EXOTICA MARCH 2021

FROM THE EDITOR

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GLIMMER OF HOPE

THE

times they are a-changin’... the iconic title track of Bob Dylan’s 1964 album might have been written in a different context and time but seems to hold true for the present one too. As winter gives way to a warmer season, hope floats in the air. Last year, at about the same time, while dreading COVID-19 we remained blissfully unaware of the grave implications that it would have for our loved ones, our country and the world. But things do seem to be off to a positive start. The vaccine — homegrown and effective — is, finally reaching the common populace and is no longer restricted to frontline workers, making us believe that things might just return to ‘normal’. Moreover, conflict on our Eastern borders too seems to be quieting down with discussions already underway. And then, this month, we also celebrate Holi — the vibrant festival — that expresses the joi de vivre, warmth, colour and familial bonds which represents the Indian experience like no other. So, we can, in all earnestness, go forth in hope ...

The articles, this time around, showcase the same. Manoj Bajpayee, our celebrity interview, represents the triumph of the aspirations of small-town India through the sheer dint of hard work, talent and grit. Venturing into the heart of the country, a travelogue which encompasses Mandu and an eponymously-named festival celebrated in this town, sets the tone for the way we will be travelling in the future. Smaller and isolated domestic destinations are the novel paths that we are likely to embark upon. Then, for all those on a lookout for short travel options, we have suggestions galore keeping in mind the season, distance and length of the weekend breaks in this year. The adrenaline junkie can look forward to taking off on an adventure of a lifetime while riding a Land Rover from Manebhanjyang to Sandakphu in West Bengal. You can also feast your eyes on the bounties that Nature has on offer during spring as our photographers capture the spread at the famed Mughal Garden which is thrown open to visitors during this season. With work having shifted from physical confines of an office space, it is time now to create a set up at home that functions like one. We have some suggestions for furniture pieces that can ease the process. Of course, keeping the festivities in mind, top chefs detail their tried and tested recipes to lay out a spread that will be quite the talk of the town for the remainder of the year. Wrapping up, while playing with colours, there’s an essential need to keep safe, which is especially crucial this year ... and we have inputs from experts who tell you just how to do that.

So, find new ways to be. Celebrate and enjoy the present by being present in it ... for the past year has revealed that the only time that you have is the moment that you are living in. The next one could transform your life and your outlook completely. There is much to be done and it cannot be achieved if you are constantly hankering after a past that is not making its way back to your future or, for that matter, your present.

Let us live in hope. Daeume Bwa.

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FESTIVE CARE

HOLI IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

How do you play with colours while maintaining a distance of six feet? And also, ensure that your hair and skin do not bear the brunt of the chemicals. Here are some tips

all the festivals, Holi is certainly one which promises close contact and proximity with others. But in days when a pandemic is witnessing a resurgence, maintaining six feet distance becomes essential.

OF

There are some safety measures that one needs to take to control the spread of COVID-19: o Avoid large public gatherings. o Ideally, play Holi only with your immediate family or people you stay with. o Play with dry colours and not water. o Practice frequent washing of hands. o Even within the family, anyone who is suffering from even a mild cough, cold or fever should avoid being a part of the celebration. o Don’t wear wet clothes for longer than two hours. Falling sick lowers immunity, leaving you susceptible to the virus.

o Stay hydrated and eat immunitybuilding foods to keep your energy levels high.

And when you do decide to play, there are some precautions for hair to be taken pre-and post-the celebration:

o Apply coconut or a mixture of castor and jojoba oil on your scalp and hair before you head out. o After the celebration, wash your hair with normal water to remove the colours using your regular shampoo.

Avoid shampooing more than once on the same day. o If you see an excess of hair loss, use a paste of fenugreek seeds soaked overnight and ground finely.

Skin too needs protection against the harmful effects of chemical colours: o Apply coconut oil on your entire

body since dry skin allows chemicals to penetrate. Make sure to oil between fingertips, near fingernails and behind the ear. o Top it up with sunscreen and make sure it is gel-based, waterproof and has a minimum of SPF 25. Remember to re-apply the sunscreen if you are in the sun for a long time. o Apply a thick coat of dark nail paint and remove it after playing Holi to avoid bizarrely coloured nails long after the festival is over. o Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes as these are extremely sensitive and the chemical content in the colours can lead to irritation and allergy. o If the colour does enter the eye, wash with cold water. If irritation persists, consult an eye specialist. o If you get cuts or nicks while playing Holi, immediately wash the area and clean with an antibacterial lotion to avoid absorption of chemicals. Ideally, get a tetanus injection in case you haven't taken one in the last four-five months. o Last, but not least, use herbal colours. Either buy these from a reputed brand or make colours at home from flowers such as tesu or genda, or even beetroot juice.

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I N S I D E

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MARCH 2021 VOLUME 15 NO 5

Around town Spring echoes [p36] Festive treats The taste of Holi [p42] COVER: SALWA PALACE, DIRIYAH,

Little black book [p7] Blossom Kochhar: A quick peek into her style file Celeb talk [p12] Make way for the king: Manoj Bajpayee Novel paths Mandu festival: Lost in love [p18] Ride the mountain beast [p32] Travel bug [p26] Weekend wonders TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 64 INCLUDING COVER

SAUDI ARABIA PHOTO CREDIT: VISIT SAUDI

CONTRIBUTORS Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p52] GURUSPEAK: Happiness is out nature Kushan Mitra [p54] HOT WHEELS: Top of the class Bharat Thakur [p58] FITNESS: The centre of being Sanjay Jumaani [p61] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate Follow us on:

@TheDailyPioneer

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facebook.com/dailypioneer

instagram.com/dailypioneer

OUR PARTNER HOTELS Send us your feedback at letters2exotica@gmail.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/Exotica-394686670715776

FAVOURITE HAUNTS OF STYLISH PEOPLE

Rose Goldea from Bvlgari has a very floral fragrance with a musky undernote that makes you feel fresh and active.

I love pearls. Those tiny shiny beads give me immense peace and happiness.

One of my favourite books is Unleash the Power Within by Tony Robbins. Just like its name the book is all about unleashing the power inside you that can help you to break through and fight what is going on outside in life.

Authentic Chinese food. I love to experiment with my palette and this cuisine has many flavours to explore.

Celebrity Aromatherapist, Dr BLOSSOM KOCHHAR, is the founder of Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic and chairperson, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies My favourite locations are Goa and Victoria (British Columbia). Who doesn’t love Goa? The beaches, architecture and the Goan cuisine are something I wouldn’t miss when I am there. Victoria, of course, is known as the City of Garden.

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Wendell Rodricks, the ‘Guru of Minimalism.’ His garments are eco-friendly and his designs are timeless creations.

TRAVEL NEWS

A PERFECT FAMILY VACATION

TRAVELLING

to off-beat destinations and experiencing the great outdoors is one of the key post-pandemic travel trends. Mammoth Lakes in California has loads of activities that allow travellers to practise social distancing while enjoying the company of their loved ones. Here’s a list of outdoor activities that will make your post-pandemic family vacation unforgettable.

HIKING: It is a great way to get out and experience the amazing landscape. There are countless hiking opportunities available in the area for all abilities. With an elevation gain of only 300 feet, the hike to McLeod Lake is one of the easiest and most rewarding.

Convict Lake is another trail that offers a great reward for little effort at 4.34 km round trip with almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

EQUESTRIAN HORSEBACK RIDING: Fulfill your dream of horseback riding in the Eastern Sierra here. You can enjoy scenic views with very young children at the Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit which offers a riding option for young children.

BIKING TRAILS: From gentle dirt trails to scenic paved routes, there are innumerable biking trails.

The Town Loop Trail is a paved path with a few rolling hills and stunning scenery — Mammoth Mountain, Sherwins and White Mountains — across the Caldera. Start at Mammoth Creek Park and follow the 8.05 km paved trail to Shady Rest,

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where you’ll find water, plenty of shade and a playground. There are also picnic tables for a family to get together.

ROCK CLIMBING: Mammoth Lakes offers a vast array of opportunities for climbing in the Eastern Sierra. From easy accessibility via bouldering to

challenging multi-pitch routes, the scenery and variety will leave everyone happy. Start on the slabs behind Horseshoe Lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. For bouldering, another favorite is The Catacombs behind Crowley Lake overlooking the Owen’s Gorge.

JOURNEYS IN ARABIA A recent webinar to explore and discover Saudi Arabia’s new tourism offering brought together travel trade partners. On offer are unique and diverse experiences, a land of natural assets, rich culture, heritage and adventure.

The virtual engagement series, taking place across six markets around the world, is a first-of-its-kind initiative for the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to inform partners about the diverse products and experiences that Saudi Arabia offers.

The welcome address was delivered by Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority, followed by the keynote conversation ‘Journeys Make People’ between Abdullah Al Dakhil, International Communication Manager, Saudi Tourism Authority and journalist Vir Sanghvi. An expert panel discussion followed. The session provided insights into the current state of travel, and the opportunities and challenges in addressing the growing demand and interest in the country as a new destination.

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RESPLENDENT CEYLON IN

association with Jetpooling, Resplendent Ceylon has launched bespoke, private jet experiential journeys. Guests can experience its luxury hospitality and service across all three resorts: Ceylon Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge.

Starting with Ceylon Tea Trails, exclusive private jet travel packages with Jetpooling offer Indian guests direct access to immersive stays at the resorts that form a remarkable ‘tea, sea and safari’ circuit in Sri Lanka.

