event report
Editor’s Note Dear Readers, I recently read something that fascinated me. Eva Schloss, a Holocaust survivor and step sister of Anne Frank, has been immortalized in the Museum of Jewish Heritage in LA – something that was made possible due to natural language processing software. So, even when Eva is not alive anymore, her stories that have been recorded in her voice (she recorded some 1500 answers patiently for a week, inside a camera filled dome) will be, because of the digital Iva that has been constructed and housed inside a screen. She will be available to answer the questions of the museum’s visitors, years from now. What’s more interesting is that kids or anyone for that matter will not worry before asking her any question, thinking it might be painful for her to answer or embarrassing for them to ask, because she is not the real Eva, after all! Now, with so much talk revolving around sex-education in schools – where teachers still fumble and students giggle, wouldn’t it be great to have something similar for this purpose - a natural language processing software, in human form, answering all their embarrassing questions, without children fearing being laughed at, or wondering who to ask? Out of the box thinking is required if any significant change is expected, in any field. This is why I am so proud that we have Akshay Kumar – an actor who has attempted to demystify the perfectly natural process of menstruation and its related hygiene that concerns half our population. More power to him and Twinkle Khanna, who chased the original Padman for his story and of course R Balki, the film’s director. We have this and a lot more to catch your attention in the pages that follow. Hope our stories inspire you to think out of the box!
Atul Shah Editor and Publisher
4 | Feelings
JAN - FEB 2018
event report
JAN-FEB 2018
Editor / Publisher
Director
Executive Director
Deputy Editor
Senior Associate Editor
Associate Editors
Vol. 15
Atul Shah Khyati Shah Deepti Dedhia Nandini Sanan Shankar Abid Mohammed Vijay Rohit, Kaustubh Athavale
Columnists Ali Peter John, Megha Chitaliya, Nandita Derashri
Contributors
Ashesh Pandia, Kamlesh Shankar, Gita Chauhan, Amita Shah, Sneha, Palak Shah, Heeral Trivedi, Madhu Rye Thaker, Arati Desai, Shraddha Konnur, Sachin R Devmurari, Chef Reetu Uday Kugaji
Special Music Columnist
Creative Consultants
Photographer
Marketing Consultant
Legal Advisor
International Associates
Sujata Majumdar Guru Media Network Harshad Jhatakia / Jayendra Jhatakia / Chetan Mistry Arvind Purohit M. A. Modi USA | UK | Canada | Australia | Kenya | Oman | U.A.E | Malaysia
India Associates Delhi | Kolkatta | Chennai | Mumbai | Surat | Vadodara | Ahmedabad | Rajkot | Bhuj
Subscription Details
In India: ` 900/- (Including courier charges & special issues)
For abroad: 100 US $ (Air mail)
Cheque / Draft should be made in favour of “FEELINGS MULTIMEDIA LTD.”
Magazine Type Monthly
Corporate Office: 102-3-104, Pacifi c Plaza, VIP Road, Karelibaug, Vadodara – 390 018. (Gujarat) India Phone: +91 (265) 2489477 Mobile: +91 97129 45133 / 98253 28488 Email: editorial@feelingsmultimedia.com, info@feelingsmultimedia.com Web: www.feelingsmultimedia.com Feelings Multimedia takes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material. ALL PHOTOGRAPHS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ARE USED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. Printed by Lippi Printing Press for and on behalf of Feelings Multimedia Limited. Printer Address: Lippi House, Piramitar Road, Dandia Bazar, Vadodara - 390 001. Gujarat, India. All rights reserved. Reproducing in any manner without prior written permission prohibited. PUBLISHED FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018
Contents
jan-Feb 2018
18 Cover story Sneha had a candid chat with the beautiful Sonam Kapoor, who is basking in the limelight after her recent release, Padman. Ali Peter John enjoys a brief conversation with Akshay Kumar after Padman has been declared a favourite with the audience and critics both
24
MUSICAL NOTES
FEATURES
42 MAKING HIS OWN MUSIC Siddharth Kasyap speaks to Sujata Majumdar about his passion and his dream of popularising Indian music and instruments on a global scale
24 I N THE SPOTLIGHT Ivanka Trump
IMMIGRANT DIARY
26 It’s a Different Ball Game Altogether Palak Shah looks up on what goes on at Le Bal des Débutantes, an event that has completed 25 years in Paris
48 A LL THE WORLD’S A STAGE Madhu Rye Thaker bridges the distance between audience and performer in this heartfelt tête-à-tête with theatre duo and real-life couple Rupal Patel and Shailesh Trivedi
30 The Life Support of Indian Cricketers Sachin R Devmurari draws attention to the women who bowled over our cricketing heroes
26
34 When the Sky’s the Limit Palak Shah delves deeper to find deep rooted traditions that are embedded in the ancient sport of Kite Flying 38 SHORT FILMS THAT ROCKED YOUTUBE in 2017 Ashesh Pandia lists the most watched short films of 2017, that also starred Bollywood biggies 58 F OUR WHEELED Beauties & Beasts Feelings lists the top ten car launches of 2018 66 GASTRONOMICAL RUMBLES Top Celebrity Chefs reveal the culinary trends for 2018 to Abid Mohammed
6 | Feelings
JAN-FEB 2018
34
INTERVIEWS 52 “ HEAVEN IS HERE TO MAKE, NOT ON CLOUD SEVEN’ Nandini Sanan Shankar caught up with Padma Shri Dr M. H. Mehta, the forward thinking, creative scientist who wants to make the world ‘a bit better’ 54 N O MORE ORPHANAGES Caroline Boudreaux of The Miracle Foundation is working for a world where every child ‘Belongs’. She speaks to Nandini Sanan Shankar of her mission and what she loves about India 82 T he Happy Chef In a relaxed chat with Abid Mohammed, Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi talks about taking the risk of being thought of as a ‘Halwai’ in the beginning to going on to open the first Instagram friendly restaurant in Mumbai
76 82
MADE IN INDIA 44 Mission Possible Gita Chauhan writes about the success story of Manish Doshi, whose company Envision Scientific Private Ltd produces cutting-edge stents that are being used in 56 countries
12
COLUMNS 90 legal eagle As the Triple Talaq Bill waits to become a Law, Megha Chitaliya goes beyond the complications to show how it all boils down to common sense
58
92 BODY AND SOUL Long dismissed as ‘ghaas phoos’, but now back with a bang, the vegetarian diet is finally getting its due around the world. Shraddha Konnur busts some popular myths while on the subject
Heritage 94 A New Lease of Life Amita Shah writes of her fascinating visit to the restored Bhau Daji Lad Museum, an iconic heritage structure and now also a buzzing cultural hub in Mumbai
travel 72 W HERE THE FIRE CONTINUES TO BURN Arati Desai is transported to a bygone era on a weekend trip to Udvada, which serves as a quaint reminder of the Parsi community’s heritage 76 T HREE WOMEN and a Road Trip to Remember Three friends from different walks of life decide to go on a week long road trip along the coast of Florida, in a quest to rediscover themselves. Heeral Trivedi writes about the once in a lifetime experience…
REGULARS 10 S HOPPING Shopping trends this season 12 A ROUND TOWN An update on latest events 64 style file Nandita Derashri narrows down the biggest makeup trends for 2018 86 R ECIPES Chef Reetu Uday Kugaji shares her recipes with Feelings Magazine
54
10
97 book review Fire And Fury by Kamlesh Shankar 98 B OLD WORDS #thetweettalk
97 Feelings
JAN-FEB 2018
|7
letters to the editor
have watched his films so many times. So, when the AB issue arrived there was literally a fight about who would read it first! Thank you Feelings, for publishing a special edition on our Hero forever... Roopa Pant, Nigeria Mr Bachchan’s life story is so very inspiring. It just goes to show that when there is the right mix of dedication, passion and a never-say-die spirit, one can achieve greater and greater heights. Many of his qualities including his obsession with arriving dot on time is the mark of a truly great personality. My salute to him! Shalini Pathak, UK
WRITE TO US
I am a big fan of Bachchan ji and your last issue exclusively on him was the best ever! Congratulations to the Feelings team for putting together such wonderful articles on him. I enjoyed reading each one of them. Maya Chandra, Mumbai What an idea to bring out a special issue on Shri Amitabh Bachchan for his 75th birthday. I loved reading about the journey of this megastar, starting right from his early years and impressions. I have watched every movie of his till date and will definitely be preserving this Collector’s Edition. Vedant Mehta, NJ, USA I knew that Mr Bachchan is a superlative actor and even singer but didn’t know he wrote so well too! It was absolutely great to read three write-ups by him in the Feelings special edition, especially the one he wrote on returning to his alma-mater, Sherwood School in Nainital. Really very interesting... Shailesh Shah, Ahmedabad We call ourselves the AB Fan Club because each member of our family, from the youngest to the oldest, simply loves his films - from Don to Pink, we
8 | Feelings
JAN-FEB 2018
Do write in and tell us what you think, at editorial@feelingsmultimedia.com Letters should include the writer’s full name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space
shopping
bling bling All that glitters
Joules by Radhika specializes in stylish earrings and semiprecious neck pieces, that strengthen your silhouette through traditional designer jewellery. POR , Available at www.shopjbr.com and Vile Parle West, Mumbai
Similar to a set of interconnected lines drawn in the universe to put you and him/her together, through this new collection ORRA celebrates the ‘meant to be’s’! As globally recognized representations of data, these barcode embedded rings uniquely define stories of timeless love. Curated in platinum and studded with exquisite Belgian diamonds, the range within this collection comes with eternal symbolisms of love. POR , Available at www.orra.co.in and all Orra stores
10 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
This classic pair of breathtaking diamond with green gemstone Jhumkas enhanced by south sea pearls is a perfect example of exquisite craftsmanship - a blend of traditional and contemporary designs that will steal the show and make a fashion statement too! POR , Available at http://navrathan.com and exclusively at Navrathan Jewellers: MG Road, Jayanagar & Rajajinagar in Bangalore & Khan Market in Delhi
With You Love Ring from the New Expressions of Love collection from CaratLane Set in 14 Kt Yellow Gold (1.43 gms) with diamonds (0.1 Ct,IJ-SI) Certified by SGL POR , Available at https://www.caratlane.com/ and leading stores
out now New launches
This innovative Bluetooth Speaker is a must have for any corporate executive on the go. With up to 10 meters Bluetooth range, the speaker cum Power bank supports USB, headphone/AUX input and an impressive 30 hours of playback time. It comes with a 1 year warranty, a 5000mAH polymer battery and can be personalized as well. Rs. 4,995/-. Available at William Penn stores across India
Presenting the new and sizzling range of spicy sauces and dressings from Veeba. Tantalize your taste buds with these flavorsome spicy sauces and dips from VEEBA that can uplift the taste of any breakfast or snack items like sandwich, wontons, chips or fries. With international flavors like Sriracha, Chipotle and Harissa, these dressings are sure to become a staple in a spice lover’s pantry. Use them over your pizzas, pastas and burgers and reinvent old favourites. Available in retail outlets across India
This season, munch on Roasted Premium Cashew in Crack pepper flavor for an Active Lifestyle. Available in 30g and 200g packs. The Crack Pepper Cashews are flavoured with freshly ground pepper of course, and have a lemony aroma of parsley. Available in retail outlets across India The epitome of style, Hugo Boss reinvented their classic, well balanced “Essential” pen to give it a more masculine feel: bringing you a much loved pen with a modern persona. Plated in rich ebony black, with a technically clever matte diamond cut texture, the pen is set off with luxurious yet subtle rose gold accents. Available in retail outlets across India
VitrA introduces inspiring combinations – ‘Sento’. The series includes different solutions for storing cleaning material. Combining aesthetic and functional features, this series has a multipurpose unit to house a washing machine and laundry basket. Available at http://www.vitra-india.com/ and in retail outlets across India
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 11
event
MTV BCL Team Kota Royals Launches Official Jersey T
his year Ekta Kapoor’s Box Cricket League shall welcome a new team ‘Kota Royals Rajasthan’.
Kota Royals Rajasthan shall consist of famous and film television celebrities like Tanuj Virwani, who is appointed as the Team Captain, Aslam Khan of film ‘Nayee Padosan’ and SAB TV’s ‘Dil Deke Dekho’ fame, Vipul Gupta of Star Plus’ ‘Aarambh’ fame, Zaan Khan of film ‘Call For Fun’ and Zee TV’s ‘Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani’ fame, Jigyasa Singh of Colors’ ‘Thapki Pyar Ki’, script writer Sharad Chandra Tripathi who also appeared in the last season of ‘Nach Baliye’, Anjum
12 | Feelings
JAN - FEB 2018
Fakih of ‘Kundali Bhagya’ fame, Ruhi Chaturvedi of ‘Kundali Bhagya’ fame, Shailesh Gulabani from Zee TV’s ‘Aap Ke Aa Jaane Se’ fame, Ashita Dhawan of Zee TV’s ‘Dil Dhoondta hai’ fame, Kanwar Dhillon of Star Plus’ ‘Ek Aastha Aisi Bhi’ fame, Madhurima Tuli of film ‘Baby’ and Colors’ ‘Chandrakanta’ fame, Malhaar Pandya of Colors’ ‘Kasam’ fame, Manit Jaura of Zee TV’s ‘Kundali Bhagya’ and Hifsa Sharma of Zee TV’s ‘Kaala Teeka’. The team is owned by Riyaz Bhati along with Sarosh Khan and Amin Pawar. n
star studded LAKME fASHION WEEK 2018 Compiled by Jigna Dutta
Kiara looked pretty as she walked for label JULIE by designer Julie Shah for her S|R collection “Gulaab Baug”.
Tamannaah set the runway on fire as she walked for designer Ashwini Reddy for her S|R collection “Tilottama”.
Feelings
JAN - FEB 2018
| 13
event
Actress Surveen Chawla looked absolutely gorgeous as she walked for designer Mahima Mahajan, at her first ever runway presentation at Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort’18
The stunning Patralekha looked absolutely chic adorning contemporary jewellery as she walked for Varnika Arora’s Summer/Resort’18 collection AMBER, for the designer’s debut at Lakmé Fashion Week.
Malaika looked stunning as she walked the ramp for Surat based label DE BELLE by designer Nancy Luharuwala for her S|R collection “Daze”.
14 | Feelings
JAN - FEB 2018
Karisma Kapoor show stopped for Kolkata based Label AARBEE by designer Ravi Bhalotia for his S|R collection “Mid Summer Wreath”.
Karan made a dashing entry as he walked for Hyderabad based designer duo Raamz and Chandrika Raamz of label RAAMZ to showcase their S|R collection “Boho Men”.
Feelings
JAN - FEB 2018
| 15
interview
tATA mUMBAI MARATHON 2018
16 | Feelings
JAN - FEB 2018
kala ghoda art festival 2018
Feelings
JAN - FEB 2018
| 17
interview
“If You Work Only for Success and Fame, You Won’t Last Long” Sneha had a candid chat with the beautiful Sonam Kapoor, who is basking in the limelight after her recent release, Padman, a film based on the real-life story of Padma Shri awardee, A. Muruganantham
S
onam Kapoor began her journey in Bollywood as an assistant director to Sanjay Leela Bhansali and later also debuted in his film Sawaariyan along with Ranbir Kapoor. Sonam did not taste success in the first leg of her career and she has often been written off. But the determined actress went on to prove her mettle with films like Raanjhanaa and Neerja. Today Sonam has not only got critical acclaim but also won many popular awards. Now with R Balki’s Padman, for which Sonam learnt to play the Tabla, she is in the spotlight once again. The pretty actress, also famous for her classy sartorial choices is getting married this year to her boyfriend, Anand Ahuja - though she is tight lipped on that. Over to her for more…
16 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Padman touches upon a very sensitive issue. How will you describe the experience in your real life? I got my periods quite late in life. I remember all of my friends had got it by that time and I often used to ask my mom when I will get it, hoping all was fine with me. I was anxious. Rhea (sister), Harsvardhan (brother) and me were all brought up in a very open atmosphere. We had many discussions on this topic at home, so I was very comfortable and confident about my body. There was no stigma attached, and no do's and don’ts for me when it came to menstruation. What attracted you to Padman? It was only when R.Balki narrated the subject to me that I got to know of Arunachalam Muruganantham, who actually invented a low-cost sanitary napkin making machine for his wife. I found the story amazing and passionate. While doing this film I got to know so many hard-hitting facts like 80% of the women in India do not use sanitary napkins, and instead make do with old, dirty clothes, ashes or leaves. It made me very upset to hear this. Working in this film has made me a more sensitive woman.
The foundation of a country depends on the power of women who I am sorry to say have not been given the place they deserve in our country. Do you feel sex education is important in Indian schools? I feel it is most important that there is discussion at home on such topics. The mother has to be the main initiator of this. If a family has both boys and girls, the mother has to convey the message to both that no one is superior to the other and each has their unique strengths. It is from home that kids get their confidence.
