even without mentioning the famous one-horned rhino, the state is known for its huge variety of rare and endangered wildlife species. Assam Tourism strives to ensure that the increasing footfall of tourists in the state does not cross its threshold and an equilibrium is always maintained. For this, we work in tandem with the Forest Department and other agencies so that a certain balance is always maintained between tourist footfalls and environment.

What is the increase in the number of tourist arrivals that you are targetting at for the next financial year?

It may seem that the more tourists visit Assam, it is

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RAZVEE HUSSAIN, ACS, Secretary, Tourism Government of Assam, tells SAIMI SATTAR that skill development training modules for locals are being devised to ensure a seamless travel experience for tourists in the state better for the industry. However, we would rather go for a gradual expansion of the industry. The ideal is a 10 per cent rise in the tourist footfalls and that is what we target.

How many participants took part at the paragliding competition that has put Dangdhufur on the world map?

The competition took place in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary from November 10 to 15 and was organised

by Bodoland Tourism. Around 69 pilots had participated, out of which 22 were foreigners.

Inland water transport is also being developed in the state. How do you think it will promote tourism?

As you may be aware, the mighty Brahmaputra flows right across Assam from east to west. It is fed by over 80 big and small tributaries. The state is also home to over 800 big lakes and water bodies. From this, one can easily envisage that there is a huge potential for development of adventure tourism through the rivers.

Moreover, the Brahmaputra offers an ideal water way for plying of world-class luxury cruises throughout its length.

What is the Falcon Festival all about?

The Falcon Festival is held annually in October and November in Umrangso, Karbi Anlong to raise awareness about the Amur Falcons that roost near the scenic Kopli reservoir in large numbers. It is one of the most exotic events in the hill districts of Assam.

OUR MAJOR TOURISM SEGMENT IS NATURE AND WILDLIFE. PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD VISIT ASSAM AND GET ATTRACTED BY ITS WEALTH OF EXOTIC FLORA AND FAUNA. EVEN WITHOUT MENTIONING THE FAMOUS ONEHORNED RHINO, THE STATE IS KNOWN FOR ITS HUGE VARIETY OF RARE AND ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES. ASSAM TOURISM STRIVES TO ENSURE THAT THE INCREASING FOOTFALL OF TOURISTS IN THE STATE DOES NOT CROSS ITS THRESHOLD AND AN EQUILIBRIUM IS ALWAYS MAINTAINED

What is the idea behind the Raas Festival at Majuli? How many visitors attended it this year?

The Raas Festival has been celebrated in Majuli along with other places of Assam since the medieval times. It is one of the most popular cultural and religious festivals of Assam. This year, Assam Tourism added significant value to the festival through a campaign of branding and publicity throughout the state and outside. Also, Majuli has been provided with facilities like tented accommodation in the river island. This has significantly increased the number of visitors to the riverine island.

This year, Majuli saw over five lakh visitors during the festival, which is double the number of last year.

What were the places linked while developing The Heritage Corridor and why? How will it operate?

Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the government of India, the Ministry of Tourism sanctioned the project ‘Tezpur—Majuli—Sivasagar Heritage Circuit for Assam’ in 2016-17 at `98.35 crore. The project aims at developing infrastructure for tourists visiting destinations like Bamuni Hills, Tezpur, Majuli and archaeological sites of Sivasagar.

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THE FUTURE

A decade’s warp& weft

During its nascent years, fashion was not the cut-throat business that it has become in contemporary times. MADHU JAIN traces the industry from the time that designers looked out for each other and, through it, her own journey in reviving the fabric of our soul

The association with Milind Soman goes back to the time he was a super model and the craft revivalist dressed him up for his wedding as well

WITH

a brand new decade just beginning, this is the perfect opportunity to revisit my 33 years as an integral part of India’s fashion industry and its evolution. Let me attempt to encapsulate the giant strides made by this industry and this journey is naturally peppered with many nostalgic anecdotes.

The fashion “movement” in India was pioneered by two fashion designers — Tarun Tahiliani and the late Rohit Khosla. They were the forerunners in opening the very first designer label store in India, Ensemble, Mumbai, in 1987. Back in a time when there were no fashion weeks, Ensemble made veritable history by predicting and setting fashion trends for the coming season. The store carried collections year-round. Only those designers who were high on originality, craftsmanship, creativity and world-class finish were approved. There were absolutely no compromises on that — they set the bar really high. Hot on the heels of this came their second innovation: the hosting of two multi-designer ramp shows every year. Another first for us. A couple of years later, Ogaan, Delhi followed suit, in the newly-opened and extremely trendy Hauz Khas Village. Many designers who are big brands today all started off at Ensemble and Ogaan.

I consider Rohit Khosla — who died prematurely at 37 in 1994 — as the father of Indian fashion. He was among the first to bring to the fore the concept of channelising India’s considerable crafts talent by bringing to our consciousness why we need to

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AVANTIKA MEATTLE

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Milind Soman in a bamboo khadi long tunic with a black and white ikat stole; the Ensemble was a brainchild of Tarun Tahiliani and Rohit Khosla

recognise that talent. Khosla, who had studied design in London and then moved on to working with designers in New York, returned to India to launch his own label in 1987. He had an eye for spotting talent and I have known him to be extremely generous with his ideas. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) had just about opened its doors then, and budding young designers such as JJ Valaya, Sonal Dubbal and Ranna Gill apprenticed under him. One learnt certain nuances of the field that no institute could impart. He had a certain charisma and charm that drew people to him. I remember that when Ogaan had just opened, Khosla corralled young designers such as Ramesh Nair, Narendra Kumar Ahmed,

Jason Cherian and Sonal Dubbal to help in doing up the store for Christmas.

The world of fashion was in its infancy when I formally entered the fashion world in 1987, coincidentally, the same year that Khosla launched his label. There was a palpable camaraderie between all of us; the cut-throat competition and professional rivalry that exists between designers today came in decades later. Everyone went out of their way to help each other. I learnt so much from just watching Khosla at work. But I’m happy to state that those of us who started out together continue to watch out for each other.

Tarun Tahiliani is another formidable talent who co-shaped (with Khosla) and professionalised

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the fashion industry in India. Many of us have benefited from his mentorship, including myself.

He is a true genius. He has such a heightened sense of style that is classy and a dazzling proficiency that I would stick my neck out to state that very few Indian designers can come near it.

To him goes the credit of having introduced bespoke bridal wear as well as texturing in textiles, using machine detailing in a variety of pintucking styles. Always receptive to new ideas, of late I have seen him experiment with Indian textiles beyond the stunning embroidery that he is so famous for.

He has now begun highlighting Indian handloom textiles such as khadi, Benarasi and Ikat, adding to them his hallmark — innovative cuts and drapes.

Ogaan started out with a clutch of young designers in the trendy Hauz Khas Village

I have two stories to share that embody the camaraderie in the fashion fraternity back then.

My first TV interview, for one. It was at Ensemble Mumbai, and I was to talk about my SpringSummer collection. Tahiliani knew I was extremely shy and as a newbie, I was particularly terrified of facing the camera. Throughout the interview, he stood behind the anchor, gesturing how I should turn my face towards the camera, when I should uncross my arms, and when I should smile! It was an act of fellowship that I hold precious to date.

I have fond memories of a landmark show we did in Goa in 1994. Ensemble had chartered a private Damania Airways plane (remember the airline?) to fly all the guests and designers to Goa. Co-owner Pervez Damania and host Tahiliani personally served champagne to everyone on the flight. The show itself, choreographed by Mehr Jesia, was magical, with the sea and the horizon as the backdrop. I remember all of us — Mehr Jesia, Raghavendra Rathore, Monisha Jaising, Tahiliani — huddled together, praying it wouldn’t rain. The naval weather forecast had predicted showers, but the Gods blessed us with a drizzle only after the show. I’ve never shared a time like this ever again.

