Exotica Magazine March 2019

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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 Sofiqul Islam, 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 CHENNAI OFFICE Assistant General Manager Kripa Arvind 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

DO WE NEED WOMEN’S DAY?

I

find the growing practice of designating certain days of the year for promoting causes of various hues a meaningless and primarily commercial enterprise.

Although I have nothing against celebrating Valentine’s Day and vehemently decry physical intimidation of young couples by Hindu extremist outfits, the fact is that media organisations promote its observance for pure commercial reasons. In the early 90s, The Times of India stumbled upon a novel route to make more money by enticing youngsters to place mushy classified advertisements declaiming their love.

This in turn led to a huge spurt in the sale of demented gifts like heart-shaped balloons or pillows, squeaky stuffed toys belching out pre-programmed jingles and other such useless merchandise.

I am not sure in which category we ought to place International Women’s Day. It is largely an NGO-type occasion and since that sector is women-dominated, it is not surprising that the Day is observed on a big scale, at least ritually. Personally, I don’t believe there should be anything of the kind. If we have a Women’s Day (as also a Children’s Day in India) what wrong have men done not to have a Day dedicated to them? Putting the popular scooter ad upside down, I would say, “Why should women have all the fun?” Admittedly though, International Women’s Day is not a fun affair. In fact, it is almost a grim occasion. Ponderous seminars are held in which experts narrate in graphic detail all the injustices that have been heaped on women over the centuries, quasi-successful women rail against the glass ceiling and a huge crowd chants slogans demanding equality. I don’t doubt that Women’s Day once served a purpose. In the heady days of the sexual revolution of the 60s and the emergence of the women’s liberation movement in Europe, there was a symbolic need to demand opportunities and empowerment for the neglected half of humankind.

Unfortunately, over time Women’s Day has degenerated into a ritual with markedly commercial overtones. This is not to suggest that women have achieved equality in society. A long battle lies ahead to change mindsets in those societies that still remain male-dominated. But the women who most need empowerment rarely find their cause represented at the highly publicised events to further women’s rights.

In terms of legislation, though, the Indian woman has come a long way.

Admittedly, Jawaharlal Nehru, the westernised intellectual he was, laid the basis for her political emancipation by insisting on universal adult franchise from the beginning. Whereas in the mother of democracies, Great Britain, women won the right to vote after a long struggle only in 1906, in India they got it just 46 years later.

In recent decades, panchayati raj has taken women’s empowerment down to the grassroots. Reservation of panchayat seats (up to 50 percent in states like Bihar) as well as the post of sarpanch in local bodies has helped raise political consciousness and participation of women in rural areas to an astonishing degree. Sadly, however, recent studies show that as much as 80 per cent of women panchayat members opt out of contesting a second time. It is at that level that women’s emancipation has to be fought for. If the cause of women is nowadays treated with growing irritation by urban men, it is because of the shrillness of their demand for stringent implementation of the draconian Anti-Dowry Act with its obnoxious Section 498a — a byword for harassment of men. Similarly, the Domestic Violence Act has not helped bestow more rights to women. Women’s activists in India have opted to go on a contentious and confrontationist path that can only lead to social disharmony when the need is to move jointly with men to end gender discrimination. I can only hope that sane voices begin to prevail over the discordant ones.

[CHANDAN MITRA] Editor-in-Chief

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[p12] Little black book [p10] Aparshakti Khurana: A quick peek into his style file Q&A [p24] A meeting of minds: Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, Alankrita Shrivastava and Nitya Mehra Travel bug [p32] Powder days: Skiing Festive fervour [p42] Paint the earth Festive fashion [p46] Your colour code Photo feature [p50] Shalom namaste

I N S I D E

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MARCH 2019 VOLUME 13 NO 5

Globe trotter [p58] Oasis of calm Celeb talk [p64] He sheds skin artfully: COVER: THE QUARTET OF DIRECTORS Muzaffar Ali PHOTO: PANKAJ KUMAR Fun food [p70] Nuts over the spread

CONTRIBUTORS

[p64] TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 96 INCLUDING COVER

Sanjay Jumaani [p77] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p84] GURUSPEAK: Peace leads to prosperity Bharat Thakur [p88] FITNESS: Balancing act Kushan Mitra [p90] HOT WHEELS: Still the best Follow us on:

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FAVOURITE HAUNTS OF STYLISH PEOPLE

There is nothing more comforting and enriching than Dal Makhani.

When out of options and you do not understand your mood, just go for it.

Gucci and Stella McCartney.

Simply because you cannot go wrong with them. McCartney doesn’t just make clothes for all hours of the day, her own rise in the elitist fashion world is inspiring.

Has to be Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar.

Not because it is a cult classic of our time but because it is a coming of age story that all of us can relate to. Yet it is so effervescent and fresh.

Yuvraj Singh: The test of my life.

This man has scripted an incredible comeback story, be it in his personal life, having battled cancer, and surviving in the competitive world of cricket.

APARSHAKTI KHURANA started out as a lawyer in the Delhi High Court. He was also a radio jockey and a television host before turning actor with a supportive role in Dangal. He has been a part of romantic comedies Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Stree

Creed, only because it is believed to be the best male fragrance of all time. Besides look at the power list — Winston Churchill to Michelle Obama, Frank Sinatra to The Queen.

London, for all the things known and unknown.

I still believe in watching fringe theatre, walking through unusual museums, going around Soho and attending free concerts.

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TRAVEL NEWS

ADVENTUROUS SUMMER GETAWAY

WITH

its gently sloping hills draped with lush Alpine meadows, high mountain valleys, mighty glaciers, glistening lakes and romantic landscape, St Moritz has a host of activities, attractions and events in the Engadin Valley for the entire family.

BATHING IN MOUNTAIN LAKES: The string of lakes scattered along the wide valley from Maloja to St Moritz provides perhaps the most defining image of the Engadin. In the summer, the smaller mountain lakes warm up to a pleasant 20°C (68°F). There is plenty of space to spread out your beach towel, immerse yourself in a book, barbeque a sausage, or sip on the Prosecco you brought along in a cooler.

YOGA AND WELLNESS: The crisp and fresh mountain air by the lakes can rejuvenate you. Pull out your yoga mat by to charge up with new energy and inspiration or take an early morning dip in a lake to invigorate body and soul. For those looking for training, the valley offers yoga classes every Tuesday in summers www.yogaayus.ch.

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TANDEM HANG-GLIDING FLIGHTS: Take in the breathtaking panorama of the majestic Alpine range while you are up in the air at a height of 2,486 metres. The flight makes you feel the adrenaline level in your body rising as the experienced pilot calmly prepares for the flight from a cliff and silently over the Engadin lake plateau. The landscape will

remain etched in your mind for a long time.

WATER SPORTS: The superb condition on idyllic Lake Silvaplana at 1,800 metres is no more a secret among windsurfing, sailing and kite surfing fanatics. Participation in the Engadin Wind Surf Marathon is open to everyone but one can also spot the crèmede-la-crème of surfers who gather here.

THE DESERT ROSE

DUBAI

makes for a perfect weekend escape.

Delve into the side of the city that shows off more than the luxury skyscrapers, picturesque beaches and world-class restaurants. Experience the difference with tips from the concierge at Taj Dubai.

Enjoy a peaceful moment in the world’s largest flower garden in the heart of the desert. The Dubai Miracle Garden, made up of more than 50 million blooming flowers, a floral rendition of the great Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft and 35,000 species of butterflies makes for a surreal experience.

Get a cultural fix at Alserkal Avenue, the go-to place for art, independent cinema, photography, artisan cafes and designers in the city. An urban oasis built amongst a cluster of warehouses, it has become a buzzing hotspot to explore the budding art scene.

Explore Old Town at Dubai Creek and experience traditional life before the glitz and glamour came to define the Emirate. Pay a dirham to cross the water on a traditional abra — a beautiful wooden boat to the old spice and perfume souks of Deira. A world away from the modern marvels of Downtown, wander around the bustling streets and pick up a traditional Arabic tea-set or a bottle of oud as souvenirs.

One can check in to the heart of the city in the Burj Khalifa precinct at Taj Dubai. Explore the bustling, ever-changing city from the hotel which has several restaurants including the award-winning rooftop Treehouse Bar, Bombay Brasserie with eclectic Mumbai cuisine and the gastro pub – Eloquent Elephant. No trip is complete without an indulgent signature spa treatment at the Taghthia Amiqa at Jiva Spa.

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ABU DHABI TO HOST SPECIAL OLYMPICS GAMES

ABU

Dhabi is hosting the first ever Special Olympics Games from March 14 to 21. Over 7,500 special Olympics athletes from 129 nations will arrive in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the games.

The Emirate is hosting the most unified World Games in the 50-year history of special Olympics. People with intellectual disabilities will be involved in all the facets of the games, ensuring every spectator, guest and fan benefits from a more inclusive, interactive experience with special Olympics athletes.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Special Olympics World Games is an integral part of the local, national and regional plans to expand opportunities for people of determination in line with Abu Dhabi and the UAE's shared vision of a unified and inclusive society.

There are 3,000 coaches for the 24 sports where 20,000 volunteers will be ensuring their smooth progress. Around 5,00,000 spectators are expected to watch the sports.

All seven Emirates will host delegations from around the world, giving athletes, coaches and families a warm hospitable welcome. Each Emirate will provide delegations with an experience of Emirati culture and traditions, including educational, cultural and sports activities.

In the days leading to the games, the special Olympics Flame of Hope toured all seven Emirates of the UAE before completing its journey in Abu Dhabi arriving at the opening ceremony for the World Games. A special Olympics tradition since 1981, law enforcement officers carry the flame, which symbolises courage and celebration of diversity, uniting communities around the globe.

The Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. Today, there are 4.9 million athletes with intellectual disabilities involved in Special Olympics worldwide.

AN ACCESSIBLE GOA CARNIVAL

ONE

of the country’s biggest annual festivals, the four day Goa Carnival, has been made accessible to all for the first time this year.

Enable Travel, accessible holiday specialist along with Ezy Mov, India’s first wheelchair taxi service and DRAG (Disability Rights Association of Goa), have come together to improve the level of accessibility and inclusion in the festivities.

To begin with, the Carnival was made accessible in Panaji where elevated platforms with ramps were provided especially for the wheelchair users. For the first time, an accessible float, comprising of disabled people and mobility-restricted elderly dressed in innovative costumes and placards championing the cause of inclusivity was a part of the festivities.

Avelino Dsa, President, DRAG (Disability Rights Association of Goa) said, “The Goa Carnival is an important event. However, a large part of the disabled community has been missing from an event that is celebrated on a grand scale for very long now. It is a historical moment that the carnival is going to be accessible to all.”

There were customised packages for wheelchair users at the carnival right from the time guests arrived at the airport. The package included airport assistance, porter services, transfers, wheelchair friendly hotels, an amphibious chair experience on the beach with assistance, exclusive one night gala dinner, all meals and travel insurance. The packages were customisable as per the people’s needs.

VIENNA MARKS 2019 AS THE YEAR OF FAMILY TRAVELLERS

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is something for every age group and interest in this European city which is laced with heritage and culture.

Picture-perfect imperial palaces, imposing architecture and well-manicured gardens, broad avenues, set in a fairy-tale ambience, are contributing to Vienna becoming one of the world’s biggest tourist hot spots. Home to some of the greatest musical prodigies like Beethoven, Mozart and globally celebrated painters Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, the city is a powerhouse of culture.

Tourism wise, the past year has been the most successful one, with 16.5 million overnight stays recorded in the city, up by six per cent over the previous year’s figures.

Voted the world’s most liveable city in 2018 by the consulting firm Mercer, the ninth year in a row since 2010 and for the first time, by the Economist Intelligence Unit, it is no wonder that millions of tourists are inexorably drawn towards the city.

The largest number of overnight stays — 3.15 million — were accounted by the Germans, followed by those from Austria with 2.99 million.

The Americans came third, accounting for 9,60,000

overnight stays. Visitors from the UK and China, followed at number four and five, notching up 7,59,000 and 5,07,000 overnight stays respectively.

India is among the 20 most prominent markets with nearly 63,000 Indians visiting Vienna. Indians averaged 2.18 days stay in Vienna to notch up 1,38,000 overnight stays in 2018, up by 7.2 per cent over 2017.

Significantly, 2019 coincides with the 150th anniversary of the grand opening of the Vienna State Opera, on May 25, 1869, on the Ringstrasse, with a performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. This May 25, the opera house will stage an official ceremony, featuring the première of Richard Strauss’ The Woman Without a Shadow.