Did you ever think that you would damage your image as a diva when you agreed to play the role in ‘Padman’? I am grateful for having a mind that can take all the right decisions whether it is in films or anything else to do with my life and the changing times. I keenly listened to the story of ‘Padman’ as my director, R. Balki narrated it to me and even before he could tell me anything more about the film or any of our roles, I knew that I just had to do this film. What about the idea of it being a totally hero-centric film? Did you have second thoughts that? All that matters to me at the end of the day is what impact I am having on the subject of the film. These days most of my colleagues are talking about gender equality and the need to be on par with our male stars when it comes to money, but I feel that all this will come anyway once you prove your worth. Till then, you have to face every challenge that makes you a better actress and more importantly a better person.
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 17
interview
How was the atmosphere at your home? It was very cool. In fact my father never wanted my mom to enter the kitchen. So we have never seen our mom spending hours in kitchen. We have all been raised equally. The atmosphere at home helped us think in a different way. Our parents have never stopped us from doing anything we really wanted to. There was a time when you did films like Thank You, Players etc. Do you regret those decisions? When I did Thank You I was only 24, and my choice of films was different. I will never do a film like this now. After Thank You I took a break for one and a half years. For me the tag of a superstar is not important, what matters is the story and my performance. When I decided to do Ranjhanna everyone was surprised, as they were not sure about my choices. The director Anand L Rai was not that famous then and Dhanush was also not very well known here in Mumbai. But I stuck to my decision and have never looked back. Your father, Anil Kapoor, is an inspiration for many. What is his role in your life? When I faced the camera in the initial years of my career and got stuck in any scene, I always called him for guidance. Now I don't need him that way but I know he is always there for me. Dad and I share a very normal relationship like any other daughterfather duo. He is extremely protective about me and so am I about him. There have been a lot of rumours about your marriage, would you like to comment? Well, when I entered the industry I decided that I will not talk about my personal life at all. That’s a rule which I have made, and I will stick to that. This year there are so many films of Sonam Kapoor. A busy year for you? Yes, a very busy and exciting year indeed. My film Veera Di Wedding is releasing in June in which I have acted with my friends - Swara Bhaskar and Kareena Kapoor. Then I have Sanjay Dutt's biopic Dutt where I have a pivotal role. And I have already started shooting with my father for the film titled Ek Ladki Ko
18 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
“When I entered the industry I decided that I will not talk about my personal life at all. That’s a rule which I have made, and I will stick to that.” Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and then there is Zoya Diary. Any more issue- based films for you? Let them come in their own time and I will show what I am really worth. I have not taken to acting for the fun and glamour of it all. I have a purpose and a mission which I hope to fulfill in the near future . What is your definition of success and fame? They are not real. If you only work for success and fame, then you won't last long. How will you sum up your experience working with Akshay Kumar? Such a pleasure working with the super talented Akshay Kumar. He was the perfect person to play the role of Padman and has brought a sense of humour and love to the film. Of course none of these would have been possible without the humble visionary, our director R.Balki. You just have to look at the last few films of Akshay Kumar to know that he is unstoppable!
This year ‘Veere Di Wedding’ is being touted as the first film on girl-bonding. What is your take on that? Veere Di Wedding is an out and out commercial film. It’s not always necessary that women oriented films have to be hard-hitting to make an impact in the society. This one’s a genuine film about four women and there is no lead role. I had a great time working with Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara (Bhaskar) and Shikha (Talsania). They are all wonderfully talented women and actors. My sister Rhea is the producer of the film so I had double the fun on the set. Do you think you are more comfortable in a romantic or comedy role, when compared to any other genre? I guess, people enjoy seeing me in comedy or in real girl roles. I don't think I have mastered any genre as such, because I am still a novice at everything. I think the audience has liked seeing me in roles like
The Man behind Padman The world is familiar with Superman, Batman and Spiderman but India has its very own homegrown unmasked crusader! A true hero without a cape and the inspiration behind the now showing Padman, Arunachalam Muruganantham is a social entrepreneur and an innovator. The real Padman, he has single-handedly changed the perception of what is almost always waved off as a ‘women’s problem’, especially by men. With his low cost sanitary pad manufacturing machines, he has started a revolution across the country, spreading awareness and encouraging the use of sanitary pads. It would have come as no surprise had he sold the patent of this machine solely developed by him, and made millions out of it (that’s the done thing, right?), but instead he has made it his mission to make one hundred percent
Bittu (Delhi 6) or Zoya (Raanjhanaa). I have always mentioned that stardom is not my aim. People should know me as an actor. n (With inputs by Ali Peter John)
women use sanitary pads in the country and create a whopping 1 million jobs, as a result. According to current statistics, if you use sanitary pads, you are among the lucky 12 percent in India! The rest make do with things like old cloth, dirty rags or husk! A recipient of the Padma Shri and the President’s Life Changing Innovations Award, Mr. Muruganantham is on a Swachhta Mission, all of his own making. In the process, he is breaking taboos surrounding the subject of menstruation, empowering women, creating jobs, and of course inducing social reform. What’s more he has been ‘Making in India’ too! It was Mrs. Funnybones (Twinkle Khanna), who read about him while researching for an article she was writing for a leading newspaper. His story stuck to her mind and she shared it with hubby Akshay. The rest as they say is history. Hitting the 50 crore mark in its first weekend, Padman is well on its way to becoming another Akki Hit!
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 19
interview
“SOMETIMES IT SEEMS LIKE
SUCH A LONG DREAM” Ali Peter John enjoys a brief conversation with Akshay Kumar after Padman has been declared a favourite with the audience and critics both
H
is a rare, proud moment when a mainstream actor decides to use his charisma for the larger good and reflects on the issues and problems that the common man, in this case specifically woman, faces in her everyday life.
Akshay took on all kinds of characters in the hundreds of good, bad and indifferent films he has done, but with ‘Toilet - Ek Prem Katha’ and now ‘PadMan’, he has taken on the mantle of a powerful crusader. It
Did you ever think that you would one day be a superstar? Where was the time for such impossible dreams, especially when I was busy in the kitchen of a restaurant in another country far away? I did have the ambition to make it as an actor but thought of myself only as an action hero because of all my training in the martial arts. I knew I would be very happy if I found even the most average roles in some films.
ow did Rajeev Bhatia, a handsome young man working as a chef (remember him chopping veggies with such ease in ‘Chandni Chowk to China’?) in the Far East become Akshay Kumar, a leading Indian superstar and then also a crusader for serious social issues? Akshay’s own story is as filmi as it can get. He started in Bollywood as an assistant to the well-known glamour photographer, Jayesh Sheth, who initially taught him the ropes of building a career in showbiz.
22 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
How many films did it take you to be recognized as an actor? I must have done at least twenty-five average films and action films till Yash Raj Films gave me a guest appearance in ‘Yeh Dillagi’ and then again in ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’. This encouraged and helped me to start on a discovery of the actor in me.
Any obstacles you faced while shooting for Padman? How can there be obstacles when our entire team was aware of the subject we were dealing with? The test was how we put what we knew into an interesting script. If there is any film that is the result of teamwork, it is Padman.
What were the results of that discovery? It was like I was born again. It surprised me that some of the best filmmakers and writers kept me in mind while planning their films. I am not really superstitious but let me tell you that my life including my career took a turn for the better with the coming of Twinkle, Aarav and Nitara (son and daughter) in my life.
Are you going to continue working in issue based films? Yes, as long as I find subjects that have to be tackled I will go out of my way and do them. I am now seriously working on a film on the dowry system. I keep talking to people in all walks of life in my quest to find subjects that need national attention.
Life has only been looking up for us during the last three years. I have been working very hard and very sincerely, and am taking greater interest in life around me and the changing circumstances in the industry. I will always be grateful to my family and also the industry for accepting a one-time chef as someone who can also act.
There is talk about Padman being sued for plagiarism It has become a habit that each time a film succeeds there are suits filed against it, and I don’t have to tell you what their selfish motives are.
You seem to have touched a new chord as an actor after doing a film like ‘Toilet- Ek Prem Katha’ I already knew that I was improving as an actor when I did meaningful and entertaining films like ‘Rustom’ and ‘Airlift’. They were like signals of growth for me. It was while I was going through this important phase that I received an offer to play the lead role in ‘Toilet’. I gave the idea a great deal of thought and finally decided that if the masses had given me so much, it was now my turn to give them something in return. I am extremely fortunate that the film has been marked as a landmark film. ‘Padman’ recently released and is receiving an even better response than ‘Toilet-Ek Prem Katha’. What do you think is the reason? I believe that whenever you do something for the interest of the common man and give it to him with a sugar coating, it is sure to work. It has happened in the past and it will happen as long as you enlighten people but not at the cost of denying them entertainment. I am happy to be part of such cinema.
Do you make it a point to work with new directors and actresses? I have not consciously made efforts to work like this but my record speaks for itself. I have worked with twenty-four new directors and seventeen new actresses. What are your plans as the brand ambassador of Khelo India? The slogan says it all. India needs to pay greater attention to sports and games of all kinds. It is one field that has always been neglected here. It will be my effort to give sports all the importance and make India a better place for sports people. Does all this mean we will see Akshay Kumar as a member of the Rajya Sabha? I have always believed in accepting whatever is offered to me on merit alone. It is very difficult for a one-time chef to think of being a leader, but if so much has happened to me so far without my planning or manipulating, then let this too happen – but only on the basis of my contribution to my country and my people. n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 23
feature
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Ivanka Trump
The force behind many of her father’s decisions, Ivanka Trump occupies a privileged and powerful position as President Trump’s advisor. Just how far her influence takes her however, remains to be seen.
“P
eople of India inspire us all," said Ivanka Trump when she was in Hyderabad last year, for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES 2017) co-hosted by India and the US. The Economics graduate from the Wharton School led a delegation of senior White House officials and American entrepreneurs at the summit, the theme of which was 'Women First, Prosperity for All'. Trump who is a fourth generation business person (her great-grandmother Elizabeth Christ Trump laid the foundation for the Trump Empire) said to the 1,200 young women entrepreneurs in the audience,
24 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
"After my father's election, I saw the opportunity to leave my businesses to serve my country. Our policies are aimed at helping women and removing barriers for them”. Stressing on the fact that fueling the growth of women-led-business is not only good for the society but also the economy, she applauded PM Modi for sharing similar thoughts on the subject. While Ivanka has been to India before, this was her first visit as a senior White House advisor. She was invited for the summit earlier this year by PM Narendra Modi himself, during his own state visit to the US.
Ms Trump, a woman entrepreneur herself (she has her own line of fashion items, including clothes, handbags, shoes, and accessories, available in major U.S. department stores) said she was excited to see so many women entrepreneurs under one roof. "I am proud to see that for the first time ever, women make up 50 percent of the people selected for this summit." Born in 1981, Ivana Marie or ‘Ivanka’ Trump, daughter of Donald Trump and his former wife, model Ivana Trump, is in many ways an antithesis to her father. If there was an American princess, she would undoubtedly be the one best qualified. In 2003, she was featured in ‘Born Rich’, a documentary about the experience of growing up in one of the world's most affluent families. Savvy, diplomatic, a smart and successful working mother of three with looks to die for and not a hair or a word out of place, the former model who has walked fashion ramps for top brands including Versace and featured on the cover of many magazines is now seen more at her father’s side, than first lady Melania Trump. As an unpaid advisor to her father, the President of the United States, Trump participated in her father's campaign by making public appearances to support and defend him, much like Julie Nixon Eisenhower, daughter of President Richard Nixon. Washington Post columnist Alyssa Rosenberg wrote, "Both daughters served as important validators for their fathers." Ivanka’s speeches included lines like "One of my father's greatest talents is the ability to see the potential in people," and “My father will make America great again", that portrayed her father in a ‘warmer than usual’ light. In August 2015, Donald Trump stated that she was his leading advisor on Women's health and Women’s issues, saying it was she who propelled him to elaborate on his views of women. However, she had earlier admitted having mixed feelings about his presidential ambitions, saying that, "As a citizen, I love what he's doing. As a daughter, it's obviously more complicated." In July 2016, at the Republican National Convention, Trump said of her political views, "Like many of my fellow millennia’s,
I do not consider myself categorically Republican or Democrat.” Trump said she is an advocate for women and Israel. Ivanka has a couple of books to her credit. The first one called ‘The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life’, was published in 2009, and her second, ‘Women Who Work: Rewriting the Rules for Success’, was published almost a decade later in 2017. After she was appointed Advisor to the President, Trump donated the unpaid half of the advance payments for her second book to the National Urban League and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. She further said that any royalties exceeding the advances will also be given to charity. She has ties to a number of Jewish charities, including Chai Lifeline, a charity which helps to look after children with cancer. Others she supports include United Hatzalah, to which her father has made six-figure donations in the past. Chelsea Clinton (daughter of Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump's major opponent in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election), is a close friend of Ivanka’s and says of her, "There's nothing skin-deep about Ivanka. And I think that's a real tribute to her because anyone as gorgeous as she is could have probably gone quite far being just skin-deep.” Ivanka clearly has her father’s ear, his admiration and trust, currently making her one of the most, if not the most powerful woman in the United States. There are rumours that she might run for the President in the 2020 elections. With an insider’s view of the White House and the goings on in Washington, she definitely has an edge should she want to do so. A wait and watch stance remains the best option till then. n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 25
feature
It’s a Different Ball Game Altogether Palak Shah looks up on what goes on at Le Bal des Débutantes, an event that has completed 25 years of introducing the daughters of aristocrats and royals to the world, at a glamorous fashion show in Paris
O
n 25th November last year, Bollywood actor Chunky Pandey’s daughter, Ananya Pandey was among about 25 girls invited to one of the world’s most coveted fashion events in Paris - Le Bal des Débutantes. This social event of the rich and the famous was rated by Forbes Magazine as one of the 10 hottest parties of the world. So, what exactly is this event?
26 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Le Bal, as it is popularly known as, is the brainchild of Ophélie Renouard. A PR lady with a bulging contact book which is her source of strength, first organised this event in 1992 and since then it has never been out of the spotlight. Celebrated once in a year with 20-25 female participants, it is every girl’s ‘fairytale’ dream come true. The daughters of the rich and famous from all over the world are selected on
pre-determined criterions. They are then groomed and made to wear haute couture tailored for them, and introduced to the world of - well, the rich and the famous again! Each girl is accompanied by an escort, also known as cavalier. He can be a brother, a cousin or even a friend; if you do not have any, then you can ask the organizers to arrange one. Ophélie is very clear that the Bal is not a place for indulging in romance or affairs. She thinks the girls are quite young and the idea is to make meaningful friendships while wearing high fashion.
may belong to a prestigious family but that does not guarantee selection. Although the chosen girls usually come from royal and prestigious families, it is of significance that the family have made some notable contribution to art, politics, business or any other prominent field.
Here are some interesting facts about this one of a kind, ultra glamorous high society event:
The right combination of beauty and brains is required for the girls fill in a questionnaire as part of an early screening process. They are also very strict about ‘spoilt’ children and have been known to outright reject such candidates. Ophélie once said that she had been bribed too ‘which was awful’. She strongly believes that the girls selected should have a congenial personality, such that they can weave a powerful story around her.