Fashion didn’t enjoy cult status as it does today.

There were just a handful of designers back then, and only a clutch of journalists who were wellversed in fashion wrote on it: Meher Castelino, Satya Saran and Vinita Dawra Nangia, to name a few. For us, relationships counted, and whether or not you were in the media was immaterial. Our friendships were in-depth and were not needbased. We knew about each others’ families, our personal lives. It wasn’t as it is today, that you’re as good as your last collection. Or you’re as good as your last article. Some of my closest friends from the media were a part of my life when I started.

Slowly but surely, the fashion world in India moved towards becoming more professional. In the early years, many of us just put our heads down to the ground and worked without thinking through the business end of fashion retailing. Though I wanted to revitalise artisanal livelihoods through my design interventions,

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ethos and execution. This I didn’t quite know how to gravitation towards tap the market. A chance traditional, organic textiles is meeting with Tahiliani was my humble contribution to what unlocked my horizons. this sector, and I would like to When Ensemble opened its believe that I have the honour doors, quickly making its of having carved a niche for mark as the store that set myself as a respected craft and fashion trends in India, I textile revivalist, known not naturally dropped in. only for the fine innovations Tahiliani, who has an unerring that my master weavers and I eye, immediately noticed what have created, but also for I was wearing—a saffron having revived rare and cotton block-printed kurta extinct motifs and textiles. that I had co-developed with Over the years, I have the followers of Sant Kabir, a mastered the skilful, mystic who was also a weaver meticulous art of developing and dyer. I left my calling brand-new hand-woven card with him. When Tarun textiles in distinctive walked into my home in combinations by judiciously Delhi and saw my experiments blending different weaving with textiles and weaves, he techniques representative of told my mother-in-law that I two different Indian states, for would be a star. That was a example. I am constantly defining moment in my life. innovating and I’m certainly more savvy experimenting. I play around now — if I don’t get my with yarn (cotton, silk, wool, marketing right, the artisanal bamboo), weaves, motifs and sector suffers. The correlation colours, and relentlessly try is clear. out fresh permutations till I Being a craft revivalist and Tarun Tahiliani and Rohit Khosla were the first am confident that I’ve come textile conservationist, I am of the formidable talents that made a mark up with a winning fully acquainted with India’s combination. Each of my textiles is rendered glorious and diverse 2,000-year-old textiles differently, while at the same time ensuring that tradition, and am intensely proud of our heritage, the production techniques and processes are which is unparalleled in the world. As a child, I focussed on promoting traditional, handmade learnt to respect the charkha-woven Khadi thanks and loom-based textiles. My museum-quality to my freedom fighter grandfather. It is no textiles are a step towards advancing the sector surprise, therefore, that my personal and work and the livelihoods of textile artisans in a sensibility is 100 per cent swadeshi. significant manner.

Crafts call for sustained effort, and mine has FACTORY PRODUCED TEXTILES ERODING been to add to our 2,000-year-old textiles tradition INDIA’S HANDLOOMS MARKET: The bitter by inventing new weaves, a value-addition that is truth is that after the Industrial Revolution and the necessary to keep a tradition alive. From the time I dawn of mass, factory-produced fabrics which are launched my label in 1987, I have worked only with taking over the market, the natural fibres sector natural fibres that are quintessentially Indian in

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PHOTOS: AVANTIKA MEATTLE

(Above): Ruchi Malhotra dressed up in a line inspired by the epics. (Below): For the Commonwealth Games, Madhu designed and executed a giant 115-feet eco-friendly craft installation using bamboo fibre

has been slowly but inexorably going into decline.

Weavers are giving up their family tradition and migrating in search of jobs. The next generation is taking up unskilled jobs in the informal sector.

Adding to this mix is the presence of a large fakes market, where inferior power loom-produced weaves, which are cheaper on the consumer pocket, are being passed off as the real thing. We are in real danger of losing our traditional skills.

I was invited to craft an installation in the “Fabric of India� segment. Using the skills of 300 weavers, 500 craftsmen and 200 hand embroidery artisans, I designed and executed a giant 115-feet ecofriendly craft installation using bamboo fibre that I had developed. This resulted in a resurgence of interest in the craft, giving a fresh lease of life to Kalamkari artists.

BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY INTO REVITALISING TRADITIONAL HAND WEAVING PRACTICES: There is, therefore, an urgency in turning around the Indian handlooms sector and also in revitalising artisanal livelihoods.

For the traditional natural textiles industry to survive and retain its supremacy in urban markets, the key lies in contemporising textiles while retaining the integrity of the tradition. By infusing new design ideas, production methods and marketing techniques, I have made this work, as can others. To cite just one example: I have worked hard and persistently with the traditional Srikalahasti Kalamakari, which uses a pen, or kalam to draw and colour motifs freehand, and which is entirely hand worked. In 2010, for the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games,

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ROAD TO SUSTAINABILITY: Very few people are aware that the fashion industry is the second-largest polluter in the world after oil.

Unsurprisingly and inevitably, I found myself growing increasingly conscious of global warming and other environmental concerns. My Research and Development (R&D) needle swung more and more towards discovering how my textiles could leave the smallest carbon footprint, right from sourcing to production. This is when I discovered bamboo yarn, around early 2000, and introduced it in India in 2004 at the 7th World Bamboo Congress held in Delhi. For the last 21 years or so, I have been refining and perfecting this 100 per cent biodegradable yarn and

incorporating bamboo into the production of my own textiles.

In the more recent past, I am increasingly focussing on building sustainable production processes in the organic, eco-friendly textiles space. The last decade has been a celebration of what I stand for — sustainability and responsible fashion, both on and off the ramp. I am proud that my clothing line is recognised and respected for its genuine handlooms, and not power loom textiles being passed off the real McCoy. R&D: ROUTE TO GROWING INDIA’S TEXTILES WEALTH: In the apparel's sector, for someone like myself who works only with organic, natural textiles, one has to strive

Madhu has refined and perfected a 100 per cent biodegradable yarn and incorporated bamboo into the production of textiles

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On the ramp, Ikat occupies a pride of place at many of Madhu’s shows

especially hard to breathe fresh life into age-old weaves and to contemporise textile design and colours. It’s all about skills and design development. I tend to do all the R&D personally as I cannot compromise on the basic essence of the textile even while imbuing it with new design innovations.

None of the textiles that I use for my clothing linen is bought. Every single textile has been produced by my team and me. Since I develop my own textiles, I work closely with weaver communities. The process involves incessant research from my end and once I have zeroed in on what my next line of garments will incorporate, the relentless pursuit of perfection in creating the new textile begins. The putting of idea into practice is the next step in the production process.

Only after the master weaver and I are satisfied with the textile—including its thread count—is a final prototype fashioned. The weaving specifications are then meticulously demonstrated

to the other weavers who work under him.

It takes diligence to get the correct product blend and to weave in motifs and threads in fresh patterns. For instance, when I first experimented with developing my Uzbekistan-inspired Ikat collection, I drew from both the Adrasa and Atlas forms of Uzbeki weaves. I concentrated on the former weave as it incorporates both a cotton weft and a silk warp, whereas the Atlas weave uses only silk. Also, a huge challenge was that the fabric width of Uzbeki Ikat is barely 10-12 inches wide. It took us months of meticulous research and weaving to get the convergence just right, including the combination of the Indian elements that I wanted incorporated.

Once the material reaches my design studio, considerable energy is devoted to cutting the textile according to the demand of the design.

There can be no compromises on this score. This entire creative process is an organic one, much like the natural materials I work with.