With its seamless transport system, museums with rich art collections, ornate palaces, iconic coffeehouses and countless UNESCO World Heritage sites, Vienna effortlessly combines a cultural break with sporty outdoor activities making it the ideal destination for family holidays.

Located in the heart of Europe, Vienna allows travellers step back into history one moment, revel in nature the next, cycle down to experience

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vineyards located within the municipal limits or relax over stimulating conversation in one of the city’s bustling cafes.

The number of activities there for the picking far exceed what is possible to take up on a vacation. A must-visit for kids and grown-ups alike is the Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest operational zoo in the world.

The magnificent residential castle, Schönbrunn, with its sweeping gardens, fountains and statues is a symbol of the former Austro-Hungarian monarchy and is an awe-inspiring sight for visiting families who are fascinated by the lavish and opulent interiors of the palace.

Aside from the palace, there are dozens of exceptional museums in the city including the Natural Science museum where one can learn and enjoy oneself at the same time.

Family outings include the Prater amusement park. The fact that tourists can make sorties to nearby Prague and Budapest adds to the experience.

A two-horse carriage ride is as much a part of Vienna as St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Giant

Ferris Wheel. For many tourists, a carriage ride is the cosiest way to explore Vienna’s attractions.

A number of accredited English-speaking guides are available for tours in the city that is safe for women and solo travellers.

Vienna is also the starting point for trips along the Danube to Salzburg in Upper Austria, Bratislava in Slovakia, or Budapest in Hungary. The Vienna-Prague-Budapest Golden Triangle is the perfect holiday combo.

Pick up the Vienna City Card for 24, 48 and 72 hour which is available in a choice of two versions: red, which includes a ticket for the Wiener Linien public transportation network; and white, with hopon-hop-off-tour (red and blue route), live-guided night tour and guided city walk from Big Bus Vienna. Both versions include discounts at more than 210 tourist attractions in the city including museums, concerts, theater performances, numerous shops and restaurants.

Both versions are attractive for families as one child travels free per Vienna City Card (aged 15 or under with the red version and aged 16 or under with the white version).

HOW TO GET THERE: 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.

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BEST SINGLE-COUNTRY TRAIN ROUTES

TRAIN

journeys are making a comeback among modern travellers who appreciate the convenience as well as the amazing landscapes that one can see along the way. Adding to the growing appeal, most train stations are located in city centres that are easy to access and few rail companies charge baggage fees.

To learn more about traveller’s behavior when traveling by train in Europe, Klook, a travel activities and services booking platform,

analysed internal data and found that over 60 per cent of travellers preferred to visit multiple stops in a single country for their Eurotrip on rail.

So what are the top destinations? According to the data since fall 2018, the most frequently booked Eurotrips by rail traverse Switzerland, UK, Italy, and Germany.

From architecture crawls to foodie trips, these are the most popular routes for single-country sojourns:

SWITZERLAND’S NATURE TRAIL ROUTE: Zurich-Lucerne-Interlaken-JungfraujochMontreux -Geneva Keen to see several natural wonders in one trip?

Make a beeline to Switzerland. After touching down in Zurich, make your way to Lucerne, where you can soak up views of Mount Pilatus from the comfort of an aerial cable car. From there, go hiking in Interlaken, ride to the peak of Jungfraujoch — home to the world’s highest rail station and one of the world’s largest glaciers and wind down in the resort town of Montreux, located on the banks of Lake Geneva. Cap off the nature-packed journey in the Geneva. Ringed by imposing mountains, this is a hiker’s paradise. The most accessible choice is Saleve mountain, just south of the city, where you’ll find over a dozen hiking trails to choose from.

GREAT BRITAIN'S GOURMET SOJOURN ROUTE: London-Edinburgh-York-Bath-Cardiff Many people assume that British cuisine is limited to simple pub food, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Thanks to its diverse population and centuries of international trade, the country has developed an incredibly exciting food scene. Ready to eat your way through Great Britain? Start in London, one of the best food capitals in the world. You'll find everything from Michelin-starred eateries to Indian cuisine, Instagrammable cafes, age-old bakeries and more. From there, take the train to Edinburgh, Scotland, to seek out the best local eats. Need a hand? Join Secret Food Tour, which tempts you with traditional Scottish dishes such as Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties. Next, venture to the walled city of York, which brims with Roman, Viking, Normal and Tudor influences. Don’t forget to try some world-famous Yorkshire pudding, commonly served with roast beef and vegetables. Cap off the trip in Cardiff, Wales, which is fast becoming a must-visit culinary destinations thanks to an influx of new restaurants and cafes.

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ITALY’S ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS ROUTE: Rome-Florence-Venice-Milan Grab your partner for a romantic getaway in Italy.

Kick things off in Rome, where world-renowned monuments and artwork such as the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and the Colosseum set the tone for an unforgettable adventure. Next, travel inland to Florence to experience a few wine

tastings, the Duomo and Renaissance art tours, then over to Venice where romantic canals, artisanal Murano glass, and unique dining traditions await. Heading west, historic Milan will spoil you with architectural marvels like Piazza del Duomo, La Scala opera house, and an impressive collection of Da Vinci’s masterpieces, including The Last Supper, at Santa Maria delle Grazie church.

GERMANY’S ARCHITECTURE JOURNEY ROUTE: Munich-Heidelberg-Cologne-HamburgBerlin Start your adventure in Munich at the Romanesque Revival-style Neuschwanstein Castle (the inspiration behind Disney’s Cinderella castle). Don’t leave without taking the Romantic Road tour through stunning Harburg Castle, the preserved medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the famed Romantic Road, weaving through the countryside of Bavaria. Next up, set off for Heidelberg. This city promises cobblestoned streets, 16th-century castle ruins and beautiful old bridges.

Heading northwest, Cologne is the perfect

pitstop for architecture, thanks to the vast collection of Gothic and Neo-Romanesque buildings, including highlights like the Cologne Cathedral.

From there, explore Hamburg’s architecture on a Discovery Walking Tour, which passes by the neoclassical Town Hall, St Nikolai Church, and Speicherstadt — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest warehouse district in the world. You can’t visit Germany without stopping in Berlin. In this multicultural city, a half-day East Berlin Walking Tour hits historic landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, Chapel of Reconciliation, remnants of the Berlin Wall, and Tunnel 57 which was once used as an escape route.

EXHIBITION AT SHANGRI-LA

THE

Shangri-La Hotel, Paris is showcasing 11 works by Jean-Baptiste Huynh, the French photographer with Vietnamese roots, from February 20 to May 20. This is in continuation of the exhibition Infinis d’Asie, at the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts which was officially launched recently.

Titled Voyages Photographiques, the exhibition was designed by the artist especially for the hotel. At the centre of La Bauhinia restaurant is a photographic sculpture, Nature, which is an original new work by the artist. Among these photographs is the portrait of a young man made just a few weeks ago at the Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa, Muscat, Oman.

For the occasion, Chef Christophe Moret has created a menu at La Bauhinia, including a priority ticket for the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts.

THE

SHIVA VIVAHA

Lalit, Khajuraho is celebrating the 10th year of putting together a classical dance performance on the occasion of Shivratri.

Based on Parvati Mangal of Tulsi Das, the performance by Odishi classical dancers, actors, mime artists and students was put together by Disha School in Khajuraho.

In Parvati Mangal, Tulsidas has described the wedding of Mata Parvati to Lord Shiv at great lengths. This is a small composition and consists of 90 verses. The meters used are Chhands and of these, 74 are in the Hansagati and 16 in Harigitika meter. The language used is Avadhi.

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MACAO: CITY OF GASTRONOMY

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An autonomous city near Hong Kong, Macao has numerous distinctive features. Apart from its luxurious five-star resorts, Macao has beautiful Chinese gardens, stunning walks along the waterfront and historic buildings to explore.

Designated as UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Macao is renowned for its unmatched food culture. Based on the spices and ingredients from Portugal and its various colonies in Africa,

Southeast Asia and India — including curry, coconut milk, cloves and cinnamon — which are combined with Chinese culinary skills in a pot pourri of tastes and aromas. This has given birth to the uniquely flavourful Macanese cuisine.

Some of the more famous street food delicacies include Pork chop bun, Portuguese Egg Tarts, Almond Cookies and Serradura.

PORTUGUESE EGG TARTS: Though this dessert originated in a monastery in Portugal 200 years ago, it became popular only after it arrived Macao. The egg-custard stuffed pastry with a bitter caramel flavour is really captivating.

It is said that, a trip to Macao isn’t complete without trying egg tarts. They have become the city’s own edible icon.

Lord Stow’s Bakery has become the oldest home to the original and fresh Macao Egg Tarts. With their flaky pastry crusts, delicious egg custard centres and crispy crème tops, they taste twice as nice when piping hot.

ALMOND COOKIES: Macau-style almond cookies are tender and crumbly, sweet but just a tad savoury, and fragrant from almond and mung bean flour. They have a lot of almonds which means that every bite is crunchy.

SERRADURA: A soft whipped cream with cookie crumbs layered on top to be eaten with a spoon, it is one of the best snacks of both Portugal and Macao.

The taste varies according to the texture of the cream.

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MINCHI: It’s a dish of fried potatoes, onion, cheese and minced meat. This is eaten with an egg yolk on top.

EGG PUFFS: It’s a type of waffle made in a certain shape. There are two stories behind why it has some say it’s called because there are a lot of eggs in it and some say it’s because it is as lumpy as an egg rack.

Freshly-made egg puffs are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, but it is the taste which makes it a much-favoured snack.

AFRICAN CHICKEN: A traditional Portuguese dish of grilled chicken topped with piri piri sauce, which is a mix of peppers and herbs and has a unique taste. The cooking style varies according to the restaurant, with some places having a slightly spicier curry sauce.

PORK CHOP BUN: A Macao-style burger consists of a crispy-baked baguette with thickly-sliced grilled pork meat in between. It is different from a regular hamburger as it doesn’t have vegetables or sauce. The grilled charcoal flavour of the pork is what gives the dish an unusual taste.

DIMSUM: There are three different varieties.

The steamed shrimp dumplings have a chewy half-transparent cover filled with shrimp and pork. The steamed pork siuma has a pork and shrimp filling, covered with a thin layer of dough mixed with eggs. Some expensive ones have fish roe, crab roe, or are decorated as a swallow’s nest.

The steamed pork dumplings have a thin cover stuffed with succulent pork filling. The correct way to eat it is to put the dimsum on the spoon and open the cover with the chopsticks, sip the juice from the meat first and then enjoy the dim sum. An addition of thinly-cut ginger and vinegar enhances the flavour of this one.

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Q&A

A MEETING OF MINDS

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day

men’s

Wo

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What do you get when you have four powerhouse directors who have a distinct oeuvre in one place? A swirl of ideas and thoughts that might not be linear but each of which is certainly coherent and individualistic.

ZOYA AKHTAR, REEMA KAGTI, ALANKRITA SHRIVASTAVA and NITYA MEHRA might have learnt the ropes from some of the best in the industry but now are names to reckon with on their own. The four of them have come together to collaborate on Made in Heaven, a show that is being aired on Amazon Prime, a digital platform. So while Zoya, Reema and Alankrita wrote the script where the protagonists are wedding planners, Nitya was the showrunner who ensured continuity as each of them directed a few episodes. In conversation with SAIMI SATTAR, the four women reveal what makes them a part of the new content-driven entertainment, one where they are breaking barriers beyond just gender PHOTOS: PANKAJ KUMAR

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The show is on Indian weddings, the economy and the culture around it. What were some of the discoveries you made while researching for it?

Reema: For that, you will have to watch the show (laughs). Yes, there was a lot of research that we did on the subject and found out so many aspects that we did not know about. Marriage is not big in India without a reason. It is the problem-solver for everything and an equaliser of sorts. Some of our personal and family experiences have also made it to the show. The idea first came from Zoya as she has a friend of hers who works in the business.

Nitya: Zoya and Reema recently attended back to back weddings of two of our mutual friends in Delhi. They stayed with me and since it was like a break from work, we observed everything as spectators.

Zoya: That’s when I realised that there was so much of backroom gush to produce a great magical spectacle, much like a grand film. It was a fascinating mosaic of ideas and imagination. It inspired me so much that I actually got to a desk to write about it.

ANY PROJECT THAT YOU DO, YOU LEARN. YOU TAKE SOMETHING FROM THE TEAM YOU WORK WITH AND THEY TAKE SOMETHING OFF YOU. THAT IS A PART AND PARCEL OF LIFE. THERE IS A CERTAIN COMFORT AND CAMARADERIE THAT DEVELOPS. THERE IS A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TRUST THAT YOU CAN GO TO SLEEP WHILE THE OTHER PERSON HAS YOUR BACK. THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS NON-NEGOTIABLE. THAT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT YOU FIND EASILY —ZOYA AKHTAR

How did the four of you manage to maintain the creative tempo?

