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FROM THE EDITOR
Editor-in-Chief CHANDAN MITRA EDITORIAL BOARD Vice-Chairman & Joint Managing Director Amit Goel Chief Executive Officer Abhishek Saxena 09818600128 EDITORIAL Editor-in-Charge Rinku Ghosh Assistant Editor Saimi Sattar Feature Writer Ankita Saxena 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 Media Coordinator Neelu Sharma MUMBAI OFFICE General Manager Devendra Adhikari KOLKATA OFFICE Vice President Suzanna Roy HYDERABAD OFFICE V Sunil Kumar General Manager (Circulation) Rajeev Gautam Printed and published by Chandan Mitra for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd, printed at JK Offset Graphics (P) Ltd, B-278, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110020 and published at No. 6, Behind Gulab Bhawan, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002. Editor: Chandan Mitra. Entire Contents Copyright (C) 2006 CMYK Printech Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation in any language in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Requests for permission should be directed to CMYK Printech Ltd. Opinions carried in Exotica are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by CMYK Printech Ltd. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material or for material lost or damaged in transit. All correspondence should be addressed to CMYK Printech Ltd; F-31, Sector-6, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh-201301 Phone: 0120-4879800 & 4879900 Email: exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com
A NEW NOAH’S ARC
FOR INTER-GALACTIC TRAVEL
ALMOST
every day there are relentless reports of real or impending environmental disasters happening around us. A startling front page photograph recently captured the dramatic collapse of a gigantic massif of an iceberg crashing into the Arctic Ocean as the ice cover near the northern polar region continued to get eroded as a result of global warming. A few days later came a report predicting that by 2030, sea levels would rise by a staggering 10 inches, sinking many islands including some in our neighbourhood such as Maldives and even threatening Lakshadweep. Many major world cities including New York, London and Mumbai will face devastating floods, forcing a large sections of their inhabitants to relocate to higher locations which are already densely populated. With climate change and global warming being a continuing phenomenon, it is impossible to predict if and when this process will end. The world’s topography has undergone humongous alterations over millennia. For instance the Sahara was once a vast inland sea and even now it is believed that a gigantic underground freshwater lake lies below its arid, sandy surface. Similarly, hard as it may be to believe, large portions of the Himalayas were once part of a water body known as the now extinct Tethys Sea. Marine fossils discovered on the hill slopes suggest that the Shivalik ranges were underwater only a few millennia ago. Geological and tectonic changes, along with climatic shifts combine to alter the livability of vast patches of the earth and in fact other planetary bodies, such as Mars, too. That raises the question whether the Earth itself will get transformed into a bigger replica of Mars in the not yet foreseeable future. In the foreseeable future, however, global warming may increase the quantum of rainfall and cause widespread flooding. After a time, the water will evaporate leaving channels and dried-up lakes and seas dotting the surface of an arid planet as evident from Mars and even the moon. How much of this inevitability can be thwarted or reversed? At present scientists have no answers. It is not clear if reducing carbon emissions or production of greenhouse gases will at all be possible or suffice to stop degeneration of the atmosphere into unlivability. A viable solution needs to be discovered at the earliest, possibly within the next couple of centuries. Unless some revolutionary idea of technology is found by then, the only viable solution would be to hasten the search for earth-sized exoplanets which are apparently swirling around at reasonable distances from us. It may take only a few decades to pinpoint one that contains conditions in which human life can thrive. Once identified, suitable crafts have to be built to ferry inhabitants of the Earth to their new homestead. Therefore those who scoff at the idea of human colonies on Mars or the Moon should be asked to withhold negative ideas. Those developing such colonies could well be pioneers of inter-planetary and even inter-galactic travel. Who knows, visionaries like Elon Musk could well be the new Noah of the future.
[CHANDAN MITRA] Editor-in-Chief
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I N S I D E JUNE 2019 VOLUME 13 NO 8
Little black book [p8] Diana Penty: A quick peek into her style file Globe trotter Walk with Van Gogh [p18] ‘I do’, in Beverly Hills [p34] Q&A [p22] A crustacean paradise Travel junkie [p26] Climb every mountain
[p42]
[p50]
COVER: NANDI HILLS, KARNATAKA PHOTO COURTESY: PHOTOGRAPHYLIFE.COM
Celeb talk [p42] Jim jam Art frat [p50] Jewel in the crown House proud [p54] Nautical nuance Savoury surprise [p58] The king takes it all
CONTRIBUTORS
[p60]
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p66] GURUSPEAK: Astonishment brings wakefulness Bharat Thakur [p68] FITNESS: Focussed concentration Kushan Mitra [p70] HOT WHEELS: A great Venue Sanjay Jumaani [p73] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 76 INCLUDING COVER
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OUR PARTNER HOTELS Send us your feedback at exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/Exotica-394686670715776
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FAVOURITE HAUNTS OF STYLISH PEOPLE
I am not much of an accessory person. So I will do either statement earrings or necklace. Shoes. I love them. When I am travelling and shopping, it is mostly bags and shoes which come first and then the clothes.
I love the way Dior constructs their gowns, the fabrics they use and the textures. It is a mix of chic, timeless and modern.
I like non-fiction and books based on true events or war stories or espionage. I love the Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service as it is thrilling and intriguing.
I love A Beautiful Mind which I must have watched over 40 times. Also, among my favourites are Life is Beautiful and Scent of a Woman as they are intense.
DIANA PENTY is a model and actor. She made her debut in the film Cocktail and has also acted in Happy Bhag Jayegi, Parmanu and Lucknow Central
I am a huge Biryani lover. I always like to have rice for lunch else I feel I haven’t eaten at all.
I love South Africa, London and New York. Cape Town is gorgeous. They have an amazing landscape, people and food. It is a perfect holiday destination. You can find both mountains and beaches. At Cape of Good Hope, two seas meet and that is a beautiful sight. There is fresh sea food. People are warm and welcoming.
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TRAVEL NEWS
JAPAN’S ALPINE ROUTE
FROM
mesmerising landscapes to panoramic hiking trails and tranquil lakes, Japan’s Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route offers options for all. This naturally spectacular journey through Japan’s Northern Alps is so high (3,000 metre above sea level), that it is often called the ‘Roof of Japan.’ To witness its beauty to the fullest, one has to travel through varied means of transportation including cable cars, trolley buses and a ropeway to complete the journey. While the route can be completed as a long day trip from either Toyama or Nagano, it is advised to relax and complete this 23 miles-long journey in two days. The best time to travel on the Alpine route is from April to November. The highlight of this route are the majestic snow corridors of Midagahara and Murodo. Straight out of Game of Thrones fairytale, the wondrous wall reaching 66 feat entails a section for pedestrians which can be accessed till June 22. First on this nature trail comes Midagahara, a stunning snowy landscape on an altitude between 1,600 and 2,000 metre which is a haven for snow trekking aficionados. Next on the route, tourists can’t miss the panoramic snowy landscape of Tengudaira, which after spring transforms into a flower garden.
The last tourist spot of day one of Alpine tour is Murodo, which is also the midpoint of this tour. Murodo is known as the highest altitude railway station/bus terminal and is also famous for its mindboggling sunset point. From there, one can’t miss the sight of the sun slowly setting in a sea of clouds amid the hues of orange, pink, red and purple. The second day begins with an exciting walk along the snow corridor of Murodo which leaves the traveller awestruck by its beauty. After a 10-minute bus ride from Murodo Terminal comes Daikanbo. This has an observatory, which allows visitors to watch the picturesque beauty of the Tateyama Mountain Range and Kurobe Lake’s emerald green sheen. From here, one can proceed to Kurobe dam, which can be reached by a seven-minute ropeway to Kurobedaira and from there five-minute-long cable car to the tallest dam in Japan. Towering at an altitude of 1,470 metre and 186 metre high, the dam supports a hydropower plant which supply electricity to the entire Kansai region. Tourist can also cruise around the lake. The tour ends on a healing note at the hot spring sightseeing spot Omachi Onsenkyo, where tourists can wash away their fatigue in a natural hot spring surrounded by the majestic view of the Northern Alps.
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A PEEK AT ATLANTIS DUBAI’S REVAMPED IMPERIAL CLUB
THE
Imperial Club, which is set exclusively at the Atlantis, The Palm, offers a new dimension to leisure hospitality, seamlessly weaving VIP experiences and holidaying together to meet the needs of the discerning travellers and offers the ultimate convenience and privacy during the stay. Where every guest is royalty: A doorway to a host of exclusive privileges and a hallmark of round-the-clock personalised services, the Imperial Club features a total of 323 rooms and suites and its lounge, which brings extraordinary services, exquisite décor and decadent culinary experiences under one roof. It is the perfect choice for guests seeking to add a little luxury with extra benefits worth more than $800 per day. The guests receive additional benefits and exclusive perks such as private check-in and check-out, access to the lounge for breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks and canapés, access to the club’s beach and aquaventure waterpark. Designed by Abu Dhabi and Dubai-based Allen Architecture Interior Design, the ocean-themed Imperial Club Lounge puts a fresh spin on the premium lounge privileges and the world-class service excellence. It spans two levels of the resort — the elegant upper level is designed for guests looking to unwind and has a sophisticated cocktail bar vibe; the ground level is more child-friendly and is the perfect hangout for families. The lounge features three spectacular chandeliers comprising 150 hand-blown glass fish. There are a number of floor installations with approximately 4,000 shimmering fish scales used in the corridor and 2,300 next to the bar. Atlantis Imperial Club benefits: Guests staying in the
Imperial Club rooms and suites enjoy the following privileges during their stay: o Luxury round-trip airport transfers in a fleet of Audi A6s or equivalent. o Private check-in and check-out at the lounge. o Full access to the 3,091 sq m lounge. o Complimentary breakfast in the lounge between 7 am to 11 am. Guests can enjoy a huge selection of more than 90 organic, natural and premium breakfast items with a luxury buffet and live cooking station for eggs and omelettes. o Complimentary daily afternoon tea experience on the terrace with a variety of delicious snacks from 2 pm to 4 pm. o Complimentary daily evening drinks and canapés in the lounge during happy hours from 5 pm to 7 pm with stunning views of the Arabian sea and beyond. o The younger guests get complimentary access (including morning and afternoon adventures) to Atlantis Kids Club for children aged three to 12 years and The Zone, the ultimate hangout spot for teens aged 13 to 17 years. o Catch activities at the Imperial Club Beach overlooking the Dubai Marina Skyline with a fullyserviced bar, private cabanas and loungers and personal service attendants to meet all their needs. o Enjoy two relaxing spa treatments at Atlantis, The Palm’s ShuiQi Spa, at the price of one. This two-for-one discount offer applies to any spa treatment of AED 500 or more and excludes Medi spa. o Access to a range of personal concierge services to enjoy an unfettered ease of comfort, convenience and flexibility touring the city.
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AMAN: JOURNEY TO PEACE
A
retreat called ‘Journey To Peace’ is a brand new and enlightening retreat that will launch on October 24 and run till November 28, at four different properties of Aman, helping guests on their own path to peace. A six-night retreat at either Amansara, Amantaka, Amanoi and Amanpuri, the retreat aims to help guests rediscover ‘inner peace’
which is said to enable one to better cope with anxieties, fears and worries and can help slow down and focus the mind, show patience and tolerance. Dedicated to teaching individuals to rediscover this elusive state, the retreat is unique and spiritual, which is intuitively and lovingly led by renowned Buddhist monk Geshe YongDong.
