Le CITY deluxe INDIA _ Nov-Dec 2012 by Le CITY deluxe

Le CITY INDIA

NEW DELHI · MUMBAI · JAIPUR · AND MORE

N° 1 Nov – Dec 2012 `150

SHAH RUKH KHAN An actor and a gentleman

Sheila Dikshit The Chief Minister who belongs Art Talk Six Masterpieces Narain Karthikeyan On F1 and Ayrton Senna Soneva Kiri Koh Kood Calling

deluxe

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Le CITY deluxe INDIA B–235, Greater Kailash 1, New Delhi 110048, India T: +91 11 4100 4556 E: infoindia@le-citydeluxe.com W: www.le-citydeluxe.com ©Le CITY deluxe INDIA, Le CITY deluxe™ are registered trademarks of Le CITY FZE PO Box 31291, Al Jazeera, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaima, UAE www.le-citydeluxe.com T: 0034 93 3683 868

Publisher & CEO Suruchi Duggal Editorial & Art Director Nikki Duggal Associate Editor Meraj Shah Editorial Coordinator Treesha Datta Design Jagdish Bhatt Marketing & Sales Priyanka Ahuja HR Poonam Sahgal Accounts Prashant Sinha Administration Sharanjit Kaur Design by Mixed Juice Design B-235, Greater Kailash 1 New Delhi 110048, India T: +91 11 4054 5035 E: info@mixedjuicedesign.com Le CITY deluxe INDIA produced by: Fore Business Group, 518, Udyog Vihar, Phase III, Gurgaon Haryana 122016, India T: +91 124 4673 900–03

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NOV — DEC 2012

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CONTENTS

12 Contributors 14 Letters from the Publisher and Editorial Director 16 India Lens – The living room.

GUILTY PLEASURES 18 Jewellery – Sparkle in diamonds. 21 Beauty – A whiff of the hottest fragrances. 22 Watches – Stylish timekeeping. 23 Gadgets – Vertu's eye candy for the ladies. 24 Tech – Rajiv Makhni’s gadget A-list.

DIALOGUE 26 Sheila Dikshit – The city's most prolific Chief Minister on the Delhi of yesteryear, today and the future. 30 Art Talk – Six Strokes of Separation: Six masterpieces. Six experts. One curator. 36 Jyotsna Suri – The woman who took the reins of her husband's hotel empire has taken it to the next level.

PASSPORT

40 Soneva Kiri – An escape to the lush tropics at Soneva Kiri on the Thai island of Koh Kood.

SHAH RUKH KHAN An actor and a gentleman

46 Laucala Island – This super exclusive Fijian island requires a letter of acceptance before you arrive on a private plane.

GOURMET 48 Bombay Night Out – Mumbai’s trendiest cafes, bars and restaurants. 50 1135 AD – A royal feast at Amber Fort in Jaipur's finest restaurant. 52 Remy Martin Louis Xlll – Follow in the footsteps of Picasso and Churchill and raise a toast with Louis XIII cognac. 55 Wasabi – Chef Vikramjit Roy gives a masterclass on how to roll perfect sushi.

COVER STORY

SHEILA DIKSHIT A trip down memory lane

SONEVA KIRI Fantasy island

59 Shah Rukh Khan – Defying the superstar stereotype, King Khan exudes humility and candour. And he doesn't mince his words.

Unravelling

FASHION 66 Tarun Tahiliani – The last word on Indian bridal wear, opens up about luxury, inspiration and his love for Delhi.

TARUN TAHILIANI The man all women love

NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN On F1 and Ayrton Senna

72 I Love Delhi – Pernia Qureshi styles the beautiful Indrani Dasgupta. Photographed by Anushka Menon. 84 Tete-a-tete – Eavesdropping on an intimate chat between Ashish N. Soni and Kalyani S. Chawla.

AUTO 88 Narain Karthikeyan – Catching up with the good boy of F1 at his pit stop in India. 90 Speed Demon – Ravishing the blindingly fast Mercedes SLS AMG. 92 Going Topless – Losing a roof over your head can be a lot of fun in the Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.

WELLNESS 94 The Art of Uncooking – Seima Jindal Jajodia says nothing nourishes like organic raw food.

96 The Sufi Connection – Jacqualine Tara Herron on the philosophy underlying one of India's best spas.

FASHION An affair to remember

ARCHITECTURE 98 The Tomar Haveli – A fascinating modern day Haveli, built and designed by two passionate collectors.

WIRED 102 IWC Schaffhausen – The new Perpetual Calendar Spitfire Pilot watch.

106 The story of Le CITY Deluxe

RAJIV MAKHNI The true technoisseur

WASABI Sushi unravelled

108 Society 118 Calendar 120 Guide 123 Bazaar – The changing face of Mehar Chand market. 124 Suhel Seth – The high flier on luxury and holidaying in New York.

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CONTRIBUTORS

DAVID MATTHIESSEN

RAJIV MAKHNI

ROSHINI VADEHRA

Known for his sweeping images of modern cities, David Matthiessen is a photographer par excellence. David developed an interest in photography as a child when he was given a reflex camera by his grandfather. He travelled to India exclusively to shoot a kaleidoscope of images for Le CITY deluxe INDIA. He is currently working on an artistic documentary project in the south of France.

Rajiv Makhni is known as India’s Tech Guru. He is the Managing Editor, Technology, NDTV and also Head of Alternate Media for NDTV Ltd. He hosts multiple TV shows on technology (Gadget Guru, Cell Guru, Newsnet 3.0, Walk The Tech Talk), and lifestyle (Men Can't Dance, The Next Big Thing), anchors India’s only daily show on the net, hosts a talk show, and is currently writing a book.

Roshini Vadehra is the Director of Vadehra Art Gallery, where she is involved in the management and programming of its three gallery spaces, two of which are in New Delhi and one in London. She has a B.A. in Business Administration from Boston University where she majored in Finance. After joining the gallery in 2004, she also did a short course in Art Management at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art.

GOVIND DHAR

GAYATRI RANGACHARI SHAH

VINCENT CLÈME

Govind Dhar is the former Executive Editor of Robb Report India and has been writing on music, arts, travel and luxury for the past decade for publications such as Rolling Stone, Vogue, the Wall Street Journal, Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, and Conde Nast Traveller. When he’s not canvassing the globe for its luxury hotspots, Govind spends his time fighting crime dressed as a medium-sized bat.

A Mumbai based freelance journalist, Gayatri is a regular contributor to the International Herald Tribune and The New York Times, and the Times’ India blog, India Ink. She writes for magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Conde Nast Traveller, Architectural Digest, and Cosmopolitan, as well as newspapers like The Indian Express, The Hindu, and Mint, where she was Features Editor.

A native of Burgundy, France, Vincent Clème spent a few years working his way up the corporate ladder in Mergers & Acquisitions in Singapore, Switzerland and Germany. Vincent eventually decided to integtrate his passion for cognac with his career. He is now the Brand Ambassador, Louis XIII, Remy Martin, Indian subcontinent, and shuttles between Delhi and Mumbai to promote the prestigious cognac.

DABBOO RATNANI

ANUSHKA MENON

A talented lensman whose work has focussed on music and bands, Hari Nair has shot bands like Metallica, the Rolling Stones, Depeche Mode, Korn, Daft Punk, Roger Waters, Joe Satriani, Marc Ribot, John John, Tracy Chapman, Deep Purple and a host of celebrities and luminaries including John Travolta, Susan Sarandon and the Dalai Lama among others.

Dabboo Ratnani is a well-known celebrity and fashion photographer based in Mumbai. Apart from his work being widely used for film publicity and advertising campaigns, he’s best known for his annual calendar that features almost all the top Bollywood stars. Dabboo’s work comprises of a blend of film, fashion, editorial, advertising, portraits and glamour.

A New Delhi based photographer, Anushka Menon is well known for her work in the beauty and fashion industry. Anushka has photographed a diverse set of people from movie-stars including Shah Rukh Khan and Gabriella Wright, to the U.S. Under Secretary of State Karen Hughes and musicians such as Anoushka Shankar, Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale to name a few!

PERNIA QURESHI

MAYANK MANSINGH KAUL

SUHEL SETH

A fashion stylist and costume designer, Pernia Qureshi started her career with internships in New York at Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Catherine Malandrino. After moving back to New Delhi from New York in 2008, Pernia has worked with some of India’s foremost fashion designers such as J.J. Valaya and Tarun Tahiliani – on their campaigns, look-books, and fashion shows. She has also established herself as one of Bollywood’s most in-demand stylist.

Mayank Mansingh Kaul is a Delhi-based textile and fashion designer, working with contemporary handcrafts. He is the Founder-Director of The Design Project India, a not-for-profit organisation seeking to enable critical writing, archival and curatorial projects on indian design. He writes on design, and is involved in the field of creative and cultural industries.

Suhel Seth dons many hats. He is the Managing Partner of Counselage India and founder of Equus, a theatre and film actor, columnist for some of the leading newspapers and publications, and an author. Known for his forthright views, he appears regularly on television shows as well. He’s written three books, and the latest – ‘Get to the Top: The Ten Rules For Social Success’ – has generated a lot of interest in the media, critics, and readers alike.