Zoya: The slight style difference is welcome. The bigger picture was that the three of us (Reema, Zoya, Alankrita) wrote it and so we were already on the same page as we had come on board from the beginning while she (Nitya) was the show runner. It was a challenge to treat the subject visually. Each wedding is episodically different, so each chapter changes how you want to treat it in terms of design and style. We had a continuity with the crew and our actors are very good. The moment they get their pitch, they do not need the director telling them what their character graph is, they know it.

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MARRIAGE IS NOT BIG IN INDIA WITHOUT A REASON. IT IS THE PROBLEM-SOLVER FOR EVERYTHING AND AN EQUALISER OF SORTS. SOME OF OUR PERSONAL AND FAMILY EXPERIENCES HAVE ALSO MADE IT TO THE SHOW. THE IDEA FIRST CAME FROM ZOYA AS SHE HAS A FRIEND OF HERS WHO WORKS IN THE BUSINESS —REEMA KAGTI

Alankrita: What worked for all of us is that we went with our instinct and gut feeling.

Zoya: All four of us believe in originality and that honesty is the reason why there is a seamless flow to things.

How did you resolve creative differences in terms of show continuity, from one episode to the next?

Reema: That’s why Nitya was the showrunner throughout.

Nitya: That is a part of my job profile to absorb breaks in movement if the crew or the director changes. Not too many people know about this job because it is new. The primary job of a showrunner is to be able to bring everybody that is straying away on the same page and to whatever was decided in the beginning. We did have a writers’ and a directors’ room but we read the entire series from the first to the last episode and if any director had a problem, it was brought to the table as were the suggestions. Like Zoya said, it was nice to have

different directors for different weddings. And every time someone was straying, we just brought them back.

Alankrita: We were on the same page while developing it. We knew what the location would be or what we were looking for in terms of cast. When you’ve worked on the material and been a part of the developing process, you kind of know what you want. It made it much simpler that we did not come in from the cold.

Nitya: Once the crew sets in, it is easy whether directors come in or not. If it is not working, then you just make it work.

Alankrita: And we are just this amazing set of people, so we do know how to work well. (All of them laugh).

Nitya: We also had Prashant Nair (director of episode 5 and 6) who was not a part of the process.

So I understood that he needed a little more of hand-holding.

Zoya: If you’re clear about your specifics and pen

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them down to the last detail, work with your actors to grow into the characters... in short if your prep is thorough, there are no disputes.

Would you say that you have been able to break out of that mould of being categorised as women directors?

Zoya: I haven’t directed any typical woman-centric film and my subjects have been vastly different between projects. Yet that is what I keep hearing.

Alankrita: It is a very offensive thing to say that women make typical films. We never set a grammar for male directors or attribute content to their worldview. A protagonist is a protagonist and a story is a story irrespective of the fact whether it is about a man or a woman. The bigger question is whether you are humane and sensitive in your treatment.

Zoya: Absolutely.

Alankrita: Also, when 50 per cent of the population comprises women, why shouldn’t 50 per cent of the stories be about them? If men have been telling stories about other men without getting stereotyped, I don’t know what’s the harm in having women protagonists?

Nitya: Moreover a typical story is a typical story regardless of the gender of the maker.

Zoya: Alankrita’s Lipstick Under My Burkha was not typical at all.

How do you see the digital platform, since all of you are directing for it for the first time?

Reema: Nitya has worked on such a format before.

Nitya: Yes, I directed some episodes of the first season of 24. It was for television but still in an episodic format. This is definitely the first web series.

Zoya: A series has a different base. It has eight hours to tell a story, develop characters, get nuances and layers. There is a lot of time to develop the arc. There is no censorship and no pressure of box office and opening weekend. But you have to shoot very fast and tighten your budget. Yet I thoroughly enjoyed it and considered it a new training ground. I think I really grew up and I want to continue doing it.

Would you say that in films and web series, the projection of women is changing but the same cannot be said about TV? Zoya: I don’t watch TV honestly because the shows don’t

IT IS A VERY OFFENSIVE THING TO SAY THAT WOMEN MAKE TYPICAL FILMS. WE NEVER SET A GRAMMAR FOR MALE DIRECTORS OR ATTRIBUTE CONTENT TO THEIR WORLDVIEW. A PROTAGONIST IS A PROTAGONIST AND A STORY IS A STORY IRRESPECTIVE OF THE FACT WHETHER IT IS ABOUT A MAN OR A WOMAN. THE BIGGER QUESTION IS WHETHER YOU ARE HUMANE AND SENSITIVE IN YOUR TREATMENT —ALANKRITA SHRIVASTAVA

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appeal to me or speak to me. I don’t connect with them.

Reema: To be fair, there are also a lot of films and web series that are regressive. It is not as if only this format is regressive.

Zoya: Absolutely. All TV is not regressive, just as every web series is not progressive. I guess it depends on who is serious about challenging norms, pushing the envelope and making a mark.

Would you say that the collaboration between the four of you was a learning process?

Zoya: Any project that you do, you learn. You take something from the team you work with and they take something off you. That is a part and parcel of life. There is a certain comfort and camaraderie that develops. There is a certain amount of trust that you can go to sleep with while the other person has your back. That is something that is non-negotiable. That is not something that you find easily.

Reema: The project has been going on for one-and-a- half years, so you cannot expect us to do nothing but this. So as people came and went, whosoever was there would cover for everybody else.

Nitya: It has been a true collaboration.

Zoya: That to me is very precious.

IN A FILM YOU REALLY DON’T GET THE CHANCE TO COLLABORATE AS MUCH. YOU WILL DO IT WITH THE CREW. THERE IS ONE DOP AND YOU ARE THE DIRECTOR. IN THAT SENSE, THE FORMAT IS VERY DIFFERENT. VERY RARELY DO YOU SEE THAT ONE WRITER IS WRITING NINE EPISODES OR ONE DIRECTOR IS DOING ALL OF THEM. THIS WAS MORE OF A COLLABORATION —NITYA MEHRA

So all of you have known each other outside work?

Alankrita: We (Zoya and Reema) have know each other the longest since we were assistant directors together in our 20s. We met Nitya on the sets of Lakshya around 2003 - 2004.

Nitya: They were my bosses. (laughs) Zoya: We met and we became buddies. The story about Alankrita is really weird because I read her script before I met her. I had read the script of Lipstick Under My Burkha as part of the Sundance Lab which has to be anonymous. I was vetting or judging or whatever for lack of a better word. I read the script and I fell in love with it. Later, when we were developing the script of Made in Heaven, I called up Urmi Juvekar, who is a writer and was part of the same lab, to get Alankrita’s contact. So, I was in love with her before I met her. (Both of them laugh) Reema: We just fell into a system. I was a bit worried as Zoya and I have been collaborating for long and we have a system. But Alankrita came and fitted right in.

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Alankrita: For me, it was a huge learning process as I have never really collaborated for anything from a scratch. I really wanted to work with Zoya and Reema. And it turned out to be so much fun. I think I grew up a lot through it. For me it was very new and exciting. I will really cherish that.

Nitya: In a film you really don’t get the chance to collaborate as much. You will do it with the crew. There is one DOP and you are the director. In that sense, the format is very different. Very rarely do you see that one writer is writing nine episodes or one director is doing all of them. This was more of a collaboration.

Indians are still obsessed with the idea of a big fat wedding. Is that the reason why you did this show?

Zoya: I mean, yes. World over people are obsessed with weddings. Some are big and fat and some are even one-day, compact affairs.

Everyone is obsessed with their wedding day.

The beauty of the Indian wedding is that it is such a massive celebration and with that comes so much hoopla.

Nitya: Which is a great backdrop for drama.

Zoya: There are generations, family, money — all of that is involved.

Nitya: The show goes really beyond the weddings. They are the backdrop, of course.

The tracks of the protagonists (the wedding planners) and the turmoil that they are going through in their personal lives as they are planning them, as well as the new families that pop up in each episode... all jostle for a space in the canvas. So there is a social commentary as well.

Zoya: And there are egos.

Is it possible to watch one episode alone?

Alankrita: It is a seasonal story, so no.

Nitya: The wedding planners remain throughout the season, so you are actually invested in their personal stories.

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her which kind of works with her. She also After watching the trailer, many people have has this sense that she can oscillate between two compared it to the film Band Baaja Baaraat. What do worlds which is important for the show. She has you have to say? this appearance of being in control and perfect.

Zoya: People say anything. When Zindagi Na Milegi She has that cold vibe. You start unravelling and Dobara released, they said it was like Hangover. you realise what makes her steely. Her test was When Gully Boy trailer went on air, they said it was very good.

Eight Miles. Now they are saying Band Baaja Arjun (Mathur), we love. He is a very good Baaraat. The thing is that all the films that they are actor.

There is something very fragile about comparing with are good. him. He is very attractive. Men like him and Nitya: There’s Monsoon Wedding too. so do women. It is very easy to fall for him on Zoya: We are in good company, so we aren’t screen. He doesn’t come comparing. with rubbish about whether Reema: Any film that breaks PEOPLE SAY ANYTHING. he should play this part the mould will always be WHEN ZINDAGI NA MILEGI or not. compared.

DOBARA RELEASED, THEY Nitya: He is Karan Mehra. He Zoya: That is because they SAID IT WAS LIKE plays the part of a homosexual want to have a reference point.

HANGOVER. WHEN GULLY in the show. But he is not Reema Sometimes they are BOY TRAILER WENT ON AIR, looking at that. He is going jumping the gun. Sometimes THEY SAID IT WAS EIGHT beyond because that is just his they are being the know-it-all.

MILES. NOW THEY ARE orientation. That is not his SAYING BAND BAAJA character. When Zoya When you were conceptualising BAARAAT. EVERYBODY IS mentioned him, very soon his the show, did you know there LOOKING FOR A REFERENCE picture was up on the board. would be four directors?

POINT. BUT AS LONG AS YOU Zoya: When the show got ARE ORIGINAL, IT IS ALL Any more plans of collaborating? green-lit, our individual films GOOD Zoya: I hope so. I feel also took off almost at the —ZOYA AKHTAR like-minded people in the same time. So we knew that industry should collaborate. we would not be able to direct There is learning, fun and it makes for better the entire season ourselves. Initially, we thought work. just the three of us would do it but then we realised Reema: Normally when you are writing and that we had to add one more because there was no directing alone, it can be quite lonely. So I loved way I could direct more than two. I had to leave having so many women around. because I had to prep for Gully Boy. Reema: I could not shoot any because I was What went on behind the scenes? shooting Gold.

Nitya: We were not really together. Except Nitya: I could have directed but then I just became for me who was there throughout. People the show runner, so I couldn’t. Despite that, I would come and go. It was not like since there directed the maximum (three). were so many of us and just because it was a Zoya: While we were prepping it, she was wedding theme, it was going to be a blast. promoting Lipstick.

Weddings are serious work. There are a lot of people and huge sets involved. We also wanted The actors, how did you zero down on them? to explore the scale that Delhi weddings have.

Zoya: They just worked for the part. Shobhita It was challenging.

Dhulipala has something very mysterious about

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TRAVEL BUG Nothing quite compares to swishing down a powdery slope on a pair of skis. When it comes to snow holidays, you might think that January is the best month to hit the blanketed valleys. But why not head to the mountains a little later in the season?

With the winter holidays having come to an end, the chances of being surrounded by amateurs and learners become remote. Besides cheaper prices, you get as much snow.

Here’s looking at some resorts that could make it to your hotlist

POWDERDAYS

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L

S W I T Z E R L A N D feet, so snow here lingers for a very long season.

Its car-free town centre feels wonderfully rustic and there’s a great range of restaurant and accommodation options.

Remember to keep your camera at hand when in Zermatt as the towering, snow-dusted peaks mean that it’s one of the world’s most stunning places to go skiing.

ST MORITZ: The oldest winter holiday resort in the world is as elegant and exclusive as it gets. If it wasn't already blessed enough, the sun shines 322 days a year, pairing with the dry air for what’s known as a “champagne climate.” But it’s the world-class hotels and restaurants, chic shopping and excellent skiing offpiste that draw celebrities and royalty alike. It has hosted two Winter Olympic Games and five Alpine Ski World Championships.

Altogether, the region has 87 pistes of World Cup quality standards.

GSTAAD: All you need is one little lift pass to access 12 separate ski areas and 200 kilometres of piste, all connected by a train running through the five villages that make up this storeyed resort. A traffic-free town centre, including a promenade lined with luxury boutiques and fairy tale SwissGerman architecture, make this one of Europe’s most traditional winter destinations.