STATUE OF LIBERTY MUSEUM OPENS FOR THE PUBLIC
THE
Statue of Liberty Museum opened to the public following a dedication ceremony presented by The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. and the National Park Service. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Foundation Chairman of the Board Albert Bellas and President and CEO Stephen Briganti, as well as campaign chairperson Diane von Furstenberg, delivered remarks at the ceremony, which also included performances from Broadway stars and the Manhattan Girls Chorus. “America needs this museum and what it represents now more than ever. New York is the ultimate city of immigrants. The Statue of Liberty represents our core values — we embrace diversity, support our neighbours and believe everyone should have a fair shot to live the American dream,” said Mayor de Blasio. The Superintendent of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island John Piltzecker added, “Today, we share in the American people’s gratitude for this remarkable contribution to the legacy of the Statue of Liberty and for ensuring her story will continue to be told to the present and the future generations.” The 26,000 sq ft museum features three gallery spaces, each one meant to inspire visitors and educate them about the Statue of Liberty in interactive and thought-provoking ways. The experience culminates with an up-close view of Liberty’s most iconic symbol, her original torch, held high for nearly 100 years. Rescued from the
elements and replaced in 1986, the torch is the most powerful artifact visitors encounter as they reach the end of the museum experience. The museum merges landscape and building, and the roof is planted with native meadow grasses and offers visitors a sweeping, panoramic view of Lady Liberty, lower Manhattan and all of New York Harbour. Access to the museum is free with the purchase of a Statue Cruises ferry ticket to Liberty and Ellis Islands. The new museum is part of a $100 million Liberty Island-wide beautification effort that’s being funded by The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. The museum was designed by architecture firm FXCollaborative with exhibits created by experience design firm ESI Design. The structure was built by Phelps Construction Group. SBI Consultants served as the owner’s representative coordinating activities among all stakeholders.
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HOWTOGETTHERE Air India offers four direct weekly flights from Delhi to Vienna and back. Air India, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Lufthansa, Swiss, and Turkish offer connections with just a small stop en route, for those embarking from Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.
VIENNA IS THE HOTTEST TOURISM DESTINATION
VIENNA,
one of the hottest tourism destinations, is also fast becoming the business convention capital of the world, having recorded a whopping 4,685 conferences, conclaves, consultations and symposiums, in the year gone by, up by 15 per cent over the previous year’s figure (2017). This comes at the end of a year when nearly 63,000 Indians visited Vienna to notch up 1,38,000 overnight stays in 2018, up by 7.2 per cent over 2017. This is strongest ever performance notched by Vienna’s convention industry in 2018, besides creating space for additional 21,500 jobs, an achievement underwritten by the reputation it enjoys as “the world’s most livable city.” The 4,685 events comprised 1,544 congresses (540 national and 1,004 international), and 3,141 corporate events, meetings and incentives, (1,273 national and 1,868 international), according to Vienna Tourist Board (VTB) director, Norbert Kettner. Conglomerates and big businesses are making a beeline to the Austrian capital because it offers an irresistibly salubrious environment, timeless charm, magnificent palaces, abundant green spaces and gastronomic delights, features no other region or location anywhere can proffer. The convention industry contributed 1.198 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018, marking an increase of 63 percent over 2009 figures. Earlier, the industry’s contribution had also crossed the symbolic 1.0 billion mark in 2015 itself .
The same year (2018) some 6,31,000 delegates had generated 1.925 million bed nights. Both totals represent an increase of three percent in the GDP and were new records. The Austria Centre Vienna (ACV) has also become the preferred venue for the European Union (EU) Council, having already hosted around 130 events, represented by more than 20,000 delegates. These include numerous high-level political confabulations, attracting a lot of media coverage, besides calling for increased security. They were hosted as green events, virtually paperless, with locallysourced catering and Vienna spring water, fresh from the taps. The industry’s economic impact, touching a new high, included direct expenditure by delegates and their family members, event managers and exhibitors, besides income accruing to food and beverage suppliers, printers, construction companies, banks, insurance agencies and so on. The findings from a survey conducted by the VTB last year, involving 3,650 respondents aged between 18 and 70 years, reveal that 94 percent favourably viewed tourism sector’s renewed focus on generating more jobs annually. Seventy five percent of the surveyed identified conventions and symposiums as a significant element of tourism. Fifty eight percent supported the idea of strengthening Vienna’s position as a global convention centre, wanting it to focus more and more on conventions over the next few years.
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SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS IN ASIA
AFTER
its debut in Barcelona last month, Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship Spectrum of the Seas arrived in Asia, with its first call at Mumbai port on May 9. It was on a 14-night cruise from Dubai to Singapore, which visited Cochin on May 11. The 16-deck, 1,68,666 gross registered tonne ship is the largest ever to call in India. The first of the Quantum Ultra Class, Spectrum of the Seas has a total capacity of 5,622 guests and is 1,139 feet long, which overtakes sister ships Quantum and Ovation of the Seas, both currently Asia’s largest. This is the second time the global cruise line is deploying a brand new ship to Asia for homeporting, which underscores its ever-growing confidence in the region. The first ship in the fleet, custom built for the Asian market, it features bold and unexpected experiences including the iconic Sky Pad, a virtual reality bungee trampoline. This is for guests of all ages and can also be enjoyed without virtual reality headsets, for those who prefer to look out over the expansive ocean as they leap towards the sky. Debuting on the forward end of the ship is the cruise line’s first private enclave for suite guests, who will have exclusive card key access, a private elevator, outdoor space for relaxing and a dedicated restaurant and lounge. Spectrum of the Seas also introduces to Asia the two-level, 2,809 sq ft Ultimate family suite that accommodates up to 11 guests. The three-bedroom suite’s highlight is the in-room slide plus the recreation room with sound equipment for everyone in the family to enjoy karaoke and movie or game nights.
Guests onboard the cruise ship will enjoy multiple restaurant venues with cuisines from around the globe, including the two-tier main dining room serving a variety of international and Asian options, imaginative cuisine at Wonderland Da Dong, Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Izumi Japanese cuisine, the new specialty restaurant Sichuan Red, which serves authentic Sichuan cuisine, and Leaf and Bean, a traditional tea room and café parlour. New to the fleet is Star Moment, a lively and energetic karaoke venue. Signature features such as the North Star elevated glass capsule, the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, FlowRider surfing simulator, Bionic Bar are making a return, and there are transformative venues such as Seaplex, the largest indoor activity space at sea with new augmented reality walls and floors providing guests with thrilling high-tech interactive experiences. There is Two70 — a high-tech entertainment venue offering a 270-degree panoramic view of the back of the ship.
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WELLNESS AT NIRAAMAYA RETREATS
NIRAAMAYA
Retreats Backwaters & Beyond, Kumarakom offers several wellness packages to suit the needs of its clientele. These wellness offerings include international, traditional Ayurvedic therapies and yoga. The retreat provides its guests distinctive and transformative experiences that can replenish mind, spirit, and body — from rejuvenating wellness immersions to adrenaline-packed wildlife safaris and inspiring culinary journeys. The cost for spa is `2,500 onwards for one session (starting price) and Ayurveda treatment is `1,00,000 onwards for seven days package. Intense Ayurveda immersion programmes: The extensive seven-21 night Ayurveda therapeutic wellness programmes are the most beneficial here. The programmes include — detox, cleansing treatments, yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, use of herbal remedies along with massages and other holistic practices. The focus is on partnering with guests to align their lifestyle towards a balanced state of wellness and peace. Relax and rejuve programme ‘Rasayana’: Ideal for enhancing immunity, and for rejuvenation, it is believed that Rasayana was the secret of the long lives of the sages of yore. This programme keeps one in a state of Niraamaya — freedom from ailments. Duration: 90 minutes. Minimum five days.
‘Slim Body’ by Ayurveda: It proves that losing weight is not about starving, but about balancing your fat metabolism. This package includes massages with special herbal powders, oils and medications. A specific diet and fitness yoga are also prescribed. It is usually available for 14 days upwards, for effective weight loss results. Duration: 90 minutes. Minimum 14 days. Body purification and detoxification programme: Combat a modern-day lifestyle and toxin accumulation with this detox therapy which also balances Vata, Pitta, and Kapha (the three bio-regulating energies according to Ayurveda). Duration: 90 minutes. Minimum 14 days. Ayurveda stress and strain buster: Release stress and strain, and calm your mood with this package that combines different Ayurveda massages and therapies. The simultaneous practice of yoga and meditation is advisable for enhanced benefits. Duration: 90 minutes. Minimum five days. Bone and joint care programme: This palliative programme includes special treatments for pain and joint problems. The treatment includes traditional massages, application of warm medicated pouches, intensive oil therapies, medicated baths and internal medications. Duration: 90 minutes. Minimum seven days.
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GLOBE TROTTER
Walk with
Van Gogh
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The Dutch artist travelled around Europe almost as much as any Eurailer, so there are plenty of places where you can relive his experiences and understand his art. EXOTICA suggests the hotspots
“...and then, I have nature and art and poetry, and if that is not enough, what is enough?” —VINCENT VAN GOGH
THE
artist may have had a troubled life but he was free in the world of imagination, with nature as his only inspiration. “Sometimes I long so much to do landscape, just as one would for a long walk to refresh oneself,” he wrote in 1882, adding, “and in all of nature, in trees, for instance, I see expression and a soul.” Van Gogh sought solace in nature, from his boyhood to the last weeks of his short life. He would wander off to the woods, take long walks, paint the outdoors and study ordinary insects, of which he had intricate knowledge. Perhaps, because he valued life so much that in his short burst on this planet, he filled his canvas with bright blues, yellows and greens, celebrating his personal moments of joy. Do you know what inspired Van Gogh? The Dutch artist travelled around Europe almost as much as any Eurailer, so there are plenty of places where you can relive his experiences and understand his art. Here’s how to embark on your very own Van Gogh tour and see the world through his eyes.
LONDON [ENGLAND] While working as an art dealer, Van Gogh spent a few years living in London. You can see the boarding houses he lived in at 87 Hackford Road and 295 Kennington Road. He was a keen walker, so follow him on foot and explore the city’s many sights from Hyde Park to Embankment. During your visit to London, art-lovers can get inspired by some of London’s famed cultural institutions, including the British Museum and the National Gallery. Or take a trip to one of Van Gogh’s favourite London attractions, the beautiful Dulwich Picture Gallery. Travel tip: The Eurostar train connects London to Paris and Brussels. This journey is covered by the Eurail Global Pass, though you’ll need to book a reservation.
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AMSTERDAM
[THE NETHERLANDS]
ANTWERP AND MONS [BELGIUM] Van Gogh spent time in several regions of Belgium. He was briefly enrolled in the Art Academy in Antwerp and did several sketches of Het Steen Fortress in the old city centre. He is known to have viewed the artworks by Rubens housed in the Cathedral of Our Lady. In his 20s, Van Gogh worked as a preacher in a mining region, near Mons, Belgium. When in Mons, check out the Van Gogh House in Cuesmes, which is a short bus ride from the train station. The Grand Place and the 17th century baroque belfry in town are also worth a visit. Travel tip: Both Mons and Antwerp are easily reachable from Brussels by train in about an hour.
THE HAGUE [THE NETHERLANDS] Van Gogh lived in The Hague twice, first as an art dealer and then to learn painting from his cousin. In The Hague, Van Gogh kept a studio on Schenkweg and frequented Scheveningen Strand to paint the life he saw there. Scheveningen, one of the most famous beaches in the Netherlands, is a must-see on any visit to The Hague. After your visit to the beach, explore the city’s multitude of museums housing the work of other famous Dutch artists, from Vermeer to M.C. Escher. Travel tip: The Hague is easily reached by frequent trains from Amsterdam.
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Van Gogh spent a short time living in the Dutch capital as a student but he was more interested in strolling the city streets than working on his studies. He spent his days visiting the flower market and viewing the collections at cultural institutions like Museum Van Der Hoop and the Trippenhuis. Unfortunately, neither museum exists any more, but both of their collections are now on view at the Rijks museum. Van Gogh may not have lived in Amsterdam for long but today the largest collection of his artwork is found in the city at the Van Gogh Museum. In the spirit of the artist, walk to the museum from the station instead of taking the tram; maybe the city will inspire you the way it inspired him. Travel tip: The journey to Amsterdam Central takes just over an hour from Antwerp.