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THE NEED OF THE HOUR: ECO-FRIENDLY TEXTILES: Over the last two decades or so, I have been working on refining the ecologically viable bamboo yarn and experimenting with how to best refine it so that it can be blended with other fibres. In itself, bamboo can be rough and my experiments showed me that weaving in another fibre with bamboo can give excellent results. My 100 per cent biodegradable Bamboo-Silk Ikat, for example, is a sublimely soft textile with the richness and luminosity of both bamboo and silk.

India’s northeast states are blessed with an abundance of bamboo, which is where I have been predominantly procuring yarn from.

Of course, what I source is raw and unfinished, requiring refinement.

My work involves developing the right textile blends, the correct tensile strength and the appropriate thread count. Once my design interventions have been given the desired shape by my weavers — after many ups and downs — the formal production process is done entirely by them, and by hand. Developing my Bamboo-Silk Ikat textile was particularly tough. We had to ensure durability and the right percentage of the silk blend. Additionally, weaving in the Ikat motif in the waft and weft had to be perfect; else it wouldn’t work. We also needed to ensure an evenness in our production process across every single batch, otherwise, the textile would not be a viable proposition for either bamboo farmers or my weavers. It took us 15 long years to produce not just the yarn, but the

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textile infused with a unique Ikat design and colour palette.

I like to believe that my BambooSilk textile is more than a length of cloth; it is a new way of looking at sustainable fashion. The frightening truth is that there cannot be much of a future for mankind if we do not tackle environmental concerns. The clothing industry in the country, and globally as well, needs to do its bit in being environmentally conscious.

We should lead by example, which means that our production processes should leave the smallest possible carbon footprint. However, such textiles come with a monetary price tag that is borne by buyers.

Factory-produced fabrics are so much cheaper but harmful to the environment. Clients need to weigh one against the other, and decide for themselves what they choose. It’s also time that we started creating an awareness around ecofriendly clothes. After all, connoisseurs are willing to spend more on a good wine rather than a middling one. The tribe of those who understand handloom and organic textiles —the connoisseurs — can be made to grow.

She has carried out innovations in weaving techniques

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POTENTIAL IN INDIAN TEXTILES GOING GLOBAL: Ikat, the weave that I am best known for innovating with, is one of the most ancient of weaving techniques, and is found in many regions, having probably (as per scholarly reports) originated in each area independently. The warp Ikat and weft Ikat of Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Japan, and Central and South America are well-known. The

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Double Ikat — the most difficult to render as resists are tied to both the waft and the weft before dyeing — is found only in four countries: India, Indonesia, Japan, and Guatemala. The Indian states that specialise in this ancient weave are Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, and Gujarat.

My Ikat-based textiles are, therefore, understood across the globe, and in fact, the world over, Indian sensibility is now not only getting recognised but is also being appropriated by the biggest international fashion houses. India is a veritable treasure-house of exquisite handloom textiles, a mind-boggling variety of weaves, and outstanding embroidery. In India, designers are maximising the easy adaptability of Indian styles to western silhouettes and handloom textiles make for lovely loose or tapered outfits, from pants to cropped tops, palazzos, skirts, and more. My own line of clothes include flowing kurtas that can do double duty as dresses, short Indo-Western tops that wear well with jeans or loose pants, and palazzos that make a fashion statement.

MY INNOVATIONS WITH TEXTILES FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS: Each state in India boasts of its own, unique handloom textiles, from the rich gold-threaded Benarasi from Varanasi, the tapestry-like Paithani from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu’s rich Kancheepuram silks, the deceptively understated Maheshwari and Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh, and the nawabi Jamdani weave from Uttar Pradesh, to name just a few.

I have had the fortune of indulging in my passion for handlooms by innovating with weaves from several Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh’s Kalamkari and Uppada, the Assamese Mekhla Chaddar, Odisha’s Ikat and West Bengal’s Baluchari. I have also been instrumental in reviving Nakshi Kantha embroidery in collaboration with BRAC (Bangladesh), one of the largest NGOs in the world, and in reintroducing the legendary Dhaka muslin, which had disappeared from India after Partition. Not just that as a paean to Ikat being a global weave, I have incorporated Ikat influences from Thailand,

She has worked extensively with Uzbeki Ikat

Indonesia and Uzbekistan. To enable this confluence of cultures, I source artisans within India who were once famous for their crafts and who still practice them.

FUTURE OF INDIAN HANDLOOMS: Each region, village and community in India boasts of its own weaving traditions. If given the right impetus such as on-time payments to weavers, design interventions, upskilling and a ready market, the Indian handlooms sector can stun the world with its extraordinary number of weaves.

Our handlooms are unparalleled in their perfection and our rich cultural heritage is ably positioned to take the giant leap to grown beyond being a cottage industry.

— The author is a craft revivalist and textile conservationist

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THE FUTURE

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From classic blues to abstract art, interior designer RASEEL GUJRAL suggests that elements which evoke a strong connect with nature will rule 2020 decor trends

Writing wall on the

THE

interior design is unmistakably important in giving a home its status and an all-embracing character. And while the focus has been on outdoors in the recent past, elements that evoke a strong connect with nature and environment will be big in the coming year if we look at decor style trends. In 2020, we shall see an influx of designs and aesthetics inspired by nature.

Using natural crystals to create a rejuvenating space has already been a viral home decor trend globally.

Amazonia, my new collection, has also been inspired by all these elements as it brings them together seamlessly. It uses natural materials and embossed metals while the roots delve into an organic space of the jungles of Amazon. The collection takes my work with inlay to a creative crescendo and combines it with precious and semi-precious stones.

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TRADITIONALITY WITH A TWIST: Another emerging trend in 2020 will be a niche term called the ‘Grandmillenial’. The look is a traditional design with a twist that blends elements of classic design like Chinoiserie, scallops, natural fibre rugs, topiaries and more with a contemporary edge — modern art and clean-lined furniture. For those who don’t know, Chinoiserie, a French term, is the European interpretation and imitation of Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions (here, in the decorative arts and garden design).

THE CLASSIC BLUE: Neutrals will hold their turf in 2020. However, they are getting morphed a bit. We’ll be witnessing a shift from cool neutrals to warmer ones. Blues will also take the spotlight this coming year with shades of muddied and darker blue climbing to the top. Remember, that the Pantone colour for 2020 is classic blue? It will definitely be a major trend this coming year. Here are some tips on how you can incorporate it in your homes: o A good way to add classic blue to your already existing décor is by using it in soft furnishing and small décor accents like a crystal collection. o Pewter colours go very well with classic blue. If you are inclined towards creating a warm, relaxing effect, use tones of blue with white — certainly a classic.

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ABSTRACT ART: Investing in a piece of art is always a good idea. Abstract paintings are a powerful technique for creating an emotionally-charged interior.

It embodies pure energy, free form and objectivity. Abstraction is important to “make friends” with the interior.

HIGH-GLOSS PAINTS: High-gloss paints and subtle textures in neutral tones are the soaring trend in 2020. If you are thinking of giving your home a revamp, indulge your walls in that. It’s a way to add brightness, richness and a certain kind of a mood that doesn’t weigh down or dominate a space.

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CLASSICISM: Classicism is also back. Busts and Grecian subtleties add the ideal perspective to any contemporary vignette. Embrace these revered components as elements of fun is the ideal touch.

CREATE THE DRAMA WITH MONOCHROMES: Monochromatic doesn’t always need to be pale as it sounds.

Hues like cobalt blue, Kelly green or even aubergine can inspire monochrome boldly, loaded with character and polish. Striking monochromatic shades will be huge in 2020.

Also, single prints can create the right drama. What could be simple and yet incite more drama and style than a room covered in the same print from the floor to the ceiling? I have been using this in my designs forever. But for this year’s forecast, it will be a major trend as it is overtly glamorous and timelessly chic.