VERBIER: Verbier doesn’t just have a high altitude on its side but great snow-making facilities too, so even if the snow storms are petering out, you can be assured there will be plenty of the white stuff at Switzerland’s most popular ski resort — it might just come from one of the hi-tech snow cannons. And given that Verbier’s not exactly regarded as one of Europe’s cheapest ski resorts, the ability to go outside of peak season will appeal to those searching for ski holidays on a budget.

Back in 2008 Verbier reinvented itself as the most glamorous resort in the Alps with three high-profile openings: Richard Branson’s luxury chalet The Lodge, minimalist hotel Nevaï (which opened with a fashion show), and Coco Club, considered the first VIP club in the Alps. It also attracts a youthful, sporty clientele to the Four Valleys with its backcountry terrain and quality runs for experts and novices.

ZERMATT: This famous Swiss ski resort, in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn, has lifts that take you up to 3,899 metres, and there’s great skiing until early May. After that, you’ll be able to enjoy summer skiing on the glacier.

Zermatt, surrounded by the Alps’ tallest peaks, has 223 miles of runs in four huge ski areas— some at an altitude of over 10,000

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LYNGEN ALPS, NORWAY Spend one day skiing on the peninsula and surrounding islands and the next fishing in the fjords. Picturesque Lyngen Lodge offers spectacular views of the mountains as well as a range of alternative winter activities, including dog-sledging and glacier-walking. Visit between January and February and you also get to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights – a sight not to be missed.

OUKAIMEDEN, MOROCCO When you’re thinking of booking flights to Morocco you think of heat, colour and Sahara, but skiing? Yes, the snowcapped Atlas mountains may not offer the swankiest resort in the world but it’s certainly a different experience. For one, it’s much cheaper than the French Alps, and so untouristy that visitors usually stay in the surrounding villages before being guided to the slopes by donkeys.

When you’re not skiing or snowboarding, you can spend your time trying to spot ancient etchings in the sandstone trails.

TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA Dracula must have been an excellent skier because his homeland of Transylvania is full of top-notch resorts. The most popular is Poiana Brasov, but it is still relatively inexpensive in comparison with resorts in France and Italy. Lying at the bottom of the Postavaru Massif, its snow layer lasts 120 days a year. There are plenty of good quality restaurants and hotels.

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A U S T R I A KITZBÜHEL: Just two hours from Munich, Austria’s most popular holiday resort has it all: posh hotels; a lively après-ski scene along quaint, cobblestone streets and unsurpassed skiing that includes eight renowned ski schools and some of the most demanding courses on the World Cup circuit.

INNSBRUCK: Why not combine a city break with a ski trip? There’s a reason why Innsbruck hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics: it’s a fabulous city nestled in a valley between the Nordkette, Patscherkofel and Serles high mountains. Be dazzled by sights like the Golden Roof and Ambras Castle before heading out to the piste on the afternoon.

Glaciated terrain in Stubai Valley means you can even ski in the summer months.

ÅRE (SWEDEN) This ski resort opens in November and closes in May and it’s not hard to see why it’s regarded as the best place in Sweden for late season snow.

Some seriously impressive floodlighting means that it’s possible to night-ski on several of the resort’s 100 pistes and there are plenty of activities for non-skiers too, including husky rides, cross country skiing and snow mobiling. Post run, soothe those aches and pains at a traditional Swedish sauna.

HAKUBA VALLEY (JAPAN) Once part of the Salt Road, Hakuba is a village at the centre of 10 ski resorts around the Northern Japan Alps. Home to the Winter Olympics in 1998, it has towering peaks, over 200 runs and excellent dining options. When you’re not swishing down the side of a mountain, head to Jigokudani Monkey Park nearby. Here you’ll encounter the enchanting snow monkeys that spend their days at leisure, bathing in the hot springs.

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I T A LY LIVIGNO: One of the higher resorts in Europe with pistes up to 3,000 metres and an enviable snow record, Livigno is also known for its sunny location in the Italian Alps. It’s home to one of Europe’s largest terrain parks and the skiing usually lasts until early May. Livigno’s tax-free tax status is also a considerable draw as the food and drink are value for money. It’s regarded as one of Italy’s best ski resorts for families and is one of Europe’s top ski destination for beginners.

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO: The location for Pink Panther, this is certainly a beautiful place to ski down. The frozen blue waterfalls, the tooth-like rocks at the Cinque Torri, the deserted Hidden Valley, where you can actually stop and experience perfect silence and the huge lunch at the Armentarola restaurant in San Cassiano make it really attractive.

This 1,000-year-old town, carved into the valley of the Boîte river, really grew into a must-visit ski destination following the 1956 Winter Olympics. Just

two hours from Venice, the town isn’t too remote— though the towering ring of surrounding dolomites might make it feel otherwise—and its low-key, upscale vibe (a far remove from the flashy, see-andbe-seen culture of other comparable ski towns) continues to attract the likes of George Clooney and Naomi Campbell.

CERVINIA: Set on a glacier-capped bowl at the foot of the Matterhorn, 6,726-foot Cervinia is one of Europe’s highest ski resorts. That means consistent, high-quality snow and a season that runs through the summer on 16 miles of glacial trails. Lift tickets include access to Zermatt, Cervinia’s Swiss sister resort just across the border and connected runs mean endless options, including a mind-blowing, muscle-destroying 14-mile one from Switzerland to Italy. It’s also home to the highest snowpark in Europe, tons of excellent trails for all levels of riders and skiers and great dining options that won’t break the bank.

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C A N A D A BANFF: Banff, which has one of the longest ski seasons in North America, comprises three ski villages: Lake Louise Ski Resort, Sunshine Village and Mt. Norquay. It’s also regarded as one of the best places in America for spring skiing, thanks largely to the sheer size of the place. Visit this beautiful chunk of Canada and you’ll have 8,000 acres of skiable terrain on your doorstep, all of which can be accessed using a tri-area lift ticket, which includes transport, night skiing at Mt Norquay and certain additional winter activities such as tubing. The area’s unique climate means it’s also one of the few places to experience genuine champagne powder – which happens to fall by the bucket load in this part of the world.

WHISTLER-BLACKCOMB: The presence of a glacier on Blackcomb Mountain means that skiers here can tear up the slopes until June and excellent slope grooming and snow-making facilities ensure that there’s never any shortage of the white stuff. The views of both Whistler and Blackcomb peaks are spectacular. The Peak 2 Peak gondola ride is an attraction in its own right, even when the snows have begun to melt.

U S A MAMMOTH, CALIFORNIA: With a season that typically lasts into June but also boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, skiers and snowboarders can get the best of both worlds at one of the USA’s premier mountain resorts. This is a great alternative summer holiday with the kids, with an unlimited list of things to do, including super-fast snow tubing down the slopes in a rubber ring, or snowmobile tours to explore the huge meadows around the twinkling Mammoth Lakes.

SALT LAKE CITY: When you think about booking a ski holiday, you may not initially think of the Mormon capital of the US, but the resorts come with affordable prices, good facilities and convenient locations. Salt Lake Park & City have seven resorts, all within an hour of the airport. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, helicopter skiing, tubing, ice-skating, sleigh rides and hot air ballooning.

And when you’re not doing snow-related stuff, you can head into the vibrant university town for entertainment.

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F R A N C E SERRE CHEVALIER: “Serre Che”, as it is affectionately known, is a resort in the southern Alps.

Most of the runs are wooded even though 80 per cent of the terrain is above 2,000 metres, which is a rare and an extremely advantageous combination.

The resort is actually made up of four villages, so you can take your pick depending on what suits you. There are some independent chalet companies here, run by those who came here and fell in love with the place. A favourite run is the long Cucumelle red piste, which ends at a fast chair to whisk you to the top again.

LES CONTAMINES: Say the name Les Contamines to skiers and many would look back at you blankly, not having heard of it. They are missing out on a friendly, charming village with access to some great scenery that literally stops you in your tracks.

On one side one can see the Mont Blanc, a snowy mountain that provides a beautiful visual backdrop. Then, on the other side, when you drop towards Hauteluce, you can find yourself skiing in sunshine, above clouds that gather over the lake in the valley below. Since it is not too popular, another advantage is that the pistes are really quiet, almost deserted.

LES ARCS AND LA PLAGNE: One of the ski areas that is the most rail-accessible is the Paradiski, home to the resorts of Les Arcs and La Plagne. Many of La Plagne’s villages are ski-in/skiout. It has plenty of slopes that people learning to ski can progress on, as well as lot to challenge

more advanced skiers. The two ski areas are connected by the Vanoise Express gondola. You can peer down at the valley floor hundreds of metres below — a sight to behold.

One of the great things about Les Arcs is the high-altitude skiing that even beginners can access, because there are plenty of blue runs fanning out from the 2,600-metre peak of Col de la Chal.

TIGNES: In Tignes, a sprawling resort made up of five villages, the season lasts well into May and after that it’s possible to summer-ski on the glacier, which has over 20 kilometres of runs and a vertical drop of over 750 metres. It’s also part of the enormous Espace Killy ski area and the resort’s network of ski lifts puts Val d’Isère within easy reach, too. Tignes has always been regarded as one the best party ski resorts.

CHAMONIX: Chamonix — at the intersection of France, Italy, and Switzerland — is the mountaineering capital of Europe. It’s common knowledge that the best late season snow can be found in Europe’s higher resorts and Chamonix, 3,300 metres (10,000 feet) above sea level, certainly ticks that box. Head to this chic resort for over 1,000 kilometres of terrain, including legendary runs like Grands Montets and Valley Blanche. The ski season here often lasts well into May, depending on conditions. And it’s a misconception that those looking for cheap ski holidays should rule this resort out, thanks in part to a number of new budget ski hotels in Chamonix.

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N AT I O N A L

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J & K

HIMACHAL PRADESH

PAHALGAM: Pahalgam, a small town located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, is a major destination where snow skiing is popular among all the regions of western Himalayas. The added availability of breathtaking views makes the place a favorite with trekkers and skiers alike. The best time to visit is between December and March, when the snow is nice and thick.

GULMARG: Gulmarg is a nice little place in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Popularly known as the “heartland of winter sports�, the valley and meadows here have been listed as the seventh best skiing destination in Asia. Gulmarg also has the gondola, the highest cable car in the whole world. The best time to visit the region is during the months of December to March.

SOLANG NALA: Solang Nala, a valley in Himachal Pradesh, is famous for conducting many types of winter games, especially skiing. There are many tournaments organised as well as workshops held for teaching amateurs the basics.

Other summer games that are popular here are parachuting, paragliding, skating and zorbing.

U T T A R A K H A N D

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MUNSIYARI: The name literally means ‘a place with snow.’ It is situated on the banks of the Goriganga river.

Mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers and nature lovers commonly use it as their hub or base camp. Munsiyari also falls on the ancient salt route from Tibet and is at the entrance of the Johar Valley.

AULI: Auli, a favourite skiing destination for many, is located 250 km away from Rishikesh. The slopes are at an altitude of almost 2,500 to 3,000 metres.

DAYARA BUGYAL: Dayara Bugyal has lush slopes with a vast expanse of beautiful alpine grasslands. The breath-taking views of the surrounding snow-covered and gigantic Himalayan peaks make for an awesome summer retreat. The lake of Barnala Tal is a famous camping site for most trekkers and visitors to the area.

MUNDALI: Mundali in Dehradun has a thick cluster of dense forests, which makes the course challenging. Beautiful views of the snow-capped Himalayas beckon visitors as well as skiers to the place.

KUFRI: Kufri’s skiing season is from November to February, when the area is covered with a white sheet of snow which makes the entire place breathtakingly beautiful. The tall deodars and the green pines, which border the ski run, make the place look regal.

NARKANDA: Narkanda, at an attitude of almost 2,708 meters on the Hindustan Tibet road, offers stunning views of the high snow ranges. There are unlimited skiing options as well as apple orchards, dense forests, which add to the charm. Skiing on the Narkanda slopes started in 1980 and continues till date.

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FESTIVE FERVOUR

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A splash of red. A hint of blue. A big blotch of green and splotches of pink. After all, it is Holi Hai. One has the option of picking up colours from the neighbourhood store but there is no guarantee of these being safe for your health. Artificial variants often contain chemicals and other synthetic agents that can cause irritation, allergies and dry skin. A great idea is to go natural and make the ingredients easily available in the kitchen. For those who want to start the celebrations by getting all the basics ready at home, here are options

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SAFFRON

it is a wet Holi that you like, Tesu flowers are what you need. Soak them overnight in a bucket of water. Voila, the next morning you have beautiful saffron colour. Fill your water cannons and have a go and all you see is beautiful orange colour minus the synthetics.

