Exotica Magazine June 2020

Last date to apply: 15th July 2020 Online Exam dates: 30th July to 4th August.

FROM THE EDITOR

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

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of humanity needs to hang its head in shame for an inhuman deed that took place on May 27, in Malappuram, Kerala. A 15-year-old pregnant tusker, looking for food, strayed into a village where the trusting and unsuspecting creature was fed a pineapple stuffed with crackers. The fruit exploded in the elephant’s mouth ripping off a part of its mouth and tongue. The poor pachyderm, despite being in intense pain, ran through the streets without harming a soul till it came to the river. It stood in the water for hours, defeating all attempts by the forest department to help it, before dying a slow and excruciating death, due to the injuries and asphyxia as water had gone into its lungs and trachea. Sadly, this is not the first incident of such unspeakable cruelty inflicted on animals in India. A similar incident had happened in Kollam with another elephant in April where the animal had eaten fruits laden with explosives and died a slow and painful death. So, the question is how is it that the perpetrators of such heinous crimes go unpunished when cruelty against animals is a cognisable offence under Section 428 and Section 429 of the Indian Penal Code and the country also has one of the strictest wildlife protection laws in the world. While some countries are now waking up to regulating trade in wildlife, India leads the prohibition on ivory trade. Some of the biggest triumphs for animal welfare in India in the last decade saw the ban of dolphinariums in 2013, prohibition on animal testing for cosmetics in 2014, followed by a ban on the import of cosmetics tested on animals. India also prohibited the export of shark fins for use in soup and does not allow wild animals in circuses.

Yet we are confronted with heart-wrenching stories of depraved behaviour towards animals. For this to happen, we must make our law enforcement agencies aware about the rights of animals to be treated with kindness and dignity and about how grave an offence it is to subject an animal to cruelty.

Punishment should be quick and stringent. Law enforcement agencies must not always wait for activist judges to lead the way in this regard.

Plus, we, as a society must teach our children the basic truth that the world is meant to be shared by all God’s creations and we must learn to live together with them. They have as much right to live on this planet as we do. In fact, animals form a vital part of the biodiversity and each creature has a role to play in the circle of life. If we disrupt that, we will have to bear the consequences of it.

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Travel bug [p12] Journey to the centre of earth: Meghalaya Q&A [p20] Larger than life: Ramesh Sippy Look ahead Brave new world [p26] Crystal gaze on dining [p34] Make way for slow fashion [p40] Lockdown diaries [p54] Pet therapy

COVER: MONOLITHS, MEGHALAYA PHOTO: AMBICA GULATI

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CONTRIBUTORS [p34]

TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 56 INCLUDING COVER

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p44] GURUSPEAK: The call of the river Bharat Thakur [p46] FITNESS: Give immunity an edge Sanjay Jumaani [p49] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate Kushan Mitra [p50] HOT WHEELS: Phygital is the way forward Follow us on:

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TRAVEL NEWS

AT HOME IN PHILADELPHIA

THE

only U S city on National Geographic’s 2020 ‘Best Trips’ list, Philadelphia is a sought-after destination for international travelers and global meetings alike. Here are some at-home, do-ityourself experiences that will help you enjoy the city wherever you are and help you prepare for your eventual visit.

visitors to navigate one of the greatest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modernist paintings based on visual relationships, such as lines, light, space and more. o THE INDEPENDENCE SEAPORT MUSEUM lets those with an interest in maritime history browse their expansive collection of artifacts, historic ships and more.

EXPLORE The collections and artifacts that fill Philadelphia’s museums are certainly worth seeing in person, however many local institutions offer online tours and tools to spotlight key parts of the experience. o EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY was once the world’s most famous and most expensive prison. It offers an online tour that highlights several cell blocks, the baseball field and other locations in the historic site. o THE BARNES FOUNDATION allows virtual

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o THE PENN MUSEUM re-imagined galleries featuring never-before-exhibited artifacts. o THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION IN OLD CITY has a robust online tour, which navigates throughout the museum’s immersive galleries and incredible replicas via 360-degree, high-resolution images. o A virtual tour of PHILADELPHIA’S MAGIC GARDENS, the largest work to date by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar, is available online as well.

LISTEN Whether it’s for a workout routine or just lounging around the house, be sure to round out your playlist with music by some of the most iconic performers from the Philadelphia region. Will Smith, The Roots, and Boyz II Men are the city’s essential hip-hop artists, with Meek Mill, Lil Uzi Vert and Freeway offering more modern hip-hop to the mix. Jazz fans can find solace in John Coltrane albums, while rock and roll fans can jam out to music by Hall & Oates, The War on Drugs, or Kurt Vile. There are also punk and alt-rock artists such as The Wonder Years, Tigers Jaw and The Menzingers.

Those with a more classical taste can stream several albums by the Philadelphia Orchestra or view a recent performance at Verizon Hall online.

Additionally, Opera Philadelphia provides an on-demand audio recording of a 2016 performance of Breaking the Waves on their website. Other iconic Philadelphia artists include female vocalists Patti LaBelle and Marian Anderson. Of course, no Philadelphia playlist is complete without the timeless anthem to Rocky, Bill Conti’s Gonna Fly Now.

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WATCH You can get your bearings for the City of Brotherly Love by watching one of the many films or television shows in which the city has played a supporting role in over the years. The Rocky and Creed series are an absolute must-watch, as Sylvester Stallone plays the titular boxer who perfectly personifies the underdog, never-give-up spirit of Philadelphia, all the while training his way through Philadelphia’s Italian Market and eventually up the 72 eastern steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Director M. Night Shyamalan has a tendency to base his films in Philadelphia, including Unbreakable, Split and Glass, as well as the 1999 thriller, The Sixth Sense. Several scenes in the action adventure film National Treasure feature

some of Philadelphia’s most iconic attractions — such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market and the comedic Trading Places — shine the Hollywood light on Rittenhouse Square. More recent movies include the dramatic Silver Linings Playbook and the DC comic superhero film, Shazam!

While Philadelphia only has a brief appearance at the beginning of Will Smith’s Fresh Prince of Bel Air, the city has more extended television roles in AMC’s Dispatches from Elsewhere, Apple TV’s The Servant and the upcoming season of Queer Eye on Netflix.

The city’s food scene shines on the small screen, too, appearing in a number of culinary shows such as Chef’s Table on Netflix and No Passport Required on PBS.

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TRAVEL BUG AMBICA GULATI discovers a whole new world of stalactite, stalagmite and centuries past as she goes caving in Meghalaya

THUD,

thud, thud… My heart was beating so fast. I thought it would burst out of my chest. The forest was silent while the breeze was whistling through the trees though not a bird was in sight. The dry leaves rustled as I stepped on them, treading slowly to avoid loose rocks. Every few metres, there was a short climb and my heart would lurch into my mouth. I wasn’t fit for this, I told my guide, who was patiently guiding me back to the road. I was the last person left in the forest. There was no way out except the path we were on — “no short cut,” he said. And he was the only human in sight. He couldn’t jump,

skip and run over the rocks and the narrow forest path because I was struggling with my breath.

I was wearing special rubber boots because we were coming back after exploring the fabulous Krem Krung Krang Muhabon (krem means cave) near the village of Lakadong. Besides the adventure, it housed evidence of all the climatic changes Earth had gone through thousands of years. But right now, my focus was on reaching the road because I needed water.

Everything was a novelty — the forest walk, the green trees, the silence, the free spirit and the beautiful sky. The special suit was now tied around my neck. It was too hot to walk in the suit

Journey

earth to the

centre of

(Left): Walking through the forest is a novel experience. (Right): The village of Lakadong is known for its location near a cave

that had a strong resemblance to what the astronauts wore (or in the present context the hazmat suit) — guarding against branches, rocks and tiny particles and insects who didn’t like humans. It was not a good idea to leave without a water bottle, I said aloud. I took a few deep breaths every few metres.

It had been close to seven hours since I had drunk even a sip. I didn’t have a watch with me, but the movement of the sun showed that day

would soon be engulfed by night in a couple of hours. I would soon hit the road but, for Earth, light and darkness didn’t matter. Despite the slow progress and the seemingly long route, I was elated. With every deep breath, I patted myself for ticking off caving from my wish list. After all, this trip was thanks to the first-of-its-kind Meghalayan Age 2020 festival, curated by E-factor Entertainment under the aegis of Meghalaya Tourism.

THE UNDERWORLD

GEOLOGISTS

measure geologic time scale, defined by Wikipedia as “a system of chronological dating that relates geological strata (stratigraphy) to time. It is used by geologists, paleontologist, and other Earth scientists to describe the timing and relationships of events that have occurred during Earth’s history”.

Just to give a bigger picture, we are in the geological epoch called the Holocene, which began about 11,650 years ago. This is divided into three parts-beginning with Greenlandian, going to Northgrippian and then comes the present Meghalayan Age, which can be traced to the last 4,200 years. The evidence of this time scale lies in the caves of Meghalaya. Hence, the name.

Going through the dummies guides on the web, I read that this definition was given in 2018 by the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS), a subcommittee of the International Union of An entrance to one of the several caves in the state

Geographic Sciences. This geologic time scale is based on the study of chemical signatures in stalagmite in the Meghalayan caves. As per data collected by experts, a mega drought, lasting almost two decades, caused the end of global societies close to 4,200 years back.