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HARI NAIR

LETTERS

Suruchi Duggal Publisher & CEO suruchiduggal@le-citydeluxe.com

NOV — DEC 2012

ello and a big welcome to the world of Le CITY deluxe INDIA! Those of you who’ve gone through our international editions will be familiar with the exclusive luxury and lifestyle content that appears in Le CITY deluxe magazines worldwide. Le CITY deluxe INDIA endorses the same editorial values but takes an in-depth view for the discerning reader. We got the ball rolling earlier this year by establishing our online presence in the country. Our website has steadily garnered interest and a sizeable readership paving the way for this moment: the launch of the bi-monthly print edition of Le CITY deluxe INDIA. This first issue has been a real labour of love for our team. To all of our gracious friends who’ve been kind enough to give their time and suggestions – thank you. A special acknowledgement must go out to all those who’ve contributed to this issue. India has always had a strong and abiding

t’s with a great sense of fulfilment that I present to you the first issue of Le CITY deluxe INDIA. A journey which we set upon when Sunil, my better half, and I happened to visit the Barcelona HQ of the Le CITY deluxe Group last year, has taken its first step to realisation with the magazine that you’re holding in your hands. During this visit we were struck by the magazine’s creativity – visual and in the written word. More importantly, we related with Le CITY deluxe’s editorial blueprint for a luxury publication, and its relevance to India. Sunil decided to go ahead and buy the India Joint Venture rights. This year we got down to the nuts-andbolts job of putting a publication together. Scouting and handpicking the best talent in the publishing industry was an arduous process. But in the end we were able to put together a talented young team. The biggest coup for us is the gentleman on the cover: we wanted someone dynamic, whose name stood for global success and who has brought India to the world stage. Shah Rukh Khan, the inspirational self-made superstar, keen entrepreneur, devout family man and one of the most bankable stars of the Facebook generation, was gracious enough to welcome

tryst with luxury; the grand opulence of the Maharajas’ lifestyles is legendary. And today, while most sectors have felt the heat of the economic slowdown, luxury continues to thrive in India. Allow us at Le CITY deluxe INDIA to take you on a journey. One in which we keep you abreast of all the finer things in life, present new insights to our cities; and get you an exclusive peek into the lives of our icons, opinion-makers, creative artistes, and business leaders. In this introductory issue, we bring you mega cine star Shah Rukh Khan, get intimate with Delhi's longest serving Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, learn how to make Sushi Wasabi style and travel to Soneva Kiri where fantasies do indeed come true. So enjoy your first read! You can also catch us online (www.le-citydeluxe.com) and do watch out for our iPad version that’s coming soon. Warmly yours,

us into his home, and give Le CITY deluxe INDIA the perfect launch platform. Le CITY deluxe INDIA takes its luxury DNA from its international editions but evolves it a step further: reinterpreting and expanding the notion of good living in the Indian context. And this first issue sets the benchmark with a panoramic view of the luxury landscape in India – people, brands, products, places, and all the intangible elements of indulgence and appreciation which constitute a life of privilege. Le CITY deluxe INDIA is positioned as a bi-monthly publication and the print edition will be available across the country. In-line with our international editions, the iPad version will follow shortly. We’re grateful to all the special people who took time out of their busy lives to be a part of this magazine. I would like to thank all the brands for their support, and also my dear friend Claudia Trimde, CEO, Le City deluxe Group. But most of all we want to thank you, dear reader, for picking up a copy of Le City deluxe INDIA. We’d love to hear from you – drop us a line on editorialindia@le-citydeluxe.com. In the meanwhile, enjoy this issue. Until January,

Nikki Duggal Editorial & Art Director nikkiduggal@le-citydeluxe.com

INDIA LENS

Tarun Tahiliani's

Living Room, New Delhi PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAVID MATTHIESSEN

GUILTY PLEA SURES

Jewellery We showcase three jewellers' creations to help you dazzle during the festive season.

NOV — DEC 2012

NIRAV MODI

Third-generation diamond trader and jeweller, Nirav Modi came into the limelight when he sold his Golconda diamond necklace at a Christie’s auction for $3.56 million. Here we present three of his pieces, featuring rare diamonds, each more exquisite than the next. In the earrings, the petals are made of Modi’s specially developed Mughal-cut diamonds and the leaves are composed of calibre-cut baguettes. Diamonds totalling over nine carats are mounted in 18k white gold. When the earrings are clipped on, the flowers dangle in the front of and behind the earlobe and can be worn in two ways.

Constellation Necklace: This bedazzling creation has 288 brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing over 94 carats in total, mounted on 18k white gold. Fancy Intense Yellow Pear Ring: A magnificent five-carat intense yellow diamond is set on an endless-cut shank, accentuated by smaller one-carat yellow intense diamonds (11 carats in all), all mounted on 18k yellow gold. Mughal Earrings: Diamonds totalling over nine carats are mounted on 18k white gold in these Mughal-cut front-back earrings, inspired by Mughal miniature-school motifs.

Love shopping? Z端rich is the place for you!

Are you in the mood for Swiss design, chocolate and watches? In Z端rich, everything is available - from luxury goods and internationally renowned brands to traditional shops and sophisticated labels. Shopping in Z端rich inspires lovers of exclusiveness as well as dedicated followers of trends. More information at www.zuerich.com

GUILTY PLEA SURES PIAGET In 1982, at the prestigious Concours International de Roses Nouvelle de Genève (Geneva International Competition of New Roses), the winning variety was christened the ‘Yves Piaget’ rose. This collection called Rose commemorates the 30th anniversary of that special blossom, and is a tribute to Mr. Yves Piaget’s love for the queen of flowers. Limelight Garden Party Necklaces: The collection comprises of watches and jewellery with intricate work, all featuring the rose motif. These Limelight Garden Party necklaces, have 463 brilliant -cut diamonds (approx 17.10 carats), one round pink sapphire (0.29 carats), four cushion-cut pink sapphires (9.31 carats), four cushion-cut violet sapphires (10.31 carats), 670 brilliant -cut diamonds (approx. 38.48 carats) and 26 pear-cut diamonds (approx. 9.88 carats), set in 18k white gold.

FABERGÉ

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Fabergé, the luxury marque best known for its magnificent Easter eggs created in Tsarist Russia, has released the Les Saisons Russes collection to celebrate the onset of the long Russian winter. These latest creations, all hand-crafted at their Paris atelier, have each taken months to create.

Les Collier Imperial and The Imperial Crest Bracelet are both part of the Imperial collection. All Fabergé jewellery is couture; the number of pearls and stones differ on each piece and clients can request for a bespoke creation.

AZZARO

VERSACE

Azzaro Decibel

Versace Yellow Gold

Decibel has top notes of lemon and aldehydes, followed by mists of licorice, violet and incense, with final base notes of Haitian vetiver, tonka bean and vanilla. Loud and wild!

With its fruity, floral and woody notes, Yellow Diamond from Versace is fresh and fiery. Its composition opens with the luminous freshness of lemon (diamante citron), bergamot, neroli and pear sorbet. At the core are notes of airy orange blossom, freesia, mimosa and water lily, white amber, musk and guaiac wood form the base notes. This is one heady concoction!

`2,475 for 50ml

`4,900 for 100ml

CARTIER

CHANEL

Fragrances Chanel Noir Cartier Baiser Vole Baiser Vole meaning ‘stolen kiss’ is an original creation from Cartier’s in-house perfumer – Mathilde Laurent. An ode to the majestic flower lily, the fragrance offers fresh, powdery and floral notes composed of lily pistil, petals and green leaves. Ultra-feminine allure.

The latest hot-sellers – from fruity to flirty, manly to glamourous. Take your pick!

According to the brand’s perfumer, Christopher Sheldrake, Noir – Chanel’s new Venice-inspired fragrance has an ‘animal sensuality.’ Its top notes of grapefruit and bergamot accentuate the floral accord with rose and jasmine, while Indonesian patchouli and sandalwood notes add warmth. Intense and seductive!

`8,950 for 100ml

GUCCI

`8,700 for 100ml

Gucci Premiere

Price on Request

Boss Bottled Sport Masculine all the way, Boss Bottled Sport hits you with sharply citrus top notes of grapefruit, yuzu zest and pink peppercorn. Lavender and cardamom with aldehydic mist are next, while the basenotes comprise of vetiver, tonka bean and patchouli. Sporty and energetic! `4,600 for 100ml

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Inspired by Hollywood glamour with style icon – Blake Lively, Gucci Premiere by Frida Giannini is meant to evoke the red-carpet woman in you. The fragrance opens with the exuberance of vintage champagne, bergamot and orange blossom at the helm, followed by white flowers and musk, ensconced in a beguiling cocktail of smoky leather and creamy balsamic woods. A dab of glamour.

HUGO BOSS

GUILTY PLEA SURES

HUBLOT The Germans and the Swiss have joined hands for the love of football. Swiss watchmakers Hublot and Germany’s FC Bayern MÜnchen (Hublot is also the official timekeeper of the team) have collaborated to create a new chronograph – the ‘King Power FC Bayern Munich.’ The production of the watch is limited to 200 numbered pieces. Premium features include a 45-minute display, anti-reflective coatings, sapphire crystal, a 42-hour power reserve and a surfeit of titanium on the bezel, case, crown and case back.

Tik Talk

Time and tide might wait for no one, but you can own one of these exceptional pieces to keep track of your precious moments with élan.

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BURBERRY

Burberry's recently launched a line of unisex watches – the Britain – embodies tradition and modernity, and draws its design cues from the iconic trenchcoat. The D-ring found on the belt of every Burberry trenchcoat takes form in the rounded octagonal bezel, while the sculpted curved case back is inspired by antique British pocket watches. An antireflective, scratch and shock resistant crystal protects the dial. This chronograph from the collection comes in matte black in a 47 mm case and is water resistant up to 50 metres (164 feet).

OMEGA One of the most eagerly awaited wristwatches of 2012 – Omega’s Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceragold – is available in two attractive models. Don’t be misled by the one crore plus price tag: the watches have all the trappings of professional dive instruments – a unidirectional rotating bezel and a helium escape valve. The 18k red gold indexes are coated with white ‘SuperLuminova’ which emits a blue light. The chronograph has a generous 45.50 mm case and is available in stark black. The white dial model, with a 42mm case is called ‘White Planet.’ Both models are water resistant up to 600 metres (2000 feet).