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THE FUTURE

EATINGTHROUGHTHEDECADE

Food is one commonality that all of us connect over. But the restaurant scene in India in the past 10 years has seen a change and transformation that is unprecedented. ZORAWAR KALRA highlights some trends that started making their presence felt in the past and will continue to grow bigger in the days to come

THE

biggest trend which has been and is encouraging for restaurateurs and chefs is the growing need for innovation, which largely stems from the well-travelled and heeled diners’ hunger for experimentation, wanting something exquisite owing to their exposure as well as their willingness to spend, exploring newer experiences in the dining space. Here are some other key trends which seem to be catching up and I expect will become big in the coming year.

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E LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLE: One of the key focus for the past years has been and will be on locally sourced sustainable food and ingredients, coupled with some foraging elements.

TRADITIONAL VS MODERN CUISINE: Diners globally, today, have become quite adventurous and have allowed their curiosity to get the better of them. This curiosity to try new dishes/cuisines has given space for fusion variations to come up. However the downside to it is, in the Indian context, that “traditional Indian” cuisine is getting lost or losing focus. While we may be stepping away from traditional cuisine due to globalisation, there is enough demand for authentic as well as contemporary Indian cuisine in their respective spaces. While the demand for traditional Indian fare is still equal to what it was a few years ago, modern Indian cuisine is only set to take centre stage in times to come.

TAPAS: Gone are the days when large portions were something that would get people excited.

Going forward, the scales are shifting towards smaller plates and the concept of tapas-style menus where diners get to experience a large array of the restaurants specialities, while not filling themselves to the brim.

USE OF FRESH PRODUCE: With advancement in technology, we are witnessing the world moving to organic and fresh produce being preferred on our plates and in our kitchens. Locally sourced vegetable and fruits have become a norm and many chefs and restaurateurs have already begun their own small farms as an extension of the restaurant or away from it.

The reason for this trend is multi-dimensional; while on one hand it’s more cost and time-effective for restaurants to develop their own produce, on the other plucking and using fresh produce in the dishes gives guests a whole new dining experience which is more engaging.

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MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY: While molecular gastronomy has been prevalent and hugely successful globally for the past few years, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra and Farzi Café have been credited with introducing it in Indian cuisine. While the diners find the concept fascinating, there is still a lot left to explore in the concept and a long way to go for the diners to be aware about the nuances of the process, for a pure molecular gastronomy concept to work in the Indian environment.

GOING GLOCAL: Glocal (globally local) has been a wave for quite some time now. This trend is a result of diners becoming more adventurous; while there is a segment that still prefers the traditional cuisine, the newer generation is ready to experiment in order to find newer and finer flavours.

CULINARY TOURISM: In the recent past, we have seen many chefs of Indian origin being invited overseas to showcase Indian cuisine to the Western audiences. The same has been the case with chefs of international origin being invited in India to showcase their cuisine at specially curated events. This form of interchange, although seen in ancient times as well as effectively done by people like my father Jiggs Kalra, late Tarla Dalal and Camilia Punjabi in the 70s, 80s and 90s, is seeing a surge in the form of “Culinary Tourism” and is set to become bigger and an effective way of showcasing authentic cuisines from various countries to the Indian audience.

PRIOR RESERVATIONS: This was and to some extent still is a never heard before concept.

While Mumbai believes in making prior reservations, mostly because of the traffic scenario and distance being measured in time than in kilometres, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Chennai, among other cities, don’t believe in the concept. Having said that, some diners across all these major metropolises still make prior reservations to avoid not getting or waiting for a table once they reach the venue. As an

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example, with our brand Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, we have witnessed something that is unheard of in India — prior reservations with a waiting period of a fortnight, especially for weekends even after two years of the restaurant's launch. Hence, I see this becoming a norm in times to come.

REGIONAL GOES INTERNATIONAL: India is a treasuretrove of and, in my opinion, the only country in the world to have so many regional cuisines. Of the Indian regional cuisine, Punjabi was the first to be exposed to the global audience for over five decades. I see the coming years focusing on regional fare from across the landscape of the country, being taken to the international audience.

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE: If someone were to open a Japanese standalone restaurant eight years ago in India, people would’ve have looked upon the chef/restaurateur in amazement and applauded his/her adventurous streak. However,

we’ve clearly established that we have an appetite for sushi and sake, with Japanese being appreciated by diners across all metros in India.

Along with this, we have seen Teppanyaki style of cooking gain momentum and popularity largely owing to the fact that it’s very similar to our own tawa style of preparing dishes. Similarly, we will see the introduction and prominence of other international cuisines like Vietnamese, Cambodian, Mexican and Lebanese in India in the coming years.

DEVELOPING FUTURE CULINARY TALENT: While there are quite a few culinary schools in India, there is a dearth of talent in the hospitality space. While some private institutions operated by large hotel corporations develop the talent required to showcase Indian hospitality to the world, the demand for this talent supersedes the supply. Most of the institutions in the country are still following the 70s way of teaching and curriculum, while the Indian hospitality space has moved far ahead of what it used to be four decades ago. The need of the hour is to get our hospitality curriculum up to date and develop the right kind of talent, which is at par with international standards to enable Indian hotels and restaurants to offer a much higher level of culinary experience to guests.

— The writer is Founder & MD, Massive Restaurants

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THE FUTURE

Around the world VISHAL SURI, managing director, SOTC Travel, suggests that 2020 will be the year when travellers will be experimenting with the unusual, including short hauls and spirituality

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NEW

age Indian travellers are moving away from the typical traditional holiday plans and are constantly on the lookout for distinctive and off-beat experiences such as cruise, adventure, solo discoveries, knowledge-driven, cultural, rural and religious tourism. Every year, different trends emerge in the travel and tourism industry, which cater to the desires of wanderers. Here are some trends that are set to revolutionise the tourism industry in 2020.

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TECHNOLOGY IN TRAVEL Through smartphones and social media, a number of tools and technologies are influencing the way people travel and industry players operate worldwide. The travel sector has grown tremendously due to digital advancements like AI (Artificial Intelligence), voice-based applications, big data analytics, VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality). This will introduce a new segment of tourism in India — virtual tourism. If through smartphone technology, a traveller can have all the pertinent information s/he needs to have about the trip, through AR, a traveller will be able to teleport herself/himself to the farthest corner of the world.

Indian travellers are largely looking for convenience while also increasingly becoming bolder in their pursuit for exploration. Hence, travellers, especially those belonging to the Gen Y and the Gen Z, will adapt to it enthusiastically.

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MICRO TRIPS Indians are increasingly showing an intensified appetite for mini escapes of three to five days to a fairly nearby destination, commonly known as short hauls. With the increasing connectivity of flights, on-arrival visa facilities, on-demand car rentals, budget accommodation, increasing levels of disposable income, an irresistible appetite for exploring the world as well as current fast-paced lifestyles, these short hauls will be gaining more traction. They will become the “most preferred type of holiday” among a large number of travellers. In 2020, more international destinations will become the favourites in the sphere of bite-sized travel.

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PERSONALISATION AND CUSTOMISATION Indian travellers are actively moving away from the traditional and rigid travel itinerary structures and with the rising internet penetration, they are exposed to and are fervently seeking unique and novel experiences that they wish to explore. Tourists today don’t just want to visit a new destination, they want to immerse themselves in the local culture, soaking in the atmosphere, cuisine and other elements that are unique to that region. Customising travel plans as per their own desires helps such tourists make instant and on-the-go decisions about the holiday, which include a variety of activities too.

Personalisation and customisation of travel plans is thus a trend that is going to rule 2020.

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BLEISURE TRAVEL Commonly known as bizcation, bleisure travel combines both travel for work or business and leisure, which is going to take the lead in 2020. Today, Indian travellers place greater emphasis on viewing the world and they don’t want to let go of any opportunity for the same. With the newer generation of travellers stepping into the workplace and jetsetting off on work-related trips, they will be enterprising in their approach to make the most of their journey and tick off another destination on their bucket list. Professionals will be increasingly adding weekends or even weeks to work trips, whether solo, with a partner or family.