PARIS [FRANCE] Many of Van Gogh’s famous works can be found in Paris in the permanent collection at the Musée d’Orsay. The painter himself called the French capital home for two years. During his time in Paris, Van Gogh lived in Montmartre at the Rue Lepic. There he took drawing lessons and visited major Parisian galleries — the Louvre and the Musée du Luxembourg. While Van Gogh lived in Paris, he spent a lot of time in cafés discussing art and life with the other artists that flocked to the city. Though his usual haunt, Le Tambourin, no longer exists, there are plenty of other cafés across Paris that give off similar Bohemian vibes. Café Lomi and Café Marlette are great places to start. Travel tip: Get to Paris in just over three hours by high-speed train from Amsterdam.
ARLES [FRANCE] When Parisian city life became too much for him, Van Gogh headed south to Arles. He had the desire to set up an artists’ colony in the sunny French country side. While living in Arles, he created 300 works, including The Night Café and Starry Night over the Rhône and infamously cut off his ear. In Arles, follow the Van Gogh Trail to see the locations where the artist lived and where some of his most famous works were painted. While you’re there check out the ancient amphitheatre and other Roman ruins dotted throughout the city. The Camargue Nature Park, known for its flamingos, is also nearby. Travel tip: It takes four hours to get to Arles by train from Paris.
AUVERS-SUR-OISE [FRANCE] At the end of his life, Van Gogh headed back north and eventually settled in Auvers-sur-Oise, just outside of Paris. There, he lodged at the Auberge Ravoux, which you can visit. While living in the town, he made around 70 paintings inspired by his surroundings, including Wheatfield with Crows. Auvers is where Van Gogh passed away and where he is buried. You can visit his grave at the Cementerio Auverssu Oise, which is open to visitors during daylight hours. Visitors to Auvers-sur-Oise can also step into Van Gogh’s shoes by sampling absinthe, the drink beloved by him and other artists of his time, at Auvers’ Musée de l’Absinthe. Travel tip: Auvers-sur-Oise makes a great day trip from Paris. It takes just 57 minutes by train out of the centre. Spread across four countries, all these destinations are easily accessible with a Eurail Global Pass. So pack your paints and get to know Van Gogh a bit better by adding these cities to your next European itinerary.
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Q&A
A CRUSTACEAN PARADISE EXOTICA [22] JUNE 2019
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Sri Lanka’s most renowned chef DHARSHAN MUNIDASA has made his debut in India with his Ministry of Crab. In an email interview with SAIMI SATTAR, he talks about his reasons for opening an outpost in the country, his inspiration and of course, his love for the different kinds of crabs
DHARSHAN
Munidasa is Sri Lanka’s most renowned chef, restaurateur and television personality. The Ministry Of Crab, in which he has partnered with Sri Lanka’s cricket legends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara, has debuted in India with its first outpost in Zaveri House, Khar, Mumbai after having launched in Shanghai and Manila last year. The crabs are the ‘stars of the show’ at the restaurant, ranging from 500 gm ‘small’ crabs to two kg ‘crabzillas’ plated up in a variety of ways from fiery Pepper crab to the unique Garlic chilli crab and the succulent Baked crab. The restaurant also features a variety of other seafood, from amazing king prawns found in the rivers running across the island to fresh clams and oysters from the lagoons. The name of the restaurant has an interesting story behind it. When brainstorming names for the crab restaurant he wanted to create, which was to be a culinary homecoming for Sri Lanka’s Lagoon crabs, Dharshan felt that in its country of origin it needed a powerful, institutionlike name; and so the title, ‘Ministry of Crab’ was established. It opened its doors in December 2011. Nihonbashi, his Japanese speciality restaurant,
which was founded in 1995, draws on his mixed Sri Lankan and Japanese parentage. This along with the Ministry of Crab are two of the most successful dining options in the island. At both, reservations have to be made weeks, if not months, in advance. Both are also the only ones from Sri Lanka on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List. Having gained a reputation for his out-ofthe-box thinking and his knack for pushing boundaries, Dharshan revolutionised Sri Lanka’s gastronomic landscape which has put the restaurant on the global culinary map. For these efforts, he was awarded the Business Today Passionate award 2017. What makes the food by Dharshan stand out is his focus on high quality, fresh ingredients that he often pairs with Japanese cooking philosophies. Over the years he has been invited to prepare degustation menus in various establishments across the world including the Regent in Taiwan, the Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney, the World Gourmet Summit in Singapore, Shangri–La at The Shard in London, Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, Four Seasons in Mumbai, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Huvafen Fushi Maldives and The Sukhothai Shanghai.
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What brings Ministry Of Crab to India? In Colombo, it serves many tourists from India and I think their stories of our unique cuisine have created a market and that’s why we are in Mumbai together with Gourmet Investments Pvt Ltd (GIPL). Has there been an adjustment of flavours in keeping with the local palate? Not at all. We have introduced the true flavours of Ministry Of Crab to Mumbai as well. As it has been a few months since the launch, what are the points of convergence and divergence with the Sri Lankan one in terms of dishes and flavours? Nothing at all, what’s popular in Ministry Of Crab
in Colombo is popular in Mumbai. It’s all about the taste. When crafting a dish, what are some of the things that you keep in mind? It’s simple, as our endeavour is to bring out smiles all around. That’s what we try to achieve. What do you keep in mind when cooking crabs? We do not to mess around too much with it and bring out its natural flavours. What do you think makes Ministry Of Crab such a phenomenon across the world? We are an ingredient-specific restaurant, which is
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not uni-dimensional in flavour. We make the Chilli crab that was made popular in Singapore in a different way and the same goes for Pepper crab. We use olive oil and soy sauce in unique preparations to highlight the crab. Ministry Of Crab is an institution that celebrates crab. As a child, were you always fascinated with the profession? Not at all, but I was always fascinated by eating. Since you never attended culinary school, how did you learn cooking? There was always pure hunger in me to make good food. I always knew that I could never eat bad food and I started cooking because the dorm food was unpalatable to me after one semester of University in the US. When I first started cooking, I slowly realised that I need to have a “method to the madness,” so to speak and began developing menus with corresponding grocery lists. It always mattered that I made something that tastes delicious. When you cook for yourself, what is the meal that you like to put together? Anything that I can get my hands on! Amazing ingredients and a huge crab are a few things that I can play around with. Where do you draw your inspiration from for your new dishes? Ingredients are the key. Also, a quick stop to the local markets wherever I travel works wonders for me. It’s not only ingredients but even plates and utensils inspire me. What are your future plans? Ministry Of Crab will be opening soon by the turquoise waters in Maldives. We’re looking forward to that. When not cooking or curating new recipes, what can we find you doing? You would spot me grooming my three poodles when I am not cooking.
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TRAVEL JUNKIE
CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN
MUNNAR [KERALA] The idyllic Munnar is known for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks. Located in the Western Ghats, it serves as the commercial centre for some of the world’s largest tea estates. In addition, it has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji. What further adds to the attraction of the place is that it is situated on the banks of three rivers — Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru. There are several natural viewpoints besides the tea plantations. The Eravikulam National Park, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and tea plantations are its major attractions. The city is divided into Old Munnar, where there is the tourist information office and Munnar, where the bus station and most guest houses are located.
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When you say hills, one immediately responds with Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand or Kashmir. And if you say beaches, peninsular India comes to mind. But then who said that there are no hill stations to be explored south of the Vindhyas? With rolling mists, gentle inclines and lush greenery minus crowds, these are the places which the weary soul craves for
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WAYANAD [KERALA] Enchanting waterfalls and historical caves add to the charm of Wayanad which is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Among the prettiest areas of Kerala, it has a multitude of options for its visitors. Part of a forest reserve, Wayanad is located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The entire region is completely green with hilly ranges and wildlife including Tholpetty in the North, Muthanga in the east, bordering with Tamil Nadu, Kalpetta in the south, Mananthvadi in the north-west and Sultan Bathery (Sultan Battery) in the east. Explore the area by walking through the sprawling spice plantations or take that trek into the pre-historic caves. But if all you want to do is sit back and see the changing hues of the sky, there are ample resorts which offer stunning views.
IDUKKI [KERALA] The place brings together the remains of Chera dynasty, Vembolinad Kingdom and European plantations. This rugged hill resort is best known for its wildlife sanctuaries, quaint bungalows, tea factories, rubber plantations and forests. One of the greenest hill stations in the country, as over 97 per cent of Idukki is covered by trees and mountains. Three rivers — Periyar, Thodupuzhayar and Thalayar — flow through a narrow gorge which gives the place its name. The Idukki Arch Dam is the biggest of its kind in Asia
and the Anamudi, which is the highest peak in India, south of the Himalayas. Idukki is situated at the top of the Western Ghats surrounded by mountains. The arch dam built across the Kuravan Kurathi mountain is an added attraction. Attached to this dam of 650 feet length and 550 feet height, are two other dams at Kulmavu and Cherunthony. This beautiful high range district of Kerala is geographically known for its rugged hills and dense forests. It is also famed for its spice production, tea plantations and rubber cultivation.
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PEERUMEDU [KERALA] Blessed with green cover, beautiful rolling hills, wandering streams and gurgling waterfalls, it is a small bewitching hill station. Perched at an altitude of 915 metres above the sea level, the town has many hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered. It has sprawling plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and cardamom. It is also home to various tribes like Malapandaram, Malayarayan and Orali. The town derives its name from a Sufi saint named Peer Mohammad who is said to be from the the royal family of Travancore. With many beautiful trekking trails, this town is an ideal place for families, adventure buffs and honey-mooners. The undulating scenic vistas of the region attracts tourists in large numbers from all over the country seeking for an unforgettable experience.
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DEVIKULAM [KERALA] Devikulam gets its name from a lake. According to a legend, Goddess Sita bathed there. The lake is hence held sacred and is believed to have curative powers. Pallivasal Falls, a picturesque waterfall in the heart of lush rolling hills, serves as an ideal picnic spot. Another waterfall, Thoovanam, is formed when the Chinnar river drops down the altitude in the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. The sight will leave you spellbound. The tea and spice plantations surrounding the tiny hill station add to the scenic beauty.
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PONMUDI [KERALA] It is located 60 km away from Trivandrum and is part of the Western Ghats. It is one of the few hill stations that are close to the sea and the mist-covered mountains add to the mystic charm of the place. For those who are wildlife enthusiasts, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the catchment area of the Peppara Dam on the Karamana River. The sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna and offers a natural habitat to around 43 species of mammals, 233 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians and 27 species of fishes. Golden Valley, along the banks of Kallar River, is a picturesque location idyllic for its lush green spread, crystal clear water and golden sand. Ponmudi serves as trekker's paradise offering several beautiful trails at Varayattumotta, Chinnappulle and Braemoor. Other trekking routes include a trek to Bonafalls, Vazahuvanthole waterfalls and Kalarkad waterfalls.
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VAGAMON [KERALA] Laid back, green and serene are some of the descriptions that best fit Vagamon. An offbeat hill station, the Vagamon Pine forest in the region is a must-visit for forest lovers. It has often been the spot for film shoots. The forest was created during the British era. It overlooks the entire Vagamon valley. The Marmala Waterfall, located along the Erattupetta route, is a must-visit. Thangalpara, a place of pilgrimage, is also one of the best spots of Vagamon as it offers breathtaking views of the entire valley. The place is essentially a huge rock at the edge of a precipice and it has religious significance as it was once the resting place of Hasrath Sheikh Fariduddin Baba, a revered Sufi saint. Vagamon Lake is another crowdpuller and a spot for rowing, boating and other water activities. It is a perfect place to watch a sunrise or a sunset. The place is also developing as one of India’s topmost adventure tourism spots with activities such as trekking, rock climbing and paragliding. One can cycle through the mountains to get a pleasant feel. The Kerala Tourism Department and the Adventure Sports and Sustainable Tourism Academy (AASTA) celebrates an International Paragliding festival in Vagamon each year.
