Exotica Magazine July 2020

FROM THE EDITOR

Editor-in-Chief CHANDAN MITRA EDITORIAL BOARD Chief Executive Officer Abhishek Saxena 09818600128 EDITORIAL Editor-in-Charge Rinku Ghosh 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

NEW FILM LOCALES LIKE every other sector, the film industry, too, has started adapting itself to the new normal of a post-pandemic world.

So though it sells dreams, fantasy and larger than life experiences on the big screen, filmmakers have now decided to restrict their cast and crew to local talent and shoot projects within the country in small, contained sets. And since Bollywood has so far thrived on the grandeur of locales and the panoramic outdoors — Yash Chopra’s romance with Switzerland being almost legendary — it is now going “vocal about local” as well, choosing unique backdrops at home. It is here that the Ministry of Tourism and Culture is chipping in to do its bit to help the industry that has used its soft power to promote destinations and cultures. It has allowed filmmakers to shoot at more than 3,000 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-approved historical monuments.

It has also put in place a mechanism to fast-track requisite clearances from various Ministries and departments. To cite an example, locations involving archaeological sites in metro cities required clearances from the ASI, the Home Ministry, Ministry of Environment and Forests and several other departments in the metropolis as also the police and its traffic wing. In addition to this, scripts and locations had to be vetted in advance along with the specifications on the number of shooting days.

Perhaps, this has been one of the biggest reasons why our monuments and museums have never featured in films to the extent that storytellers wanted them to. In comparison, foreign locales seemed attractive because of the local tourism boards’ incentives such as tax credits, cash rebates, refunds, fee-free location scouting et al. It took a pandemic for the Tourism Ministry to be rational about earning revenues. So it is now allowing single-window clearances, including facilitating some from various departments and States. Applications will be online and approvals may come within 15-20 days.

In the end, the locale is just a prop and packaging, what sells is content.

While popular cinema in India has largely been aspirational, many of our contemporary hits have actually celebrated the local milieu. Be it Ladakh for Three Idiots, Kashmir for Lakshya, Delhi for Rang De Basanti or Bajrangi Bhaijaan and the slew of small town stories around Lucknow, Allahabad, Kanpur and Jaipur, each city and town has emerged as a distinct character and layered the stories with warmth. Qutb Minar, Taj Mahal and the fort palaces of Rajasthan have all featured prominently. But Shah Rukh Khan’s Paheli will be remembered for that scene at a stepwell in Gujarat. If some unknown wonders and sites could be filmed, it would be the best campaign for domestic tourism. Not many of us will be travelling abroad anyway. As for Switzerland, there’s always our Northeast.

EXOTICA [4] JULY 2020

[p12]

I N S I D E

[p38]

JUNE 2020 VOLUME 14 NO 8

[p8]

Little black book [p8] Divya Dutta: A quick peek into her style file High flier [p16] Change of travel plan Q&A [p20] He breathes his roles: Amit Sadh

[p20]

COVER: AN AERIAL PICTURE OF

Environment watch [p26] Walk on the wild side Silver screen [p32] Premiere flashback Look ahead Theatre in the time of pandemic [p38] The beauty fix [p44] Mental health [p48] Be kind to your mind

KANDIMA, MALDIVES CREDITS: KANDIMA, MALDIVES

CONTRIBUTORS

[p48]

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p52] GURUSPEAK: Retreat for safety Kushan Mitra [p55] HOT WHEELS: Worthy successor Bharat Thakur [p58] FITNESS: A sound sleep Sanjay Jumaani [p61] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 64 INCLUDING COVER

Follow us on:

O U R

@TheDailyPioneer

P A R T N E R

facebook.com/dailypioneer

instagram.com/dailypioneer

H O T E L S

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

I don’t stick to one fragrance, it keeps changing otherwise I get bored. Sometimes it’s Issey Miyake, sometimes Gucci, and then something else.

My tastes keep changing with the moods that I have.

FAVOURITE HAUNTS OF STYLISH PEOPLE

These days the must-have accessories have changed to a mask, sanitiser and a bag, which contains pockets.

My favourite movie is Chupke Chupke by Hrishikesh Mukherjee because I think it’s amazingly written by Gulzar sahab. The kind of wit and humor is so subtle and the performances, be it Dharamji, Bachchan sahab, Jayaji, Omprakash, Keshto Mukherjee are unforgettable. I have seen it at least 40 times.

DIVYA DUTTA has appeared in Hindi, Punjabi, Malayalam and English films.

She was much-appreciated for her role in Veer-Zaara

I prefer fiction, short stories. Right now I am reading Satyajit Ray’s horror stories and the biography of Amrita Pritam. Called Rasidi Ticket, it is a favourite. I love reading Gulzar sahab’s short stories which are very emotional, sensitively written and honest.

Ruskin Bond too is my favourite. In novels, it’s Thomas Hardy’s Far Far from the Maddening Crowd.

My favourite food is dal chawal. I just love it. I think it’s the lightest food. Homemade moong dal and rice with green chilli and salad.

It’s my comfort food. It gives me solace and peace.

I like Gucci and Marks and Spencer for the quality and silhouettes that they have.

London in particular and Europe generally. I love going there.

In India, I love Kerala and my hometown in Punjab.

EXOTICA [8] JULY 2020

TRAVEL NEWS CALL IT A SAFETY MEASURE OR YOUR CHOICE TO HAVE SOME ‘ME TIME’ POST THE PANDEMIC, SOLO TRAVELLING IS SURELY ONE THING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO

GO SOLO TO MAMMOTH LAKES MAMMOTH

Lakes, with diverse experiences, are the perfect answer for your solo trip. Surrounded by the highest peaks in the west, it’s a land of outdoors and adventure lovers, who take to the slopes of signature Mammoth Mountain and nearby June Lakes resorts in winter, then take to the trails when the snow melts to fly-fish in clear mountain streams, hike and mountain bike through wildflowers in high alpine meadows and dip into natural hot springs.

GETTING TO MAMMOTH LAKES Mammoth Lakes may be tucked away in the Eastern Sierra, but this alpine community is accessible. There are plenty of options for travel to make getting here easy and affordable. Whether you choose to fly to Mammoth Yosemite Airport, located just 10 minutes from town, or drive via the

scenic Highway 395, you'll be out of the city and on your way to mountain adventures faster than you might expect.

THINGS TO DO OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: During winter you can ski and snowboard Mammoth Mountain or take off into the wilderness on your cross country skis. When spring hits, you can ski and also celebrate the fishing opener on the same day. The summer melts away the snow, opening roads to Devils Postpile National Monument, 101-foot Rainbow Falls and the gateway to Yosemite National Park. Some claim autumn is the best season because you get all of the sightseeing of summer plus spectacular fall colours and fewer visitors. From hiking, kayaking and paddle-boating to skiing and snowshoeing you’re guaranteed to have an adventure-packed vacation.

EXOTICA [10] JULY 2020

RELAXATION AND WELLNESS: After a day of outdoor adventure, relax and unwind with a massage at a local spa, or stretch your legs in a yoga class. It is a great place to exercise your body and a place to clear your mind and nurture your soul. Find peace and balance amidst the beauty of your surroundings. Inhale the fresh air and really soak in the bounty of Mother Nature.

Local spas offer a full menu of services, from massages and waxing to facials and more. Fitness classes range from meditative yoga to high-energy spin classes and everything in between. If you are visiting in the summer, make sure to try an incredible outdoor yoga class either at Mammoth Creek Park or even on a stand-up paddleboard!

DELECTABLE FOOD AND DRINKS: No matter what you're craving, the restaurants here have you covered. From breakfast options to fuel up before you head outside to places to relax and unwind

with a good meal and a drink in hand after a day of adventuring.

Fortunately, the locals like to share. Swivel a craft beer and listen to bluegrass music during a summertime festival, or relax on the deck outside a slope-side lodge for outstanding après ski.

ENJOY LOCALLY-MADE GOODS: The little four-square-mile town of Mammoth Lakes is brimming with entrepreneurs and creative minds.

Start asking around town, and you'd be surprised just how many Mammoth-made product recommendations you'll get from locals. From beer and spirits to artisan coffee and baked goods, you'll find an array of treats that are perfect for sampling and bringing home as souvenirs — all made at altitude in your favorite mountain town. Try one of the many craft beers and local dessert shops or visit distilleries, galleries and art centres.

EXOTICA [11] JULY 2020

LET’S

D.I.V.E. INTO THE WORLD OF MALDIVES

face it; how we live, work and travel may never be the same again. At Kandima Maldives the attempt is to bring Maldives’ crystal clear waters through a totally immersive, state-of-the-art virtual platform — Kandima D.I.V.E (Digitally Immersive Virtual Experiences).

Plan your next romantic escape, or downtime with family, or an adventure with friends. D.I.V.E. gives you a little taste what you are in for and lets you reimagine your favourite tropical paradise with just the click of a button. All you need to do is sit back and relax in the comfort of your home and we’ll take you to our snow white beaches, dip your feet into clear blue waters, let you sunbathe on the deck of your water villa or soak in the amazing vibes at all the places around the resort.

Explore the exotic 3 km long island by visiting Kandima.com/dive and take an exciting digital plunge into the amazing world of everything at Kandima Maldives. There are no longer need traditional brochures or pamphlets — D.I.V.E is a multi-sensory journey through an interactive 360° virtual world that takes customer engagement to a whole new level. D.I.V.E. is available for viewing on any device including VR headsets, desktops, smartphones or tablets, with a multi-dimensional sound experience as you swim through #YourKindOfPlace!

THE WHEELS TURN AGAIN VIENNA’S

iconic tourist attractions — palatial museums, breathtaking sights, famed restaurants and hotels — are gradually opening their doors and in motion once more is the landmark Giant Ferris Wheel.