HARRY WINSTON Watch-making and marquetry seem naturally complementary skills: both demanding a high level of precision, meticulousness and dexterity. Premier Feathers – Harry Winston’s latest collection (a sequel to the Premier Collection) combines the two arts in four exquisite timepieces, (this peacock dial model being one of them). The delicate marquetry for this collection has been created by Nelly Saunier. The case is created with 18k white or rose gold set with 66 brilliant-cut diamonds of 1.45 carats each. The crown is set with one, and the buckle with 29 brilliant-cut diamonds.

Vertu infuses its handsets with vibrant colours to beguile the ladies

Vertu Constellation Candy • 32GB internal (fixed) memory • Twitter and Facebook applications • Full HTML Web browser • Satellite Navigation with pre-installed maps • Quick Office for viewing and editing Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files • PDF viewer / Photo viewer with web share • Audio / Video player • Torchlight

Starting price of around ` 4,75,000/-

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FACTS FILE • 7 hours talk time (GSM) • Pentaband WCDMA and Quadband GSM coverage • 8 megapixel camera with EDOF and twin LED Heptagon flash • Bluetooth / Micro USB / WLAN • PC and Mac synchronisation • Accelerometer / MMS / SMS / Multi Language Dictionary • FM Radio • Accurate, dual-time clock with calendar based availability

ecently launched by the luxury mobile phone brand Vertu, the Candy line makes the most compelling and direct proposal to women. The three Constellation Candy models come cloaked in fruity colours – mint green, tangerine and raspberry. The luxury-accessory element is heightened by the use of 0.34 carats of natural gem stones, all delicately hand-set in a reduced setting around the ceramic pillow (reflects the shape of the ear for easy listening) on the front of the phone: Rubies for the Raspberry Candy; Tsavorites for the Mint Green Candy and Orange Sapphires for the Tangerine Candy. The back plate is crafted from the highest quality alligator skin. Each instrument is also painstakingly hand-made by a single craftsman. The Candy is a perfectly capable smartphone with a 3.5 inch high contrast AMOLED display (protected by Sapphire Crystal), a high-fidelity 11mm x 15mm loudspeaker, an eight-megapixel camera, and an exclusive selection of ringtones and alerts created by the London Symphony Orchestra. As with all Vertu phones, Candy owners get the full bell and whistles treatment replete with a range of Vertu’s services on call: Vertu Concierge, Vertu Concierge Live, Vertu Club Access, Vertu Select, Vertu City Brief and Vertu.Me, all aimed at making the Vertu owner’s travel and social life easier to manage!

GUILTY PLEA SURES

The True Technoisseur A self-confessed gadget aficionado, presents his A-list for a true state-of-the-art tech enthusiast. By Rajiv Makhni

The Confederate B210 Wraith The ultimate motorcycle of all time – the Confederate B210 Wraith is all about thunder and power of the kind that can make cars, trucks and even buildings shake when you roar past them. The standout features are a 2000 cc powerplant ( which delivers a whopping 125 horsepower), a carbon-fibre monocoque aircraft grade CNC body, forged magnesium Marchesini wheels and an aircraft-grade fuel cell with extreme technology in every part. It’s big, it’s bad and it’s a serious fuel and bank balance burner.

Samsung Galaxy S III features:

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Meridian 810 Projector

This is a formidable contraption with seamless design and some of the most incredible specifications to ever come out in the projector category. The Meridian 810 weighs 80 kilos, throws a whopping 96 percent more resolution than your normal DVD, and delivers up to 4000 lumens which are enough to light up even a 300-foot screen. It offers an unprecedented resolution of 4096 x 2400 pixels – which is more than four times a conventional full HD image. The projector also has a native contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and comes with a series of high performance interchangeable lenses. For all those amazing tasks it’s not connected with just one but four HDMI cables to generate the remaining eight to nine million pixels needed. This is the benchmark, the reference level for all projectors to follow. The only problem with this fantastic machine is that it costs upwards of a crore. If you need a big, beautiful picture – you need to pay some big, beautiful money.

Direct Call – While messaging someone, lift the S3 to your ear and it will automatically dial that person. Smart Alert – Vibrates to notify you of missed calls and messages that need your urgent attention.

Samsung Galaxy S III The third generation of the incredibly successful Galaxy series has taken mobile technology to new extremes. While it is still plastic on the outside – the form factor and ergonomics are excellent. A big 4.8 inch super-AMOLED screen with 720 x 1280 pixel resolution. A powerful 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, the latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS layered on top with the latest ToucWiz UI. It also has wireless charging (add on), great optics and records video at 1080 pixels. But far more than the specs and the hardware – it’s the intelligence inside that takes this phone to a whole new level.

S-Voice – A Siri killer that has natural language recognition to look up the stocks, search information, give weather reports, set an alarm. Buddy Photo Share – Take a picture of a few friends and the phone will use face detection to identify them and instantly email or MMS the picture to all the people in that image. Smart Stay – The S3’s front camera tracks you to keep the screen on while you’re looking at it. Look away and it dims the screen S-Beam – Tap your S3 with another phone that has S-Beam and you can transfer files at blazing speeds.

It’s that time of the year when the entire world splits into two: those who love the new iPhone, and those who hate it. And never has this divide been more pronounced than it is right now after the iPhone 5 has been announced and released in typical Apple style – generating a huge buzz and expectations. To many it hasn’t delivered on its promise. Don’t get me wrong: the iPhone 5 is a great phone and has everything a smartphone needs to be: its thinner, lighter, has a faster processor, a bigger screen and improved optical capabilities. The phone also comes with a future-ready new connector

and takes Siri to the next level. To top it off it’s got superfast LTE, a new uni-body design, and better battery life than its predecessor. But the iPhone 5 has one serious issue – it doesn’t have a typical Apple style killer feature. And when Apple doesn’t do something out-of-the-box, the world is disappointed. This is the company that rewrote the rules of consumer technology and we expect Apple to do an Apple on us. That’s where the iPhone 5 hasn’t delivered. Still, at the moment, and in the near future, the iPhone 5 is, and will be, the number one selling phone in the world. After that, it’s anyone’s game.

DeLonghi Lattissima Nespresso Machine

macchiato. This Lattissima’s milk steamer is great for making milk-based drinks and you can adjust the ratios of steam or frothed milk and coffee. It’s all done in seconds, no user intervention, no grinding, no cleaning up after, no trial and error, the coffee has the right mix, aroma and cream, and the process is poetry in itself. The machine also has great chrome accents, a fantastic finish, great detailing and workmanship.

Apple may have ruined it by not calling it the iPad 3, but other than that great faux pas – this is still the top tablet in the world. Many may dismiss it as a very small upgrade to the iPad 2 – but they are missing the point. It’s the full package this tablet represents which makes it the best in the world. The retina screen is a game changer at a stunning resolution of 2048 x 1536 with 3.1 million pixels. Movies, photos, browsing, ebooks – in fact anything that appears on the screen truly pops. It is estimated that 99 percent of what you do on a tablet involves the screen thus the retina display is a very big deal. The processor is an A5X which is dual-core and can multitask effortlessly. The graphics run at quad-core and pull off blazing fast on-screen activity. In fact gaming on the new iPad is pure pleasure. With the OS 6 upgrade you’ll get Apple Vector Maps, Siri, as well as fantastic Facebook integration. As of now the latest iPad is still King of the Hill but Microsoft, with the launch of its tablet 'Surface' is breathing down its neck.

NOV — DEC 2012

It might seem a bit strange to have a coffee machine on a top gadgets list but as soon as you draw your first cup from it – you’ll stop scoffing. What Delonghi’s Lattisima Nespresso machine does, how it does it and how it achieves it, is far more fascinating than all the coffee you can drink from it. Nespresso machines brew espresso from special high tech aluminum capsules containing ground coffee. It’s pure gourmet, and is served at most high-end restaurants. But its the technology behind what the machine does which truly sets it apart. The hermetically sealed capsules are made of aluminum foil. When the capsule is inserted into the machine, the top of the capsule is pierced to create a number of small holes. The machine is activated and pumps in hot water under high pressure. The brewed coffee comes out of the capsule through perforated holes and flows into the coffee cup. This machine also has a detachable milk frother for making a cappuccino, latte, or

The ‘New’ iPad

DIALOGUE

Sheila Dikshit

THE CHIEF MINISTER WHO BELONGS Le CITY deluxe INDIA found the city’s longest serving first citizen in a reminiscent mood as she unearthed memories from the Capital which many moons ago was an open place, with barely any cars, and a big heart. TEXT BY SURUCHI DUGGAL, NIKKI DUGGAL / PHOTOGRAPHED BY BHAWJEET SAWHNEY

n this legendary city of immigrants she’s got childhood memories of family picnics at Qutab Minar – “which was a day’s affair because there were no cars and you had to take a tonga”. And of that much anticipated weekly trip to Chandni Chowk. She loves her memories of those days, but doesn’t live in the past. Not that she has the time: Sheila Dikshit doesn’t have the luxury of extended reveries, or to indulge her love for the arts. Delhi’s Chief Minister for fourteen years – a tenure unprecedented in the city’s postindependence history – spoke with Le CITY deluxe INDIA about the world-class city she wants to see.

Delhi completed 100 years as Capital in your tenure. Do you think the city has come of age?

You were nominated for a World Mayor Award in 2008. Were you surprised? Do these things matter to you?

Again, I don’t know! I wish I had the time to rest on laurels! I guess when I retire, then I’ll look back and think about all these accolades that we have won for Delhi. Right now I am just so busy with the job at hand. With everyday crises, there’s no opportunity to sit back and contemplate. And all these awards are the outcome of a collective effort: the bureaucracy, the people, and the central government – all respond and have a role to play. The Delhi Metro is definitely world-class, and is considered as one of your biggest achievements. Do you have any similar projects in the pipeline? Delhi has changed enormously over the past decade or so since we came into power. The number of flyovers has increased to 47 from the

two or three that existed. We have widened our streets and the green cover has increased by 26 sq km to nearly 300 sq km. As of now we have seven or eight universities, around 42 government-run hospitals and plenty of new developments. Our aim is to make Delhi a world-class city. What you envisage as an ideal capital city – London, Washington, New York or Paris. We want to go a step ahead of that.