Perched at an altitude of 1,250 meters, this award-winning boutique resort consists of restored colonial-era tea planters’ bungalows. This one-of-a-kind experience includes a seven-night fully inclusive stay (all meals, non-alcoholic/alcoholic beverages selection, laundry)

and accommodation at one of the three bungalows — Summerville Bungalow, Dunkeld Bungalow and Castlereagh Bungalow — each offering utmost privacy and safety. During the stay, guests can choose from a range of signature activities such as dining experiences that include tea-infused dinner or tea planter’s picnic lunch, walking trails and a private tea tasting experience. Guests can choose to fly from Delhi or Mumbai to Colombo in a Dassault Falcon 2000 (12-seater) or an Embraer Legacy 650 (13-seater).

Once in Colombo, their transfers to Ceylon Tea Trails will be via a helicopter ride. This package starts at `20 lakh++ for a couple. The Sri Lankan Tourism guidelines and safety protocols, approved by the government are designed to ensure maximum safety, are being implemented by the resorts.

THE DURGAPUR CONNECT

INDIGO

has signed an agreement with Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Limited to commence operations from Durgapur as its 66th domestic destination. It will connect Delhi and Bengaluru with the city from April 22 and bookings have opened from February 13.

As part of the agreement, BAPL will also provide local marketing support to IndiGo through their expertise in the city. After securing all regulatory approvals and specific flight schedules for Durgapur, IndiGo will soon take the overall number of domestic destinations in the 6E network to 68 by opening Bareilly and Rajkot in the coming months. This is a part of its plan to expand regional connectivity in the country.

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out a hole in a frozen lake and taking a skinny dip in ice-cold water is a norm and not a trend in Sweden.

It has however become more popular now due to the pandemic.

A group of 80 women from the Ladies Circle took to winter bathing in 2021 to highlight the fight against mental illness. The event was shared digitally on a Facebook group and the women raised 8,000 SEK (approx `69,776) for the national charity Fonden För Psykisk Hälsa. (The Mental Health Fund).

The shockingly cold water swim is a Nordic favourite due to its health benefits which are scientifically proven to raise one’s feel-good hormones, lower stress and improve sleep. Scientists at Oulu University in Finland have conducted several studies on winter swimming over the years.

A study published in 2004 found that cold bathing improved memory, decreased tension and increased energy thanks to temporarily altering blood circulation. Cold bathing is suitable for everyone, provided that they don’t suffer from heart or circulation problems.Swedes love spending time amidst nature taking advantage of the coastline and the many lakes and rivers that are found throughout the country.

Here, swimming isn’t merely a summertime activity, a cold bath (kallbad) is also a favourite outdoor pastime in autumn and winter. A hot sauna completes the therapeutic experience.The cold bath houses — most of which are open year-round — are havens of relaxation. Not only do they allow swimmers to prepare for their invigorating open-air dip, they typically house one or more saunas.

You’ll find a diverse range of

cold bathhouses across the country — new and historic. The first few surfaced during the latter quarter of the 19th century, inspired by the facilities found in health resorts on the continent.

Before the fully-fledged cold bath houses materialised, stairequipped outdoor swimming pools started cropping up as early as the 1850s.

DIGGING

GO WINTER BATHING IN SWEDEN

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Cold bathhouses are typically located along the coastlines with direct access to the sea, though some are located at the edges of inland lakes. The more popular ones are: Kallbadhuset Varberg: Built on stilts in 1903, Kallbadhuset Varberg is a Swedish icon. Set within an oriental-style building, complete with decorative domes, this west coast gem’s history can be traced back to the 1820s when a floating pool was built to allow for cold dips in the ocean.

Ribersborgs Kallbadhus: Inaugurated in 1898, with a history stretching back to 1867, Ribersborgs Kallbadhus in Malmö is one of the oldest and best-preserved cold bathhouses still in operation.

Karlshamns Kallbadhus: A recent and very modernist addition to the Swedish cold bathhouse scene, it opened in 2015. Design-wise, it’s as Scandinavian as it gets — think angular, perfectly balanced lines.

The “flying saucer” on stilts boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows to optimise the spectacular archipelago views of this idyllic spot, nestled on the southeast coast of Sweden.

Saltsjöbadens Friluftsbad: Established at the beginning of the 20th century Saltsjöbadens Friluftsbad, in the Stockholm archipelago, is one of the rare wooden open-air bathhouses still in operation.

PHOTOS COURTESY: ANANYA ABROL & JEETU SAVLANI

C E L E B TA L K

Make way for the

king From the time he proclaimed himself as ruler of Mumbai, MANOJ BAJPAYEE has been conquering one genre at a time, says SAIMI SATTAR

MUMBAI

ka king kaun? Bhiku Mhatre.”

The iconic dialogue from Satya (1998), while obliterating the eponymously-labelled hero into oblivion, had the effect of blazing a new name into the collective conscience of avid cine watchers. Manoj Bajpayee — an actor from a small village of Belwa in Bihar — playing a gangster from Maharashtra, with his whiplash reactions and crackling chemistry with Shefali Shah (then Chhaya), depicted the underbelly of the Millennium City in this Ram Gopal Verma-directed film with great alacrity.

Even today — after having played iconic and memorable characters like Sardar Khan (Gangs of Wasseypur), Ramchandra Siras (Aligarh), Srikant Tiwari (Family Man) and more — Bajpayee recognises the seminal role that Bhiku played in putting his career on the fast track. “If Bhiku Mhatre hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have had this kind of a journey.

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It would have been different. He has given me so much strength and power. I owe everything to Bhiku Mhatre,” says the 51-year-old actor over a WhatsApp message as technology is increasingly being harnessed in these changed times when face-to-face interaction is difficult.

The other change which has worked to the advantage of actors like Bajpayee is the rise of talent over star power, especially, across all the OTT platforms. The actor, who made his debut with a one-minute role in Govind Nihalani's Drohkaal (1994), says, “OTT does not work like box office so there is nothing like the first day, second day or weekend collection. When people have the power of remote, they want to watch good content and appreciate talent. That is why OTT is doing well for everyone in different departments.”

On the other hand, OTT platforms have come in for a fair share of criticism — for explicit content and intensely heightened violence — which have often led to demands of them being subjected to censorship. Bajpayee, whose characters like Sardar Khan have used cuss words with abandon, says, “The government has said that OTT will be self-regulated and rightly so. Let the OTT or filmmakers decide the age-suitability for their content. It is evident in each household that parental control is the best. Parents are careful and sensitive about what their children should watch. I can tell you that it works beautifully in our house.”

But that doesn’t take away from the fact that often the filmmakers (and OTT platforms) have used sex and violence as titillation to grab eyeballs. “Many of them have been using it brazenly and have gone overboard but others have produced remarkable content. In the beginning, they too took flight because they felt free and wanted to test how far they could go. And then, after a point, the filmmakers developed content without going overboard. And that’s the way it should be. Instead of others telling you what to do, if you give that freedom to a filmmaker, s/he behaves responsibly,” says Bajpayee.

An addition to the censorship debate is the rise of groups that claim to take affront to a scene, a reference or an entire film/series and want it banned

EARLYLIFE o Born in Belwa, a small village in West Champaran, Bihar o Relocated to Delhi at 17 and went to Satyawati and later to Ramjas College, Delhi University. o He is the second child among his five other siblings. o His father was a farmer and his mother, a housewife.

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or boycotted. Bajpayee says, “I really don’t know how a film or a creative endeavour can offend people so much. I don’t think they should give so much importance to it that their beliefs are completely shaken up. But, at the same time, I would say that this is not a new trend. If you go 10 0r 20 years back, some films or plays have irked people who got it banned or boycotted it but I, personally, am not in favour of boycotts or bans. Different opinions should exist as it’s very healthy for the growth of the society and the industry.” He has a simple solution for those getting offended — “make use of the remote and switch the series off or not buy the tickets ‘OTT DOES NOT WORK LIKE to the film”.

BOX OFFICE SO THERE IS However, as of now, people are not NOTHING LIKE THE FIRST making a beeline to theatres as their DAY, SECOND DAY OR favourite outings and sticking to home WEEKEND COLLECTION. entertainment. On being asked to play WHEN PEOPLE HAVE THE soothsayer, and predict whether the trend POWER OF REMOTE, THEY WANT TO WATCH GOOD would continue, Bajpayee says, “Nobody CONTENT AND APPRECIATE knows what will happen in the future. Do TALENT. THAT IS WHY OTT we know if the world will come back to the IS DOING WELL FOR same normal? We are just guessing.

EVERYONE IN DIFFERENT Nobody had experienced this situation DEPARTMENTS’ earlier. I would want theatres to thrive and do well apart from OTT gaining in strength so that there are more media for talents to explore and work in. That would be a great situation. Right?”

Small town and hinterland India has made its presence felt in the stories being told on the OTT platform. This gradual shift has been witnessed in the films as well. Bajpayee, who comes from a blip on the map village, says, “It started happening 20 or maybe 22-23 years back or, maybe, more than that. New directors, from villages and small towns, came to Mumbai and the industry. They chose to tell stories about where they hailed from, the milieu they belonged to. People could relate to these stories as most of the population has a similar set up.”