The Riesenrad, the Giant Ferris Wheel, located in the famous Prater amusement park in Vienna has quite a history. It was constructed in 1897 and has never known a day’s laziness — except during the COVID-19 pandemic, sadly enough, when it had to be switched off for the first time since 1947.

The Riesenrad has been synonymous with Vienna and tourism. But finally, Nora Lamac, whose family has operated the Giant Ferris Wheel for generations, and the Mayor of Vienna Michael Ludwig pressed the Giant Ferris Wheel’s power-on switch, setting the wheels of the Viennese landmark turning again. Undoubtedly, this is an emotional moment for the citizens.

LIFE STANDS STILL NO MORE: If there is a symbol of life returning to normal, it is the resumption of the Giant Wheel taking up its endless journey where it left off.

FASCINATING FACTS: The cars of the Giant Wheel look like railway coaches. Held high aloft, they turn unhurriedly round and round suspending the usual hustle and bustle of busy city life, giving visitors a fabulous view of Vienna. Its history is dotted with some extremely amazing facts. It may weigh 430 tonnes, but the Riesenrad can actually

be operated by hand. Two English engineers Walter Basset and Harry Hitchins actually designed it to be manually operated in the event of a power outage, a reassuring thought for those who may be worried over that unlikely eventuality.

Originally it made its rounds with 30 cars. After the Second World War, however, only 15 were hung in place for safety reasons.

Interestingly, the Riesenrad happens to be perfectly arranged in line with the four points of the compass and turns precisely in the north-south direction. When it turns, it serves as a rather good aid for orienting oneself up at 64.7 meters up in the sky. The wheel makes its rounds at a leisurely pace. With a top speed of 2.7 km/h, it takes about four minutes to complete one round, but only when it does so in one go, of course. On average, a ride takes about 12-15 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, the Giant Wheel has been a popular film backdrop. From classics like The Third Man (1949) to James Bond 007 – The Living Daylights (1987) and the coming-of-age story Before Sunrise (1995), there have been many films that have featured it. A restaurant was built in an instant at the base of the Giant Wheel for a scene in The Living Daylights. A short while later, a restaurant actually came up on that spot. Most romantic of all however is the fact that visitors can dine in those cars where each course of the meal is served to coincide with the turn of the wheel.

EXOTICA [13] JULY 2020

FILM-WORTHY

KNOWN

as Hollywood by the Beach, Santa Monica has long been one of the silver screen's biggest stars, delighting viewers through the ages with its 3.5 miles of glistening coastline, breathtaking ocean views and historic architecture. Indeed, since the early days of moviemaking, the city has been featured in hundreds of movies.

While many of us find ourselves at home, now is a great time to enjoy Santa Monica's iconic imagery from a safe distance by enjoying a flick — or two or three — that entertains while satiating wanderlust for Los Angeles' beachside city. Grab a seat on the couch, pop a bag of popcorn and travel to some of Santa Monica's most scenic settings with these 15 films.

REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE [1955]: In this beloved classic film starring the iconic James Dean, a rebellious young man with a troubled past comes to a new town, finding friends and enemies alike. The school featured in the movie is actually Santa Monica High School, known to locals as SaMoHi. Fun fact: a host of movie stars including Sean Penn, Robert Downey Jr. and Charlie Sheen graduated from here.

THE STING [1974]: This American caper film stars two of cinema's biggest male stars, Paul Newman and Robert Redford, in a twisted plot about the quest of con men.

Newman's character operates a carousel which is actually the Loof Hippodrome, located on the Santa Monica Pier. The building houses a carrousel that dates back to 1922 and features 44 hand-carved wooden horses.

THE MUPPET MOVIE [1979]: In the original on-screen adventure featuring the Muppets, Kermit and his newfound

friends travel across the United States to find success in Hollywood, doing their best to escape a notorious frog legs merchant along the way. The iconic Palisades Park, paralleling Ocean Avenue and offering uninterrupted vistas of the Pacific Ocean, was used as a backdrop in the film.

FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH [1984]: If there's one film that put SoCal high school culture on the map it was Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Santa Monica Place, a luxury shopping complex designed by Frank Ghery, was used to stage the Ridgemont Mall where several of the film's characters hold after-school jobs.

SPEED [1994]: There's never been a bigger adventure for the Big Blue Bus, Santa Monica's municipal bus operator than in this action-packed flick starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. In the thriller, a young police officer must prevent a bomb exploding aboard one of the buses by keeping its speed above 50 mph. The Big Blue Bus has continued to be a popular mode of transportation for visitors and locals alike to explore Santa Monica's 8.3 square miles.

FORREST GUMP [1994]: The presidencies of Kennedy and Johnson and events of the Vietnam War, Watergate and other historical happenings unfold through the perspective of an average Alabama man. In one scene, titular character Forrest Gump runs across the United States of America from ocean to ocean. He concludes his historic feat on the Santa Monica Pier, passing beneath the historic pier sign.

GET SHORTY [1995]: A mobster travels to Hollywood to collect a debt and discovers that the movie business is much the same as his current job in this high-energy flick starring John Travolta and Rene Russo. In one scene the duo exits a theater which is none other than the Aero

SANTA MONICA Theatre, a single-screen theater in Santa Monica that dates back to 1939.

THE BIG LEBOWSKI, 1998: Mistaken as a millionaire with the same name, Jeff “The Dude� Lebowski, seeks restitution for a ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies in the quest.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film is a "bowling dance dream" sequence, filmed at the Santa Monica Airport.

One of the airport's former hangars, the Barker Hanger, plays host to Hollywood celebrities each year when it hosts the E! People's Choice Awards.

OCEAN'S ELEVEN [2001]: Danny Ocean and 10 accomplices map out a plan to rob three casinos simultaneously, but there's more to Ocean's Eleven than Las Vegas! In one scene, characters played by George Clooney and Brad Pitt meet at local favourite restaurant The Lobster, feasting their eyes on views of Palisades Park.

LORDS OF DOGTOWN, 2005: Lords of Dogtown is a film about Santa Monica filmed in Santa Monica. This movie details the surf and skateboarding trends that emerged from Santa Monica and Venice in the 1970's. Santa Monica is the setting for the entire film and many key landmarks make an appearance on screen.

IRON MAN [2008]: The first film in the Avengers franchise, Iron Man details the adventures of billionaire engineer Tony Stark as he creates a unique weaponised suit of armor to fight evil. In one scene Tony Stark is shown testing out his suit of armor with a night flight above the Santa Monica Pier. Making the connection to Santa Monica even sweeter, lead actor Robert Downey Jr. is a graduate of Santa Monica High School.

HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE [2009]: One of the most popular television shows on the Disney Channel, Hannah Montana made her feature length debut in a film that contends with her conflicting desires to sing and maintain a connection to her roots in Crowley Corners, Tennessee. Towards the beginning of the film, Hannah Montana's BFF holds the ultimate birthday party at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.

VALENTINE'S DAY [2010]: In this rom-com saga, intertwining couples and singles in Los Angeles break-up and make-up based on the pressures and expectations of Valentine's Day. Not only does the film star a gaggle of popular actors including Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Bradley Cooper and Ashton Kutcher, it also features multiple locations around Los Angeles' beachside city including the Santa Monica Pier.

THE SOCIAL NETWORK [2010]: A fictionalised account of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's early days creating the social networking site, this film went on to win several Academy Awards including Best Adapted Screenplay. The Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club, a historic landmark clubhouse that dates back to 1905, transformed into a Harvard lecture auditorium for a scene in the movie depicting a lecture by Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

HER [2013]: In a near future, a lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with an operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson designed to meet his every need. In one scene the main character, played by Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix, visits a fair, which is in reality the Santa Monica Pier.

HIGH FLIER

EXOTICA [16] JULY 2020

Private charters are being hired by not just high-fliers but by regular commercial passengers and families pooling resources for safety, says SAKSHI SHARMA

Change of

travel plan THE

post-pandemic world will spur a new travel segment, that of private charter fliers. And this may not be limited to the upper crust but open up to family groups, who may pool their dedicated budgets to hire an aircraft and fly to their destination and back. Instead of mini-breaks and vacations, there might be that just one big trip that people may splurge on. Companies, who traditionally flew their executives on first-class, are now finding it safer and more economical to fly the same group of people on a private aircraft. Or so an industry study would have us believe.

Unlike commercial airlines, private charters do not require you to pass through lengthy security screening, various touch points or come in contact with fellow travellers. Commercial fliers have over 200 touch points at the airport, while private jets have as little as 30.

Instead, it gives you the assurance of exemplary safety record and cleanliness standards. Kanika Tekriwal, CEO and founder, JetSetGo Aviation, tells us that neither do the guests have to arrive early, nor do they have to face security queues at the airport. One can avoid immigration and Customs during international flights and directly get on on-board.

EXOTICA [17] JULY 2020

COVID-19 has completely changed the way consumers engage with products and make their purchase decisions. Says Kanika, “Now safety and well-being are coming at a price. But people do not mind spending some extra amount for peace of mind during a break.” She gets up to 20 enquiries a day for chartered flights, 70 per cent of which are from a new customer profile. “We are seeing a lot of requests coming from parents whose children were stuck in colleges or schools and from families who were stuck in a place which was not their hometown during the lockdown. There is also a big surge in requests from people who had sick parents or adults stuck in different cities. Also, we received requests from small businessmen who had travelled to close deals and were stuck,” says she. There are some affordable options too like booking a seat rather than an entire plane and much more.

There are several companies that offer charter flights for business travellers specifically. For PrivateFly, business aviation really matters as it saves time, both on the ground and in the air.

EvoJets is another such company that specialises in arranging corporate air travel solutions that help businesses. There are various modern private

business jets that come fully equipped with the latest business amenities, such as wireless internet and satellite phones. Some even have private boardrooms to conduct important meetings inflight. Not only this, charter companies even organise business dinners which allow the traveller to optimally utilise his travel time.