Did I know this when I was crawling over lose rocks of Krem Krung Krang Muhabon? No! I didn’t even realise that stalagmite and stalactite were giving us a clue about the planet’s history and the events that it had seen. I just knew it was an adventure for a curious traveller. And I knew that this treasure needed to be preserved for everyone who loved Nature.

Cavers love this abode of the clouds. For obvious reasons — it is a treasure trove of caves that lie unexplored. On the website, indiancaving.org.uk, I found a wealth of information about life in the caves, the species that thrive here and the rivers that flow through it. And I kept thinking, I should have explored Krem

(Left): The forest trail leading to the cave. (Right above and below): The formations inside the cave are surreal

Krung Krang Muhabon at a slower pace with a scientist. Maybe the caves will call again but till then these few hours made me feel like a child with a trophy of being part of this planet.

All through the exploration, the guide instructed us not to touch anything, as the formations would stop growing. Nature is delicate and fragile. While I had seen these formations in documentaries, seeing them in person makes for an absolutely different, almost surreal, experience.

Just for the record, a stalagmite means dripping and this rock formation rises from the floor due to the accumulation of material deposited from ceiling drippings. I gazed studiously at the white crown near my foot. It had been a hero’s journey, going down through a non-existent path into the dark to see these magnificent things. I was dressed in the suit, wore rubber boots so that I wouldn’t slip and there was a small light on my helmet. Yes, cavers need to be ready for this.

It had taken me precisely five minutes to reach the bottom but for the guide it was a matter of few seconds. I groped for ways to crawl down. He later told me this was a difficult cave for a beginner and I patted myself for my successful attempt.

The little light streaming out of the bulb on my helmet turned everything eerie. Had it not been for the big group with me, I think I would have been scared because it was dark, actually pitch dark is the more apt description. Only some rays streamed in through the wide opening but did not reach where I stood. Close to a wall, I saw a stalactite, an icicle-shaped formation hanging from the ceiling. The tip looked sharp and we had been told not to touch anything, break or carry back with us. These formations are produced by precipitation of minerals from water dripping through the cave ceiling. Nature was only to be seen, studied and enjoyed.

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I

EXPEDITION 2015

was part of a big group for this caving experience and the guides were natives, well-versed with the state’s awesome past and adept at living with Nature. What looked like uncharted, unmapped, secret spaces to me, were actually explored spaces.

In February 2015, an expedition, ‘Caving in the Abode of the Clouds’, had been organised to study the ancient landscapes. This comprised 32 cavers from Austria, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Switzerland, US, UK and members of the Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association.

Accompanying them were five scientists from India, Switzerland and the UK, who conducted bio-speleological studies of the area. In 2014 also, Jaintia Hills had been explored and 2015 was a continuation of this. During this, the team found more new caves and mapped close to 15.3 km of new cave passage. While we had seen just a tiny bit of the cave with time being short and the group being large, Krem Muhabon’s exploration had revealed the cave’s length to be close to 1,248 metres.

Cavers have been exploring these in Meghalaya for almost 23 years. There are said to be over 1,580 caves in the state and 970 have been fully or partially explored.

These cave systems comprise river-cave passages mixed with massive and richlydecorated relics along with magnificent clean-washed shafts. Only serious cavers can go into some as there are vertical drops and waist-deep water, besides bats.

My concept of caving changed in a matter of hours. These were not mere rocks but living beings that thrived when undisturbed. It wasn’t just another adventure activity; it was a meeting with Mother Earth. And I came back with a promise to train myself for these exhilarating territories.

REACH, STAY, EXPLORE o There are flights to Guwahati from all over the country and then a four-five hours drive to Jaintia Hills, which are part of Jowai district. o Alternatively, you could stay a few days at Ri Kynjai resort near Shillong. Located on the outskirts, it is the ideal retreat. Good food, spa and even a shop to buy some handcrafted souvenirs along with bamboo and pine interiors, this has 17 rooms. The picturesque surroundings, 42 acres of forest and the Umiam Lake, I was lucky to be treated to the sight of a red-tailed squirrel and blue bird at sunrise. o There are water sports at Dawki such as kayaking, scuba diving and boating. o Day trips can be made to see the living root bridges and Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia. o Tyrshi waterfall makes for a good picnic spot and has a beautiful view of the paddy valley.

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IN

TOTAL RECALL

this abode of clouds, rocks and stones are synonymous with time. Meghalaya does mean abode of clouds in Sanskrit. From caves to monoliths, Meghayalan Age 2020 festival was an eye opener of sorts.

Meghalaya was carved out of the erstwhile state of Assam in January 1972. It is the wettest region in the country with 70 per cent forest cover. All the modern amenities are available but the smaller, quieter parts still run on cash and word of mouth.

The three main regions are Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills. We glamped it out at Jaintia Hills for this cultural extravaganza comprising dance performances, musical nights and sightseeing tours.

“The society here is matrilineal,” explained Phang who had travelled with us to the cave in

(Extreme left): Jaintia Hills is one of the three main regions of the State. (Above): The monoliths are said to be the tallest in the world and (inset): Priyanka Mawrie is well-versed in the legends around the area

Lakadong area. This young guide talked about the popular adventure sports here, giving me new goals like canyoning, not meant for the weakhearted or weak-bodied. In Meghalaya, the youngest daughter inherits everything and looks after the parents too. The children carry the mother’s surname. It truly is a futuristic society, living in perfect harmony with the mother principle of nourishment. Natives speak Khasi but English is common here. Of course, in the interiors, the Khasi dialect varies and even townies have a problem understanding that, as I discovered during a market tour with Priyanka Mawrie, another young guide.

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Shillong, the capital, has many pubs and a vibrant life. “Meghalayans love rock music,” said Phang. I had been to Shillong, Mawlynnong, Dawki and the living root bridges on an earlier trip. But Jaintia Hills were a different ballgame. With Priyanka leading me, we explored the serene Tyrshi Falls and Nartiang Monoliths.

“The monoliths were a meeting ground,” she said, “and marked the rites of passage of the Jaintia kings. People would gather to have tea here. Even now a festival is held annually to celebrate the Jaintia kings and these monoliths.” Now, we could call them a graveyard of sorts. The sun sets early in the northeast and we were short on time. We just about managed to catch the fantastic view for a few seconds and hurriedly walked through the 100m complex. These monoliths are said to be the tallest in the world.

Most of the place looked like a round table with chairs all around. Later, I came to know that the tall

(Left): The Tyrshi Falls are serene. (Below): The trail leading towards them meanders across the hills

upright stones were known as ‘mehris’ or ‘Ki Moo Shynrang,’ represent the male. The flat table stone was ‘Ki Moo Kynthai’ or the female. Folks say that people in that era were as strong and tall as giants.

Nartiang was the summer capital of the Jaintia rulers. Some experts are of the belief that the monoliths marked the establishment of the market from Raliang to Nartiang. There is a legend that explains this. On a rainy afternoon Luh Lyngshkor, a Jaintia ruler was caught in a heavy shower and sought something to save himself. He approached an old woman at Raliang, a village near Nartiang, for a bamboo to protect himself. Eyeing the well-built ruler, the woman told him to use a giant stone 0slab at the market as cover. Luh went to the market, picked the giant stone slab and reached Nartiang. And the place where he kept the giant stone slab became the market. Eyeing the big stone, I thought, it didn’t seem plausible. But then legends are not based on visual truth.

The sun had set and we realised that we couldn’t make it to the Durga Temple in the neighbourhood.

But we had seen a weekly market on the way and decided to explore that. The rain had left behind slush and the market was closing. The dark skies made it difficult to see much. However, Priyanka took us inside with the help of a young girl who had come there with her parents to sell some spices and vegetables.

Lakadong area is very well known for its turmeric.

And black sesame is also used a lot in Khasi cuisine, so we bought small packets of these two. We also tasted a black bean sauce which certainly is an acquired taste, locally made muffins and lots of green shoots. The vendors came from the neighbouring villages and the market offered everything from vegetables, meats, to household goods, bamboo baskets and sitting stools or muras. I would have liked to bring these back to Delhi along with the fern plants, but I didn’t know the airport rules.

All too soon the dream, where evenings and mornings were spent under a beautiful sky, with amazing people gorging on food that is low on calories, was over. But there still remained the promise of more adventure sports and a fitter me to achieve that goal of canyoning the next time around.

Mura stools; bamboo crafts, ginger energiser and ferns are some of the wares sold in the local market

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Q&A

LARGER THAN LIFE Producer director RAMESH SIPPY attempted the unthinkable with the use of technology in Sholay and created a phenomenon. He tells SAIMI SATTAR that it is time to harness it yet again in the post-pandemic world

WHEN

I connect over a conferenc e call with director producer Ramesh Sippy, the first thing that strikes me is the old world way of holding a conversation that is warm yet professional. He doesn’t ask for my name as he is already aware of it and uses it to addresses me rather than the impersonal salutation that many of the current crop engages in. He doesn’t want to enter into the interview headlong but first inquires which part of the world I am holding the conversation from. On hearing that I am connecting from Delhi, he quips “You are better off as things are opening up while in Mumbai, we can’t venture out as yet.” Clearly, even if you are the director of a larger-than-life spectacle like Sholay, you have to abide by the whims of a microscopic virus and adjust to life accordingly.