And growing up here, you obviously have that perspective…

I’d like to think so. It’s amazing how much change has happened just in my lifetime: back in the day going to Qutab Minar for picnics was the done thing. And it would take a full day because there were hardly any cars, so you had to wait in a tonga. Or to the Matka Peer mazar which used to be near Purana Qila. I was really fascinated by that place as a girl because it was full of nothing but all these matkas. Then a trip down to Chandni Chowk itself was a great thing! We used to live on Kamraj Road and that seemed to be one end of Delhi…there was no Golf Links, or Jorbagh, or Pitampura or Punjabi Bagh.

Do you miss that?

We have our own memories but we wouldn’t like this generation to go back to that. Every

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You know I’m not sure of that. Just because it’s a very old and vibrant city, with a long and chequered history, doesn’t mean it’s come of age. Change has always been a constant element in the city’s fabric. Traditionally and historically it’s always been the centre of India. And because of that, the city has always been dynamic and vibrant. Look at the nature of its population: before 1947 it was a particular kind of Dilliwalla who stayed here…representative of a very obvious, prominent Muslim culture. When the British came along, the city had a

very British culture. After the partition, the Punjabis came, and now of course we have migrations of people from Kerala, Bihar, UP, Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East. So it is a kind of a microcosm which represents India – a melting pot of the ingredients that make up this country. It has neither a static demographic, nor an unchanging culture.

DIALOGUE

‘Happiness is easy to tackle. When i am happy, somebody else is not. Can we reach out? Can we be more human?’ generation has their joys, you have yours, and I have mine. At that time it was great but obviously things have to change.

How much do you think street culture has evolved in Delhi?

Well there was hardly any street culture except the bandar walla and the bhalu walla. They, of course, are not there anymore. Back then you’d find an odd khomcha walla but there aren’t that many of those left either. Most of these shopping areas weren’t there. Even Karol Bagh barely existed – that came after 1947, but people who lived on this side of Delhi hardly ever ventured that side. The accessibility to markets and street culture didn’t exist back in the day. You have a much more varied and interesting street culture today.

What about personal pursuits? What gets your creativity going? I’m really drawn by novelty. It could be an idea, a textile; a new kind of approach to cinema, to writing, an action…for instance the Commonwealth Games was a huge novelty and really got me fired up. I get very passionate about what I believe in. The moment I get bored, I just stop doing what I’m doing.

Does that filter down to people you work with as well? No, that’s not the case with human relationships: I have been very fortunate to have a large group of friends. But I can get very impatient with somebody who is too self-opinionated.

Do you manage to go to theatres?

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I prefer going to a theatre as opposed to watching something at home – the last film I saw was Kahaani. That was some time ago and I just don’t get enough time to go out for a film as often as I’d like to. Maybe I’m getting slower in my work. There’s so much to do, so much to catch up on…

You are always pictured wearing saris. Do you have a favourite type or shop?

Depends on my mood! But I don’t visit the big

shops, or the malls. Sometimes I’ll go to Fab India, or Kamayani, sometimes to the Cottage Emporium. There are these set shops where I know I’ll find something I like.

Do you ever eat ice cream at India Gate?

Oh I did a lot of that. It goes without saying. But these days it’s become a bit too crowded, almost like wading your way through Chandni Chowk. In fact ice cream was eaten only at India gate. Nirulas came much later.

How do you spend time with your grandchildren?

My grandchildren…they tell me stories rather than me telling them and I think I have a lot to learn! Honestly sometimes I feel very uneducated around them. One of my granddaughters knows the entire Greek mythology, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. And she’s only about 11years old! When we were young we used to read Noddy and Tintin books! I’m awestruck by how much knowledge kids acquire so young today.

What’s on your reading table right now?

I read two or three books at the same time. One could be something – just a novel. Then I read philosophy. It could be the Quran, the Bible, the Mahabharata, and The Gita… That’s one of the luxuries I haven’t let go of. I make sure I read.

Liberty also needs to come with a sense of responsibility. Of course we should be free to do what we want to, but it needs to be done without stepping on someone else’s liberty. That’s what I feel is very important. It’s all very nice to have a wedding but to have music blaring till past midnight is not very considerate. We need to aspire to be a society which is caring, considerate and free.

Your doors are said to be open to everyone… Is that a challenge?

That’s always been a part of me. Anyone can walk into my house at any time. And since I am in public life I think the most important thing is to be able to interact with the public. It makes life very exciting. The canvas looks very big. Except on Sunday mornings, I like to keep those for myself.

Where would you eat out in the city?

Depends on what we want to eat really. Whether it’s Indian, Chinese, Italian…for South Indian we usually go to Saravana Bhawan. I try and go out at least once a week with the family.

Have you ever thought about writing an autobiography? No. I haven’t so far. I don’t get the time… But the idea is not an irresistible one.

Fact File

Are you religious?

Sheila Dikshit was born on March 31, 1938 in Kapurthala, Punjab. She is the eldest of three sisters.

Do you think those values have prevailed in Delhi today? Any message for Delhi residents?

She married into the family of the late Shri Uma Shankar Dikshit, noted freedom fighter, a former Governor and Union Cabinet Minister. Her late husband Shri Vinod Dikshit was a member of the Indian Administrative Service.

Not in the ritual sense but I do believe in certain values.

The one thing I really feel strongly about is a sense of understanding and consideration. We are not living in isolation. No individual is living in isolation. You have to understand and absorb another’s aspirations. I find very often most of us live in a cocoon. If we see someone needy or unwell then we need to reach out and help. Happiness is easy to tackle. When I am happy, somebody else is not. Can we reach out? Can we be more human?

Holder of a Master of Arts degree in Histor y, with a honorar y doctorate from Delhi University, she received her education at Convent of Jesus and Mar y School, New Delhi and later at Miranda House, Delhi University.

DIALOGUE

Six Strokes of Separation We gave one of India's leading curators a chance to pick six of her favourite paintings by Indian artists. Here she speaks with six leading experts on what makes these artworks so valuable. By Roshini Vadehra

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o select six of the ‘most important’ works of the Indian Masters is a daunting task. There are so many jewels that the modernists created, and to have favourites seems unfair. So neither is this selection necessarily ‘most important,’ nor the works most significant… They are simply what first come to my mind when I am asked to select a particular work of each of these artists. It could either be because it’s always been the most coveted work of a certain artist; or because it set a world record when it was auctioned; or because it was bought by an international museum at a time when Indian art hadn’t yet carved out a permanent space in every important museum exhibition, biennale or art fair. M. F. Hussain’s ‘Between the Spider and the Lamp’ is easily the most coveted artwork in modern Indian art history. Ask any collector, curator or student and they would give an arm and a leg to spend a few moments with this great piece of art. F. N. Souza’s ‘Crucifixion’ can be viewed at Tate Britain, one of the most recognised sites

of modern art in the world. ‘Saurashtra’ is one of the most beautiful works of S. H. Raza that I have ever viewed in my life, and it obviously made that impression on a lot of people when it set the world record for Indian art at a Christie’s auction in 2010. ‘Celebration’ by Tyeb Mehta, currently housed at the Glenbarra Art Museum in a small town called Himeji in Japan, is a monumental work of the great master, and rivalled only by the great ‘Shantiniketan Triptych’ in its beauty and strength. Ram Kumar’s figurative works have a melancholic feel to them, with the ability to immediately draw the viewer into their story of the individuals and the landscapes that surround them. ‘Vagabond’ is the most important work of this period, and broke all records for the artist when it was auctioned at Christie’s in New York in 2008. Last but not least, the work of one of the most spiritually evolved artists – V. S. Gaitonde – exudes an immediate sense of calm and tranquillity. In my opinion, India has not seen another abstract artist like Gaitonde.

Between the Spider and the Lamp M. F. Hussain In conversation with Yashodhara Dalmia Yashodhara Dalmia is an art historian and curator in New Delhi who’s an expert on the Progressive Artists group.

Why is this work considered the epitome of Hussain’s work, and, of modern Indian art? ‘Between the Spider and the Lamp’ (1956) is a masterly work depicting an India which is real, mythical and symbolic at the same time. The painting is a masterpiece and captures the myriad realities of India and its seething multiplicities with great economy of means.

What are the inherent symbols in this work that make it enigmatic?

The women stand against a swathe of passionate red where their faces and forms reflect the classical, the folk, and the peasant in lyrical rhythms. The alternative persona of the dark woman in spotless white suggests a complex duality between the repose of the archival earth-mother and the anxious stance of the harried city dweller. Also present is the village woman – heavy yet mobile – her profile reminiscent of Indian miniatures yet at the same time shorn of any artifice. The lithe figure of the yellow woman with a white mask suggests a dancer receptive to the opening possibilities of a new India. The lamp burning brightly above and the spider below denote humans trapped between superstition and new advances.

Your personal views on this work and on Hussain…

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This is one of my favourite works for it makes me aware of the grandeur of Indian women: their gritty survival in the everyday world, and their struggle to change. Additionally, the captivating manner in which an India transfixed between myth and superstition on the one hand, and scientific development on the other, pulsates with energy make it a masterly work. I also find that the blend of modernist means with traditional miniature forms, particularly the Rajasthani School in the painting, leads the way for developing art forms. Hussain’s artistic ingenuity lies in capturing the gut-level reality of India. In that sense he was really the ‘barefoot’ artist who spanned the length and breadth of the country, and various strata of society, infusing his work with these realities. In my view his expansive vision and vibrant assemblage of means remain unmatched.

DIALOGUE

‘Crucifixion’ can be compared to works by Graham Sutherland and Francis Bacon for its raw and brutal expressiveness.

Crucifixion F. N. Souza In conversation with Conor Macklin Conor Macklin is the director of Grosvenor Gallery in London which has specialised in Souza’s works for over three decades.