Having started in the industry 23-years back, when realistic cinema was more of a parallel movement than mainstream, Bajpayee has been witness to its evolution. “Films have evolved a great deal and become more realistic though they are still following the trajectory set by Satya or Bandit Queen. While earlier, the actors were trying to be there with their performances, now they are concentrating on the craft rather than getting into the feeling of it. We have become too organised thus leaving little scope to be organic. Even on the sets, people are so disciplined that we are losing warmth. If people try to be as real as possible — in front of the camera, in storytelling and scripts — it will be amazing for the audience,” says the actor who got the National Film

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MILESTONES o In 1994 he made his feature film debut with a oneminute role in Drohkaal and followed it up with a minor role in Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen.

o He received a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for the crime drama, Satya (1998).

o He won the Special Jury National Award for Pinjar (2003). o He won his third Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor and the Best Actor Award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards in 2016 for Hansal Mehta’s biographical drama Aligarh (2015).

that Aban Bharucha Deohans, who he has always Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Filmfare been in awe of, is a friend and was helming the Critics Award for Best Actor for Satya. project further influenced his decision.

Bajpayee points out that while taking up any However, Bajpayee, who recently got the Best project, it’s not an award that he is hankering after.

Actor at the Critics’ Choice Film Awards for Bhonsle, Or for that matter, even popular recognition. “When says he has no formula to choose his roles. you are playing a part, you are doing so in the “Sometimes you think about it for a few days even if manner that it has to be done. You are trying to be you like it. At other times, in just one reading, you truthful and give all to that moment, scene and know that you want to be a part of it. The director, character rather than thinking of recognition or an the script, the whole project and sometimes the award. You are nervous and putting in 200 per cent production house ... there could be so many things so that you are really good,” he says and adds, “If that ultimately help make the decision. And at times you are doing good work, you will get both — the director is new, there is no producer but the recognition and awards. You shouldn’t have to script is fantastic so you still think that the film choose between the two. We are supposed to do our should be made and — you just go ahead and do it. characters truthfully and with integrity.”

The rules keep varying,” says the actor who has done The actor who played a wedding detective in the a slew of intriguing and benchmarked roles. film, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari (2020), and an However, once he is a part of the project, does intelligence officer in the series, The Family Man the approach change depending upon the medium (2019), is cast as ACP Avinash Verma in his next that he is working in? “A series on an OTT platform outing. “My role, in Silence: Can You Hear It, is that of or a film involves a camera so there an estranged husband who is ‘IF YOU ARE DOING GOOD is no difference in approach. What separated from his family. He is WORK, YOU WILL GET matters is that the camera captures always finding ways to impress his BOTH RECOGNITION AND the moments unfolding in front of daughter,” says Bajpayee who took AWARDS. YOU SHOULDN’T it. I don’t differentiate and the up the film as it is a murder HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE TWO. WE ARE acting remains the same mystery, a genre, that he has never SUPPOSED TO DO OUR irrespective of whether you shoot been a part of in his career. The fact CHARACTERS TRUTHFULLY AND WITH INTEGRITY’

even think that it was going to be a funny scene or said that, ‘if we do it this way, people will laugh’. We just agreed that we would approach our story, script or character in the manner that it should be approached and do justice to it. If people laugh, then well and good. If they don’t, that too is fine as we are being truthful to the character ... so there is no question of balancing comedy and realism,” insists Bajpayee.

He turned narrator with a 55-minute documentary on Discovery Plus titled Secrets of Sinauli by Neeraj Pandey. Bajpayee sounds excited at the mention and says, “It is an excavation that has been going on for some time and the findings are mind-boggling. This is a story that we should all know and be proud of as Indians.”

Like many other actors, Bajpayee too wants to extend his frontiers and direct films at some point.

“Maybe, I’ll do it one day. I am waiting for a script that will push and encourage me to go on the set as a director. Till then I am going to be part of this industry as an actor, which I am enjoying. The offers are DIDYOUKNOW o He is named after Manoj Kumar, abundant and there is a pile of the actor. scripts to choose from. Why o He applied at the National should I sacrifice this to become School of Drama, only to be a director?” he asks. with a 5 D, a digital film or rejected four times.

And the amount of work phone camera,” says Bajpayee o He attended director and acting becomes evident from the who was appreciated for his coach Barry John’s workshop. o Impressed by Bajpayee’s projects that he has on his plate. portrayal of Maharaja acting, John hired him to assist “A film (Dial 100) by Sony Vijayendra Singh in Zubeidaa. in teaching. pictures directed by Rensil It is the script, genre and o After that he applied at the D’Silva. A one-hour film for director that change his method.

National School of Drama for Netflix by Abhishek Chaubey.

“Some directors do not want me the fourth time and they offered Then, Silence by Zee Studio to approach the role in the way him a teaching position at the school instead. which will be aired on Zee5. I that I might have done a am working in Despatch by Kanu character in the past. The Behl of Titli fame, produced by Ronnie Screwvala. attitude is decided according to the project and the He is such a fantastic, young and great director. kind of role. But I try to improve my process and Then, I am working with Ram Reddy who directed craft by keeping my mind’s eye open to learn new Thithi. There are a few projects that I can’t disclose things and novel ways of doing things,” he says. at this point but it is all chock-a-block till April next So, was he attempting that by balancing comedy year and I don’t have any breathing space... So just with realism in The Family Man? “Very honestly, I did pray for me.” But then nobody has been able to stop not try to do comedy. I was following the the king of Mumbai, has s/he? characterisation that had been scripted. We didn’t

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N O V E L PAT H S

LOST IN

Mandu resonates with the story of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur from outside but the town has more charms than one can count, discovers SAIMI SATTAR

(From top to bottom): Rani Roopmati pavilion; Mandu Fort Complex and Jahaz Mahal

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IT

was in the order of things that I, a diehard romantic, found myself in Mandu, a city best-known for the love story of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur on Valentine’s Day. But as I’ve often found, real life does not always have a happily ever after and the duo too did not find one. Faced by the onslaught of the Mughal forces from Delhi, commanded by Akbar’s general Adham Khan and imminent defeat, Baz fled. Roopmati, faced with the prospect of being taken captive by the enemy, poisoned herself. However, that is delving into history, though the area is practically teeming with monuments, and (also) jumping the gun.

So, let’s begin at the beginning that we have been lyrically told — by none other than Captain Georg von Trapp and family — is a very good place to begin. As I boarded (yet again) a red-eye flight from the capital, for the nth time I swore to myself that, when I travel next, I will refrain from keeping unearthly hours. Yes, I admit, it happened yet again as I headed to Indore, the most populous and the largest city of Madhya Pradesh. This time the excuse was that Mandu, our base for three days, was two hours away.

The reason why I found myself in Mandu was a festival that was now in its second edition. Thanks to an ad campaign that can be counted alongside Incredible India and God’s Own Country, Madhya Pradesh continues to be alternatively both Hindustan Ka Dil as well as Ajab-Gajab. Though the State is a major draw for wildlife and history enthusiasts, in a pandemic-hit world, it is now all set to market itself as a wellness destination. So one could go for a morning raga and yoga session or hit the horse trails followed by fishing.

Others could embark on heritage, Instagram or cycling tours, take in the paintings and art installations besides eating the local fare or witnessing cultural programmes during the three days of the festival.

COUNTRY ROADS

AND

the State has certainly laid out a smooth passage as far as the roads go. Our cars practically sped across the NH 52, which connects the two cities without so much as even a small pothole-shaped hiccup. Our journey on the black tarred roads which cut across large swathes of green fields was interrupted only by the cheerful commentary of our driver, Golu.

He was quick to point out temples where bowing down our heads in obeisance even while sitting within the confines of our vehicle was a “must”.

One must remember, especially in the Hindi heartland, that India runs on the wheels of faith and religion. Though my companions and I were mildly amused, we should have paid better heed to the local. Golu decided to veer off the main road and take us through what he promised was a “shortcut”. En route, he pointed out the houses of his relatives even as we were being tossed around with the rapidity and ferocity of a football towards the end of an edge-of-the-seat match. Thanks, to the ‘shortcut’ we arrived at the hotel much after the rest of the party, even the ones, whose flights landed later than ours.

The inconvenience notwithstanding, this was to be the source of much amusement and banter.

EXOTICA [20] MARCH 2021

GETTING THERE

BY AIR: Indore, the nearest airport, is 99 km away.

BY TRAIN: Ratlam, at 124 km, is the nearest railhead.

STAY AT: Hotels are few, so book in advance. Malwa Resort is among the better places to stay.

(Clockwise from top): A tree-lined path surrounded by fields led to a clearing; where moorhas and chairs were arranged and women cooked jowar rotis on a chulha

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STOMACH MATTERS

BUT

An exhaustive list of activities, to cater to diverse interests, were available during the festival.

(Clockwise from top left): One could go on a horse trail; followed by fishing; witness the artists at work at the Art and Craft District; engage in headbanging with the rock bands; sway to the rhythms of traditional dance and go on a cycling tour of the city

we soon turned our attention to more important issues — that of fuel to keep us going. All of us were famished and were looking forward to a hearty lunch. On hearing that the location for the same would be a village, specially set up for the purpose, we looked forward to it with anticipation. Through the short drive we encountered an abundance of monuments — some in a slightly dilapidated state with weeds growing on top of their curved domes, others without any signages or protection while others were an essential part of the tourist circuit and a part of the lived history. One could practically throw a stone in any distance and it was bound to crash against the parapet or dome of one. We later came to know that the 29 sq km of territory enclosed within it more than 3,000 notified monuments! The structures reminded me architecturally of the ones that are to be found in and around Hauz Khas and uncannily, which I later discovered, many of them were built by Mahmud Khalji while Hauz Khas was the work of Alaudin Khilji. Semantics apart, there was no connection between the two.

The lunch was a part of the State Tourism Department and E-Factor’s (which organise the festival) attempt at creating new products like eco and rural tourism while promoting Madhya Pradesh as a wellness destination.