Though called Palash, Dhak or Palah Tesu, this tree is a common sight in North, Central, South and North East India. Rudyard Kipling mentions the tree in many of books as the Flame of the Forest.

SIDESHOW: Palash is the state flower of Jharkhand, which is known for its mineral wealth as it is endowed with vast variety of minerals like iron ore, coal, copper ore, mica, bauxite, graphite, limestone and uranium. Another interesting factoid about the state is that the Tropic of Cancer passes through Ranchi at Kankee.

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SHADES OF PINK

FOR

magenta or shades of pink, beetroot is an excellent agent. Boil a few pieces in a cup of water to create dark magenta water. Or you can also leave some slices in the water and let it rest for a few hours for the colour to develop. For dry powder, grind beetroot to make a paste and let it dry in the sun. Mix with besan or wheat flour.

The other option is to use pomegranate. Boil an entire fruit or just the rind for colour.

Beetroot is mainly

YOU

cultivated in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra. The last is the leading producer of pomegranate followed by Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

SIDESHOW: The first train in Asia was started in Maharashtra between Mumbai and Thane on April 16, 1853. Another interesting factoid connected with trains is that the station of Navapur is built in two states — Maharashtra and Gujarat.

GREEN

can use various green leafy vegetables to get the green colour. Spinach is a popular choice and so are coriander leaves. Just make a paste and mix it in water.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Gujarat are the top producing states of spinach in India.

SIDESHOW: The Hussain Sagar Lake in Telangana is famous for its unique heart shape. It was built across a tributary of the river Musi river in 1563 by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah. A large monolithic statue of the Gautama Buddha, erected in 1992, stands on Gibraltar Rock in the middle of the lake. It also separates Hyderabad from its twin city Secunderabad. The maximum depth of the lake is 10 feet.

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F E S T I V E FA S H I O N POOJA shroff The flared bright yellow pant with one shoulder top is fusion wear that is casual yet classy

BIBA The classy and chic navy blue gown with the embroidery on the hemline is an ode to Indo western wear

Pure whites, vibrant blues, bright yellows, classic reds, deep oranges, fresh greens — Holi makes for a palette that can be rivetting for an onlooker. Here is looking at what the designers have in store for us

Your

colour code EXOTICA [46] MARCH 2019

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VANDANA malhotra The mustard gharara with chikankari and a loose-fit kurta with a maroon embroidered collar will make you look regal

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REBECCA dewan The flared pleated gharara with silk kurti in pink is delicately embroidered to make sure that you are the cynosure of all eyes

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PAYAL khandwala A colour-blocked handwoven silk maxi with a silk organza collar makes for a fetching picture. Stand out boldly

GLOBAL desi Go ethnic with yellow coordinates where the floral embroidery and stripes set the tone for the summer days ahead

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P H O T O F E AT U R E

SHALOM NAMASTE

One naturally sees Israel through a prism of conflict. But if you go by photographer IDRIS AHMED’S frames, then they present a timeless tribute to one of the world’s most soulful, resolute, and news-worthy countries. Embracing moments on land, light, life, and the soul of its inner spirit, his stunning images are about quiet moments of everydayness that anchor a restless world. UMA NAIR brings a selection from the Kolkata International Photography Festival

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NO

JERUSALEM

visit to the region would be complete without a trip to Jerusalem. With a history stretching back almost 5,000 years, and sights including the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and al-Aqsa Mosque, few cities resonate in the same way. Religion and rituals both come alive in images that reflect customs. The Jewish family during a bar mitzvah ceremony at Western Wall as well as the expressionist elegance of A young boy during his bar mitzvah ceremony are intense and inspiring. The black and white images have a resonance that talk to us about the mapping of life’s infinite greys. It is through the delicacy of details that shows us how Idris has a hand that is both experienced as well as restrained in its nuances of freezing the frame.

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EVERYDAY IDIOMS Sitting at the mouth of the meandering Yarkon river, Tel Aviv has a six-mile beach popular with young, laid-back locals. Cyclists, joggers and dog walkers stroll the promenade, while sunbathers and surfers rule the beach, giving Israel’s second city a certain ‘Californian feel.’ “Israel has a tremendous history and legacy, architecturally

speaking, much of which dates back to the architecture in Jerusalem which evolved over three millennia, formed by inspirations from the best Persian, Roman, Ottoman Turkish architecture, with a bit of colonial German architecture thrown in the mix,” says Idris who captures vignettes of the modern.

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TIME REGAINED Idris gives us a repertoire of the confluence of communities and their moments in everyday symbolism. Muslim woman walk towards Dome of the Rock and Muslim kids play in front of Dome of the Rock are two images that clearly signify the vitality of religion as well as a zest for living.

The idea of the plurality of religions comes to the fore when we glimpse the images of Young orthodox Jews walking on the streets of Jerusalem as well as the nonchalant symbol of gay abandon when we look at Young Israelis skateboarding around old port at Namal, Tel Aviv.

We can gauge from these images the lifestyle that cruises in front of the camera — from colourful marketeers to families in prayer at the Western Wall, these incredible images move beyond the typical postcard images of the country to showcase the character of its people and the sanctity of the land they are so resolute in preserving. “While tourists flock to the salty waters of the Dead Sea, and the historic sites around its shores, most are unfamiliar with the Western Galilee region (the country’s most mountainous),” says Idris. “It calls itself the ‘Tuscany of the Middle East’, thanks to the lush greenery and Crusader sites, including the Montfort fortress, a ruined castle you can climb to enjoy spectacular views. The rolling landscape is perfect for a scenic day of cycling.”

Ultimately you must pause over the two images that echo the passion of the rituals in Christianity — Holy Fire, where an orthodox Christian pilgrim is holding candles during the Holy Fire ceremony on Easter and Divine Light, which has monks lighting up candles at Coptic Chapel on Good Friday. They transcend time and space.

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GLOBE TROTTER

Oasis of calm

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New York, Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps — the most wanted city goes by different names and is loved by all, visitors and residents. But the pulsating vibe of one of the most expensive pieces of real estate can be exhausting. Offset it with some of the most luxurious spas that the city (and the country) can offer. From Swedish massages to aromatherapy treatments, to Hungarian beauty secrets and Ayurvedic treatments, take your pick

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BAMFORD HAYBARN SPA AT THE 1 HOTEL BROOKLYN BRIDGE: The Bamford Haybarn Spa adopts wellness traditions from around the globe and uses exclusive, organic products made in England. Notable treatments include the Bespoke Facial, which employs jade stone therapy, yogic breathing techniques and natural elixirs to help

restore and repair skin. Other specialised services, like the Edition 1 Signature Treatment, incorporate Swedish and Japanese massage methods as well as acupuncture to promote full-body relaxation. The spa’s decor was inspired by hay barns of the English countryside, accented with reclaimed wood and tree branches to evoke a rustic, calming environment.

GUERLAIN SPA AT THE PLAZA HOTEL: You’ll feel like you’re on an island (other than Manhattan, that is) at Guerlain Spa — a peaceful, French-inspired oasis far-removed from the bustle of midtown. Located in The Plaza Hotel, this spa offers skin care and massage treatments that mirror the hotel’s extravagance.

The Orchidée Impériale Black facial uses the beauty brand’s Black Orchid cream to defend and combat signs of ageing, while the Urban Island Escape applies coconut honey and sugar to massage and exfoliate the body, with a coconut-oil massage to follow.

THE SPA AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL NEW YORK DOWNTOWN: This Lower Manhattan hotel boasts a 75-foot lap pool, seven spa treatment rooms and customised services. The marble-decorated facility has partnered with Hungarian beauty brand Omorovicza for its facials, such as the gold hydralifting, which uses bioavailable gold to repair and plump up the skin. Its body treatments shouldn’t be overlooked either. The hydrating Swiss milk ritual recalls an ancient Egyptian beauty treatment — favoured by Cleopatra herself — that incorporates Swiss milk and an anti-ageing concentrate into a nourishing bath for the skin.

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SPA VALMONT AT HÔTEL PLAZA ATHÉNÉE: The Hôtel Plaza Athénée’s Spa Valmont, which is the Switzerland-based spa’s only US location, includes four private suites, each with a dressing room, lounge chair and steam shower. The spa’s signature Time Master Sublimating Programme combines massage and facial services to reduce signs of stress and provides anti-ageing benefits for your skin. Also on site, a salon offers blowouts and make-up applications, the latter courtesy of Kevyn Aucoin cosmetics.

SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, NEW YORK: Treatments here centre on Eastern rituals with everything from a Thai yoga massage to treatments inspired by ancient Ayurvedic medicine.

Prior to any treatment, guests are invited to visit the Mandarin’s soaking tubs, jacuzzi and

steam rooms as well as its Oriental Tea Lounge.

The spa’s customised “Time Rituals,” which last two to three hours, usually include an exfoliation followed by a full body massage. Those who book a VIP suite receive a bento box with the spa’s services.

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JOANNA VARGAS SKIN CARE: The woman responsible for Jessica Alba’s glowing skin offers a range of skin care services in her Bryant Park–adjacent office. Vargas’ signature Triple Crown facial lifts and firms the skin and is a favourite of her celebrity clientele — which includes Julianne Moore. Clients also clamour for

the LED light therapy treatments, which provide a full-body boost for those feeling a little worn out.

Try the “Sleeping Beauty,” a half-hour treatment comprising microdermabrasion on your face, followed by oxygen-serum application and an LED light bed session meant to reduce inflammation and fatigue.

TRACIE MARTYN: Tracie Martyn is the go-to facialist for Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock and Madonna—and you, too, can get the celebrity treatment at her lavender-accented Fifth Avenue salon. Options there include the skin-tightening Resculpting facial and the Red Carpet facial, which focus on reducing wrinkled and fine lines via LED light and light skin contouring. The Diamond facial, however, is probably the most luxurious—it uses a crystal-free, diamond-tip microdermabrasion machine to purify and brighten the skin and reduce signs of ageing.

LA PRAIRIE SPA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON CENTRAL PARK: Find the only Northeast location of La Prairie’s spa inside the Ritz-Carlton Central Park.

The Swiss luxury skin-care line is famous for its Skin Caviar, a nourishing, lifting and firming line of products that is incorporated into spa treatments like the Timeless Beauty facial. Exclusive to this outpost is the Central Park Signature Ritual, a massage that uses essential oils for a serene experience. Six spacious treatment rooms provide a relaxing environment for clients.

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THE PENINSULA SPA AT THE PENINSULA NEW YORK: This opulent spa includes access to a glass-enclosed pool, a fitness center and a sun terrace that overlooks Fifth Avenue.

The menu has a mix of French and Asian skin care and body treatments, including the Vedic Aromatherapy Full Body and Facial Marma massage, which aims to rid the body of toxins via a scrub, therapeutic oils, and a massage and facial. For those who have problems sleeping, the exclusive “Sleep Ceremony” service aims to alleviate disruptive sleep patterns with a relaxing full-body treatment that includes meditation and massages.

NATUROPATHICA: This Chelsea spa takes a holistic approach to skin care, based on the belief that good skin is a result of what you put on your face and in your body. The fullservice spa, which uses its own line of natural products, features six treatment rooms, a juice bar and a zen sensory and meditation lounge where you can reboot after treatment. Naturopathica offers clarifying and rebalancing facials along with microdermabrasion and brightening treatments — but the holistic facial is the signature experience here. Clients who come in for this treatment meet with an aesthetician to determine their skin personality type (stress, reactive, adaptive or mature), which informs the type of facial they receive. The package includes a seven-day follow-up concentrate to help prolong the effects of the facial, a guide to skin care, diet tips and herbal remedies that target your skin’s particular needs. Additionally, the Marmara Park Avenue’s wellness centre uses Naturopathica products for its luxurious facial treatments.

JULIEN FAREL RESTORE SALON & SPA AT THE LOEWS REGENCY NEW YORK: The Julien Farel Spa at the Loews Regency New York features private massage and facial rooms, plus a post-treatment relaxation lounge with complementary drinks. The Five Pillar massage treats guests inside and out with not only massage but also aromatherapy to relax the mind. Another trademark treatment, designed by podiatrist Suzanne Levine, works on reviving tired feet with a massage, mask and exfoliation. The spa also offers blowouts, manicures and pedicures thus ensuring that every customer leaves looking their best from head to toe.

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C E L E B TA L K

He sheds skin

artfully

In all the roles that MUZAFFAR ALI plays, that of a filmmaker, designer, conservator and the organiser of Jahan-e-Khusrau, his intensity comes through.