The Chosen One It is an invitation-only event and to be selected by Le Bal organizers is certainly not a cakewalk. You
The Indian Connection Indians have already made their debut in this event even before Ananya Pandey. To begin with, the
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 27
feature
princesses of J&K, Kapurthala, Mayurbhanj and Jaisalmer have made their debuts in the past. Others who have graced the event include Isha Ambani, daughter of famous business scion Mukesh Ambani, Leana Mallya, daughter of Vijay Mallya and Jayati Modi, daughter of Sameer Modi. If not for the Paris attacks on November 2015, then even Navya Navelli Nanda, granddaughter of Amitabh Bachchan, would have been at the Bal. Last year along with Ananya Pandey, Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur also walked at the Bal. Slowly but surely, India is definitely making its presence felt in the upper echelons of society. Wear the Best One of the lesser known criteria to be selected for the Bal is that the participant’s body structure be fit for their haute couture sample gowns. Anorexic bodies therefore do not form a part of this event. All the participants need to dress up in ball gowns designed by world renowned designers. OphÊlie personally
28 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
takes care of the fitting and trials of the same. The jewellery however for all the participants is taken care of by the same designer. An Indian origin designer based in Dubai, Payal Mehta, founder of Payal New York is the official jewellery partner of the event. For the love of a Cause The purpose of this fashion event is not one but two social causes. The Bal raises funds for two charitable organizations, the first is Enfants d’Asie (Children of Asia) which works primarily for female education in Asia. The fundraiser has been fruitful and funds from this charity event have reportedly sponsored education of at least 1100 girls since a decade. The other is Seleni which is based out of New York and works primarily for the mental health of teenage and adolescent mothers. The Venue Right from the year of its inception for upto two
decades, Le Bal des Debutante was held at the Hôtel de Crillon. Later venues included Hôtel Raphael and the Palais de Chaillot. The last two years saw it being held at the The Peninsula Paris. Shake It Daddy All the girls are specially trained in the Waltz before the main event. After their vanity photo shoot and media appearance, they enter the dance floor. The participants are introduced alphabetically and they have to waltz in with their respective fathers in a palpably emotionally charged atmosphere, as the fathers feel that their little girls are now grown up and ready to face the world. Every year Le Bal brings forth fresh faces to the world, faces that charm everyone with their grace and grandeur. The founder of the bal wishes to start a similar event in Russia as well as China. Well, all we can say is why not? The more the merrier, at the most sought after event for young women of the world. n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 29
feature
The Life Support of
IndianCricketers Sachin R Devmurari puts the spotlight on the women who bowled over our cricketing heroes
C
ricketers in India are treated like Gods. But behind the Gods, it’s their Goddesses who wield the real power. The power to inspire the most prolific cricketing talent in the current era is handled by some of the most gorgeous ladies of our times. Their stories are also fairytales and sometimes make for crisp scripts, that can make sure shot box-office hits. Each story is a celebration of love and the stuff dreams are made of... The Boxing Day Batsman Most often, openers in any cricket team are aggressive batsmen and Shikhar Dhawan is no exception. Few know though that the furious and elegant opener of Indian Cricket Team is a true legend when it comes to love. The lady-love of our moustache boy is Ayesha Mukherjee, a Bengali beauty who got our opener fair and square in 2012. Their love story began in 2009, when Shikhar saw her on a social media website and befriended her. Soon they became friends and never they knew that they were going for each other until their hearts finally realised it!
30 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
But was it all so simple? Not really for our opener had to play a long and hard test to finally get his love. For starters Ayesha is 10 years older than Shikhar and
has two daughters from a previous marriage. In the Indian society this is enough for it to be a completely unacceptable match. Thankfully, Shikhar’s Mom was very supportive and they got engaged in 2009. Post that Shikhar was not ready to marry until he was sure of his place in the Indian team. So they waited almost 3 years and that period turned out to be a blessing as it gave Shikhar and his new daughters time to know each other. In 2012, when Shikhar and Ayesha finally tied the knot, they were already a happy family. Ayesha Mukherjee is Melbourne based and of BritishBengali origin. Thus, the couple own a second home in Melbourne too. Ayesha is also a trained kickboxer, and well that’s a match for the smashing Shikhar!
A Double ton in love! More than a billion fans at the MCA stadium in Punjab witnessed a lovely moment when a charming girl was in an emotional flurry on the double ton scored by her husband or rather buddy for life. That was Ritika Sajdeh Sharma, wife of our own double ton smasher, Rohit Sharma. Theirs is a classic fairytale love-story, from professionals to friends and then partners for life. And who would know the importance of a partnership better than Rohit, whether it is for a match or for a lifetime.
Ritika was a sports event manager who used to manage Rohit’s cricketing events. They met often for work, and soon discovered best friends in each other. Both of them were deeply in love by 2015, when Rohit proposed to Ritika at Borivali Sports club, where he had begun his career, minutes after midnight. He surprised her popping the question with a solitaire ring. They two ‘soulmates’ tied the knot soon after. Ritika tries to be present for every match that Rohit plays because she prefers to see her ‘RO’ (Rohit Sharma) bat live than on TV. Ritika is an animal lover, which also prompted Rohit to associate with PETA India. She is also the Rakhi sister of cricketer Yuvraj Singh.
The Captain’s Delight No wrong guesses here, we all know the latest duo to join the bandwagon. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have added another glamorous love-story to the list of Bollywood beauties wedding Cricket stars! The two were together for a while before they parted ways, only to get drawn back to each other again...oh so romantic! It was 2013 when they first met during an Ad shoot. Interestingly, they later came together for the ‘Manyavar’ ad shoot, posing as a couple deeply in love. They were spotted together until 2016 when a rift between them saw them apart for a while apparently Virat wanted to settle down and Anushka
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 31
feature
wanting to focus on her career. But they got together by the end of the year and got married secretly last year in Italy. Beautiful photos of the couple getting hitched at the exotic locale flooded the social media soon after. Anushka probably felt Virat’s possessive nature that caused the rift back in 2016, but Virat made up for it by publicly supporting her when she was trolled online. One can say they have overcome difficult phases that come with true love, and handled them maturely. We now have ‘Virushka’ to cheer for, for life!
engagement was announced in 2015 in Bali and they got married the following year in 2016. The relationship was kept as secret from the public as possible but the paparazzi got hint that they were a couple from their presence at Harbhajan Singh’s wedding. Hazel Keech was seen as Harry Potter's friend in three Harry Potter movies - 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone', 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' and 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'.
Anushka is a shopaholic and sometimes gets paranoid over her shopping binges. Her father is a colonel in the Armed forces and her brother is an officer in the Merchant Navy.
Yuvi’s Princess Yuvraj Singh has had the most rumoured link-ups with Bollywood beauties among the recent Indian cricketers. So when this gabru of the Indian team got clean bowled by one beauty, many couldn’t believe it. Hazel Keech, an actress who we saw alongside Kareena Kapoor in ‘Bodyguard’ caught Yuvi’s eye and then most unbelievably, his heart! Well known for his casanova image, it took him a whole year to convince Hazel to meet him in person. Once that first hurdle was crossed though, they began spending more time together and soon fell in love. An
32 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
The ‘Sakshi’ of Success Captain ‘cool’ of India, Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a legend and so is his and Sakshi’s love story. All of us saw a glimpse of it in ‘MS Dhoni - The Untold Story’, directed by Neeraj Pandey, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. Both of them were child buddies, yes! Their fathers worked for the same company in Ranchi. Sakshi and Dhoni used to go to the same school but both got separated at a young age when Sakshi’s father got transferred to Dehradun. Come December 2007 and destiny brought them together again, when India was playing Pakistan at Eden gardens. The Indian team was staying at the Taj Bengal, where Sakshi Rawat was an Intern who was introduced to MS Dhoni by her manager. Soon Dhoni
got her contact number and started texting her. It took two months for Dhoni to woo the lady. But love finds a way, after all. Since their marriage in 2010 they have been the ideal couple, leading a picture-perfect life. The couple was blessed by a daughter in 2015. Sakshi graduated from Institute of Hotel management, Aurangabad, and runs a foundation to support orphans. She is an excellent cook.
The Beauty who turned the ‘Turbanator’ The Turbanator of the Indian Cricket team, Harbhajan Singh married Bollywood beauty Geeta Basra in 2015, but he had seen her in a song long back, when he had started playing county cricket in London. The two first met during the first season of IPL (Indian Premier League). Geeta, who was born in England, initially stuck to the ‘Friends’ tag and avoided any public confirmation as she was busy trying to establish herself in the Indian Film Industry. Their daughter Hinaya Heer Plaha was also born in England, in 2016. Geeta Basra apparently gave up on her plans to become a criminal psychologist to try her luck in Bollywood. She was quoted as saying that ‘the human mind had always fascinated her.’
The Royal Riva It was 2015 and ‘Jaddu’ of Indian Cricket was on fire. It was an all round performance in the season by him, and everyone was full of praise. One would think it was a great time for him to tie the knot but he was avoiding any such discussions raised by his family. The family however persisted and asked Ravindra to at least meet the girl they had found for him, once. Riva, from Rajkot, is a mechanical engineer. Eventually Ravindra gave in and met her, and was struck by her maturity. Both of them stayed in touch until they realized they had found ‘the one’, and then informed the parents who were ready. They tied the knot in 2016, in royal style as Ravindra Jadeja rode a horse to the porch of the hotel hosting their marriage, dressed in full Rajput finery. They were blessed with a baby girl last year. Riva had no interest in cricket before marrying Ravindra. Interestingly, Ravindra already owned a restaurant in Rajkot named ‘Jaddu’s Food Field’ where the couple celebrated their engagement.
The beauty of these relationships that are forever under the media scanner is the extra dose of patience and understanding that they require. With the husbands leading busier lives than most and spending a lot of time away from them, it is to the ladies’ credit that they handle the stress and expectations that come with a cricket crazy nation. Their lives may seem all glitzy on the surface but as they say, with great power comes great responsibility something which these women can vouch for any day. n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 33
feature
When the Sky's the Limit
Kite flying is usually associated with lots of fun and merriment. Palak Shah delves deeper to find an additional health aspect and deep rooted traditions that are embedded in the ancient sport
T
hough kite flying may have taken a backseat in other parts of the country, Gujarat is a state that takes the sport very seriously. Come December and preparations begin in earnest for Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti that happens in January, every year. The kite-flying fever grips children and adults both, and they are equally enticed by the mere thought of a whole day of making their kites soar high. Gujarat has taken this love for kite flying a step forward by regularly organizing the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, since 1989. It began with just 5 participants officially in the first year, a far cry from the hundreds that participate in the festival now, here in Ahmedabad. Other cities in the state have also followed suit and organise
34 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
their own festivals. Each year the uniqueness and majesty of the kites reaches new highs - master kite makers from Malaysia or Indonesia bring their expertise, the fighting kites of Japan take the to the sky and one just has to look when the beautiful kites from Italy resembling artistic sculptures decorate the firmament. This year there were over 150 delegates from various countries of the world. While one could spot kites in shapes of giant cats, tigers, lizards and dragons with their tails billowing in the air, emoji and smiley kites made the sky even more interesting. Makar Sankranti is a festival that particularly succeeds in recreating the innocence of childhood days, and rejuvenating not just the body with the
sun’s warmth but even the heart as it flies high in the clouds with the kites. Celebrated on 14th January, it technically signifies the transmigration of the sun from one zodiac sign to other. On that day the sun enters Makar rashi or the zodiac sign of Capricorn. It also signifies the sun’s journey towards the north or the Uttar direction. In Gujarat it is also considered the beginning of good times after a prolonged inauspicious phase called Kamurta, which begins from mid December. Unity in Diversity The festival is celebrated across India under different names and slight variations in meanings, but overall it is considered an auspicious start to the next season. In Punjab the festival is celebrated as Lohri which marks the beginning of winter harvest. Bhangra around the bonfire while munching on gur (jaggery) and til (sesame) delicacies followed by a dip in holy waters the next day makes this festival a most celebrated one. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Pongal to mark the onset of harvest. They also believe that it is time to get rid of old and outdated things from the house as well as cleanse the mind of negativity. Similarly in West Bengal the festival is Poush Parbon. It is one more time for the Bengalis to enjoy their sweet delicacies. In Bihar and Jharkhand it’s Sakraat, celebrated with kite flying again, while in Gujarat it is Uttarayan when one relishes Undhiyu (a sweet and sour mixed vegetable dish) and Tal papdi (sesame bars), and of course the kites!
Part Of Ancient Culture The festival is also a part of India’s ancient cultural heritage. The great epic of Mahabharata mentions Makar Sankranti in its text. Records prove that even the Kings and Nawabs used to enjoy flying kites. In Lucknow the Nawabs flew kites with small purses of either gold or silver attached to them. The one who was able to ‘cut’ that kite got to keep the kitty. The famous king of Jaipur, Sawai Ram Singh was so fond of kites that he established a kite manufacturing workshop in the 16th century. The wall paintings on the Jodhpur fort of Mehrangarh also reflect the art of kite flying. References have been found in ancient poems and verses of kites being used to send messages between lovers. A Healthy Festival Physicians in olden times prescribed kite flying as an ideal remedy for those having poor health! Traditionally, the festival marks the onset of harvest and there is a lot of importance attached to eating special food to celebrate it. Although all states have their own delicacies, the ingredients are more or less similar. Most recipes use jaggery, sesame seeds which have warming properties, and kandmool (root vegetables) - ingredients that are packed with wholesome goodness, while one naturally also gets a healthy dose of Vitamin D on the terrace. Indian Kites In International Skies A few Indians have made India shine on the world
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 35
feature
36 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
map of kites. The man behind the famous Kite Festival of Gujarat, Kirti Thakar, has represented India in The French Dieppe Festival along with his wife. Another stalwart who participated was Dilip Kapadia, president of the Golden Kite club of Mumbai who possesses an enormous 76 years of experience in flying kites. Shayzaday Abbas, captain of the Golden Kite Club Mumbai, also made a mark with his dashing Lucknow style of kite flying. Abdul Rauf who is a collector as well as maker of specialized kites also made it to the event in style. Another team from Mangalore made a unique 30 ft high kite with pictures of Vibhishan imprinted on it, to promote the art as well as the dance of Kathakali to the world. Then and Now Reminiscing about kite flying in Gujarat, Prakash Shah, a senior citizen, says, “Uttarayan was my father’s favourite festival and he has passed on the legacy to me. Years ago, everybody used to wake up at 4.00 am on the morning of the festival and start their flying activities. The terraces used to be full to the brim with kite enthusiasts and it was quite difficult to let your kite soar high before it getting ‘cut’. We took a break only at the break of dawn. Catching the ‘cut’ kites was and still is a pleasure.”
Kirti Thakar
While the festival and its purpose remain the same, the younger generation sees it in a different way. A college goer Manali Thakar says that, “Uttarayan for me is meeting friends and family and enjoying on the terrace. Good music and good wind can make Uttarayan worthy. However, the evening is the best time when the sky is lit with crackers and then there is freestyle dancing to look forward to, for one and all.” In these busy times, kite flying is a blast from the past, when the pace was slower and the fun simpler. The next time you gaze at your kite and wonder how to make it go higher, you could take a tip from none other than Winston Churchill who said, ‘Kites rise highest against the winds, not with it.’ Of course, he was talking about life, but his advice works just as well taken literally! . n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 37
feature
Have a story you’re dying to tell the world? Make a short film. Budget, audience, and other trappings of the big screen become immaterial when you have YouTube. Ashesh Pandia lists the most watched short films of 2017, that also starred Bollywood biggies housewife who is over-burdened by household chores and duties while her husband comfortably sits with friends chatting, laughing, drinking, eating and ordering her around. When things go beyond tolerance, she expresses her anguish and pain by protesting in the most unique manner… sitting down with a glass of juice in one hand, cooling herself in front of the fan.
Juice Cast: Shefali Shah Director: Neeraj Ghaywan Views: 2,742,965 and counting Awards : Best Short Film, Jio Filmfare Awards 2018, Best Actress – Short Film, Jio Filmfare Awards Synopsis : One of the numerous traditions ailing the Indian family system even today is male domination. Shefali Shah immaculately portrays an oppressed
38 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Shunyata Cast: Jackie Shroff Director: Chintan Sarda Views: 573,584 plus Synopsis: A dark narrative about the life of a gangster played by the doyen of Bollywood, Jackie Shroff, Shunyata is about how unforgiving and brutal are the ways of the underworld. The film highlights the grim fact that it takes only a moment of vulnerability to crossover to the dark side making the return impossible. And even if you manage to overpower the crucial
moment, people around will not let you escape, pulling you down using all their gruesome might. That Day After Everyday Cast: Radhika Apte, Sandhya Mridul Director: Anurag Kashyap Views: 39,34, 571 and counting Synopsis : A story extremely
relevant in today’s day and age to inspire women who face harassment by eve-teasers, roadsideromeos and goons, so they can give it back to them with courage and confidence. It’s a slice-of-life, short film that captures the fear and dilemma of Radhika Apte, Arnnya Kaur and Gitanjali Thapa, who play typical lower middleclass housewives and victims of eve-teasing by local ruffians. Sandhya Mridul plays a superlative cameo who helps and inspires the trio to fight back.
Carbon Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Jackky Bhagnani, Prachi Desai Director: Maitry Bajpai and Ramiz Ilham Khan Views: 79,30,576 and counting Synopsis: Set in the year 2067,
the story explores a world without oxygen. With greenhouse gases slowly engulfing our planet, the writer-director duo visualises the age when carbon with replace oxygen in the atmosphere, and oxygen will be sold and smuggled like gold, diamonds or drugs. Jackky plays a negative protagonist while Nawaz is a traveller from Mars. Prachi plays the love interest of Jackky who turns out to be a robot.