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KODAIKANAL [TAMIL NADU] One of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India, it is nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills, it stands at an altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level and has a cool, pleasant climate all year round. Kodaikanal means the gift of the forests. Famously known as the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, it offers the perfect mix of culture and nature for tourists with its perfectly manicured slopes, scenic waterfalls, rolling hills and clear lakes all of which come together to create the perfect setting for an ideal mountain getaway. An ideal place to take a break from the rigours of daily city life, this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature as you head out on biking or trekking trails or take a stroll through the huge forests surrounding the town.
BELLIKKAL [TAMIL NADU] If you are looking for relaxation without having to worry about a 'to-do' list for your vacations, this is the right place. Bellikkal is a small village in the south of Sigur Plateau. This elusive hill station is as beautiful as those in the Himalayas and has managed to retain its old world charm. KOTAGIRI [TAMIL NADU] Kotagiri is a small and old hill station, nestled in the lap of Nilgiri Hills. It was first noticed by the British as their summer home away from the heat of plains. In fact, what we see today of the town is nothing but a reflection of the glorious past of the British Raj and Kota tribe who inhabited this place. Blessed with pleasant weather throughout the year, Kotagiri is packed with lush green environs and clean and fresh air. It once served as a site of coffee plantation but today tea plantations cover an area of 30,000 acres here. EXOTICA [31] JUNE 2019
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SAVANDURGA [KARNATAKA] Situated 60 km to the west of Bangalore, it is considered to be one of the largest single rock formations in Asia. It comprises two hills, Billigudda (white hill) and Karigudda (black hill) and has a temple situated at the foothill. The Akravati river can be seen from the top. It makes for an easy and picturesque trek and also has a perennial lotus pond in it. It is frequented by travellers for trekking, camping and rock climbing.
ANANTHAGIRI [TELANGANA] Located 90 km from Hyderabad, this scenic hill station offers plenty of options like trekking, rock climbing and camping. There is something for everyone here. The Borra caves in the region were formed when river waters flowed through a limestone area and the calcium carbonate turned into calcium bicarbonate, which was easily washed out by the running water. The most striking feature of the caves is its variety of speleothems ranging in sizes and shapes. Dolphin's Nose is a massive rock nearly 357 metres high extending out of the sea. A lighthouse is built on this rock whose beam of light is visible around 65 km away from the sea. A bath in Bhavanasi Lake is said to be quite auspicious. Another attraction here is the Musi river, a tributary of river Krishna. EXOTICA [32] JUNE 2019
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CHIKMAGALUR [KARNATAKA] If you love the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee in the mornings, Chikmagalur is the place for you. It has a perpetual fragrance of the beverage lingering in the air. Famously known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, it is situated in the foothills of the Mullayangiri range in Karnataka and stands at an altitude of 3,400 feet. Famous for its tall mountains and tranquil, lush green forests, it is a quaint getaway from the busy life of the city. The place is the largest producer of coffee in the country. So if you’re a coffee enthusiast as well as a nature-lover, taking a walk through a few coffee plantations in the city is a must-do. Many of the coffee estates allow visitors to take guided tours through the plantations and also provide stays. It has several trekking trails, such as the Mullayangiri, the Kemmanagundi and the Baba Budangiri trek.
ARAKU VALLEY [ANDHRA PRADESH] The best kept secret of the residents of Vishakhapatnam, this hill station is their much-preferred weekend getaway destination as it is 120 km away. Blessed with natural beauty, this destination is a serene respite from the hustle bustle of city life. Catch the morning train from Vishakhapatnam, making its way through 58 tunnels and over 84 bridges, to reach Araku in five hours. Located in the Eastern Ghats, Araku Valley is also home to a number of tribes, caves and the Museum of Tribal Arts. It is also famous for its exquisite coffee. Kartiki waterfall is located within the bounds of the valley and makes up for a picturesque encounter. Visitors can also try their hand at a few adventure sports here like trekking and swimming. NANDI HILLS [KARNATAKA] Also referred to as Ananda Giri, which means the Hill of Happiness, Nandi is in the shape of a sleeping bull (Nandi) and hence the name. Located 60 km away from Bangalore, it has a palace which was initiated by Haidar Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan. It was used by the latter as his summer resort and was named Tashk-eJannat, meaning the envy of heaven. Tipu’s Drop is a cliff face at a height of 600 metres on the hills which provides a stunning view of the city. As per history, it is also said that prisoners were forced down this cliff to their death. It is a great place for cycling and paragliding. EXOTICA [33] JUNE 2019
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GLOBE TROTTER
‘I do’, in
Beverly Hills
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Hollywood’s favourite playground is a one-stop wedding destination
THE
place has featured in iconic films like Pretty Woman, Father of the Bride and more. So Priyanka and Nick live nearby. If these weren’t enough reasons to tie the knot here, we can give you more. The palm tree-lined oasis offers everything a couple may be looking for, including high-end spa amenities, gorgeous venues and world-class hotels with romantic suites. The Beverly Hills Conference & Visitor’s Bureau can come to your rescue with its sample itinerary to showcase the perfect wedding spots starting from the pre-wedding parties to the honeymoon.
BACHELOR AND BACHELORETTE PARTIES Check into your hotel accommodation: With a rich history of luxury and elegance, Beverly Hills has one of the largest concentration of Forbes star-rated and AAA Diamond-awarded properties in the United States. The destination offers some of the most notable hotels including: The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, Montage Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Beverly Hills and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. The city also boasts unique boutique properties, including Avalon Beverly Hills, The Crescent Hotel and Luxe Rodeo Drive.
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Find your “something new” with unparalleled shopping: From worldrenowned fashion houses to one-of-its-kind local boutiques, Beverly Hills is a shopping paradise located within a compact, easily walkable area known as the Golden Triangle. Shop vintage-inspired wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses, accessories and décor at BHLDN on South Beverly Drive or try on the latest bridal designs by Vera Wang at the boutique located on
Rodeo Drive. For the perfect groom ensemble, head to Berluti, Indochino or Anto Beverly Hills for ready-to-wear and bespoke garments tailored to fit any style or theme. For a truly unique shopping experience, Lalaluxe offers insider access to some of the city’s most sought-after VIP shopping rooms and a range of luxury lifestyle styling services, such as wedding styling, personal shopping, event planning and more.
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Get your last-minute wedding body: Experience the new Upgrade Labs at The Beverly Hilton for a last-minute pre-wedding workout. The biohacking labs offer new fitness technologies and wellness amenities like cryotherapy and infrared saunas. Take part in an elegant tea party: Indulge in
tea, champagne and a tray filled with pastries and finger sandwiches in The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ cozy Living Room. Adorned with luxurious sofas and an inviting fireplace, your guests can take part in the hotel’s traditional high tea sitting. Get the star treatment: The Forbes five-star La Prairie Spa at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills offers extraordinary services that incorporate opulent ingredients, such as caviar, diamonds and gold into their facials and massages. Additionally, The Spa at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel (also awarded the Forbes five-star rating) combines results-driven products and state-of-the-art technology to offer an array of signature treatments crafted specially for men and women. Enjoy a champagne toast at The Rooftop by JG: Cheers to the last evening of being single with breathtaking views of the Hollywood Hills and downtown Los Angeles atop the famed Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.
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REHEARSAL DINNER End the day with a lovely dinner at Crustacean Beverly Hills: Spend time with your closest friends as the mother of fusion, chef Helene, creates celebrity favourite dishes like the “smoking” Tuna cigars and AN’s famous Garlic noodles. Take in the beautiful pale pink décor and sip cocktails as you “walk across water” with the restaurant’s popular water feature walkway. Reserve the chef’s counter where you can get a sneak peek into the restaurant’s secret kitchen. For a more formal gathering, many nearby restaurants offer elegant private dining rooms perfect for a rehearsal dinner, including Spago Beverly Hills and CUT by Wolfgang Puck at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, The Belvedere at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, La Dolce Vita, Jean-Georges Beverly Hills at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and many more. THE BIG DAY The Beverly Hills Hotel: With timeless glamour, this beautiful setting has played host to some of Hollywood’s most legendary weddings. Ceremonies are held in an intimate garden on the side of the hotel, while guests are treated to
large and stunning event rooms like the Crystal Ballroom, Sunset Ballroom and Rodeo Ballroom. It is also recommended to extend the newlywed’s stay after the nuptials (even Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton stayed here during their honeymoon) in one of the properties luxurious bungalows that pay homage to Marilyn Monroe, Howard Hughes, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor herself. The Beverly Hilton: Home to over 150 red carpet events each year, this property’s team is well versed when it comes to lavish events. This luxe property offers a variety of event spaces from the Stardust Penthouse to Oasis Courtyard. You can even get married in the International Ballroom where the Golden Globes are held. Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel: The Rodeo Terrace, nestled within the hotel, is the
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perfect setting for a wedding or a special event. Equipped for a reception and ceremony, breathtaking views of Rodeo Drive will pose as the perfect photo backdrop. Greystone Mansion & Garden: The historic property of the Doheny Estate offers six different locations for the nuptials and reception including a lush green lawn lined with white roses, a terrace overlooking the Los Angeles cityscape and the elegant interior of the mansion showcasing its iconic marble floors. Montage Beverly Hills: Overlooking the artfully sculpted greens of Beverly Canon Gardens, the hotel’s Montage Terrace offers a stunning outdoor Los Angeles wedding location. Graced with Mediterranean-inspired architectural details, dramatic inlaid tile and lush gardens of its own, this 5,000 sq ft terrace accommodates intimate
weddings, receptions and special events with elegance and sophisticated city style. The Peninsula Beverly Hills: For couples seeking pure elegance, The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers a glamorous air of romance that promises perfection in every detail. The exclusive residential feel of the hotel lends an intimate ambience whether the wedding takes place in a luxurious suite, the spectacular ballroom or under the stars on the rooftop with the city’s skyline providing a glittering backdrop. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills: The newest addition to the Beverly Hills wedding scene, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills provides sophisticated service for a seamless event. Say “I do” under crystal chandeliers and continue the celebration in the hotel’s Astor Ballroom, named after the Astor family (the
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original owners of the first Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City). This dedicated space allows natural light to flow through their airy, ceiling height windows that frame the breathtaking view of Southern California. Additionally, event catering is curated by awardwinning chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills: From spa bridal showers to sunset martini nights for bachelor parties and of course, the wedding ceremony and reception, the team at Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills offer comprehensive wedding services and exceptional wedding planners and vendors who specialise creating uniquely perfect events. HONEYMOON HIDEAWAY Celebrate with a romantic getaway: Couples can sit back, relax and soak in every blissful second of celebration with their sweethearts with themed hotel packages designed to keep couples starry-eyed all year long. The Peninsula Beverly
Hills’ Romantic Moments package features amenities, such as dinner for two in a private rooftop cabana, plush monogrammed robes and a 60-minute couple’s massage in-room or at The Spa’s Harmony Suite. The Romance at The Beverly Hills Hotel package allows couples to discover the timelessness of the emotion at the iconic hotel with daily breakfast credit, a welcome bottle of champagne, luxury accommodation for two and more. Rent an exotic car: Peruse the streets of Beverly Hills in an elegant Rolls Royce, a sporty Ferrari or a show-stopping Lamborghini by arranging a rental at Beverly Hills rent-a-car, Midway car rental or Black and White car rental. Indulge in a massage for couples: From custom side-by-side massages to access to Montage Beverly Hills’ rooftop mineral pool, a day at the Spa Montage will leave couples feeling connected, rejuvenated and relaxed. For those who enjoy a holistic approach to luxurious pampering, Tomoko Spa combines Swedish techniques with Japanese to
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provide tailored treatments in private suites. Each experience is accompanied with traditional Japanese tea service and gourmet sushi and includes a private shower, natural Hinoki bath, Japanese sweet delicacies and more. Dinner date night: Il Cielo Beverly Hills has long been known as one of the most romantic restaurants in LA, known for its candlelit tables
and dreamy dining space under the stars. The restaurant offers two romantic dinner packages, which can be added on to any dining reservation and private dining rooms, which can be customised to fit any occasion. So what are you waiting for? If you have a better half in mind, there’s a perfect venue for the occasion to formalise it.