What led to the Tate acquiring Souza’s works? What gives his work an international appeal? In the mid 1950s, Souza was very much a part of the local London art scene. His exhibitions were very successful and were reviewed by the leading critics of the day including David Sylvester and John Berger. Several museums acquired his works including the Tate which picked up ‘Two Figures in a Landscape’ (1961) in the same year. The ‘Crucifixion,’ which had been part of a private collection, became available in 1998 and Nicholas Serota decided it should be bought for the permanent collection as the Tate did not have a Souza work from the mid-1950s. The 7 x 5 foot painting was bought for £15,000 and is valued at over £2 million today.

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How would you comment on Souza’s expressive style ?

At the time that it was painted, Britain was recovering from the Second World War, and Souza’s expressive style found a welcome

audience. Herbert Read described the 1958 Venice British pavilion as the ‘Geometry of Fear.’ Souza’s ‘Crucifixion’ can be compared to works by Graham Sutherland and Francis Bacon for its raw and brutal expressiveness.

Why is this religious image treated with such brutality?

Images of the crucifixion of Christ from the Renaissance period are calm…almost serene, however if you look at Goya’s images of the same scenes – they are gruesome. Also Souza could not ignore the suffering of humanity in the backdrop of the atrocities and violence during India’s independence and the Second World War. Ergo, Souza’s Christ is in agony, distorted, and in many ways more befitting a 1950s portrayal.

Would you consider this to be Souza’s most important and iconic image? For its sheer scale and power this is certainly one of his iconic pieces. As a diverse and evolving artist Souza went on to create several other masterpieces – the ‘Red Road’ in the Kiran Nadar Museum is a great landscape – but when it comes to portrayals of crucifixion this one has to be his best.

In conversation with Kiran Nadar Kiran Nadar is a collector and owner of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in New Delhi. ‘Saurashtra,’ takes pride of place at the museum.

Saurashtra S. H. Raza

What makes ‘Saurashtra’ so special?

I think Saurashtra is one of Raza’s most iconic works. When I saw the work physically, it had a phenomenal impact on me and I instantly knew that an important work like this had a place in my museum.

Your thoughts on abstract painting in India, and in particular, Raza’s contribution to it? Traditionally Indian art is admired much more for its figurative works. There are few pure abstractionists like Gaitonde or Nasreen Mohammedi. Raza’s works are sometimes semi-abstract or landscapes, but this particular work has a definite abstraction element to it and the play of colours is very unique. Sometimes I liken Raza to Rothko and compare their values and I’m quite amazed that Indian artists haven’t achieved prices close to those that Western artists have. Raza’s control over colour and palette is simply phenomenal.

Which are the top three artworks at your museum?

Difficult for me to choose, but I suppose Bharti Kher’s elephant sculpture – ‘Skin speaks its own language’, Subodh Gupta’s – ‘Line of Control,’ and, of course – ‘Saurashtra.’

Untitled Vasudeo S. Gaitonde In conversation with Brahmal Vasudevan and Shanthi Kandiah Well-known collectors Brahmal Vasudevan and Shanthi Kandiah are of Sri Lankan origin, and currently live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Gaitonde’s ‘Untitled,’ is a highlight of their collection. What made you acquire this work by Gaitonde? At the point we acquired this work by Gaitonde, we had been collecting Indian art for about five years. We were ready for the perfect Gaitonde and when this came up; we knew we had to have it. Apart from being the perfect confluence of colour and form, this particular piece for us simmers with passion and the intellectual curiosity to explore, deconstruct, and create. You two have a well-known affinity for Gaitonde’s work… We consider ourselves lucky that this piece came along when it did. Gaitonde’s commitment to his art, his efforts to preserve his individualism, and commitment to perfection – all make up our fascination with his art. He epitomises the idea that the process is just as important as the result. Is the spiritual dimension in Gaitonde’s work important to you? The beauty of Gaitonde’s pieces, for us, lies in the introspection they invite. The symbolisms are profound, mysterious and add to the layers of mystique and abstraction of his works. NOV — DEC 2012

Which other abstract artists, Indian or international do you think is comparable to Gaitonde? Mark Rothko and Joan Miro.

DIALOGUE

Celebration Tyeb Mehta In conversation with Ranjit Hoskote Ranjit Hoskote is widely considered to be India’s foremost contemporary art curator and critic. Hoskote is also an art historian and poet.

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What makes Tyeb Mehta the most coveted artist for all in the art community, especially collectors?

Tyeb Mehta’s work conveys the powerful resonance of myth. In his paintings, the image is always produced from palpable struggles of the spirit. Great questions are wrestled with in the space of the canvas or the drawing – questions of the self that always break down into contending halves, of justice and violence, the fate of the weak, and the inevitability of history’s tides. The icon, it always seems in Tyeb’s paintings, is just a step or two away from destruction. It has been wrested away from the dissolution of time, and presented to us in a cocoon of eternity – the trussed bull; the figure in free fall; the goddess locked in a struggle of love and death with the god turned into a bull-demon; the rickshaw-puller who is man and machine conjoined. I would think that many viewers, and certainly collectors, remain fascinated by Tyeb’s breathtaking ability to produce these memorable, haunting

icons. To view his works is to be drawn into their mystery.

‘Celebration’ had unprecedented success at a Christie’s auction in 2002… What makes this particular work special? ‘Celebration’ (1995) is a work distinguished by its grandeur. Tyeb showed himself to be the master, in this triptych, of the polyphony of figures. While many of his iconic images are those of solitaries, ‘Celebration’ gathered all the isolated figures in his repertoire into a choric dance of life, death and renewal. As viewers, we were taken out of ourselves – literally, rendered ecstatic – by this painting, which staked its creator’s claim to belonging to the grand tradition that courses through Poussin, Matisse, and Picasso. In its painterly ambition, its scale, the richness of its conception, ‘Celebration’ is one of Tyeb’s greatest paintings, and communicates this powerfully.

There’s a certain angst in the expressions and movements of the figures in ‘Celebration'. Can you explain this?

As the scholar Heinrich Zimmer points out, the classical Indic ideal of celebration is a “grave festivity,” a celebration in which the joy of

life is mixed with the awareness of death and dissolution, and also with the hope of rebirth. Samsara and Nirvana, Kama and Moksha, Iha and Para – Indic philosophy has always theorised our term on earth through the dynamic interplay of opposites: life and release, desire and liberation from desire, the material and the transcendental. Tyeb was deeply immersed in this form of thinking, and ‘Celebration’ draws its rich tonal complexity, its shading of ambivalences and paradoxes, from this world-view.

Do you think Tyeb’s life and personality is reflected in the imagery and treatment of his works…?

Greatly so. ‘Celebration’ may be seen as a summation of the tragic wisdom, hard-won joy, appreciation of the mixed beauty and terror, and the ever-shifting balance of solitude and sociality – all of which were lessons Tyeb drew from his experience. Like the self in the Upanishadic parable, presented as two birds – one eats a fruit, the other watches it eat – Tyeb’s practice involved the ability to experience deeply, while also reflecting deeply on his own experience, at the same time. ‘Celebration’ is the outcome of this ever-deepened practice of art.

Vagabond Ram Kumar In conversation with Dr. Amin Jaffer Dr. Amin Jaffer is International Director of Asian Art at Christie’s. ‘Vagabond’ was sold by the auction house for a record figure of $1.2 million.

When Ram Kumar’s ‘Vagabond,’ surpassed expectations by over three times, at a 2008 auction, were you surprised?

The high price achieved for ‘Vagabond,’ reflects both the intrinsic qualities and visual appeal of the painting. The competitive bidding for the painting is evidence of the desire shared by many collectors to own it, thus driving up the price beyond all expectations. Recognising the importance of the work, we had shown the painting to leading collectors and had toured it in India. We were delighted when it was purchased by the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art. Mrs. Nadar told me later that it was while bidding for this piece that plans to create a museum got crystallised in her mind.

What makes this work special?

‘Vagabond’ was painted in 1956, after Ram Kumar had returned from a stint studying art in Paris. While abroad, he was profoundly moved by the social and political culture of post-war France. The treatment of the central figure in ‘Vagabond’ reveals the influence of portraiture by Modigliani. His position and posture convey a feeling of alienation, exacerbated by the backdrop of a grim urban setting. The fact that he wears a tie suggests that he is not a vagabond in the literal sense of the word, but a person who feels detached from society. The vagabond is an outsider whose place reflects an existentialist philosophy and the breakdown of community life in the modern western world. There is a thematic parallel with the immensely popular 1955 Hindi film Shree 420, in which Raj Kapoor plays a tramp who drifts into unethical living. The way that Ram Kumar has captured this mood makes ‘Vagabond,’ an iconic work from his figurative period.

Can you briefly comment on the development of interest in Ram Kumar’s works post the sale of this work?

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The work of Ram Kumar plays a critical role in the story of modern art in India and any well-rounded collection of 20th century Indian art would need to include works by this artist. The high price achieved for ‘Vagabond’ has not substantially altered the market for Ram Kumar’s works, which have consistently been in demand by collectors.

DIALOGUE

JYOTSNA SURI

In Lalit ’s Shoes She took charge of a hotel empire when it was the need of the hour. And after being at the helm of The Lalit Group of Hotels for six years, Jyotsna Suri has earned a formidable reputation for being a businesswoman of substance and flair. TEXT BY SURUCHI DUGGAL / PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAVID MATTHIESSEN

For someone who works as hard as you do, you look amazing! How do you keep your energy levels up?

Thank you! I’m constantly on the move, and the more engaged I am, the more energised I get. My work, as strange as it may seem, keeps me very relaxed. I travel a lot, and when I visit one of my properties, and get away from the boardroom, I relax. Then I unwind with my family – my grandchildren and particularly my mother.