He is doing just that. His Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment (RSACE) at Kalina, Mumbai, which runs five graduation courses around film making in association with the Mumbai University and Garware Institute since 2017, has shifted to the online module of teaching. Given the nature of the profession and the way it is taught, where physical contact seems essential, I wonder how it would be possible to continue to teach online indefinitely and he says, “That is a million dollar question. No one knows how we will go forward. and what’s happening. We do not know what shape and form the course the pandemic will take. We will have to see how much it is possible to go back

‘TECHNOLOGY IS THERE TO HELP US DO A LOT OF THINGS THAT WE CANNOT. EVEN FIVE, 10 OR 20 YEARS BACK, WE USED TECHNOLOGY IN SHOLAY AND SHAAN TO CHANGE THE FACE OF CINEMA. AT THAT TIME, THOSE WERE CREATIVE DECISIONS BUT NOW THEY MIGHT BECOME NECESSARY’

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to the normal or whether in the next six months or one year we do a mix of online and physical classes or just the former.” But one thing he is sure of, his vast repertoire of films helps budding film makers learn the craft.

It is not just teaching film making that will be affected but the profession leading up to it is bound to take a hit in the way that it works.

Already, there are speculations about the manner in which intimate scenes would be shot, something which Sippy’s film Sagar had in ample measure between the lead pair of Dimple Kapadia and Rishi Kapoor.

The director is unfazed and says, “Technology is there to help us do a lot of things that we cannot. Even five, 10 or 20 years back, we used technology in Sholay and Shaan to change the face of cinema. At that time, those were creative decisions but now they might become necessary.” He goes on to point to several projects where people are sitting at home and relating interesting stories through short

films. “That is a new way of story-telling now but, of course, this can’t be permanently used for entertainment, he says and adds, that it was possible as humans, by their nature, are a race of thinkers.

He believes that taking things lying down is not the appropriate reaction to the reaction. “It is good to understand what the problems are but it is not a good idea to sit back and let the virus take over your entire life. We have to stand up and fight for the welfare of society and individual.

If we try to look after everyone, everyone will look after us. There will, of course, be stray cases of unfortunate incidents of people who we cannot help.”

He resorts to a history lesson to explain the point further. “There hasn’t been a World War for 70-75

‘THERE HASN’T BEEN A WORLD WAR FOR 70-75 YEARS. BUT WE ARE NOW FACING CORONAVIRUS ACROSS THE WORLD, WHICH IS NOTHING SHORT OF A WAR. WE WILL RESOLVE THIS TOO. THERE WILL BE SUFFERING ALONG THE WAY, NATURALLY, BUT THAT IS THE PRICE WE PAY. WE WOULD LEARN A LOT OF NEW THINGS ALONG THE WAY’

years. But we are now facing Coronavirus across the world, which is nothing short of a war. We will resolve this too. There will be suffering along the way, naturally, but that is the price we pay. We would learn a lot of new things along the way,” he says optimistically.

Another resort to the past is the way Doordarshan decided to telecast the serials of yore which commanded huge fan-following including Sippy’s Buniyaad, which followed a migrant family during Partition. He believes that the serial has struck a chord among the younger generation as “it was basically a good story about the events that took place.” And there are parallels in contemporary life as well.

“In north India, there were refugee camps and people were confined to them. It is a reminder of those times

when the confinement was greater and, the problems were more dangerous,” says the director.

Talking of Buniyaad naturally brings us to his love for ensemble casts which was evident not just in the serial but also in films like Shaan (1980), Sholay (1975) and to an extent, Seeta aur Geeta (1972). “Of course, I like working with bigger casts but it is never easy. It is the challenge that eggs you on. The actors too could feel the vibes of something very good being made and, with so much care and attention, they put their best foot forward,” he says as his voice fades out over a connection that is often patchy.

Another thing that was very much apparent in his films were larger than life villains. Whether it was Gabbar Singh menacingly asking his cohorts, “Kitne aadmi the?” or Shakaal declaring, “Ajeeb janwar hai. Kitna bhi khae bhooka hi rehta hai,” — both could chill you to the bone. Sippy retorts, “Don’t heroes come out larger than life? Were heroes, like Amitabh or Dharmendra ordinary?”

‘IN NORTH INDIA, THERE WERE REFUGEE CAMPS AND PEOPLE WERE CONFINED TO THEM. IT IS A REMINDER OF THOSE TIMES WHEN THE CONFINEMENT WAS GREATER AND, THE PROBLEMS WERE MORE DANGEROUS’

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However, it wasn’t a huge canvas rather a heartwarming story that the director started his career with. The son of producer GP Sippy, after having assisted during several films, decided to turn director with Andaz in 1971. The story about a widower’s daughter and a widow’s son bringing the duo together was unconventional given the time when second marriages were uncommon. Add to it the fact that Sippy was all of 25.

“Everyone called me a fool for attempting a film like that. Reactions included, ‘You are a young guy. What are you doing making a film on a widow and a widower. What is wrong with you?’” His father was also surprised that he wanted to debut as director with this film. When he approached actor Shammi Kapoor for the role of the widower, his reaction was not very different but for an altogether different reason. Shammi, who was known for his light-hearted and stylish romcoms which featured great music as well as a lot of Elvis Presley-inspired dancing asked, “Do you know what I am famous for?

Dancing and singing. What are you trying to do?” A young Sippy, backed by a powerful idea, was undeterred and said, “‘Haven’t you done enough of that? Let us try something different.’ He looked at me, somewhere it clicked and he agreed.”

Sippy was completely convinced that, despite the zeitgeist of the age, the world would not object to a man who had lost his wife and has a daughter coming together with a woman who had lost her husband and had a boy. “If you make a film like that, you need to make the audience want the couple to come

together. So they had to appear to be warm people with feelings,” says Sippy thoughtfully. Luck favoured them and superstar Rajesh Khanna agreed to be a part of the film. “The music was superb while the story telling was interesting and bright. It was a warm story told with an unusual angle with great performances,” he says and pauses.

The gap becomes inexplicably long and we realise that we have lost the connection with him yet again.

Once reconnected, Sippy’s voice still wavers and when I suggest that we should re-connect again, he retorts, “It is a Coronavirus phone,” and guffaws before adding, “Everyone is on the phone and the internet so these are being used beyond their capacities.”

He repeated Hema Malini, the protagonist in Andaz, in Seeta Aur Geeta. Again many people felt that a double role for a woman and that too on the lines of Ram Aur Shyam (1967), which had been essayed by none other than Dilip Kumar was a huge risk. “I felt this one was better. The idea of Dilip Kumar being exploited was not as convincing as a young woman suffering the Cinderella syndrome,” he says. What also immensely helped the popularity of the film was Sanjeev Kumar and Dharmendra, two fine actors and young superstars in their own right, being cast opposite Hema. “It is not easy in India to convince the male actor to take on the secondary role.

Their characters were interesting but Hema had the cream and they were supporting her. It was great of them to say yes. In its commercial way the film spoke about a woman,” he says.

‘I COULD FEEL THAT WE WERE MAKING A GREAT FILM. HOW CAN YOU PREDICT IT WAS A PHENOMENON? IT JUST HAPPENED, YOU COULDN’T PREDICT IT. PEOPLE FOUND SOMETHING NEW EVERY TIME THEY WATCHED IT’

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But it was Sholay that placed him in the big league so much so that even now his name is synonymous with the film. Sippy recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award at Filmfare Awards which was held in Assam in February this year and he feels that it was given to him mostly because of Sholay. However, he doesn’t deny, “I do have a body of work and I couldn’t have made a Sholay without having made Andaz or Seeta aur Geeta.”

The fact that the film continues to be a phenomenon where its dialogues are still quoted in different situations off screen is lost on no one. But at the time of filming no one, least of all

Sippy, realised it. “I could feel that we were making a great film. How can you predict it was a phenomenon? It just happened, you couldn’t predict it.

People found something new every time they watched it,” he says attributing its success to a combination of its technique, storytelling, performances, music and background score. He credits writer duo Salim Javed, lyricist Anand Bakshi, music director RD Burman, the technicians and cameraperson along with the cast which came together to put up a great show.

Considering that remakes are often attempted of films that break box office records, what are Sippy’s views on the same? “I wouldn’t make Sholay. It is not like remakes can’t work but you should add something to it or have a new take on it. A film like Titanic was made 20 years before this version. Mother India had been made by Mehboob Khan less than 10-15 years ago before the colour film which was a much bigger and improved version of the original and it worked brilliantly. It is very difficult to add to Sholay which already has so much. I fail to see why I should attempt to make it? If someone has the confidence they should do it but make it worth the attempt,” he says recalling the fate of Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag (2007).

With the advent of OTT platforms, newer directors and increased exposure of the audience, Sippy agrees that films have changed. “Not just the story but the whole storytelling technique has changed.

You are, after all, telling the story to a completely different audience which has the sensibilities of the time it

‘IF YOU MAKE A FILM LIKE ANDAZ, YOU NEED TO MAKE THE AUDIENCE WANT THE COUPLE TO COME TOGETHER. SO THEY HAD TO APPEAR AS WARM PEOPLE WITH FEELINGS’

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lives in. Today’s viewers are very different from the audience of the 1960s, 70s, 80s or 90s. While the themes continue to be the same, love stories or revenge dramas, because we are humans, the narrative style has transformed. That is the challenge as you have to do something differently for today’s age and do it as interestingly as possible hoping that the audience will like it,” says Sippy matter factly.