Travel choices are going to be need-based more than indulgence, for example a family event, as per Nishant Pitti, EaseMyTrip CEO and co-founder.

Says he, “Part of the new mindset of the jet set is now centered around social distancing, one of the essential guidelines for inhibiting the spread of COVID-19. So even though the travel sector as a whole is currently down, private jet demand is much stronger than it was before.” Varesh Chopra, Regional Director, South Asia and Middle East, Cosmos Vacations, tells us that leisure travel may see temporary stress on demand due to changed personal financial dynamics but will probably mutate to a larger family outing.

EXOTICA [19] JULY 2020

C E L E B TA L K

HE

breathes his roles

Actor AMIT SADH gets candid with CHAHAK MITTAL and talks about his understanding of film characters, Indian cinema and how it is the screen presence rather than the length of the character that is important

MANY

would recall Omi from Kai Po Che (2013) as the one who got involved in religious politics in his town and later mistakenly killed his own friend in the riots. However, his emotional breaking down in front of his late friend’s sister in the end was the audience’s ultimate takeaway from actor Amit Sadh’s highly relatable character — a fierce youngster whose anger was fuelled by instances of personal loss.

Well, the actor, who had once shared how he was out of work for some time after the role, has now come a long way and reached what he had envisioned an actor should be. From Guddu of Guddu Rangeela (2015), Shivaji Nagre of Sarkar 3 (2017), Raghubir Pratap Singh of Gold (2018) to Amit Barot of Barot House (2019), he has some critically acclaimed roles in his portfolio today. And now, the actor is back with the “most intense of all,” Kabir Sawant of Breathe (2018) with its season 2, Breathe: Into The Shadows.

The psychological thriller is a gripping tale of a parent’s quest to save his family.

Even though Amit’s “Yeh mera case hai, main hi solve karunga,” from the teaser might explain how he owns the plot here, how different is this Kabir from season 1? The actor is quick to explain, “Trailers are only 10 to 15 per cent of what you are actually going to experience in the series. Kabir Sawant was present in the first part and he is here again. It’s a new world and a new dimension altogether. We have worked harder on Kabir in this season. We have really upped the game, put a lot of effort in writing and tried creating something thrilling for the audience.”

Creating Kabir, a cop who investigates the series of murders happening in the city, surely took a lot of background research. For Amit, it’s been four years since he is working on the character and it’s all because of “the way it has been written” (by director

Mayank Sharma). He adds, “I would also say that I understand this world a lot more. I know a lot of people there and have been fascinated by them. I have hence tried to take inspiration from reality and keep it as authentic and equally dramatic as I can. When you make a series or a film, you want it to be real. And at the same time, you also want it to be aspirational.”

Looking at the recent examples in Bollywood, there has been a surge of grey roles. Actors have stopped putting their character into a box. Is Kabir also headed the same way? Amit points out that Kabir isn’t a grey character, rather he is a “protector.” He adds that he is just an intense character who is focussed on his targets.

“And yes, the fact that roles have taken a new shape in Indian cinema is right. I think now we have passed that stage of determining the good and the bad or the right and the wrong. We are exploring humanhood in complexity, in being damaged and in survival. What makes Breathe special is that all its characters have that dimension.

Sometimes they are good, at times bad, and other times, they are failing, too. The audience connects with such lives. As actors and as an industry, we have become more courageous and we’re more inclined to explore and experiment now,” says he.

There have been a plenty murder mysteries written and filmed in the past.

The genre, specifically, demands something different each time. In a thriller, there can’t be any repetition or a storyline that could be easily predicted. It has to be fresh. Amit agrees. One of the most important things when you chase a psychological thriller is “whodunit.” He adds, “Kisne kiya, kaise kiya, kyun kiya?

‘WHEN I WAS 25, I THOUGHT I’LL BE ABLE TO MAKE IT IN ANOTHER FIVE YEARS OR TILL THE TIME I TURN 30.

HOWEVER, WHEN I REACHED 30, I STILL FELT THERE’S MORE TO IT. I NEED SOME TIME MORE. SO I NOW FEEL I’LL NEVER BE ABLE TO REACH THAT STAGE. BUT IT HAS AN ADVANTAGE — I’LL NEVER STOP! I JUST WANT TO GET BETTER. I WANT TO CREATE A GOOD ENVIRONMENT WHEN I WORK. THAT’S MY DREAM. AND I REALLY MEAN IT!’

EXOTICA [23] JULY 2020

When the audience starts raising such questions in their mind, the film or series works. Season 1 worked because it kept their intrigue alive. In season 2, we have tried upping it even more. I hope this becomes one of the best psychological thrillers in India.”

The season 2 revolves around a father (played by Abhishek Bachchan) whose daughter has been kidnapped and for three months, he’s left with no clue of her whereabouts. Just as he begins to lose hope, he receives a package that connects him the kidnapper, who demands him to do what could turn out to be a heinous crime — murder — in exchange of his daughter. As one moves towards the trailer’s end, the mother (played by Nithya Menen) tells her husband that (no matter how dark), he is a person who has done the best he could to save his family.

Well, talking about this practically, is it viable in real life — a parent going to any extent to protect his family, even murdering? Amit says, “It’s a very tricky question! I will definitely say that for Indian parents, this stands true. They will go to a great extent to protect their family. If it comes on me, even I will protect my kids with my life.”

When we counter question, “Really?

Murdering too?” He laughs and adds, “My answer was only till Indian parents!

You’ve added the murdering bit. Well, it’s a series, so there has to be a certain documentation, wavelength and drama.

That dialogue is just one thing it sticks to. That is how a show or a film is dramatised. It does keep that curiosity intact and gives a thrill up your spine.

There’s a hook in it for the audience to work.”

Looking at his recent past, in Hrithik Roshan-starrer Super 30, the actor played

a cameo. However, the role turned out to be equally important for the film’s narrative. Well, such minor roles have surely become a thing now — appearing on the screen for a short span but bringing some impactful and major twists to the plot. Amit is quick to say, “I like how honestly this has been put up to me. Especially, the intention behind it, it’s so beautiful! However, I would like to make a correction here that we cannot call it a “minor” role. It was the one which impacted the film. When the director called me for the role, he also explained it to me by using the term. ‘Ek minor role hai, karoge?’ But I told him that it’s not minor. I will do it because it’s a special film and I will be very glad to be a “part” of it. I knew that it would do well as it has a great message. I felt that it would be good on my part if I could give a bit of myself to it and work with them. It became special.”

For Amit, the span of an actor’s screen presence does not matter. The character is what makes the difference. There could be times when an actor is on the screen all the time and even then, not leave a mark on the audience. “Times have changed today. The critics and the media have started focussing on minute details.

They have started looking at characters very closely. They don’t see the screen time anymore because an actor could be present on the screen for three hours or 30 minutes too. For India, what matters more is an actor’s performance and not for how long he has been present. This is also a personal understanding. As an actor, I don’t look into minor or major. I look at the craft, the story and the reward I later get when I am appreciated for that presence,” says he.

“People made me doubt myself,” the actor had once said. Well, after garnering

‘TIMES HAVE CHANGED TODAY. THE CRITICS AND THE MEDIA HAVE STARTED FOCUSSING ON MINUTE DETAILS. THEY HAVE STARTED LOOKING AT CHARACTERS VERY CLOSELY. THEY DON’T SEE THE SCREEN TIME ANYMORE BECAUSE AN ACTOR COULD BE PRESENT ON THE SCREEN FOR THREE HOURS OR 30 MINUTES TOO. FOR INDIA, WHAT MATTERS MORE IS AN ACTOR’S PERFORMANCE AND NOT FOR HOW LONG HE HAS BEEN PRESENT. THIS IS ALSO A PERSONAL UNDERSTANDING. AS AN ACTOR, I DON’T LOOK INTO MINOR OR MAJOR. I LOOK AT THE CRAFT, THE STORY AND THE REWARD I LATER GET WHEN I AM APPRECIATED FOR THAT PRESENCE’

EXOTICA [25] JULY 2020

some decent reviews for his work, Amit has certainly traversed quite a long distance. He says, “Yes, I said it at that time because when you get rejections, you tend to feel let down. But that’s just a part and parcel of life. You can’t complain. Especially, for an actor, you have to simply accept. But now that I am working hard on various things, I am really happy. I am able to connect with the audience. People understand me and my work. It feels great. And I will till date say this. Have I arrived? No. Will I ever arrive? No. In fact, recently when I was talking to a friend, he said, ‘Sir ab aapka hogaya (you’re done now). I asked what happened? He said aap aagaye ab (you’ve arrived). And I felt, no. Don’t say like that.

I haven’t done anything yet. He then asked when will I arrive? I said in five years and realised this is the reality. Five years back, I felt I’d do it in the next five years. When I was 25, I thought I’ll be able to make it in another five years or till the time I turn 30. However, when I reached 30, I still felt there’s more to it. I need some time more. Abhi toh aage bohot kuch bacha hai. So I now feel I’ll never be able to reach that stage. But it has an advantage — I’ll never stop! Well, this is the process. I just want to get better. I want to create a good environment when I work. That’s my dream. And I really mean it!”

Amit believes that Kabir Sawant is one role that chose him rather than he being the selector. He says in a perplexed tone, “I think we will have to ask Kabir Sawant why he chose me (laughs). The producer had called me back then and told me about the role saying, ‘Tum yeh karlo bas!’ And touchwood, I did it. I am so grateful.”

— The series is streaming on Amazon Prime Video

E N V I R O N M E N T WAT C H

Walk

ON THE WILD SIDE

EXOTICA [26] JULY 2020

Wildlife investigator, hunting guide and conservationist IVAN CARTER tells SAKSHI SHARMA that his series Carter’s W.A.R, which tries to understand the perspective of poachers, animals and conservationists, helped him integrate with communities on both sides of the conservation line

EXOTICA [27] JULY 2020

EVER

imagined a trip to the African wild forests?

