FROM THE EDITOR
Editor-in-Chief CHANDAN MITRA EDITORIAL BOARD Chief Executive Officer Shobori Ganguli Chief Operating Officer Abhishek Saxena 09818600128 EDITORIAL Editor-in-Charge Rinku Ghosh Consultant Editor Saimi Sattar Chief Designers Anand Singh Rawat & Satish Jakhmola Production Manager Syed Nawab Raza Staff Photographer Pankaj Kumar SALES & MARKETING Vice President Jetender Rawat 9810404096 General Managers Kumar Gurudutta Jha & Sweety Verma Senior Managers Madhukar Saxena & Divyesh Kothari Managers Bharat Singh Sajwan, Prabhakar Pathak & Barun Choudhary MUMBAI OFFICE General Manager Devendra Adhikari KOLKATA OFFICE Vice President Suzanna Roy HYDERABAD OFFICE V Sunil Kumar General Manager (Circulation) Rajeev Gautam Printed and published by Chandan Mitra for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd, printed at JK Offset Graphics (P) Ltd, B-278, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110020 and published at No. 6, Behind Gulab Bhawan, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002. Editor: Chandan Mitra. Entire Contents Copyright (C) 2006 CMYK Printech Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation in any language in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Requests for permission should be directed to CMYK Printech Ltd. Opinions carried in Exotica are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by CMYK Printech Ltd. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material or for material lost or damaged in transit. All correspondence should be addressed to CMYK Printech Ltd; F-31, Sector-6, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh-201301 Phone: 0120-4879800 & 4879900 Email: exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com
WISER IN RETROSPECT
DO
you remember what you did to usher in 2020, the last New Year? Yes, we all have been through quite a ride which was not anticipated when we opened the bubbly at the stroke of the clock or danced away the night or just snuggled up closer in a blanket to keep the winter chills away. Eventful, heart-breaking, unprecedented as well as hellacious, apocalyptic, omnishambles were words that described the year which also made terms like quarantine, social distancing and pandemic a part of the common lexicon. Life, as we knew it 10 months back, has completely eroded. We are conscious of the fact that a turn of the calendar does not necessarily mean that our woes have come to an end since a virus is unaware that another year has begun and it should halt its disastrous onward march. But then, if you reflect inward, that is true for all of us as well. We might start the New Year with a bang, make resolutions but soon enough slip into the established patterns and behaviour. Just like the vaccines that hold out a promise to extricate us from this situation, let’s break the mould, and this time around start afresh in the real sense of the expression. Carpe diem! Seize the day, my friend. No, not just the day but the year and the time to come. Rather than the past being a punishment, let it be a lesson. And wise are those who learn from history. Be kinder, more compassionate, empathetic, understanding, aware, mindful. Take time out to smell the flowers or learn to play the guitar or go on that trek which you planned with your friends aeons ago or simply tune into your favourite music and let the immediate reality fade out. If there is a lesson that needs to be imbibed, it is this. The world and time won’t wait so do things that make you feel alive in a heart-stopping, exhilarating sort of way. That is the most magical thing which you can gift yourself this year. The line-up this time around takes into account the new normal and the way our immediate environs as well as the world has transformed. A slower, more savoured travel could mean dipping your toes into the realm of river cruising and we give you a glimpse of what this could entail as compare to its more hyped-up cousin, ocean cruises. Then, there is entertainment. A film outing, till February last year, meant simply booking the tickets and enjoying the show. But since, there is nothing that we can take for granted, this too has transformed and we share insights into what it could mean when you step out to catch the latest flick the next time around. While what we are eating in our homes and at restaurants has been upped, in a more healthy fashion, so have spaces. The design of public places need to take into account new realities so architects and interior designers have to incorporate these transformations accordingly. Hotels, a business that had hospitality and the human touch at its core, too have had to rejig the way they conduct their affairs. So, a mix of technology and the traditional Indian hospitality has come to the rescue. Technology has been tapped in when we want to immerse ourselves in art and so a virtual exhibition might be the way forward. Our celebrity interview, actor Adil Hussain, maps the journey of a small-town boy from Goalpara, Assam to international fame and recognition. Fighting the odds, anyone? Yes, much like what we’ve done this year, the actor has accomplished during his career and come out on the top. So let’s dive into the year hopefully wiser, calmer and more at peace with ourselves and with the world around us. Sayonara, till the next time.
EXOTICA [4] JANUARY 2021
[p24]
I N S I D E JANUARY 2021 VOLUME 15 NO 3
[p30] Begin anew A silvery white blanket [p24] Cruise control [p30] The show must go on [p34] Make way for the future [p38] Re-inventing for recovery [p40] Savour the flavour [p44] Museum trail [p46]
[p8] Q&A [p8] Seriously funny: Adil Hussain Festive vibes [p14] Smaller yet wider Travel bug [p20] Mystic retreat
COVER: ATHLETES RUN IN THE MEN’S 4×7.5 KM RELAY RACE AT THE BIATHLON WORLD CUP IN HOCHFILZEN, AUSTRIA CREDITS: AP PHOTO
CONTRIBUTORS
[p14] TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 64 INCLUDING COVER
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p48] GURUSPEAK: Usher in the new Bharat Thakur [p50] FITNESS: A recipe for winter Sanjay Jumaani [p53] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate Follow us on:
@TheDailyPioneer
facebook.com/dailypioneer
[p44] instagram.com/dailypioneer
OUR PARTNER HOTELS Send us your feedback at letters2exotica@gmail.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/Exotica-394686670715776
Q& A
n From the initial trailer Nirvana Inn
appeared to be a ghost story. What made you decide to act in it? I wouldn’t do a ghost story just like that. So, when I say, I won’t do it, it essentially means that I won’t if it isn’t credible. Often, rather than a ghost story, such films become funny... which is also good. Thematically, this is about intense guilt in human consciousness. How it can be so unbearable that one could go crazy. The writer-director tried to explore this aspect of human behaviour and found a plot where this character, Jogiraj Chakraborty, from Assam, is driven by intense guilt. To get out of this, he runs away but can he actually do that? And then his reality and imagination get mixed up. It’s a brilliantly woven story where you don’t know whether it is real or he is dreaming. Realities and dreams intersperse in a way where you don’t really realise what’s going on. It’s very intriguingly done and that’s what attracted me to bring in credibility into the performance. I try to look for challenging roles which I haven’t done before. That’s why I decided to do this.
ADIL HUSSAIN does not want to be boxed under any one category. The cerebral actor tells SAIMI SATTAR that this is the reason why no two of his characters are similar
n What makes you choose a role? You’ve done such a variety that it seems you’ve covered everything under the sun... I haven’t. Not yet done everything under the sun. n Let’s say no character bears resemblance to the last one... That’s something that I’m dying to do. That’s why, I guess, it is a blessing to be an actor. The acting, I idolise or love to do, explores the layers and complexities of humans. We are such a complex organism on earth and each of us is unique. We’ve an
DID YOU KNOW? o He was the artistic director and Trainer of the Society for Artists and Performers in Hampi from 2004 to 2007 and a visiting faculty at Royal Conservatory of Performing Arts, The Hague. o He is also a visiting faculty at his alma mater, the National School of Drama.
embedded need to grow and understand ourselves first before we understand the other. We need to see what is compressed and condensed inside one body and emotion (laughs). A human being is a miracle. n How do you approach a role? Do you build a back story? I don’t have a recipe but I’d trained as a method actor in Stanislavski Technique (a training system made up of different techniques designed to allow actors to create believable characters and help them to really put themselves in the place of a character). One grows and finds his own way and each role and each film comes with its own indications, signs and clues but the fundamental law is to draw inspiration from my personal life. Or the people around me. Or what I have seen or heard or experienced. And so the first thing when I read the script of a film is to question, ‘what role does the character play in the film, the story and the plot?’. For instance, when I played the father to a girl in the Norwegian film, I first understood the point of identification that I had for this role. For any role, I question if there is anything that I haven’t seen or heard which is written in this script. And then you realise that I’ve seen this, experienced it or done this to someone or it has been done by somebody else to me. That is how you start identifying — emotionally, factually, psychologically and in all possible ways — with the character. You start believing in the role and once you start doing that you, with your capabilities and training, you enact those situation directed by five Ws — why, when, what, where and
I FIRST UNDERSTAND WHAT IS THE POINT OF IDENTIFICATION THAT I HAVE FOR A ROLE. I QUESTION IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT I HAVEN’T SEEN OR HEARD WHICH IS WRITTEN IN THIS SCRIPT. AND THEN YOU REALISE THAT I HAVE SEEN THIS, EXPERIENCED THIS OR DONE THIS TO SOMEONE OR THIS HAS BEEN DONE BY SOMEBODY ELSE TO ME
who. That is basically it. If I start describing it in entirety, it would be a book (laughs). n You’ve worked in several languages. How does it contribute to your craft? It always does. Any role that I play, I don’t know how other actors do it but for me and for actors like Neeraj Kabi, it does. We’ve shared a lot about the craft as we’ve a lot in common, have a similar world view as human beings and as citizens of the country. If a role doesn’t contribute to my growth as a person, it’s useless. Sometimes I act in a film for the money in order to pay bills so that I can subsidise my contribution to low-budget films which pay lesser or no money. Films do contribute in a big way in empathising with people
in my life. I become less judgmental as a person. My cynicism towards things, ideas and people diminishes. I become a larger and wider person and that is my growth. n You played a debt-ridden farmer in Love Sonia. Farmers are protesting in the country... Human beings — who don’t understand or see, if I use the word ‘see’ in a larger way, what the farmers stand for and what they do for us — are the most ignorant bunch of people. And they need to grow from that ignorance towards light. To see the news of them committing suicide is most painful and unfortunate. It is most disturbing and I feel ashamed. The government’s decision to talk to them and understand their point of view makes me happy as pointing fingers is a very easy way to go about it. That’s what we should do within family and with friends too (laughs). If it (difference of opinion) is on a large scale... when you are in a powerful place you are responsible for more people. That’s the reason why I say art plays the role of an adhesive or glue which brings people together and views are exchanged in a delicate, affectionate and harmonious way. Bringing together people is the work of art. n Films are no longer set in Delhi and Mumbai. This one is set in Majuli island. Does the place add to the story or the different kinds of stories being told need disparate settings? I think, we, and when I say we I mean people related to the independent film world... I wouldn’t talk about the commercial films as that isn’t my forte though I do work in it sometimes... The independent film
PERSONAL FRONT o He is from Goalpara, Assam. o His father was a teacher. o Hussain was the youngest of seven children. o He mimicked popular Bollywood actors in between the performances of a local stand-up comedian group, the Bhaya Mama Group. o He worked as a stand-up comedian for six years, joined a mobile theatre and also did some local cinema. o He studied at National School of Drama (1990–1993). o He also studied at the Drama Studio London on a Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship.