It is not just story-telling which has transformed but the way that the audience consumes entertainment as well. “Something which is for the phone will remain for the phone and will never be as as impressive on screen. Under the present circumstances, people are saying that cinema may never come back but I don’t believe it. If you have an experience to share with people that is worth it, they will come to the theatre. Aren’t people feeling fed up at home during lockdown? They want to step out and cinema would enable them to do that, of course, at the right time — three or six months down the line,” he says and adds, “This is a good note to end,” but when I persist that I do have a few more questions left, he teases, “You don’t want to talk to me another time? Let’s keep it for that.”

LOOK AHEAD

YOU

enter the mall parking area and are waived away by the attendant that there is no space.

Deciding to subvert the inconvenience, you park in the nearby area and walk towards the mall, where you are halted at the entrance and asked to wait as the number of people inside is already one customer per 75 sqft Gross Leasable Area (GLA).

After more than 45 minutes, you enter the mall but not before thermal checks and passing through a sanitisation tunnel. Once inside, distance markers indicate where to stand. Deciding to pick up clothes? You can take assistance of the virtual mirror, which will show you how a garment looks

on you without trying it on. If you want to grab a quick bite, be prepared for plexi sheets in front of the Quick Service Restaurants in the food court.

And yes, if you want to head to the washroom, you might have to wait there, too, as only the alternate urinals are in use. Welcome to the new normal.

Earlier, a plan to pick up shoes, clothes and grocery would inevitably mean a trip to any of the malls that dot the city’s landscape. Whether we picked up the things that we had set out to or not was always debatable but what we did end up doing was venturing out, socialising and eating — rituals that we took for granted. It was a part of

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BRAVE NEW WORLD There is no going back to business as usual when we emerge from the pandemic. AMITABH TANEJA, chairman of SCAI, PUSHPA BECTOR, executive director of DLF Shopping Malls, RAJNEESH MAHAJAN, CEO of Inorbit Malls, RASHMI SEN, Group COO — Malls of The Phoenix Mills Ltd, PANKAJ RENJHEN, COO of Virtuous Retail and MUKESH KUMAR, CEO of Infiniti Malls, describe how we shop, eat and spend our leisure at malls is all set to change. By AYUSHI SHARMA

the normal, as we knew it, before a microscopic virus turned the idea on its head.

Amid the life of absolute uncertainty, fear and concern, the Coronavirus pandemic has left nothing untouched and thus, severely impacted every business. It is not easy to imagine the post-pandemic scenario, however, experts say that it will take a long time for retail to return to normal.

The Shopping Centres Association of India (SCAI) recently hosted the third of SCAI Mondays, a series aimed at redressing the unprecedented challenges posed to the Indian shopping centre development ecosystem by the pandemic. Many retail leaders feel that the idea of opening shopping malls can actually help accelerate the economy, of course, keeping a stringent and comprehensive set of measures to ensure a safe and hygienic environment.

The virtual roundtable, titled Retail and Shopping Centres: 2020-21

‘WE ALSO SEE INTEREST IN SEGMENTS LIKE ELECTRONICS AND BEAUTY, WHICH COULD ATTRACT A LARGE PART OF THE CONSUMERS VISITING MALLS AFTER THESE OPEN UP. THE FACT REMAINS THAT THERE IS PENT UP DEMAND, CONSUMERS ARE LOOKING AT WAYS TO RELEASE THEIR ENERGY AND WHAT BETTER PLACE THAN MALLS?’ — PUSHPA BECTOR Executive Director of DLF Shopping Malls

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and Beyond, was moderated by S Raghunandhan, presidentcommercial, Bhartiya City Developers. The panelists included — Pushpa Bector, executive director of DLF Shopping Malls, Rajneesh Mahajan, CEO of Inorbit Malls, Rashmi Sen, Group COO-Malls of The Phoenix Mills Ltd and Pankaj Renjhen, COO of Virtuous Retail.

Going by the news that the situation will take some time to return to normal, it will be quite interesting to see how shopping malls would welcome consumers postlockdown. On the other side of the spectrum, as per the surveys and research conducted by DLF Shopping Malls, it was found out that there will be two categories of consumers postlockdown — first being those who desperately want to get back to prepandemic life and the second category would be of those who will be more cautious of visiting malls.

Pushpa Bector, executive director of DLF Shopping Malls, shared that it appears that people’s anxieties won’t settle anytime soon. But that does not mean that the consumer will not return to malls. In fact, according to a recent survey done by NFX for SCAI, approximately 70 per cent of consumers are willing to return to malls within a fortnight of their opening up. Shopping priorities might change and preference may be given to essentials, but the activity will definitely take place. “We also see interest in segments like electronics and beauty, which could attract a large part of the consumers visiting malls after these open up. The fact remains that there is pent up demand, consumers are looking at

ways to release their energy and what better place than malls?,” said she.

One change that Pushpa predicts in consumer behaviour is a rise in nationalism where ‘Made in India’ brands would be preferred more in the first three months.

In the larger context, one must also understand that people visited malls not only for shopping. “It was a place for socialising, getting together and spending time with family. Malls are a social infrastructure. We must give people some time before they return. We are ready and plans are in place to make sure that the consumers get a safe and hygienic experience when they return,” she added.

As far as the retailers are concerned, Pushpa told us that they are very eager to open their stores.

Some are little skeptical and worried, while others are confident of coming out stronger once the lockdown ends.

She said, “Currently, they are also concerned about their inventory.

Despite having so much stuff, their spring and the summer collections are lying in stores, untouched and unsold. We need to sort this out together by helping them ease it out.

Marketing in the coming days will become one-to-one in nature, with lots of data exchange. A lot of digital marketing along with hyperlocal marketing will come into action.”

Now, the question arises if the lockdown phase would affect the Indian retail consumption growth rate? Rashmi Sen, Group COO — Malls of The Phoenix Mills Ltd, believes that India is the most attractive retail market of the world today and its consumption story is

‘FOR US, THE SAFETY AND THE CONFIDENCE OF CONSUMERS ARE PRIORITIES AS WE WILL BE INITIATING STRONG PROTOCOL MEASURES FOR OUR RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS. I WOULD NOT BE WORRIED ABOUT WHETHER THE CONSUMERS WILL BE COMING OR NOT BUT OUR MAIN CONCERN, IN THE INITIAL PERIOD, WOULD BE RESTRICTING FOOTFALLS ACTUALLY. THE SHOPPING BEHAVIOUR IN THE SHORT-RUN WILL BE VERY SUBJECTIVE AND NECESSITY-LED RATHER THAN LEISURE-LED’ — RASHMI SEN Group COO, Malls of The Phoenix Mills Ltd

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very strong. “I don’t think two months of lockdown can dent the consumption growth rate of India.

We have seen that during demonetisation too, the sales rate picked up by the end of the year,” said she.

“If you look at the Indian economy, agriculture and Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) are large components of the GDP. If these two sectors continue to run strong, I think the recovery will be fast,” added Rajneesh Mahajan, CEO of Inorbit Malls.

Rashmi feels that the challenge is similar worldwide. It is not only India. Be it forthcoming malls or established ones, this phase of slow or almost zero growth will be shortlived. “For us, the safety and the confidence of consumers are priorities as we will be initiating strong protocol measures for our retailers and consumers. I would not be worried about whether the consumers will be coming or not but our main concern, in the initial period, would be restricting footfalls actually. The shopping behaviour in the short-run will be very subjective

and necessity-led rather than leisure-led,” she said. Moreover, there would be people concerned about venturing out into crowded places initially. In order to overcome this, Rashmi explained, “The focus would be on inculcating confidence in consumers that malls are a safe place for shopping.”

Phoenix’s marketing budget earlier was huge with many activities and events — which would not take place now. For the next three months, they won’t organise any outdoor activity. The focus will be on the loyalty programmes to stay connected with the consumers so that they can get real-time information.

Similarly, communication would be Virtuous Retail’s first strategy.

“The first bit of marketing will be giving out a message emphasising on developing comfort and confidence of the customers to visit the shopping mall. We will also be highlighting the steps and measures that we would be taking to ensure their safety and making the consumers aware of them. Moving forward, we know we cannot go with the traditional marketing strategy which we had in

‘THE FIRST BIT OF MARKETING WILL BE GIVING OUT A MESSAGE EMPHASISING ON DEVELOPING COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE OF THE CUSTOMERS TO VISIT THE SHOPPING MALL. WE WILL ALSO BE HIGHLIGHTING THE STEPS AND MEASURES THAT WE WOULD BE TAKING TO ENSURE THEIR SAFETY AND MAKING THE CONSUMERS AWARE OF THEM. MOVING FORWARD, WE KNOW WE CANNOT GO WITH THE TRADITIONAL MARKETING STRATEGY WHICH WE HAD IN THE PAST. I THINK THIS IS GOING TO BE A MUCH MORE FOCUSED APPROACH’ — PANKAJ RENJHEN COO, Virtuous Retail

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the past. I think this is going to be a much more focused approach,” shared Pankaj Renjhen, COO, Virtuous Retail.