How would you plan it if you were to shoot a series there? The ancient deserts, pristine swamps, rolling savannahs and mist-shrouded mountains might excite you initially but the vast array of wildlife might pose severe challenges. How would you even shoot a crocodile when the tribals tell you not to go near the river or share stories about the risks involved and consequences overnight?

For wildlife investigator, hunting guide and conservationist Ivan Carter, everything was worth the risk as he was determined to bring out the truths behind the human-wildlife conflicts in Africa through his 10-part series titled Carter’s W.A.R. (Wild Animal Response).

Through the series, Ivan aims to spread

awareness and uncovers various threats that African wildlife faces. From heavily-armed poachers, butchering elephants for their tusks to the slaughter of rhinos for their horns, with each episode, Ivan takes us inside the frontlines of the wars being waged on its wildlife and tries to find solutions.

Though he says that he has been around big-game animals his whole life and has “walked with wildlife�, this series is different from the rest of his works as it helped him integrate with communities on both sides of the conservation line. Amidst the sepia-toned, fairly intact rugged woods, shadowy, sprawling and riverine forests, a complex protecting major herds of elephant, buffalo, hippopotamus and other wild animals, not only was he a part of the chimpanzee rescue team, but also met a person whose child was

recently eaten by a crocodile. He even saw a freshly-poached rhino for the first time. All of these make you realise how conservation and conversation around it is really important.

There have been numerous examples of animals being shot in the forest, poached and traded to satisfy human greed. According to an African Wildlife Foundation, more elephants and rhinos are dying from poaching than from natural causes or conflict with humans. Their body parts are traded illegally as trophies, traditional medicine, or trinkets on a lucrative black market — but these iconic pachyderms are not the only wildlife species to be slaughtered for human gain.

Big cats like the lion and cheetah are killed for their bones; the African wild dog and other large carnivores die at the hands of villagers protecting their livestock; great apes, like chimps, in Central and West Africa, are hunted as bushmeat and their babies traded as pets; pangolins are captured for their scales and meat.

We have all seen various classic animal series that have captivated the audience for long as they found it fascinating to see nature and wildlife

closer to them from the comfort of their living rooms. Unfortunately, what is never shown is the way animals are trained, killed and are used to satisfy the needs of humans.

The series tries to understand the perspective of the poachers, animals and conservationists together.

EXOTICA [29] JULY 2020

EXCERPTS: What prompted you to investigate the story behind Africa’s wildlife?

I have always loved wildlife and the outdoors.

While growing up, I have seen shrinking forest cover, reduced habitat for wild animals, destruction of natural animal corridors and hence, increasing pressure on wildlife. This, of course, is of great concern to me, to an extent that I created a series to explore the threat it faces and save the wildlife of Africa. I also realised that it is high time we educate and inform the public about the plight of our wildlife as that would inspire people and hopefully help them understand the damage. I could find no better way to do this except for a series.

What interests you the most about cultural and human development issues?

I feel that most of the times, conservation and wildlife are missing from our conversations. We don’t talk about the human encroachments on the forest lands because of population pressure and development. As humans, we are so busy “developing” that we forget our wonderful wild

places and the wildlife in it. Though it should be of great concern but we don’t think about the consequences if the planet loses its wildlife.

Certainly, humans will have to follow in some way or the other. For example, a world without bees is a world without food. But even then, we spend more time worrying about the next iPhone to be released than researching about how to keep our bees healthy.

How was your experience of shooting the series?

It was a highly enriching one because with a few weeks on the ground, we got to truly know, feel and develop relationships with the people on the front line. We got to spend a good amount of time in the amazing ecosystems — from rainforests to deserts and everything in between. Knowing the people and the wildlife that live in these ecosystems builds a genuine empathy. I feel this comes out in the show and feeds my personal passion to help make a difference to their future.

How challenging and threatening was it to capture rhinoceros, wild elephants and other dangerous animals?

These were truly dangerous undertakings but I have

been around big game animals my whole life and we were always in the presence of professionals. So, while the danger was always very real to both the humans and many of the wildlife we were surrounded by, it was always under control.

Each episode deals with a different scenario. Did it demand a different preparation at each level?

Yes, very much so. The logistics, getting to know and research the stories, the weather and the travel was always an adventure and every single one vastly different from the next.

The series returned in 2015. Do you think much has changed since then?

We are on the same path. Some things have changed but not much. The pandemic has, in my opinion, forced the world to pause and think about what we have done to the nature and wildlife around us. And this is a very timely release of the series for that reason.

How do you think rampant poaching and human/ wildlife conflict can be stopped? What is the way forward?

We were shocked by the realities of what we

discovered initially. I have lived in Africa all my life but I still didn’t realise just how big some of the illegal wildlife trade was and how terrible the impact has been on wild ecosystems. By including community in the solutions, educating our youth and creating series like this so that the public can become aware of the truth and happenings on the front line could help mitigate poaching and wildlife crime. I think there will always be wildlife crime but it can be reduced significantly with awareness and education.

Some anecdotes and highlights that you would like to share from your journey?

There are many but I can recall some special ones.

I was a part of a chimpanzee rescue team, which was an incredible experience. I even met a person whose child was recently eaten by a crocodile and saw first hand a freshly poached rhino — all of these bring a stark reality on the top of your mind and make you realise how important conservation really is. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

— The series is streaming on Discovery, Discovery HD and Discovery Plus App

EXOTICA [31] JULY 2020

S I LV E R S C R E E N

Premiere flashback Conceptualised and directed by SUJOY PROSAD CHATTERJEE, an inter-disciplinary artist and actor, the docu-film Spotlight aims to highlight the lost charm of commercial Bengali theatre and how its revival can create a conduit for empathy and a community of support, says CHAHAK MITTAL

ON

a typical Sunday evening of 1990s in the then Calcutta, the streets of Hatibagan were spilling with people and there was no place to park the car. The reason was not far to be sought. The seven theatre houses surrounding the street were holding their public premieres, the tickets of which sold out quickly. The auditoriums were decorated with flower garlands and some playhouses even distributed sweets. Sujoy Prosad Chatterjee had gone to watch Bhaalo Kharap Meye that starred the muchacclaimed Aparna Sen in the lead. His father, “a typical South Calcutta man,” always found it difficult to park his car in the rather congested theatre alley. His mother walked out of the car to speak to the box-office person and she managed to get the tickets. “How did you do that?” asked Sujoy with a surprised look. Well, she said, “Look, I am a North Calcutta-bred girl. I may not speak like your father but I do carry an artsy smile!” The three burst into a hearty laugh and together walked into the Biswarupa theatre.

Cut to today, when one takes a walk through the area, the erstwhile ‘Theatre Para’ or the ‘Broadway of Bengal,’ one is only met by the dilapidated abandoned playhouses that line the streets of North Kolkata. From the 1970s till the late 1990s, these theatres were very popular. These cultural spaces thrived on making a difference, yet held on to a unique tradition. However, their decline came by soon. Actors would be greeted by empty halls, producers started facing great losses, the funds saw crunches, the TV era had hugely set in. Later, in early 2000s, while Rangmahal (a theatre house in then Calcutta) was converted into a wedding hall, mysterious fires gutted halls like Star Theatre and consumed the remains of Biswarupa. Perhaps, the fires, ironically, meant the decline of this once-famed culture of the city.

Sujoy’s docu-film Spotlight reflects on how moving from the big stage to the little screen, it is now more important than ever to realise the power of theatre and how it can create a conduit for empathy, be nudged towards compassion for the downtrodden, and be constituted as a community of support.

EXOTICA [33] JULY 2020

EXCERPTS: How did you conceptualise the film?

My Montreal-based friends Abhishek Ghosh and Shyamosree Ghosh and I have been hugely interested in cultural archiving and we have been thinking of many ideas to approach this.

Meanwhile, I had also been reading The Firebird by Saikat Majumdar and found it quite intriguing. The book, told through the perspective of a 10-year-old boy named Ori, looks at the heydays of the commercial Bengali theatre and its subsequent death. What’s interesting is that the narrative touches upon the heritage through the eyes of a boy whose mother was a part of it. I think this was primarily the muse of Spotlight, the docunarrative that I have conceptualised.

What was the research work involved? How long did it take for you to complete the film?

The research and the build-up has been done by a young theatrician, Rudrarup Mukhopadhyay. I,

too, contribute often and it’s been a month that we are trying to collate as much as we can. A very important part of this research is the posters, advertisements, lobby cards of the plays, which have been provided by Sounak Chacraverti, an acclaimed art curator and archivist. I am also speaking to a lot of insiders and audience for the documentation.

What do you think was the cause of Broadway of Bengal’s decline and how have you reflected that in your film?

The main cause of the decline is the paradigm shift in the pattern of entertainment. Going to the theatre for a Sunday matinee and catching the evening train back was an important practice for the audience who lived in the hinterland. People were willing to pay to watch a Sabitri Chatterjee or a Soumitra Chatterjee play within the social distance of the proscenium. The idiot box or the television began showcasing these actors with

EXOTICA [34] JULY 2020

regular viewing in soaps and, of course, the whole experience of going to a playhouse became secondary, gradually.

The crunch for funds became a pertinent reason too. Theatre producers never had an organised cartel and what spelled the doom finally was the rise of multiplexes. I think the government also did nothing absolutely to preserve or support this very important part of our cultural history.

Can I say that theatre was also not a “social responsibility” for corporates?

In the film, what we have reflected through the interview of contemporary theatre practitioner Sohag Sen, is the birth of an alternative theatre movement that drove the audience to the Academy of Fine Arts.

The documentary features many known thespians and actors with whom the youngsters would connect better.

Do you think this will help them know the Bengali theatre’s essence in a more nuanced way?