With work taking centre stage in your life, are there any personal goals and aspirations that you’ve shelved for the time being? None at all. My work means everything to me, and all my goals are tied in with what I do. I have been able to bring up my children to the best of my capabilities, and I have no regrets: they are all settled and working. Yes, I do want to establish our group as the leading hotel group in the country, and I have been moving towards that goal every single day.

How easy or difficult was it to suddenly take over a multi-million dollar business?

It’s a misnomer that I started working suddenly: I was always working. I got into active work with Lalit more than 25 years ago, and I've been working without him for five years now. Lalit was the visible one: he was great with people, was in Parliament and was therefore the person who was there for the world to see, while I stood behind-the-scenes. Then in 1991, when Lalit had a triple bypass surgery and was completely out of action for a year-and-a-half, that was the first time I became more visible. In retrospect, perhaps that was my orientation period. And when I had to step into Lalit’s shoes in 2006, it was not difficult.

How was the transition and what challenges did you face? There was a tremendous vacuum which Lalit left: not only was he a great husband, he was a guide, a mentor, and someone that we all

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he gleaming Lalit Legacy Tower stands tall as the group’s eponymous flagship property in the heart of Delhi – a striking reminder that the group founder's name has never been more conspicuous. “Lalit was always the face of the company… he had such great networking skills,” reminisces Jyotsna Suri fondly. Jyotsna is far removed from her role of being the woman behind the man today. But even as she talks excitedly about her pet project – opening The Great Eastern in Kolkata, Lalit Suri’s presence looms large – vibrant and constant, in the shadows behind his wife, who’s taken his place in the spotlight. “I never let him down when he was with me. How can I let him down when he is not with me?” exhales the Chairperson & Managing Director of the Lalit Group. Today, Jyotsna Suri plays mother and boss to her children whom she’s gathered close. Not many, you can argue, could have done better.

looked up to. I was always very secure when he was there – any problem and it was always, ‘Lalit will solve it.’ In that respect I suddenly felt very alone. The work came easily and I got into it very smoothly, but there were some aspects that I had not touched at all. For example, I had never delved into the financials of the group – so I learnt. When you are in a distressed situation, sometimes your inner capabilities come out much stronger. I got the hang of finance pretty quickly and things went smoothly from there on. Of course I miss Lalit hugely… but work has always been a part of my life, so working was not an issue. The buck stops at me now and whether it is the children, the team, the staff – everyone looks up at me. I have to carry my responsibilities.

Do you feel responsible for what you consider Lalit’s legacy? I feel extremely responsible for the people who work for us. And to Lalit, because he really worked hard to set up this whole thing. Every moment of my life is promised to him. When he left in that sudden moment, I’m sure he went with the comfort of knowing that I was there to take care of things. I have to live up to that.

Besides the fact that it commemorates the memory of your husband, are there any other reasons that you re-branded all the hotels to bring them under the ‘Lalit’ umbrella?

Okay, first thing’s first. Lalit did a lot for the hospitality and tourism sectors and he carried it all the way to Parliament. Secondly, he was the founder and core of the group. And lastly, in our business, more than sixty percent of hotels or hospitality chains are run on family names. Take the Oberoi, or the Leela, for example. And even internationally you have the Marriott, the Hilton and so forth. I decided that I needed to give an identity to the entire group.

What prompted the move though?

We had some management and marketing tie-ups with international companies – like the Intercontinental. 25 years ago when we went into business, we didn’t really know much about hotels. But over the last 20 years we have grown and acquired enough knowledge about the industry to feel confident enough to stand on our own feet. I must put it on record that we had a great relationship with the Intercontinental but I just felt that we had arrived as a group. And to establish ourselves, we had to have an Indian identity. And Lalit, being the man who created

this group, was an obvious choice of name. The word ‘Lalit’ itself inherently conveys luxury. It stands for charm, luxury and refinement... And it’s been taken so well; it’s short, has great recall value and slips easily off the tongue…

What were the initial reactions?

Of course there were sceptics who thought I was making a mistake…that I was just being emotional. They’ve all come around today. At the stroke of midnight on November 18th 2008, all the seven hotels of our portfolio became ‘The Lalit.’ People changed, synergies changed, the branding collaterals changed, and some guests who had left us around 11 o’clock, came back to a different scenario all together. And it was really well accepted.

Your children also work for the Group. How do you maintain a professional relationship with them?

Well I have to admit, it can be quite tricky. It’s not easy to keep the personal and the professional separate when you are working with your children, but we’ve learnt to manage. Professionally, for all my four children, I am the CMD and addressed as such, or as Mrs. Suri. It’s only in our personal time that we become mother and son, or mother and daughter. I feel that as a professional I find it very easy to guide them as Executive Directors because they are intelligent, well educated, dedicated, diligent, and feel as strongly for the organisation as Lalit did…as I do.

Tell us about the The Great Eastern in Kolkata. What makes this hotel so special? It is quite an exceptional property from a heritage point of view: 170 years old and the oldest functioning hotel in this part of the world. Secondly, this hotel was built over a

‘The buck stops at me now and whether it is the children, the team, the staff – everyone looks up at me. I have to carry my responsibility.’

period of time. The oldest part, which I call the Victorian part, faces the old courthouse road. Another wing was added two or three decades after that. And then there’s a central portion of a new Great Eastern, on which work began but was never completed. We’ve kept the first two blocks and restored the façade and the interiors but torn down the central part which was made about two decades back. This part was badly done, and had no value whatsoever. The outcome is that you have got three eras in this hotel: Victorian, Edwardian and New Calcutta.

Amazing! So when does this hotel open? It’s going to open on Lalit’s birthday – November 19th this year.

What challenges do you face as a hotelier in India? The hospitality industry, and in fact the entire tourism industry, is highly taxed. Yet at the same time, unlike say the manufacturing

courtyard that is the hub for all activities. We have a beautiful palace in Udaipur, and it’s got a bird’s eye view of the Fateh Sagar lake. And, in a couple of years there will be The Lalit – a 70 room boutique hotel in London near the Tower Bridge.

Do you get time to vacation?

going to be shown a piece of land on which I can build a hotel. So when I say I am developing a destination, I mean it. If the destination is buoyant, the hotel will definitely be buoyant.

You’ve lived in Delhi for a long time. What are your favourite haunts? Honestly speaking, I don’t get the time to go anywhere and pretty much spend all my time between the hotel and my kids and grandchildren. I’ll go see a film occasionally. The Lalit, New Delhi

industry, we don’t get any subsidies for real estate or power, and even pay a very high rate of interest to banks. I would say that the development of this industry has been shackled because of all of this. There’s a huge potential – India is so large, and there is so much to tap into from a tourism point of view.

You’re now planning to open a hotel in Drass (Kashmir). Do you see that city emerging as a tourist hub in the future?

My first connect with Drass was polo: I was fascinated when I heard that people there play on mountain ponies which aren’t even trained for the game. When we decided to hold The Lalit Suri Polo Cup, there was so much excitement that the locals declared it a public holiday. This year I got the Mongolian team to participate because Mongolia is where polo originated. The interest all of this has generated is beyond belief – tourists are now flocking to Drass, and there’s so much development taking place there. People in Drass now realise I mean business. This time, when I go for the fourth edition of the match, I’m

Any favourite resort or destination?

Impossible question! I love every single hotel of mine…each has something that I look forward to: in Khajuraho I can stand in my room and gaze straight at the temples. The Jaipur hotel that we have just opened is beautiful with a

I’m a big archaeology enthusiast. I’ve been to almost all Harappan sites. In terms of relaxation I unwind best in my own environment. I love going to my Vekal Kerala hotel which has the most amazing spa. Even a weekend there is good enough. I get energised when I go to Kashmir, because it gives me that oxygen. I love going to Goa, because it makes my grandchildren very happy, and the hotel has a lovely villa attached with direct access to the beach. I basically enjoy being with nature.

If you had to move to a different city which one would it be? I can’t even imagine my life in any other place but Delhi. I love its four distinct seasons. Then there’s a lot of energy in Delhi – political, cultural, business. I’m a high-energy person and need that. Even my extended family lives in the city. But then if I had to be uprooted from here and make Mumbai my home – I would. I am the kind of person who says, “Ok, this is home, I better like home. This is where my energy is and I will make it happen for myself.”

PA S S P O R T

SONEVA KIRI

FANTASY

Island

An aerial view of the sail-shaded Soneva Kiri which requires a private jet (above inset) and speedboat ride to reach it from Bangkok airport.

A trip to the sprawling Six Senses Soneva Kiri on the Thai island of Koh Kood reveals the magic and wonder behind one of Asia’s most lavish and exclusive island getaways. By Govind Dhar PHOTOGRAPHED BY GOVIND DHAR, SONEVA KIRI