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C E L E B TA L K
JIM JAM
Actor JIM SARBH talks to SAIMI SATTAR a dime a dozen, from music to theatre and films, and about the layers of interpretation that inform each discipline
THERE
is this air around actor Jim Sarbh which whispers — busy, intense, intelligent and somewhat intimidating. I have been watching him for a while as he sits in the front row of an event inspired by the Met Gala — Fashion Today, Ideas and Inspiration — put together by YFLO (Young FICCI Ladies Organisation), along with the likes of actor Diana Penty and designers Rimzim Dadu and Arpita Mehta. He is swamped by female attention. Dressed in a black ensemble, colourfully printed with white cranes and pink flowers and even in the sea of women dressed to the nines, Jim is hard to miss. And when you talk to him, it is almost impossible not to notice those large, expressive and intense eyes curtained by thick, long eyelashes. He gets up frequently as women just hover around him, wanting selfies or wishing to talk to him. He is revelling in the adulation. Later, as we are taking the lift to head to Oko on the 28th floor of The Lalit for his lunch, he does mention that he actually does not mind it when it comes to women for a reason, “The men are more aggressive and they push around.”
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PHOTO: PANKAJ KUMAR
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‘ADIL (IN MADE IN HEAVEN) CARRIES THE BAGGAGE OF BEING TARA’S BOSS, SO HE KEEPS FLOATING THROUGH THE WORLD THINKING THAT IT’S STILL GOING ON IN A WEIRD WAY AND MAYBE IT WORKS ALSO, WHO KNOWS? IF THE SEASON PROGRESSES, I WOULD PERSONALLY LIKE HIM TO REALISE THAT THIS WOMAN IS HIS EQUAL IN MORE WAYS THAN HE COULD HAVE THOUGHT OF BEFORE’
The interview, when it does happen, is spliced into two parts, the first being squeezed in between one interview and the session which he attends and the second just after he has ordered lunch — a Thai green curry with vegetables. He would have preferred tofu but as the server informs him that its taste would be lost, he decides to go with what is listed on the menu. As I sit down for the first round, Jim is singing a song in a low, bass voice. I wait for him to stop and then interrupt. It is not surprising, since if you go to his Instagram feed, each of his posts is accompanied by a song, not many of which can be classified as popular culture whether it is Habib Koité’s Sin Djen Djen or Hot Hot Heat by Bandages. During the interview, Jim is not easy to pin down. For every question that you ask, you should be ready for a counter question. Even when he answers, there are binaries. So when I ask him about the complexity of his latest outing as Adil Khanna, in the much-acclaimed Made in Heaven, he
immediately pipes up to ask, “Is it?” and when I reply, “You won’t say so?” he does agree but adds a rider, “They are all complex characters, at least the main ones.” Again when I ask him about his reference points, he wants to know what that means. He says, “I was just thinking about the way it was written. It was interesting because while reading I could understand or thought I could understand or maybe I could understand what I thought was the most interesting journey for the guy to go through. He is truly in love with both and he does not know what to do. Of course, there is the stuff that you can immediately draw on because it’s in the script — he’s used to getting what he wants. He’s the only son in a rich family who lives in a giant bungalow in Delhi and that already gives you enough to work with.” While executing the character, he says he learnt his lines and then tried different things and ways in which he could say them. “Sometimes the way to tell somebody ‘I love you’ is not to hold their hand or kiss them but just to say, ‘Listen, everything will be fine,’” ending the sentence loudly. He further explains his behaviour, “He carries the baggage of being Tara’s boss, so he keeps floating through the world thinking that it’s still going on in a weird way and maybe it works also, who knows? If the season progresses, I would personally like him to realise that this woman is his equal in more ways than he could have thought of before.” Throughout, his voice is rising and falling, the tenor and tone changing in a manner as if he is in front of an audience on a stage in the theatre. However, it is the digital format that Jim has been acing of late. After Made in Heaven, he will be seen in Teen Aur Adha. So does he feel that it is fuelling creativity? “I think all formats reward it, why only digital? I can just say that my attempts at creativity have been fairly well-rewarded,” he says drawling every word slowly and pausing inbetween each while framing the sentence. Jim has just ordered and while he is talking, he notices someone at the table busy texting her boss. He demands complete attention by recording and sending a message on Whatsapp saying, “Jim
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wants her complete attention. And client is king,” as the entire table guffaws at his chutzpah. But going back to Teen Aur Adha, he says that he had read the short script for his section, just before he did Neerja. “I am tired of hearing that I play negative characters. If this released before Neerja, who knows what would have happened?” he asks. This film wonders what would happen if the walls of a house had consciousness and then follows the trajectory of three different stories in the same room over the course of three long takes. “The first one is of a boy going to school and coming back to see his grandfather. The second one is a man walking through the same house where he meets a sex worker and the conversation between them. And the third one is about an older man who leaves to play badminton, realises that he has forgotten his racquet at home and returns to pick it only to see his wife dancing. And he didn’t know she danced or liked to as she would do it only at the time that he played badminton. And the last is of the house being renovated. I don’t want to give away too much,” he pauses and adds, “I’ve already given everything away.” Jim stars in the second part of the film, which can have different interpretations, including that there are three different people or three parallel universes existing at the same time or even that they are the same person at different stages of his life. Besides, Teen Aur Adha, he will be seen in Massage, which is a part of a web series called Flip on Eros Now. “I wish more people see me in these films as it is a very different never-seen-before me. When people see you in only one particular avatar they believe that is all you can do. I don’t feel limited like that as an actor and I wish more people believed it with me,” he says. Jim bites into the crackers that have been placed before him and goes on to elaborate upon the way entertainment is changing. He says, “Digital media is changing entertainment and naturally so. Theatre changed with the advent of cinema. Black and white transformed with sync sound and colour. Consequently, all forms of media should go through a natural evolution,
‘DIGITAL MEDIA IS CHANGING THE ENTERTAINMENT AND NATURALLY SO. THEATRE CHANGED WITH THE ADVENT OF CINEMA. BLACK AND WHITE TRANSFORMED WITH SYNC SOUND AND COLOUR. CONSEQUENTLY, ALL FORMS OF MEDIA SHOULD GO THROUGH A NATURAL EVOLUTION, WHICH IS A GREAT THING. WITH DIGITAL PLATFORMS, WE CAN EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT FORMS OF STORYTELLING’
which is a great thing. With digital platforms, we can experiment with different forms of storytelling.” He gives the example of ‘cold open’ (a scene preceding the opening titles), which is “a wonderful new thing that has come into visual storytelling because of series. It can be anything that does not have a direct impact on the story that is to unfold but gives you a sense of the world or tells you something that will happen in the future.” And there are more things that the medium offers. “Writers can focus on the script. I am very interested to see innovative storytelling. You already have your own adventure film, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, where you can choose your own adventure just like the Goosebumps comics that we read as kids,” he says, putting another cracker in his mouth. When he begins to speak, he realises his words are warbled and apologises for talking while his mouth is full. In the meantime, the server places a sake before him which he sips, loves and asks me to
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PHOTO: PANKAJ KUMAR
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‘WHEN YOU ARE PERFORMING ON STAGE, YOU SHOULD FORGET THE AUDIENCE AND BE TRUE TO THE MOMENT. AND IT IS SAID THAT YOU SHOULD ALSO DO THE SAME FOR A FILM. HAVING SAID THAT, IN A FILM WHEN YOU KNOW IN YOUR BONES THAT SOMETHING WILL WORK AND YOU STILL TRY IT EVEN IF THE DIRECTOR DISAGREES, YOU HOPE THAT S/HE WILL RETAIN IT IN THE FILM. IN A PLAY, I CAN JUST GO AHEAD’
taste. When I refrain, he informs, “It is super sweet but really tasty.” However, he does feel that cinema offers an unmatched experience. “While sitting in a roomful of strangers, one can have a collective emotion. Nothing beats that,” he says and goes on to point out, “Everyone structures everything as a competition. Digital versus cinema or whatever. I don’t see it as that. They are all strains of storytelling and if one is magnificent in its particular medium why shouldn’t it be celebrated?”
However, when I point out to the recent controversy where people objected to Roma, a Netflix film being nominated at the Oscars, he says, “It is similar to people saying that digital films aren’t real films as they aren’t shot on a reel. Whenever some change happens, there are people on its side and those who want to stick by purity. But we should move with the times.” Then goes on to add a rider, “Maybe when I am 60 and people are replacing actors with computers that can digitally show exactly how the actor should look and the performance should be, I might say, ‘this is not right, we need to have the human connection. Human beings are better than machine,’” he says as his voice takes on the tonality which befits an older man. Jim, who has been a part of theatre for much longer than films, had earlier said that he saw the live medium more as his friend. But his views have changed. “After I did Smoke, Padmavat, Sanju and Made in Heaven, I was so relaxed as all the basics had been imbibed. I was no longer worried about eye lines, hidden marks and close-ups,” says the actor. Though he did direct in theatre, he believes that he would eventually tread the same path in films but now was not the time. Like anyone who has dabbled in both the media, he is well aware of the differences as well as the meeting grounds. “In a film, if you open up your mind to the possibility, you are still performing to the millions of audience sitting inside the camera. Simultaneously, when you are performing on stage, you should forget the audience and be true to the moment. And it is said that you should also do the same for a film. Having said that, in a film when you know in your bones that something will work and you still try it even if the director disagrees, you hope that s/he will retain it in the film. In a play, I can just go ahead and do that. Of course, if it works then the director will say, ‘I directed him to do that,’” he says with a knowing smile as he turns his complete attention to his meal.
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A R T F R AT
Jewel in the
crown
Christie’s puts up an unprecedented group show of jewels, gemstones and decorative objects, consisting of over 400 pieces spanning 500 years. By UMA NAIR
A
jade-hilted dagger once owned by Shah Jahan, creator of the Taj Mahal, a jade cup with an ibex head so realistically carved that the Chinese Emperor Qianlong composed a poem in its honour and a diamond and enamel covered gold huqqa pipe, revealing Indian opulence at its best... luxury could never be so lovingly curated. Then there are bejewelled objects, including a gemset mace set on finial with large Mughal-cut diamonds and an emerald, ruby and diamond set, gold pen case and inkwell, a symbol of power at court. Smitten by the description?