EXOTICA [11] JANUARY 2021
world has been pretty creative, open and well-exposed to world cinema. It realises that if a film made in South Korea can be watched in some village in Nagaland, then why can’t the South Korean audience watch a film made in Majuli? It depends on how well you are telling the story. There are hundreds of stories. Every human being has one to tell especially in a country like India which has a story-telling tradition. We tell the greatest stories in the world including Ramayana and Mahabharata. So independent film makers and writers are finding new ways to relate these. They are exposed to real films made across the globe, including from the smallest of countries like Croatia, because of communication systems and internet today. So, I think it’s a bit of both... people watching different kinds of cinema and developing a taste for these as well as the art house world making a variety. I’m waiting for that day when a film like Mukti Bhawan becomes mainstream cinema. We are far away from there... but we can hope. In France arthouse cinema is mainstream. The Norwegian film that I acted in, What Will People Say, ran for six months in Norway. n Delhi Crime won an Emmy. Did you think it had the potential when you acted in it initially? It opened at Sundance, a film festival I trust the most, which till today has retained its flavour and shunned glamour and frills. It’s an indicator of quality. When it got there, I realised it had huge potential. I didn’t think of an Emmy but I knew it was going to be a very very good series. When I saw it, I realised how much hard
work Richie Mehta has put in writing, directing and gathering the cast and crew. He took a subject of an extremely heinous crime and told the story without showing any of it. n Yes, it was told so empathetically... I didn’t want to want to watch it initially because of the subject... A lot of people said that. But it followed the fundamental law of art that it mustn’t glorify violence but depict it in a manner that it isn’t repeated. We stay away from it. It’s easy to engage the audience by appealing to their lower depths but to uplift them from these depths to higher values... that is his (Richie Mehta) philosophy of life and that is why he practices art. n In Ishqiya, you were cast alongside Naseeruddin Shah. Was it daunting as he is a pillar of alternative cinema? Naseersaab and Omji are trailblazers of independent cinema and we, actors like me who are not enamoured by the glamour and gloss, are indebted to them. But there are others who had done it even before them. Actors from Bengal like Soumitra Chatterjee, those (who worked) with Mrinal Sen, Tapan Sinha and Satyajit Ray. Naseersaab has been one of my most revered, respected and loved teacher. He is such a passionate teacher and the finest one who is constantly wanting to learn while he is teaching. He is a great example of an actor in India. n You started off with standup comedy. But your funny bone has not been tapped into fully. Why? (Laughs) You tell me. It is funny actually. We have this normal tendency to box people. My first film (Iti Srikanta in 2004) was serious. My first play, Othello A Play in Black and
ALL THE CASTING DIRECTORS THINK ‘ADIL IS A SERIOUS ACTOR’ AND THEY FORGET OR RATHER DON’T KNOW THAT I HAD BEEN A STAND-UP COMEDIAN. I AM A TRAINED CLOWN AND I HAVE DONE A LOT OF CLOWNING IN EUROPE BUT THEY HAVEN’T SEEN THAT AND WOULDN’T BELIEVE IT
EXOTICA [12] JANUARY 2021
White (1999) (which was awarded the Edinburgh Fringe First), was extremely serious. All the casting directors who have seen that think ‘Adil is a serious actor’ and they forget or rather don’t know that I had been a stand-up comedian. I am a trained clown and I’ve done a lot of clowning in Europe but, since they haven’t seen that, they wouldn’t believe it. The casting department in India has to widen its eye. Thankfully, I was cast by Chandraprakash Dwivedi in his film, Zed Plus, which is my first funny outing. It’s on Netflix and worthy of being seen. You’ll love it. I play a cycle mechanic who is bestowed Z+
security by the Prime Minister of India and the aftermath. A very funny political satire. In Good Newwz I play a funny doctor with Akshay Kumar. n Was it difficult breaking into films considering that you come from a non-filmy family? And your father, a teacher, was opposed to it. (Laughs) Yeah... But I didn’t want to break into it as I just wanted to do theatre. Abhishek Chaubey came to Delhi and persuaded and convinced me to act in Ishqiya. n We have something to thank him for... He’s actually taking 10 per cent of my earnings (guffaws). He’s the person who got me into it. That film worked and directors started fancying me and wanted to cast me. I’m grateful that I’m a decent, poor man now. Being a theatre actor in India would have been a life of struggle and I’m okay now economically. I don’t have to think of my next meal. n Rather than hanging around Mandi House... Yes... (laughs) that too was fun. I can’t say I’m happier now but that I’m happy as well. I’m very grateful for what happened but I do miss theatre. That much I can say. So, during the lockdown I started preparing a theatre performance. n Do you feel OTT platforms give more importance to talent than stardom? That had started happening even before though it’s still a drop in the ocean. People are cast not because they are famous but because they are good actors. However, the idea is still in infancy. I hope it becomes normal and not an exception. Now I’m known a little bit so they prefer casting me, a name, rather than another actor which is good for me but not for others
MILESTONES o He first won acclaim in Othello: A Play in Black and White (1999), which was awarded the Edinburgh Fringe First. o In 2004, he made his Bengali film debut along with Soha Ali Khan in the period drama, Iti Srikanta, where he played the lead. o On television, he appeared in the lead role in the detective series, Jasoos Vijay (2002–2003), produced by BBC World Service Trust. o He did a small role in Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminey. o His role in Abhishek Chaubey's Ishqiya (2010) got him attention in Bollywood. o In 2012 he appeared in Italian director Italo Spinelli's Gangor, Mira Nair's The Reluctant Fundamentalist, and Ang Lee's Life of Pi. o In 2014 he appeared in Raag: The Rhythm of Love where he played the lead for the first time in an Assamese film.
EXOTICA [13] JANUARY 2021
(laughs). There could be another great or good actor who could do justice to the role. I’m totally and vehemently against stardom because it goes against this fundamental belief which I have that ‘art is a great leveller’. It should propagate equality and that each human being, especially among actors who are practitioners of art, is equal and none should be preferred. One should be favoured only in terms of merit and not name. There has to be a system in place where a pool of actors are met, auditioned and found from new places across the country. We hardly get to see the faces of people from Northeast. n Mary Kom was an example... Yes. I am totally not disputing Priyanka Chopra’s talent but the idea of casting a star just because she is well-known... We lost an opportunity to cast someone from the Northeast in that role. So it’s important that people are cast according to merit. And not name. The series Paatal Lok, for instance, is brilliant and it was wonderful to see those amazing actors. It’s heart-warming to see that. I am hopeful that things will change. We have to be patient (laughs). n What are your new projects? I Just finished the shooting of Bell Bottom in Glasgow with Akshay Kumar. I’m in London to shoot Footprints on Water which is a British production where I play the role of father of a daughter. It documents illegal immigrants who are lured to UK and lead a miserable life. After that there is one more project which I can’t talk about. It is the most expensive film to be made by two Hollywood producers and I play the lead.
FESTIVE VIBES
SMALLER
YET WIDER
(Above far left and below): A peek into the food and ingredients in home style cooking of different regions. (From left to right): Bihu dancers take centrestage; the fashion show featured textiles and weaves from the region and the Union DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States and the Secretary, NEC set the development agenda for the region
The eighth edition of the North East Festival shifted to Guwahati from the capital. But despite restricted entry it cast its net wide by being the first live digital celebration which ensured a global audience, says SAIMI SATTAR. JETENDRA RAWAT captures the action
USUALLY
with the onset of winter I, along with a varying set of friends depending on their interests, make my way to the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts popularly referred to as IGNCA. It could be a performance, a story-telling session or a discussion. But it was the North East Festival that saw repeated foot falls each year. It was the combined attraction — of food, wares and performances — that offered a smorgasbord to satiate each of the senses which exerted a pull. However, with the pandemic raging in the country and, especially, the capital it was time to think of a novel move. So Shyamkanu Mahanta, organiser-in-chief who has been the tour de force of the festival, decided that rather than taking the artistes and vendors out he would simply hold the festival in Guwahati and broadcast it on the digital
mode thus extending its reach beyond the confines of the National Capital Region. And this is how we found ourselves on a flight to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati. Having completed our exit formalities, since a new protocol requires us to fill up an online form and submit a negative Covid test which had been conducted not more than 72 hours before, we boarded the cab and were soon zipping through the slightly crowded evening streets. Soon enough we were at the hotel where we were staying and the event was also supposed to take place. Before retiring for the night I peeped out of my room’s window on the fourth floor to see the areas outside being prepped up for the festival and lay down with a feeling of excited anticipation. The next morning we were greeted by rows of dancers in their traditional attire who were making their way to the temporary stage. There
EXOTICA [15] JANUARY 2021
Performers from the different North Eastern States line the entrance before the start of the festival
were the graceful Bihu dancers looking picture perfectly elegant in their off-white and red sarees. The Jagoi dancers from Manipur seemed to be practically floating on the ground in their Potloi costumes with the Kumil, the barrel-shaped skirt, bobbing from side to side in a hypnotising sequence. Performers from Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Manipur too gave a glimpse of their culture, attires and dance movements. The performances over, we wandered away from the stage and spotted a temporary L-shaped stall which seemed to be practically groaning, as it was loaded, under the weight of what seemed like ingredients, cooked food and even cooking equipment. My curiosity piqued, I approached the
set up and bumped into Dr Geeta Dutta who had curated the fare. Though she is a qualified doctor it is food, its origins and authenticity that excite her. She explained that she had curated the fare spread out before us which was the rustic cuisine of the hills. She went on to point out nine different varieties and said with a laugh that bordered on a gleeful giggle, “These are just a miniscule representative of the food from different regions. An exhaustive intensive fare was just not possible or else the entire table would be stacked with food from just one place.� So Dutta had picked up some signature dishes from each. As we walked around she explained the finer nuances of every home-style cuisine featured there. The first of these was
EXOTICA [16] JANUARY 2021
(Above): The Manipuri dancers in Potloi costumes. (Below): The vibrant Naga performers
Sikkimese food which carried the influence of the three main communities — Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalese. There was makai ka bhaat (rice made out of corn), fermented mustard leaves and a sweet which looked like jalebi but was made with rice flour as well as kinema curry which had fermented beans as the main ingredient. I was still absorbing the information about the exhaustive spread and the innovative manner in which each ingredient had been used as we moved on to the display of Bodo food with its variety of lentils, herbs and also rice flour. “What sets the cuisine apart is the use of an alkaline solution called khadi made by burning banana peels and then distilling it. This cooks the food easily, gives it a flavour and is a great digestive,” pointed out
Dutta. Sobai, a dish with basic spices, another platter with silkworms and yet one more with snails caught attention and invited detailed discussion. Then there were the rustic leaves which can be sun dried or used fresh and have to be foraged from the forest as these aren’t available in the market. As Dutta talked, it opened up new vistas of understanding about how cuisines developed and were influenced by the habitats of people. So the Misings who inhabited the areas near rivers consumed stored fish and meat. “A simple dish made with mustard leaves cooked with pork and eaten with rice is a favourite. These ombe leaves are an essential ingredient and grown at home,” said Dutta pointing to some greens kept in a basket.