The Thought of You Cast: Kalki Koechlin Director: Ahmed Roy Views: 234,268 and counting Award: Winner of Perfect 10 at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival Synopsis : Kalki Koechlin, her husband and her friend are having a late-night party. Kalki gets suspicious about her husband’s illicit relationship with her friend when she sees them cosying up together. Upset, she leaves the party along with her husband. In the car Kalki enters into an ugly argument which culminates with an accident. Her husband, who is not wearing a seat belt, is grievously injured. In the hospital, Kalki’s friend accuses her of murdering her husband. Chhuri Cast: Tisca Chopra, Anurag Kashyap, Surveen Chawla Director: Mansi Jain
Views : 25,07,481 and counting Synopsis : In a world where extramarital relationships are on the rise, Chhuri shows the way to deal with husbands who take their wives for granted. Tisca Chopra plays a simple, down-to-earth wife who keeps ignoring his husband’s (played by Anurag Kashyap) immoralities…till the time she is chided by her own daughter for being too passive. The story narrates how she takes sweet revenge on her husband by throwing a spanner in his extra-marital life. Mumbai Varanasi Express Cast: Darshan Jariwala, Aarti Chhabria Director: Aarti Chhabria Views: 23,82,135 and counting Synopsis: A touching tale of a terminally ill person who sets out to seek the truth of life after his doctor gives him maximum two months to live. He travels to Varanasi, the land of Moksh according to Hindu scriptures, where he comes face to face with different facets of life and how people view death from their own unique per-
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 39
feature
the behind the scenes drama of how Major General Jacob negotiated India’s victory over Pakistan, leading to the birth of Bangladesh, an independent country free from Pakistani rule and regime.
spective. It’s a film that explores the delicate and eternal relationship between life and death.
Anukul Cast: Saurabh Shukla Director: Sujoy Ghosh Views: 14,66,360 and counting Synopsis : Man v/s machine. Originally written by Satyajit Ray, Anukul is a story of a robot called who is more a human than machine. In a world of automation, where robots are increasingly replacing humans at the workplace, Anukul highlights the anguish of people who lose their jobs in favour of these machines. There is a twist in the tale with the robot proving to be a fortune for his master and death warrant for his detractor.
40 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Test Drive Cast: Ashutosh Rana Director: Sameer Chand Views: 14,57,848 and counting Synopsis: The film is a take on the trouble and the tribulations that struggling actors have to go through to find their feet in the highly competitive and mean Bollywood industry. Ashutosh Rana plays the role a struggling actor who meets with rejection and insults whenever he tries to prove his talent; his fifteen years of theatre experience notwithstanding. Test Drive is the real picture of what lies behind the glamour and glitz of film industry.
Mukti Cast: Milind Soman, Yashpal Sharma Director: Manu Chobe Views: 15,67,144 and counting Synopsis: This gripping film is about India’s 1971 war with Pakistan. Milind Soman, in the role of Major General J. F. R. Jacob, is a master actor and Yashpal Sharma, his Pakistani counterpart is equally brilliant. The film narrates
Dark Brew Cast: Vinay Pathak Director: Akash Goila Views: 259,134 and counting Synopsis: Love is perhaps the most complex of emotions to understand. Dark Brew explores the grey area of this universal emotion by trying to delve into the question: What really makes someone fall in love even after having a beautiful, loyal and dedicated spouse? Vinay Pathak is superb in his portrayal of a character called Anil who loves his wife dearly but is also unable to leave his girlfriend. He wants them both but is not willing to face reality.
musical notes
MAKING HIS OWN
MUSIC A successful businessman, social activist and passionate composer, Siddharth Kasyap speaks to Sujata Majumdar of music for the sake of music
You have been producing independent music for a while now. Tell us how it all began. I was passionate about music right from my childhood. I started learning tabla when I was 7 from Pandit Vrijram, who used to play with Pandit Ravishankar. Unfortunately, I could learn only for 3 months as he passed away due to ill health. I then started learning from his son Ashok who played guitar with none other than R D Burman. Meanwhile I also actively organized musical programmes in school. After school I went to Pune for studying Chemical Engineering. I realised that though I had some understanding of Indian music, I had no exposure to Western music so far. So, while in Pune I went to FTII and learnt about compositions, arrangement and programming from Kedar ji who taught Music Appreciation in FTII. My passion has always been to compose songs and one of my main influences was the music maestro duo, Laxmikant Pyarelal. How did you get involved in creating albums? In 1997/98 when I was just 16, I recorded my first song called ‘Priyatama’ with Udit Narayan. The private album scene was quite happening in the industry. However, despite recording that song I couldn’t complete the album as Udit ji got very busy and so did I, completing my studies. I would go every Wednesday to Mumbai for recordings and could complete the album ‘Tu Hi Meri
42 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Zindagi’ only after one and half years. The singers were stalwarts like Roopkumar Rathod, Kavita Krishnamurthy and Vinod Rathod. This was the first album which had my compositions as well as my lyrics. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale did the arrangement of the songs. After this it became a part of my life to jam with different musicians. In 1998 I met Pyarelal ji. His son was managing the Magnasound record label then. I used to attend Pyare ji’s recording sessions and have been very fortunate to learn many things from him. You come from a family of industrialists. How did you balance that with your interest in Music? I was also keenly aware of that fact. After completing my Engineering, I set up a factory in Vapi and got so engrossed in business that for 4-5 years I was just a home musician. The music industry was going through a major upheaval then. Private albums and Cds were fast disappearing and there was a growing inclination towards digital platforms. Piracy was a big issue. Recording techniques were more of programming tracks rather than recording live. The most important song I composed that time was one I gifted my wife when she was pregnant. By 2007 I was quite settled on the business front. Then I remembered my long forgotten dream of a studio. With the help of Aslam Khan, a senior recordist, I finally set it up. There were some musicians with whom I started a division called
Kamerkar. I also ended up doing the entire background score of the film and it was a most satisfying experience. In order to focus on the Indianness in the film I had the liberty to use lot of Indian percussion and sounds.
S.K MusicWorks. I already had many compositions of my own. A majority of the songs we recorded were with live instruments rather than with technical programming. I was not looking at the monetary gains but wanted to explore my creativity. We ended up creating a bank of around 80 songs in 2 years. Did you ever think of creating music for Bollywood or Television? So, after recording these songs we would also pitch them to Bollywood. However, independent music always offers greater scope to explore. In films, there are many restrictions as the compositions should match the situation in the film. My friend Suresh Thomas (Crescendo music) and I did an album called ‘Rock on Hindustan’ in which Patriotism was presented in a contemporary way. After this I did another album called ‘The Magic Flute’. This instrumental album was most challenging and featured flute maestro Ronu Mazumdar. I composed the music incorporating Indian raagas. Atul Raninga did the arrangement of the album. One of the songs ‘Sajna kaise katey’ is featured in the famous television serial, Balika Badhu. Another, ‘Pardesi Raja’ was used in the film, ‘Tara - the journey of love and passion’. Interestingly, the film also received accolades in many international film festivals. In 2011, when I went to US, I met Nayan Padrai, a well known screenplay writer and director. He was planning to make a crossover film called ‘When Harry tries To Marry’. I did three songs for it - one based on Gujarati dandiya was sung by Shreya Ghoshal, another based on marriage and Mehndi was sung by Madhushree and Udit Narayan and the third on Holi was sung by Rishikesh
How do you visualise your banner S K MusicWorks in the future? Keeping in mind the dominance of the digital platform in contemporary times, we make our own videos under the banner of S K MusicWorks. I decided to release my compositions on Youtube under this banner and started my own YouTube channel that promotes original music. It focuses on collaborations with not only established artistes but newcomers as well, providing a platform to promote independent music in all genres - from romantic, sufi, rock, pop, spiritual to instrumental tracks. We have released five audio-videos until now. I am already in talks with Niladri Kumar and Rakesh Chaurasia for Sitar and Rahul Sharma for Santoor. Being an ardent lover of Indian classical music, I also plan to release classical bandish based on various ragas. The main idea of S K MusicWorks is to make sure that good music which is not dependent on films, reaches the listeners. I have a dream of creating a grand musical show with 1000 musicians, something like Yanni does, but showcasing the wealth of Indian instruments. As a practising Jain, you have also used your musical talent to further the Jain philosophy? Currently I am the secretary of World Jain Confederation, an Apex Organization which joins all the Jain sects together. It seeks to create awareness about the philosophy of Mahavir Swami and we organize a seminar every year on the topic. I believe that a part of whatever we earn should be used for the betterment of society. In the same vein, we released an album named Mahavir Vaani, that talks about Mahavir’s philosophy. n Sujata Majumdar is a wellknown playback singer and our special music columnist
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 43
made In india
Mission Possible Gita Chauhan writes about the success story of Manish Doshi, an erstwhile textile engineer whose company Envision Scientific Private Ltd now produces cutting-edge stents that are being used in 56 countries
H
ow does a textile engineer get into the highly competitive cardiovascular business and make a gigantic success of it? How do you get European countries to use Indian stents? For answers to these and more, we look at the journey of a young entrepreneur who has shown enormous tenacity and courage to venture into unknown waters. In 1991, Manish graduated as a textile engineer from M.S.
44 | Feelings
JAN - FEB 2018
University, Baroda and subsequently joined Mafatlal Fine as a Weaving Superintendent. Already though, his entrepreneurial genes were kicking in. He left the job and went into the business of chemical trading. Then he teamed up with a childhood friend to launch two ventures that were the first of its kind in Gujarat. The first was an amusement park in Surat that offered one man helicopter rides and introduced gokarting to the state.
The second was a Laser sheet metal cutting workshop in Baroda. It was here that he received an order that was to change his life. The order demanded that he cut stainless steel tubes into tiny parts. It surprised him that these fragile pieces known as stents could potentially save lives. He saw an opportunity in the making, a trait that he pins down to his Gujarati DNA ! “I opted out of all those other businesses to focus on establishing the first coronary stent manufacturing company of India named Sahajanand.” They went on to make the first indigenous stent – a matter of great pride for the country. In 2007 however, he hit a roadblock. Difference of opinions led to him exiting the company. It was then that a childhood friend stepped in with moral and financial support and Manish started his own company - Envision Scientific Private Ltd. They decided to evaluate existing products, learn their limitations and develop technologies to overcome them. He talks about the three main hurdles he faced. First finding finance for research. Second – the regulatory scene changed very quickly, leading to delay in approvals. Third- availability of facilities to conduct bench-testing and animal trials for their products. “We had our ups and downs. One day it was raining, but the next day the sun was shining again.” Overcoming all these hurdles, slowly but steadily, the company launched innovative products that have stood the test of time. Among them is a drug eluting stent named Albuminus. Doshi explains that in most stents it is only the stent that is coated with the drug. “In our product both the stent and the balloon are coated, and the balloon is inflated for 45 seconds instead of
the usual 15 seconds for better results.” Another is a balloon named MagicTouch. It is used in patients suffering from blockages in small arteries where it may not be feasible to put a stent. It’s an emerging technology that addresses the limitations of stents. This breakthrough won them the Marico Innovation Award for India in 2016. The biggest challenge in developing this product was that the balloon catheter is coated with sirolimus which is an unstable molecule with weak binding properties. To get it to ‘stick’ to the balloon was a major breakthrough. Other products in the market used paclitaxel which has strong binding properties but were controversial for their toxicity. Doshi manufactures his disruptive and cutting edge products at his state of the art, sterilized factory in Surat. It has a daily production of 150 drug eluting stents and they plan to expand soon. They are now being sold in 56 countries.
A balloon named MagicTouch is used in patients suffering from blockages in small arteries where it may not be feasible to put a stent. This breakthrough won them the Marico Innovation Award for India in 2016.
He is careful to protect his ideas after learning the hard way. “In my former company, we did a small clinical study in Netherlands. And before we knew it, we were sued by Boston Scientific for 25 million euros for patent infringement! Thankfully we had to pay only 1400 euros as we had not commercialized the product.” Today he has 30 patents filed and obtained across USA, Japan, Australia, China, South Africa and Israel. He cited his toughest challenge and his biggest success as the ability to break into European markets. “Though we had to wait three years, it was a dream come true for us. We had done something considered impossible
Feelings
JAN - FEB 2018
| 45
made In india
“Success needs effort, sweat, dedication, passion, sacrifice and also the taste of loss.”
by the industry.” The highest importer of their products is Italy. French and Spanish companies import their product and then market it under their own brand name. Ironically, his products have not got the desired response in India. Doshi attributes it to ‘too many vested interests.’ However, he has the backing of several leading interventional cardiologists including Dr. Samir Dani from Ahmedabad who has used his products for the past five years in more than 2000 patients. Manish finds that gradually the demand is increasing because of the satisfying results, especially for diabetics. “There is a very low restenosis rate. The drug delivery, at least the initial burst is across the entire segment of the vessel being dilated. This is important.” Manish Doshi has such luminaries as Dr. Martin Leon of Columbia University on his advisory board. “I act as a bridge between the R&D team and the market as I am constantly in touch with the market. These products have created recognition and visibility for India in
46 | Feelings
JAN - FEB 2018
the world and we have brought in substantial foreign exchange.” He also mentions the Ensure insurance program. If a patient comes back with a blockage, the next angioplasty is free. He also provides cost effective rates for poor patients. Many awards have come his way, such as the CII Industrial Intellectual Property Award for 2015-16, CII Industrial Innovation Award for 2017 and recognition as one of the top SMEs of India. As for the future, Doshi has set his eyes on the US market which he hopes to crack in a year or so. “Our target is 5 million USD. Also in the pipeline is Imbibe- a completely dissolvable stent.” He sums up his incredible journey with these wise words, “Success needs effort, sweat, dedication, passion, sacrifice and also the taste of loss.” n
Immigrant Diary
ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE Madhu Rye Thaker bridges the distance between audience and performer in this heartfelt tête-à-tête with theatre duo and real-life couple Rupal Patel and Shailesh Trivedi 48 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
A
reporter looking for a perfect yin-yang couple cannot do better than finding Rupal Patel and Shailesh Trivedi who complement each other ideally. Together they have been industriously putting together theater productions in India, Canada and US, running a drama company and hosting drama festivals of NRI plays, so to speak, in New York and New Jersey. Rupal is a performing artist and Shailesh a writerdirector of stage plays and the folk theater form Bhavai, since 1980. Rupal graduated in performing arts, and has bagged numerous awards all the way from Simla to Allahabad, Nainital and Cuttack. She has acted in 40 stage plays with stalwarts like Habib Tanvir, Mahesh Champaklal, Suresh Rajda, Yashvant Kelkar , Chinu Modi and Nimesh Desai; starred in over 50 radio plays and performed 50 Bhavai vesh. And oh! She is also an astute businesswoman running a little boutique of ladies apparels.
Which year did you leave India and what made you decide to shift all those years ago? ST: We left India in 1999 for Toronto,Canada; then left Toronto in 2004 for New Jersey ,USA. The move was a welcome change after after 20 years working for the government of India and 25 years of performing in Gujarati Theatre. We just felt a change would be refreshing. Actually we did not have any thoughts then about settling down there or even about returning to India. It was just a matter of getting out to smell a different rose. What were your first impressions of the new country? ST: For Rupal it wasn’t too new as she had been to the US and Canada thrice already to perform, and so was familiar with the western culture. For me and my son, Utsav, it was all like Alice in Wonderland!
Shailesh Trivedi too has won numerous trophies as writer/director/actor in drama festivals, including the Natyashree award from the Allahabad Natya Sangh, for his contribution to theater; the Natyabhushan award at theater Olympiad in Cuttack and the President’s award for his Bhavai production at National Drama Festival, Allahabad. He has acted in and produced plays for All India Radio, Vadodara, for more than 20 years and then some for Doordarshan. The team performed a special Bhavai vesh in France for the ‘Festival of India’, under the National Cultural Exchange Program.Amidst all this Shailesh even finds time to write a monthly column for the Gujarat Darpan magazine in New Jersey and is a panel member of the South Asian Film Fest and the NY Film Festival. The thespians were in Vadodara recently to celebrate wedding of their son Utsav with Tia. The event was perfect for them where they put on a theatrical smorgasbord with songs, dance, music and yes, Bhavai! It is here that we met them and managed to ask them a few questions. They answered spontaneously, and here are their composite responses:
“We just felt a change would be refreshing... It was just a matter of getting out to smell a different rose.” Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 49
Immigrant Diary
Everything was so neat, so organized, so orderly. And so different! Tell us a bit about your early years. Did you have to struggle with the language, the food, culture and the people? ST: Well, the usual struggle to find a job was of course there. In those days it was not easy to find a job in Canada with a degree from another country. I had an engineering degree and decades of experience but that was of no help. So I started with newspaper distribution, then found a job in a PCB manufacturing unit and picked up the basics of computers to land a job in the quality control department. productions. Rupal is a Fashion Designer and luckily her 20 years of work experience was enough to get a job in the Marketing Department of Union Energy . Utsav who was 14 then, settled in school easily. He was soon a State Champion in skating and great at swimming too. RP: We didn’t feel home sick really, but we did miss home, absolutely. As soon as we settled down with our jobs, we started The Shakuntal Drama Group and mounted our first full length production in Canada within four months. Our shows happened on a monthly basis and we even toured to USA with our
50 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
You must have worked really hard to reach where you are today. What keeps you busy now? RP: Shailesh is a Senior Project Engineer at ANS Consultants, New Jersey and I divide my time between USA and India to run my fashion business and stay in touch with the current trends in the garment industry as well as the theater world. What are the moments that stand out in your memory today? RP: Well, we’ll begin with our only son Utsav’s wedding, of course! In theater there have been
“We have certainly broadened our horizons and have learned to appreciate our own heritage while developing respect for the other culture.” Both: No...! Not at all!
countless events: Full length shows, drama festivals, desi dinners alongwith theatre called ‘bhavai with khichdi kadhi’. One event that definitely stands out though was our Multimedia show in Chalo Gujarat festival in New Jersey, in 2012, which was enjoyed by hundreds if not thousands of Gujaratis. What do you miss the most about your days in India. ST: The Chai ki Lari, steps of Gandhi Nagar Gruh, a theater in Vadodara, and friends with whom we talked ceaselessly about life, theater and the future. Any regrets when you look back?