MINI MOON With most of the newly-married populace leading busy lives, it’s difficult for them to take off for a large chunk of time for their honeymoon. Thus ‘mini-moon’ travel will be a new and growing

option for them as it offers a relaxed experience in a minimal amount of time. Through this, the couples can still have the best experience during a honeymoon right after their big day, followed by planning a long haul vacation later, in the future.

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ADVENTURE TOURISM It has been observed that Indians have become bolder in their vacation choices with a large number of travellers actively opting for travel that ensures an adrenaline rush. Thus adventure tourism, which has been picking up steam

during the last year, will reach new heights in 2020. With the spike in demand for this type of tourism, many destinations, both domestic and international, are making appropriate arrangements for thrill-seekers and are introducing newer adventure sports.

SPIRITUAL TRAVEL One of the biggest travel trends, which is expected to grow manifold in 2020, is spiritual travel.

Leisure combined with spiritual journeys is witnessing an increased demand not just from the older generations but also from the younger travellers who are interested in seeking spiritual harmony. Travellers will want to incorporate spiritual places or healing retreats, both nationally or internationally, in their trips in the coming year. India being an important centre of religious history has a number of destinations that will see a surge in interest from Indian and international tourists. More Indians will opt to travel to pilgrimages and popular religious cities.

CRUISE TRAVEL The sector has witnessed double-digit growth in the recent times. This is not limited to just families or new couples as even younger travellers are opting for cruise holidays over other traditional vacation spots. Given that cruises are becoming extremely stylised and offering multidestination routes along with a range of amenities including adventure activities, entertainment shows and authentic cuisines, they are sure to be included in more travel itineraries. More cruise companies will be offering affordable packages as there will be a surge in interest from varied segment of travellers who wish to experience this type of travel.

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HEARTOFINDIA o How will the MSME Development Policy help tourism in the state?

Will it encourage homestays which would also increase accommodation facilities for tourists?

In India MSMEs, with a growth of 13.9 per cent, were the largest job creators as compared to all the other sectors during the last four years. In this segment, it was the hospitality and tourism sectors which were the highest contributors. In developing countries tourism is a contributor to small scale enterprises thus lifting the standards of living as well as acting as a catalyst for community development.

Homestays, a concept which involves the local community, aims to encourage households to earn an income from tourism directly. We have seen that a majority of local people are usually eager to be involved in activities related to tourism and would like to take a leading role as entrepreneurs and workers at all levels.

Homestays can provide a reliable income for host families while also supporting local accommodation providers by offering extra beds in locations where hotels may be in short supply. They provide viable alternative livelihood and represent a definite link between protecting the local environment and economic benefits that ecotourism can bring, helping to pave the way for further conservation and sustainable management initiatives. o How does ecotourism benefit the state by protecting forest and supporting economic growth simultaneously?

Ecotourism is a more sensitive form of travel which incorporates ecologically sustainable activities, supports conservation measures and involves local communities in tourism. It helps in protecting the environment, brings about poverty alleviation and leads to overall socio economic development as locals are made aware of the importance of conservation and protection of environment for their own benefit. It can also go a long way in supporting wildlife conservation efforts. In Madhya Pradesh, our focus on ecotourism is to help provide jobs for local people (thereby reducing migration to larger cities) and create a market for locally produced items.

We are making efforts to encourage cultural sensitivity of visitors by enhancing guest-host interactions. Undoubtedly, ecotourism can enhance wildlife conservation by involving

tribals and forest-dwellers and encouraging them to become a part of the industry. This would bring about a more equitable sharing of benefits while helping to conserve natural, cultural and built resources which in turn, would maintain the quality of life in the area. The most important aspect of ecotourism is that it balances sustainable economic development and biodiversity conservation, thereby positively affecting environmental, social and economic components of the community. o What are the new initiatives by the government to create world class infrastructure to attract high-end tourists?

Madhya Pradesh is already a well-known destination among domestic travellers in India because of the famous Khajuraho temple complex and the various spiritual destinations that are a part of the pilgrimage circuit. Our effort now is to showcase the state as a treasure trove of wildlife, heritage, culture and cuisine. With the largest tiger population in the country, we are promoting jungle safaris not only in India but also to a very keen and excited international market. Our lesser-known but equally breath-taking tourist offerings such as Orchha, Mandu, Maheshwar and Chanderi are being showcased effectively as locations where one can get a glimpse of the “real India”, the hinterland. We have launched several festivals such as Jalmahotsav, Namaste Orchha and Mandu Utsav which highlight the different facets of the destination. At the same time, we are also keen to depict the state as a global “Foodie” destination with the exquisite offerings of Bhopali cuisine and Indore's bustling street food scene. We have seen a great deal of interest in the luxury jungle lodges which are located in Bandhavgarh, Pench and Kanha from experienced and well-heeled travellers from India and abroad who found the jungle safari experience in Madhya Pradesh comparable, if not better than those in

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FAIZ AHMED KIDWAI, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, tells THE EXOTICA that the state caters to travellers with a wide variety of interests — religious, cultural, wildlife, historical and adventurous the African safaris. Our effort is to ensure that we continue to improve the tourists' experience in every aspect — from increased air connectivity to improved on-ground transport with better wayside amenities, knowledgeable guides while ensuring greater security and comfort of tourists visiting the state. o What are the steps being taken to encourage adventure and culture tourism in the state?

Madhya Pradesh has a huge untapped potential for both adventure and culture tourism in addition to being a huge attraction for wildlife and heritage lovers. The varied topography of this huge state includes hills, rivers, large forest areas and lakes which makes it an ideal location for undertaking both soft and hard adventure activities. Trekking can be undertaken in Kanha, Pachmarhi and Amartantak.

The gushing waters of the Betwa river offer a challenge to even the most intrepid river-rafter. Rock climbing is gaining momentum in the Pachmarhi range while mountaineering is becoming more popular in the Maikal region with its dense and unexplored jungles.

The culture of the state is ancient and deep-rooted and therefore our offerings are immense — ranging from textile and handicraft to tribal art and music/ dance. Our efforts are focussed on bringing attention to the age-old handloom weaves of Chanderi and Maheshwar (fabrics which are globally popular today), block printing techniques such as Bagh and Nandna, tribal art such as Gond paintings, dhokra and jute craft among many others. We have several music and dance festivals which are conducted throughout the year such as the Gwalior Samaroh, Hridaya Drishyam and Khajuraho Dance Festival, all aimed at popularising these art forms across the world.

o What are the opportunities for film tourism given that there are beautiful locations across the state?

The popularity of Madhya Pradesh as a destination for film shooting has grown progressively over the years. The backdrop of Khajuraho and Sanchi, the jungles of Kanha and Bandhavgarh, the forts and monuments of Gwalior, Orchha and Mandu, the culture of Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior offer filmmakers the most diverse filmmaking experiences. Various Bollywood films from Dilip Kumar's Aan(1952) to the more recent Padman, Stree, Sui Dhaga, were shot at some of the most exquisite locations in Madhya Pradesh. From 1952 till date more than 75 Bollywood movies have been shot in Madhya Pradesh.

The state is a perfect combination of natural settings, ancient heritage, huge water bodies and a helpful administration which are a filmmaker's delight and make it the most preferred destination. A key factor which has led many filmmakers and actors to trust MP for shoots is the support extended by the local authorities in granting permissions and access to various heritage and protected structures. Besides the scenic locations, filmmakers unanimously agree that they are heartened by the support extended by the locals. As the teams travel with a lot of equipment from Mumbai and Delhi, they look for support from the local artistes too. Since Bhopal and Indore have an active theatre scene, the artistes there can offer that support.