Asked about the steps mall developers are planning to adopt for ensuring the safety and sanitisation of the place and people, Amitabh Taneja, chairman of SCAI, shared that the organisation has developed a stringent and comprehensive set of SOPs. These guidelines have been developed after several consultations with captains of the industry and taking references from global best practices implemented by countries like Singapore, Germany and China, where the malls have started opening slowly. For instance, he pointed out, “Thermal screening of every customer will be done before s/he enters the malls. There will be controlled entry and exit. Malls will be operational from 12 pm to 9 pm on all days initially. At any given point, we would have only one customer per 75 sqft Gross Leasable Area (GLA), which is the amount of floor space available to be rented in a commercial property.”

However, the checks would not end here. Anyone entering the mall including staff, visitors, contractors would have to undergo mandated temperature screening and checks.

Distance markers will be installed at the entry points, cash counters and help desk. There would also be category-wise opening in various phases in accordance with government directives. The first phase will be dedicated to essential services and products in super market, infant clothing’s, eyewear, WFH electronics, apparel, personal care, salon and spa with 50 per cent

‘THERMAL SCREENING OF EVERY CUSTOMER WILL BE DONE BEFORE S/HE ENTERS THE MALLS. THERE WILL BE CONTROLLED ENTRY AND EXIT. MALLS WILL BE OPERATIONAL FROM 12 PM TO 9 PM ON ALL DAYS INITIALLY. AT ANY GIVEN POINT, WE WOULD HAVE ONLY ONE CUSTOMER PER 75 SQFT GROSS LEASABLE AREA (GLA), WHICH IS THE AMOUNT OF FLOOR SPACE AVAILABLE TO BE RENTED IN A COMMERCIAL PROPERTY’ — AMITABH TANEJA, Chairman of SCAI

of capacity and prior appointments only. The second phase will be dedicated to food court and F&B outlets. The last to open would be multiplex and entertainment centres.

In case of dine-in outlets, the seating arrangements would be reduced to 50 per cent, where contact less menus and digital invoices will be encouraged. There would be repeated sanitisation and cleaning of all the common areas of the mall premises including toilets, lifts and entrance areas every 30 to 60 minutes. To restrict the entry, only 50 per cent of total parking capacity would be

operational. The number of customers allowed in the washrooms would be restricted according to the size and only alternate urinals would be allowed to be used. Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) would have plexi sheets (transparent sheets) at front areas with separate cash and serving windows to minimise physical contact. “These are some of the recommendations and top-line measures I have highlighted. A detailed 48-page SOP is in place and circulated across the industry for implementation,” he said.

Major portion of any mall is dedicated personal shopping — clothes, shoes or accessories. And trying before buying has always been the norm when readymade garments are being purchased. Here comes in the aspect of touch and feel. So in a situation, where maintaining distance is the only solution, how will customers ensure that the outfit or the accessories they are trying out is safe? Mukesh Kumar, CEO of Infiniti Malls, has a solution for this, too. He said, “We don’t really see a big challenge for top wear, which can be purchased without even trying. That completely depends on the customers. However, for bottom

EXOTICA [31] JUNE 2020

wear, one usually prefers the concept of ‘try and buy’. To tackle this issue, retailers are working on a model where customers can take two to three garments home and return those which don’t fit. Then those tried pieces will have to be sent back to the manufacturing unit to be sanitised.

Meanwhile, the fresh stock can be used for trials. This is pertaining to the size. Disinfecting of all such goods will become a normal and

routine procedure for each and every other shop, be it footwear, apparel or jewellery. Here, trust on the brand you are purchasing from will become very important.”

“Also, there are technology available where buyer can just place the garment on them and see in the mirror how it looks. It’s know as virtual fitting rooms,” added he.

COVID-19 has changed everything, right from the way we

‘WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT ONLINE IS YET ANOTHER CHANNEL FOR RETAILING AND IT WILL ALWAYS CO-EXIST WITH THE TRADITIONAL ONES. SOME CATEGORIES COULD WORK BETTER ONLINE, WHILE SOME WOULD BE PREFERRED IN THE BRICK AND MORTAR FORMAT. WE ARE STILL A COUNTRY THAT BELIEVES IN TOUCH AND FEEL. THIS IS A PHASE THAT WILL PASS WITH TIME. MORE AND MORE PEOPLE WILL PERHAPS START LOOKING AT ONLINE FOR SHOPPING FOR ESSENTIALS, MEDICINES, HOME FURNISHING PRODUCTS, WOMEN’S ACCESSORIES AND MORE’ — MUKESH KUMAR, CEO of Infiniti Malls

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travel to how we shop. So will there be a rise in online shopping as well?

And can virtual reality, a welcome escape from the pandemic, ever be a substitute for the real thing? Well, there is no denying that online shopping has seen quite a surge. But that is also owing to limited options in the brick and mortar space when the lockdown was first announced, feels Amitabh. He said, “We must understand that online is yet another channel for retailing and it will always co-exist with the traditional ones. Some categories could work better online, while some would be preferred in the brick and mortar format. We are still a country that believes in touch and feel. This is a phase that will pass with time. More and more people will perhaps start looking at online for shopping for essentials, medicines, home furnishing products, women’s accessories and more.”

Malls have experiential offerings like cafes, theatres, entertainment zones and a few other things.

However, these would not attract visitors now as these were the first

‘I THINK WE WOULD BE ABLE TO SEE THE CONSUMPTION LEVEL GOING HIGHER FROM WHAT WE HAD IN FY2019. ON THE SHOPPING CENTRE SUPPLY SIDE, I SEE A SLOWDOWN AND MOST OF THE MALLS WHICH WERE READY TO OPEN NOW MAY HAVE TO DELAY A LITTLE. THEIR PROGRESS WILL BE DERAILED DUE TO THIS LOCKDOWN’ — RAJNEESH MAHAJAN CEO of Inorbit Malls

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casualties of social distancing and public health protocols. It is likely that these would be the last to emerge from the lockdown as well, feels Mukesh. “But if we will go by the guidelines that the government finally sets out for the opening of malls, it could be the other way round. As part of the exhaustive SOPs we created, abundant precaution has been taken to ensure safety, social distancing guidelines are adhered too and reopening will need to be done in a calibrated manner,” said he.

From a consumer’s perspective, it seems like the next six to seven months are all about surviving and reviving. Rajneesh concluded the webinar saying, “I think we would be able to see the consumption level going higher from what we had in FY2019. On the shopping centre supply side, I see a slowdown and most of the malls which were ready to open now may have to delay a little.

Their progress will be derailed due to this lockdown.”

Normal, the word, is all set to be redefined when it comes to all our experiences.

CRYSTAL GAZE ON DINING From rigorous hygiene checks, social distancing norms and a focus on simpler dishes, eating out is bound to change in the post-lockdown world, says SAIMI SATTAR

HOSPITALITY

— the very word encapsulates a whole set of emotions, many of which are sensorial. But when a pandemic has been raging, you know emotions have to be kept on hold in favour of practical decisions.

And this is especially true for eating out, an essential element of the industry. For patrons, this was an activity to bond over, catch up, celebrate, unwind and more. While dining out has been on hold for more than a month, industry stalwarts are bracing for the time when they can reopen, as restaurants wouldn’t be the same and the business is bound to remain affected for a long time to come. If you take into account the fact, the food service industry’s market size was `4,23,865 crore and employed 7.3 million people in 2018-19 according to the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the enormity of the situation would sink in.

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LOOK AHEAD

FOOTFALLS DRIVE THE BUSINESS

RESTAURANT

business, by it its nature, thrives on people coming in and a dip in the numbers means that the proposition becomes untenable. Chef Vicky Ratnani, culinary directory, GIPL who also conceptualises restaurant menus and food concepts says, “The situation is very uncertain at the moment. We will see a decline in the number of people visiting restaurants during the initial months.

However, it will gradually increase if we keep following the safety measures and make our customers feel secure and comfortable. Zorawar Kalra, founder, Massive Restaurants agrees.

Celebrity chef, TV show judge and food stylist Ranveer points out, “There would be an initial reduction in the influx of patrons, especially in the bars and night club spaces but house parties are going to get bigger.”

However, Chef Sabyasachi Gorai, popularly known as Chef Saby is not very hopeful about the restaurant landscape even after it is allowed to be operational. While Saby did not eat out often, he did go to coffee shops or bars for a drink. He asks, “Would I go to a bar? First, will it open? If it does, would I have the feeling of safely sitting at a stool and caressing the table where someone sat before me? I would have apprehensions touching either. The whole fun of having a drink is chatting with bartender and if you stand a metre away, it would be a silly scenario. So, would you want to go?”

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‘THERE WOULD BE AN INITIAL REDUCTION IN THE INFLUX OF PATRONS, ESPECIALLY IN THE BARS AND NIGHT CLUB SPACES BUT HOUSE PARTIES ARE GOING TO GET BIGGER’ — RANVEER BRAR CELEBRITY CHEF, TV SHOW JUDGE AND FOOD STYLIST

DISTANT SEATING

RESTAURANTS

are usually located in places where the footfalls and, by that reasoning, the rentals are high. So it is not surprising that ever square foot of space is utilised to break even. Ever noticed, how closely packed the tables are in the budget joints in central market spaces are? But now restaurateurs would have to take into account social distancing norms in seating to ensure adequate space between two tables.

Chef Entrepreneur Tarun Sibal says, “It’s a given that a 100-cover restaurant will now be a max of 60 to 70 covers, ensuring, and practicing social distancing guidelines and protocols.

Customers will not venture out to crowded places.” Ratnani, places the figure at half of the existing levels.