What has America taught you? RP: We became more circumspect. We have certainly broadened our horizons and have learned to appreciate our own heritage while developing respect for the other culture. We love the concept of ‘privacy’ in western culture. Do you think the country has changed from the time you left. How? ST: We are surprised to notice that people in India have become more isolated. Youngsters try to copy the western ways but they really don’t have a clue about how vastly different it is from what we have; or even from what they think it actually is. If you could change one thing about India, it would be? ST: I’d first have to change myself... n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 51
interview
‘HEAVEN IS HERE TO MAKE,
NOT ON CLOUD SEVEN’ Nandini Sanan Shankar caught up with Dr M. H. Mehta, the forward thinking, creative scientist who wants to make the world ‘a bit better’
D
r Mehta or Munibhai as he is popularly called, wears many hats – a Chemical Engineer turned Agricultural Scientist, he is a Padma Shri recipient and at 75, is currently at the forefront of the Eco-Agri Revolution, ‘the next big idea whose time has come,’ as says Prof M S Swaminathan, the father of the Green Revolution himself. Dr Mehta is known for his 20:20 model, which is about getting 20 percent more output with 20 percent less input, in farming. Late Dr. Abdul Kalam admired his model for reviving rivers and strongly felt it was one which should be adopted throughout the country. In Delhi recently to discuss viable solutions for the crop-burning issue, Dr. Mehta laid down what must be done to make the air breathable again. Your recently published book – Eco Agri Revolution is being considered an important milestone and also being hailed by leading figures around the world. What is it about? Eco Agri or Agro Ecology (a broader term including but not restricted to Organic Farming) is a farming approach capable of producing enough food without harming the environment. It fits in perfectly with the UN’s sustainable development goals, and aims for more balanced farming techniques. My book talks about ‘How to’ achieve this instead of just the ‘Know how’, by using tried and tested models, in different farm conditions. You were in Delhi recently for meetings regarding the Crop Residue Burning in Punjab and Haryana which is responsible for the extreme pollution in Delhi. What is your solution? We never had this problem earlier as farmers used to cut the leftover crop stubs manually and were
52 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
therefore able to chop it very close to the ground. With machines it’s different as a lot of the stubble gets left behind – and the easiest but the most harmful way to clear the fields of this is to burn it. It not only creates pollution but causes soil degradation. It is actually possible to treat this stubble with a microbial mixture which decomposes it, only to convert it to bio-compost for the same field! It costs about 500 rupees per acre, after the mechanical operation which is quite cost effective for the farmers too. So, is this going to be implemented soon? We have pitched the idea to Mr. Parshottam Rupala, the Union Minister for Agriculture and other officials. But these things take time. For starters, the Environment Minister, the Agriculture department and the State government have to be on the same page for any definitive action to take place. What is the genesis of your organizations – The Science Ashram & Gujarat Life Sciences? The Science Ashram started as a NGO to help the farmers, especially the small and poor ones. Initially, our young team would interact with them to explain the hazards of over use of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides and spread awareness about alternative eco friendly products. The farmers listened but then said that, “You make these products for us”! That was the beginning of Gujarat Life Sciences (GLS) which today makes more than 30 products including Bio-fertilizers, Bio-pesticides, Bio-growth enhancer and Bio-composts etc. You had a long association with late president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and also the father of the milk
revolution in India – Dr. Kurien. What are the lasting impressions that each of them left on you? I knew Dr. Kalam ever since I was working at Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) and later as the Research Director of GSFC Ltd, Vadodara. I again interacted closely with him when I was the Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Agricultural University and Chairman of the National Committee on Agricultural Technology (NRDC). He visited GLS and released my book (Science, Spirituality and the World Tomorrow) and also took keen interest in the project called Vaho Vishwamitri Abhiyan - for the revival of the river in Central Gujarat. I was also very fortunate to have a close association with Dr. V. Kurien, best known for Amul. In fact, it was he who encouraged me to take over as the VC of Gujarat Agricultural University and later shared his wisdom and experience which became extremely valuable for me. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Prof. M.S. Swaminathan along with above two great people became inspiring guides for me in my life when it came to using science for national development. You mention in the book that you were unsure of taking on the role of VC of the Agricultural University, as you are a Chemical Engineer by qualification. However, you went on to be awarded the Padma Shri for your work in the field! What would you attribute your success to? Though I have worked in different organizations in different areas of science including Bio - Technologies, Polymers, Atomic Energy and Water, somehow the central theme of my work always remained R&D and its application for the benefit of maximum people. Thus, both as a Scientist and Science Manager, this approach became my major driving force,
leading me to think creatively. Your model River Revival Project – Vaho Vishwamitri Abhiyan resonates with the increasing interest to revive the rivers of India. Tell us a bit about it. Vishwamitri was once a beautiful flowing river, but is almost dead now – like many rivers in India. Firstly let me tell you that reviving just 10-15 kms of a river is not the right way to do it, in fact such a plan is sure to backfire. Our Vaaho Vishwamitri model is based on a Holistic River Revival plan which has three aspects (a) Water Management System such as Check Dams, Water Recycling etc. (b) Waste Management including Bio-compost and Organic Farming (c) A Bio-shield – scientifically planning and planting nearly 20 million trees and shrubs. What would you like to be remembered as most? An artist, since you write poetry and play music, a scientist or a leader? I am 75 now. Apart from my interest in science and its applications, my interest in sports, poetry and music continues. I often play the Kastha Tarang – mainly classical ragas and dhuns. Perhaps, my capacity to enjoy music has increased much more than my ability to play the instrument. I am not sure whether I want to be remembered but if at all it would be as somebody who wanted to make the world a better place. If you could send one prominent message out into the world, what would it be? It is here that we have to dream and work for a better world as, ‘Our dreams are for Earth, not Heaven. Cause Heaven is here to Make, not on Cloud Seven.’ n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 53
interview
NO MORE ORPHANAGES Caroline Boudreaux of The Miracle Foundation is working for a world where every child ‘Belongs’. She speaks to Nandini Sanan Shankar of her mission and what she loves about India
C
aroline Boudreaux had everything money could buy and yet there was something lacking. Then, on a trip around the world, where India was just one of the destinations for her, she encountered something she had never seen - orphans, so many of them, living in appalling conditions, desperate for love and attention. That evening changed Caroline’s life forever, and she left her highly paying job in USA to establish the Miracle Foundation. Now, like she says, she has ‘everything money can’t buy - peace, fulfillment and a sense of purpose’. In your TED Talk you mention seeing so much misery and suffering at close quarters the first time, in India. You say it changed you as a person?
54 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
It changed me in every possible way. It gave me the purpose of my life. Back in 2000, I had everything that money could buy — but no contentment, fulfillment, purpose, or meaning in my life. I decided to quit my job and travel around the world for a year with a friend. In May of that year, I found myself in rural India, face-to-face with orphaned children for the very first time. I had never seen a parentless child before in my life. And all of a sudden a hundred of them were vying for my attention, sometimes pushing each other out of the way for a hug from me or to touch my hands. It was overwhelming. They were the sweetest, saddest children I had ever seen. There were so many,
and every single one was precious and perfect… desperately in need of love, attention, a family, someone to care. A little girl named Sheebani came and put her head on my knee. I sang her a lullaby and rocked her to sleep. I went upstairs to put her into her crib, and was shocked to see that there wasn’t one. Instead, the room was filled with hard, wooden-slatted beds. I laid Sheebani down, and when I heard her bones hit the boards, I broke. I couldn’t believe that any child had to live like this. Here I was, traveling around the world without a care, and these children were going to bed on hard wooden beds every night. I was angry at myself, hurt for them, and embarrassed for society. The day was auspicious — it was Mother’s Day. Right at that moment, I decided I had to do something to help children. I simply could not go on with my life as if they didn’t exist. I couldn’t un-see what I had seen. The idea for the Miracle Foundation was born that day. Every child deserves the foundation of a family. Since then — miraculously — people of all ages, from all walks of life, and from all socioeconomic backgrounds have joined us on this journey. Together, we’re giving a loving family and personalized care to thousands of orphaned children. I have changed. Today, I have everything that money can’t buy: Peace, contentment, fulfillment, and purpose. It’s kind of a miracle. Do you ever miss the high-paying corporate career that you left behind? Never. Like I said, that got me no purpose, no contentment. Today, I have something bigger than myself to focus on. I get to be around people who want to make the world a better place. If you’re not generous, an optimist or someone who is willing to help others, you don’t even come around me. Now, I empower people and donors to make a lifesaving, life-changing difference for orphaned children. And I am proud of it.
That first trip to India changed your life for the better. On your visits ever since, what else strikes you about India? I love India. She changes rapidly and is seeing so much development. She is a country full of entrepreneurs and the spirit that comes with it. I like to tell people that Modi is living the American Dream. The son of a tea seller is the Prime Minister. India is the world’s future. My favorite change about India is her youth. They get it. They know and want to change the plight of the poor. They’re super involved and do amazing things to make sure we’re successful in helping children.
“I have changed. Today, I have everything that money can’t buy: Peace, contentment, fulfillment, and purpose. It’s kind of a miracle.” What exactly does Miracle Foundation do? Miracle Foundation is based in US and Delhi. It supports around 25 children’s homes, from the hinterland of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh to the farflung areas of Tripura. The Foundation India is in partnership with Ketto, a crowdfunding website that strives to make it easy for individuals and NGOs to reach out to any cause. For us, it’s all about the children. With our individualized ‘Child First’ approach, we are committed to providing a loving family for every child, to ensuring all children receive quality education and personalized care so they are healthy and ‘known’. To do this, we allocate resources to more effectively facilitate family care options, including adoption, and work with the community and local governments to ensure that excellent family support services are in place. We’re working together toward a world without the need for orphanages—a world where every child is
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 55
interview
wanted and belongs. Imagine that! What are some of the challenges you face while trying to get your work done? The biggest challenge faced by an NGO is the ability to help enough people. That, of course, is a matter of raising enough money to care for the thousands of children we support. The way to do that is to show donors where their rupees are going and the impact they’re having. The measurability of our interventions ensures we know the exact impact of donations, which enables us to provide full transparency and maintain integrity to our donors, whether they give 100 rupees or 100 lakhs. Tell us about some of the Foundation’s initiatives Education is the passport to a successful future. It’s the poverty-breaker. That’s why the work we do in education is so important. We ensure children are attending high-quality school and have after-school tutors. We also make sure they have access to libraries, computer labs, and robotics programs. Plus, we have 193 students in higher education, studying engineering, natural sciences, nursing, social work, and more. We’re committed to children from the day they’re separated from their family until they grow into independent, self-sustaining adults. One initiative we’re particularly excited about is partnering with organizations doing great work in adoption and foster care. Whenever possible, we reunify children in orphanages to live with their
56 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
“I have only one wish: A loving family and personalized care for every child. ” extended family. And if a child doesn’t have extended family who can provide quality care, we explore how they can live in a loving family through foster care or adoption. You mention about these children clinging on to you, trying to get as much affection as possible in those few minutes of meeting you. How does Miracle Foundation address this emotional insecurity in the orphaned children? Losing your parents and family is traumatic. Living in an institution can be traumatic, too. That’s why we work hard to get children into a family and why we provide counseling to children we support. Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realizes their potential, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively, and is able to make a contribution to the community. Our psychologists and counselors work with children individually to help them overcome their past and design their future. How did your family react when you first told them that you were quitting your job to do this? Of course they thought I was crazy. What did I know about orphans or children or India? Still, they knew if I set my mind to it, I really might be able to help.
I’ve been blessed with a life full of love. I grew up in a large family, with lots of brothers and sisters and supported in every way by my loving parents. We were very happy and had a lot of fun growing up. And I’ve always been empathetic. I could always pick up on what and how people were feeling, especially children. I knew they were suffering, and I just couldn’t sit back and do nothing. I’m inspired by their incredible potential, yet horrified by how we let them suffer and fend for themselves. I knew someone needed to step up and change the story of their lives. And then I realized that someone was me. How would you compare orphanages in the US to orphanages here? How many orphans does the US have as compared to India? In the US, orphanages are a thing of the past. Orphaned and vulnerable children, when they’re separated from their families, are placed with a foster family. There are almost 500,000 children in the US foster care system. The US foster care system isn’t close to perfect. We’re exploring ways we can leverage technology to support foster families and make sure the children separated from their families are getting the best care possible. Please give an example, as to how the Foundation has helped change the lives of the orphans? The transformations for the children have been miraculous. One of the things we are most proud of is that we have reunified 25% of children with their parents or extended family. That means they’re no longer living in an institution - they’re back with their families. The story of Meera for example: Meera is a 19-year-old girl from Tamil Nadu who grew up at an orphanage, where she lacked the basics - clean water, nutritious meals, healthcare, and quality education. With Miracle Foundation supporting Meera, she got access to clean water, began enjoying three nutritious meals per day, and started having regular visits to the doctor. Meera is now in college studying to become a social
worker. Her dream is to become a role model social worker and help poor families in rural communities. The Miracle Foundation is actively working on 8 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. Which are the top 3 on your list? I think they are all equally important, because achieving all 17 goals will give us a world that works for everyone. Goal #4, however, about quality education – is a really important one. Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and making sustainable change. Another Sustainable Development Goal we’re most inspired by is Goal #17 – all about partnerships. Developing key partnerships with other governments, companies, and organizations aligned with our mission is a huge focus for us, so we can together make an even bigger impact for parentless children. It’s helpful to be working within such an incredible global movement around the Sustainable Development Goals. There’s an energy about the progress being made. Having specific goals to work toward make the work that much more exciting. What keep you going? How would you describe a typical day in your life? I’m passionate about this work, for sure. It’s the children and my faith in God that keep me going. That being said, I’m pretty good at unplugging. It’s because I know when I take time to take care of myself, I can show up better for the children. I unplug regularly and don’t have any problems relaxing – because I know it makes it easy to plug back in! I wake up at 6 am, meditate for 15 minutes, go work out, and then start work. My husband Ed and I love to cook and work out together. We love live music, playing games, and going to the neighborhood pool. If you were granted three wishes, what would they be? I have only one wish: A loving family and personalized care for every child. My purpose—what keeps me going every day—is for every orphaned child to have a forever family and feel a sense of belonging. n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 57
Trends
Four Wheeled
Beauties & Beasts Feelings lists the top ten car launches of 2018
58 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Lamborghini Urus Lamborghini has been toying with the conceptual SUV since decades. It even launched the LM022 that did fairly well. Urus, however, is a completely different beast. With a top speed of 305 km/h, it beats the 301 km/h top speed of the Bentley Bentayga, making it the world’s fastest SUV. Lamborghini Urus has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 packing 641 hp under its stubby hood and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and 0-200 km/ in 12.8 seconds. Price: Starts at ` 3.5 Crore
BMW M5 The new BMW M5 has gone for a complete overhaul. It’s like BMW has put in its all in the new version, from a twin turbo V8 with an output of 600 bhp to a four wheel drive with 100’s of steering options. The M5 can reach a speed of 100kmph in 3.4 seconds and can go up to a speed of 300 kmph. Max power is 592 bhp and max torque is 553 lb ft from 1800 rpm. Not much has changed in its looks but a lot has been added to the electronics. The car is lighter due to its aluminium construction and the central computer is extremely quick at processing information, something that wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago. Price: ` 7 crore (estimated)
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 59
trends
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Another name entering the SUV segment is the Rolls-Royce with its Cullinan, loosely based on the Phantom’s design and architecture. The epitome of super luxury, the Cullinan, named after the largest uncut diamond is also expected to share the Phantom's 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V-12 engine which produces 563hp. Price: Starts at ` 2.5 Crore
Mercedes-Benz S-Class The Special Class car also known as S Class has seen some cosmetic changes if not structural changes. The latest addition is the Intelligent LED Light system that adapts the headlights to the current driving conditions, oncoming traffic as well as different speeds. The new model will be available with the earlier engines – 3.0-litre V6 diesel and a 3.0-litre petrol. The former produces 255 bhp and the later produces 330 bhp. Both the engines will come with the newly developed nine speed automatic transmission Price: ` 1.9 crore onwards
60 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Audi A8 The new Audi 8 looks almost the same as the previous one except for few visual updates but is packed with more technology and updates. It’s well-equipped with self-driving capabilities up to 60 kmph, advanced collision mitigation technology and four-wheel steering, among other updates. A 340hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 is standard; a 460-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 is optional. All-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic and air suspension are standard. An optional suspension system scans the road for imperfections, adjusting to soak them up. A
Range Rover Velar The new Range Rover Velar is designed to fit in between the family Range Rover Evoque and the big brother, the Range Rover Sport. The base engine for the Velar is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 247 horsepower. A turbocharged, 2.0-liter diesel-
449 hp plug-in hybrid with inductive charging might be available soon. Price: ` 1.5-2 crore (estimated)
fuelled four-cylinder, with 180 hp and 317 poundfeet of torque, is optional. Topping the range is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6, pumping out 380 hp and a promised 0 to 60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. Price: ` 80 lakh onwards
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 61
trends
Alpine A110 The most eagerly awaited car has been the Alpine A110 based on the brand’s most iconic model produced between 1962 and 1971. The Alpine A110 marks the return of the Renault-owned Alpine brand for the first time since production ended in 1995. The A110’s lovely aluminium bodywork houses a mid-mounted 1.8-litre turbo motor that ekes out 253hp and 320Nm, propelling the lightweight (1,080-kilogram) coupe from 0 to100kph in 4.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 250 km/h. Price: ` 60 lakh onwards
Jaguar I-Pace Leading car manufacturer Jaguar is all set to barge into the EV platform with its I-Pace, Jaguar’s first electric production car. The battery, like its motors, is designed in-house. The I-Pace is pegged to have a range of over 300 miles, which it gets thanks to a 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Jaguar states that the I-Pace will have a recharge time of just two hours when using a 50kWh DC socket. The claimed power output is 395bhp, which when paired with 700Nm of torque from two electric motors, means the I-Pace will reach 62mph from a standstill in just four seconds. Price: ` 50 lakh onwards
62 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Lexus NX 300 Lexus NX 300 is the new name for the car that used to be called NX 200t (for its 200lt engine) Nothing much has changed in the NX300 barring few minor changes. Lexus has made the Safety System package which includes front collision mitigation, lane departure alert, high-beam assist and adaptive cruise control as standard equipment in this model. It also has a hybrid version, the Lexus NX300h, making an entry into the Hybrid car division. Price: ` 60 lakh onwards
Chevrolet Corvette C8 The Corvette has always been the traditional American car with its architecture and design. The new C8 model, however, will be changing that. The engine is rumoured to be a 4.0L twin-turbo V8. Price: ` 60 lakh onwards n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 63
Style File
It’s all about
Glitz, Gloss and Gold
Nandita Derashri narrows down the biggest makeup trends for 2018
I
f last year was all about going au naturel when it came to make-up, this year it’s all about glitz. So all of you who’re dying to try out that new look, welcome 2018 with open lipsticks and liners for it has ditched the no makeup look. This is the time to glam up almost everything. Here’s the latest of what the spring term has in store for you...