Well, I’d say, yes and no, both. Heritage doesn’t require celebrity endorsements. I had requested

actor Neeraj Kabi to read from The Firebird in the film because of his artistry and not just his stint in the reel world. But yes, if today a millennial watches the film and buys a copy of the book after hearing Neeraj, no harm is done.

Another interesting aspect is that we have the legendary Soumitra Chatterjee and theatre actress Poulami Bose reading the play, Neelkantho, that ran to packed houses in Rangmahal.

We also have Ratna Ghoshal reading from Nohobot, which ran for 1,600 nights in Tapan Theatre. She had essayed the central character Keya, in the play, directed by the veteran Satya Bandopadhyay.

I think today’s generation of young actors can also look forward to thespian Bratya Basu, who has done the prologue for the film. We have actually used a clipping from his popular play, Awddyo Shesh Rajani, based on the life and times of Ashim Chakraborty. His play, Barbodhu is a pivotal point in the history of the Broadway of

Bengal. Daminee Benny Basu also sings the closing song from the play.

Given today’s scenario, what do you think is the future of theatres since social distancing and self-quarantine are here to stay for some time now?

I have been myself a part of an online play, Lockdown Diaries, directed by Souptic Chakraborty and will soon be acting in its sequel called Unlockdown Diaries.

The first edition turned out to be hugely successful and that’s why the sequel was planned.

Yes, we have to think of digital productions keeping in mind the pandemic but the struggle for the other people in theatre fraternity still remains unsorted.

Many light designers have resorted to selling vegetables and casual workers are looking for alternative professions to earn their livelihood. The future looks bleak unless we move into the intimate format completely with select audience.

EXOTICA [36] JULY 2020

How do you think theatre will be able to fight the current pandemic because such places might be shut for a long time?

I sincerely pray and hope that theatres open, maintaining the safety protocol and the sanitisation. It’s too early to say that the future belongs to the digital space completely. Yes, it can be explored as an interim option but how can one experience the illusions of darkness and light on the stage on the internet? The third bell pumps up an actor’s adrenaline and the applause from a live audience is a moment that can never be replaced by 2,000 likes and 100 comments.

Many world theatres have now brought the stage home for people through online shows. Do you think Broadway of Bengal might have the chance to revive itself digitally now?

The Broadway cannot be enlivened digitally.

One can talk about it and even share videos of legends. I would like to mention here that Theatre Sansriti, led by Debesh Chattopadhyay, is doing some phenomenal archive work by sharing documentaries on Bengali theatre legends like Ramaprasad Banik, Tripti Mitra, Utpal Dutta, Asit Mukhopadhyay and the likes, who were essentially a part of the alternative theatre movement that the intelligentsia adhered to. There’s practically nothing on the Broadway.

You had earlier mentioned that you have experienced a large part of this Broadway and have a trove of memories. Could you share some of your personal anecdotes associated with the theatres in Bengal?

Oh yes! My maternal home was in the northern fringes of Calcutta, precisely Beadon Street.

This was very close to the theatre district. I remember the huge cut-outs of characters from plays like Asleel, Bibor, Kone Bibhrat and many others right at the junction of the street. My maternal grandmother had a deep interest in plays and she used to organise complimentary passes for us to watch the premieres.

— The film will release on Youtube by the channel, GhoshCompany

EXOTICA [37] JULY 2020

LOOK AHEAD

THEATRE IN THE TIME OF PANDEMIC EXOTICA [38] JULY 2020

Artistes tell SAIMI SATTAR that the stage will have to be reinvented and built anew for this social art to thrive and continue

“In the dark times Will there also be singing?

Yes, there will also be singing.

About the dark times.�

— BERTOLT BRECHT

(German theatre practitioner, playwright and poet)

AT

no other time in living memory do these lines hold as much truth as they do now for art, is but, a reflection of life. Or so they say. And theatre, more than any art form has tried to hold up a mirror to the society.

But then, it is also a social medium, where people come and perform while the audience congregates in an auditorium to witness something live as it happens. But in Covidian times of staggered visits, little circles on the floor to ensure social distancing, how would theatre unfold? Would there be masks and sanitisers on stage or will we see plays on the migrant misery?

EXOTICA [39] JULY 2020

EFFECTS ON THE ART FORM

BHANU

Bharti, theatre director, playwright and the founder of Aaj Rangmandal theatre group is of the view that the pandemic will affect it positively in a big way.

“Modern society was disintegrated and we were becoming self-centered. Ironically, it was social distancing that made us realise the worth of society and the importance of social interaction.

Whenever the threat of the pandemic ebbs, people will return to the theatre with a vengeance because they have realised its value.”

However, playwright and director M Sayeed Alam, who leads the Pierrot’s Troupe, is concerned about the people for whom theatre is a means of sustenance and whom he calls “white collar labourers” as they lack pension and the other perks that come with a job. “Compared to any other industries, we will be more affected. Even if things normalise around January 2021, people would not start coming to theatres before June as they would be afraid of crowds initially.”

REFLECTION OF TIMES

THEATRE

is often the first to tap into any significant occurrence in history whether it is the Partition of the country or wars that we have fought with our

neighbours. It is certainly the go-to art form to experience the time in depth.

Shivani Wazir Pasrich, founder of Commonwealth Cultural Forum and director of Study School, says, “Theatre is a reflection of life. It is a way of cataloguing history. It evolves according to the time. The first theatre performance was the dance in a temple, which was a prayer to God, and these evolved over time to be put on stage. So theatre, as it existed, would change according to the times.”

Bharti says that theatre would not step back when documenting the misery that is being witnessed among the migrant labourers during the lockdown.

Alam on the other hand points out that existing plays would have to incorporate changes to reflect the new reality. “One of our most popular comedy, Ghalib in New Delhi will see the poet take rebirth in Corona times and would probably be seen with a mask in the first scene itself,” he says wit889h a laugh. Besides masks becoming a new normal on stage, there could also be change in the script to include no shaking of hands, sitting at a distance and certainly no touching, feels the director.

Papiha Desai, theatre artist, dancer and choreographer who leads the Indian Revival Group, a dance ensemble, says that there could be masks

which match the outfits of the actors. The other change that she sees is, “Solo performances taking centre stage for sometime to come. The ones with ensemble cast would pick up slowly after the audience gains confidence and starts coming in.”

Mauraya Sharma, Director, Painting Tongue Productions agrees that masks would be the new accessory and a prop during performances.

Foreseeing that these might prove to be a hindrance in delivering dialogues, he says, “We have tools which can pre record dialogues though, I agree, the seal of authenticity might go from a performance.”

He goes on to add that there could be a new form of theatre where the audience will be the spectacle. “Theatre based organisations in New York are releasing reading materials and performance clips for people to watch at home and take part in.

Actors ask questions in a pre-recorded performance and the audience has to respond to it.”

However, Amal Allana, theatre director, scenic and costume designer who was the chairperson of National School of Drama for two consecutive terms believes that there would be innovation with technology which would lead to a different kinds of performances that might be more exciting. “One can easily use technology, light and music for creating visuals.”

However she feels that theatre really can’t bring the despair of the people on the roads to life — for a reason. She says, “For me, no play can equate with even one shot of masses of people walking in heat. Should we duplicate it when we can see what is happening so blatantly in front of our eyes? Can it be encapsulated? There are too many questions.”

TO

REHEARSALS

put together any production needs at least a month of practice with the ensemble cast and the interactions during it are likely to be affected. Alam says, “It is not like I go on stage one day and use a sanitiser or keep washing hands frequently. We would be rehearsing for days in a smaller space as compared to a theatre. Earlier, a drawing room was enough for the rehearsals. But

now the RWA or my neighbours could object to it.

We would have to rehearse in park or hire a large space so that social distancing can be maintained.”

SOCIALLY DISTANT AUDIENCE

FOR

any play to be successful or for that matter just be put together on the stage requires an audience which would applaud the effort and also, fund it. However, the days of packed shows, where two people sitting besides each other were jostling for space on the arm rest, can be considered a scene of yore. Alternate seats to ensure some distance in between two people is an option. However, Alam points out, “The auditorium would have to reduce the rent if we do enforce something like this. If that is not done and we sell 100 tickets instead of 300, we would be incurring a loss unless we are funded by the government or have a sponsor.”

IS ONLINE AN OPTION?

WHEN

the lockdown started, many of the popular theatre companies started putting their content online. So one could see Bolshoi Theatre’s Swan Lake or the past performances of National Centre for the

Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai sitting in the comfort of our homes. Allana says, “Theatre is a lived experience. But given the times, art, dance performances and more can be put online with the help of technology. There are multiple things we can actually do in theatre. Musicals, where musicians are at different locations or even solo performances online are some options that are already being explored.”

Pasrich feels that this time is a tremendous opportunity for theatre to go online. “Be it the actor or the audience, the opportunity lies in curation. It is a tool to be integrated in people’s lives and to further the profession. As an economic activity, we have to reinvent this space. Now is the time to see what will people do sitting at home.

Maybe, you can start online theatre or reading and have fees or contributions for those.”

Desai says that discussions with artistes, performances and more has already moved to the web space and that is the way forward. “Sangeet Natak Akademi is getting senior artistes for discussions as it is evident that there would be no performances for at least a year and a half.

Moreover, countries are closing borders, so there wouldn’t be any performances abroad as well.

EXOTICA [42] JULY 2020

Humankind knows how to innovate and adapt in order to survive and that is the way forward.”

However many feel that, while this option is fine for the time being, it is not viable in the long run. Bharti says, “I see a lot of my friends doing things online and even though it is something very interesting but that is not theatre. Theatre is coming together for putting up a deeper and more meaningful play.”

Alam too has reservations about the online path which he feels ,“is a poor alternative and won’t survive as there are so many things to watch online. The speciality of an auditorium is that you cannot watch anything else.” He also points out that he made a three-minute film which many people, who love his two-hour plays, found long and lacking in pace. “So, logically how can they watch a two-hour online play?”