NOV — DEC 2012

“

Watch out for leeches,” shouts my guide Andy Wade as we scale barefoot over moss-laden boulders towards a watering hole in the Klong Chao river. As I keep my eyes firmly on the ground, manically looking for the tiny bloodsuckers, a rumbling noise from ahead seems to get louder. In the cool air of the dense forest, packed with rubber and coconut trees, twisted vines and reticulated pythons, it’s easy to let the imagination get carried away; enough to realise how long I’ve been away from nature. We approach a lull in the river and I spot a Buddha sitting pensively atop a rock. “Some devout Buddhist monks that came here to bathe carried this idol through the forest and set it here,” explains Andy. Offering a prayer to the

deity, I’m soon clambering up a tree stretching over a pool of the clear water. Andy is almost at the end of the branch, fetching a well-worn rope to throw to me. “If you swing back towards the rocks, don’t let go,” he warns. In a flash, I am swinging in a speedy arc, holding tightly onto the thick rope, toward the water’s surface. As I let go and plunge into the jade pool below me, the world goes silent and I get a taste of the sweet spring water as I come up for air. My fear of leeches and pythons has dissipated somewhat and all I can think of is getting back to the top of the tree for another jump. “A man over sixty-years old came with me on a trail to the hidden waterfall,” says Andy pointing over the cascade, referring to a new one

we had found farther up river. “We were both standing under it and I asked him if he wanted to jump several feet into the river below. The man replied that he was over 60 and not likely to get such a chance again.” Needless to say, the sexagenarian jumped. If you’re looking to get lost in nature and to forget the frills of resort luxury for a while, Six Senses Soneva Kiri on the little-inhabited island of Koh Kood makes for the perfect getaway. Being located on the overgrown and secluded island makes for the stuff of fantasy holidays and scrap book memories. Of course, five-star hospitality is always at hand – fine dining spots; a butler service; a well-stocked wine cellar; an award-winning spa; myriad recreations and even

a private tree-nest attended to by ‘flying waiters’ for romantic dining. But in the end, what enchants you is the way Soneva Kiri magnifies the beauty of solitude amidst its lavish-yetrustic island nooks. You can get lost here either in nature, or in your own imagination. Being surrounded by so much flora, and open to seascapes and views of smaller islands not far from your deck chair or dining table, Soneva Kiri evokes a powerful sense of child-like wonder for everything you encounter on the island. You’d expect that any place requiring a propeller jet and speedboat ride to reach it, with its expansive villas and crepuscular sunsets might appeal only to romantic honeymooners and A-list celebrities, but you’d be wrong. From the way luxury, good old-fashioned fun and a warm and perceptive service are woven together here, there’s every chance that guests of any description will find it hard to leave this island paradise. Jungle dens of brush and bamboo Built from planks of pine and trimmed with bamboo, each stately villa at Soneva Kiri is skirted by lush tropical thicket and brush, with the sort of romantic den-like interiors that incite the will to write one’s memoirs and be photographed doing it. Three types of sprawling

residences await mainlanders, some sitting propped up on a beach, or dotted on either side of a hill or cliff (with bedrooms greeting the sunrise or sunset based on your choice). To complete that luxury safari feel, four-poster beds with mosquito nets, earth-tone soft furnishings, steamer trunks piled high (that actually conceal flatscreen TVs, a DVD player and an iPod dock), and outdoor baths and showers are spread out across each of the 29 villas here. Add to that open-air living rooms with well-stocked wine chillers, wellplaced speakers indoors and out, a wrap-around plunge pool and separate cabins for a washroom and dressing room, and you will catch yourself making mental notes about what features to include in your own holiday home blueprints. Of course when you get past

all the tick boxes of each luxury villa (their convoluted light panels are likely to be the only source of frustration) you will discover that the most immersive experience to be had at these abodes is with few, if any, lights or speakers on. Draw deep of the sights and sounds at your front door; the symphonies of competing insects; the sudden bursts of merciless tropical showers, or the first sight of dawn as the sun glints off the ocean into your bedroom. Truly, Soneva Kiri’s most abundant gift is unencumbered nature.

A villa interior

A villa exterior

PA S S P O R T

The children’s den

A play hut at the Den.

As night falls, if you’re not keen on the films showing at the open-air theatre you can wander down to the observator y and gaze deep into the night sky through the resort's-telescope.

NOV — DEC 2012

The open air Cinema Paradiso.

Fun anyone? The way Soneva Kiri has been designed, one cannot help but be taken by its planner’s insistence on the inclusion of discovery and fun at every turn. From the moment you arrive at the sail-shaded resort, a multi-coloured den rises up to house a playful ice cream parlour offering over 60 tantalisingly fresh (and allergen and dairy-free) ice creams and sorbets. Next to it is another cottage reserved for chocolate making. Inspired after a Willy Wonka fashion, guests can help themselves to all the ice cream and chocolate they can eat – for free. Then, perched on a hill towering into the leafy shade of the island’s tall trees, a wondrous children’s den of Japanese cartoon-fantasy proportions welcomes kids (and many adults I’m told) inside its twisted, looping bamboo interiors. Here you can learn about space and nature; indulge in drawing activities, and play with toys and games in the care of qualified childminders. A short distance away in your personal golf cart (every guest is entitled to one of the convenient electric buggies) is an outdoor movie theatre

set on a man-made lake (the resort’s rainwater harvesting reservoir) that shows two films a day; one for kids and the other for adults. As night falls, if you’re not keen on the films showing you can wander down to the observatory and gaze deep into the night sky through the resort’s telescope. Green living The Six Senses group, founded by Britishborn Indian Sonu Shivdasani and his Swedish wife, Eva (hence the portmanteau ‘Soneva’) has kept green and eco-best practices at the heart of their brand philosophy. It’s a difficult ethos to commit to especially when the island of Koh Kood is not connected to a mainline power source from Thailand. What this means is that everything here is powered by generator. Still, I’m assured that the resort is doing as much as it can to offset its carbon emissions from planting new trees (over 300,000 so far) to having an ‘intelligent’ outlook on luxury that includes locally-grown produce and sustainably caught fish. The GM of the resort, Frank, only ten days into the job,

tells me that the owners intend to make their properties carbon-neutral by 2020. “And that’s rain water you’re drinking,” he says as I sip some water before we tuck into a Thai and continental lunch on the beach. Under swathes of spindly coconut palms, being told that all the water used at the resort is recycled rainwater, comes as no surprise. And yes they have a sparkling option too. The island In terms of things to do, Soneva Kiri packs a bountiful itinerary for those who haven’t come here to laze. From power yoga and kickboxing to cooking and chocolate-making lessons, the obligatory watersports and diving, you can stay busy from 9 am to sunset, with a lot of activities being offered within the room rate altogether. A mangrove ride away on a house on stilts is ‘Round the Benz,’ a celebrated fine Thai eatery with eponymous chef Khun Benz at its helm. You can even visit a honey farm on the island of Koh Mai Si, not far from Koh Kood. Aside from my waterfall walk and little tour of the island, I got a glimpse into local

life by visiting a sleepy fishing village and wandering into a family home that tapped and processed rubber for sale on the mainland. Rubber is a large export from the island with entire families being involved in the processing of the material. With less than 2000 people on the 129-square-kilometre island, rubber tapping and fishing are conducted essentially for sustenance. The lack of heavy industry, neon-infused tourist traps and fast food outlets that plague neighbouring islands, means that the country’s fourth-largest island is one of the last few bastions of Thai island tourism where you can still experience something resembling true pastoral life. Despite the wide-ranging ‘hotel’ accommodations (a mix of 50-odd cabin resorts, shacks and homestays) on the island, few backpacking travellers make it out here because of how expensive some of the room nights can be. Without an airport, and the only landing strip being on a separate island 15 minutes away by speedboat, Koh Kood’s unspoiled beauty makes the lack of 21st Century modern conveniences, a blessing in disguise.

Signing off Back at the resort, I head to ‘The View,’ for a rich and delectably wine-paired four-course meal, just in time for an uninterrupted view of sea and sky, and a molten sunset. “We have so many repeat guests mainly because they trust us and we give them complete privacy,” says Alex Jureeratana, the resort manager. “Whether its Hollywood celebrities, business tycoons or sportstars, what they enjoy most is that they are free to do whatever they like here without being pestered. Most of our staff don’t even know who they are, and they like that.” As I turn off the last switch at the villa, I’m plunged into darkness save for slivers of moonlight peeping in through the shutters around my room. After an action-packed day, sleep comes easily. Restless crickets and frogs kick up some jungle sounds outside and distant rumblings start to fill the night sky. The next day, I awake to my villa covered in a carpet of leaves. The wooden walkways are drenched and island snails have made their way out of the woodwork to peep up at the day. As we drive to the jetty where a motorboat will whisk us

away from the island, my butler informs me that a powerful storm had hit the island the night before, causing a few trees to fall around the resort. From the look of the glorious sun on this morning and how soundly I slept, I couldn’t imagine such a violent storm. As we boarded our ferry, dark clouds emerged as if from nowhere and a gusty torrent fell on us from above. It was the perfect farewell from Soneva Kiri – a lashing of temperamental nature, memories of wondrous isolation to relish on the way home, and an umbrella held over me as I took my last photographs of the island. Talk about a holiday in a nutshell.

“Whether its Hollywood celebrities, business tycoons or sportstars, what they enjoy most is that they are free to do whatever they like here without being pestered. Most of our staff don’t even know who they are, and they like that.” Alex Jureeratana, Manager, Soneva Kiri

Eco Villa outdoor daybed

Eco Villa

PA S S P O R T

TRAVEL TIPS Soneva Kiri and Koh Kood…

Dancing Light Massage

Book at least a few months in advance as repeat customers tend to book up the best villas and Fridays (butlers) for themselves.

A signature massage unique to the Soneva Kiri resort, the Dancing Light massage won’t be found on the spa menus at any other Six Senses spa. Centred around the the idea of a flickering flame that dances back and forth, this rubdown uses oil from a specially blended beeswax and aromatherapy candle for a full body massage. The masseuse melts the candle and uses the runoff to massage one side of the body, divided along the spine, before attending to the other half. The massage includes the use of thumbs in opposing circular motions; open palms and the heel of the hand to relieve stress across the body and then longer, sweeping strokes with the use of the forearms and elbows. Perfect for easing tension in the muscles and relieving every day aches and pains.

The best time to travel is between November and April when weather permits longer days out and clear waters. In the low season, waters can be choppy, skies cloudy and rain a plan-spoiler. If you think you might require cash during your stay, take some along. There are no ATMs on the island. Mosquitoes are a problem and while the resort provides potent lemon-grass infused repellent, you might want to take your own.

Couples Aside from the seclusion, privacy and natural beauty, unique spa treatments, tree top dining, a boat journey to a Thai fine dining restaurant and a 350-label wine cellar will keep most couples spoiled for choice.

Families In addition to all the family-centred activities on offer, the resort provides top medical facilities. Soneva Kiri regularly gets elderly visitors for its tranquil and rejuvenating locations, excursions and soft sand beaches.

Kids If you don’t value access to cable television and video games highly, a huge DVD library, a towering chidren’s den, free ice cream and chocolate parlour, an observatory and myriad outdoor activities makes this a retreat kids will not want to leave.