Bullets have already stolen the market: After indulging in liquid lipstick, it is now the turn of the bullets which are making a dramatic comeback. Many big brands, like Kylie cosmetics (according to a report from Harper’s Bazaar) have already launched lipstick bullets in vivid colors. These bullets are more hydrating and creamy. Little wonder then if you find them ‘sold out’ everywhere.
64 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Black is back: If 2017 was all about rich colours for those who couldn’t do without them, 2018 has decided to give these colorful looks a break by reintroducing black and bold eye liners. A thick eyeliner around both lash lines is the new statement.
It’s gloss everywhere: After years of matt lipsticks and eye shadows, 2018 has brought gloss back in focus. Not only is lip strobing popular again but glossy lids will also become trendsetters. Nyx cosmetics has already stirred the market with its newly launched Lid Lacquers, and several other brands are coming up with eye sparkles with many pretty embellishments to decorate your eye corners
Golden Goddess: From strobing sticks to liquid highlighters, pink has been the boss till date, but that rule is over now. Gold is the new king and will glamorously complement every look. Whether you highlight your cheekbones or pump the inner corners of your eyes, the golden girl is going to steal every party.
Redefining Cat Eyes: We know that the signature ‘cat eyes’ are passé now so it’s high time the conventional technique gets a new definition. 2018 is fulfilling this wish by doing innovative experiments with eye looks; it’s going to be more intense and dramatic by an even thicker application of eyeliner. Start experimenting and think what you would like your signature look to be like...Happy Dolling Up! n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 65
n o o m r i t
l ca
Ga s
feature
RU
S MBLE
Top Celebrity Chefs reveal the culinary trends for 2018 to Abid Mohammed
2
018 is here and the one unanimous drift being felt in the culinary world is HEALTHY INDULGENCE. Most trends predicted for 2018 such as using Local Produce, a tilt towards the Vegetarian and a growing appreciation of Tea were already the talk of the town to some extent last year. This year sees them grow stronger and spread wider, while other new ones such as Food and Fashion and Root to Stem catch on. Read on to understand more...
66 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Chef Vineet Bhatia 1. Casual, Fine Dining I see the shift into more casual fine dining gathering speed, so less formality, but still with amazing standards of food, wine, and service. 2. Local Produce As far as food goes, I believe it will be more focused on local produce, even more so than before. So homemade butters, vinegars, breads will rule the tables.
Chef Rohit Ghai 1. Indian Street Food with a Modern Twist No longer will be satisfied with the humble chicken tikka masala with naan bread and a few poppadoms. This new food trend will see the emergence of tapas-style Indian street food. It is all about smoked, grilled or seared delicacies and creative takes such as scallops with Chowpati Bhel. The cuisine lends itself to hybrids, such as spiced burgers or lamb keema tacos. It’s Indian food like you’ve never tasted it. 2. Plant protein As more people try to cut back on meat and move towards a ‘flexitarian’ diet, there is a growing demand for plant-based proteins. Whether with pulses, shoots, grains, seeds, soy or even algae, everyone from tiny start-up companies to big
3. Vegan Diners will be looking for veggie and vegan options more than ever before. 4. Food Waste We will see increasing movement away from food waste. 5. Food and Fashion We will see a rising trend in food and fashion collaborations. We like to look good when we eat out and we like our food to look good too, so the two go hand in hand.
brands is looking for clever new ways to add a protein punch. 3. Edible Flowers Expect to see a lot more of these edible floral flavours this year. I think that lavender, hibiscus, rose, and especially elderflower will be lending food and drinks plenty of aroma. 4. Food Powders Matcha and turmeric lattes were all the hype in 2017, which is why the high-end grocer is adding maca root and cacao to this year’s list. Also note that activated charcoal is gaining superfood status for its reported detoxifying attributes. 5. Middle Eastern Food This year will discover more regional dishes from the Middle East. This predicts a rise in a number of ingredients: Harissa, Za’atar, Parsley, Tahini and dried fruits are just a few.
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 67
feature
Chef Manjunath Mural 1. Sustainability The coming years will be a turning point for the food industry as consumers now want food that is made with organic ingredients, with least harm to the environment. 2. Local Produce Farm to fork, as a concept, is growing rapidly as a business module. As Chefs we want to rely more on locally grown produce for fresh taste. 3. Locally inspired Dishes More people are going back to their roots in all
business sectors and the same applies to food. Fusion food was trending but now it is giving away to region specific food. 4. Modern presentations Food presentation has always been important but now with social media it has become a major factor. Even the traditional dishes will now be given a modern touch. 5. Using Modern Techniques Technology has always played a key role in the food industry and will continue to do so.
Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi 1. Regionality Food focus will be more regional this year. We have slowly started exploring what India has to offer from various states and are looking forwards to exploring new cuisines from across the country. Given that our country is so vast and still unexplored, all Chefs are looking forward to share their regional experiences. 2. Vegetarian and Vegan I also expect to see a lot of more Vegetarian and Vegan food trends emerge across the country. People are slowly shifting by choice to these culinary offerings. 3. New, Fun Flavours You will see them not only on the restaurant menus but also FMCG companies will launch products with new flavours. These flavours could be regional or have a mass appeal or both.
68 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
4. Instagram Food People now look towards Instagram before they decide on what food and where it is to eaten. New restaurants like Dhadoom offering Instagram cuisine are springing up to appeal to the new age millennials who are driving the food industry these days. Anything that has an ‘eye appeal’ and wow factor, is the new age Instagram food. 5. Teas I feel that India is a tea country and the credit given to tea is long overdue. Many tea chains are opening up and I am sure some of them will emerge to be National brands. I also feel that the variety of tea offerings across restaurants and FMCG companies will increase. People will enjoy experimenting with mood-teas and refreshing teas.
Chef Rakhee Vaswani 1. Organic Food 2017 has seen an upsurge in Organic farming not only in India but across the globe. With an increase in the awareness, 2018 looks like a year of conscious and sensitive choices. Organic indulgence, anyone? YES! 2. Local Produce I have always been a fan of local produce. India is undoubtedly a treasure land when it comes to the wide variety of local grains and super foods that are easily accessible. Luckily enough, people have started noticing the same and it is the new 'Cool' thing! Personally, Amaranth and Sorghum are my favourite local grains and I cannot wait to explore more. 3. Gut-friendly Food Self-love has been an important part of 2017 and what is a better form of self-respect than taking care of your body? Gut-friendly food basically involves food that is sensitive and soothing for your inner ecology.
Chef Abhishek Gupta 1. Root to Stem cooking Innovative chefs will drive the root to stem cooking philosophy, which promotes nutrition and prevents wastage. This philosophy is practiced in ‘EPIC – Global Cuisine Pop-up Restaurant’, here in The Leela, headed by me. 2. Collaborations Chefs collaborations - inter city, state or country shall be on a high, which will give new definitions to
This includes simple items like pre and pro-biotic food and pro-biotic food. 4. Healthy substitutes I am a strong believer of the fact that trends are flexible. One should follow trends while adapting to them to their own style. This means you can use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour, use dates, jaggery or stevia instead of sugar or use avocado instead of butter while baking. Basically make a healthier way out of junk by inculcating small baby steps. Overall, 2018 looks like a year of healthy indulgence and conscious choices! 5. Vegan I can foresee 2018 as a year of environment-friendly choices and a sensitive outlook at the larger system that we are primarily a part of. Vegan choices are healthier in various aspects and add on to the healthy lifestyle that everyone is looking out for! Overall, 2018 looks like a year of healthy indulgence and conscious choices!
‘Food Trends’. 3. Regional cooking Regional cooking will continue and may turn big. 4. Local produce Local produce and farmers will reach out more to chefs and restaurants. 5. Non-Alcoholic Drinks Non-alcoholic drinks may turn around the table. Unique flavours shall be experimented for an edge over classic drinks.
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 69
feature
Chef Tejas Sovani
a.k.a Haldiwala Doodh!
1. Variety of Millets Millets use very less water for growth and are way healthier than grains such as rice and wheat. 2. Turmeric Latte A trend which has been a rage in the West has slowly started spreading to the East where it all began in the first place
Chef Vidita Kamat 1. Edible Flowers and Micro Herbs The vibrant colours, textures, scents and flavours of these dazzling beauties are gaining popularity as a highly creative culinary ingredient. Used in anything from salads and soups to main entrees and desserts, these splashes of colour are truly breathtaking! Edible flowers can be used in teas, mixed drinks, added to cheeses and butters, pancakes, vinegars and dressings. They can be a simple yet effective focal point on a plate. Edible flowers are often utilized in cake decorating or simply as a beautiful addition to salads. Herb flowers present another important way to enjoy edible flowers. Despite their small size, most herb flowers have a concentrated range of flavours. They generally have a more intense flavour compared to the leaves and provide an additional dimension of visual enhancement. 2. Plating Believe it or not, we ‘eat’ in more ways than one. Before we eat with our mouths, we eat with our eyes. Visual appeal is just as important as the tasting of the food, for before you even take that first bite, you’ve already judged the meal in front of you. The presentation makes an impression, even a promise,
70 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
3. Yogabar Is equivalent to a Healthbar. 4. Use of Hemp in Cooking It has Medicinal properties and is a very good thickening agent. 5. Keto diets Low carb, less protein and high fat diets.
to the viewer. If the foodie is intrigued by the food, the artistic plating has done its job. Plating is the introduction to the meal itself, the chef behind it, and the cultures that influenced it. 3. Regional Local food holds much potential to enhance sustainability in tourism; contribute to the authenticity of the destination; strengthen the local economy; and provide for an environment friendly infrastructure. The authentic ingredients will enhance each flavour, for example: Prawn curry from Goa needs peppercorns and Garcinia (kokum) to get that kind of punch and sourness while the rice accompanied with it has to be brown rice, otherwise the feeling of that dish is incomplete. 4. Seasoning and Flavours Although spices and herbs have been used since ancient times, they are playing a new and important role in modern food preparation. Apart from flavouring our food, they are contributing colour and variety as well. 5. Shimmers and Dust Shimmer and dust have started to enter the culinary world of desserts, adding a sense of glamour to the end result and making it eye catching, sophisticated and trendy, all at the same time. n
Travelogue
Where The Fire Continues To Burn
Arati Desai is transported to a bygone era on a weekend trip to Udvada, which serves as a quaint reminder of the Parsi community’s heritage Photos by Homiyar Tavadia
F
ar too often in our search for an offbeat getaway, we look everywhere but in our own vicinity. Udvada, a coastal town in the Valsad district of Gujarat is one such destination, ignored by most. This quaint coastal town, 207 kms north of Mumbai can easily be bypassed if you don’t
72 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
know what you are looking at. Historically, Udvada is a very important pastoral enclave. It is here that the Parsis or the Zoroastrians from Persia (now Iran), fled to in the 10th century, in order to preserve their religious identity against the
persecution they faced due to the Muslim invasion of Persia. It is believed that they entered India through Diu and thereafter established the Sanjan port. They brought with them their sacred fire of the Atash Behram from Iran. As the community was forced to leave Sanjan due to an attack by Muhammad Bin Tughlak, this highly sacred fire was then taken to different places where the community moved, namely Bahrot caves, Vansada and then to Navsari where they stayed for 350 years before finally moving and settling down in Udvada. The temple in Udvada was built in 1742 and is considered as one of the most pious Parsi temples. The Iranshah Atash Behram, standing at the centre of the town, protected by huge white walls, is one of the 9 Atash Behrams in the world (8 are in India and one is in Iran). This one is believed to be the oldest consecrated fire in the world, 1280 years old, and is an important pilgrimage site for Parsis all over the world. Though the Iranshah Atash Behram, like all Parsi temples is out of bounds for the non-Parsi, the streets within the neighbourhood are alluring; with the sandal
wood vendors and incredible Parsi food delicacies welcoming the keen traveller. There is no better way to revisit a bygone era than with a stroll through Udvada. A day visit is enough to experience the simplicity and warmth of a time bygone. One can walk across the entire town in a couple of hours, yes, it’s that small. Many homes are now empty and approximately only 100 Parsis continue to reside in this picturesque, seaside town. Several traditional Parsi homes dot the clean, little lanes. Wooden pillars, gates and stepped porches are typical features of these ancient residences. Some abandoned ones are so engulfed with creepers that you can barely spot them. Look carefully and you might notice some famous Parsi names on the nameplates. Walk past them and you can’t help but slow down your pace to match the laid back vibe the town exudes . Though many structures have fallen into disrepair, there are several well maintained old buildings as well - the Udvada railway station built in 1895, the renovated Seth S.J. Sodawaterwala Dharamshala
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 73
Travelogue
as well as the Zoroastrian heritage museum which preserves many interesting masterpieces and artifacts and is probably the best place to take a glimpse into the Parsi world, to name a few. Udvada is a foodie’s delight. There is something about Parsi food that is as comforting as it is enticing. Though we may have eaten at Iranian Cafes in the metros, Udvada has a flavour of its own for it is here that you can sample the best home style Parsi food you can find outside a Parsi home. Homemade fish and prawn pickles, biscuits, Bhaakra (toddy/ palm fruit fermented pancakes) and hand churned mango and chickoo ice-cream tempt the taste buds. Many of these handmade goodies are found in the streets leading to the Fire temple. The typical breakfast of aleti paleti, kurchan and kheema pau topped off with
74 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
the famous doodh puff is a gourmet’s delight. The Globe Hotel and the Ashishvangh Hotel serve typical Parsi meals of fried boi fish, chicken cutlets, salli gosht, mutton dhansaak and much more. The Dharamshala offers a tasty meal too. The Parsis are known for their delectable bakery products, so a visit to the Irani bakery to indulge in their mawa cakes, Batasa and Khari biscuits is a must-do. Adding to the charm of this fairytale locale is the quiet beach of the town. Except by the fishing community, the black sands and rocky terrain of the beach is relatively unexplored. Head for a walk there after a meal and it will surely rejuvenate the soul. In December 2015, the Iranshah Udvada Utsav,
Though this small community has integrated themselves into the society effortlessly, they have maintained their distinct customs and traditions, giving them individuality, strength and respectability. a festival celebrating the culture, history and the community was initiated. Parsis from all over the world congregated here for 3 days to celebrate their traditions with festivities, workshops and talks and lauded the eminent people of their community. December 2017 saw the second edition of this celebration. “Many efforts have been taken by the government to make the Utsav a success. If Udvada became a tourist pilgrimage centre, then maybe the Parsi youth can find a way to reconnect with their roots”, says Homiyar Tavadia, a Parsi photographer from Baroda. Most devout Parsis make it a point to visit Udvada a few times, but one can only hope that the youth continue to do so. Adil Marwara, another Parsi from Baroda recalls, ”My fondest memories of Udvada are watching a Navjyote ceremony in the fire temple. It was very spiritual. Walking by the black
sand and collecting seashells as a kid is another.” Each one has their own way of taking Udvada back with them to their cities. Though this small community has integrated themselves into the society effortlessly, they have maintained their distinct customs and traditions, giving them individuality, strength and respectability. With the younger generation seeking a future in the metros, and most of the current population of Udvada over 70, one wonders how long this gem will shine on. There have been several attempts to put Udvada on the list of World Heritage sites. Hopefully this will happen soon and the historical town will receive the significance it deserves. Till then, Udvada stands to remain as it is, a sleepy coastal town which is a microcosm of Parsi traditions and way of life. n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 75
innovation in food
THE Ha f e pp h yC
In a relaxed chat with Abid Mohammed, Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi talks about taking the risk of being thought of as a ‘Halwai’ in the beginning to going on to open the first Instagram friendly restaurant in Mumbai, one among many others to his credit
Were you fussy about food, as a child? Not really, because I still remember that we had a small kitchen and I would sit next to my mother who would serve us hot food. The sheer experience was not worth complaining. When did you decide to become a chef? The journey actually started not out of choice but the need to get a job and support the family. I had this neighbour who had done hotel management and who would always come well dressed which impressed me and my elder brother. My brother thought that I must give hotel management a try as it was something that was job oriented and I readily agreed. I joined a course
82 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
in Bhubaneswar and within the first three months decided that I loved the profession of a Chef and would pursue it with zeal. Profession and passion blended perfectly for me, and the rest is history. What was your family’s reaction to your wanting to be a chef? I come from the family of carpenters and people in the Government services. The latter always spelt safety and security. Moreover, no one from the family had ever ventured into a restaurant as eating out was not really done. So, the initial reaction was not very well accepted, especially because in the small towns of twenty years ago, a Chef was basically a ‘Halwai’! But as I grew famous, it brought recognition and respect for the family
and my hometown Kharagpur, in West Bengal. People would now talk of my family with pride. I cherished looking into the eyes of my father, then.