Not a moment too soon, we reached a clearing, next to (you guessed it) a monument, where the cars were parked. Walking through a narrow path lush fields I could feel wave upon wave of relaxation drain away the city fatigue, impatience and the constant need to remain busy. The sight of moorhas and low chairs spread out over a landing heightened the feeling. A little distance away, three women were merrily rolling out dough for rotis and cooking them on a mud chulha. Further, the sun glitter on the Sagar Lake exercised an instant pull. Incidentally, Mandu, with a population of 15,000 inhabitants, boasts of 23 notified water bodies. Bordering the lake was a floor seating arrangement with bolsters and cushions on one side and a small hut on the other with two charpois in the inner recess and a bar area in the front. Motichur village is an authentic rural getaway.

We soon settled down to sumptuous lunch which had a mix of Continental fare and traditional rustic delicacies. Needless to say, I heaped my plate with the fresh Jowar rotis doused in ample quantities of ghee and paired it with Matar subzi, Alu palak and Dal cooked in earthen pots the traditional way. There was also Kadaknath chicken, a local delicacy that had people going in for seconds. We rounded it off with Gulab kheer with a whiff of desi rose fragrance and barely-there sweetness — the way I like it. The setting, gentle tree breeze and the complete absence of any sound that could be described as traffic almost lulled us into slumber. I can also blame the latter on catching barely three hours of shut-eye the previous night. So, we decided to catch up on our sleep before heading out in the evening.

Refreshed, we made our way to Dai Ka Mahal which was chock-a-block with people. On the temporary stage in front of the monument, officials

EXOTICA [23] MARCH 2021

The perfect symmetry of the arches inside Jami Masjid; the walls of Hindola Mahal are inclined at 77º and the Hoshang Shah tomb was the inspiration for Taj Mahal

spoke about sundry issues which we strategically observed from far before quickly making a beeline for the food complex. We feasted (again) on local delicacies like garadu ki chaat (yam chaat) and baked samosa sprinkled with namkin which were rubbing shoulders with the likes of popcorn, chowmein and dosa — the perennial favourites in every part of the country — never mind their origins.

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

FORTIFIED

by some food, we made our way to the performance area where the officials had given way to some delightful dances by young girls from Nupur Kala Kendra. A rock concert by Kabir Cafe, a group that exclusively sings 15th-century verses by the poet-saint as it believes that these are relevant to counter divisive thoughts, followed. The way the audience practically erupted and exploded in reaction to the songs made me almost assume two things. One, that there was nothing called Corona as people in close proximity to each other danced with gay abandon sans masks. Second, more important, that there were no divisions and all was well with the world. But then, Mandu’s selling point is the supposed existence of utopian love irrespective of what the reality on the ground turns out to be.

Mandu ki imli or the fruit of the baobab tree, which is native to Africa, is found in abundance

TIME TRAVEL

THE

next day, early morning, I had planned to go on a horse trail followed by fishing but a splitting headache put an immediate brake on the programme. I decided on taking the road of most sane travellers and opted for a heritage walk a little later. We assembled at the Jami Masjid, the area around which is the focal point of this one-road town. But before we entered the precincts, our attention was drawn towards, what is locally called, Mandu ki imli or the fruit of the baobab trees which is found hulking along the pathways in abundance.

Oval shaped and with an exterior that resembled wood apple, we cracked one open and the fruit inside was white and tasted powdery sour. Having satisfied our curiosity, we queued up for the history lesson that was to follow. But it was the perfect symmetry of the arches as light filtered in, through the lattice-work, to make a song and dance with shadows that held me in thrall.

A connected pathway led us to the Tomb of Hoshang Shah, the oldest marble edifice. The tomb of the first formally appointed Sultan of the Malwa Sultanate of Central India served as the blueprint for Taj Mahal as is evident from the engravings by Shah Jahan’s architects, pointed out our guide.

But there was more to be seen. Next on the itinerary was Jahaz Mahal, built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Khilji, in the shape of a ship and hence the name. It is believed that he housed his 15,000 women consorts here. While we debated —

EXOTICA [24] MARCH 2021

on women empowerment, its lack thereof in times past and, also, of these observations being period-specific — we made our way to the Hindola Mahal, which is a part of the same Mandu Fort complex. Interestingly, the monument does not have a foundation and thus is built at a 77º angle. The tilting walls make it appear that the monument is swaying which accounts for its name ‘hindola’ (swing). Though the popular lore, which is more fascinating, says it comes from the swings that were hung from tree logs placed across the roofless structure which were mounted during monsoons. That’s a dreamy image, indeed ...

Not visiting the Roopmati pavilion — named after the woman, who years after her death continues to be the ‘star attraction’ for Mandu making it to the tourist map — would have been sacrilege. A steep incline rewarded us with views that encompassed areas way beyond the city. The pavilions were constructed within 48 hours on Baz Bahadur’s orders so that his beloved could see Narmada River, which she venerated, in the Rewa Kund.

Some love story, this ...

PLUCKING HEARTSTRINGS

SO,

it was appropriate that in the evening, when we reached Dai ka Mahal, Mukt — the band from Ahmedabad — was playing Ma Rewa, a prayer to the river made famous by Indian Ocean. The immensely talented young quintet band also put to tune lyrics by poets, including Kabir and Kaifi Azmi, that echoed contemporary issues of communalism and division. An encounter later with them way past midnight, where we discussed poetry and music as they packed their equipment, will probably make it to my autobiography... if I ever write one.

However, it was at the Sunset Point, where we headed at dusk, that I found my happy place. As Jasleen Royale and Prateek Kuhad cooed, “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (where are we lost?),” I reflected on how appropriate the song was for the time and place...

Find your happy place at the Sunset Point and let it drain away every speck of exhaustion that the city dweller within you carries

TRAVEL BUG With foreign destinations out of bounds, domestic travel is firmly established on the tourism map for some time to come. This year’s long weekends are ideal to capitalise on the desire to take shorter, more closer-to-home road trips. If you wish to combine drivable distance with lesser-known destinations, here is a list that would help you get away from busy city-life, switch off and recharge closer to home

WEEKEND WONDERS MARCH 11-14 [THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY]*

HEAD TO:

BIR BILLING

THE

small town of Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh is a haven for all adventure seekers. Known as the ‘Paragliding capital of India, it offers sports like paragliding, hand gliding, mountain biking and trekking. The town also hosts the World Paragliding Championship every year.

It is also recognised as a place for meditation as the town is an important centre for spiritual studies. Shop at the Bir Bazaar, walk along the river, travel by the toy train, visiting Bangoru waterfall and the Deer Park Institute or just explore the cafes — depending upon what you are in a mood for. *Plan your break in advance as March 12 is a working day.

MARCH 27-29 [SATURDAY, SUNDAY & MONDAY]

HEAD TO:

BINSAR

LOCATED

in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, it is a quaint hilly town surrounded by the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts as this sanctuary is home to many rare animals, birds and wildflowers. It is also known for breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks such as Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Panchachuli, and Kedarnath. The main attraction of the place is the panoramic view of Himalayan peaks from the Binsar Zero point. You can also trek to several mountain trails to watch the perfect sunset.

DISTANCE: 514 km from Delhi ACTIVITIES: Paragliding, sightseeing, meditation STAY AT: Rooms that offer a garden or a mountain view make AMY Yoga House ideal for a comfortable and peaceful stay.

DISTANCE: 403 km from Delhi ACTIVITIES: Hiking, camping, nature walks, bird watching STAY AT: Binsar Forest Retreat overlooks the hills.

APRIL 2-4 [FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY]

HEAD TO:

MASHOBRA

MAY 13-16 [THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY]*

HEAD TO:

KASAULI

IF

you are looking for a quick getaway, Kasauli is the place. Known for its beauty and tranquility, it is located at an altitude of 6,100 feet above sea level.

Surrounded by mountains, this town will take you straight into a medieval Victorian romance novel with its Gothic architecture. You can start your day by visiting Hanuman Temple, the Gilbert Trail on Kachcha Road and end your day by spending some me-time at the Central Research Library or catch the spectacular sunset by the mountains at the Sunset Point. Home to many endangered animal and bird species Kasauli is the perfect place to visit for wildlife lovers and bird watchers. *Plan your break in advance as May 14 is a working day.

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in the lap of Himalayas, at an altitude of 2,246 m, Mashobra is a quaint little hill retreat located in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a great destination for travellers looking at a relaxing and peaceful weekend surrounded by gurgling streams, captivating fruit orchards and lush oak trees. This place is perfect for nature lovers, with spots like Craignano Nature Park and Reserve Forest Sanctuary, which is Asia’s largest watershed. The Sanctuary is also good for trekking and camping. So whether you are looking for a secluded holiday, a romantic retreat or an adventure-packed vacation, Mashobra will not disappoint.

NESTLED

JULY 17-20 [SATURDAY, SUNDAY, MONDAY & TUESDAY]*

HEAD TO:

SATTAL

DISTANCE: 353 km from Delhi ACTIVITIES: Trekking, nature trail and birdwatching STAY AT: Located far away from the city, the spacious Echor Villa Mashobra overlooks pine trees and open mountain skies which makes it perfect for travellers looking to connect with nature.

SET

on the outskirts of Nainital, Sattal is a cluster of seven lakes surrounded by oaks and pinewoods.

This pristine place is also known for its rich flora and fauna where you can spend hours birdwatching. If you are looking for a calm and peaceful getaway from the chaos of the city, plan a short holiday to this picturesque freshwater lake destination. Sattal is also a must-visit for adventure lovers as there are several trails for trekking and hiking. *Plan your break in advance as July 19 is a working day.