The state government also offers capital investment subsidy for expenditure on creating infrastructure of permanent nature and installation of equipment for film studio and film production. If the shooting crew opts for an accommodation at MPSTDC hotel, they can avail a discount of up to 40 per cent in lodging tariff. Madhya Pradesh Tourism is the nodal agency to assist the film producers for procuring various clearances and permissions extending complete support and encouragement to the film fraternity.

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GLOBE TROTTER

Look a gift horse in the mouth

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The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Troy and the historically important Gallipoli Peninsula have seen larger-than-life heroes, unpleasant conquests and wars, says ANJALY THOMAS

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early morning drive from Istanbul along the coastline of Marmara Sea (on the European side) brought us to the town of Eceabat where we sat down to an excellent lunch of fish procured from the Dardanelles Strait we sat looking at. There is nothing quite like the “just-caught” fish cooked before your eyes to set the mood for a better understanding of Turkey’s past.

GALLIPOLI: A PENINSULA OF STATUES Following lunch, our young and knowledgeable guide took us through Gallipoli’s history seen in hundreds of statues and historical sites such as the Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, Ari Burnu Cemetery, ANZAC Commemoration Site, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly (a series of trenches and tunnels) and The Nek, among others.

We stopped at ANZAC Cove on the Gallipoli

peninsula, now a beautiful stretch on the Saros Bay. This was the site where Allied forces of France and Britain landed during WWI. Their aim was to capture Istanbul (then Constantinople) so they could get into Russia unhindered. The bigger plan had been to capture the entire Gallipoli peninsula with a military force that comprised New Zealander, Australian, French, British and Indian soldiers.

Unfortunate circumstances led to the death of thousands of soldiers from both sides who now lie buried in the many war cemeteries dotting the area.

Over the course of five hours, we explored 14 of these historical sites, which the guide good-naturedly explained was sufficient to educate a mind ignorant of history.

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I swear he looked at me as he said this. Then he told us something I’ll never forget. “Gallipoli is a place where you never leave your comrades behind,” he said and narrated the story of two soldiers fighting the same battle when one of them went missing. The other soldier risked life, limb and orders, returned to the battle scene and brought back his comrade’s body. His commanding officer was believed to have said, “I told you that would happen, you didn't need to go.”

The soldier replied, “He was alive when I found him, sir and he said to me, I knew you would come.” I got goosebumps that would have outnumbered the soldiers buried at these sites.

The peninsula has over 50 memorials and over 30 cemeteries. We travelled from one war cemetery to the next paying our respects and gleaning as much information as we could, till we reached the trenches of Johnston Jolly. This place makes one feel as if one has travelled back in time. I could imagine myself in the middle of a battle raging underground. The Lone Pine Cemetery was particularly interesting as a lone pine tree stands tall there. Perhaps, it had many a sad tale to tell. It is the site where most of the Australian soldiers were buried.

AN EVENING IN ÇANAKKALE Later in the evening, we boarded a ferry which took 20 minutes to reach Çanakkale located on the Asian side of the Dardanelle, our stop for the night. The ferry ride is a nice way to approach this sea-side town of Çanakkale, which in itself may not hold a tourist's interest for long, but what it does have is a traditional Turkish charm which is hard to find in the more touristy cities of Turkey.

This is the place where the Hollywood star, a 12tonne fibre-glass horse, held together with bolts, ropes and nails, a gift from the makers of Brad Pitt-starrer Troy (2004) stands. The residents of this seaside town depend largely on fishing and tourism (lately it is turning into a university town), but the cobbled streets of Çanakkale town speak of a history the traces of which can be found in the back alleys. There are plenty of Ottoman-styled houses scattered around. The five-storey clock tower built in 1897 is another attraction, like the museum of archaeology and military. For those interested in World War I, there is the Çanakkale Naval Museum as well.

I worked up an appetite just by walking along the promenade and hungrily dug into some excellent seafood and pide at a restaurant facing

HISTORY WALK o Alexander the Great believed he was a descendent of Achilles and visited Troy to sacrifice to the goddess Athena on his way to invade Asia. o Roman emperors Julius Caesar and Augustus believed themselves to have descended from

Aeneas, the rumoured sole survivor of the destruction of Troy. o King Louis the 1st of France believed himself to be a legacy-keeper of the Trojan King Priam. o Legend has it that London, England was founded by a descendant of Troy.

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RECENTHISTORY In 1870, German businessman Heinrich Schliemann excavated the site for treasures and found gold, jewels, and other artefacts believed to be from the Trojan era. Few of these he traded with the Government, the rest was taken to Germany to be displayed in a Berlin museum. During WWII it was confiscated

by Russia and is displayed in a museum in Moscow.

However, the Troy Museum now showcases items from all nine eras like weapons, coins, inscriptions, sculptures, altars, pottery and jewellery.

the Dardanelles, enjoying the old-world sounds and sights of a town that has come a long way from the time of Troy.

Was it around here that Lord Byron had plunged into the Dardanelles and swam across the Strait over 200 years ago?

THE TRIUMPH OF TROY Morning came with an added dose of sunshine. We headed to Troy (Truva according to the signposts), a place immortalised by Homer in Illiad which is about 30 km away. Troy has much to be proud of — after all, its history is at least 2,000 years older than any other Greek settlement in the region of Ephesus or Hierapolis.

We walked through the ruins of Troy, which to the untrained eye, lack real character as befits historical WHATTOEAT remains, but if you come with an open mind, even the piles Lamachun and Pide (Turkish and of stones are fascinating. The thick walls that protected the Arabian style pizzas) are absolutely must-haves. Lamachun is like a flat town of Troy centuries ago — ramps, column, a small bread pizza with minced meat (and dilapidated theatre and a few scattered earthenware — cheese) and Pide is an elongated oval were all there. Most of the information is displayed at shaped pizza with folded edges strategic points on boards and if you read the history of consisting of minced meat, cheese and Troy, you will realise it was actually built and rebuilt sometimes Turkish pepperoni. through nine eras. Archaeologists have found not only one Try Peynir Helvasi, the local dessert made of soft white village cheese, flour, city of Troy, but nine of them stacked on top of each other, sugar and butter. It tastes great with dating from 3,500 BC to 550 AD. The ruined walls are a Turkish ice cream. clear indication of why it took the enemies (the Achaeans) many years to break through Troy's defences. Clearly, every major civilisation gave a shot at building their own city at Troy, from Hittites to Trojans, Greeks and Romans.

Throughout the site, there are ruins of ancient buildings and evidence of the Trojan’s innovations. Apparently, Troy had the first sewers, canals and first houses with doors and windows. Various eras are classified based on the finds, the nature of walls, the built-up areas of the township, materials used, shapes of the houses and other details.

The “star” attraction was the Trojan horse.

Even though it is tough to imagine this wooden horse being able to “hide” soldiers. Of course standing there you might wonder if the famous story is true or if there was a real Helen, a Trojan Horse and a Greek war. Was a city as magnificent as this destroyed over a woman?

The answer, like the excavation site, is complicated but the story is as juicy as its infamous romance and destruction.

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GURUSPEAK

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru

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Real freedom When you keep yourself open to acquiring new knowledge, you grow

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are two kinds of minds - an open mind and a closed mind. The latter says, ‘‘This is how it is, I know it.” An open mind is, ‘‘Oh, maybe, Perhaps, I do not know!’’ All problems arise from knowing, rather than ‘not knowing’.

Limited knowledge and conformity make a mind very hard.

Whenever you seem to understand a situation and label it, that is the beginning of your problem. You do not label something you do not know.

Whenever you think injustice has been done to you, or you are a victim, or you think something bad has happened to you, all this falls in the category of ‘I know it, this is how things are’. Suffering is a product of limited knowledge. But when there is amazement, patience and joy, then you are in a state of ‘I don’t know, may be.’ The whole life is a shift from the limited ‘I know’, to all possibilities.