mankind. Forget not liking any food, I do not like to waste food in my plate too. I try that my children follow that outlook too.
What would you be, if not a chef? In Kharagpur at that time, people would expect you to be in either the IIT or in Railways. However, both these did not excite me at all. Kharagpur also had a great Airforce station and I was fascinated by the sorties of the MIG’s and Fighter Aircrafts. I did have a dream of becoming a fighter pilot at one point.
Which talent that you don’t possess, would you most like to have? I must share that I went on to play an under nineteen cricket tournament in my District and many people had asked my father to allow me to play cricket as they thought I had potential. However, there was this notion that sports was an option for backbenchers and that we should pursue more serious professions. Now, singing and playing an instrument is something which I would like to learn.
Is there a food item that you don’t like? I think food is God’s creation and is a basic need of
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 83
innovation in food
How would you describe your style of cooking? I was employed as a Chef in a popular Hyderabadi restaurant when I released that I need to pursue the art of the ‘Indian Kitchen’ more deeply. I began by learning Hyderabadi Cuisine and mastered it under the guidance of Ustad Habib Pasha and the legendary culinarist Begum Mumtaz Khan. Then on I took every opportunity of learning from the Gurus of cooking across India, and mastered various regional cuisines of the country. However, when I look at what I do now on TV it is familiar cuisine, something which anyone can cook easily at home. That ‘ease factor’ is what I have achieved, I think, be it professional or personal cooking. I love to see smiles on people’s faces when they cook.
“Kharagpur also had a great Airforce station and I was fascinated by the sorties of the MIG’s and Fighter Aircrafts. I did have a dream of becoming a fighter pilot at one point.” Do you have a signature dish which you enjoy cooking? There are plenty. Some have been created for my restaurants and people love to go especially to eat them. For example there is Michi ka Halwa, the Dal and a few unique breads that my customers relish. Earlier when fusion was not so much in vogue, I remember having created Black Currant Kulfi, Ginger Orange Kulfi and Rasmalai Tiramisu to name a few. What new trends in food are you most excited by? The Back to Basics or return of Desi food across the country, is what is exciting. Indian food is emerging globally, not just within the country. Then there is the experimentation with gourmet
84 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
ingredients and new flavours. The concept of super foods is interesting. At my restaurant, Dhadoom, we serve Instagram friendly food - Poutine (French Fries topped with gravies) has been given a new dimension as we now have Fries topped with Pav Bhaji, Chilli Paneer and Paneer Makhni, just to name a few variations and people are loving them. Are there any ingredients that have fallen out of fashion for you? Yes, there are many and that is worrisome because I think people are looking more at convenience and ease of cooking. As there is no demand for some things anymore, it is no longer profitable for farmers to grow them. It feels like these will soon become extinct. Globalization has also led to this change of habits and it is changing the produce too. Traditional vegetables like Suran or Jimmykand, Yams etc. are not seen nowadays except in a few places. I remember Laasodey or Ganda Kairi sabji which my mother makes is not much used these days except in pickles. Similarly Kachnar from Kashmir is not visible any more. Apart from your restaurants, Dhadoom, Twist of Tadka and BBjan, what else are you working on? We endorse and develop brands for various Fortune 500 companies. We also have our own Kitchen Appliances brand called Happy Chef. My TV show, Turban Tadka is popular on the Food Food channel. I also do a food truck travel show called Desh Da Swaad on ZEE NEWS and BUSINESS. We have produced a series called Happy Dancing Chef for TATA SKY and now have a show called The Great Indian Global Kitchen. We have already written three books and are looking at publishing five more this year. Work is on currently on a book on Diabetic and Cardio Cooking. Who are the chefs you most admire? On TV I admire Ainsley Harriot and Emerald Lagase for their sheer sense of humour while cooking. In India there is Sanjeev Kapoor who has brought in lot of respect for Chefs in general. His marketing skills are worth learning. Then there are legends like Satish
Arora, Manjit Singh Gill and Imtiaz Qureshi to name a few known for their art. What should people eat in this season? People will eat what they get (laughs). February has become the month of love and happiness. You see a lot of great food revolving around cakes, strawberries etc. Traditionally it’s the time for spring to settle in and slowly the green leafy vegetables will make way for veggies with more water content. What’s your favourite street food? Can’t limit this to just any one thing. The Indian street food market is huge and currently unorganized. Some of the classic Indian flavours have evolved from street food across India. I remember when I first came across the Noodles Burger in Patiala and I was like Wow! What creativity! I put the same in the menu in my own restaurant BROASTERS GFC. I pick up lot of ideas
“I pick up lot of ideas from the streets and try to showcase them in various formats.” from the streets and try to showcase them in various formats. What is your favourite food city? Again cannot name just one. Each city is known for something unique and traditional be it Amritsar for Kulchas and Fish, Ludhiana for Cream Chicken, Lucknow for Biryani and Kababs, Varanasi for Kachoris, Cochin for Ghee Roast Mutton... the list is endless. The one who travels gets to enjoy great food. So go ahead and pack your bags. n
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 85
recipes
Chef Mrs Reetu Uday Kugaji shares her favourite recipes
Urad Dal Pinni A Traditional Punjabi Sweet prepared with Urad dal, usually people prefer preparing this delectable sweet with Whole Wheat Flour. To give it a more grainy texture and enhance its flavor I have added ground urad dal and have prepared this especially for people who have a sweet tooth.
86 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Preparation Time: 3 hours including the soaking time of Urad Dal Cooking Time: 45 to 50 minutes Makes: 25 pieces, medium sized
Ingredients
Split Black gram, skinless (Dhuli Urad Dal) 1 1/4th cups Milk - 02 tbsp to grind Urad dal + 1/4 th tbsp. to clarify sugar syrup Bengal Gram Flour (Besan) - 1 tbsp Whole Wheat Flour (Atta), preferably Punjabi Atta - ½ tbsp Semolina (Sooji) - 2 ½ tbsp Khoya (Mawa), grated- 3/4th Cup Clarified Butter (Desi Ghee) – ½ Cup Sugar - 1 cup Green Cardamom Powder - 1/4th tsp
For the Garnish
Almonds, halved and lightly sautéed in pure ghee - 2 tbsp Pistachio nuts, chopped coarsely - 1 tbsp Sunflower seeds, lightly toasted - 1/4th tbsp
Method
W ash the Urad dal and soak it for 2 ½ hours. Drain and wash the dal again. Grind into a smooth paste with the help of milk.
In a heavy bottomed pan, heat ghee add Bengal gram flour, semolina and whole wheat flour. Over medium heat sauté till the flours turn in to light brown in colour. Add grated khoya, keep stirring and sauté till light brown in colour and till it blends well with the flours. Add the ground dal, sauté for almost 10 minutes. Add more clarified butter if required. Ensure that you keep stirring the mixture, in order to prevent it from burning. Let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes on a low flame, till the raw aroma disappears and it turns into light brown in colour. Add Cardamom powder. Remove from the flame and set aside.
Prepare sugar syrup of one string consistency. Place the cooked pinni mixture on the flame add the sugar syrup and ensure that you stir it as it might form lumps. Once it thickens, remove from the flame. Take a stainless steel tray and pour this thick mixture into it. You may form balls or give different shapes to the pinni. Garnish it with Almonds, Pistachio nuts and Sunflower seeds.
Tips
> For the sugar syrup: Ratio of sugar to water may be varied from 2:1 i.e. two parts of sugar to one part of water to 1:1 One part of sugar to one part of water or 3 ½ cups of sugar to 3 ½ cups of water. > Add a few drops of milk to clarify the sugar syrup, discard the scum from the top. Before adding the sugar syrup, strain it through a muslin cloth. This clarification process helps preventing the pinni from getting discolored
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 87
recipes
Makhane Di Kheer (A pudding of fox nuts prepared with sweetened, thickened milk, flavored with cardamom powder and screw pine water, garnished with lots of nuts , edible dried rose petals and laced with saffron)
88 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 25 to 30 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients
Makhane (Lotus seeds/Foxnuts) - 1 cup Milk - 1 litre. Sugar - 2 ½ tbsp. / to taste. Pure ghee - ¼ th tbsp. Green cardamom powder - ¼ tsp Screw pine water (Kewra) - 1 ml Milkmaid - 100 ml. Pistachio nuts, blanched and slivered -10 gm. Almonds, blanched and slivered -10gm
For the garnishing:
Silver Leaf (Chandi ka varq ) - Optional - 1 sheet. Pistachio nuts, blanched and slivered - 05 gm. Almonds, blanched and slivered - 05gm. Saffron - 1 gm. Rose Petals, edible, dried - ½ tbsp
Keep stirring occasionally, till the lotus seeds are cooked and milk is reduced. Add sugar and cardamom powder. Add the slivered pistachio nuts and almonds. Remove from the flame. Add screw pine flower water. Mix well.
For serving:
Transfer to the serving dish. Apply silver leaf if using and serve garnished with slivered almonds, pistachio nuts, saffron and edible dried rose petals. Serve warm or chilled.
Chef Tips:
> Do not brown the lotus seeds, as it will hamper the beautiful appearance of the kheer. > Keep on stirring the milk, to prevent it from burning. > You may add 2 tbsp of grated khoya instead of condensed milk. > You may add ½ tbsp of blanched chironji (Charoli),if desired.
Method:
I n a heavy bottomed non-stick pan, add ghee. To this add makhane and sauté over a low flame to give it a light golden colour. Remove and keep aside. In the same pan add milk and bring to a boil. When milk starts to boil add condensed milk. When it thickens a little, add the lotus seeds and cook on medium heat.
Chef Mrs Reetu Uday Kugaji
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 89
Tech talk legal eagle
Megha Chitaliya is A.G.P., Gujarat High Court and a renowned social activist
MAKING SENSE OF TRIPLE TALAQ As the Triple Talaq Bill waits to become a Law, Megha Chitaliya goes beyond the complications to show how it all boils down to common sense
L
ast week, a girl, let’s call her Nazia, came to me with a strange situation. Her husband had in a fit of anger had said the dreaded word three times to her and by all means divorced her. Later on, he realised his mistake and wanted to make amends. Keen to get back together the couple seemed to be doing ok. Until an aunt stepped in to say this cannot happen as they are now divorced!
on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, thus permitting the state to positively discriminate in favour of women, when there is need to ameliorate their social condition and provide political, economic and social justice. Article 14 provides equality before law - the state shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
In another incident, I got talking to a doorman who was uneducated compared to Nazia’s family. He had a son and a daughter. He made sure that for both their weddings, he put down a clause in the contract saying that triple talaq will not be applicable or acceptable. Moreover, he had saved up to buy two flats of which one he gave to his son. Since the daughter didn’t have any need for it, he sold the other and used the money for her wedding and some gifts for her.
Article 44 directs the state to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code applicable throughout the territory of India. All these together point towards gender justice. However, the issue of Uniform Civil Code has been controversial right from the very beginning, as the members of the Muslim community in the assembly have opposed it on the grounds that religious freedom permits them to be governed by the laws of their community in personal matters.
Not for nothing is it said that common sense is most uncommon. Education certainly is no guarantee for it, as shown by the above two cases.
Late K.M. Munshi, eminent jurist and founder of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan expressed his opinion on the matter when he said, “If the personal law of inheritance, succession, etc. is considered as a part of religion, the equality of women can never be achieved”. The judiciary has also taken note of the injustice done to women in personal matters. For Hindus, the custom of widows burning themselves on their husband’s pyre, Sati, was finally regulated in 1829 - “A regulation for declaring the practice
Going by our constitution which we celebrated for the 68th time on this Republic Day (just gone by), equality of status and opportunity to all citizens, irrespective of gender is a basic right. Article 15 specifically prohibits discrimination on the ground of sex. It states prohibition of discrimination
90 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
of Sati or burning or burying alive of the widows of Hindus is illegal, and punishable by the criminal courts�. However, after case of Roop Kanwar, the government decided to make further amends by passing an anti-Sati law. And after writs were filed in the Supreme Court, directing the Central government to enact a central legislation, the Commission of Sati (prevention) Act, 1987 was passed, with the objective of protecting the rights of Hindu widows. Similarly, the Supreme Court in August 2017 passed a remarkable judgement in the case of Shayara Bano versus Union of India, on the practice of instant triple talaq. She is the first woman to have challenged it based on the equality granted to her by the constitution. In the Encyclopaedia of Islam, the term the lab means absolute power which the husband possesses over his wife at all times, including divorcing her anytime he wants. Triple Talaq is defined in the Hedayas as a divorce where the husband repudiates his wife by three divorces in one sentence, or where he repeats the sentence separately thrice within the single tuhr. This whimsical method of divorce, by Muslim men leaves no room for reconciliation. Consent of the woman is not necessary. Due to these unconstitutional practices, the Supreme Court had asked Centre to legislate on the matter of triple Talaq and the Centre introduced the triple Talaq Bill, titled - ‘The Muslim women (protection of rights on marriage) Bill, 2017. The objective of this Bill is to protect the rights of
married Muslim women and to prohibit divorce by just the Talaq by their husband. According to the Bill, the declaration of Talaq by a man to his wife, by words either spoken or written or in electronic form or in any other manner whatsoever is void and illegal. The practice of triple Talaq is criminalised and it is a cognisable and non-bailable offence and that whoever pronounces talaq-e-biddat shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to 3 years and fine. The Bill also provides that the wife will be provided with subsistence allowance, independent of any maintenance amount that she may receive under section 125 of CrPC or monetary relief under section 20 of the Domestic Violence Act. Furthermore, the woman who has been given triple talaq can seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate. It was noticed by the court that in many cases after the pronouncement of talaq, the couple wanted to get back together but they are separated due to custom, like in the case of Nazia. To avoid this the Court has suggested that the Centre pass a law a decision which is currently in limbo and whose fate depends on politics. Coming back to common sense however, it’s easy to see that the personal laws of any community cannot claim supremacy over the equal rights granted to the individual by the Constitution. After years of being victimized and treated as second rate citizens, there is a ray of hope for Muslim women. Hope that will allow them to live a fearless life of dignity and freedom. n
Feelings
Jan - Feb 2018
| 91
Tech talk body and soul Shraddha Konnur is an MSc (Dietetics) She currently makes and supplies homemade energy bars that are gluten free, sugar free and preservative free.