DISTANCE: 288 km from Delhi ACTIVITIES: Shopping at the Mall Road, camping, nature walks and trekking WHERE TO STAY: Overlooking the green mountains, Jasmine’s Cottage is the ideal accommodation for travellers looking to experience relaxury.

DISTANCE: 292 km from Delhi ACTIVITIES: Boating, sightseeing WHERE TO STAY: With picturesque location and lush greenery Ceedar Cottages is a home away from home.

EXOTICA [29] MARCH 2021

AWAY

from the hustle-bustle of Nainital is Pangot, a small hill town.

Surrounded by the forest of Cheena Peak Range, this town hosts around 580 species of birds. Enjoy a long walk along the picturesque Guano Hills and spot some rare bird species. This place is also a must-visit for adrenaline junkies as you can go mountain biking and hiking.

AUGUST 28-30 [SATURDAY, SUNDAY & MONDAY]

DISTANCE: 331 km from Delhi ACTIVITIES: Birdwatching, nature walk, mountain biking and hiking WHERE TO STAY: Set at a quiet location, Rooftop Cottages & Restaurant, is a luxury wooden property surrounded by mountains

HEAD TO:

PANGOT

OCTOBER 15-17 [FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY]

HEAD TO:

FAGU

A

secluded snowy retreat near Shimla, Fagu serves as a basecamp for trekkers, nature lovers and botanists who wish to explore the gorgeous countryside. From trekking and hiking to nature walks and birdwatching, there is something for every traveller. This Instagram-worthy place is surrounded by flower fields, apple orchards and tiny little hamlets. One of the major tourist spots, the Banthia Devta Temple, offers a glimpse of the town’s rich art and culture.

DECEMBER 24-26 [FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY]

HEAD TO:

DARANG

DISTANCE: 360 km from Delhi ACTIVITIES: Trekking, hiking, nature walks, birdwatching and photography WHERE TO STAY: Wake up to the rising sun with the mountains in the backdrop at Aastha homestay

SEPTEMBER 10-12 [FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY]

HEAD TO:

KANATAL

PERCHED

at an elevation of 8,500 feet above sea level on Mussoorie-Chamba Road, Kanatal is for travellers looking for breathtaking views and scenery. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, this hill station is known to be untouched by tourists as most of the crowd chooses to stay in the commercial town of Mussoorie. In Kanatal, walk through the dense Kodia forest where you can spot many wild animals or experience the natural spring at Tehri.

DISTANCE: 321 km from Delhi ACTIVITIES: Jungle walk and animal spotting WHERE TO STAY: Catch mystical mountain views at The Himalayan Aleph

a 300 km wide panoramic view of Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Gunti and Chaukhamba, the hill station is ideal to detox from city life. Adventure and nature enthusiasts can go birdwatching, rappelling and rock climbing.

OFFERING

DISTANCE: 428 km from Delhi ACTIVITIES: Rock climbing, rappelling and birdwatching WHERE TO STAY: Wake up to the view of a breathtaking sunrise, dusky orange sky, mountains covered with snow and birds chirping at Mohan’s Mud Houses

NOVEMBER 19-21 [FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY]

HEAD TO:

KAUSANI

THERE’S

nothing more enjoyable than a peaceful holiday at a tea estate as you ring in the new year with your family and loved ones. Situated near McLeodganj, Darang is a magnificent estate with a mountain-stream, forests and a tea garden. Unexplored by travellers, it overlooks the grand Himalayan Dhauladhar range. If you are seeking some adventure, there are trekking expeditions that go through the large tea plantations, mountain streams and forests of pine and deodar.

— The list has been compiled by www.booking.com

DISTANCE: 420 km from Delhi ACTIVITIES: Nature walk and trekking WHERE TO STAY: Travellers looking to experience a comfortable homestay can book the Serenity Farmville overlooking the Himalayas and surrounded by lush green trees.

N O V E L PAT H S

The Land Rovers of Manebhanjyang, more than being a mode of transport, are an institution, says AYANDRALI DUTTA

RIDE THE MOUNTAIN BEAST

DARJEELING,

the name, conjures up images of tea gardens and the aromatic beverage that has made the place famous. But for adventure lovers, the charm of this town lies in its proximity to Manebhanjyang, the starting point for experiencing the adrenaline rush and thrill of driving a Land Rover to Sandakphu. Most use the cliche — an adventure of a lifetime –— to describe the journey.

Talking of Land Rovers, Manebhanjyang in West Bengal has a prominent historical association with this beast. These vehicles arrived in the Himalayas in the 1940s and were used by the Britishers to access the tea plantations in this region. That’s how initially the first lot of the Series 1 Land Rovers made their way to the place. Between 1958 and 1994, nearly 300 of them were brought into Manebhanjyang with the sole purpose of carrying people and supplies to areas around Sandakphu. Refurbished by the locals these, multi-terrain vehicles, continue to be used today as commercial local transport.

This road has many important check-posts of the Indian Army along the invisible border that divides India and Nepal.

Don’t be surprised when over a casual conversation, while sipping tea at a village like Jaubari or Tumling, you realise that you are officially in Nepal!

The distance from Manebhanjyang to Sandakphu is a mere 56 km but it takes around seven hours as roads are practically non-existent for almost half the route. The bad road is compensated by the glorious views as it seems that you are practically sailing through the clouds, albeit, amidst some choppy weather. The sturdiness of these Land Rovers made it possible for them to survive such treacherous roads as these were the only vehicles that could take such a sustained beating.

And these machines, running mostly on kerosene oil instead of diesel, are the lifeblood of this route. Some of these still have the old, metal Great Britain country code ovals riveted to them while others have been fitted with newer engines. The Land Rover Association has imposed a restriction where private vehicles are not allowed (unless there is a special permission) to operate on this route. Each driver is so well-trained that he can do a return journey on the same day unless one wants to witness the golden sunrise of the Mount Kanchenjunga. On a clear day one can see four of the five highest mountain peaks in the world from Sandakphu (in between fourth and fifth highest peaks is Mount Everest).

So, take this trip and the adrenaline junkie in you shall be rewarded.

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GETTING THERE Bagdogra is the nearest airport.

Manebhanjyang is 80 km by road from here.

Where to stay: Sherpa Chalet Lodge and Sunrise Hotel are the two options to stay at Sandakphu. A few homes also take in travellers.

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AROUND TOWN

SPRING ECHOES

The pandemic last year had practically brought the world to a standstill with social gatherings, outings and even work having been confined to home. However, what it could not stop was the gradual change of season. As winter melts into spring, flowers raise their head from slumber.

EXOTICA captures the spread of roses, gerberas, chrysanthemums and more in their perfect symmetry and beauty at Mughal Gardens. Bathed in colourful hues the edifice sprouts an unparalleled charm overnight. Feast your eyes ...

PHOTOS COURTESY: PTI

PHOTOS COURTESY: PTI

EXOTICA [38] MARCH 2021

PHOTOS: RANJAN DIMRI

EXOTICA [39] MARCH 2021

PHOTOS: RANJAN DIMRI

F E S T I V E T R E AT S

Every ritual comes with a set of delicacies that are specific to it. Some of our chefs have taken the traditional recipes and given them a twist while others have a few new ones which fit in perfectly with the celebrations of the festival of colours EXOTICA [42] MARCH 2021

KHASTA METHI MATTHI INGREDIENTS: Refined flour 500 gm; Desi ghee 125 gm; Ajwain (caraway seeds) 20 gm; Salt to taste; Kasuri methi 30 gm; Baking powder 1 tbsp and Baking soda 1 tsp METHOD: o In a bowl, add refined flour, salt and kasuri methi and mix well. o Add

ghee followed by lukewarm water and knead the dough. Let it rest for half an hour. o Knead it again and make small portions with the dough. o Roll them with a rolling pin and cut them in the desired shape. o Fry them in hot oil till golden brown. o Enjoy the crisp methi matthi with tea.

GULKAND GUJIYA bowl, mash khoya. Fry the khoya till it turns INGREDIENTS: Desi ghee 100 gm; light brown in colour. o Add sugar and Khoya 100 gm; Coconut powder 100 gm; cardamom powder in the khoya and mix Gulkand (rose petal conserve) 75 gm; well. o Add chopped almonds, coconuts Sugar 500 gm; Saffron 1 gm; Black and raisins and fry it for two minutes. cardamom seeds 10 gm; Green cardamom o Take the dough, and divide it into small seeds 10 gm; Kewra water (pandan leaf extract) 10 ml; Gulab jal (rose water): 10 ml balls and fill them with gulkand. o Fold and seal properly, making sure the filling doesn’t and pistachio 20 gm come out of the gujiya. o Deep fry the METHOD: o Sieve the flour, add ghee and gujiyas over medium high heat till golden mix it well. o Add some water and knead brown in colour. o Garnish with pistachios. the flour. o Let it rest for some time. o In a — Devraj Sharma, senior sous chef, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla

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CALCUTTA STYLE KATHI ROLL

DAHI WADA INGREDIENTS: Urad dal (skinned black gram) soaked overnight 500 gm; Baking soda a pinch; Chilled fresh yoghurt 2 cups; Oil for frying; Red chilli powder ½ tsp; Salt to taste; Black salt a pinch; Chaat masala a pinch; Roasted cumin powder a pinch and Tamarind and mint chutney as desired METHOD: o Prepare the wada batter by grinding the urad dal to a fine paste with a little water. Add the baking soda and beat till it is light and fluffy. o Prepare small wadas using your palms and deep fry till light brown. Drop the wadas into cold water and soak for 10 minutes. o Remove the wadas from the water and squeeze out the excess. o To serve, place the wadas in a bowl. Top with beaten yoghurt, a sprinkle of the spices and the chutneys. Garnish with ginger juliennes and serve.