EXOTICA [17] JANUARY 2021
(Above): The bell metal adds to the flavour of food. (Below): Assamese cuisine spread by a prominent Guwahati restaurant
When my gaze was focussed on what seemed to be pebbles, Dutta told me that these were apong cakes, made with with more than 100 medicinal herbs, which can be added in any dish. The speciality of Manipuri cuisine, on the other hand, is that most dishes are oil free. Dutta pointed out Eromba, cooked with bamboo shoot, dry fish and a smash of potato which is high on the list of delicacies as is Kamsoi, a boiled stew and Singju, a salad and street food as well as Yenthoba chicken curry which uses a traditional masala, made of local herbs, pepper and cumin, which is mixed at home. “The unique ingredient in the traditional Assamese jal paan (snacks) is Kumalsa rice which does not require cooking and dissolves in curd or water,” she pointed out. While the hot favourites of Naga cuisine which were laid out in front of us included Akhoni, a dish made with fermented beans and Anishi, smoked young bamboo leaves and Kholar beans that had 40-50 varieties in Nagaland. Sometimes it is just the vessel that it is prepared in which imparts a unique taste to a dish. “The flavours of the Assamese cuisine come from cooking in bell metal which adds to the taste. The older and blacker it is, the better the taste,” said Dutta. While the cultural and sensory extravaganza was unfolding in its spectacular glory, I caught Mahanta for a quick chat. He told me that the festival was to be held in Bangkok this time but when he was not able to venture out of even Guwahati he realised he had to come up with a change of plan. “Holding it here meant that the resource generation was a challenge but moving online
EXOTICA [18] JANUARY 2021
helped me to get a global audience. The Indian embassy in Thailand shared the YouTube video and it went viral,” he said and went on to point out that it was India’s biggest festival, after the pandemic started, where performances were actually happening live. Talking to guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Rudy Wallang and vocalist/guitarist Tipriti TIPS Kharbangar of the Soulmate band made me realise that Mahanta was not way off when he said so. Wallang said, “In these times something like this has to happen to keep people’s minds positive. The fact that the festival actually happened is a big thing. This is our first show since the pandemic started.” The group took the time during the lockdown to work on their music and songwriting and released an album in August. They have been live streaming once a month from their studio in Shillong. Adapting the festival to the pandemic meant a reduced scale thus making it cheaper. “There were 150 people here while the footfall in Delhi is about 50,000 people everyday... and the vibe of IGNCA was missing,” Mahanta trailed off. So he rejigged the focus and made it into more of an intellectual agenda. Since the Assam Government was the host, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal along with Union DoNER Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh, Chief Ministers of the region and the secretary of the North Eastern Council were a part of the inaugural session on ‘Development Agenda for North East’. A session on success stories of North East youth had prominent personalities of the region such as Zubeen Garg, Armstrong Palme, Hima Das, Niti Deb and others who spoke about their journey. While the evening cultural programme showcased fashion show by designers Escape Engmawia and Yangoijam Maxwell and musical evenings with Zubeen Garg, Papon, Soulmate, Kalpana Patowary, Trance Effect, Feli Fanai, Freaky, Aben, Shankuraj Konwar and other top musical icons of the region. As for the future, Mahanta plans to hold smaller festivals in different locations while the main would be centered at Delhi. So, catch you in the capital, the next time around.
(Clockwise from top): Show Stoppers sashay the ramp for designer Arita Kashyap; vocalist/guitarist Tipriti TIPS Kharbangar of the Soulmate band performs; the Make in North East session and a model walks the ramp
EXOTICA [19] JANUARY 2021
TRAVEL BUG
MYSTIC
RETREAT The little-known Kenduli Mela sees a large gathering of Bauls, the wandering minstrels, on Makar Sankranti. AYANDRALI DUTTA dips into the spiritual realm with this brotherhood of fakirs of Bengal
BRAVING
the cold chills of Ajoy River, Bauls — draped in saffron robe, holding an ektara, their hair unkempt — make their way to Joydeb Kenduli for their yearly congregation, on Makar Sankranti all the while singing songs about life and mysticism. An hour’s distance from the famous Shantiniketan, the university set up by Rabindranath Tagore, the Bauls bring life to Kenduli, a small little hamlet which is the birthplace of poet Jayadev who composed the Sanskrit classic Gita Govinda. Edward Dimock Jr in his book The Place of the Hidden Moon — Erotic Mysticism in the Vaisnava Sahajiya Cult of Bengal (1966) writes: “Rabindranath Tagore put the Bauls on a higher-than-respectable level by his praise of the beauty of their songs and spirit and by his frank and proud acknowledgement of his own poetic debt to them.” Followers of no formal religion, the
EXOTICA [20] JANUARY 2021
Bauls, propagate brotherhood and peace. It’s hard to think of Bengal folk culture minus these wandering mystics. WHO ARE THESE MYSTICS? Bauls, whose origin is not known, are inhabitants of the districts of Birbhum, Burdwan, Bankura and Midnapore in Bengal. It is said that they derived their name from word vatula (madcap) or vyakula (restless). They practice their belief in God through soulful songs. A Baul proverb states, “What is not in the body is not in the universe.” This community of wandering minstrels sing songs to the music of ektara, a one-stringed musical instrument.
THE
MYSTICAL MUSICAL JAM Bauls, who have been recognised as the “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO and gather on the last day of the month of Poush (January 14) on the banks of Ajoy river to mark the beginning of Kenduli Mela. The fair celebrates the great poet Jayadev as on this day, almost around 800 years ago, it is claimed that he bathed at the Kadaambokhandi ghat of the river. The Bauls appear to have inherited the legacy of Jayadev songs. Night-long jams, musicians of every style and tenor and unimaginable crowds gather around the place. Over these three days music and poetry of
THE
EXOTICA [21] JANUARY 2021
legends like Lalon Fakir, founding father of Baul philosophy, and gurus like Haure Goshai, Podo, Jadubindu and more resonates from tents and akharas. As you step inside the whole ambience is chaotic and surreal at the same time. Gradually their voices rise to a crescendo and devotees join in singing along. They literally pour their heart and soul in their music and songs that talk about religious ecstasy and creativity. The philosophical
themes of the songs bond hearts as they reveal the mystery of life. These long-haired Bauls, sages, mendicants and travellers huddle around a campfire in the shared communion of a peace-pipe. Amongst all the madness Moner Manush akhara draws the maximum attention and crowd as it is frequented by the likes of Partvathy Baul and others who are extremely popular among the people.
EXOTICA [22] JANUARY 2021
GETTINGTHERE BY ROAD: Bolpur is 160 km from Kolkata. Regular bus service and cabs from Jamboni bus-stand connect Bolpur to Kenduli (35km). Or one can go via Illambazar and drive 12 km to go to Joydeb-Kenduli. BY TRAIN: Bolpur station, the nearest rail head, is connected by regular trains from Kolkata which take about three hours. It is two km away from Shantiniketan.
The fair attracts devotees in thousands who park themselves in makeshift tents to rest their tired bodies. They listen to the mystical notes of the Bauls while, elsewhere, people gravitate towards kirtaniyas (women who perform kirtans) due to their dramatic storytelling talent. As thousands take bath at the now almostdisappearing Ajoy river, on the other side, at the Kadaambokhandi Crematorium, bodies are consigned to flames. Somewhere in the farthest corner there’s a tantric who is engrossed in the throes of Kali worship with a skull, staff and trident. There is something to hold everyone in its thrall at the mela. It’s not just these Bauls who create the whole atmosphere but rather the hawkers, megaphone announcements and more that are regulars at this fair. Spread over a huge area the Kenduli Mela has the usual attractions of any fair in the country. A giant wheel, merry-go-round and daredevilry inside the maut ka kuan (well of death) as well as
bazaars stocked with a variety of commodities — utensils, clothes, dolls, idols, ploughs, jewellery and more. Kenduli in the real sense is a perfect cocktail of life, death, shopping and entertainment against the backdrop of songs. Representing Bengal’s cultural ethos with a spiritual shade these nonconforming folk musicians believe in personal freedom and have made no effort to record their practices, beliefs or leave any traces.
EXOTICA [23] JANUARY 2021
BEGIN ANEW
A SILVERY WHITE BLANKET
PHOTOS COURTESY: AP
EXOTICA [24] JANUARY 2021
We’ve turned our back on a year where everything, as we knew it, changed. But the swathe of milky white in the new one inspires us to begin on a clean slate while, at the same time, incorporating the novel learnings. Perch high up to get a worldview, learn a new skill, let the scenery whiz past. Step back and just breathe
(Left): Cars drive on the road of the ‘Col du Mollendruz’ among snow-covered trees in a forest after snowfall, in the Jura Mountains, in Mont-la-Ville, Switzerland. (Above): Santa, portrayed by Dan Kemmis, talks to a family wearing masks as he sits inside a protective bubble in Seattle’s Greenwood neighbourhood before Christmas. Kemmis has been Santa in past years but this time he added his ‘snow globe’ tent due to the Coronavirus pandemic. In this socially distant holiday season, Santa Claus is still coming to towns (and shopping malls) but with a few 2020 rules in effect
EXOTICA [25] JANUARY 2021
(Clockwise from above left): Lauren Clemens runs through a misty snow covered landscape in the Meadow at Nellies Cave Park in Blacksburg, Virginia; snow and hoar-frost covered trees surround a television tower near Kekesteto in the Matra Mountains, Hungary; a man takes pictures of cherry blossoms at a shrine as snow falls in Tokyo; Zachary Damman of Pittsburgh take his children Isla, 4, and Brax, 1, out for a walk through a foot of snow on Wolf Rocks Trail in Laurel Summit State Park near Ligonier, Pennsylvania and somebody found an unusual and not so comfortable point of view during an alpine ski men’s World Cup Super G under the snowfall in Val d’Isere, France
LOOK EAST
The North Eastern Council has been at the forefront of bringing about development in an area which faces several challenges. K MOSES CHALAI, Secretary, NEC tells SAIMI SATTAR about the roadmap ahead
change TRANSFORMATIONAL
K Moses Chalai, Secretary, North Eastern Council (NEC) hails from Chowainamai Khunou village under Mao-Maram sub-division in Senapati District. From the Manipur cadre of 1990 IAS batch, he was posted on deputation as Additional Secretary in Ministry of Women and Child Development before being sent to NEC. Before his deputation to Delhi, he had served as the Principal Secretary and Commissioner in different departments like Social Welfare, Higher Education and Health.