Brar — who often hosts gastronomical experiences with the Doer’s Club, an experiential platform — has a slightly more nuanced take. He says, “Globally, we are looking at 40 per cent of the cover capacity from the current trend, India’s would be at least 50 per cent of the seating capacity. ”

WHAT’S ON THE PLATE?

WILL

our eating habits change post the lockdown? Will there be an emphasis on slow-cooked food, healthy and mindful eating or do we want to grab a meal and exit quickly so as to spend a minimum amount of time inside the restaurant?

Chef Saby says that there was already a major trend towards vegan and vegetarian food. “Covid

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has shaken people’s faith on non vegetarian. Many feel that it can move to any domesticated animal.

So the steaks and grills would take a backseat. The prices are already prohibitive. So, a switch to vegetarian is likely.”

More than the ingredients, Brar feels the methods would be more in focus. “The dishes being cooked and ordered would be simpler, the menus, on the whole, will be smaller and simpler where dishes use lesser ingredients. Also, typically because when you are running a restaurant to half capacity and with lesser staff, you’d look to reduce inventory and overhead costs and definitely reduce wastage.”

Sibal on the other hand is more focussed on the service. He says, “We will see the initiation of contactless dining where various touchpoints like a menu, bill and more will be eradicated. This will be done digitally. We will also see smaller menus, dishes that are suitable for delivery, automation in the kitchen, less manpower so on so forth.”

Kalra too focusses on the safety element of food. “There will be fewer chefs working in the kitchen as we aggressively maintain social distancing. This might make us compress the

menu slightly but that is the need of the hour is safety. We all took a lot for granted and this current scenario has made us realise a lot and value a lot.”

WILL DINING OUT BE A NORMAL ACTIVITY?

DO

you remember the last meal you ate at a restaurant before the shutdown? Or the second last? Well, that is how much we took eating out for granted. It was as normal as breathing. But then, like all other things, there will always be a pre and post pandemic era.

Sibal says, that post Covid, there will be new rules of engagement and there won’t be a single mantra that will work. “Two schools of thoughts are prevailing, one suggesting that the consumer will become extremely conservative and the other suggesting that the disease has given a new meaning to life and people would want to make the most of what they have. As food and eating out gives joy to people and creates memories for a lifetime, I am optimistic that if we survive the onslaught, we will come back stronger within a year.”

turnovers. Staff training and awareness has already begun over zoom calls.”

Sibal says safety protocols would vary depending on the establishment and format but will be stringent. “From guest management, floor control, safe distancing, medical checks of staff, deep cleaning every week, fumigation and sanitisation drills all will come in play,” he says.

SEA CHANGE IN CHOICES

WITH

SAFETY FIRST

WASHING

hands frequently, sanitising and maintaining hygiene are some of the actions that have become second nature to us, now in all our interactions. In food, it cannot be overemphasised.

Ratnani says, “All the safety guidelines and hygiene protocols will be revisited. The chefs and owners will push their staff for personal hygiene and work practise ensuring that each employee wears masks and gloves. Hand sanitisers will be provided at every table while thermal probes will be installed to check the temperature before people enter a restaurant. Takeaway will probably play a bigger role in the near future.”

Brar agrees and adds, “The hot and cold food temperature logging and recording standards will be revisited as will the personal hygiene of the server and chef.”

Kalra has mapped out a large plan for his restaurants like Farzi Cafe, Masala Library and more.

“Our aggressive and dynamic plan for safety include extensive screening of all employees and guests within the restaurants, maintaining all social distancing norms not only of the front team but in the kitchen as well. There will be fewer chefs working in the kitchen. Deep cleaning will take place daily. We are also contemplating putting up live cameras so anyone across the globe can log on to our website to see how we are operating. Sanitisation will be given utmost importance using high-tech instruments for surface cleaning and ultra violet-enabled technology to ensure cleanliness especially during table

lesser money in the pocket, high concerns about safety and less inclination to venture out into crowded places, dining will undergo a sea transformation. Brar feels that the shift would be towards affordable luxury. The industry, now, instead of waiting for people to come to them will now go to their homes. Restaurants will look to cater to more house parties, as also doing more meal kits.” Saby has been brainstorming with others in the industry about the viability of food trucks that serve hot and fresh food by taking the restaurant experience to one area one day and another the next.

Ratnani, who has been the host of a number of popular food shows and has been associated with the Doers Club twice, says, “Customers will most likely rely on takeaway more than dining at the restaurant and avoid travelling for food for the first few months.”

Sibal foresees a spiral in pizza deliveries and in order to attract customers, “Restaurants will boast about hygiene rating and food safety procedures.

Coffee shops, casual dining restaurants will be the flag bearer for the resurgence as guests might take

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more time to be back to luxury restaurants, clubs, and high-end bars. Street food will also take a huge hit, as the humble gol-gappa cart might be a thing of the past, as quality and hygiene will swing it for consumers. This also means that there will be an opportunity for street food to come into mainstream dining concepts.”

Kalra sees a re-jig in the way the business will operate. “New projects will have to be put on hold for some time while every single cost would be controlled. So the ones that are not related to the guests experience will have to be revisited. Most costs will go down except for food which will probably go up because the main concern would be safety and hygiene standards which needs more investment.

Packaging will have to be far better and superior.

There will be no compromise on the food preparation and delivery aspects.”

WILL THE POCKET FEEL THE PINCH?

WITH

more expensive ingredients, investments on safety equipment and disposables as well as reduced covers, the likely outcome is a price spiral. Ratnani believes it will depend on the restaurant if they wish to push prices up or not. Brar thinks that the costs would be brought down and this would reflect in simpler restaurants, simpler decor with smaller menus and courses.

Sibal believes that costs are bound to go up as the same real estate and infrastructure will now be utilised for a lesser number of guests. “Also, the additional cost of technology and safety procedures will add its weight to the cost,” he adds.

Saby on the other hand points out that it will take at least six months to an year for a restaurant to start again. “This is as good as starting new as all the old stocks of groceries would have to be thrown out or donated to food banks, beers drained. This along with having to pay the employers and rents needs something around `50-60 lakh.”

WINDS OF CHANGE IN THE INDUSTRY

LIKE

all businesses, the industry is suffering during the lockdown and stares at uncertainty when it opens up. Ratnani says, “Every single person would have to come forward and work together to revive the industry.

Cost-consciousness will be a main factor and unnecessary expenditure would have to be controlled while maintaining consistency in quality.

The menu would be short, simple and creative which will be important for customer retention and there could be a huge shift in attention towards home deliveries and takeaways.”

Brar thinks that the entire industry would surely have to re-jig itself. “There’s going to be real-estate corrections, profitability figures are going to look very different. A large sum would have to be parked away for contingencies, insurances as also for health and safety regulatory compliances. High rentals won’t be viable anymore.”

Sibal feels that the ones that survive will become stronger, leaner and effective. “A cut in the overall salary brackets of the employees is on the cards.”

One thing is for sure, dining out, as we know it, will cease to exist — at least for some time.

LOOK AHEAD

slow FASHION

MAKE WAY FOR

Designers tell SAKSHI SHARMA that the post-COVID world will have a seasonless look.

Though trends will always dictate the industry, comfort will overtake luxury and versatility

EXOTICA [40] JUNE 2020

COLLECTIONS

that do not fit into the notion of season, layering up or down according to the weather, styling garments so that they can be worn in a multiple ways and sustainable practices — the fashion industry is looking at ways to move forward in a pandemic-hit world.

So did you think that at a time when everything is succumbing to the new normal, this industry would remain untouched?

The first indication was a recent, virtual press conference which could have wide ramifications for the industry. Broadcast live from the Rome studio, it had Gucci’s creative director, Alessandro Michele declaring the fashion week calendar obsolete. He said he was no longer adhering to a system of spring/summer, autumn/winter, cruise and pre-fall shows. Instead, the brand will show “seasonless” collections twice a year answering to the need for fashion that is more in sync with the requirements of a planet that is tottering under the onslaught of excess. There are no plans for a show in September, when the Gucci collection showcased, as a key part of Milan fashion week.

The move has created quite a stir in the fashion world which wonders about the way forward.

Designer Ashish N Soni says that there was an overdose of fashion prior to the pandemic. There were just too many shows, too many collections and too much fast fashion even at the luxury level.

“There was over consumption and over indulgence in fashion. A lot of brands are now refraining from this to find their brand soul.

What Gucci is suggesting was there a long time back but finally people are taking note of it as it makes more sense in the current times.

Seasonless fashion is the future. I have been doing my show only once a year. It’s a step in the right direction. I am glad that even if we are learning from the pandemic, it is in the interest of the people and the planet,” adds he.

Designer Payal Jain agrees with Alessandro and says that it makes a lot of sense right now as we are living in very dynamic and uncertain times, with no surety of what the following week

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or month holds. Payal asks: “In such a situation, how can one plan fashion collection six to 10 months in advance?” Seasons will spill into one another and the boundaries will merge. A slow transition towards this direction was already underway for some years.

Now is the time to combine seasonal collections into a simple format, with comfort, practicality, versatile usage and long-term sustainability as prime concerns for the future, be it for the creators of fashion lines, or the consumers.

Fashion designer Pooja Shroff says that it’s a great idea and strongly believes in it as most of her pieces are non seasonal and can be worn all year round and layered/styled differently each time according to the weather.