You can see (and even buy) all of these artifacts as they are a part of the Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence which will be unveiled in a historic sale at Christies New York on June 19. This landmark auction is poised to be the most valuable and precious collection of jewellery and Mughal objects to ever come to auction. MAHARAJAS AND MUGHALS: Maharajas and Mughal Magnificence puts together an unprecedented group of jewels, gemstones and decorative objects. Consisting of almost 400 lots spanning over 500 years, this auction showcases the illustrious culture of Indian jewelled arts from the Mughal period exploring the creative dialogue between India and the West, to the present day. The collection begins in Mughal India, under the most important dynasty that ruled the country, famous for its emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, weapons and objects that are bejewelled beyond belief. It traces the history of jewellery
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from early Mughal India through the Maharajas and their collaboration with the world’s most renowned jewellery houses to create some of the most exceptional pieces of jewellery ever made. The sale is presented in partnership between Christie’s market-leading jewellery department, led by Rahul Kadakia and world art department, led by William Robinson, along with the independent art advisory firm The Fine Art Group. MUGHAL INDIA: The collection showcases the sophistication of artistic production from the royal courts of India from the 17th century onwards. These treasures comprise the most delicate jades, vivid enamels, opulent jewels, gemstones and magnificent royal portraits. From the regional courts within the Mughal empire, the collection encompasses sensational sarpechs (turban ornaments), necklaces like the diamond rivière originally from the collection of the Nizam of Hyderabad comprising almost 200 carats of Golconda diamonds and the Nizam of Hyderabad’s diamond-encrusted state sword, which illustrates the rich history of bejewelledornamentation in India. Also featured are carved Mughal emeralds, ranging in weight
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from approximately 10 carats to over 200 carats, the famed Arcot II diamond presented to Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III by Muhammad Ali Wallajah Nawab of Arcot and the magnificent Mirror of Paradise which is an internally flawless Golconda diamond of 52.58 carats. MAHARAJAS: The Patiala Ruby Choker created by Cartier in 1931 is a superb example of the fusion between India and the West. Commissioned by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, one of Cartier’s most important Indian clients of the 1920s and 1930s, he often travelled to Paris with trunks of diamonds and gemstones from his treasury for Cartier’s workshops. Another significant example by Cartier is the ‘Carved Emerald Brooch’, which uses an impressive 19th century hexagonal carved emerald of 380.98 carats. The two-sided carving depicts Lord Rama, his wife Sita, Hanuman, and a poppy blossom on the reverse. Among more urban tastes, the Enamel and Diamond Peacock Aigrette by Mellerio dits Meller was purchased by the Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala in 1905 during one of his trips to Paris. The Maharaja was captivated by the peacock motif of the aigrette, a bird that is still greatly revered in India today. In later years, the aigrette would be worn by Anita Delgado, his fifth wife, whom he met while wearing the jewel on his own turban. LANDMARK COLLECTION: Guillaume Cerutti, chief executive officer of Christie’s, remarks, “This landmark collection traces the history of Mughal jewels and objects to the present day, representing the most significant collection of its type ever to come to auction. The sale of this notable collection will therefore present a truly significant cultural moment and offers a milestone opportunity for collectors. Having shared many of these impressive pieces over recent years through a series of publications and travelling exhibitions, we are honoured that The Al Thani Collection has entrusted us to find new homes for these exquisite objects. From next year, we can look forward to exploring other areas of this diverse and encyclopedic collection at the new museum space opening in Paris.”
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HOUSE PROUD
NAUTICAL NUANCE High seas are the latest focus of home decor
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are playing with the idea of nautical decor in new ways, with furnishings and style notes that say “classic contemporary” instead of “kitschy cute.” There might be life preservers on the wall but they’re probably vintage and paired with modern chairs. There might be art but instead of the usual beachy tableaux, there are close-up wave prints or oversize photos of sea creatures. It’s a look that still pays homage to a home’s waterside location — actual or aspirational — but in a stylish way. New York designer Ghislaine Vinas recently did a project out in the sandy seaside enclave of Montauk, New York. A fresh palette of white and blue was accented with Vinas’ signature punches
of bright orange, green and yellow. Beach-chairstyle stripes of colour adorn furniture pieces and shower tile. Porthole-style mirrors in various iterations anchor bathroom vanities. And scattered throughout the home are nautical references given a playful spin. For example, in the open plan living area, Vinas hung a group of white sphere light fixtures suspended in blue netting; they look like boat buoys. Blues ranging in intensity from sky to pool to navy were used in textiles and rugs throughout the house. And there’s loads of lively art, from photoprints of giant waves to San Francisco artist Rex Ray’s groovy surfboard wallpaper, as well as a group of whimsical, painted shark heads from California ceramicist Lorien Stern.
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“For this Montauk project, the client’s roots are strong in Florida and she has fond memories of time spent on the beach in the 1970s,” Vinas says. “So we adopted a super tongue-in-cheek aesthetic and mixed it in with a classic but cool Hamptons beach vibe.” That mashup led her team to dub the home “Floritauk”, a name the client liked so much that it stuck. Vinas also introduced tasty citrus hues like lime, orange and lemon to the decor. “We loved this homage to Floridian agriculture, and decoupaged a vintage dresser with fruit cut-outs,” she says. While Vinas went for a playful seaside vibe, Minneapolis-based designer Raena Albers opted for something a little more serene in one of her recent projects. “My clients moved to Minnesota from the Pacific Northwest and have a huge affinity for sailing,” she says. Albers referenced that coast’s moody palette of sand, mist and ocean in the furniture and accessories. A smart little model sailboat graces a mantel, while a gallery wall of white-framed, watercolour seabird prints adds interest in a family seating area. Walmart and Wayfair have several well-priced options if you’re looking for a rope-trimmed table
lamp; some have the rope wrapping a base, while on others the rope itself is the lamp base. At Ballard Designs, there’s a mirror framed in faux white coral that would make a statement; it’s available in wall-mountable and floor sizes. Suzanne Kasler’s bold, graphic nautical flags come framed in natural wood. Salvaged wood from Thai fishing boats is used to make interesting lamp bases in several sizes at Continental Home. There are floor and table lamps made of gathered driftwood here, as well. Cle Tile carries British artist Boris Aldridge’s Ocean, Tide Pool and Water tiles, part of his handmade porcelain and poured-glass collection in an array of deep, liquid blues. Water sparkling on the bay inspired San Francisco designer Erica Tanov’s Shimmer collection for Cle. Each tile is crafted in Northern California of solid brass and when arranged on a wall they do resemble sunlit water — or mermaid’s scales. If you like the idea of a siren’s song on the wall but don’t want to go with tile, consider designer Genevieve Gorder’s Pearl Belly repositionable and removable wallpaper at Tempaper. A dreamy, iridescent finish brings both mermaids and shells to mind. — AP
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SAVOURY SURPRISE
THE KING
TAKES IT ALL Mango — the very name can make Indians drool. While the fruit can be had on its own as a dessert, that does not stop chefs from creating dishes which can be starters, mains or even snacks. Time to dig in to this favourite fruit, with a twist EXOTICA [58] JUNE 2019
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PARIAPPU MAAMBALAM INGREDIENTS: Chana dal 50 gm; Raw mango 30 gm; Baby spinach 30 gm; Mustard seed 5 gm; Dry red chilli 5 gm; Salt 5 gm; Turmeric 3 gm; Coriander powder 5 gm; Curry leaves 10 gm; Ghee 5 gm METHOD: Wash dal and boil it with turmeric and salt. Sliver the raw mango and add to the
dal along with spinach leaves. Heat ghee in a wok and add mustard seed, curry leaves and coriander powder. Pour the tempered ingredient on the dal. Adjust the seasoning and serve with rice. —Veena Arora, Chef De Cuisine, The Spice Route, Imperial, New Delhi
QUINOA AND MANGO ROLL, SOUR CREAM AND PAPAYA RELISH INGREDIENTS: Quinoa 50 gm; Mango 1; Desiccated coconut 10 gm; Soya sheet 1; Fresh cream 50 ml; Lemon 1; Papaya relish 20 gm; Mango sauce 10 ml; Micro greens 1 gm; Salt 2 gm METHOD: Boil quinoa until well-done and keep aside to cool. Add desiccated coconut powder to it. Take a soya sheet (mame nori) and spread quinoa equally over it. Place it upside down. Peel and cut mango into slices. Arrange the sliced mango in the centre of sheet and start rolling from one end to the other. Cut into bite size pieces and place on a plate. Make sour cream by beating fresh cream and adding lemon juice to it. Put sour cream in the plate and garnish with micro greens and papaya relish. Serve cold — Amit Rohilla, Chef De Cuisine, TK’s Oriental Grill
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MANGO, SHRIMP AND CUCUMBER SALAD INGREDIENTS: White wine vinegar 3 tbsp; Sugar 3 tbsp; Dijon mustard 6 tbsp; Mayonnaise 6 tbsp; Cucumbers, peeled, cut into ½-inch cubes (2); Mango, peeled, pitted, cut into ½-inch cubes 3 large; Medium shrimp, cooked 30 gm; Chopped fresh dill 3 tbsp; Tabasco sauce; Lettuce leaves 300 gm METHOD: Mix vinegar and sugar in small bowl
until sugar dissolves. Whisk in mustard and mayonnaise. Cover and chill. (Can be made one day ahead. Keep chilled.) Combine cucumbers, mango, shrimp and dill in large bowl. Pour dressing and toss to coat. Season with salt and Tabasco sauce. Arrange lettuce leaves equally on four plates. Top with shrimp salad. — Nakul Puranik, Sous Chef, The Park, New Delhi
PRAWN AND MANGO CURRY INGREDIENTS: Green mangoes 2 large; Green chillies 6; Coconut, grated 1; Garlic cloves 4; Onions, chopped 4; Prawns (shrimp), peeled 450 gm; Fresh curry leaves 1 sprig; Oil 15 ml METHOD: Peel mangoes and chop into small pieces. Place in a bowl of water to avoid discoloration. Grind coconut, chillies, garlic and onion into a paste. Take a pan and add oil, drained mangoes, prawn and curry leaves. Simmer for two-four minutes. Add water and seasoning as per taste. Continue to boil and simmer gently until the oil appears on the surface. Serve hot with plain rice. — Rajesh Khanna, F&B head, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, New Delhi
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EMPEROR ROLL INGREDIENTS: Rice 110 gm; Tuna 10 gm; Salmon 10 gm; Crabstick 2 pieces; Mango for covering the roll 30 gm; Nori sheet 1 METHOD: Put rice onto nori sheet and spread evenly. Flip the nori sheet, then put the salmon, tuna and crabstick lengthwise. Hold the ingredients between fingers and roll it. Put mango slices on the roll and shape it. Cut into eight pieces.
CRUNCHY YASAI ROLL INGREDIENT: Rice 110 gm; Mango 15 to 20 gm; Cream cheese 10 gm; Cucumber 1; Carrot 1; Mint 4 to 5 leaves; Nori sheet 1 METHOD: Put rice onto nori sheet and spread evenly. Put all the ingredients evenly lengthwise. Hold the ingredients between finger and roll it. Roll it on breadcrumbs and fry. Cut it into eight pieces. Glaze with eel sauce and mayo and serve hot. — Shekhar Kirola, Sous Chef, OKO, The LaLit, New Delhi
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MANGO AND CHICKEN SPRING ROLLS INGREDIENTS: Chicken, minced 60 gm; Mango, chopped 60 gm; Shitake, chopped 10 gm; Salt to taste; Chicken broth powder 2 gm; Spring roll sheet 2; Sugar 2 gm; Oil to fry METHOD: Take a bowl and mix all the ingredients except roll sheets. Take roll sheets one by one and fill with the mixture and roll them into a cylindrical shape. Deep fry till they are brown. Serve with the spicy hot garlic sauce.