Iconic institutes set up by NEC. (Above): Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS); (below): North Eastern Institute of Science and Technology and (right): North Eastern Space Application Centre n What are the future plans of North Eastern Council? NEC will carry on with its mandates. We are a regional planning body and we will continue to do that for Northeast and also provide certain inputs on whatever the States come up with. We will continue to do a number of studies, some of which are ongoing, for this. These studies are linked to some practical usage as well. Second, as per the advice and mandate provided by the Prime Minister at the NEC Plenary, the Council is also going to become a state-of-the-art resource centre which will provide consultancy, skills, resources and cutting edge ideas. It will carry on projects and schemes. It is a funding agency and will continue to do that. n So will this be a separate, independent unit or will it be a subsidiary of the NEC? This will be a part of the NEC. It will have a distinct entity and will not have the typical official and governmental structure which exists at the moment. It will be involving and partnering with different institutes, experts and agencies who can bring in the best. There will be a lot of outsourcing. We are doing several studies with North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFI) which will be one of our partners. n How would you evaluate the NEC? Would you say it is a success story? To put briefly, the NEC has completed
AS PER THE ADVICE AND MANDATE PROVIDED BY THE PRIME MINISTER AT THE NEC PLENARY, THE COUNCIL IS GOING TO BECOME A STATE-OF-THE-ART RESOURCE CENTRE WHICH WILL PROVIDE CONSULTANCY, SKILLS, RESOURCES AND CUTTING EDGE IDEAS. IT WILL CONTINUE TO DO PROJECTS
48 years. It has done its bit. It has set up iconic institutions like the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), North East Police Academy (NEPA), North Eastern Institute of Science and Technology (Itanagar) and North Eastern Regional Institute of Water and Land Management (NERIWALM) among others. It has been involved in setting up of North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC). There have been some iconic institutes which have filled the critical gap in the region. It is another story that now the States are more resourceful, mature and bigger. They have expertise and can move forward once the NEC has done all of this. It has made 11,000 km of roads which can take you across continents if it is stretched out in one line. It was part of the setting up of North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO). Power, bridges, infrastructure, livelihood
projects are the core areas that NEC has taken up. Everything that it did was not perfect as the Council was still evolving. A third-party evaluation said that NEC has done its job though it could have been better. One positive aspect is that NEC has a very strong goodwill of the States. The affection of the region towards it is also immense. n How has its role evolved? It continues to do many things. NEC needs to see how it can continue to be relevant and useful while spearheading initiatives that were done in the past. There are a few initiatives which are trend-setters. Any organisation in the world in a democratic system, like a political party, has to go back to the people to say that it is still good and relevant after every four-five years. NEC has been given 50 years and it is very important that it is also subjected to this yardstick. As a part of the organisation, we are quite willing to step up and meet that challenge. Relatively, the resources of the Council have not gone up while those available to the States have increased dramatically. Definitely the resources needs to commensurate the efforts of the NEC. However, it needs to be kept in mind that resource utilisation isn’t easy. When the money comes in, it can’t be just put in anywhere. There has to be proper planning and parameters have to be followed. But we do need to step up. We should continue to work on power and basic infrastructure because there is still a need for these. There is another role which was
NEC HAS SET UP SOME ICONIC INSTITUTES WHICH HAVE FILLED THE CRITICAL GAP IN THE REGION. IT IS ANOTHER STORY THAT NOW THE STATES ARE MORE RESOURCEFUL, MATURE AND BIGGER. THEY HAVE EXPERTISE AND CAN MOVE FORWARD ONCE THE NEC HAS DONE ALL OF THIS
outlined by our Chairman, Home Minister, Amit Shah. He has said that 30 per cent of the NEC budget should be apportioned and provided to backward areas and deprived sections which have been left out. This has kicked in from this financial year. We are working and struggling as this is a new area. Looking back, I agree that some portion of the resources need to go forward in blocks which have not seen NEC projects. The Council does not lag behind anyone in terms of output and outcome vis-a-vis resources in comparison with any government organisation. It is perhaps among the better ones as compared to other organisations under Central and State governments. n Any new areas that NEC should be focussing on? Technology is definitely one area that needs to pick up. NEC should step into that area and do better. For instance in bamboo, the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) are saying that, NEC needs to go all out and make it impactful. But for that resources are needed. The authorities in Delhi have promised that resources would be found to undertake projects in the area. The government in Delhi is impatient and wants to go big. The NEC is also conducting studies with the Ministry of DoNER, IIMs, NEDFI under the lead given by the PM. So, plans are being prepared for different subjects. n Do you see NEC’s role expanding then? Yes, and it should...
BEGIN ANEW
CRUISE
CONTROL
Navigating rivers amidst a luxurious setting is tailor-made for the year that follows a time when all of us were confined at home, says RAJ SINGH
THE
new year brings a chance to set a fresh course towards the future, to explore new horizons and bring unfulfilled dreams alive. After a year of life on pause, cancelled celebrations and weddings, restricted travel and separated families, we see smooth sailing ahead. This year will see the rise of the conscious Indian traveller, who is far more discerning about the journeys s/he undertakes, willing and able to be away from home for longer (thanks to remote working), more appreciative of surroundings and local people and how and
where s/he spends time. The new-age Indian traveller’s search for novel vacation leads to “river cruising” along with luxury train journeys as the perfect offerings since these are emerging as hot travel trends. While multiple leviathan ocean-going ghost ships sit empty offshore due to coronavirus and environmental impact, it will be the smaller boutique river vessels — with pollution-preventing technology, fresh organic and natural produce served onboard, well-trained and attentive crew and regular deep sanitising,
EXOTICA [30] JANUARY 2021
YOU CAN’T CROSS THE SEA MERELY BY STANDING AND STARING AT THE WATER — RABINDRANATH TAGORE
that take you to less-visited destinations in an intimate environment (with a limited number of guests) — that are powering for a busy schedule in ’21. For centuries rivers, especially in our ancient land, have represented metaphors for rejuvenation and transformation. Travellers have journeyed along our sacred rivers seeking knowledge and wisdom and returned home to tell of their reinvigorating stories: of vast breezy vistas, exclusivity, and revelations of culture. River cruises that are mindful in the curation
of their programme and service can present the evolution of these time-immemorial Indian travel traditions. Antara Cruises for instance, seamlessly incorporates wellness, Ayurveda, experiential culture and philosophical discourse, across the physical and subliminal fabric of the ship and the signature experiences provided onboard. The journey on the river ship becomes as much a part of the experience as the destination. This year river cruising promises to return the four joys to our lives.
EXOTICA [31] JANUARY 2021
DISCOVERY
WE’VE
all had to spend a significant amount of time at home, viewing the world from sterile glowing screens. We see river cruising offer a unique opportunity to ease back into travelling across the world, to discover new locations, places and experiences that stimulate all the senses from a luxurious basecamp while the view outside is always changing. The great histories of the world have been written along the banks of our rivers. From Siddhartha Gautama meditating in Bodh Gaya to Xuanzang traversing ancient Buddhist Universities taking scrolls to China; from Taj Mahal builder Shah Jahan’s defining childhood moments of waking to the river each morning, to the Maharaja of Jaipur’s urns carrying tonnes of Ganga water for a voyage to London — these waterways have seen it all. Innovations from ink to rulers, muslin to microwave and communications, great religions and philosophies, wondrous literature and poetry have been borne out from the abundance of our rivers. Onboard, sailing along the rivers offers numerous immersive destination discovery opportunities that will soon fade out the screen glow from your eyes.
RIVER
SERENITY
sailing offers you a journey along pristine waterways with an abundance of wildlife, through rural areas where there is no mass-tourism or big industry. It unlocks the opportunity to immerse in the moment of quiet locales away from hustle and bustle, take in the fresh open space, focus on the journey, enjoy photography and contemplate on wider questions. The place the Ganga meets the sea represents the end of thousands of miles journey from the Himalayas. This fine silt, physically and metaphorically, creates abundance of spiritual and material wealth. The rich fertile soil fuels organic natural produce as well as tea, indigo and natural dyes to produce the finest hand-made textiles and silks in the world. The open decks and suite balconies of river cruising ships give awe-inspiring vistas of peaceful pristine rivers and wildlife and allow emotive excursions to these provincial villages without commerciality while experiencing their living culture. It is a true immersion and a feeling of freedom sets you at peace and in tune with the environment.
EXOTICA [32] JANUARY 2021
AS
FAMILY
a child I can remember when dignitaries visited Bharatpur, Rajasthan as the guests of the late Maharaja. They navigated the punts and crafts through the lakes and waterways for pleasure. I remember the fun with family and friends where we were discovering new surprises around every corner of the waterscape and being absolutely immersed in the peacefulness of being on water. One of the aims of cruises is to bring these joys of togetherness to all. Featuring family-style dining, dance performances, henna, excursions, tea and coffee tastings. There is a wondrous environment to enjoy quality family time, share experiences and new learnings while creating memories for a lifetime.
THIS
WELL-BEING
difficult period has highlighted the need to take care of our health, in mind, body and soul which requires a more holistic approach to all activities we undertake. In the coming year, we foresee travellers being very conscious of this and making informed choices when it comes to destinations, hotels and
experiences. The elements that matter will be inclusive but beyond just hygiene and sanitisation. Diet, well-being activities and a true and authentic interface and perspective on art, music, architecture, textiles, and culture will become as relevant as food for the soul. Sunrise yoga, refreshing massages in European or Ayurvedic style, wellness menu that can be customised as well as on-board activities which feature knowledgeable experts on Indian music, art and culture that bring alive the myriad histories and stories that have unfolded along the riverscapes make for a lasting lifelong impression.
WE
CELEBRATION
are looking towards a celebratory 2021. For all those who have paused their lives, this year we hope you rejoice with your loved ones, plan for that special anniversary, the exclusive family holiday, a reunion with friends and family for that intimate wedding with your close ones. And river cruises offers an unparalleled opportunity for invigoration and transformation in a memorable style with all the luxury quotients of an exclusive event venue. — The author is founder, Antara Cruises
EXOTICA [33] JANUARY 2021
BEGIN ANEW People are returning to theatres in large numbers as the magic of cinema remains unparalleled, says GAUTAM DUTTA
THE SHOW MUST GOON...