But one wonders how feasible will it be in the

Indian weather conditions. Ashish says that earlier it was mindless consumption with see now, buy now being the driving forces. It won’t be season driven heavily any more. “It helps us because, besides North India, there is no Fall in the rest of the country. We pretty much have a tropical climate and a warm weather throughout the year. We sell the Spring/Summer collection all across India though some places do not experience summer. So in the same way, if you showcase the collection in September or October that product will be seasonless enough. There’s no winter in Kolkata, Mumbai and other places so I’d rather sell a seasonless collection than doing several shows.

It makes the functioning of the business easier,” adds he.

Payal feels that a collection that does not adhere to seasons is very feasible as we have long summers and a comparatively shorter winter, hence the former can remain the focus.

“With experimental thinking and reinvention of the conventional winter fabrics, weaves and silhouettes, we can create lines that work through the year and give enough variety to the consumer, yet keep them up to date with global fashion,” says she.

Nanki Papneja, creative director at Limerick, says that if the number of collections are reduced, it will be imperative for a designer to create several options for major seasons in each collection. This is where classics like a jacket and cape come into the picture.

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Pieces that one can layer up or layer down as per season will see prominence in each collection.

Even in the pre-COVID phase, all brands were talking about sustainability, feels Ashish. It was the buzz word then. “I don’t know how seriously they were taking it but now it is a wake up call to follow sustainable practises and packaging so that you look like a responsible brand.

Consumers will also respect that. Now is the time to not just talk about it but do something substantial,” says he.

Fashion can be made more sustainable and supportive for the environment through the use of natural yarns, organic textiles, natural dyes, recyclable trims and accessories. It can change the way we have been thinking about the industry. “We need to look at end-to-end sustainable practices and processes to be implemented across the garment and textile industry in our country.

There is a dire need for a basic certification process, possibly initiated by the government with a handful of experts, to help our industry implement and follow safety, health and sustainable concerns. There is also an urgent need to minimise wastage of water and power, recycling raw materials and scrap, minimising plastic packaging and using other non bio-degradable materials, all steps towards making garment production process sustainable and friendly

for the environment. It needs to be a conscious decision for all in the fashion industry to do our bit for the environment,” says Payal.

The world has been locked down for quite a few days during which most of us have taken to wearing t-shirts and shorts or pajamas. This has paved the way for a new fashion phenomenon — slothwear where comfort occupies a place of primary importance in people’s mind. Ashish says, “Now the consumer is looking at more comfortable and easy clothing which has to be value driven and priced right. This is being said in almost every report and prediction. When the 2008 financial crisis hit the world, there was a revival of minimalism. It is again going to be a huge trend where people would want to buy simple, comfortable and easy clothing, which is crafted well with sustainable practises, is easy to take care of and has a certain value attached to it. Though it might take six to eight months to bounce back but there won’t be any drastic shift.”

According to Payal, the post-COVID fashion will adhere to the parameters of comfort, versatility, ease of maintenance and a seasonless look. She says: “Trends will always dictate fashion but comfort will overtake luxury and versatility will certainly get more marks than a startling statement. AW 2020-21 will be reinvented this time….”

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GURUSPEAK

WATER

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru

Many of our water bodies have dried up and others have become extremely polluted. It is time to work towards healing and rejuvenating them

THE CALL OF THE

has a deep relation with life. Apart from making up nearly two-thirds of our body, water is also required in the atmosphere for us to survive.

It is present deep in the crevices of earth and far above up in the clouds.

The Sanskrit word for water is apa and the word apta means ‘that which is born out of water’. It symbolises love and apta also means ‘the dearest one’.

All the major ancient civilisations thrived on river banks, whether it was Ganga or Yamuna in India, Nile in Egypt or Amazon in South America. India has always had a strong cultural connection with its rivers. Lord Rama's life was spent around the Sarayu river. Ganga is depicted as emerging from Lord Shiva. For thousands of years, saints and yogis have been meditating and doing their spiritual practices on her banks. While Ganga represents knowledge, Yamuna stands for devotion. The love and devotion of the gopis towards Lord Krishna is immortalised on the banks of Yamuna. All the rivers in India feature in some story or the other in the ancient Puranas reminding us of their spiritual significance.

Flowing water has a connection with the mind. It is also symbolic of the flow of life. A river does not stop when it encounters stones; it flows over or around them. Similarly, hurdles are inevitable in life; we don't stop moving because of them. When you keep flowing, you remain pure and when you keep brooding over past events, you stagnate. Clinging to the past and regretting about it makes you feel heavy from inside. Watching the flow of water in a river can wash such feelings from your mind. When people contemplating suicide go to a river or water to jump into it, watching its flow for a few minutes shifts something inside them, it uplifts their energy and makes them change their mind.

Water also has the unique ability to hold feelings and vibrations. This is why saints visit spiritual fairs like the Kumbh so that they can share their positive vibrations and energy with others. Rivers not only support life; they also enrich it in so many ways. Unfortunately, we have neglected them for a long time. A lot of our rivers have dried up and the ones that remain have become extremely polluted. In a land where rivers were considered sacred, we've come a long way in the opposite direction.

We are still largely an agrarian economy

RIVER

and our farmers have suffered as a result. A renewed effort to revitalise this lifeline of our country is needed and our volunteers have made a start. Our teams have revived 42 rivers and tributaries across the country, many of whom had not flowed for many years. Along with this effort, farmers have been trained in organic farming techniques and educated about more efficient cropping patterns. This has significantly increased the income of thousands of farming households in these areas. We have seen that the involvement of the local communities is very significant for the river rejuvenation effort to have a big impact. It also requires talking to different stakeholders, winning trust and coordinating across various agencies. The youth can play a big role here and that has been the key to the success of this effort so far.

All the ancient civilisations in India, China, South America and elsewhere honoured Nature.

They worshipped mountains, rivers, trees, the sun and the moon. Their view was to see all of them as living, because they contribute to and sustain our life. It's only when we start moving away from our connection to Nature, that we begin polluting and destroying the environment. In the last few years, however, there is more awareness about environmental issues. More people are learning about the need to save water and the importance of methods like rainwater harvesting in both rural and urban areas. The government and local bodies also have a critical role in spreading awareness and enforcing policies to this end.

The ancient view was to see all of Nature as an extension of one's self. If you have a sense of belonging with Nature, you cannot but honour it.

The skill is in aligning with Nature outside and with one's own nature within and wisdom is in knowing that they are one and the same.

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

Good diet and appropriate exercise are the best defence against any disease

GIVE AN EDGE

THERE

are many things that contribute to a strong immune system. One of these is a strong body, with good muscles, strong bones and strong nerves. These drive, balance and boost our immunity.

There is a deep evolutionary connection between muscles, bones and immunity. The skeletal muscles are tissues with a high density of mitochondria, which generate energy. Our muscles come with a powerful ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), a metabolic waste, the levels of which go up during a microbial infection. Muscles

have a powerful ROS sensing mechanism and are the first to react and alert the immune system of any infection or danger. So strong muscles with good blood supply, activate immune cells faster than weak, undernourished muscles.

There is also an interplay between bones and immunity. Both bone and immunity cells generate from the stem cells in our bone marrow.

Bone cells include osteoblasts which build up bones and osteoclasts which break them down.

When the level of osteoclasts go up, it indicates a disturbance not only in the bone and its formation but in the entire body. This affects the production

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of immune cells and disrupts the working of the immune system. Thus, it is important to keep our bones healthy.

For muscles and bones to be strong, the nerves need to be strong too. The nervous system functions with the help of neurotransmitters that convey messages to the brain. Of these, serotonin keeps our nerves calm and balanced, raises the levels of the chemical interferon type 1 proteins which keeps our immune system alert and balances it when it goes in overdrive.

So how do we strengthen our muscles, bones and nerves? There are two aspects to this. The first

is through a diet that includes proteins and testosterone to keep muscles healthy; carbohydrates and fats to provide energy, minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamins) that help muscles to function well. Diet contributes to our health, builds strength, increases blood supply to the muscles and boosts immunity. Exercise, especially, yoga is ideal for strengthening the body, internally and externally.

The postures Kaliasana, Kandharasana, Ushtrasana, are powerful postures that strengthen the body and enhance immunity.

USHTRASANA (CAMEL) o Sit back on your heels o Spread knees as wide as your hips, come up on knees. Keep toes curled inward o Inhale deeply, now exhale as you bend backwards to grip your ankles one by one o Lower head backwards, bend your back further and gently push your hips out o Hold 10 - 30 seconds, breathing normally o Inhale as you release one hand at a time, straighten back, stand on your knees sit back on your heels o Inhale as you lift your arms up over your head, exhale as you stretch torso and arms forward into sarnagat mudra and relax o Do twice BENEFITS: o Strengthens the back and leg muscles o Increases blood supply to all internal organs and improves metabolism o Opens up the lungs completely to increase oxygen levels nourishes the immune system o Stimulates digestive system, alleviates constipation, regulates the thyroid and adrenal gland

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KALIASANA

KALIASANA CHALAN

o Stand straight with your feet wider than the hip o Turn your feet out, at a 45 degree angle o Inhale and stretch your hands up next to the ears o Keep your elbows straight and palms pressed together o Exhale slowly as you bend your knees and lower your body o Lower your hips till they are at the same level as your knees o Knees should not cross the toe line as this can cause knee pain. If uncomfortable, stretch the feet wider o Bend only till you are comfortable o Hold for 10- 20 seconds and gradually build up to two minutes.