INSTANT GUJIYA [NO COOK OR BAKE]

INGREDIENTS: Filling: Cubed boneless chicken 150 gm; Yoghurt 1 tbsp; Ginger garlic paste 1 tsp; Mustard oil as required; Finely chopped garlic 1 tsp; Finely chopped onions 1 tbsp; Finely chopped green chillies 1 tsp; Red chilli powder a pinch; Garam masala powder a pinch; Finely chopped coriander 1 tsp and Salt to taste Bread: Flour 1 cup; Water as required and Ghee ½ tsp Roll: Oil/ghee as required; Egg 1; Tomato ketchup and Kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce) METHOD: o Marinate the chicken in yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, a dash of mustard oil and a pinch of salt for about an hour. o In a medium bottomed pan, heat some mustard oil. Saute garlic, onions, green chilli with spices. Add the marinated chicken.

Add some water and cook for about 15 minutes until done. Add coriander and set aside. o Make a dough using flour, water and some ghee. Divide into smaller balls and roll out the bread for the roll. o Heat a tawa. Dry roast the bread. Add a few drops of oil/ghee on either side till the bread is nicely done. o On one side of the bread, add a beaten egg and cook until done. Remove from heat. o To assemble, place the parantha on a plate egg side up. o Add the chicken filling along with garam masala, some smears of ketchup and kasundi. Season with pepper and salt and desired. o Serve hot with coriander chutney.

For gujiya shells: Almond paste/ Marzipan 400 gm; Four different edible colours few drops and Cocoa powder 10 gm For gujiya filling: Khoya 250 gm; Brown sugar 75 gm; Pistachio crushed 50 gm; Cashews crushed 50 gm; Almond crushed 30 gm; Coconut grated 50 gm and Ghee 50 gm For gujiya filling variety: Chocolate chip 25 gm; Mukhwaas/Pass Pass 20 gm; Gems or M&M candy 25 gm and Linseed 20gm METHOD: o Divide the marzipan in four equal parts. o Add one colour to one part. o Mix well and cover with a plate. o Roll out thinly and slice with a cutter. Repeat the process with the other colour and keep aside. o Once filling base is ready, divide in four equal parts and add condiments to make four different varieties of filling. o The four types of gujiya shells are ready as are the four types of filling. o Now stuff the shells with different fillings and shape like a gujiya

EXOTICA [44] MARCH 2021

CAPSULE Sable: Sugar 100 gm; Butter 50 gm; Flour 80 gm; Almond flour 30 gm; Cocoa 30 gm and Egg yolk 1 o Mix all the ingredients together and let the dough rest for 30 minutes in the freezer and roll out as per thickness required. Cut with cutter and bake at 170°C for 16-17 minute.

Passion fruit chocolate mousse: Tumaco Luker 65% white chocolate 200 gm; Fresh cream 150 gm; Whipped cream 300 gm; Passion fruit sauce 150 gm; Gelatine leaf 8 gm o Make a ganache from the fresh cream and chocolate, add soaked gelatine leaf, whipped cream and passion fruit sauce.

THANDAI INGREDIENTS: Milk 1 litre; Sugar ½ cup; Saffron a few strands; Blanched almonds, cashew, pistachios 1 cup; Cardamom powder 1 tsp; Cinnamon powder 1tsp and Fennel seeds 1 tsp METHOD: o Boil the milk with sugar in a heavy bottomed pan. o Soak the saffron in a small bowl with some warm milk and add it to milk. o Make a thandai paste using the rest of the ingredients and some milk. o Add the paste to the milk and continue to cook. Once the milk thickens, remove from the flame. o Serve chilled.

— Rajesh Wadhwa, executive chef, Taj Palace, New Delhi

Strawberry Jelly: Fresh strawberry pulped 150 gm; Vodka 50 gm; Sugar 70 gm and Gelatine leaf 8 gm o Heat the pulp with sugar and mix well. Take off from the heat and add soaked gelatine leaf.

Finally, add vodka and pour into insert.

Colour glaze: Water 140 gm; Glucose 1,600 gm; Caster sugar 280 gm; Sweetened condensed milk 100 gm; Gelatine powder 17 gm; Water 80 gm; Tumaco Luker 65% white chocolate 100 gm and Yellow and red colour o Cook the water, caster sugar and glucose at 103°C. Pour over the condensed milk, the gelatine mass and the white chocolate. o Divide the liquid into two and add yellow colour in one and red in the other part. Refrigerate overnight. The following day, heat and use.

ASSEMBLY: o Set the mould in tray. Pour half of the passion mousse. Let it set for five minute and then put strawberry insert. o Let it set for five minutes.

Now pour the rest of the mousse and cover it with a sponge. o Let it freeze in blast chiller for two hours.

Once set, demould and finish with colour glaze in half and half and place on sable.

— Anand Panwar, executive pastry chef, Roseate Hotels & Resorts

PAAN ICE-CREAM INGREDIENTS: Fresh paan leaves 600 gm; Dried paan leaves 50 gm; Gulkand 50 gm; Milk powder 250 gm; Sugar 300 gm; Stabiliser 30 gm; Bakery cream 800 ml; Glucose 150 gm and Milk 800 ml METHOD: o Wash and dry paan leaves. Puree and reserve. o Cook milk and cream till first boil. Reduce the temperature to 40°C and cool it down. o Mix milk powder, sugar, glucose and whisk well. o Add paan puree and stabiliser. Check for flavours and adjust. o Strain the liquid and put it in ice-cream churner. o When the mixture starts achieving the texture of ice cream, add dried paan leaves and gulkand in layers. o Keep it in chiller. Serve the next day.

— Arun Mathur, executive chef, Trident Gurgaon

BHANG KE PAKORE

KESAR, GUR AUR BHANG KI LASSI

INGREDIENT: Gram flour 250 gm; Salt 15 gm; Turmeric powder 10 gm; Chilli powder 5 gm; Chat masala 10 gm; Bhang paste 3 tsp; Spinach 700 gm and Refined oil for frying INGREDIENTS: Yoghurt 500 gm; Ice cubes 100 gm; METHOD: o Wash, shred spinach leaves Jaggery 120 gm; Fresh cream 120 ml; Bhang (cannabis) and collect in a mixing bowl. o Add rest ½ tsp; Pistachio 30 gm; Saffron water as required and of the ingredients and mix well while Fennel seeds 3 gm sprinkling water. o Ensure that spinach METHOD: o Add ice cubes, jaggery, fresh cream, bhang, leaves are coated with gram flour. o Heat pistachio saffron water and fennel seeds in a blender. the oil in a pan. Shape and deep fry until o Blend to make a smooth puree. Strain if required. golden and sprinkle the chat masala on top. o Mix it with yoghurt and whisk until it reaches creamy o Serve hot with mint chutney. consistency. o Serve chilled in a glass.

— Prem K Pogakula, executive chef, The Imperial, New Delhi

DRY FRUITS GUJIYA For stuffing: Khoya 700 gm; Sugar 250 gm; Cashew nuts 50 gm; Chironji (Cuddapah almond) 50 gm; Raisins 50 gm; Pistachio 50 gm and Cardamom powder 20 gm OR DOUGH: Flour 1 kg; Ghee 250 gm; Water 400 ml and Refined oil 2 litre for frying For sugar syrup: Sugar 2 kg; Water 700 ml and Saffron: 1 pinch METHOD: o Chop all the dry fruits and keep them aside. o Crush cardamom into a fine powder. o Take refined flour in a bowl and add ghee. Mix it well. Add water gradually to prepare a slightly firm dough and keep it aside for 30 oil. Flip the sides at regular intervals it becomes soft and make balls of minutes. o Melt half tablespoon ghee in a pan on a low flame. o Add khoya equal size. o Place the balls in a bowl and continue frying until they start getting brown. o Take the fried gujiyas and cover with a moist kitchen towel. and stir continuously. o Cook till it out on a tissue paper to remove o Flatten the dough with a roller pin leaves the sides of the pan. Switch off and put stuffing in the centre and close excess oil. Dip in a sugar syrup and the flame and let it cool. o Add served hot, garnished with slivers of the dough by pressing it at the edges. cardamom, sugar, dry fruits and keep pistachio on top. the mixture aside. o Rub the dough till o Deep fry the gujiyas in medium hot — Sudarshan Bhandari, executive chef, Eros Hotel New Delhi Nehru Place

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STRAWBERRY GHEVAR WITH COCONUT RABRI

MANGO PASSION CHANDRAKALA

For chandrakala dough: Flour 500 gm; Ghee 125 gm; Water 150 gm and Ghevar: Flour 360 gm; Ghee Ghee to fry 240 gm; Ice cubes 4; Water 500 ml; METHOD: Mix all ingredients together to Milk 500 ml and Ghee (for make dough and rest for an hour. deep frying) For chandrakala stuffing: Khoya 200 gm; METHOD: Blend all ingredient Grated coconut 100 gm; Chopped together to make smooth batter cashew nut 50 gm; Chopped almond: and deep fry in a medium heat to 50 gm; Raisin 50 gm; Ghee 20 gm and get a nice golden colour.

Cardamom powder 2 gm For the syrup: Sugar 500 gm and METHOD: Mix all ingredients together to Water 1 litre make dough and rest for an hour.

METHOD: Mix sugar and water.