A
lot has been said and written about the impact of the pandemic on the economy, the country and the individual lives of people. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the cinema industry was one of the worst-hit, if not the most. On March 17 last year around 7,000 single screens and 3,500 multiplex ones across the country were closed for operations, putting the jobs of around two lakh employees and indirect jobs of lakhs in this manpower-intensive industry at risk, bringing the entire business to nil revenue in a single day. Bleak as these circumstances were, it has also proven to be a time of immense innovation and resilience where people rose to the challenge and responded to this global crisis with creative solutions and camaraderie. The COVID scenario was completely unprecedented and very little was known from past experiences and collective knowledge to navigate this unchartered territory. Wasting no time, we sprang into action engaging with world leaders in our industry and participating in discussions in global forums, where cutting-edge technologies for best safety practices were appraised. The plan was to implement stringent hygiene protocols, social distancing and food safety measures along with minimal human contact across all touchpoints. The recent overwhelming response during the release of Tenet was, in part, due to the confidence among our
customers as a result of these safety measures, which finds its fullest expression in the PVR Care campaign. By stringently adhering to health and safety protocols it ensured that customers and employees stay safe as well as breathe healthy by maintaining optimum indoor air quality inside the theatres by adopting measures like increased intake of fresh air, deep sanitisation before the start of every show, maintaining temperature and humidity levels and social distancing in seating. As a result, theatres were booked to capacity in accordance with 50 per cent occupancy guideline recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This further goes on to indicate that people have been waiting for a great and safe out-of-home experience after being confined indoors for months. People are hardwired to go out and seek shared experiences, which makes for a strong case for them to return to the theatres with greater enthusiasm. Cinema always held a special place in our country. As the cheapest form of entertainment, it offers a unique experience in an entertainment-starved country like ours. Interestingly, data has shown that there hasn’t been much change in people’s disposable income due to COVID as they continue to shop, eat out and even buy cars and assets. Additionally, spending on weddings, leisure and travel has resumed since the lockdown was lifted. So, there’s no reason to believe that cinema which provides the whole package — movie, five-star ambience and food under one roof —
will be affected. Further, the discounts, promotion offers on tickets and F&B that were introduced since theatres reopened make it a great offering. Scepticism about the opening of theatres has generated discussions challenging the relevance and value of cinemas. The extinction of cinemas has been talked and written about by pundits about from time immemorial during important junctures. First, it was piracy, then it became television and satellite channels, later it was the introduction of DVD players and for a while, it was the IPL. More recently cinema halls have been pitted against OTT platforms. However, the overwhelming response has only confirmed that people were grudgingly watching movies at home because there was no option. This recent trend is only a phase and not the norm. Normally, in a week, about 10 to 15 new films are released in India. However, we’ve only had 12-15 releases so far across OTT platforms. It’s also important to note that the performance of cinemas is being compared when theatres have not even fully opened. In reality, OTT platforms and theatres are not in competition with each other. Every new release has a life cycle with the largest chunk of its
business coming from its big-screen release. Therefore, the film industry prefers that movies release in theatres first. It’s this that makes a movie big, both artistically and financially. The immense success is also partly due to customer engagement during the lockdown. Recognising that people were confined to their homes for months, #OuchTheCouch digital campaign invited cinema enthusiasts to share video clips or images expressing how much they miss watching films in a theatre. At the end of the campaign, the entries were to be compiled into a film that ran when the cinemas reopened and also featured on the brand’s social media pages. Once reopened, there was a strategic focus on building customer confidence. Innovative schemes and promotions were introduced on pricing as well as the content, in a way to invite our patrons to experience our safety measures and, in turn, they would act as our evangelists. On the content front, several film festivals were organised such as ‘Return of the Blockbusters’ showcasing mostloved hits like Tanhaji, Thappad, and others; ‘Unmissable Hits’ showcasing award-winning content like Parasite, Joker, Ford vs Ferrari and more, which was followed by the ‘Halloween Film Festival’ showcasing the long-awaited The Rental along with past horror favorites such as Conjuring 2 and IT. This has been complemented with private screenings. In addition, we recently launched a microwave popcorn brand ‘Popmagic’ which marks our entry into the F&B business. — The author is chief executive officer, PVR Cinemas
EXOTICA [36] JANUARY 2021
BEGIN ANEW
Make way for the FUTURE
Restaurant designs are undergoing a transformation not just in the patron-seating area but also in the kitchens to adhere to safety norms, says ABHIGYAN NEOGI
LET’S
dine out.” Does the invitation lead to a feeling of excitement and happiness or is it better described as trepidation and fear? The outbreak of the global pandemic has affected the hospitality industry which had been following an organic trajectory during the past decade and it accounted for almost 10 per cent of the world’s GDP. With the passage of time and phase-wise unlock series across the country, restaurants are now gradually reopening with specific guidelines from the government. Incorporating these SOP’s, architects and interior designers have started working towards a new thinking process. The primary aim for every restaurant owner today is not only to give a fine-dining experience with quality food and luxurious aesthetics but also to make the customers feel safe. The idea is to ensure customer safety while enhancing the overall experience. In order to achieve this restaurants, with the help of designers, are brainstorming to introduce no-touch solutions, open plan concepts through partitions between tables, regular sanitisation and other safety measures that are outside the traditional fine-dining design experience. For architects and interior design firms this means employing elements like automated lights, no-touch basins, automatic doors, trash receptacles, toilet flushing and other essentials. Addressing the need for frequent sanitising has meant that material finishes need utmost importance. Opting for non-porous and non-absorbent materials like glass, stone slabs, marbles and metals has become a new trend while choosing the material palette. There has been a tremendous shift in kitchen designs post-lockdown. With wider circulation and unrestricted movements, the new designs have become flexible. Entry and exit points are being reduced, thus, making it possible to be correctly manned and sanitised. By opting for live or open kitchen, restaurants are adapting to newer food safety protocols that could add a sense of security while building a positive correlation to the sourcing and cooking. Restaurants serving buffets are introducing more
live stations, smaller one-person serves and more staff serving from behind the counters. Design changes are also being incorporated in the form of seating arrangements. To justify the SOPs, shoulder-to-shoulder seating and the overall seat count is being minimised. With broader circulation space for servicing, restaurants are maintaining the social distancing norms. Booth seating is provided with removable partitions to grant a sense of privacy to the customers. Further, using mirrors to increase interaction has become another trending design technique. Designers are also focusing on bringing in natural light and ventilation. Integrating outdoor seating, either on terraces or patios, is another viable solution for minimum contact. With restaurants aiming to develop a unique brand identity and in order to establish a regular and loyal customer base, there is a need to have a distinctive and remarkable spirit. The upcoming years will see timeless yet quirky and minimalistic functional spaces where the designs are straightforward and easy to navigate. The preliminary ambition right now is to mitigate the current challenge by joining hands to curb this global menace and help the industry revive at a better pace. — The author is founder and principal architect of Chromed Design Studio, a hospitality design firm
EXOTICA [39] JANUARY 2021
BEGIN ANEW
A fine mix of technology and personalisation will be the key for the hospitality industry from hereon, says VIJAY WANCHOO
RE-INVENTING FOR RECOVERY EXOTICA [40] JANUARY 2021
AS
the hospitality landscape is re-emerging from the lull caused by unprecedented challenges of 2020, the hotels are prepared to bounce back with new learnings, trends and expectations. The future of the industry will be based on the new normal protocols and their on-time delivery. As the travel constraints get relaxed, immaculate hygiene solutions and well-being norms become imperative to ensure enhanced safety at all times, for guests and associates. However, the human element can’t be taken away from hospitality, so maintaining the right balance of technology and traditions will be the key. Now smiling through eyes with a warm voice saying, “Namaskar”, will be the new world order. The hotel industry has adapted to the current limitations on the operational front. We have and are getting used to the various implements that we never used before. It’s like the adjustments after 26/11 attack on Taj Mahal, Mumbai. Till then we’d never seen security checks of the levels we see today. However, with this resurgence, it’s clear that the industry will take considerable time to re-establish its operations like earlier times and revive fully. The first aim is to work towards eliminating losses by controlling costs. Hotels have re-opened but they’ll take at least four to six months to break even and then at least a year before the GOP will start stabilising. We aren’t even half way through this phase of change. So a broader vision to attain recovery is the need of the hour and we should embrace these parameters: o As the shift towards technology is at work during these times, contactless services and robust measures at all touch points will have to be implemented. For instance, The Imperial
EXOTICA [41] JANUARY 2021
has launched I Care — a wellness initiative — to guarantee health and well-being of guests during their stay or while they dine in keeping with global guidelines. This includes seamless check-in/ check-out, QR codes in all public areas for easy access to digital menus and guest information, digital concierge services, safe airport transfers and new dining norms to ensure an enhanced experience. This is communicated through various collaterals, digital displays and other equipment. o Sustainability has become imperative for survival and is much more required than earlier. Energy will always be a limited resource even if it’s
rendered free and, as an environmentally conscious organisation, we’ll always try to use it optimally. Better air quality systems, efficient hand- hygiene standards, less water wastage and reduced plastic use are must-haves. So creative solutions in technology and ground level green initiatives to optimise operations are the renewal strategy. o As the guests are seeking enhanced experiences, impeccable and personalised services are quintessential. These can be achieved by customising staycations with wellness value add-ons and revisiting business modules by serving local and pitching for domestic travellers. This is vital for sustaining business considering the current travel scenario and unpredictable future. o Tourism contributes to 10-12 per cent of country’s employment. Putting things in perspective, the Ministry should initiate supporting programmes and policies to revive the sector considering the magnitude of this pandemic on hospitality. o Embracing digitisation, for brand promotions and value-added services, is a must for marketing strategies. Whether it’s seasonal packages, curated dining experiences or revisiting memories, it will
EXOTICA [42] JANUARY 2021
enhance top-of-the-mind recall, push come backs and aid in maximising revenue streams. o The guests have been waiting to re-explore their preferred restaurants and indulge in their favourite cuisines so F&B will surely remain one of the biggest revenue generating streams for hotels. Building up on it and getting the regulars back with offers combined with unrivalled safety standards are the core for recovery. o Understanding changing paradigms and retaining a talented workforce are crucial to sustain a successful business module. As one of the important sectors driving the Indian economy, hotels should continue to give monetary benefits to their teams by cutting fewer salaries and taking initiatives that can sustain employees. Regular training to meet the new challenges will motivate and empower them. o Wedding business and domestic travel are the game changers now and will certainly pave the way for a gradual upsurge. Continued focus and creative re-thinking to raise these revenue models will reap benefits. Concluding, I’d say, the pandemic hit the travel and tourism industry hard and hoteliers have to
make a collective effort to reinstate faith in travel. This is possible by renewing confidence amongst domestic travelers and re-assuring their safety with enhanced and tailored experiences. Collectively, we have to keep spreading the message of a secure environment in hotels. This year has given us immense learning and with our continuous efforts the industry shall emerge stronger with new processes, guidelines and experiences, keeping the warmth of Indian hospitality intact. — The author is senior executive vice president & general manager, The Imperial, New Delhi
EXOTICA [43] JANUARY 2021
BEGIN ANEW
Healthier ingredients, innovative methods of cooking and experiential home dining will continue to evolve in the coming year, says Chef VIKRAMJIT ROY
WITH