BENEFITS: o Strengthens the back muscles and legs. o Increases blood supply to all internal organs and increases metabolism o Opens up the lungs to increase oxygen levels and nourishes the immune system

o Lie down on your back with arms straight by your sides o Bend your knees. Keep feet flat on the ground, close to the buttocks o Keep the feet as wide as your hips o Exhale slowly and raise your hips and back off the floor o Keep the shoulders and neck pressed down on the mat o Once the hips are high enough, bend your elbows, place your palms under the hips to support the back. o Tuck your elbows under the shoulders

o Chalan means movement and follows on from Exercise 1 o First, get into the final posture for Kaliasana and hold for 10-20 seconds o Inhale, exhale as you lower the body and inhale as you come up o When you come up, keep the knees slightly bent, don’t straighten them. This will prevent knee injuries o Gradually build up to 20 rounds BENEFITS: o These movements will strengthen and ease stiff knees o Tones your legs, giving them a nice shape o Regular practice will help to strengthen your body

o Hold 10-20 seconds. Gradually increase to two minutes NOTE: If your back is stiff, you can first keep your arms by your side, gently raise your hips a few inches and drop them down to just above the mat. Do this five-six times and then try the posture BENEFITS o Strengthens buttocks, hamstrings, pelvic floor muscles and lower back muscles o Stretches shoulders and lungs to raise oxygen levels to clear out toxins and strengthen the immune system

KANDHARASANA

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NUMBERGAME Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist

COUNT YOUR FATE

NUMBER 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th of any month) You’re trying to balance and change yourself for others. Your concern and consideration would be observed by others.

Things might not change drastically but you might be able to see the wheel turning in your favour. Keep working with this inherent energy and it will generate the desired solutions.

NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) This month may bring serenity after the turmoil within you.

Everything will fall in place like a jigsaw puzzle and the missing pieces also appear. A beginning and renewed confidence are indicated.

Remember to make the most of the situation and try and close pending chapters.

NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) Optimism is an infectious quality to have and when paired with faith, it takes on a different hue.

Your energy and sincerity will go a long way to help you achieve the results you require.

Don’t get disillusioned with disappointments. Keep an open ear to the suggestions given by everyone.

NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) The graph of life favours you.

Every step seems to be blessed and beneficial. The results probably are coming in quicker than you expected. Loved ones might shower you with gifts and encourage your creativity. Your dependence on certain people might slowly diminish giving you relief and happiness.

NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) You always want things to be the best for you and your loved ones. You might get an opportunity to fulfill their wishes and desires. There might be a dull period but don’t give up hope and continue working towards your goals. Time is the best healer so try and manipulate it to your advantage.

NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) Projects initiated within this month might turn out to be more fruitful. Smooth sailing is indicated throughout the first fortnight for people in commanding positions. There might be a chance that you may associate everything with a festive spirit and try to revive forgotten things.

NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th of any month) The past month might have been productive but now it’s time to put into action the ideas that need to be implemented.

People probably frown at your thoughts but have faith and carry on. Only time can convince people and make them follow you. Impossible probabilities do exist sometimes.

NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) Meticulous planning and hardwork have helped to achieve what you desired and deserved.

Keep calm and don’t hasten. An action packed month if everything falls into place the way you desired. Loved ones will help support in work related matters. Try and stay away from destructive criticism.

NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th of any month) Bringing joy and happiness to the world is an agenda that probably lingers in your mind.

Your humorous nature might bring relief to unpleasant situations and help sort things.

Family get-togethers and outings will increase. Your romanticism might find ne takers that will help you vent your emotions.

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HOTWHEELS

‘PHYGITAL IS Kushan Mitra Auto & tech expert

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Audi India’s head, hopes that the sales will bounce back in the country powered by the YOLO mentality of customers

AS

the country limps back to a sense of normalcy, I spoke with Balbir Singh Dhillon, Audi India’s boss about how he believes the luxury car market in India will proceed. To start with, over two-thirds of Audi’s workshops are open as are half of the showrooms that are following all social distancing norms. But Dhillon says that there are challenges, not just social distancing, inside showrooms, but other norms such as the rule in Chennai that car showrooms cannot use air-conditioners. “There are some unique challenges in some states”, he says.

But what about car sales? Not a single unit was sold in April. In fact, one mustn’t forget that no cars could even undergo routine servicing. Audi India, like several other manufacturers, found itself in a slightly piquant situation.

“Well, each one of our workshops had customer vehicles undergoing service and repairs. Our first priority is ensuring that those get back to their owners as soon as possible as we restart operations.” At the same time, Audi India ran a special service scheme for ‘Covid Warriors’ to ensure that Audi vehicles owned by those on the frontlines of facing the virus that originated in Wuhan are serviced or repaired on a priority basis.

As for sales, since all Audis, even those assembled in India, are made from

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THE WAY FORWARD’

parts shipped from abroad, Dhillon said that customs authorities are being slightly cautious and understandably so. And despite some showrooms opening up, several states are just figuring out how to tackle the lockdown now.

This, Dhillon believes, will lead to ever increasing levels of digitisation in the selling process.

“Customers have been digital, but they initially researched the cars they wanted to buy and read reviews online. An average customer and his or her family spends around 100 hours buying a car.

Earlier, maybe a third of the time was spent online and then there were visits to the showroom.

Now that will go up to over half, maybe even two-thirds. We are enabling that with things like the Audi ‘Virtual Showroom’ as well. Yet, digital will not replace physical, that is why I believe the way forward is ‘phygital’, where digital

showrooms and experiences will enhance the physical buying process.”

But can the market recover from the virus-hit first few months of 2020? Dhillon reckons, it will be tough, as the industry already dealt with a challenging 2019, where volumes fell 15 per cent.

“The first quarter of the calendar year 2020 saw volumes continue to decline”, he admits. But he maintains a positive spin on things going forward.

“I believe the thought process will change, people will start thinking on the lines of ‘YOLO’ (You Only Live Once) and will want to splurge on a luxury vehicle for driving getaways.” He added that the supply-side interventions by the government, might not have any immediate impact on sales but will have a long-term positive effect.

“It would have been nice if the government made some demand-side interventions such as a

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‘SURE, THERE WILL BE SHORT-TERM ADJUSTMENTS SUCH AS A LAUNCH GETTING DELAYED BY A MONTH OR TWO, BUT THERE ARE NO CHANGES IN PLANS’ — BALBIR SINGH DHILLON, Audi India’s head

reduction of GST rates, which are still far too high in India. Rates between 43-48 per cent coupled with registration charges ranging from 10-20 per cent have meant that the luxury segment is just one percent of the overall car market. Even a slight reduction in these rates could have proven to be a booster to growth, but we must accept this and move on. We have to continue to do what we do best, that is selling emotions, dreams and positivity”, Dhillon told this columnist, which is why he continues to believe in inculcating brand loyalty for Audi early on.

However, the higher charges on luxury cars has proven to be a hindrance for the government’s ambitious ‘Make in India’ project. While 90 per cent of the Audis sold in India, such as the bestselling A3 and A4 sedans and the Q5 SUVs are assembled in India, Dhillon admitted that

localisation levels are low. “With more proactive policies we could have reached 1,00,000 units easily but the system has to work together for that.

Such numbers would not only have meant more manufacturing and localisation in India, but also newer technologies and products for us.”

The lockdown might be winding down but the economy and sales are in tatters, Audi is not going to hold back from its previously planned launch schedule for 2020. “Sure, there will be short-term adjustments such as a launch getting delayed by a month or two, but there are no changes in plans.”

And in other markets, as restrictions lift, sales have seen a bounce. In China. for example, the country where all the troubles began, sales have stabilised to nearly the levels they were before everything went haywire. Dhillon and his colleagues at Audi India are hoping the same will happen here as we.

LOCKDOWN DIARIES VIRAT KOHLI: The cricketer lost his companion recently and he has this picture and lines to share, “Rest in peace my Bruno. Graced our lives with love for 11 years but made a connection of a lifetime.

Gone to a better place today. God bless his soul with peace.”

ANANYA PANDAY: The actor resorts to the lines, “Ek tarfa pyaar ki taaqat hi kuch aur hoti hai?? (I swear he loves me back??)”. Going by the picture, we are sure he does. And a lot.

PRIYANKA CHOPRA: The actor believes, “Sunshine is better with cuddles” as she tags the fourfooted beauty, Diana, in the picture. Looks like one idyllic life.

PETTHERAPY When you are a celebrity, loyalty can be as transitional as your last hit.

So many of them prefer the company of the four-legged variety for unconditional love DISHA PATANI: The actor does know how to pamper this baby.

The cute toy has undivided attention of the recipient.

ALIAA BHATT: Student of the Year wants us to “Look at that face! #lovethypet”. While Aliaa might rule the box office, it is clear who reigns supreme at home.

AMIT SADH: A heart emoji is enough to convey the emotions that the actor feels for his pet. And with an adorable one like that, are we surprised?

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Aru Valley

This season visit The Paradise on Earth

Visit Aru village , 12 kilometers from Pahalgam. The drive to Aru is refreshing taking the visitors through narrow metallic road overlooking gushing streams, small meadows, villages and thick cover of conifers.

www.jktourism.jk.gov.in

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0194-2502512