You think you know the world and this is the biggest problem. This is not just one world, there are many layers in this world. When you are upset, there is some string that is being pulled. When an event happens, there could be many possibilities why that event took place in a not just in the gross, but some other reason in the subtle as well. Suppose you enter your room and find that someone at home has made a big mess in your room. You are irritated and attach that cause being angry with that person. But there is something more happening in the subtle, something else is in the air but you could only see that person creating a mess and you attribute all the anger to that person.

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This is what limited knowledge does. Even after experiencing that, you don’t see something beyond. There is a proverb in India that says: “You fell in the well in the daytime, which you could see in the night.” You saw the pit in the night, you were careful, you avoided it and walked safely, but in the daytime you fell in the same pit. This means that your eyes are not open, you are not sensitive enough to see and recognise what is going on.

As we attach the events and emotions to individuals, the cycle continues. You will never be free from that. So first detach an event and emotion from that person, space and time.

Have the knowledge of oneness of the universe. If a pin is pricked into your hand, your entire body knows and feels it. In the same way everybody is connected to the entire creation, to everybody, as there is only one life at a very subtle level, though it appears to be many in the gross.

If you go deeper, it is one existence and one divine. The wise person never labels individuals. In fact, in a wise person all individual existence ceases. That is why one should not see any intention behind the other’s mistakes or attribute

mistakes to somebody and bear grudges. Then mind drops cravings and aversions and becomes free. So when the mind goes away, only the self remains. You can be at ease with the uncertainty of the world when you realise the certainty of the consciousness. Often people do just the opposite.

They rely on something that is not reliable and get upset.

The world is of change, the self is of nonchange. You have to rely on the non-change and accept the change. If you are certain that everything is uncertain, then you are liberated.

When you are uncertain in ignorance then you become worried and tense. Uncertainty with awareness brings a higher state of consciousness and a smile.

Being in uncertainty is letting go. Often your certainty or uncertainty is based on the relative world. To be certain about the uncertainty of the relative makes you certain about the existence of the absolute and brings a ‘certain’ faith in the absolute. Acting in uncertainty makes life a game, a challenge. Often people think that certainty is freedom. If you feel that freedom when you are not certain then that is ‘real’ freedom.

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NUMBERGAME

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Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist

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COUNT YOUR FATE

NUMBER 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th of any month) It is difficult to be honest with oneself, but much easier to be so with others. Your ideas are noble, so use your communication skills and speak your heart out. Finances could look up, but so could expenses.

News from a distant land or the visit of an old acquaintance could lift your mood.

NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) Your friends mean a lot to you and it is better to have a friend rather than money in times of need. But love too is important.

You have the ability and patience to understand and forgive but do it with caution.

See the brighter side of life and feel cheerful about the merry atmosphere around you.

NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) Feeling cheated in a friendship, or being livid with a dear one can only remove frustration momentarily. Look at a longterm approach towards relationships. You could be brimming with emotions but others may not meet your expectation. Expect less to avoid disappointment.

NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) Its time to enjoy your karma.

After a hard day’s work, let your hair loose, enjoy the book or film or the company of a soul-mate.

Behaving maturely all the time will make you feel older. Try to rejuvenate and relive your younger days. Relationships could be mended with some sincere effort.

NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) You are at your creative best if you allow your thoughts to drift.

Be open to little brainwaves even if people disagree. You can’t expect everyone to be imaginative. Some intuitions could even turn into realities.

Those in alternate sciences such as yoga, meditation, reiki, astrology will gain.

NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) You can shape your life rather than running around in circles that you are doing. Take time out to love and to be loved, for it’s the greatest gift of life. Those in a position of power would fare well, mastering their subordinates with finesse. Being in a commanding position is good but don’t go overboard.

NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th of any month) Be a little more forgiving to those who have erred as a rational approach would help. News from some far off land or the visit by an old acquaintance who could turn up out of the blue would lift your mood. The other thing to look forward to is on the romantic front as you might meet someone special.

NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) Uranus could make you more fun loving and romantic but don’t overdo it. Differences with family members might get exaggerated as you are not willing to budge. Listen to your head and not your heart. A new relationship could make progress but don’t be too demanding.

NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th of any month) Living in the fast lane, you might find the present pace a little slow for your liking. But life is made of the small moments of contentment and we may find the quiet corners incredibly appealing. The slower grind will help you to rejuvenate your abundant energy. No one knows what s/he can do unless they try.

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FITNESS

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

Winters can have a debilitating effect on your bodily functions and there are solutions to be found in this ancient science

can be mild and pleasant for some, while others who live in extremely cold conditions might have a trying time.

People are prone to catching coughs, colds, flu and respiratory ailments while those with arthritic conditions, can experience severe pain and discomfort.

The body is not designed for extreme temperatures. To keep our vital organs warm and functioning, the Hypothalmus in the brain, constricts blood vessels and blood flow to our extremities. This slows our metabolism and reduces blood circulation. This manifests itself as cold hands and feet as well as stiff and tight joint muscles.

This winter stiffness has to be handled with care otherwise it can result in overstraining and injuries. Yoga is ideal for winter as its gentle practices help us build heat within the body while keeping the joints and muscles supple safely and effectively. Pranayama (breathing exercises) like Kapalbhatti and Bhastrika, strengthen our respiratory system, warm up the body and prepare it for the asanas (postures) and stretches to follow.

In the Yogic system, the Manipur Chakra is connected to the element of fire and vital energy. It is located in the navel area and is linked to our solar plexus, digestive system and adrenal glands. Pranayama like Kapalbhatti, Ujjayi , dynamic yoga practices like Surya Namaskar (sun salutation), asanas (postures) like Virbhadrasana (the warrior), activate this chakra so that that the body generates its own warmth. So when you practice yoga, not only do you feel warmer but the body’s organs and systems function normally.

Cold also affects our brain’s chemistry and hormonal levels. As it gets dark, the brain’s pineal gland produces more melatonin. This makes you less alert and drowsy. Simultaneously, the production of serotonin, a daylight neurotransmitter that increases our alertness and improves our moods, goes down. With shorter daylight hours in winter, our melatonin levels are higher and serotonin, lower. So we feel lethargic and experience low moods, irritability. This can contribute to winter weight gain or bouts of depression.

Yoga keeps our endocrine systems (glandular system) working well. Every asana, bandha (neuro-muscular locks), presses a particular gland so that it releases certain hormones and keeps our hormonal levels balanced. This is why a yoga session leaves students feeling physically worked out, recharged and relaxed with a sense of emotional and mental well-being.

WARM UP

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UTKATASANA

o Stand straight with feet together o Inhale as you raise arms above head, palms together o Exhale as you bend your knees while keeping your thighs parallel to the floor. Take upper torso forward to form a right-angle to the thighs o Keep arms straight and level with ears o Hold for 30-60 seconds, breathing normally o Inhale as you straighten the knees and body o Exhale as you bring your arms down to your sides BENEFITS: o Holding posture stimulates the heart, circulatory and metabolic systems while generating heat in the body o Strengthens ankles, thighs, calves and spine o Stretches shoulders and chest

KAPALBHATTI

o Sit in Padmasana (lotus position) or sit back on your heels, back straight, eyes closed and palms on knees o Exhale forcefully through the nose, pulling stomach inward o Relax stomach and inhale (will happen automatically) o Practise 20-50 exhalations at a stretch.

Over time, build up to 100 o Breathe in slowly and exhale slowly o Do two more rounds.