In a chat with SAIMI SATTAR, he discusses his life and more EXOTICA [65] MARCH 2019

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WITH

his shock of long grey hair, Muzaffar Ali stands out in any gathering. But on him, it does not impart a look that is wild, rather it gives him a sage-like, transcendent quality befitting a person who organises Jahan-e-Khusrau, a festival centered around Sufi art forms.

But while the capital reverberates with the sounds of the festival in March, he is known for much more and refuses to be defined by any of it. As the director of the original Umrao Jaan (1981), he created a cult classic which more than any other film is considered Rekha’s most defining and seminal work in a career spanning almost five decades. He is also a fashion designer along with his wife Meera Ali whose brand House of Kotwara has timeless silhouettes reminiscent of Indian heritage translated perfectly through rich fabrics and subtle hues. He is a poet, an artist, a craft revivalist and social worker. He discusses his life, his quirks and the impact of the festival that has become an important part of the cultural calendar of the capital.

Since it started, how has Jahan-e -Khusrau changed and evolved?

Jahan-e-Khusrau was born out of a concern for the unity of Indian cultures which was threatened in Kashmir and other parts of our country by fundamentalism.

It is an all-inclusive philosophy made beautiful by poetry and music of the heart. It was inspired by Amir Khusrau, the master blender of society and the arts. Having worked in the valley on the film Zooni, I felt this intensely. While the project had to be abandoned, my takeaway was Sufiana Kalaam, which existed cloistered in the Khanaqahs of the valley. It made me see music as an international language of the soul.

When you started out, not many festivals centered around sufism. However, there are a lot now. What has led to the change?

Music and festivals around it had been rampant but Jahan-e-Khusrau was born out of a different realisation. A realisation that has been manifesting itself in different ways becoming more and more relevant with time. There was a space in the heart which began to be discovered and started to fill up. That is why we introduce new talent each year and work with those who are open to new ideas and experimentation in music and the sacred dance.

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What was the initial response to Jahan-e-Khusrau and how has that become a much-awaited festival?

It is a blessing for the people of the city and for us too. It is again an organic extension of our journeys. Jahan-e-Khusrau is a commitment to an idea of oneness of the human race and that is what is reaching out in a viral form, more than expected.

The last film that you made was Jaanisar in 2015.

Why don’t we see more?

The film world today, which includes talent, resources and the market, is corporatised and controlled.

Independent talent finds it extremely difficult to make headway in this domain.

There is a certain intensity in your films, whether it is Gaman (1978) or Umrao Jaan.

Where does that come from?

The intensity of thought and inspiration imparts a difference to my approach to films. I am in a quest for perennial beauty that enriches the human soul and it is this that I wish to share without a commercial agenda or vested interest.

Zooni was much anticipated. Why is it yet to see the light of day?

Zooni was a journey through history of the Valley, its beauty and its heartbreak, its angst and its dreams. It was delving into the truth of the pain which went beyond time and subjugation of man by man. Unfortunately, there were too many obstacles.

The web is an exciting new space. Would you be open to explore it?

The platform is an exciting world which inspires us in our own way. The West is showing its own mindset, agenda through what it presents. India needs to create its own content base with its vision

for the future. The content out of India has to assume extremely aesthetic and cultural dimensions.

The current crop of films has seen content coming to the fore. Do you think Indian cinema has finally moved beyond formula?

Certainly good films have happened, are happening and will continue to happen. Each person brings his/her sensitivity to the medium.

New experiences in telling stories. The formats are changing, content is evolving.

Are you planning any new film projects?

I have many interesting ideas on the anvil, but I feel the film economy is in a flux with corporate intelligence playing a different game.

There are a few films in the pipeline and we are hopeful.

The House of Kotwara has a distinct look in its silhouettes and designs. Sama (Meera and Muzaffar Ali’s daughter) is coming in with her own sensibilities. Our designs have been organic and natural as if emerging from a tradition with some elements of newness and surprise.

How do you juggle the festival, the fashion brand, writing and more?

The fashion brand is more of a philosophy than a competitive commercial brand. And it is this that organically becomes a festival and other forms of creative expression.

Your son Shaad has charted out his own journey.

How much of an influence have you had on his film making?

He has his own journey and I am there to bless and encourage him. He has to be responsible for his own success. He does take feedback from me. But I don’t interfere.

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FUN FOOD

NUTS OVER THE SPREAD

Luscious, gooey, tempting ... and healthy. Peanut butter is all that and more. While most might find it the best way to start the day by incorporating it in their breakfast, there are more ways to have it than spread over toast. Our chefs suggest ways to include it in sweet and savoury dishes

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PEANUT BUTTER CHEESE CAKE COOKIES INGREDIENTS: For cookies dough: Unsalted butter 225 gm; Crunchy peanut butter 225 gm; Castor sugar 180 gm; Brown sugar 165 gm; Egg 120 gm; Flour 675 gm; Baking powder 8 gm; Fine sea salt 4 gm; Baking soda 5 gm Cheese cake filling: Cream cheese 450 gm; Eggs 100 gm; Castor sugar 165 gm; Vanilla essence 5 gm METHOD: Cookie dough: o Cream both butters and sugars together till

they are light and fluffy. Slowly add in eggs and mix well. Add the dry ingredients together and mix just enough to form a dough. Make 50 gm round balls and make an indent in the centre to hold the filling.

Filling: o Cream together cheese and sugar till mixed well. Slowly add in eggs and vanilla. Pipe this mix in the center of the dough and bake at 17°C. — RAHUL CHAHAR, Pastry Chef, The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi

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PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES INGREDIENTS: Butter 2,000 gm; Peanut butter 1,000 gm; Salt 30 gm; Baking soda 100 gm; Cake flour 3,100 gm; Brown sugar 1,300 gm METHOD: o Cream butter and peanut butter along with brown sugar till fluffy Fold the dry ingredient and rest the dough in freezer for two hours. o Make balls and put in the greased tray. o Bake at 180°C for 10-12 minutes.

PEANUT BUTTER FINANCIER INGREDIENTS: Ground almonds 90 gm; Egg white 157 ml; Cake flour 53 gm; Icing sugar 180 gm; Inverted sugar 23 gm; Butter 150 gm; Peanut paste 90 gm For the Glaze: Milk chocolate 500 gm; Peanuts (toasted fine chopped) 150 gm; Hazelnut oil 50 ml METHOD: o Cook butter to light brown colour and let it cool down.

Combine all the powders together in a mixer. Pour egg white, inverted sugar and peanut paste followed by the butter. Mix well and pour into flexipan. Bake it at 180°C for 10-15 minutes.

For the glaze o Melt the chocolate and add hazelnut oil and peanuts.

Cool down financier and dip into milk chocolate glaze and serve.

— RISHABH ANAND, Executive Pastry Chef, The Leela, Chankyapuri

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PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS: Overripe bananas 2 large; Peanut butter 4-6 tbsp; Milk 1½ to 2 cups; Salt 1/8 tsp; Quick oats 1/3 cup (optional); Sweetener to taste; Unsweetened milk powder METHOD: o Blend the oats until a fine powder forms, then add all remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Drink immediately, o If you want a thicker shake, feel free to add an extra banana. The bananas should be partially brown before peeling.

PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIE WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS AND COFFEE INGREDIENTS: Unsweetened cocoa powder 2/3 cup; Granulated sugar 1½ cups; Powdered sugar 1/3 cup; Salt 3/4 tsp; All purpose flour 1 cup; Espresso powder ½ tsp; Semisweet chocolate chips ½ cup; Eggs 3 nos; Vegetable oil ½ cup; Water 2 tbsp; Chopped peanut butter cups 2/3 cup; Creamy peanut butter ½ cup METHOD: o Preheat oven to 350°F. Line pan with foil, leaving a couple inches of overhang on two. Butter or spray it. o In a large bowl combine cocoa powder, sugars, salt, flour, espresso powder and chocolate chips. Whisk until combined. Add eggs, oil and water and stir until combined. Fold in peanut butter cups. o Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Drop dollops of peanut butter on the top of the brownies, and use a knife to swirl it around. o Bake for about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Cool completely.

— PREM K POGAKULA, Executive Chef, The Imperial

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PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE INGREDIENT: Cheesecake Base: Sugar 250 gm; Soft butter 250 gm; Flour 250 gm; Almond powder 250 gm; Lemon zest ½; Pinch of salt White Chocolate Cheesecake: White chocolate 1.1 kg; Milk 230 ml; Cream cheese 1.6 kg; Eggs 9 nos; Sugar 480 gm; Salt 1 gm; Vanilla aroma 5 gm METHOD: Cheesecake Base: o Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix them to sandy consistency

White Chocolate Cheesecake: o With the paddle in planetary mixer, combine cream cheese, sugar, salt and the vanilla. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. o In a separate bowl mix the eggs with milk and start adding them to the cheese mixture. Finally add the melted white chocolate to the mixture and mix to a smooth and silky cream. o Pour it on to the pre layered crumble base and bake in a little water bath on 16°C for about 30-40 minutes.

— GORDON GALEA, Executive Pastry Chef, Andaz, Delhi

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CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA ICEBOX CAKE INGREDIENTS: Smooth peanut butter ½ cup; Cold heavy cream, divided 2½ cup; Confectioners’ sugar ½ cup; Vanilla extract 1½ tsp; Bananas sliced 5; plus additional for garnish; Chocolate cookies 200 gm METHOD: o In a large bowl using a handheld mixer whisk together the peanut butter and ½ cup heavy cream until light and fluffy and set aside. o Make sure the whipping attachments are clean and then whip the remaining 2 cups cream with the sugar and vanilla until slightly stiff peaks form. o Gently fold some of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture to lighten it up. o Then add the peanut butter mixture back into the whipped cream in three parts, gently folding until combined, trying to keep it light and fluffy, and then set aside. o In a 9-inch springform pan, arrange a layer of cookies (about 16) overlapping in a circle, covering the entire surface.

o Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cookies, making sure all the cookies are covered, and top with banana slices. o Repeat with the remaining cookies, whipped cream and banana slices, making five layers

PEANUT BUTTER WAFFLE INGREDIENT: Flour 1 kg; Sugar 500 gm; Yeast 20 gm; Salt 20 gm; Eggs 4 nos; Water 200 ml; Peanut butter 400 gm; Butter 200 gm METHOD: o Mix flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Blend in a mixer while adding eggs one by one. Incorporate butter by folding method where you add the peanut one first and regular one later. o Allow the mix to rest for 60 minutes and then cook. Spread peanut butter and layer it with any or all of the following — fresh fruits, ice cream, maple syrup, honey and berries.

— DIWAS WADHERA, Executive Chef, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida

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in total and finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours and up to overnight.

— SHAILENDRA BHANDARI, Executive Chef, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa

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PEANUT BUTTER OREO TART INGREDIENTS: Oreo biscuits 750 gm; Butter 200 gm; Cream 300 gm; Unsalted butter 500 gm; Peanut butter 150 gm; Condensed milk 400 gm; Milk compound 500 gm METHOD: o Take Oreo biscuits and remove the cream from it, crush the biscuit to powder and mix the same with melted butter and set on tart mould. o Cook cream and chocolate in a double boiler, cool and set it. The sauce is piped in the Oreo tart shell. o Take whipped unsalted butter, condensed milk, peanut butter and cream and blend it together. It should be fluffy. Spread this cream on the chocolate sauce. o Garnish with chocolate flakes — Public Affair, Khan Market

SPICY PEANUT BUTTER NOODLES INGREDIENTS: Hakka noodles 100 gm; Peanut oil 30 ml; Peanut butter 30 gm; Garlic paste 6 gm; Light soy sauce 10 ml; Lemon juice 5 ml; White vinegar 5 ml; Garlic (finely chopped and golden fried) 5 gm; Spring onions (finely chopped) 10 gm; Peanuts (dry toasted and coarsely ground) 15 gm; Red chilli paste 5 gm METHOD: o Boil the noodles till they are slightly chewy, drain and keep aside. In a wok, heat oil and add chilli paste. Stir for 30 seconds. o Add in peanut butter, garlic paste, soy sauce, lemon juice and vinegar. Cook on low heat until peanut butter melts and whole thing starts to look like a thick sauce. Add a little water for the right consistency. Toss in the boiled noodles and toss until well combined. o Add the remaining ingredients and toss well. Serve hot. — CHEF HONEY MISHRA, Culinary Head, little.BIG restaurant in Gurgaon

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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) There might be ample opportunities of relaxation and recreation for you in the first part of the month. Your craving for some material comforts might also get fulfilled to an extent. However, be careful towards the latter part of the month and do not let lethargy influence your activities.

NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) Communication in all forms might help you to overcome certain limitations. People in a relationship might need to tread carefully as the slightest misunderstanding might rock the boat. Examine financial matters from all perspectives before committing yourself in any partnership deal.

NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) Your optimism for life might help you come out of tricky situations at work. Evaluate your relationship with loved ones and give them their due credit. There might be small rifts that might trouble you towards the end of the month. Your hard work and dedicated sincerity might filter those troubles.

NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) Your emotions might come in the way of your success if you aren’t tactful at work. Be careful of colleagues who act oversmart in front of your seniors and belittle your performance. Family ties might get strengthened and you might also be able to fulfill social obligations and the expectations of others.

NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) The past few months may have created a complicated situation which obstructed your thought process. Take one step at a time to untangle the mess. Financial situation might cause temporary stress but will settle down with time. You might experience joy from a long-lost relationship that you rediscover.

NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) At work your toil might get overshadowed by the diplomacy of your colleagues and their actions. Try to deftly arrange things in your favour if you don’t want others to take advantage.

Students might have a hectic month and might be able to zero in on their future plan of action concerning their career.

NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th of any month) Financial worries during the first part of the month might get resolved. Superiors at work might make you realise your potential and nurture it further.

Your discipline and neutral stance in controversial circumstances might earn you appreciation. Be careful about your health.

NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) There might be a strange sense of urgency in everything you do in the first fortnight. Though beneficial, sometimes it might lead to stress. Be patient with people who consider you their ideal and assist them in overcoming their fears.

Misconceptions in personal relationships, might get cleared.

NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th of any month) There are times in your life when you find yourself wavering from your road to success. However, try not to let your spirits get dampened by small obstacles.

People at work might try to influence your opinions but might not be successful. Be open to feedback from your loved ones.

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I N T E R I O R S PA C E S

SIGNATUREHOMES

A walk through the India Design Fair threw up new trends that will change the way we look at our living spaces in a blatantly customised manner, says AYUSHI SHARMA while PANKAJ KUMAR captures the frames

PRICE

consciousness and not mindless extravagance, organic paints, tribal and folk motifs on wallpapers, gender-neutral kids’ rooms and adapting the world to our confines rather than bending backwards to look European....the way we live is about to undergo a radical change as we have come to terms with our identity and put an individual stamp in our rooms and outdoors.

Decor lovers are constantly revamping their homes and thankfully every year, there are new trends to consider and go for. The seventh edition of the annual India Design Fair brings together more than 135 exhibitors from India as well as abroad under one roof to showcase new collections and the fluidity of designs which has ensured that our homes are an extension of high art. Day one had speakers on various panels running parallel to the show, such as Gauri Khan

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with Regis Mathieu, Yoko Shizimu from Japan, founder of innovation studio Lab +1e, Austrian architect and designer Chris Precht, co-founder of Penda and founder of Precht and Partners. The discussions ranged from sustainable urban planning to bio-designs. Meanwhile, a paint company chose the colour of the year as ‘Awakening’ — a shade of plum, alive with the dynamism of being woke. The dignity and power of purple fused with the humility of brown, personifying the strength to stand up when it matters, and to dig in your heels with confidence.

It initiated a dialogue towards sustainability and nature. And also of Indianness.

GREEN IS THE COLOUR Walking across the three pavilions, there were a number of podiums displaying all moods a room can have through a variety of colours. However, one of the most striking turned out to be shades of green. It spoke of how the colour has been a significant trend for the interiors as well as in regional fashion over the past two years.

Austrian architect and designer Chris Precht talked about the sustainable architecture and how the design incorporates urban farming on the roof of each installation. He reasoned that an increase in the demand of green colour has come due to a collective desire for more greenery and connection

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with nature. He pointed out, “Many city dwellers feel that it’s because of increasing pollution and deteriorating air quality index. With the introduction of more plants and flowers, balcony and micro-gardens in apartments as well as the popular ‘green vertical walls,’ this concept is here to stay.”

The designer, who himself carries a highlysustainable approach when it comes to giving shape to his exterior ideas, by using bamboo to build walls and living spaces, said, “The rooftops can be used for planting food for the owners. In addition to fresh and healthy food, plants on the roof are also used for energy consumption and conservation. They cool down the space and reduce greenhouse gas. The roof can also be used to place solar energy equipment for electricity and irrigation channels through which rainwater can be collected and distributed within the building.”

While 2017 saw a rise in the use of green across interior design, the trend master pointed out how it graduated to a deeper forest green since last year. According to interior experts at the fair, “There is a possibility that 2019 will continue to develop this experimentation further with a mix of natural green hues, floral and forest

textural walls, which could be seen in residential and commercial interiors.”

A podium showcasing a personal living space pointed towards how today one can simply add more plants to any living space or can reupholster a bed’s headboard with green velvet or even scatter green and floral cushions across the couches.

NO SPACE IS TOO SMALL ‘Mini’ presented its vision of an urban living concept at the fair. It showed how an urban nest has become more than just a residential building through balcony and rooftop gardening, given its open and flexible character.

It is inviting the public in and becoming an urban micro neighborhood, beating at the heart of the city. It showcased how even mini compartment-like areas and studio apartments can be given a creative shape now that spaces have been shrinking.

Beyond the installation, people can become creators, in keeping with the idea of participative architecture, visitors were encouraged to build their own miniature mini living unit according to their personal preferences, using abstract building blocks made from a variety of high quality materials.

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THE APPEARANCE AND TEXTURE Residential interiors are becoming increasingly softer with more nature-inspired palettes that have different textures. There are many wood-look porcelain tiles, matte velvet finish joinery, backsplashes, and feature walls with mosaic and carved forms that reflect the new look and feel. “The trend points out towards glossy finishes which are gradually starting to be replaced by a more humble and gentle interiors,” said a spokesperson from Loco design.

Another installation at the fair by Sunil Sethi, however, screamed of a luxurious lifestyle that has traversed all boundaries and homes.

His Naag chair is inspired from the powerful and splendid organic shape of the king cobra, which holds a significant place in Indian mythology symbolising a creative life force. The giant-size chair is polished with silver, giving a royal feel and is a statement piece.

LIGHTER COLOUR PALETTES When there is an array of colours around, you can’t choose which one appeals the most. However, the colour palette at the design fair clearly highlighted the lighter tones and paints. These are not just being preferred for walls and backgrounds but also for doors that through the ages been dark browns and blacks. The traditional dark, heavy doors and joinery are being substituted for lighter-coloured, more contemporary woods, and paint finishes.

The trends spoke about the use of light palettes and wood colours that provide an uninterrupted floor to ceiling block tones, helping to create an impression of extensive space in a typical studio apartment or villa. Avoiding darker colours will help keep spaces livelier and vibrant.

MONOCHROMES AIN’T BORING There is something about the simplicity yet illuminosity of white walls. While providing a shade for everyone’s tastes, the white palette is bright, clean and easy to blend with almost every style. Admit it, the monochrome concept for baby rooms or even the whole house has been popular for a long time, and it is not going to stop yet.

Using colourful bedsheets and cover, even cushions in the living room is the trend of the hour, while white walls still remain intact.

The idea of monochromes is being used when it comes to nursery trends. The rooms are usually filled with black, white and grey.

Baby Select, a brand for children’s room decor, highlighted that it’s finally time when we are shifting from the conventional blues and pinks for children’s rooms. It showed that their rooms are not gender-specific anymore but are rather based on personal preferences. Well, breaking stereotypes do begin from household, so why not colours and gender first?

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“We are finally moving away from the pinks and blues and are turning neutral as per kids’ choices. It’s not blue for just boys or pink for just girls anymore,” said a spokesperson.

BRUSH YOUR INTERIOR WITH ORGANIC PAINTS Paints release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint. Consumer demands have led to the development of zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most paint manufacturers like Asian Paints are now going the eco-friendly way with natural pigments minus chemicals.

So what makes a paint organic? For example, milk paint is a healthier alternative that is not a water-based latex or oil-based paint like many commercial options. It’s made from milk protein and is often sold as a powder you can mix with water or ready to go in liquid form. Another safe alternative to conventional paints are mineral and plant-based pigments that are sustainably harvested from the earth.

And while organic is often used in terms of

being earth-friendly, Asian Paints also showcased an entire series of wallpapers that draw on our tribal and folk motifs, from the northeast to the heartland, and use earth colours like indigo and moss green.

PRICE CONSCIOUSNESS Angie Kripalani, who has been in the business of doing up VIP homes for the last 20 years, has tracked some trends that define the modern Indian outlook. “Previously it was about collecting top international brands, no matter what the cost.

Now, my clients are more price conscious and definitive about the look they want, even if the styling involves Rs 1000 lamps,” she told us. She senses a return to classicism. “That is never out of style but the fusion is more organic, absorptive and interpretative than screaming.” She has put together a layout of free-flowing spaces with minimalism, an elaborate butterfly work of artist Michelle Poonwalla offset by a muted silk sofa with Indian motifs. She even had Hitkari plates in her dining arrangement. “What’s wrong with our own brands if they have the intended effect?,” she asks, leaving us with more options of our kind of innovation.

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GURUSPEAK

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Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru

We waste half our health in creating wealth and then we spend half our wealth to regain health.

This is not an intelligent way of making money and it will not make us happy

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PEACE LEADS TO

prosperity PEACE,

prosperity and happiness go hand-in-hand. All three are inter-connected. Happiness is not possible without prosperity and the latter cannot come without peace. What do we mean by success?

When we look at so-called successful people, do they look very vibrant? Or do they look beaten up?

What kind of success is this? People work hard without paying any attention towards their health.

They have multiple diseases like diabetes, cholesterol, insomnia, hypertension or some other problems that do not allow them to enjoy the comforts of life to the fullest.

We waste half our health in creating wealth and then we spend half our wealth to regain health. This is not an intelligent way of making money and it will not make us happy.

To me, an undying smile is a sign of success as is confidence that cannot be shaken. So is a fearless attitude in life.

Every human being, animal and creature wants to be happy. Now, what is the way to be happy? It is by sharing happiness. When you spread happiness, it grows. When you don’t spread it and keep it to yourself, it starts to dwindle and then finishes. This is what people don’t know. They want to be happy, but they don’t know how to share it with everybody and to expand their family.

Therefore, peace and prosperity are interlinked. Where there is no peace, there cannot be prosperity. So, it is very important to learn how to be peaceful. If you have mental peace, you have energy to work. If you are disturbed and are feeling upset, then you do not want to do any work. When you do not do any work, your productivity will be zero. And if you have zero productivity, you will have no income.

Develop your intuition and increase your peace and enthusiasm through meditation. The term for spiritual practice, sadhana, has evolved from money. Dhana means money and Sa means true.

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That is the real currency that you can use anywhere. Money is important in life but keep money where it belongs. Do not keep it in the head or in the heart. We often misplace money. We keep it in our head while our pockets are empty. Keep money in the pocket but don’t keep thinking about money. Someone becomes rich when they do something useful for society. How did the cell phone companies become rich? They made something which everybody needs. The newspapers make something that everybody needs. If you keep thinking about yourself all the time, that is all you do. If you selflessly serve and leave your needs to society, the fraternity will take

care of you. You will not want for anything even on one day. Trust in God and ask for whatever you need. Those things will always be taken care of when you have confidence and deep faith.

Happiness and success are linked. We wish each other happiness, prosperity and peace, but only a few seem to know how to be peaceful — like only a few know how to make money. Here are some steps to prosperity.

TAKE TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF: Often, we become so engrossed in our day-to-day activities that we simply end up gathering more and more information and do not take time out to think and reflect. As a result we feel dull and tired.

A few quiet moments everyday are the source of creativity. Silence heals and rejuvenates and gives you depth and stability. Sometime during the day, sit for a few minutes, get into the cave of your heart and close your eyes close and keep the world away.

Taking some time for yourself improves the quality of your life.

KNOW THE IMPERMANENCE OF LIFE: Millions of years have passed and a similar number will come in the future. Nothing is permanent. In this broad, universal context, what is your life? It is not even a drop in the ocean.

Just open your eyes, and ask, “Who am I? Why am I on this planet? What is my lifetime?”

An awareness dawns and you will stop worrying about little things. All smallness will simply disappear and you will be able to live every moment of your life.

When you review your life in a broader context, the quality of your life improves.

PERFORM RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS: Make a commitment to make this world a better place to live. Do random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return.

Service alone can bring contentment to life. It creates a sense of connectedness. When you bring some relief to a person through selfless service, good vibrations come to you. When you show kindness, your true nature, which is love and peace, comes to the surface.