MANGO MALAI KOFTA INGREDIENTS: For kofta: Cottage cheese, grated 50 gm; Mango, finely chopped 20 gm; Dice of mango to stuff in centre; Cardamom powder 2 gm; Green chilli, chopped 3 gm; Ginger, chopped 3 gm; Salt to taste; Coriander leaves, chopped 2 gm; Potato starch 10 gm; Corn flour 20 gm; Oil to deep fry For curry: Ghee 20 ml; Ginger and garlic paste 20 gm; Cashew paste 200 gm; Fresh mango puree 100 gm; Mint, finely
chopped 5 gm; Yellow chilli powder 10 gm; Cream 100 ml; Cardamom powder 3 gm; Garam masala 10 gm; Turmeric powder 10 gm; Cumin powder 10 gm METHOD: For kofta: Mix all ingredients except diced mango and make a stiff dough. Divide the dough into equal pieces. Now stuff the diced mango in the centre and make koftas. Deep fry in medium heat till brown. For curry: Take a pan, heat ghee,
add ginger and garlic paste. Add turmeric powder, yellow chilli, cumin powder and saute for a minute. Add cashew paste and cook for another five to seven minutes. Add mango puree, cardamom powder, garam masala and cook till the oil bubbles on the surface of the gravy. Finish with chopped mint and cream. Add koftas and serve hot. — Vikram Bisht, Sous Chef, The Gateway Resort, Damdama Lake, Sohna Road, Gurugram
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MANGO COUSCOUS STEAK INGREDIENTS: Couscous 1 cup; Water 1 litre; Fresh mango, diced 1; Parsley, diced; Onion, diced 1; Olive oil 1 tbsp; White wine 20 ml; Roasted cumin 1 tsp; Garlic powder 1 tsp; Honey 1 tsp; Salt and pepper to taste METHOD: Pour water in a sauce pan and bring it to a boil. Remove the pan from heat, add couscous and stir the mixture till it becomes fluffy. Take another pan, pour olive oil and heat. Add diced onion, couscous, wine, cumin, garlic powder along with salt and pepper. Take moulds and layer it with couscous mixture followed by diced mango, repeat the process and add honey on the top. Demould it in a plate and serve.
MANGO AND CHILLI TOSTADAS
INGREDIENTS: Corn tortilla sheet 1; Soaked and skin less almonds 1 bowl; Mango, chopped and peeled 1; Red onion, chopped ½; Green cilantro, chopped; Lettuce, chopped;
Fresh red chilli 1; Lime wedges; Salsa as per requirement METHOD: Place a corn tortilla on a baking sheet. Bake it in the oven for five-seven minutes till it is crispy on all sides. Top the corn
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tortillas with almonds, mango chunks, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, lettuce and red chilli dressing. Add lemon juice and salsa. — Sumit Sethi, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla
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KAIRI AND RAW PAPAYA SALAD
SAILOR MANGO INGREDIENTS: For sea bass: Sea bass 140 gm; Spicy fish curry 100 gm; Mango salsa 50 gm; Sprig of coriander for garnish For mango salsa: Mango 1; Onions, finely chopped 2 tbsp; Fresh green and red chillies, chopped 1 tsp; Fresh coriander 1 tsp; Salt/pepper to taste; Olive oil 2 tsp For curry: Oil 40 ml; Onion 30 gm; Garlic 15 gm; Ginger 15 gm; Tomato 50 gm; Coriander powder 20 gm; Water 200 ml; Garam masala 15 gm; Chilli powder 30 gm; Turmeric powder 5 gm; Salt to taste; Fish bone 100 gm; Tamarind pulp 50 gm; Jaggery 30 gm METHOD: For sea bass: Take a fillet of fresh sea bass and remove the skin. Using a sharp knife, portion the fillet into 2×2.5 inch squares. Slice each portion horizontally to get thin even slices and place them on tray with parchment paper. Take melted unsalted butter and brush each fish slice evenly. Take each slice of fish and roll it tightly to form a cylinder. Take the rolled pieces of fish and steam for four to five minutes. Once done, gently drizzle with melted butter to keep the steamed fish moist. For mango salsa: Take one ripe Alphonso mango. Peel, dice evenly and keep aside. Add some finely chopped onions, green chilies, red chilies, coriander and to the diced mango. Season with salt, pepper and few drops of olive oil and lemon juice and keep aside. For curry: Heat oil in a pan and add all dry ingredients and sauté well on medium heat for around five to six minutes. Add water and remaining ingredients to the pan and let it cook on low heat till the oil bubbles to the top and mixture is reduced by half. Once done, cool the curry and pass it through a sieve lined with muslin cloth to get clean smooth curry sauce. For plating: Take a wide bottomed bowl and arrange the fresh steamed fish. Top with mango salsa. Garnish with a sprig of fresh coriander and some chopped green and red chillies (optional). Serve the spicy fish curry in a pot separately. When ready to eat- pour sauce over fish. — Dheeraj Varma, Head Chef, Monkey Bar
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INGREDIENTS: Raw papaya 150 gm; Raw mango 30 gm; Kola vinegar 2 tbsp; Olive oil 2 tbsp; Jaggery 2 tbsp; Green chilli, chopped ½ tbsp; Ginger, chopped ½ tbsp; Garlic, chopped ½ tbsp; Fresh beans, boiled 30 gm; Peanut 20 gm; Cherry tomato 2-5; Salt to taste; Black pepper, crushed ½ tsp; Lemon 1; Coriander leaf to garnish METHOD: Mix the oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon juice to make a dressing. Add the rest of the ingredients to the dressing. Mix well. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and coriander. Served chilled. — Anahita N Dhondy, Chef Partner, SodaBottleOpenerWala, Cyber Hub Gurugram
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SPICY MEXICAN MANGO SALAD INGREDIENTS: Mangoes, cubed 3; Cherry tomatoes, diced 200 gm; Black beans, boiled 200 gm; Peppers, diced 1 cup; Coriander leaves ½ cup; Red chilli, chopped 1; Lemon 1; Olive oil 4 tbsp; Grain mustard ½ tsp; Jalapeno, chopped 1 tbsp; Garlic clove 1; Chilli flakes 1 tsp; Corn cob 1; Salt to taste METHOD: Combine two tablespoon oil, salt, garlic and chilli. Brush evenly over the corn cob. Preheat a barbecue grill plate over medium-high heat. Add corn. Cook, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until charred. Remove to a plate. Cool for five minutes then cut corn kernels from cobs. Combine corn, beans, tomatoes and peppers in a large serving bowl. Cut the mangoes into cubes and combine in a bowl with coriander and chilli. Add the corn mixture, drizzle lime juice, mustard and olive oil. Season and top with chopped jalapeno and coriander. Serve with corn chips.
YELLOW MANGO CURRY WITH JASMINE RICE INGREDIENTS: Coconut oil 1½ tbsp; Shallot, minced 1 medium; Fresh ginger, minced 2 tbsp; Garlic, minced 2 cloves; Thai red chilli, thinly sliced 1; Red curry paste 3 tbsp; Coconut milk 2 cans; Coconut sugar/palm sugar 3 tbsp; Sea salt as required; Tamari or soy sauce 2-3 tsp; Turmeric, ground 1 tsp; Red bell pepper, diced 1; Thai pea aubergine ½ cup; Broccoli florets, blanched 1 cup; Ripe mangos, diced 2; Cashews, roasted and fried 1/4 cup; Lemon juice 1 METHOD: Heat a cast iron skillet and add coconut oil, shallot, ginger, garlic and Thai red chilli. Add a pinch of sea salt and sauté for two-three minutes, stirring frequently. Add red curry paste and stir, cook for two minutes. Add coconut milk, coconut/palm sugar, sea salt, tamari, turmeric and stir. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add red bell pepper and Thai pea aubergine. Cook for five to 10 minutes. Once the broth is thick, well-seasoned and the vegetables have softened, add mango, cashews and lemon juice and simmer for five to eight minutes over low flame. Serve with jasmine rice and steamed broccoli. Elevate this dish with the addition of lemon juice and Thai basil. — Swasti Agarwal, Food Strategist, Foodhall
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GURUSPEAK
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We think we can understand all that exists but this feeling of ‘I know it all’ can keep us in a little shell of dullness
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru
Astonishment brings
wakefulness
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THE BASIS OF
spiritual opening is astonishment. It is amazing how the world is full of wonderful things but we take them for granted. That’s why inertia dawns and dullness comes along. Tamas acts in, inactivity happens and ignorance resides. Whereas, a sense of wonder brings wakefulness. A miracle shocks you which is equivalent to wakefulness. And when we awaken, we see the whole creation is full of miracles. The entire creation is to be astounded, wondered upon because it is all a display of one consciousness. What is the difference between light and life? A light-emitting lamp needs oxygen to burn and so does life. When you cover a lamp with a glass, it will burn as long as there is oxygen. It will get extinguished once the oxygen is finished. Similarly, if you are put in a glass cage, the life in you will be smothered. From the point of view of an animal, your language means nothing to it unless it has been trained to understand what you are saying. It is as good as howling. If a dog looked at you, it would think you are barking at it, while making a different sound which is senseless to it. Our
language, our intellect, our mind is limited which, in turn, makes its perspective limited. Our brain is programmed to understand one, two or a few more languages. And we think that all the understanding, all the knowledge can be captured in this little brain of ours. We think we can reason out, find logic, understand all that exists but this feeling of “I know it all” can keep us in a little shell of dullness. “I don’t know” creates wakefulness, because you need to know in order to know better. You need to be awakened. What is this? “I don’t know”, this “I don’t know” is the key to progress knowledge. Nature provides opportunities again and again as it reveals a little more of your secrets and a bit more of its mysteries. So that you get opportunities to be amazed and wonder what life is, what consciousness is, what universe is, who am I, and what is this? And you are so fortunate to come to that point. This is the beginning of spiritual journey of yoga where there is union with Divinity. Let us get astonished at the union. Wonder is the preface for the union. And when you are united, you wonder at everything. You walk around, look at a flower and wonder, ‘Wow! How is this flower so intelligent?’ Recognise the intelligence in every petal, in every leaf, in every little human being that walks around you. Look at every little human being, they have their own mind, it looks through their eyes, the consciousness speaks through the mouth, responds to you or it doesn’t respond to you many times. The prana, the life force, is present in every stone and object. There is nothing inanimate on this planet. We are all floating on the ocean of life. Everybody is just a shell, an ocean of life from the micro to the magnanimous object: This is one such phenomenon. All the present, past, future, its time scale is within the preview of consciousness. Consciousness is beyond time and space, it is vibrations. So, if you are amazed, astonished, wonderstruck, just close your eyes with a smile and think.
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FITNESS
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Bharat Thakur is a yoga guru and founder of Artistic Yoga
Meditation results in better health and longevity as it prevents diseases and helps to ease their symptoms
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FOCUSSED CONCENTRATION MOST
of us tend to think that meditation is only for people who are spiritually inclined and not for busy, active ones. But it’s for everyone as it brings many benefits. Our mind tends to be constantly in action. It flits from one thought to the next or harps on the past or future. It gets absorbed in planning or in worry, anxiety, anticipation or excitement. It can be compared to the ocean, the surface of which is in constant motion but its depths are calm. If we can learn to still our minds, it affects how we see and deal with everything. It isn’t easy to quieten the mind. The ancient yogis recognised the mind-body connection and formulated a step-by-step approach to integrating the body, mind and emotions to reach this state. The physical aspects of yoga — asana (posture), pranayama (breath regulation), bandha (neuro-muscular locks), kriya (cleansing techniques) or mudra (gestures) prepare an individual for meditation. These practices done in sync with breath, help both body and mind to be more flexible, stronger and calmer. It then becomes easy to move into the more internal practices of yoga — pratyahara (concentration), dharana (focussing inwards). There are many techniques that prepare one for meditation. One of the simplest is to chant a mantra that resonates with your belief system for at least 20 minutes every day. These are often mistaken for meditation but they are just methods to take you closer to the experience. Scientific research corroborates many benefits of meditation that the yogis claimed. Studies show that regular practice results in an individual’s psychological and physiological well-being. There is scientific evidence that yoga and meditation strengthen the body and mind’s response to stress which plays a major role in triggering diseases. This results in better health and longevity as it prevents diseases and helps to ease their symptoms. Other studies show that meditation may slow down the shrinking of the cortex in the brain that leads to a decline in cognitive abilities as we age. Each one’s inward journey is unique and so are the techniques that suit each individual. If you can be in the present moment and yet flow with ease in life, you have begun meditation.