REINVENTION: WILL THAT BE THE BYWORD?

WILL

theatre be born in a new avatar or will the pandemic give it a new direction? The practitioners believe that changes are inevitable. Sharma says, “Theatre has been something very temporary. So the big question

is whether it wants to remain transient or record itself?”

Pasrich on the other hand is all for a stepping up of content. She says, “In order to sustain their passion and homes through the love they have for theatre, artistes would have to come out with exceptional work which usually happens during challenge times and situations.

This is the time to write and create and reinvent.

We have the tools, which are unbelievable, to do so.” Beyond the economic dimensions, the creator of plays like Draupadi and Tiger says that at home theatre can offer the option to heal. “By means of role play you might be able to react differently to a situation and keep your sanity in these trying times by scripting your response and being in control.”

Allana too feels that the activities around theatre do not have to be centered around just putting a performance on stage. “This is a good time to create archives of theatre, engage in research, write books, discuss plays — all of which theatre needs. It will give us a good time to reflect on the art and see the direction we want to take.”

We all look forward to that.

EXOTICA [43] JULY 2020

LOOK AHEAD

THE

BEAUTY FIX

EXOTICA [44] JULY 2020

Brands which lost out on shelf sales and pickups by parlours are rolling out DIY kits to replicate salon-like experiences at home, says AYUSHI SHARMA

THE

lockdown and the growing emphasis on hygiene have given a new twist to the beauty industry, simply because it has made people realise that there are many essential items that can be found in their kitchen, which can help them deal with their grooming and looks. Recently, many brands, which lost out on shelf sales and pickups by salons and parlours, are rolling out DIY kits for replicating salon-like experiences at home.

Given the realities of working from home, following

EXOTICA [45] JULY 2020

all the precautionary measures such as social distancing and mandatory wearing of the masks, the desire to wear make-up and fragrances is declining. As a result, along with the rise in DIY treatments — which had increased even before the pandemic hit — users are logging online to buy grooming kits that include products such as eyebrow shapers and tweezers, face massagers and hair trimmers. The next most sought after products are those that work on your skin routine.

Whether you want to make your own scrub or a home-made manicure at the fraction of the cost of your usual one, there are all sorts of kits in the market. Vibha Khanna Rastogi, Director of Sawadhee Traditional Thai Spa, shares the reason why customised kits are the way for the future, now more than ever. She says, “DIY treatments are on the rise right now as a lot of people are working from home and have more time on their hand than usual to experiment with ingredients easily available. Earlier, they had the luxury of stepping out of their homes to grab a professional service. Now they don’t have that liberty. Many beauty brands are also regularly sharing tips and tricks for easy DIY methods, encouraging more people to indulge in them.”

Dr Blossom Kochhar, founder and chairperson of the Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, tells us that since the lockdown started, she herself has been teaching her clients to do DIY treatments with kitchen ingredients as they are natural and can work wonders for the skin. There will be more clamour for buying DIY products online, notes Shahnaz Husain, founder and chairperson and MD of The Shahnaz Husain Group. She has also been planning to launch her new range of herbal sanitisers soon.

In view of the global health crisis, debates and conversations around building immunity and inner wellness have reached the zenith.

“At-home experiences like facials, face-masks (sheets), hair colour are on the rise. Brands are doing tutorials to create a salon-like feel at home using the same products available at a salon or a

EXOTICA [46] JULY 2020

‘AT-HOME EXPERIENCES LIKE FACIALS, FACE-MASKS (SHEETS), HAIR COLOUR ARE ON THE RISE. BRANDS ARE DOING TUTORIALS TO CREATE A SALON-LIKE FEEL AT HOME USING THE SAME PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AT A SALON OR A SPA. PEOPLE ARE PREFERRING LASTING WELLNESS OVER INSTANT GRATIFICATION’ — SEEMA NANDA COSMETOLOGIST, FOUNDER OF ESTETICO — THE FACIAL BAR spa. It’s amazing to see people preferring lasting wellness over instant gratification,” says cosmetologist Seema Nanda, founder of Estetico — The Facial Bar. Companies have suddenly redirected their pitches to express that their products are still relevant. Now, they have been targeting consumers by promoting various make-up routines on how to look your best while attending virtual meetings and video conferences. Also, they are presenting “skincare” as a calming ritual that offers a quick breather from the lockdown-induced anxieties.

Recently, L’Oreal India shared that they were engaging with users online to help them colour hair at home. “It might be time to take eyebrow grooming into your own hands,” reads a line on an Instagram post of a makeup brand, Revlon, telling consumers that they can turn themselves into a pro.

“You are doing your part by staying in, so we at Schwarzkopf want to help you feel like your best self at home,” reads another caption on an Instagram post by the hair colouring brand. They recently shared ten foil methods to achieve the fully highlighted effect in order to help address consumers’ concerns of limiting time outside of their homes. The ads and campaigns play up products in tune with the times such as skin, eye care and home hair-colouring kits. These are largely played out on social media instead of using television as a media.

The beauty industry has been resilient in the

past but could this pandemic have a different outcome? And also, will this have a long term effect as people might start getting comfortable with the DIYs and avoid salon visits? Let’s find out what experts have to say. “We believe people go to a luxury spa or salon, not just for the treatment but for the experience at large. DIY treatments have existed long before the pandemic hit us but people were still preferring to go out as it’s much more relaxing and done by a professional. The whole experience is very calming and rejuvenating and that cannot be substituted by DIY treatments,” says Vibha.

Dr Kochhar and Seema add on that DIYs are great. With the products that brands are now offering, they can help you in taking care of yourself but what a professional service can do is way different. “It involves proper techniques, machines and the right kind of environment to give the right effect. May be off for a few months, people might not come for repetitive services but once they feel comfortable about the hygiene standards practised at the salons, they would be interested to visit,” says Seema.

“The current DIYs that are trending are the use of seasonal fruits like papaya and watermelon for face packs and scrubs. Also, rice flour for scrub, honey and aloe vera for moisturising, banana and glycerine for hair nourishment are really popular when it comes to making packs at home,” shares Dr Kochhar.

EXOTICA [47] JULY 2020

M E N TA L H E A LT H Why do we need examples of Deepika Padukone’s depression battle or Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide to remind ourselves that mental health is important?

Experts tell AYUSHI SHARMA how this issue can be addressed permanently

BE KIND TO YOUR MIND EXOTICA [48] JULY 2020

“Naa police ko pata chala, naa Joy ke baap ko. Sab soch rahe hain suicide hai. Post-mortem report mein aaya hai maut ka karan — intense pressure on wind pipe, resulting in choking (asphyxiation). Woh bewakuf soch rahe hain gale pe pressure padne ki wajah se marr gaya par pichle kuch saalon se jo deemag par pressure pad raha hai, uska kya?

Woh toh report mein hai hi nahi. Yeh engineers bade chalak hote hain, aisi koi machine hi nahi banayi jo deemag ka pressure naap sake. Banate toh pata chal jata ki yeh suicide nahi murder hai...”

AAMIR

Khan’s dialogue from the film 3 Idiots (2009) couldn’t explain the reality of actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s life better. Once again, money and fame couldn’t buy happiness. Once again, the reality has proven to be way different than what it seems from the outside. Once again, good mental health and inner peace have proven to be the need of the hour.

There have been endless conversations and debates around mental depression. However, until and unless we come across an example of a big name getting affected, it doesn’t hit us as much.

And social media, after Sushant’s death, is evidence of how badly we have been reminded of this. We forget how important it is to address this issue as it has become as life-threatening as a critical disease.

This certainly shows that no matter what the unprecedented scale of human tragedy around us, people never learn. They often forget that every other person is fighting a battle that they know

nothing about. Hence, it raises a question about instilling this sensitivity permanently in people. We don’t need examples of Deepika Padukone’s depression battle or Sushant’s suicide!

Psychiatrist Dr Anuneet Sabharwal tells us that it is very important for all of us to make sure that we “listen before we speak.” Allowing people to openly talk about their feelings, emotions and struggles without judging them will create a safe environment for them. We all have so much going on in our lives on regular basis — not to forget the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Experts suggest that if we take the time to be kind to other people, we can reap the emotional dividends. It can really make a difference, especially for people who are vulnerable or struggling.

Therapists believe that mental pain appears to be less dramatic than the physical one. However, it is more common and also much harder to bear.

Research suggests that approximately one in five adults experience some form of mental health issue

EXOTICA [49] JULY 2020

in a year. “The topic of mental illness has been difficult to openly discuss over the years. Many people still view mental health with a stigma. It’s high time that we move mental health to the forefront of conversation topics. Talking about it on a regular basis will normalise it. Encouraging people to seek professional help is important,” says Dr Anuneet.

The lives we lead and the experiences we go through have an effect on our minds and on our emotions. Who defines what is normal and what’s crazy? “The fear of being judged, shame, lack of insight and unavailability stop one from seeking emotional and mental succour. Let us remind each other that our mental health is in our own hands and that there should be no reason for us to seek anyone’s approval or the so-called ‘validation’ to be able to make decisions and lead a meaningful life with some support. So if you’re concerned about your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek advice as it is you who has to take the first step,” feels Dr Tabassum Sheikh, Clinical Psychologist, Apollo TeleHealth.

As a person who has had a lived experience with mental illness, Deepika Padukone, in an Instagram post, stressed on the importance of reaching out.

She reminded us that it is important to talk, communicate and seek help. “Remember, you are not alone! We are in this together. And most importantly, there is hope,” she wrote. Deepika has been working consistently to help people suffering from depression over the past few years.

There is always a ray of hope in every adverse situation. “The more you represent something on screen, the more it gets normalised. The survivors need to understand that they are not alone.

Together, we can win this fight!” shares Dr Shanu Srivastava, senior psychologist, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi.