the pandemic not subsiding and vaccines still not creating a supply chain, which I feel would take up to the third quarter of 2021, the number of restaurants that either re-open or newer restaurants opening up would be few. The emphasis would be on quality over quantity and every smaller aspect like quality of employees, wastage, recycling, business plan and more would be rethought and more planning would go into minimising fixed costs as much as possible and yet be positively disruptive. Home-dining would continue to see growth, which means delivery kitchens would continue to grow. Having said this, with 5-star hotels, leading chefs and restaurants joining to cater to this segment, innovation would play a pivotal role here. Gaining trust of the consumer would be the key, hence more reputed chefs and organisation-led businesses would see a high. More experiential
dining at home and innovative cuisine concepts from professional kitchens would surge. With our lifestyle changing drastically over the last eight to nine months during this unpredictable situation food choices would be critical. Mindful sourcing and buying of ingredients, more nutrition-led delicious food, ugly-looking delicious dishes and more would see a high. The usage of ingredients like chickpeas would also see a rise as a variety of things like flours, puffs, breads, desserts, ice creams and more would be made out these. Fermentation would continue to grow and many more techniques would make their way to home kitchens to enhance the flavour profile of simple ingredients. — The author is partner, Hello Panda, a gourmet Pan-Asian delivery service and former chef at Pan Asian at ITC Chola, Chennai, Wasabi by Morimoto at Taj Mahal hotel and Tian-Asian Cuisine Studio at ITC Maurya
EXOTICA [45] JANUARY 2021
BEGIN ANEW
MUSEUM TRAIL Can virtual art replace the physical experience? KIRAN NADAR offers her viewpoint
VIRTUAL
gaining an understanding and develop an Art has appreciation for art. There is also the comfort become a factor. For nascent enthusiasts this is an easy and well-known less intimidating way of familiarising themselves term as we enter 2021. The familiarity can now be with this world of skills, dexterity and genius. attributed to the state of lockdown that we have Virtual art is something that is here to stay, not been living in since March last year. With normal just in terms of exhibitions of physical artwork, social interactions banned, life has become largely but also in the development and increasing virtual, the world over. With many museums and popularity of art made in and for galleries closed, or with limited the virtual world. While there access, art lovers and the curious has been a lot of debate over the are turning to virtual art to try experience created by these and replicate the experience. virtual formats, the question While for many the always arises about the experience of viewing art on an similarities and differences. online platform may never While virtual art is also now recreate the pure thrill of seeing equally important, it would be a beautiful, meaningful work in difficult to say that it can replace person, there is a silver lining to the physical experience of the cloud. Technology has now looking at a piece in a person. made a lot possible. The 3D tours Human beings are social of museums and galleries do an creatures and there is a need to incredible job of replicating the get out of and be in a space with feel of walking through an art people that share similar exhibition in real life. With so interests. Understanding, much available for viewing appreciation and perspective can online now, the gates have been thrown open for anyone and grow and evolve from these NN Rimzon’s The Tools (1993) made with interactions and impromptu everyone to view and start resin, marble dust fibreglass and iron
EXOTICA [46] JANUARY 2021
The difference in perspective. (Left): Exploring Zarina Hashmi’s Directions to my House (2018) virtually makes for an unusual experience. (Right): An art afficionado appreciating Nalani Malani’s Twice Upon a Time. (Below): Himmat Shah’s Untitled Bronze
conversations regarding the art and artists. This interaction and happiness of being out and about while doing, seeing and discussing the aspects that you like or dislike are experiences that are hard to replicate in the virtual world. This feeling is exacerbated by the forced seclusion and social isolation that most of the world has experienced this year. The need to get out and engage in the physical world is real. On the other hand, each human being is different and has different sets of preferences. Some people might enjoy being able to sit alone at home and look at the artwork is silence, while some would want to do this as a group activity and have discussions. Also different kinds of art hit people differently. Each and every piece has a unique idea and thought process behind it. While some may give the same experience online as they do in real life, other types of artwork, such as installations, are something that can never work in a virtual environment as they are meant to be impactful to the naked eye and not through a screen. The ultimate goal of virtual art right now is to help people gain access to this world during the coronavirus pandemic. But will this take over the traditional viewings in the museums? It seems highly unlikely. — The author is an Indian art collector, philanthropist and the founder of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art
EXOTICA [47] JANUARY 2021
GURUSPEAK Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru
Usher
in the new
As a fresh calendar sets into motion, let there be sunshine in our lives as we create a violence-free society Sound stretched is music... Movement stretched is dance... Mind stretched is meditation... LIFE stretched is celebration. poor man celebrates the New Year once in 12 months. A rich man celebrates it each day. But the richest man celebrates it every moment. You don’t need money to celebrate life. If you just have the trust and faith that you will be provided what you need you start celebrating
A
every moment. That’s the real sign of prosperity. Welcome 2021 with a genuine smile from within. That smile comes when you know for sure that you are loved. The earth loves you. That’s why it is holding you upright. The earth’s love is its gravitational force. The air loves you. That’s why air gushes in through your nose even when you are sleeping and moves through your lungs. The Divine loves you very dearly, very deeply. If you don’t know you are loved by the Divine,
EXOTICA [48] JANUARY 2021
TURN BACK AND REMEMBER THE WHOLE YEAR. DO NOT RUN AWAY FROM ANYTHING. DO NOT REJECT ANYTHING. DO NOT GO AWAY FROM ANYTHING. AT THE SAME TIME, LET YOUR ATTENTION BE ON THE SELF. THIS IS A DELICATE BALANCE. THAT BALANCE IS YOGA. THAT BALANCE IS SPIRITUALITY you will not be able to celebrate life. You will live in insecurity. With insecurity, comes greed. With greed, selfishness becomes strong. And with that comes anger. With anger comes lust. And with that comes all kinds of sadness, miseries — one behind the other — like a chain. In the past year, how many days were you in sanyaas? How many days were you struggling since you were caught in maya? Turn back and remember the whole year. Do not run away from anything. Do not reject anything. Do not go away from anything. At the same time, let your attention be on the self. This is a delicate balance. That balance is yoga. That balance is spirituality. Every excuse to celebrate is good. In celebration, you are not just having a party, you remind yourself of the wisdom. If the sacred is attached to a celebration, that celebration is total and complete. It’s not just body and mind but also the spirit that celebrates.
The year 2020 is fortunate because you are living at this time. When you are living for the sake of the world, the world is fortunate. Let time celebrate your presence. You keep smiling as ever. When you let time celebrate you, you are a witness amid celebration. The heart always longs for the old, the mind for the new. Life is a combination of both. Allow the space for creativity to dawn. The past year has taught us many lessons; what we should be doing and what we should not be doing. Every pain that we went through in 2020 brought us some depth. All the joy and pleasure gave us a new vision of life and hope for the future. The year gone by saw plenty of rainy days. This New Year, let there be sunshine in our lives and in the society. Let us all have a determination to create a violence-free, stress-free society. May your life be filled with peace, joy and happiness. Happy New Year!
EXOTICA [49] JANUARY 2021
FITNESS
A RECIPE FOR Bharat Thakur is a yoga guru and founder of Artistic Yoga
The ancient science is just the right way to combat sluggishness and susceptibility to infections during this season
WINTERS WINTER
has well and truly set in. When it’s cold we curl up to stay warm and are less inclined towards physical activity. However, the season brings some negative aspects. Our body’s first priority is to protect our vital organs. So blood vessels, carrying blood to our limbs, constrict to ensure our organs have enough heat to function. This decreased blood circulation slows our body’s systems and leads to stiffness in our joints and muscles. Winter also affects our brain’s chemistry. With shorter days and longer nights higher level of melatonin hormone is produced which winds the body down for sleep. We also have lower level of serotonin which is produced during daylight hours. So we tend to feel sluggish, less energetic, a bit low and more sedentary during winter. This is also when we are prone to catching colds, flus and respiratory ailments. So, it’s important to do some form of activity/exercise that will keep us fit, healthy and make our immune systems stronger through this season. Yoga is the ideal discipline as it adapts to any season. Even if you are feeling lethargic, it can be done slowly and gently and totally revitalise you. It has its own unique approach to warming us up. The Manipur chakra in the navel area is associated with the element of fire and vital energy. It’s linked to the digestive system, solar plexus and adrenal glands. Most yoga asanas and practices stimulate this chakra either directly or indirectly. The body is then able to activate its own inner warmth and heat so that its systems and
organs work and function efficiently. You will also feel less cold. Some pranayama (breathing exercises) like Ujjayi and Kapalbhatti warm up the body from within. Kapalbhatti removes carbon dioxide from the lungs and toxins, warms up and energises the body, clears the lungs and improves their capacity. It isn’t recommended for those with high BP or heart conditions. Winter stiffness has to be handled with care. Warming up the body before any practices is important. Every movement in yoga has to be done in sync with your breathing and with awareness. As the body is stiff, do what you can comfortably. Don’t push yourself excessively. Most yoga asanas are beneficial through winter. There are dynamic practices like Surya Namaskar
that recharge, revitalise and align the body with your inner solar vitality. Postures like Virbhadrasana (warrior), Utkatasana (chair pose), Padhastasana (head to knee posture), Parvatasana, Trikonasana not just warm you up but also carry a multitude of other benefits. Yoga can help you in a unique way as it recognises the importance of the endocrinal (glandular) system as fundamental to our health and well-being. Whether it’s an asana, a bandha (neuro-muscular locks) or pranayama, it will press a particular gland to release certain hormones and keep hormonal levels balanced. If you begin yoga before or in winter, you’ll see the difference in your energy levels and moods. So even though it’s tempting to not do anything, the cold weather is actually all the more reason to keep up yoga practice.
PARVATASANA
o Lie on your stomach, palms down and level with shoulders, elbows bent and tucked close to body o Breathe in, exhale and raise your hips high, tuck chin in and look at your navel. Heels are flat on floor o Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathe normally
SARNAGAT MUDRA o Now, lower knees to the floor o Keep arms stretched out and push the hips back to rest on heels, forehead on floor o Breathe in slowly and deeply. Each time you exhale, let the body relax more o Do for three-five minutes
BENEFITS OF PARVATASANA o Stimulates the entire digestive system o Improves blood circulation o Releases tension in the lower back, spine o Stretches and strengthens nerves and muscles in arms and legs
KAPALBHATTI
o Sit in padmasana (lotus position) or cross-legged or sit back on your heels, back straight, eyes closed, palms on knees o Exhale forcefully through the nose, pulling stomach inward o Relax stomach and inhale (will happen automatically) o Practice 20-50 exhalation at a stretch. Over time, build up to 100 o Breathe in and exhale slowly o Do two more rounds BENEFITS: o The forceful exhalation cleanses and revitalises the whole system o Improves cardio-respiratory capacity and oxygen levels o Strengthens the nervous system
PADAHASTASANA
o Stand straight, feet together, palms together o Slowly inhale as you stretch both arms up over your head and bend slightly back o Exhale as you bend forward from the hips o Place palms beside feet and bring head down to knees o Hold, breathing normally for 30-60 seconds o Inhale as you stretch up o Exhale as you resume start position o Repeat three times, slowly BENEFITS: o Massages, tones, stimulates digestive organs o Increases vitality and metabolism o Increases blood flow to the head, improves concentration o Reduces abdominal flab, stretches the back, tones spinal nerves o Opens up the hips and stretches the hamstrings
PARIVRTTA o Stand straight with feet wider than your hips o Inhale as you raise both arms sideways to shoulder level o Slowly exhale as you bend forward, twisting body to the left, bringing right hand to the left foot o Left arm should be stretched vertically so both arms are in a straight line. Look up at the left fingertips o Hold for five-10 seconds, breathing deeply o Inhale as you straighten and return to start position o Repeat on the other side
TRIKONASANA BENEFITS: o Stimulates abdominal organs, liver and digestive system o Improves absorption, digestion, boosts immunity o Opens up lungs to improve breathing and oxygen levels. o This boosts serotonin levels and the immune system o Realigns shoulders, stretches the spine, hips and hamstrings
NUMBERGAME Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist
COUNT YOUR FATE
NUMBER 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th of any month) In 2021, you’d like to lead from the front and will do better in positions of authority. Don’t trust others or jump to conclusions. Be careful about getting into partnerships. A materialistically fulfilling year. Take time out for near and dear ones. Health wise, you could be brimming with energy.
NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) Run the extra mile and burn off pent up energy this year. Investments should be longterm. Having indulged enough, safeguard what’s important. Be more tolerant at home. Students can move closer to their targets. In health, work on your lifestyle and draw a line to protect from excessive electronics exposure.
NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) You have a lust for travel but brace against an expensive year. Don’t take the stress of relatives and friends. You barely manage your own. Listen to your intuition. If you have to live momentarily on past laurels, then so be it. Be meticulous with paper work like agreements, insurance and wills.
NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) In 2021, you’ve the opportunity to enhance emotional intelligence skills. Try to make momentum, speed and communication work in your favour. A financially shaky year. Those in service industries or alternate sciences can soar. Keep your emotions under control. Don’t be a slave of the mind or heart.
NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) This is your year if you aren’t fickle-minded. Stomach may be suspect due to unnecessary worrying. Avoid being impulsive. Use your communication skills. Those looking for a change of job should put their best foot forward. Students will have to focus and concentrate. Work on time management.
NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) It’s time to enjoy what karma has earned. A materialistically good year. Awkward relationships could be mended. Make better use of your time and resources. Avoid shortcuts. A lucrative job or business opportunity, a shift of residence or an investment in property is possible. Fitness levels will go up.
NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th of any month) Students and teachers could make giant strides in this year. Not satisfied with ‘subordinate’ positions, you will rise and have authority. A financially, decent year. Be patient and tolerant towards loved ones however difficult they behave. Display your love towards them. Health is fine but don’t overthink.
NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) Don’t get swayed by emotions. A materialistically satisfying year. Your love life could see new highs. Avoid arguments at home. Those eligible for marriage, seeking better jobs, wanting to shift into new homes and take foreign trips will be closer to realising their dreams. You will feel rejuvenated.
NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th of any month) In 2021, put a tab on being impulsive and impetuous. Not a good year for taking risks. In love, you can make headway. Team work will help. If you’re looking at a job change, think of those who don’t have one. Stay busy to be healthy. Don’t let inactivity disturb you. Physical activities are your lifeline.
EXOTICA [53] JANUARY 2021
MUSICAL MOVES Six talented artistes elaborate on the reasons why their heart beats in rhythm with the Kia Sonet
EXOTICA [54] JANUARY 2021
EXOTICA [55] JANUARY 2021
WHO SAYS BASSISTS AREN’T COOL? GAVIN PACHECO gave up his job in an IT major to follow his passion and he hasn’t regretted it since
WHY
following in his father’s footsteps by becoming a would you quit a job as a teacher. But not a traditional one. Gavin established Human Resources manager in ‘Your Academy of Music’ (YAM) in Gurugram an Indian IT major to take up a Sector-50, where he teaches the guitar. “In fact, career as a musician? “Well, if you aren’t being we learn a lot from them. Of course, we become honest to either your job or your passion, you’re aware of the current trends and sounds in music. short changing both,” says Gavin Pacheco. A decade And I teach the kids through the bands and artistes has passed and he has no regrets. Describing they listen to rather than shoving things down himself as a ‘freelance musician’, Gavin has played their throat.” the bass guitar in several prominent independent Unfortunately for many musicians, 2020 has bands in India including Faridkot, Desi Roots, The been a major bump on road, rather a long and loud Limited Experience and Gone Fishing. “Nothing feedback noise on the amplifiers. There are few beats the experience of playing live,” he says. opportunities for live performances, the bread and So how did he get into music? “People assume butter for most musicians, not just in India but it’s because of my Goan musical heritage and, yes, it across the world. “Let’s hope the vaccine gets is. My father played the saxophone. I was introduced music back but teaching kids has helped me retain to music through Gospel but like most kids, when I some sanity.” was a teenager, I listened to rock music by bands And what about the Kia Sonet and the sevenlike Guns ‘N Roses, Metallica, Van Halen and more.” speaker BOSE audio system in the car? “Well, first, Many of the bands Gavin plays for collaborates the Intelligent Manual Transmission is a brilliant with are inspired by Indian music and sounds. The idea and the sound quality is just amazing for a car Hindi lyrics of bands such as Desi Roots help the at this price. As a musician or music reach out to a wider anyone who loves listening to audience. “My father would have music, having a good audio loved it if I got into an IIT. Of system on a car is a very course, that didn’t happen but I important thing and we all can proudly say that I have know the quality of BOSE audio played at every IIT.” and after hearing this, I would Sometimes things can take a even consider purchasing a car surprising turn. “We got noticed like the Sonet.” by a major global clothing Little wonder then that the brand and we were signed on as PEOPLE ASSUME THAT JUST Kia Sonet is among the best cars brand ambassadors during BECAUSE I’M GOAN I HAVE A demonetisation when things MUSICAL HERITAGE, AND YES, I DO. launched in 2020. The year MY FATHER PLAYED THE might have been a difficult one were tough for other musicians,” SAXOPHONE. WHILE MY for many people but on India’s Pacheco continues. INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC WAS roads we have a new champion. Gavin’s father, Tony Pacheco THROUGH GOSPEL MUSIC, BUT I’D SAY, LIKE MOST KIDS MY AGE, It comes loaded with amazing never did carry on with the WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER I new technology and features saxophone professionally and LISTENED TO ROCK MUSIC INCLUDING GUNS ‘N ROSES, that are not found even in cars pursued a career as a very METALLICA, VAN HALEN AND three times the price forget the popular teacher at Delhi’s THE LIKE ones in its own segment. St. Columba’s school. He is now
EXOTICA [56] JANUARY 2021
BORN TO BE A MUSICIAN NILADRI CHAKRAVARTY might sing for his supper, but he is pretty good at it
I’VE
and this BOSE system is amazing. I’m in the market been surrounded with music all for a car, and Sonet ticks all the boxes. I’m simply my life,” says Niladri Chakravarty, amazed at the features it offers. I mean ventilated frontman of the Delhi-based band seats? Wow!” ‘The Limited Experience’ and adds that he’s actually The class-leading BOSE audio system, available been listening to music since the time he was in his on the top-specification variants of the Kia Sonet, mother’s womb. He credits his family for features seven speakers, one each on every door, introducing him to a vast array from traditional two tweeters on the A-pillar and a subwoofer in the Rabindra Sangeet to funk. boot, giving a proper surround sound feeling. The “My list of musical influences is large. I’ve heard Sonet’s 10.26-inch infotainment system screen is music from the 1930s from a multitude of genres also class leading and thanks to multiple inputs which have inspired me and developed my ear,” allows drivers and passengers Chakravarty says. He promptly to play music from Apple starts playing some classic CarPlay and Android Auto as tracks by The Beatles on the well as over Bluetooth and Sonet’s BOSE audio system. “I directly from the USB. If the car love the Fab Four. Even today is stationary you can also play the music they wrote is so videos on the screen. inspirational,” he says adding, And why wouldn’t it? The Kia “Song writing in the 1960’s was Sonet comes with a choice of special.” A lot of other classic engines, unlike vehicles from musicians continue to be an most other carmakers. You inspiration for this 20have the Smartstream 1.2 litre something. Not just acts like petrol with 83PS as well as the The Police, Eric Clapton, Pink 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol Floyd, John Mayer, The Doors, IT IS AMAZING FUN TEACHING Fleetwood Mac but also more CHILDREN MUSIC BECAUSE IF THEY engine that Chakravarty drove LIKE IT, YOU GET TO OPEN UP with 120PS. There’s also a diesel modern acts like Canadian band THEIR WORLD WITH AMAZING option, a refined 1.5 CRDi Tame Impala hold his interest. NEW SOUNDS AND YOU ALSO GET TO LEARN FROM THEM. engine that produces 100PS in He writes lyrics and BEING A MUSICIAN IS ALWAYS A the manual and a first-incomposes songs as he takes his LEARNING EXPERIENCE segment diesel automatic role as a frontman seriously. variant with 115PS. Just like Chakravarty listens to Currently the lead vocalist for Delhi-based band, music from a variety of genres to improve his The Limited Experience, Chakravarty started his musical abilities, the Sonet offers its customers a first band in school at the age of 16. He began host of options to ensure that they can choose what playing the piano at the age of nine and the guitar at is best for them. 15 without formal training in music. Yet, today he is And while 2020 has been a difficult time for teaching young children both guitar and vocals at a many folks, the Kia Sonet ensures that if you are a couple of music schools in Delhi and Gurugram. musician or just a music fan, you can listen to Chakravarty is a bundle of energy and excited top-quality music through a top-quality sound about driving the Sonet. While accelerating the system in India’s best-selling subcompact Sports turbocharged 120PS engine down Gurugram’s Utility Vehicle. Sunset Boulevard, he says, “This is a fun car to drive
EXOTICA [57] JANUARY 2021
THE SAX STAR ABHAY SHARMA wanted to be a cricketer but was no good at it. However, he can create magic with a saxophone
HE
available on Apple CarPlay, Amazon Prime Music makes no bones about the fact that he and YouTube Music compatible through a loves cricket and, if Abhay Sharma’s smartphone on the Kia Sonet. plans had worked, he would have Sharma is pragmatic about about the lack of live wielded the willow. But, he admits, he wasn’t really playing opportunities for musicians, “The lifeblood good at the game so his father bought him a flute. of all musicians is live performances at corporate Sharma now wields brass as he delights audiences events, weddings and more.” But here, he credits his with his saxophone. Playing with Delhi-based band, attitude this year to the fact that he The Revisit Project, he has no qualms has come from financial problems in about admitting that he started the past. “Pata tha ki ek din koyi siyapa doing it to support his family and padega (I knew that there would be himself while in school. trouble one day). So I took this time Playing in malls, restaurants and to practice and record new music. hotels, Sharma says, “I performed at And if you are an independent the 1911 Bar at The Imperial Hotel for musician, you’ve been out of work in three years right through college.” the past,” he shrugs. But then he was discovered by Coming back to the Kia Sonet legendary Indian composer trio and the BOSE audio system, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy because his Sharma’s praise is effusive. “Frankly, father sent them a video of his this is one of the best audio performance over Facebook. That systems in a car. It is well-balanced fortuitous discovery also led to his I PLAYED AT THE 1911 BAR and you hear the song the way band where Sharma finds himself AT THE IMPERIAL HOTEL you want it to sound like. I couldn’t now as one of India’s top wind FOR THREE YEARS RIGHT THROUGH COLLEGE [...] ever have thought that a decade instrument artistes. When Bollywood musicians went SHANKAR (MAHADEVAN) SIR ago a car would have such good ASKED ME TO FILL IN on foreign tours and Sharma got the DURING A SEQUENCE OF DIL inbuilt speakers. And in this price CHAHTA HAI WHERE THERE range too.” But Sharma admits, green light to go all out. “Shankar IS A SOLO SPACE “I loved cars when I was 18-19, (Mahadevan) Sir asked me to fill in but now it is only music,” he says while trying to during a sequence of Dil Chahta Hai where there’s a come to grips with the Kia Sonet’s Intelligent solo space.” Sharma recently accompanied Vishal Manual Transmission and adds, “I am a bit of a Bhardwaj for the song Dhoop Aane Do that speaks traditionalist when it comes to a clutch, but this is about hope following the pandemic. an innovative system.” Driving around Chanakyapuri Sharma points out Sharma is one of Delhi’s top musicians, his music the Delhi School of Music, where he learnt music as has been heard and loved by fans across the world, we begin to play The Revisit Project’s Did You Just and you can hear The Revisit Project at college Assume My Fender on the Kia Sonet’s seven-speaker festivals and online streaming platforms. The Kia BOSE system. Sharma tells us the humorous story Sonet has been India’s most popular new vehicle of behind the song title, “Well, it’s a take on the phrase 2020 setting new records in terms of bookings and ‘Did you just assume my gender?’ and we always pleasing tens of thousands of families with its stellar made fun of our guitarist and what guitar he had, so performance both inside and on the road. this is a riff on that,” he smirks. The songs are