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KAPALBHATTI
[Frontal lobe cleansing] o Sit in Vajrasana (on your heel) or Padmasana, (lotus pose) palms on knees with back straight, shoulders relaxed, eyes closed o Mouth closed, exhale actively and rapidly through the nose, (inhalation happens automatically) o Practice 20-50 exhalations o Do three rounds BENEFITS: o The exhalations cleanse and revitalise the brain and the entire system o Improves cardiorespiratory capacity and oxygen levels o Strengthens the nervous system
VRIKSHASANA [Tree] o Stand straight, feet together o Fold one leg and place it close to groin o Focus on a point in front of you to keep balance o First straighten arms horizontally to your side o Raise arms up and bring palms together o Hold for 30 seconds o Repeat with other leg BENEFITS: o Develops balance, stability and harmony o Straightens the spine o Strengthens ankles, knees, legs, hips
UTKATAKONASANA [Fierce angle pose] o Stand with legs three feet apart, feet turned out, back straight, arms by side o Inhale as you lift arms up over head, exhale as you bring them down in prayer position o Breathe in, breathe out as you squat down with knees over toes o Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally o Inhale, straighten legs,raise arms above head, exhale as you bring arms down to side BENEFITS: o Releases tension from lower back, hips o Strengthens and tones lower body o Develops mental focus, stability and strength CHANTING AUM
o Sit cross-legged or in the lotus position, back straight, eyes closed o Hands are in Chin Mudra — index finger and thumb touching, palms facing up and resting on knees o Slowly inhale and slowly exhale, relax body o Breathe in and breathing out, chant A-A-A-U-U-U-M-M-M o Make each breath longer, slower, prolonging the sound of Aum o Start with chanting for one-five minutes, gradually increase to 10-15 minutes. BENEFITS: o Relaxes the entire body and mind o Brings mental peace o Increases concentration
MATSYA KRIDASANA [Flapping fish pose] o Lie on right side o Bend left leg and bring knee up as high as possible to chest, right leg is straight o Turn slightly, bring right elbow under the head o Keep left elbow on left knee o Interlock the fingers o Breathe normally and relax o Go back to start position and repeat other side o Do as long as comfortable BENEFITS: o Excellent relaxation pose o Releases tension in the whole body and mind o Relaxes the lower back, perineum and legs o Stretches abdominal region, helps digestion
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HOTWHEELS
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Kushan Mitra Auto & tech expert
The new Hyundai Venue is being launched in the midst of a declining car market in India. Can it provide the spark that the industry needs?
A GREAT
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things first. A round of applause to Hyundai Motor India for having organised the first large-scale media driving event in India’s North-east. Great hospitality, delicious food and you realise that folks in Guwahati and Shillong drive just as badly as folks elsewhere in the country. Also, kudos to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for building a lovely four-lane highway between the two state capitals, the old GS road was quite scary. The highway had a beautiful surface, light traffic and was a great combination of twisty sections and straights, which allowed us to really get a good feel of the steering, handling as well as the engine and gearbox performance. A couple of rough patches in Guwahati and the approach road to the stunning Ri Kynjai resort on the shore of the Bada Pani lake outside Shillong also gave us a good impression of the ride quality. I won’t get into the looks debate around this car other than saying that it looks contemporary. Before I start to list my impressions of the new
Hyundai Venue, a quick caveat. I deliberately asked to drive the new one-litre GDI turbocharged petrol engine with the new seven-speed Dual-Clutch gearbox (DCT). This is an all new combination for Hyundai and it is really what I wanted to experience. To note, Hyundai offers the 1.2 petrol with a fivespeed gearbox; a six-speed manual with this GDI engine which has 120PS of power as well as a diesel option with the tried-and-tested 1.4 litre unit. Additionally, the cars we tested were the SX+ model which come fully loaded with a touchscreen infotainment system and Hyundai’s ‘Bluelink’ system which makes the Venue India’s first ‘connected’ SUV. A bit more about this system, which not only pairs with your smartphone but also allows you to use the inbuilt e-SIM in the car from Vodafone-Idea which comes with a three year subscription if you purchase the car. Bluelink is available only on the higher SX specification models. The system provides not just telematics, which allow you to see your driving data but you can use the system to unlock the
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car, start and stop the engine as well as start the air-conditioning remotely. In addition, you could geo-fence the vehicle, that is, say, you allow your 18-year-old to borrow the car but don’t want him or her to drive off far, so you could put a radius of 15 km from your house and if the vehicle crosses that lakshman rekha you will get an alert on your phone. Here is the cool part, you can remotely immobilise your vehicle, not allowing it to start. This feature might not make your teenager son as well as potential car thieves happy but it is indeed an interesting. If you are keen on the Venue, Hyundai has trained executives in every dealership to showcase these features. But now about the car, how is it to drive? I personally felt that the Venue was the best-handling Hyundai vehicle that has been built in the country. The steering felt perfectly weighted and body roll, even while taking some of the high-speed corners on this highway was almost non-existent. And this did not come at the cost of the ride. On rougher stretches of road, the Venue didn’t behave badly at all. The ride and handling ought to be common across all variants. As for the engine and gearbox, small turbocharged petrols, while producing a lot of power for their size, can be thirsty. Worse than that, they could have significant turbo lag, which often means that when such engines are coupled with an automatic, you can get abysmally poor performance. That said, the GDI and the DCT combination do not feel badly mated, sure the kick-down response when you floor the car immediately after a corner can feel sluggish, during regular acceleration and braking
the Venue changed gears in good time without needlessly high engine revs. But if there is one thing I missed on this vehicle, it was paddle-shifters. You can use the gear selector to change up and down if you’re in the mood but I guess I have been spoiled. But when you push the car, it can go pretty fast, very comfortably. Those who drove the GDI with the manual transmission had more fun but if you live in a city, automatics are the only way to go and this DCT is up there with the best of them. The Venue is fairly good when it comes to space, although I still feel the XUV300 is the best in segment on that front. Issues? A high loading lip at the rear is as standard for vehicles in this segment, which might make tyre changing a bit difficult. But at `11.1 lakh ex-showroom for this variant and prices starting at `6.5 lakh, the Venue is miles ahead on the price battlefront. It is so attractively priced, which when coupled with its good ride, handling and decent performance makes it not just a compelling buy for those looking at compact SUVs but also at premium hatchbacks like the i20. Hyundai should have another winner on their hands.
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NUMBERGAME
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Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist
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COUNT YOUR FATE
NUMBER 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th of any month) Life might show you positive signs that will boost your confidence. However, there might be regrets that you aren’t receiving results equal to your efforts. Remember to be patient and you might be able to see the fruits of your toil soon and probably get all that you had expected.
NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) You might be putting yourself under pressure to succeed and achieve what you desire for loved ones. This undue stress might take a toll on your health. Try to be realistic and take one step at a time instead. Sort out trivial issues first and then solve bigger and more complex problems.
NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) Differences with people in life might pose a problem. But try to think from the other person’s point of view if you want to untangle the confusion. However, you might need a third person’s intervention to resolve it. People planning to start afresh in relationships might finally be able to do so.
NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) Ideas of all kinds are probably bubbling in your mind and you want them to take some definite form. Try to analyse all possible pros and cons before making your actions public. There might be doubts related to financial issues and investments. Be logical in your approach and ask for expert help, if needed.
NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) The past few days might have been hectic and strenuous. There might have been instances wherein you might have wanted to give in to the circumstances. However, your strength of character might have saved the day. Go over your thoughts and slot them well to obtain better results in future.
NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) Work might suffer this month as personal life takes a priority. This might upset your seniors and disrupt the workflow of your juniors. Try to listen carefully to what your unconscious mind or your gut feeling before proceeding to the next level. Be decisive and not get affected by external factors.
NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th of any month) Take time off from work to relax and be content. People in a relationship might be able to tackle minor issues with tact and take the relation ahead. Avoid making things perfect as sometimes it’s better to err and learn. Your capability of paying attention to the minutest detail might earn you appreciation.
NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) People might expect you to praise them and back up their every initiative. However, support only those things that you believe in. Stay away from sweet talkers who take advantage of your competence. Financially the month might be rewarding and help you in finishing pending payments.
NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th of any month) There’s a lot of activity around you. However, you might not feel the need to participate but prefer be an onlooker. However, absorb as much as you can from the surroundings. Loved ones might discover a new dimension to your persona and understand you more. Be flexible and try to adapt.
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SIGN-OFF
By RINKU GHOSH
T
QUESTION OF SURVIVAL
hey say that the Sundarbans tiger is the most intelligent among the big cat family — it is an excellent swimmer, an intuitive reader of the human mind and behaviour, fiercely adaptive of its hostile surroundings, extremely elusive, frighteningly deceptive, an alert stalker, an agile predator and a fierce attacker if accosted. No wonder it is called the Royal Bengal Tiger and attracts a halo of myths and stories from villagers and fishermen in the mangrove delta. Now if the latest UN report is anything to go by, then they might just become a part of folklore, their extinction predicted as early as 2070 due to climate change, rise in seawater and the rapidly eroding delta, 70 per cent of which is just a few feet above sea level. The process is not difficult to imagine considering the raging cyclones and their intensity over the Bay of Bengal and the resultant tidal waves have already decimated much of the vulnerable islands around the delta, shrinking the natural habitat of not only the tiger but its prey base. Besides, submergence along the coastal belt has meant that the tiger has been forced to migrate to the Bangladesh side and inland villages, where they have easily fallen prey to the man-animal conflict. A picture of an emaciated tiger, caught in a moment of a forest crossing, from a boat a few years ago, had set off alarm bells about the real prospect of the big cat’s starvation and breakage of the food chain. Severe climate change has already changed vegetation patterns, impacting the tiger’s prey species. Many reports prior to this one had sounded the death knell, too, but we are frankly past warnings as the consequences of global warming have already set in, pushing our fragile ecospheres and threatening many land species. Relocation is a challenge for many species as the natural corridors of animal movement have been fragmented by development. And even if by some logistical miracle that migration is achieved or enabled, there is the problem of over-populating an existing habitat and stressing out its resources. Tigers need roaming liberties and restricted space has meant that territorial infighting has emerged as the new threat for its survival. Just a day after the UN report, a 12-year-old Bengal tiger was found dead at Assam’s Kaziranga National Park following a tussle with another feline. The park, which has 100 plus tigers, has been reporting such conflict deaths over the last couple of years or so. The tiger crisis is representative of a bigger extinction threat that has already been pointed out by a world biodiversity report. According to it, up to one million plant and animal species face extinction, many within
decades, because of increasing human activities and not just climate change. It warned that without drastic action to conserve habitats, the rate of species extinction — already tens to hundreds of times higher than the average across the past ten million years — will only increase. While industrial development has extracted its price, the new challenge comes from ever-increasing agricultural activities that are believed to have had the largest impact on ecosystems. Latest figures say that crop and livestock operations currently co-opt more than 33 per cent of the earth’s land surface and 75 per cent of its freshwater resources. Then there is the larger issue of emissions of greenhouse gases. Only 37 per cent of the world’s longest rivers remain free-flowing. Imagine what it means for our rivers that are fragmented by development, constraining their capacity to flow free and affecting aqua ecosystems that keep the waters healthy. With everything geared towards human consumption, we may soon have nothing left to live on until we make crucial transformative changes. Policies won’t do, we have to implement them in right earnest, freeze our current livelihood patterns and make our food and living choices entirely sustainable without raising global temperatures. Scientists must develop partnerships with local governments and communities to implement actionable plans. We may not be able to reverse biodiversity drastically but at least save what is left of it in our lifetime.
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