When it comes to ranking of different countries, according to the World Health Organisation, India is the most depressed country in the world, followed by China and the USA. These are the most affected nations by anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Indian

cricketer Robin Uthappa had also recently revealed that he battled clinical depression and suicidal thoughts for nearly two years during his career, a phase when cricket was perhaps the only thing that kept him from “jumping off a balcony.” He shared that we need to speak about what we feel within.

We are stronger than we know. It is completely okay to not be okay, and fine to be not fine.

EXOTICA [50] JULY 2020

There are many more examples of people who didn’t want depression to define them and become their identity. Alia Bhatt’s sister Shaheen Bhatt was diagnosed with clinical depression when she was just 12 years old. Shaheen, in her book — I’ve Never Been (un) Happier — shared her struggle of battling this mental illness. She chose to write about her journey with depression, experiences and how she has learnt from it. Alia featured in a film, Dear Zindagi, which was about the process of therapy and getting back into the groove of life.

Psychiatrist Dr Anju Sharma, Sound and Energy Master and the Founder of Musical Healing Band — Sound of Infinity, tells us that with the lockdown and the prevailing scenario of gloom and doom, many people have been facing troubles in relationships, losing money and jobs and staring at uncertainty, which impact the mental peace of a person. She says, “The basic process of healing will always be communication. It’s important to let the negative emotions out.”

So what should we do when we feel low, have suicidal thoughts racing through our mind and have no one to share our feelings or understand them? If you are struggling to open up about your mental health, here are a few tips from experts:

o One of the main causes of depression is the feeling of being misunderstood. Even when you are around people, it leads to a terrible ongoing loneliness. If you feel that ‘nobody understands me’, extricate yourself from the situation and take a moment to slow down. Take a few deep breaths, perhaps even try chanting aum. One should feel the vibration of aum in the cellular system of the body. o Painting, sketching or simply playing with colours help our mind to calm down. o Another interesting way to deal with your lows is to write down the issues and the feelings on a paper and tear it off into small pieces. o Remember that problems are temporary, but suicide is permanent. Taking your own life is never the right solution to any challenge you may be facing. It’s about finding solutions to your problem rather than finding problems to every solution. One must reconcile oneself to one’s strengths and confidence, and be sure of going around the obstacle in his/her path.

Before you go, was there something I could’ve said to make your heart beat better? If only I’d have known you had a storm to weather...

Well, the song Before You Go by Lewis Capaldi makes sense now more than ever.

EXOTICA [51] JULY 2020

GURUSPEAK Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru

RETREAT FOR

SAFETY The most important contribution we can make during these tumultuous times is to isolate ourselves to reduce the possibility of contracting and transmitting the virus

THE

Coronavirus pandemic has created a global crisis with farreaching social, economical and spiritual repercussions. Our resilience during these challenging times will be tested not only by how we combat the spread of the virus but also how we make the best out of the current circumstances. While it is important to take this pandemic seriously and act responsibly it is definitely not the time to panic.

Beating the virus requires collective action. It’s imperative that everyone follows the rules like staying clean, washing the hands frequently, maintaining social distance etc. Initially, they might appear challenging, but they aren’t hard to practice. If you observe, these mannerisms have been part of many traditional cultures. The ancient philosophy of yoga lays a great deal of emphasis on cleanliness, not only of the body but also of the mind and the surroundings.

The first personal ethics of yoga or niyama is about cleanliness or saucha. As enunciated in the Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali, saucha advocates purity and cleanliness as a key

foundation for yogic life. Saucha in its deeper sense also includes avoiding unnecessary physical contact and intimacy. The self-discipline of eating healthy and chemical-free food which keeps us clean from within is complementary to saucha. It also includes the discipline to sleep enough, to work out, to meditate and the like, anything that leads to purification of our system. Making asanas, pranayamas and meditation an integral part of lifestyle can go a long way in boosting one’s immunity and keeping the Coronavirus at bay.

The most important contribution we can make during these tumultuous times is to isolate ourselves to reduce the possibilities of contracting and transmitting the virus. Stay indoors, avoid travelling and going to public gatherings or community feasts. I would even recommend avoiding congregational prayers and rituals.

Meditation and mental prayers are far superior and much more effective than rituals. Take the imposed social distancing or self-quarantine as an opportunity to slow down and go inward. It offers you space and time to focus on yourself, to reflect and reset your roles and goals. It is also an excuse

EXOTICA [53] JULY 2020

to break the monotonous pattern of fast-paced life and indulge in some brain activities like creative writing, cooking, music, painting or learning a language. It’s the time to move beyond the scenery and find the lost seer. It’s also the time to strike a balance between rest and activity. One who is always at rest doesn't progress in life and one who is always in activity misses the bliss of deep rest.

Social distancing is not a punishment. Silence and solitude are a potent means for personal growth and self-renewal. Many great works of the world have emerged out of solitude. Meditate more and use this forced solitude to improve your mental strength, creativity, empathy and productivity. Now that you are getting to spend more time with your family members, listen to them. Talk less and avoid arguments.

So far, India has done extremely well in combating the spread of Coronavirus, but there is a lot more to do. During catastrophic events, people must care for and share with each other.

The haves should resort to some austerity and spend the savings on those who are in dire needs. I urge all those who can afford, to take a pay cut and form endowments to take care of daily wage earners and low-income groups in their areas so that the economic burden is shared by society locally. Let’s reassure ourselves and others that there is enough humanity to take care of everyone.

This is a temporary phase of uncertainty.

Mankind has fought against and prevailed over such threats before. We have overcome epidemics like SARS, Swine flu and bubonic plague in the past. Be assured that we will overcome this one too. I request everyone to desist from circulating unfounded information about the pandemic.

While we need to be informed of what is happening, do not get obsessed with Corona.

Endless TV debates and mindless social media shares could add to the uncertainty and cause an upsurge of anxiety and panic.

The Coronavirus is definitely a catastrophe for the world, but it doesn’t have to mean the apocalypse. Despite the dark clouds of gloom, silver linings are emerging bright enough to bring hope. This is what we need to focus on. The stories of birds chirping again in Wuhan or skies and water bodies clearing up as people stay indoors or people opening up their hearts to provide solace to those who are in need might not immediately compensate the losses brought about by the novel pandemic, but they do come as lasting reassurances of the good for the human race. For sure, this crisis will also leave the population more sensitised about cleanliness, personal hygiene and healthy ways of life.

Time indeed is the great healer. Let’s endure it with patience, courage and compassion.

EXOTICA [54] JULY 2020

HOTWHEELS Kushan Mitra Auto & tech expert

WORTHY SUCCESSOR

No other vehicle brand in India has been around for as long and as many generations as the Honda City. So how does the latest fifth-generation Honda City fare?

BACK

in the late-1990s and early 2000s, there were two cars that every hot-blooded young boy in Delhi and Mumbai wanted to drive.

One was the Maruti Zen with the 60 horsepower MPFi engine and the other, the first-generation Honda City. The latter was a complete joy to drive, even with the 1.3 litre engine that had 90 horsepower, just a little bit loose at speed and an engine that revved like a dream. Little wonder then that the firstgeneration City held its value better than any of its contemporaries. And then, of course, there was the first Honda City VTEC, a car that in my mind will always be associated with a crazy driving run to Manali back in the winter of 2000. It was the perfect car for the perfect time of my life.

Of course, we are all older now and much more responsible. And the new fifth-generation Honda City appears to be similarly even more responsible.

But is it? Has Honda City grown up like I have? Well, the City as we all know has gone through its phases.

There was that wild second-generation design, the ‘Dolphin’, then a more sedate third-generation and a fourth-generation car that wasn’t bad but lacked some substance, particularly inside. Well, the new car, while based on the same wheelbase as the previous generation, is longer and importantly wider than the earlier model. And the width definitely makes a big difference. Even though a couple of centimetres may not seem like much, it does make a world of difference to your comfort at the back seat in a full car.

On the face of it, the rest of the interiors are also much improved than the outgoing model, at least in the higher specification variants. The seats are well upholstered, the fittings, the infotainment system screen, and an ample amount of luggage space. The thing that impressed me the most about the interiors was the solid feel of the plastics. Indeed, the new fifth-generation City addresses the single biggest problem with the previous model which were the pretty ordinary interiors. The solid feel to the buttons and dials make them among the best in class. I’m not however sold on the lack of a rotary dial for volume control. The instrument cluster has a physical speedometer but that is coupled with a seven-inch TFT screen which displays not just the tachometer but can also the trip information, mileage and interesting features such a ‘G-Meter’ to measure the physical gravity loads on the car.

On a Mercedes-AMG, a G-Meter is useful to see how crazy you are, on the City it is more a guide at how comfortable your driving style is for your passengers. A bit gimmicky, but as you will see this

isn’t the only gimmick on this car.

So how does the car drive? Over here, I have to admit that I only drove the 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol version, which has an output of 121PS coupled with Honda’s CVT gearbox with seven forward speeds set. There are two reasons I did that, although I do hope to drive the other two options — the manual petrol and the manual diesel — soon, but I do feel that diesel vehicle sales are going to drop off a cliff, particularly in the NCR. The second is that if you buy a car to drive yourself for commuting, particularly in the `12 to 15 lakh range, you will want an automatic.

I have written earlier about the CVT — Continuously Variable Transmission — which isn’t in my opinion the best sort of automatic transmission, particularly if you wish to have a good time. The thing is that this car is that it is called the ‘City’ and inside an urban environment, this CVT works very well. That said, the City is also equipped with paddle shifters and while they might not be all that useful, if you find yourself on the highway and want to have a good time, it does allow you to do

EXOTICA [56] JULY 2020

that, albeit you really can’t red-line a CVT car.