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MAKE YOUR SMILE CHEAPER: Every day, every morning, look at the mirror and smile at yourself. Don’t let your smile be snatched away by anybody. Usually, you give your anger freely and smile rarely, as though it is costly. Turn it around so that your smile is cheaper and anger expensive.

MAKE MEDITATION A PART OF LIFE: When we have higher goals in life it leads to stress and restlessness, which can be released through a few minutes of meditation and introspection. It gives you deep rest. The deeper you are able to rest, the more dynamic you will be in activity.

What is meditation? o Mind without agitation. o Mind in the present moment. o Mind that has no hesitation and no anticipation.

o Mind that comes back home to the source, which is peace and joy.

BE A STUDENT ALWAYS: Know that you are always learning. Do not underestimate anybody.

Knowledge may come to you from any corner.

Each occasion and each person teaches you. The world is your teacher. When you are always looking to learn, you will stop underestimating others. Humility will dawn in your life.

FEEL GRATEFUL: Our love, faith and belief should be deep-rooted and then everything else moves on its own. The feeling that “I am blessed” can help you overcome any failure. Once you realise that you are blessed, then all the complaints and grumbling disappear, all the insecurities disappear and you become grateful, content and peaceful.

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FITNESS

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

of us know a bit about hormones but aren’t aware of the role of the endocrine system. Yoga places great emphasis on its functions as it affects every system of the body in different ways.

The endocrine system is made up of various glands i.e. hypothalamus, pituary and pineal glands in the brain, thyroid, parathyroid and thymus glands, adrenal glands, pancreas and gonads (ovaries and testes) which are spread throughout the body. These produce hormones that are released directly into the bloodstream. These control and regulate the activity of cells, organs and all bodily functions like metabolism, energy balance, growth and development, immunity, water, nutrients, electrolyte balance in the blood, moods, our reactions to stress, reproduction and sexual functioning.

An asana (posture) presses, massages or stretches a particular gland in the body.

This stimulates them to work more efficiently and secrete certain hormones. Every posture was designed to do this. Different asanas target different glands. When the endocrine system works at optimum levels, your basic metabolic rate increases and the entire internal environment of the body automatically changes.

Yoga bandhas are one of the most powerful techniques as they change the internal chemistry of the body in a fundamental way. Bandhas are neuromuscular locks which increase the endocrine secretions in the body. There are four bandhas — Jalandhar Bandha (throat lock), Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock), Moola Bandha (root lock) and

BALANCING ACT The combined practice of yoga postures, breathing and bandhas restores and maintains endocrinal system

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Maha Bandha (the great lock). Here we will look at the first three.

Jalandhar Bandha presses the thyroid and parathyroid gland and helps to regulate metabolism. It controls the network of blood vessels and nerves on the neck and compresses the carotid sinuses that regulate the circulatory and respiratory systems. Its practice increases mental relaxation, relieves stress, anxiety, anger and mood swings.

In Uddiyana Bandha the abdomen area is gently squeezed. This regularises the adrenal glands, removes lethargy and soothes tension. It normalises the solar plexus and regulates energy levels in the whole body. Stagnant blood is pushed out and fresh arterial blood is drawn into the abdominal organs.

This helps the digestive process, relieves

JALANDHAR BANDHA (THROAT LOCK) o Sit in padmasana, (lotus position) or any comfortable sitting posture o Back straight, hands on knees, eyes closed o Chest high, inhale slowly and deeply o Lock your chin against your chest o Hold 10-30 seconds or as long as comfortable o Unlock the chin, look up and exhale slowly o Repeat thrice BENEFITS: o Increases levels of thyroxin and helps control thyroid diseases o Regulates functioning of thyroid gland and improves metabolism, relieves stress, anxiety and anger o Affects fat deposition in the body by directing blood flow to the heart CAUTION: Don't force the neck.

Avoid if you have cervical spondylosis, high BP and heart problems

constipation and indigestion. The diaphragm moves upward and opens up the alveoli in the lungs and improves lung efficiency. The heart is also gently massaged which improves its functional capacity.

Moola Bandha refers to the root of the spine or the perineum where mooladhara chakra is located. It regularises and stimulates the uro-genital, reproductive and excretory systems and strengthens the muscles of the pelvic area and the lower back. It affects body systems and inner energy flow.

The combined practice of yoga postures, breathing and bandhas restores and maintains endocrinal system. This ensures optimum body functions and will make you happier, healthier and able to live life more fully.

UDDIYANA BANDHA (ABDOMINAL LOCK) o Stand straight with feet shoulder-width apart o Bend knees and lower body o Place hands on thighs, palms inward o Exhale deeply through mouth o Holding breath out, pull in abdominal muscles to create a hollow space o Hold as long as comfortable o Release, stand upright and inhale BENEFITS: o Regulates the adrenal glands o Stimulates solar plexus and distribution of energy in the body o Tones abdominal organs, improves blood circulation to stomach o Alleviates mild diabetes and stomach problems like constipation and indigestion CAUTION: Avoid if you have heart problems, high BP or are pregnant.

MOOL BANDHA (ROOT LOCK) o Sit in a meditative posture, either padmasana or vajrasana o Place the palms on the knees o Exhale and hold breath o Gently contract the perineal/vaginal region. Contract this region by pulling up on the muscles of the pelvic floor o Hold as tightly as possible without undue strain o Hold for at least 10 to 20 seconds.

Slowly release the bandha and exhale o Practise thrice BENEFITS: o Stimulates the hypothalmus o Improves secretion of glands in lower abdominal area improving vitality and sexual ability o Stimulates urogenital and excretory systems o Stimulates internal peristalsis and relieves piles, constipation and ulcers o Alleviates some sexual disorders, frustration and depression o Helps asthma, bronchitis and prostrate problems o Strengthens the pelvic muscles CAUTION: Be careful if you have piles.

Avoid if pregnant or have heart problems or high BP

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HOTWHEELS

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Kushan Mitra Auto & tech expert

The Ford Endeavour has been given a minor makeover and a slight price cut.

And yet, on the sand dunes of Jaisalmer, it proved that it remains the finest car in its class

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STILL THE BEST THERE

are often vehicles that surprise you with sales that belie their ability, and the Ford Endeavour has always been one of those cars. Because it is so darn good at what it says on the cover, the Endeavour remains one of the best off-road vehicles available in India. It is really not something that you should consider a ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ but a car that is a full-fledged off-roader. And Ford India just gave the car a minor update, adding a new grille among some other small things, but most importantly, the Endeavour gets a `30,000-50,000 price cut. Prices now begin at `28.19 lakh and go up to `32.97 lakh.

In addition, the range now starts with a six-speed manual version of the 2.2-litre variant, and it is not available only in the titanium trim.

All well and good, but why, you would ask rather reasonably, would a good car not sell very well. There is the minor matter of the Toyota Fortuner, which in terms of almost everything is not as capable as the Ford but is built stronger than a Red Army tank from World War II and has a resale value that would make most other cars red with embarrassment. While I would consider the Innova to be a far more practical vehicle, the Fortuner has always exuded confidence and power. The white Fortuner in particular has been incredibly popular with politicians. In fact, one would argue that a white Fortuner is as essential a part of an Indian politician’s wardrobe as a starched khadi kurta. And Ford, which did have first-mover advantage in the market if you remember, did miss a trick by delaying

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introduction of the new Endeavour, allowing Toyota to come in and steal the market.

But you know what? While driving over the sand of the Sam dunes outside Jaisalmer, we saw a couple of politicians also driving up and down the sand. And both those gentlemen and their retinue were travelling in Endeavours. One of them plainly stated that if you wanted to do this sort of stuff, only Endeavour can do that. Well, you can do similar things in much more expensive cars like the Land Rover Discovery and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, but you get the point, right?

This isn’t the first time I have been on the soft, fine sand of the Sam sand dunes. The last time I was in a (then) prototype of the Mahindra Thar and even today, the dunes are full of Mahindra 540s and Thars with local drivers driving like utter

maniacs and tourists, without a care of personal preservation, standing at the back. Sure, it looks fun, but somehow nowadays I just see a tragedy waiting to happen with no safety gear. These are light, four-wheeled vehicles unencumbered by the weight of creature comforts and ride over the sand with a sense of purpose. And they are fun to drive over the sand because you can virtually do anything.

The Ford Endeavour on the other hand is a heavy vehicle, with full smartphone connectivity, three-zone air-conditioning as well as three rows of comfortable seats which include lumbar and side support. Really, it should not have been doing what we were doing with the car. Sure, we had reduced the tire pressure to give the Endeavour’s rubber a wider contact patch, but other than that

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and switching the car’s terrain response system to ‘sand’ mode, there were no modifications to the car. Nothing, nada.

We drove over the dunes quite comfortably, and the one time I did get stuck, it was my fault in not giving the Endeavour enough gas at that moment.

The one thing about driving on sand or other nonroad surfaces such as ice or gravel is that you often have to do things that might appear to be counterintuitive. While I’m really not making excuses for my driving abilities, I cannot praise the car enough.

Think about it, this is an almost three-ton car driving on a surface that you would assume something so heavy would need tracks like a tank.

It is not perfect. I do not like the incredibly small speedometer and instrument cluster, a vehicle’s speedometer should at least reflect its size and this one is tiny. While you can get a bunch of information on the cluster, you have to choose between the rev counter and the trip meter.

But these were minor irritants at the time and living with them though could be an issue. I have gone off-roading in the Endeavour in the past as well and then, like now, it impressed me with its sheer ability. If I was a politician who wanted to go deep into the countryside on tracks rather than on the road, I know what I would buy.

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SIGN-OFF

By RINKU GHOSH

ORIGINAL SURVIVORS I t sounds miraculous, especially at a time when biodiversity is under threat, but species long believed to have been extinct are being rediscovered, changing our perceptions about the continuity of the evolutionary chain. With reports of the Galápagos tortoise making a comeback after 100 years in the islands, India, too, has been notching up sightings of rare creatures, once considered exotic by colonial era naturalists, but lost to time. On February 15, researchers discovered a new species of keelback snake in Arunachal Pradesh. A brownish-yellow frog was also spotted in Arunachal Pradesh in June 2017, with markings that turned fluorescent in torchlight, last seen nearly 36 years ago in Tibet. Over the last couple of years, Northeast has always been in the limelight for discovery of sub-subspecies of endangered hog deer and several species of frogs, geckos, diatoms and insects. Even the Western ghats have reported rediscovery of species that have been found to be endemic to the region’s moss, ferns and rocks. Global studies indicate that 400 species of mammals have been discovered since 1993 with some scientists calling our times the “new age of discoveries.”

So how does one explain this boom in the discovery of new species at a time when even dominant species worldwide are disappearing at unprecedented rates and human depredations have resulted in a significant negative impact on the planet’s ecosystems? Even livestock is predicted to be in short supply by 2050. But there is nothing miraculous or unexplainable about it.

Turns out that the loss of major species as we know them has fuelled an unprecedented, multi-nation alliance on conserving existing ones and documenting every life form unaccounted for so far. And with the United Nations prioritising biodiversity as a common concern of humankind, countries have joined hands to find species and then draw up a plan to contain their loss. This rekindled interest in biodiversity studies is leading researchers and conservationists to once again go out on scientific expeditions to under-explored regions of the world, carefully cataloguing the richness of creation.

One of the study zones of the multi-lateral team of experts happens to be the foothills of the Himlayas. So what we are seeing is essentially a revival of the

explorer’s spirit in the 18th and 19th centuries when recording natural history was equivalent to the thrill of a new discovery. We simply stopped looking around with the same spirit of inquiry and the advent of the industrial age. This means that we are discovering what has been unseen so far and in certain cases have missed their mutation to a different kind of subspecies or migration to a more fertile eco system. Now with advances in the field of molecular genetics and genomics and technological aids, we are able to identify and classify creatures better. For example, the frog species in Arunachal inhabits moss-covered rocky stratum along hill streams in mixed wet tropical forest types everywhere. Previously only thought to inhabit the Talley Valley, where it thinned out over time, it is now being found in a wider range due to the availability of similar habitats. There are over 50 species of frogs belonging to the genus Odorrana with many species exhibiting overlapping morphological characters, making their identification in the field difficult.

What we have completely disregarded is that the degradation of forests and ever-mushrooming urban development has meant that some species have chosen to survive in a modified habitat. However, that doesn’t mean that species are safe. It just means that we need to conserve and find the original species more. Rather than aliens, we must be curious about the earth-born, which are out there, waiting to be rediscovered. And saved for posterity.

EXOTICA [94] MARCH 2019

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