For the syrup: Sugar 500 gm and Boil it to get a thick syrup.

Water 500 ml For Rabri: Milk 1 litre; Coconut METHOD: Boil it to get a thick syrup. puree 500 ml and Sugar 50 gm For strawberry cream: Passion puree METHOD: o Reduce milk on a 180 gm; Mango puree 90 gm; Egg yolk slow flame to get the desired 120 gm; Egg 150 gm; Sugar: 135 gm; texture.

Gelatine 3 gm and Butter cube 135 gm o For strawberry cream METHOD: o Boil the puree then add the Fresh strawberry 500 gm; eggs and sugar. cook it on medium heat.

Strawberry puree 500 gm; Sugar o Once 85°C temperature is reached, 150 gm and Pectin 10 gm remove from heat and add gelatine and METHOD: o Boil all ingredients in butter. Blend well. o Set in a mould for a a pan with pectin and pour in a day. o De mould, glaze and put on top silicone mould and freeze it for a of chandrakala day. De mould and use red glaze.

— Nayindra B Chetry, executive pastry chef, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitfield Hotel & Convention Center

SAFFRON RICE INGREDIENTS: Basmati rice 1 cup; Saffron strands 9-10; Ghee 3 tbsp; Milk 2 tbsp; Cinnamon 1 inch stick; Cloves 2; Cardamom pods 4-5; Bay leaf 2-3; Cardamom powder 1 tsp; Sugar 1 cup; Slivered almonds 2 tbsp; Cashew nuts 2 tbsp; Golden raisins 1 tbsp and Hot water 2 cups METHOD: o In a small bowl add hot milk and saffron strands. Set aside and allow it to bloom and release the saffron colour. o Wash and soak the rice for 20 minutes. Drain and reserve. o In a deep pan on medium heat, melt the ghee.

Once melted, add the cinnamon, cloves, cardamom pods and rice and sauté for five-six minutes. o Add the saffron milk mixture, sugar and hot water. Cover and let cook for 15 minutes. o Uncover and add almonds, raisins and cardamom powder. Cover again for seven-eight minutes or until rice is fully cooked. o Garnish with nuts and raisins, and serve warm.

— Sougata Halder, executive chef, Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park

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I N N E R S PA C E S

The Raventown modular desk with a weathered texture inspired by driftwood. It sports a grey-brown finish over pine veneers. Raventown tall bookcase with cabinet storage.

Crafted by Ashley Furniture Homestore and available at Dash Square/Dash Square

With work having shifted out of physical workplaces, here are some pieces to make the switch easier

Upholstered swivel desk chair, covered in a textured graphite fabric with button tufting and wingback flair. Price: `34,019.

Crafted by Ashley Furniture Homestore and available at Dash Square

A study console in black matt finish with legs and handles in brass. The tabletop in Indian leather with brass inlay renders it a contemporary piece. Made by Beyond Designs

The Gatsby armchair is made of structural polyurethane foam, while the seat cushion in goose down has core inserts in crushproof material. Part of the Flexform collection, it’s available at Etreluxe

Oxford chair in seasoned beechwood with Pelle Frau® leather upholstery and capitonné work.

Made by Poltrona Frau and available at Etreluxe

Sesto Senso Desk with leather top, beige eucalyptus, black velvet and metal finish.

Crafted by Cipriani Homood and available at Ottimo The four drawers on the work desk have a serrated pattern on the fronts. It can incorporate custom tab drawer pulls, legs in charcoal finish and top finished in desired fabric/leather as per selection. Made by Essentia Environments

CRAZY PAPER fabric, produced with special thin glass fibre yarns, which is obtained by 1400°C melting process. The fibres maintain fabric shape while retaining the chemical and physical features of glass. The fabric hides cracks, absorbs sound and is fireproof. Used on furniture and walls. Made by Momenti and available at Ottimo

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The floater modular workstations are available in the basic configurations of an S or U shape. You can easily add tables, flat screens or hangers. Made

by COR and Available at Plüsch

The guiding factor of this tonal space, designed by Sanjyt Syngh, is the Brutalist interior-inspired artwork. A comfortable sofa near the formal workstation and an adjustable, ergonomic chair with a desk overlooking the lawn and other storage units have been matched to give the space a cohesive look. Accents like modern décor pieces, striking artworks, stylish carpets and fresh flowers add a glamorous touch

The Tama desktop with a rounded edge has a veneer finish and a lower top with fine-textured bronze paint. The steel panel legs are finished in matt powder-coated bronze. The two drawers have soft closing features, to be opened through hidden handles. Made by Walter Knoll and available at Plüsch The S 100 curved desk soft tabletop comes with the S 100 storage unit that can be used as a room divider. The storage unit has a structure in Pantex taupe and a front design in micro-leather beige. Crafted by Yomei and available at Plüsch

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42MM Architecture has used Herman Miller chairs, a custom-made desk and a Sherling sofa along with an ethic rug to create this space Neoclassical interiors are incorporated by the use of a Chesterfield sofa and moldings on the walls.

Aparna Kaushik has balanced the overall scheme of the room by the white flooring

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GURUSPEAK

ONCE Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru

Attaining a spiritual level is simply recognising that there is life and spirit everywhere

a a congregation of fish got together to discuss who among them had seen the ocean. None of them could say that they had actually seen it. Then one fish said, ‘‘I think my great grandfather had seen the ocean!’’ A second fish said, ‘‘Yes, yes, I have also heard about this.’’ A third fish said, ‘‘Yes, certainly, his great grandfather had seen the ocean.’’ So, they built a huge temple and made a statue of the great grandfather of that fish, saying, “He had seen the ocean. He had been connected with the ocean.’’

In life, our search for happiness is like that.What are you waiting for?

Instead of preparing to be happy, be content now and resolve to remain naturally in that state. God is trying his best to see you happy. But God only helps those who help themselves. So every day make a resolution. “Today, I am just going to be happy come what may. I will not let anything disturb my happiness. I am going to be contended, cheerful.”

You can experience happiness at three levels. One is the happiness in society and the environment. How can you bring about happy situations? How would you feel in a place where everybody around you thinks only about himself or herself? Would you like to be in such a group where there is no sharing, no sense of belongingness and, thus, no happiness?

The second level is the happiness of one’s mind. When one accepts things and imbibes knowledge then happiness dawns in the mind. Sometimes

HAPPINESS IS OUR NATURE

everybody around you is happy and you are serving others also but you are not happy in your mind as there is no fulfillment.

Dedication brings the second level of happiness.

The third level is that of the soul. This level of happiness occurs when the soul is united with the Divine. When there is no duality — no separation between two, when you are in deep meditation — then you experience innermost joy.

All three levels of happiness are interlinked.

When you are united with the Divine, you cannot but be fulfilled on the second and third level and you cannot but serve because everybody is a part of you. When you start serving and stop thinking

about yourself all the time, you will experience mental satisfaction. The mind will also feel happy and relaxed as it creates such an environment.

A wise one is happy even during bad times. And the foolish one is unhappy even in good times.

Spirituality is nothing out of the world. There is no division between what is spiritual and what is material. Attaining a spiritual level is simply recognising that there are life and spirit everywhere. When you go beyond happiness, what happens? The mind expands but, at the same time, it is not unconscious or unaware. Usually, when you are happy, you become spaced out and you lose focus. When you are unhappy, you are very focussed. But a beautiful combination — of being happy as well as alert and focused at the same time — can be experienced in spiritual life.

HOTWHEELS Kushan Mitra Auto & tech expert

class Top of the

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The Hyundai i20 won Indian Car Of The Year 2021 while the Indian Motorcycle Of The Year was awarded to the Royal Enfield Meteor

INDIA’S

most India’s most prestigious four-wheeler award, the Indian Car Of The Year (ICOTY) 2021 was won by the thirdgeneration Hyundai i20.

The jury members — including this columnist led by the chairman, Yogendra Pratap, editor, Auto Today –— comprised many of India’s leading automotive writers and road-test evaluators and India’s leading automotive publications including Auto Today, AutoX, Car Magazine, Evo Magazine, Motoring, Overdrive and The Hindu Business Line. Also, there were a few independent judges all of whom have extensive experience in reviewing and evaluating cars. The jury members for ICOTY included Yogendra Pratap and Rahul Ghosh from Auto Today; Dhruv Behl and Ishan Raghava from Auto X; Sirish Chandran and Anirudhha Rangekar from Evo; Pablo Chaterji and Kartik Ware from Motoring; Bertrand D’Souza and Bob Rupani from Overdrive and Murali Swaminadhan from The Hindu

Business Line; Kranti Sambhav from Times Drive; Girish Karkera from Times Auto; Vikrant Singh from Carwale and yours truly from The Pioneer.

Yogendra Pratap explains the rationale behind the award, “The reason the ICOTY is India’s leading automotive award is not just the name, but also the fact that every one of our jurors brings in their different ways of looking at cars. Some may have a more enthusiastic bent of mind and others review it in a more practical and family-focussed way. All other awards are by individual publications where these biases show but at the ICOTY our large and diverse jury and the fact that the points system has been designed properly as well as our jury votes being validated by Grant and Thornton Bharat ensure that the process is fair.”

Aspi Bhatena — a member of the ICOTY jury since its inception 16 years ago and also the Chairman of the IMOTY awards, which is in its 14th edition — explained that the IMOTY awards have grown with the Indian two-wheeler industry,

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which is the world’s largest. “Take our winner from 2019, the Royal Enfield V-Twin Interceptor, which today is winning awards across the world and has helped Royal Enfield establish itself in several new markets. That is also the case with ICOTY. None of our winners have been lemons. They have all been sales successes.”