But again, in daily commuter traffic, the CVT works excellently and even allows the car to deliver a decent fuel economy. Again, I have to state that the day I was driving this car, I got stuck in a fantastic traffic jam under Moti Bagh flyover, but even then I got around 13.1 kilometers per litre, but that included driving down the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway.The City has definitely grown up when it comes to ride and handling, the car is a comfortable place to be inside but at high-speed and at urban speeds, the steering is sharp and the car does not feel anything but assured when sharp steering movements are given.

But I guess this car has grown up a bit too much, it looks sharp with its shoulder line and the headlights and taillights, the latter even having a touch of BMW. It is nice to be inside and it gets the job done. But at a level, would the 22-year-old me approve of this car? I don’t think so, sure it has a great audio system and it is comfortable but it does feel a bit too sedate. In a market, where Hyundai has equipped the Verna with the 1.0-litre GDi Turbo, the

City is the safe choice. Not the fun choice.

Before I finish the column, a word about the Alexa integration that you will be hearing a lot about in the coming weeks. I even did a short YouTube video on this. Frankly, this is nothing more than a voice layer on top of the Honda Connect application. After saying ‘Open Honda’ on the Alexa app, you could check your fuel levels, start the airconditioner and even set the temperature but you cannot control your Amazon Prime account or use any of Alexa’s other myriad skills in the car, which in my opinion makes it slightly pointless, although this is something I would guess that can be added with a software upgrade later. You could however do the same thing from your Amazon Alexa devices such as the Echo that might be in your bedroom or living room. The City, like all its rivals, has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (both of which also have Amazon Prime Music, if you subscribe to the service). So it does feel a bit gimmicky, but then again back in the late-1990s power windows were a gimmick. I will not therefore judge the Alexa system just yet and see how it evolves in the coming 12 to 18 months.

EXOTICA [57] JULY 2020

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

A SOUND

SLEEP

Along with a healthy diet and moderate exercise, another vital factor to maintain and build our health and immunity is good sleep

DURING

this time of lockdowns, restrictions and unlockdowns, it is important for us to do what we can to build and maintain our health and immunity. Along with a healthy diet and moderate exercise, another vital factor is good sleep.

Our brain has its own internal clock, the Circadian Rhythm, which regulates our sleep/wake pattern. In stage one,we feel sleepy. The pineal gland produces melatonin that activates the hypothalmus and the brain stem, areas that induce sleep. This takes you into stage two, a light sleep where brain waves slow down and the body relaxes. In stage three and four, our brain waves slow down more and the body and mind are at complete rest. It is now that we go into

what is called deep NREM (non rapid eye movement) sleep.

It is in this deep NREM sleep, that some amazing processes take place.This is when Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is released that rejuvenates and repairs damaged cells in the body.

This allows the body and internal organs to recuperate and restore themselves. The brain also sees some amazing activity. The brain cells shrink, letting the cerebrospinal fluid which surrounds and circulates within it,flush away toxins like adenosine and amyloid beta that accumulate during the day. At the same time, the levels of the neurotransmitter, Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA), increase and allow brain pathways which are active during the day, to rest. This lets the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin,

EXOTICA [58] JULY 2019

norepinephrine and histamine needed for efficient brain function in the day, be replenished. As a result, we wake up feeling well-rested and fresh in the morning.

Medical science tells us that we need seven to eight hours of sleep a day. When we sleep well, our body and brain are able to completely rest and recuperate. Now, in this time of pandemic, lockdown and economic uncertainty, there is anxiety about what can happen and how to manage. This affects our nervous systems.

The levels of stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) rise and disrupt our sleep cycle.

When we don't sleep enough, the brain and body are not able to restore themselves fully.

This is reflected in us as tiredness, poorer concentration, forgetfulness, less creativity and lowered immunity.

Let us then practice four yoga asanas that will help you sleep better. These will stretch and relax you both physically and mentally. In Shashankasana, the spine is stretched and the head is lowered to the ground. This improves circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid along the spine and

nourishes the brain, flushes out toxins, relaxes the nervous system to help you sleep better. The Shashankasana variation helps to lower body temperature, blood pressure and relaxes the nervous system. In Supta Udarakarshanasana, the twisting of the lower body, stretches and relaxes the spine and improves the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid that detoxes the brain. In Makarasana, the turning out of the feet, allows the legs and the pelvic muscles to relax completely.

Lying on the stomach, eases the spine and back muscles, bring in complete stillness to body and mind and greatly improving the quality of your sleep.

This combined practice of yoga with pranayama (breathing) and relaxation, has a deep impact on brain waves, the nervous system, and hormonal balance in the body. This not only helps the body's internal organs and systems to function better but determines how well we sleep for it helps the things that caused irregular sleep in the first place. If you do these regularly, you will sleep better and this in turn, will help build up your immune system.

SUPTA UDARAKARSHANASANA o Lie on your back, feet together, arms by side o Exhale and bring both knees to chest o Stretch your arms out at shoulder level o Exhale as you drop both knees to the right, keeping knees and thighs together

o Arms and back are pressed firmly on ground o Breathe normally and hold for 30-60 seconds o Inhale as you bring knees back to chest o Exhale and repeat on left side o Repeat twice

EXOTICA [59] JULY 2019

BENEFITS: o Twists, stretches elongates back muscles o Improves circulation of cerebrospinal fluid that helps detoxify brain in deep sleep o Helps detox the brain and allows it to function better

SHASHANKASANA o Sit back on heels, back straight, hands on knees. o Separate knees so bit wider than hips o Breathe in slowly as you raise your arms up level with the ears o Exhale slowly as you bend forward till forehead touches the ground, arms straight in front, palms down

o Keep buttocks on the heels, neck and shoulders relaxed. o Hold for 30-60 seconds, breathing normally o Breathe in as you raise arms and body, exhale as you lower arms. o Repeat twice BENEFITS: o Stretches the back, hips, thighs and ankles

SHASHANKASANA — VARIATION

o Removes tension from the pelvic region o Helps relieve stress and fatigue o Restores, relaxes and calms the brain, body and mind o Improves blood flow to the head and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to brain cells.

CAUTION: Avoid if pregnant or have knee problems o Sit back on heels, grasp lower calves above ankles, keeping thumbs uppermost o Holding calves, slowly bend forward and lightly rest crown of head on the floor in front of knees o Raise hips high so chin presses against chest and thighs are vertical o Hold for 10-30 seconds or as comfortable o Gently lower hips back on heels, hold 10 seconds, then come back to start position o If knees are sensitive, use a folded blanked beneath them BENEFITS: o Decompresses the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae o Opens the air passages and can help asthma o Increases blood supply to the brain o Stimulates digestion

MAKARASANA (CROCODILE) o Lie down on your stomach o Separate the legs to a bit wider than the hips o Turn heels in, toes facing out o Cross your arms as shown so elbows are one above the other o Rest forehead comfortably on the arms o Breathe slowly & deeply, letting the whole body

gently relax when you breathe out o Do this for 5 minutes.

BENEFITS: o Eases the spine and back muscles o Relaxes the legs & pelvic muscles o Increases lung capacity o Totally relaxes body & mind

EXOTICA [60] JULY 2019

NUMBERGAME Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist

COUNT YOUR FATE

NUMBER 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th of any month) People around you might try to influence you, in a negative or cynical manner, so that their vested interests get fulfilled through your actions. You might sometimes be confused but trust your instincts and keep your belief in the Almighty.

Remember that after darkness is the reassurance of light.

NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) Be patient in relationships or else there are chances that you might lose the person. Try to win over their confidence and make them feel secure about the future. Your energy might help you to gain momentum. Travel for business and pleasure might be on the cards. Keep your eyes open for hypocrites.

NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) Mischief might get overboard and make things a bit messy.

Ask for forgiveness if necessary if people become sensitive about your actions. Try to avoid shortcuts in money matters.

People in business might see an increase in their production due to regular process and policy up-gradations.

NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) Taking decisions in a hurry might be the need of the hour (read-month). Try to avoid too much deliberation and concentrate more on the end result. People romantically involved might have a fruitful time. Be careful about your reputation as the slightest thing might dent your reputation.

NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) You might probably be a little vulnerable to actions of some people. However, avoid getting too deeply connected so that you would not face problems later, when you separate. At work things go as per the schedule and finances might also show an upscale. Try to keep loved ones in the loop.

NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) Friends might visit, relatives might stop over and colleagues might just hop over for a break.

Life might seem to look like one big event where you are getting all the goodies. Be cautious as it is probably just a phase and might end soon. So be ready to leap back into some serious action once things settle.

NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th of any month) Situations in life sometimes might confuse one to take some harsh decisions. However, try not to feel guilty. Try not to obstruct the way of people wanting to self-destruct as they might not take your advice positively. Professional projects might show a steady pace of development.

NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) Gimmicks, tricks, settling of scores and changing faces of people might all be entangled in your circumstances.

Nevertheless, these might not affect you as your ideologies and principals in life are well grounded. People do get jealous and do silly things but don’t stoop down to their level.

NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th of any month) If people at work resent your actions then maybe you need to change your perspective. There is no harm in looking at the map to assure that you are going in the right direction. Make a list of pros and cons. Loved ones might encourage and participate in your activities, giving you motivation.

EXOTICA [61] JULY 2020

LOCKDOWN DIARIES

THEHEALTHYMANTRA A little pandemic cannot come in between exercise and keeping fit

KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN: The begum of Pataudi believes in, “Stay flexible, stay fit and stay fab!”

SALMAN KHAN: Bhai does everything in style and he says, “Just finished working out ....”

KARISHMA KAPOOR: The actor believes that we should, “Let’s look at things from a different perspective...”

RAKULPREET: The actor perfects the bow pose as she says, “TRUE YOGA” is not about the shape of your body but the SHAPE of your LIFE, it’s not about touching your toes but what you learn on the way down .You can’t always control what goes on outside.

KARISHMA TANNA: The actor wishes us, “Good morning”

ANANYA PANDEY: The actor tells us, “you’ve mastered the selfie now ‘master thy self”

EXOTICA [62] JULY 2020