THE RISE OF THE GREEN DOT Long dismissed as ‘ghaas phoos’, but now back with a bang, the vegetarian diet is finally getting its due around the world. Shraddha Konnur busts some popular myths while on the subject
I
magine a platter full of red, juicy sliced tomatoes, julienned fresh cucumber sticks and crunchy spring onions, surrounded by beet and carrot slices - it’s not just a treat to the eyes but the stomach as well! Top it up with a dash of salt and pepper, a squeeze of lime, a bit of grated lemon zest and a pounded garlic clove for that extra zing! Some may wonder what’s so unusual about a plate full of salad but we’re talking now about all things vegetarian - salad is just the starter! WHY VEGETARIAN? The reasons to be a vegetarian (a term that means consuming plant based foods and restraining yourself from consumption of meat, poultry, seafood, flesh of any other animal and eggs) are many and range from religious, cultural or traditional beliefs, health concerns, ethical reasons in support of animal rights, and economical or personal preferences. If as Swami Vivekananda said, “Thoughts, fears, desires and attachments create waves in our mind which can be mastered by control on food habits”, then vegetarianism is certainly one step towards peace. A friend (name not disclosed) living in USA turned vegetarian two years back. When asked about what made her switch to vegetarianism, she talked about watching the documentary ‘Forks
92 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
over Knives’ which portrays a correlation between cancer and heart disease and eating meat. As a bonus she even shed a few pounds and now thinks its one of the best decisions she made, for there is “no longer a bloated or heavy feeling after meals anymore as a vegetarian diet is definitely easier to digest.” VEGETARIANISM ‘S LINK WITH HISTORY Looking back in history, the idea of being vegetarian was not just an Indian tradition. Similar thought flourished in ancient Greece where Pythagoras was the first prominent vegetarianism. He adopted it mainly to avoid animal cruelty as well as for health advantages. In Asia, the benefits of vegetarianism are dwelt upon in the Upanishads and the Rigveda. Buddhism and Jainism are both movements that show compassion to all living creatures, making vegetarianism an important feature. Back in the 19th century, London too saw popular vegetarian restaurants mushrooming and offering clean and economic meals. And now it seems the trend is on the rise once again around the world. Apparently the use of the term ‘vegetarian’ shot up by 60 percent in newly opened food businesses, between 2011 and 2015. Plant based substitutes for animal protein are also growing in popularity, including wheat, soy and pea protein based products. According to The Guardian, the number of vegans has risen by a whopping 350 percent in the last decade!
IS A VEGETARIAN DIET ENOUGH? Contrary to the common notion, a well planned and then religiously followed vegetarian diet is nutritionally adequate for children and adults. Apart from being a healthy option, it prevents the risk of major chronic diseases. It indicates low intake of saturated fats and cholesterol and a high intake of dietary fiber, health promoting phytonutrients and antioxidants. A healthy vegetarian diet ideally includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, calcium rich foods, dairy products and pulses. It also means a big NO to processed foods that are high in calories, fats and sodium. So what would a well-planned vegetarian diet include? Listed below are a few options one could easily eat on a daily basis. Calcium & Vit D - In a vegetarian diet other than banana and dairy products like milk, cheese and curd, green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale have good calcium content. Cow’s milk is good for calcium and Vit D. For the lactose intolerant, soy milk is a healthy option. Almonds, almond milk or almond butter are other good sources of calcium. Vit B12 - Is a vital nutrient as it plays an important role in production of red blood cells, preventing anemia. It also provides support to the body’s neurological functions. For vegetarians, milk and milk products are the best sources of Vit B12. Also, sugar free, fortified breakfast cereals, whey, milk, cheese, mushrooms and curd will fulfill your B12 intake. Protein - Good quality protein can be obtained from plant sources like soy products, legumes, lentils, nuts, seeds and whole grains. The emphasis should be on protein rich sources like quinoa, dairy products, nuts, oats, finger millet(ragi/ nachni) , whey water and soya bean products. Omega-3 fatty acids - Is a very essential nutrient
for your heart’s health. Rich essential fatty acids sources are walnuts, ground flaxseeds (flaxmeal) and soya bean. If these are consumed regularly, omega 3 levels can be maintained. Flaxmeal can be added to a breakfast cereal, a salad, a smoothie or even to the dough for chapatis. For better absorption, flaxseeds should be lightly roasted, ground and kept away from heat. Iron and Vit C - To improve the absorption of iron , Vit C rich food needs to be consumed along with iron rich foods. Iron rich sources are dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains like brown rice, prunes, dates, raisins, pulses, beans, nuts and seeds. Vitamin C rich sources are citrus fruits like orange, sweet lime, lemon, black grapes, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi and also papaya. Make your own combos with your favourite fruits/ fresh salads along with prunes, raisins, nuts, dates, brown rice, veggies and so on. A NEW BEGINNING Bringing together plant based foods to create unique combos of vegetarian recipes can help lead the way to vegetarianism with ease. Today, the convenient availability of online recipes and cuisine literature makes the switch towards lipsmacking vegetarianism even smoother. For a hard-core non vegetarian branching towards vegetarianism could be difficult task but the positives of being a vegetarian can be kept as motivating reminders along the way. We started with salad so it seems only right that we end with dessert… sweet strawberries with cream, spongy rosogullas, cakes made with almond flour, date pudding, fruit tarts and chocolate fudge, the list goes on and there’s something for everyone. The question is - Are you tempted yet? n
Feelings
Jan - Feb 2018
| 93
Heritage
A New Lease
of Life
Amita Shah writes of her fascinating visit to the restored Bhau Daji Lad Museum, an iconic heritage structure and now also a buzzing cultural hub in Mumbai 94 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
A
story that spans more than two and a half centuries, the Bhau Daji Lad Museum is an account of public private partnerships, of stalwarts, visionaries and intellectuals, of generosity and labour of love. It is a tale of inception, growth and evolution of a grand idea into a historic structure; it’s downfall and rise to regain its lost glory. It is also the story of a group of public spirited citizens who conceived and executed the idea of a museum. The timeline is the mid 19th century; the era of the British colonial rule in India and other parts of the world. It was also a time when the concept of a museum was alien to most Indians. It’s majestic interiors and an extensive collection of artefacts beckon Mumbaikars and tourists alike. 1851 saw preparations for the first ‘Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations’ to be held at London’s Crystal Palace to showcase the arts and crafts of British colonies with a view to attract buyers and thus establish trade. This sparked the idea of setting up a museum for which duplicates of exquisite Indian artefacts that were sent to London, formed the core of the museum exhibits. Excepting the Town Hall, there were no other institutional buildings when the Museum Committee comprising prominent citizens of the time decided that the first important public institution to be built in Bombay would be a museum, along with a natural history and botanical garden. The structure, a reflection of the Empire’s might, was designed in the The Grand Renaissance Revival style. At a fundraising public meeting chaired by Jugonnath Sunkarsett, a prominent merchant prince of Bombay, the building was portrayed as ‘The Hall of Wonder’, to dazzle the public who were the main donors to the construction kitty. Patrons from Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Parsi communities highlighted the cosmopolitan character of the city by their presence. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad, an Indian physician, historian, Sanskrit scholar, and philanthropist was charged with raising funds to establish the building and enlarge the collection. One of the two secretaries of the Museum Committee, he worked tirelessly and urged people to donate generously. From germination to fruition it took 12 long years before the cornerstone for the museum was laid in 1862; a period that saw
the Crown take over governance of India from the East India Company. It took another decade for it to be opened to the public, as the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1872. A century later in 1975, it was renamed the Bhau Daji Lad museum in honour of the man whose vision and dedication enabled its establishment. As is often the case, after glory comes the downfall. By 1997, the grand structure, neglected and forlorn, had fallen into disrepair. Faded colours, peeling paint, Victorian iron pillars separated from the walls, damaged stencil work, dangling electric cables, broken glass panes, worn out glass cases and poor lighting screamed of it’s derelict condition. There were no guides, no labelling and no sense of aesthetics. The dismal state of this extraordinary 19th century building prompted the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to raise private funding from corporate houses to urgently restore the building and artefacts. Initiative by INTACH, cooperation from MCGM and generous financial aid from the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation resulted in a tripartite agreement, signed in February 2003, for the revitalisation and management of the Museum. Under the leadership of Mrs Tasneem Mehta the Hon. Director of museum and the team leader for the restoration, the museum got a second lease of life. A massive restoration project that involved intensive research and preparatory work was initiated. A careful and considered approach was adopted with approximately four thousand objects having been conserved by INTACH’s expert conservators. Each object was assessed for damage, photographed before, during and after the process and measured and weighed. The restoration project was executed to the highest standards and the display was reorganised and curated. The extensive research unfolded many layers of history. Stories of Mumbai’s origins and development in the 18th, 19th and early 20th century emerged, leading to the creation of new galleries. In the restored museum, pride of place has been given to Mumbai’s many communities who migrated to the city during this period. The lifestyle of the people, their occupations, the games
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 95
Heritage
they played, their leisure activities such as music, dance and their religious traditions are documented alongside dioramas that showcase 19th century town planning, agricultural practices and village life. The museum’s permanent collection includes historical artefacts, maps, photographs, manuscripts and rare books, models of the city’s earliest boats, textile mills, housing complexes etc. that tell the story of the extraordinary evolution of a group of swampy islands into a great cosmopolitan city and a narrative about trade and the development of the industrial arts. Vikas Dilawari, conservation architect for the restoration of the building talks about the intricacies involved in the project. “Arranging for original Minton tiles and repairing cast iron were two very difficult tasks as the latter is almost a lost art and the former is very expensive to import. The terracotta decorations too were difficult to repair as they were no longer manufactured here”. Local alternatives were scouted for and local skill was recruited. Carpenters were trained to do the specialised work, decorative carvings were executed by Sequeria Brothers from Vasai- a family who are in the business of Altar works and Gilding and lime mortar artisans were brought in from Sikar District. Records reveal some interesting stories, recalls Dilawari. Iron trusses and decorated columns that were shipped from overseas could not reach on time as the ship carrying them sank. Reordering and dispatching again caused delay and during that period the fortunes of some of the rich donor merchants dwindled. To save costs then, the South and West facades are in Porbandar stone while the North and East ones are in Lime mortar plaster, which is made to look like stone. In 2005, the project won a UNESCO ASIA PACIFIC award of Excellence for establishing a new benchmark in the conservation of museums for India and the region. Today, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum stands as a unique custodian of the city’s cultural heritage and history. Housed next to the 155-year old Jijamata Udyaan botanical gardens and zoo, it’s imposing ornate interior is at variance with the Palladian exterior. A long hall, Doric pillars, galleries
96 | Feelings
jan - feb 2018
Today, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum stands as a unique custodian of the city’s cultural heritage and history. on either side of the building and large windows for light and ventilation, it is the oldest museum in Mumbai, and the third oldest in India. Hutokshi Rustomfram, trustee of the Save Rani Baugh Botanical Garden Foundation describes the place as vibrant, classy and elegant. “I was struck by the dioramas and would go specially to see the Parsee Tower of Silence model”, she says. The museum is a hub of activities, hosting exhibitions in partnership with international museums and institutions to showcase contemporary artists. The Museum’s extensive outreach includes theatre, performances, public lectures and films and welcoming school and college students, NGO’s, families and seniors into its once again dynamic fold. n
book review
TRUTH, FICTION OR BOTH? Title: FIRE AND FURY Author: Michael Wolff Publisher: Henry Holt and Company pages: 336 Price: Rs 475 Donald Trump, real estate mogul turned 45th President of the United States of America can be loved or loathed, admired or admonished, but he’s definitely proved that he cannot be ignored. Be it his billions made in real estate (by his own admission) his fairytale presidential victory (though some might argue it is more horror story), or his bigger nuclear button (or was it HUGE?), he has always been the ringmaster of his by-invitation-only, flamboyant circus, with each one of us having a ring-side seat. How else can I explain this particular book being WhatsApp-ed to me by 5 different groups – groups that didn’t have one political bone in their admin’s body? Truly, Trump has proved to be a spectacle that just pulls you in, whatever your political affiliation. The surreal trajectory of his rise to power is uncannily similar to a steaming car wreck. You’d rather not see it…but you just can’t help yourself. And so was I pulled in, like many others by this little book called Fire and Fury that boldly promised to take me inside the Trump White House! While the ambit of the book is real world politics, it feels more like a detailed fiction novel - a political thriller with a steady stream of characters being introduced on every page - army generals, senators, strategists, campaign managers, media moguls to name a few, all conveniently put together to give the reader a deeper, closer look into the nuts and bolts of Washington’s power corridors. In terms of a narrative there isn’t much, more like a chronological record of facts, conversations and gossip,
all of which the author claims to have gleaned by being a ‘fly on the wall’. While the author claims he had Trump’s prior permission for whatever went in the book, the President himself refuted his claims and went so far as to have his lawyer issue a ‘Cease & Desist’ letter in an attempt to stop the publication of the book. The publishers advanced the release date upon receiving the ‘cease and desist’ letter. While there is no way to know if it was a publicity stunt or not, it surely worked and had the world hooked - if Trump wanted it stopped that bad, maybe it really was that good? Fire and Fury doesn’t tell us much about Trump that we don’t already know, but it does put his personality, warts and all, in a setting that has traditionally only seen the best sides of those who occupy the White House. Well, theoretically at least, until their politics prove otherwise. While reading this book and coming face to face with the workings of politicos, various behind-the-scene machinations, allegiances and betrayals, allies and adversaries, the media playing judge, jury executioner and last but not the least the hopes and aspirations of the American people, I couldn’t help but look at Trump’s achievement with a new-found if grudging admiration. He is a bona-fide outsider who managed to break into Washington’s vaults of power. For all his faults and his megalomania - ‘stable genius’, one can’t help but wonder if he really is one, a flawed genius perhaps. Armed with bluster, greenbacks and a blind faith in his own abilities, he’s achieved that which one can only dream of. Indeed, Trump has given the world much to wonder and talk about, and in this case, even write about. So, maybe author Michael Wolff does owe Trump the success of his book. Knowing Trump, that’s something he would love to take all credit for. n Review by Kamlesh Shankar
Feelings
jan - feb 2018
| 97
bold words
Love is in the air Twitterati on Valentine’s Day
Anurag Basu @basuanurag Please be extra careful today don’t get it mixed up. Shiv ji ke liye DHATURE ka phool aur Girlfriend ke liye GULAB ka!! Galti se bhi mistake mat karna. Happy #ValentinesDay
Neha Kakkar @iAmNehaKakkar Yes I’ll be Your #Valentine Happy #ValentinesDay !! Spread Love and Happiness
Akshay Kumar @akshaykumar Don’t forget to buy all the Women in your life Pads as well as Candies, Chocolates & Flowers this Valentines Day Celebrate Her. #Period
Robin Sharma @RobinSharma Our world needs far less hate and much more love. Bring yours on. Today.
98 | Feelings
Adnan Sami @AdnanSamiLive Happy #ValentinesDay to everyone...Go fall in love; it will probably be one of the most beautiful things you do... If you’re already in love, never shy away from expressing it with all your heart- It will be the most beautiful feeling for your lover to know...
Dia Mirza @deespeak This #ValentinesDay2018 BREAKUP with TOXIC #SingleUsePlastics! Join me and find forever love with @UNEP for #CleanSeas
JAN - FEB 2018
Jignesh Mevani @jigneshmevani80 Happy Valentines Day Viral hit of ‘Manikya Malaraya Poovi’ is the answer to RSS’s Valentines Day protest and Again Indians have proved that they like to love more than hating someone. Enjoy this beautiful video. #ValentinesDay
Geeta Phogat @geeta_phogat The real power of a man is in the size of the smile of the women sitting next to him #ValentinesDay
Vindu Dara Singh @RealVinduSingh Let’s rise above CASTE and CREED and spread the message of LOVE and PEACE #HappyValentinesDay