To be fair, the ICOTY and IMOTY do not get awarded to the ‘Best’ car that one has driven in the past year. Jury members have to keep several things in mind including the relevance of the vehicle to the Indian market, which segment it operates in, pricing, the features it offers and other aspects like performance and handling.

The same applies to the IMOTY awards. As any of you, who have read my reviews, know that I have also evolved as a reviewer as new and different aspects of cars come into play, particularly safety which is going to play an ever-increasing role in the way we evaluate cars.

With the coming of the Bharat New Car

Assessment Programme (Bharat-NCAP), for the coming year, all cars will be assessed for crash safety and occupant protection. The ICOTY has been supported from the very first day by India’s largest tyre manufacturer JK Tyre and speaking at the awards, Dr Raghupati Singhania stated that it was heartening to see the growth of the Indian automotive industry after suffering from one of the worst years in history and how the automotive industry was one of the main drivers of the economic recovery of the country. Despite the pandemic, the turnout of the senior management of several companies was very high.

The Hyundai i20 became the second vehicle from the Korean manufacturer to win the ICOTY award in the past two years and S.S Kim, chairman and managing director, Hyundai India was pleased as punch to win the award stating that the new i20 is already establishing new benchmarks for premium hatchbacks. The i20 beat out the Kia Sonet and the Mahindra Thar to the top prize.

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

THE

CENTRE OF BEING The samadhi of yoga is achieved when you start seeing and living in more heart-aware ways

THE

heart is an area that isn’t fully understood. When we are moved to tears, feel joy, anguish or grief ... where do these feelings come from? When we are inspired or moved to creativity, where does this come from? Genius, skill and ability are nothing if we don’t have the urge to perform and achieve.

These feelings come from the heart.

The ancient yogis saw the heart as the centre of

emotions and consciousness. The yoga sutras say: “Hridaya chittasamvit” (merging with the heart, you gain full knowledge of the mind). Merging means getting closer to your core self or samadhi, a state of pure being, joy and happiness. This is the ultimate aim of yoga. So, there isn’t just the physical dimension of the heart but also the more subtle dimensions that we haven’t understood.

The size of a fist, the heart, lies at the centre of

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the cardiovascular system. It transports oxygen, prana (life-force) and nutrition through the blood, to every cell. It’s an incredible bio-electrical pump which beats about 1,00,000 times per day and pumps around 6,600 litres of enriched blood every 24 hours through a network of blood vessels. This keeps us alive and ensures the good health of the entire body.

But the heart is an incredibly sensitive organ.

So, our emotional reactions, stress and anxieties can disturb the heart’s normal functioning.

The body goes into an overdrive that can lead to the build-up of plaque in the arteries over time. This can eventually obstruct the flow of blood to all organs and result in blockages or heart attacks.

Yoga can help maintain a healthy heart. The series of asanas (postures) done in sync with our breathing gradually improve our flexibility, balance, muscle tone and strength. Along with pranayama and relaxation techniques, it can

UTTHITA TRIKONASANA o Stand with feet wide apart. Turn right, foot out and left foot slightly inward o Place hands on waist and bend sideways from the hip. Try to bring your right hip closer to your right leg without turning your torso or jutting hip back o Lower your arm towards floor and raise your left arm towards the ceiling o Look straight ahead or if you can, turn your head to look up towards the ceiling. Try to open up your chest. Hold for 30 seconds o Return to start position. Rest for a few seconds and repeat on the other side BENEFITS: o Stretches the spine and trunk, tones spinal nerves o Makes hips, spine and legs, stronger and more flexible. o Opens up lungs to improve breathing and oxygen levels o Stimulates the abdominal organs o Helps stress and anxiety

counter the effects of stress and anxiety. Gradually we go beyond discomfort and can hold postures longer, feel lighter and freer.

Getting deeper into yoga practise, we become focussed, relaxed and at ease in the moment which makes the layers — of anxiety, limited ways we see, act and react — fall away. We are closer to our deeper selves, relaxed, happy and open. We slowly realise that, “I am not just the body”, and begin to see, change and transform those aspects of our attitudes and behaviours that limit us and make us feel stressed and anxious.

So, the heart isn’t just a physical organ. It’s also the centre of our emotions, the seat of consciousness. The way we ‘see’ has a huge impact on it and the whole body. Our yoga journey is about this art of ‘seeing’, the third-eye of yoga.

When you begin ‘seeing’ and ‘being’ in more ‘heart-aware’ ways, that is the samadhi of yoga.

GOMUKHASAN (COW’S FACE POSE) o Sit with back straight and legs stretched out o Fold your right leg under your left leg and place your left foot beside the right buttock o Bend your right knee, place over your left knee, right foot beside the left buttock o Take your left arm behind your back and bend your elbow.

Reach your hand up towards the shoulder o Take right arm overhead. Bend elbow and try to interlock fingers of both hands o Gently pull the arms away from each other, straightening the back o Hold for 30 seconds, breathing normally o Relax for a few seconds, then repeat on the other side BENEFITS: o Stretches and increases flexibility in the arms and shoulders o The stretch and pull, experienced by your wrists while interlocking hands, strengthens the wrists and relaxes pinched nerves o Straightens and tones the upper back o Clears the chest and helps in respiration

ANULOM VILOM (ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING) o Keep the left hand on your left knee o Bend forefinger and middle finger of the right hand o Place the ring finger between eyebrows, close right nostril with the thumb o Breathe in through left nostril to the count of five o Reverse positions. Place thumb between eyebrows, press left nostril with ring finger. Exhale through the right nostril to count of 10 o Now inhale through the right nostril to a count of five o Reverse position of fingers as in step 3, exhale through the left nostril to count of five-10 o Repeat six-10 times, gradually letting your breath become slower, longer and deeper BENEFITS: o Increases supply of oxygen to the blood and purifies it by expelling toxins o Lowers stress and anxiety o Revitalises the mind and body

SARNAGAT MUDRA o Kneel on floor and bring big toes together o Sit back on heels, back straight and hands on knees o Breathe in slowly as you raise both arms overhead o Exhale slowly as you bend forward till forehead touches the ground o Breathe normally, relax the body o Hold for 30 seconds breathing normally o Breathe in as you slowly come up o Breathe out slowly and relax BENEFITS: o Restores, relaxes and calms the brain, body and mind o Helps relieve stress and fatigue o Improves blood flow to the head and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to brain cells o Stretches the back, hips, thighs and ankles

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NUMBERGAME Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist

COUNT YOUR FATE

NUMBER 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th of any month) Activity on the home front might keep you occupied. Try not to offer advice that might encourage people to be rebellious. Gauge the conditions and then move ahead. People in a relationship might face some unpleasant circumstances. Use confidence to come out of a tight spot and harmonise things.

NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) Your cravings for celebration and socialising might get fulfilled. Friends, relatives and colleagues might make it a pleasant experience. You may receive compliments about your capability to keep things in sync. The phase can be conducive for people looking for a steady relationship.

NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) Logic might not always come to the rescue in matters of discipline. Be open to suggestions and changes by your loved ones. Your efforts to establish your authority and arrange things might create discontentment among some people. However, things might get clearer with time.

NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) Some people are being difficult and unreasonable. Avoid getting irritated and reacting to their whims and fancies. Things might get resolved automatically with the passage of time. It might just be a temporary phase and a test of patience. People in the creative domain might give tangible shape to their ideas.

NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) Promises and commitments beyond your capacity might pose a problem. Keep a close watch on your productive time and you might fulfill all your obligations. Try to start early to avoid disappointments. There might be a lot of activity at the professional front, which can leave you exhausted.

NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) It might not be great to surprise everyone unless the others are in the right frame of mind. Try to understand the situation and then take any step. Reactions can probably lead to some dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, people might comprehend your noble intentions and allow you to alter things.

NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th of any month) There might be a certain kind of restlessness that could be irking. Try to explain the sensation to people around you and ring the warning bell if required. If people don’t pay heed to your advice then it is their problem. Money matters might probably settle down towards the end of the week.

NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) Trying hard to hold on to things that might not be important may prove detrimental to your growth. Forgive and accept people the way they are and you might be able to influence them positively. If required, take the initiative at work and your logic might assist in turning the circumstances in your favour.

NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th of any month) The coming weeks might make you experience a roller coaster as far emotional relationships are concerned. People around you might want to mould your behavior according to their ideologies and expectations.

This might be beneficial in the long run. Adjust temporarily instead of changing completely.

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I N S TA D I A R I E S

social network The

SARA ALI KHAN is, “Comfy and Cozy #WithChumbak! @chumbak. Check out my favourites on chumbak.com!”

DEEPIKA PADUKONE is, “Introducing #Coussin! The newest bag from the Louis Vuitton Spring Summer Collection!”

Advertising, which features celebrities, is gradually shifting towards their personal accounts in the form of paid partnerships

DISHA PATANI says, “This gorgeous Red Delicious is my go to snack specially after the end of the Indian apple season. Washington Apples... Is mein kuchh khaas hai!!”

RANVEER SINGH loves that Stan Smith from Adidas is, “Always Iconic, Now More Sustainable.”

VARUN DHAWAN takes a fit step forward with, “Legacy @reebokindia #Zig #althleisure #athleticlifestyle.”

ALIAA BHATT insists that, “Love is in the hair. Super super super excited and thrilled to be a part of @tresemmeindia.”

KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN believes that, “As a caring mom, I want to make sure that I welcome my child into a safe environment. That’s why I’ve painted my home with Silk Breathe Easy to ensure my walls are safe.”

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