BENEFITS: o The forceful exhalations cleanse, warm up and revitalise the whole system o Strengthens the lungs, improves cardio-respiratory capacity and increases oxygen levels in the body o Strengthens the nervous system

VIRBHADRASANA o Stand straight, with legs wide apart, hands on hips o Turn one leg and upper body to the left, bend knee o Raise arms up, palms together o Bend the knee, arch backwards, looking up o Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally o Repeat on the other side

UJJAYI

o Sit in Padmasana (lotus) or cross-legged o Back straight, close your eyes and relax the body o Focus on your breath, letting it become rhythmic and relaxed o Let your breathing become slower o Contract the glottis in the throat so a soft snoring sound is produced in the throat o Concentrate, listen to the sound of your breathing through the throat o Let each breath become slower and longer o Practise for five minutes or do 10-20 rounds BENEFITS: o Balances the entire cardiovascular system o Soothes the nervous system, calms and relaxes the mind o Both tranquilises the mind and warms the body

(WARRIOR POSE) BENEFITS: o Energises the entire body. o Improves circulation and respiration o Strengthens your shoulders, arms, legs, ankles and back o Opens yours hips, chest and lungs o Stretches your arms, legs, shoulders, neck, belly, groins and ankles o Improves focus, balance and stability

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HOTWHEELS

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Audi’s latest A6 sedan is literally, technology on wheels

EARLY

to mid 1990s were a strange time to grow up. No matter how much we might complain about the state of the economy nowadays, India was pretty much bankrupt back then. There were very few cars on the road but for those of us who lived in leafy South Delhi colonies and were exposed to an extent to Western influences, which became more pronounced after cable TV landed on our shores and older shows by Hanna-Barbera, the American animation studio filled many of our screens. One of the shows was called The Jetsons and even though it depicted a 1960s version of what we expected the future to be, there were these concepts of flying cars and three-day workweeks, neither of which came true.

And as 2020, a year where we thought, as children at least, that space travel would be a normal thing, the future has turned out to be rather different. I am not making a value judgement here, the future is just not what I expected it to be when I was in Class 6.

That brings me to cars. Back in 1991, there weren’t too many of them. And while we can rave about classic designs and the good old days, make no mistakes, the cars

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of today are a million times better and safer than the cars we drove during that time. The four-wheelers those days were extremely mechanical.

There were no processors anywhere.

The steering and throttle controls were linked directly to the wheels and the engine. As for safety, well, the Maruti Suzuki Omni still survives from that era. If you look at the ‘A-Pillars’ on that car (those are the pillars that hold the windshield in place), you’d see that compared to any other modern car, they’re barely there.

When I started driving in the mid-1990s, sneaking out in my mother’s Maruti-800, entertainment was a cheap, offbrand tape player where retrieving magnetic tape from inside by using a pencil became a bonafide skillset. The steering didn’t even have a horn in the middle. There were two buttons on the side and that was a major upgrade from the older Hindustan Ambassadors, which my grandfathers owned with a metal ring between the hub and the steering.

This brings us in a nice segue to the new Audi A6. This car, once called the Audi 100, has always been the company’s large executive sedan and is now in its eighth iteration. The old A6, which did fairly well, initially suffered in sales

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compared to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-series because it really got a bit old compared to those two models. Which makes the quantum leap in the latest model quite dramatic, though not from the overall profile front. Audi’s designers have retained the A6 signature straight window line and from the front, Audi’s design language is clear. The dramatic change is inside, which is one heck of a car to play around with.

I was only in the A6 for half a day but I would love to spend more time exploring the features of what this car can do. The touchscreens, for example, have tactile feedback. While they’re touchscreens, you feel like you’re pressing something solid. The screens are not reflective and even though Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ has been around for a few years, it seems better laid out in this new car. Sure, the car has not gone down Volvo’s minimalist route, but the screens, those dedicated to the ventilation controls, feel just right. Everything about this new Audi feels like you are controlling a spaceship from a sci-fi but you’re

not in a film because you have Johnny Jhakaas cutting across in his motorcycle in front of you. Yet sitting inside this car, you genuinely feel like you have been transported into the future. Sure, we are not flying missions into space every second day and we have not been back to the moon since 1972 but this just feels right. The steering wheel, for example, has one of the coolest designs and a positively nice layout with everything being where it is supposed to be, including the horn.

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How does it drive? Well, Audi, burned heavily by the dieselgate fiasco, is only introducing the A6 in India in the 45TFSI garb. It means that it has a 240-horsepower two litre petrol engine, which isn’t a bad thing given that carmakers expect an impending war on diesel. And while the throttle pedal now has a computer between the engine and your right foot, when you press it, this car can move very fast and get to high speeds even faster.

There were times I felt that the traction control

kicked in a bit too hard, especially around tight turns, but I was driving in urban conditions. This makes the close to nine kilometers a litre realworld fuel economy figures I got quite impressive indeed. Ride and handling were excellent, although I must add the caveat that I only sat in front while on the move, because this car really feels better behind the, and I repeat, very nice steering wheel. That said, when I did sit at the back, you realise that the eighth-generation A6 feels almost as large inside as a slightly older A8.

So would I buy one? If I was driving myself, almost certainly even though the fully-loaded ‘Technology Edition’ I was driving costs five lakhs more than the standard one. But the technology is worth it if are not being driven around. Sure, some features like the lane-assist have to be disabled in city conditions, although it is useful on the highway and you miss a heads-up display, which would have really been icing on the cake, but this package is a really nice one and the latest A6 is a car I can imagine driving for days on end.

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SIGN-OFF

By RINKU GHOSH

BRAVO DEEPIKA F

inally, it has come to this. Members of the party with a difference, which commands the absolutist heft of 303 Lok Sabha seats, cornered celebrity citizen and Bollywood A-lister Deepika Padukone for showing solidarity with students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), who were holding a protest against the violence unleashed on the university’s campus on January 5. Not only that, loyalists of the ruling BJP dismissed her championship of the democratic right to speak out and be heard as equivalent to an endorsement of the “tukde tukde” gang, a blanket term for intelligent citizenry who question wrongful Government policies. Worst, they even made a “nationalist” call for boycotting her film on victimisation, Chhapaak, and her work.

Many may slam her appearance as a “publicity stunt” or claiming the first mover’s advantage as a breakout artiste at a time when Bollywood is being shamed for being politically correct. Others may argue that at a time when stardom has been deconstructed and an A-lister’s ratings are guided by her relevance in Twitterverse and young Indian consumerists, she has made a smart move.

But Deepika, no stranger to being at the receiving end of far-right fanaticism, still took a significant first step.

Let’s not forget she is among the highest paid actors in the country, has established herself as a key mover and shaker, is debuting as a producer and cushioned in comfort has every reason not to jeopardise her ivory tower life and instead keep adding baubles to it. Yet she has chosen to do what the more privileged and established stars have not done before her, grasping the

sentiment of the times, taking responsibility for her public stand against violence in institutions of education and the erosion of what she calls “the foundation of her country.” There have been activist veterans of the industry like Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap and the Delhi-schooled brigade led by actor Swara Bhasker. But they don’t command Deepika’s market value. And if she is taking a decided stand, then she is swaying that market with it. And the tide of opinion. As a youth icon, her act was empowering at many levels and as a conscience call to an industry we generally consider supine, she has genuinely shattered the glass house.

No one knows the decimating and terrifying power of hate better than Deepika. She experienced it first hand before the release of her 2017 film Padmavat that turned fringe Rajput groups against her. She was on the receiving end of vitriol, threats to disfigure her face and even a bounty of `5 crore on her head. Fortunately, most Indians have risen to her defence. Not only has Deepika's Twitter feed got a massive boost with approximately 40k new followers being added to her 29 million fans, the hashtag #IStandWithDeepika, is also seeing a robust following. When celebrities make humongous amounts of money for their ability to influence the masses, then why shouldn’t they, also lend themselves to a cause like any right-minded citizen if they so deem fit? Deepika has done what every conscientious Indian should do when democracy is threatened. Sadly, such gestures by celebrities are few and far in between.

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