EXOTICA [58] JANUARY 2021
STRONG ROOTS SUMIT PRATIHAST has been singing since he was a young boy, and is now redefining fusion music
I
Sumit really likes performing at colleges: “I guess the glitter and glamour of the stage really remember there were a couple of shows at the appealed to me”, Sumit Pratihast, the lead singer Haldia Institute of Technology near Kolkata, the for the band ‘Desi Roots’, tells me about why he Ansal Institute and Brijmohan Munjal University started singing at a very young age. But it was a near Gurugram. All these colleges were not just great Maithili singer performing at his neighbourhood hosts but had great crowds.” He admits that times Durga Puja that inspired him. “I’ve always had a have been tough for everyone. “I’ve been trying to knack for the performing arts,” he adds. stay strong mentally, spending more time with my As a trained filmmaker, he add his voice to the family and taking care of my cat Oreo and, well, band’s music, which explores multiple Indic genres focussing on 2021.” But with the vaccine coming out, of music alongside rock, curates the band’s music he does expect a much better situation in 2021. videos and designs poster. As we listen to Dekho Na, one of Desi Root’s own Introduced to Md Rafi and Kishore Kumar by his tracks on the Kia Sonet’s BOSE audio system, Sumit father at home at a young age, by the time he was a advises youngsters, “It is not a conventional career teenager, he was listening to Arctic Monkeys, and you should know what you want to achieve and Radiohead, Coldplay, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and spend a lot of time and effort every day with music. more. Recently, he has been listening to Arijit Singh’s With practice comes perfection but fundamental music but also drawing inspiration from western training is important.” musicians like Charlie Puth and Jacob Collier. “You The last year hasn’t been terrible for cars, as we can call it fusion because the lyrics are in Hindi and saw the introduction of the new Kia Sonet, and the music is on western instruments. In essence it is Sumit who admits to liking cars also found the audio fusion, but it isn’t traditional fusion. We sang Main system very good. Listening to Kyon Chahoon which is a sort of a his own band’s music, he said, ‘punk’ song. Some songs where “The sound in the car was sharp, there are downtempo, almost crisp and well-balanced. This is psybient, elements and others by far the best set-up of sound with jazz and blues.” I’ve heard in a car. You don’t With the distribution need anything else.” But Sumit is channels changing thanks to even more thrilled about the online platforms, Sumit believes Intelligent Manual Transmission that 2020 was the last “tough” (IMT) in the Sonet. He was the year for Indian ‘indie’ first musician who saw the IMT (independent) bands. “There is a and knew what it was, and lot of good music coming out; couldn’t wait to try it out. “I there is a hunger. Look at some get the thrill of changing gears bands’ videos getting millions, THERE IS A LOT OF GOOD MUSIC and I get off the awful clutch, maybe tens of millions, of COMING OUT; THERE IS A HUNGER. LOOK AT SOME BANDS’ VIDEOS and in city traffic that can be views.” Talking of Indian bands GETTING MILLIONS, MAYBE TENS OF really irritating on your left knee. whose music he enjoys, he MILLIONS, OF VIEWS [...] YOU SEE HIP-HOP REALLY PICKING UP IN If you would take a test drive on mentions Bengaluru-based band INDIA AND SO MANY NEW LABELS an IMT, you would definitely Parvaaz, the duo Shadow & COMING UP FOR INDIAN HIP-HOP love it.” Light and Advaita.
EXOTICA [59] JANUARY 2021
MELANGE OF FORMS SAPTAK CHATTERJEE combines his background in Hindustani Classical with western music to offer an interesting mix
ISN’T
Chatterjee is really impressed by the Intelligent it strange that schools still Manual Transmission (IMT) technology on-board describe music and the Kia Sonet Tech Line HTX+ that he is driving. “I activities like theatre and was a little tentative when I started, but my left even debating as extra-curricular activities?” foot is really grateful. It climbs really smoothly and Saptak Chatterjee asks. “These help you grow into I’m really enjoying the drive.” And he’s surprised a better person and discover new skills.” Chatterjee with the six-speed transmission of Sonet’s always knew that he wanted to be a singer. After turbocharged T-GDI engine. This powerhouse all, he is following in the footsteps of his father and engine produces a class-leading 120PS of power, grandfather who were both Hindustani Classical which is more than enough to enjoy the open roads vocalists. “Pursuing music was not a compulsion. and also delivers great fuel economy. Even if I chose to become a singer, my father never As for the seven-speaker BOSE audio system on forced Hindustani classical upon me.” the car, Chatterjee admits, “because I’m hearing Indeed, a few weeks before the Common my own music, I know exactly how it’s supposed to Aptitude Test for the Indian Institutes of sound and, to be honest, when we played Paheli it Management he decided enough was enough. sounded exactly like it did in the studio.” He even Chatterjee is on the verge of releasing his second praised the sound system for being well-balanced, album, is working on the musical scores and “If you tell a musician that a sound system has too background music for a few shows. “I’ve come a much low end, they will scowl at you because that long way. Last year I played at the NH7 Weekender is not the way they want their music to be heard. which is the largest music festival this side of the But when you listen to the other track, Kaam continent,” Chatterjee says. Dhaam, you can hear just how As we listen to one of the well-balanced the audio system first tracks called Paheli, that is. For a car of this size, at this Chatterjee released from his price-point, the BOSE audio second album Aina, which is system works like magic.” available on all major Saptak, just 25, is working streaming services such as towards his future and we will Apple Music, Amazon Music, be hearing more of him soon. Jio Saavn and YouTube Music Maybe in Bollywood or on a and can be played through television series or two. He is the smartphone interface an incredibly talented young available on the Kia Sonet that man who will certainly go he is driving. places and one who loves the Besides his father, another Kia Sonet which has reignited inspiration is A R Rahman. “I’ve his love of motoring. And if you grown up listening to his music TO BE FAIR, MY FATHER ALWAYS like driving as well as listening and been a part of shows which GAVE ME A CHOICE AND PURSUING paid tribute to him. His music MUSIC WAS NEVER A COMPULSION. to music while on the move, the EVEN IF I CHOSE TO BECOME A Kia Sonet is the best possible isn’t mainstream. That’s the SINGER, HINDUSTANI CLASSIC WAS option for you as it combines reason it appeals to creators NEVER FORCED UPON ME great audio and great driving. who try something new.”
EXOTICA [60] JANUARY 2021
THE ‘WRITE’ STUFF MANTA SIDHU wanted to be a journalist but she loved music too much...
THE
Manta is fairly pragmatic about the past year, songwriter and vocalist for the “There are many aspects to 2020, but some days it Manta Sidhu Ensemble, always was great to wake up and not go anywhere.” And wanted to write and had chalked while not performing has taken its toll, she is very out a career in journalism. After graduating from pleased that she managed to finish writing the Delhi University’s Hindu College she joined the material for the Ensemble’s third album. Although fabled AJK Mass Communication Research Centre at when she recently caught up with her bandmates Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia. Yet, after a few years of for the first time since the lockdown began, writing stories, editing and spending long hours in ostensibly for the first practice of the new material, the newsroom, Manta Sidhu realised that her true no music happened. “We were meeting after so love was music and writing songs. While supporting long that we just ate, chatted and partied.” She says herself with freelance journalism gigs on the side, that she has been fortunate as she Manta was drawn into music. teaches music at the Shiv Nadar Despite being blessed with a School in Gurugram’s DLF Phase 1 great voice, music was just one of the which has meant that unlike extra-curricular activities Manta some other musicians she has participated in during school. It was managed financially. at Hindu College that she became a Talking about the revolutionary part of the college’s active music Intelligent Manual Transmission society and met new friends — all that removes the clutch but keeps the with an interest in music. “That’s gear lever, allowing drivers to get the when I decided to pursue music best of both worlds, she says, “Well, professionally but it was an my left foot was feeling idle, but unconventional career choice then.” THAT IS WHERE I DECIDED this really took me just a minute to Yet, Sidhu states that while it THAT I WOULD BE IN MUSIC get used to, so it isn’t very difficult might have seemed tougher earlier PROFESSIONALLY, BUT I HAD because of fewer locations and gigs, NO IDEA ABOUT HOW DEEP I at all. The music is great in the WILL GET INTO IT. MUSIC car so your left foot can keep tapping nowadays with a whole bunch of WAS AN UNCONVENTIONAL to it.” She hopes that the IMT younger musicians taking up CAREER CHOICE THEN concept catches on with more cars instruments, competition has adopting it. As for the seven-speaker BOSE audio ensured that ‘making it’ is still a challenge. “By this I system, Manta’s first comments are that it is mean, earning enough to make ends meet and live ‘beautifully balanced’. “Some audio systems are too comfortably, so that you can spend time writing and heavy on the base, and others, like bad headphones, composing music and releasing albums.” can be too high on treble. As musicians the The inspiration for her songs often comes from experience you want listeners to have is a balanced her personal experiences but that is not a deliberate one and that is what we try to achieve in the mixing thing, she says. “One major aspect that people often studio and the translation on this system is perfect,” forget about anybody indulging in creative writing is she exults. that it isn’t always experiences but also observations While the Sonet has turned out to be one of and even your mood at the point of time that you are 2020’s best things, its music system is actually a writing a song.” However, a major portion of writing hidden surprise for melody lovers. Here is to a very is inspired from observing life and a bulk of their musical 2021. creativity comes from there, she feels.
EXOTICA [61] JANUARY 2021
I N S TA D I A R I E S ALIA BHATT wants to believe, “New day. New beginning.”
RANVEER SINGH has decided to, “Keep moving.”
Life lessons
RICHA CHADHA says she, “Looks at 2021 with hopeful eyes.*
The past year has been tough irrespective of whether you are a celebrity or a commoner. Here are some messages that would stand you in good stead in 2021
RAJKUMMAR RAO has made up his mind that it is, “#WorkInProgress #NEW. To get a new look for a new character, need to get a new body and a new mindset. #BadhaiDo #Be.” BHUMI PEDNEKAR says, “I strongly believe every gift is a story and planning the right gift for your special one is always a sweet memory. My perfect present to give this year would be a beautiful watch.”
EXOTICA [62] JANUARY 2021
AL FAZAL is feeling, “A little ‘Selfi’ sh today. Just praying everyone recovers from the year, from the battles that have been fought on all fronts. baaki rab rakha.”
SRM AD.qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 1