Benz Thai Restaurant

PA S S P O R T

LAUCALA ISLAND

Lapping it up Fiji may not have a racetrack, but there’s no dearth of F1 drivers descending on the Pacific island nation to sample the decadent charms of the volcanic atoll of Laucala. By Javier Alonso Esquerro

NOV — DEC 2012

bviously, there is a connection: the spectacular 12 sq km volcanic island, part of the Fiji islands, and located in the southern Pacific Ocean, is owned by none other than Dietrich Mateschitz – founder of Red Bull and owner of the eponymous Formula 1 team. Laucala has always had a pedigreed history of ownership: Mateschitz bought the island – for no less than £7 million – from the Forbes family. Not satisfied with the natural beauty of the island – Laucala is dense with tropical vegetation, and surrounded by coral reefs, minute coves, virgin beaches dotted with palm trees and turquoise, and crystal-clear waters – Mateschitz has built a resort, which would hold its own against any ultra-luxurious retreat anywhere in the world. 25 exclusive residences sit on the northern part of the island, each featuring a garden area, private swimming pool and sea views. All residences are built from wood, stone and straw from the island and are fully integrated into the surrounding environment. Inside they are meticulously appointed: from the furniture

and finishes to the lighting, all aimed at affording guests utter tranquillity and complete privacy. Which is not to say that Laucala is only for those looking for quiet repose: encircled by Fiji’s famous diving waters, the island offers a sea of alternatives for those looking for something more exciting – recreational fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, jet skis, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking are easily accessible to guests. The island also offers land activities such as tennis, an 18-hole golf course, horse riding, biking and hiking trails. The resort is fully equipped to pamper gastronomes – enjoy a private teppanyaki, a romantic candlelight dinner on a private beach at the elegant Plantation House restaurant, genuine Asian delicacies at the Seagrass restaurant, a cocktail backdropped by a sublime sunset at Rock Lounge, avant-garde aperitifs at the pool bar, or a beachfront barbecue amid a tropical atmosphere. Needless to say the in-house spa is absolutely top-notch – spanning four private villas each boasting a vast outdoor terrace and an immense bathtub with ocean views.

LAUCALA TRIVIA Owner of Red Bull energy drink – Dietrich Mateschitz owns Laucala island. To visit Mateschitz's exclusive getaway, a big bank balance alone is not enough. Reservation is upon application and the only access is via the resort's private plane. Oprah Winfrey loves it. Other guests at Laucala include John Travolta, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Britney Spears. The most exclusive abode is the Hilltop Residence located 360 feet above sea level which reportedly costs $26,000 (approx.) per night. Accommodation starts at $3,800 per night. Laucala is located off the northeast coast of Taveuni, a 45-minute plane ride from the Nadi Fiji International Airport. A large population of Fijians are of Indian descent. If you are going to Australia, think about visiting Fiji islands as well. It is only a 3-4 hour flight away from Sydney.

Enchanted South Seas Nights.

Bedroom in Plantation Residence Sekuola.

NOV â&#x20AC;&#x201D; DEC 2012

Pool Area

GOURMET

Never a better time to go out in Mumbai than during the onset of winter. The megapolis offers some of the country’s best eating and drinking experiences. Here’s the lowdown on the trendiest cafes, bars and restaurants to check out this season. By Gayatri Rangachari Shah

BOMBAY NIGHT

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Out

DOME BAR

HARBOUR BAR

AER

CAFE ZOE

On the iconic Marine Drive, Dome bar and restaurant on the roof of the Intercontinental hotel with its panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and south Mumbai skyline, is one of the best places to savour a drink and a kebab. With oversized white furniture and lounge music, Dome attracts everyone from the town’s glitterati to tourists. A poolside seating area permits smoking. The food is good: offering an array of north Indian tandoori favourites, and an assortment of bar snacks. A must visit for the first-time visitor, Dome best captures the spirit of cosmopolitan Mumbai.

So named for its ringside views of Mumbai’s southern harbour, the Harbour Bar at the 109-year -old Taj Mahal hotel is perfect for an afternoon glass of bubbly or a late-night drink. The single malt collection is one of the city’s best. Watch sailboats bob up and down in the water, and knock back a tipple at the long bar. You won’t be disappointed by the parade of Christian Louboutin wearing fashionistas and Brioni -suited businessmen who favour the bar’s discreet atmosphere. That it happens to be downstairs from Mumbai’s best Japanese eatery – Wasabi – only helps.

The highest rooftop bar in India, Aer, at the Four Seasons hotel in central Mumbai, rises 34 floors above street level, and offers sweeping vistas of a city in the throes of transformation. View a magnificent sunset during happy hours when Moet & Chandon is served by the glass. The PanAsian influenced bar menu offers everything from edamame to sushi. You can also order pizzas and sandwiches. Aer’s modernist decor evokes the feeling of being in any of the world’s grand cities, from New York and London to Hong Kong.

Located in buzzing Mathuradas Mill (also home to the music venue Blue Frog and Asian restaurant Busaba), Cafe Zoe has quickly attained a cult status for its easygoing vibe, excellent prices, all-day dining and free Wifi. Zoe is a favoured hangout for lunch, to meet friends over an afternoon coffee, or grab dinner mid-week. Friday and Saturday nights tend to be chaotic, but are a must-go if you’re looking for a decadent scene. For more quiet conversation, have an early dinner. Salads and pastas are excellent, but nothing beats the scrambled eggs with truffles.

AURUS

AER

AURUS

CAFE BY THE BEACH

YAUATCHA

When it opened in 2011, with Gordon Ramsay trained chef Alex Bignotti at the helm, Two One Two Bar and Grill quickly gained a fan following for its simple Italian cuisine. Sadly, Bignotti has since left for Hong Kong, but Two One Two continues to serve up delectable fare. With its indoor and outdoor seating, and a bar-cum-lounge area, it’s become a rendezvous point in midtown Worli. There is an extensive wine selection and the restaurant is a great place for a first-time date, a serious business dinner, or a night out with friends.

If you fancy a night out next to India’s reigning movie stars, head straight to Aurus, the beachfront restaurant and lounge in Mumbai’s equivalent of Beverly Hills – the city’s Juhu suburb. With its unrivalled setting right on the water, and extensive cocktail list, Aurus is one of Mumbai’s most loved nightspots, and a staple on the city’s celebrity trail. The nouvelle continental cuisine quality is fairly good, as is to be expected at a restaurant known more for its scene than its food. Weekend nights are best for people-watching so be sure to book in advance.

If you’re looking for a bit of tranquillity amidst the frenetic pace of Mumbai, head to Cafe by the Beach, a little gem on south Mumbai’s Chowpatty beach. Aptly described as a bit of Goa in Mumbai, the cafe serves wraps, sandwiches and salads as well as soft drinks and tea and coffee (but no alcohol). Amble along one end of the grand boulevard (known as the ‘Queen’s Necklace,’) on Marine Drive until you reach the other end where Cafe by the Beach is located before retiring for a cutting chai.

Its hipper and more chic cousin Hakkasan may continue to attract the uber-rich, but don’t scoff at Yauatcha, the top-rated Chinese restaurant in Mumbai’s commercial district of Bandra -Kurla. The canteen-style atmosphere may not cut it for those seeking a fine-dining experience, but the India outpost of the London based Michelin -starred dim sum teahouse is packed to the gills with patrons. In addition to an extensive tea selection, Yauatcha also offers a variety of Sake. On the first floor is a long bar which attracts a young crowd of business professionals.

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TWO ONE TWO BAR AND GRILL

GOURMET

1135AD

The sitting area at the all-silver Sheesh Mahal.

The Age of Opulence Nestled in the magnificent Amber Fort in Jaipur, 1135 AD offers a grand insight into luxurious royalty dining. TEXT BY MERAJ SHAH / PHOTOGRAPHED BY BHAWJEET SAWHNEY

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“

In the heyday of royalty, especially in Rajasthan, the dining experience – the food, the entertainment, the entire gamut – was spectacular. It was all about how much you could flabbergast your guests…” says Sanjiv Bali, restauranteur and businessman, referring to the inspiration behind the dining experience in his restaurant – 1135AD in Jaipur’s Amber Fort. Flabbergast it does. And how: it would not be hyperbolic to say that unless you’ve got royal lineage yourself, you’re not likely to have laid eyes on the kind of superlative opulence which the restaurant – spread over two levels – presents. Truth be told, you do expect something spectacular: whether you choose to walk up through the fort entrance, or better still, take the winding road (which is used exclusively by guests at the restaurant), where a receiving party will give you a traditional welcome, and

(if you are so inclined) take you to the restaurant gates on a traditionally bedecked elephant. Not exactly your everyday experience. Still, nothing prepares you for the regal splendour that the restaurant exudes. From the moment you enter the patio past the Shila Mata temple and are greeted by traditional Rajasthani dancers, and led into an exotic interior with gold-leaf workmanship on the ceilings, ornate silver cutlery, and objets d’art. “We had over 100 artisans working on the interiors for over two years. If you put something just for effect then it doesn’t work,” says Bali who conceptualised and oversaw the interior restoration himself. “There were no compromises when we put the restaurant together. We’ve not used any white metal, we’ve used silver. We’ve used real gold for the inlay work on the ceilings. Restoration work was very important when we started. Everything is removable and we haven’t made

any changes to the original structure,” explains Bali whose personal collection of artefacts has also found a home in the restaurant. The natural lighting – candles, diyas, traditional chandeliers and lanterns – add to the old-world charm of the restaurant. It’s not as if there is no electric lighting, but it’s cleverly concealed and ambient, reflecting off the mirrored frescoes on the roof and walls, imparting a warm glow. The restaurant has an assortment of seating sections, each more charming than the last: the Shahi Jharokhas are popular with couples who want privacy and stunning views of the sunset. The Shahi Angan is an open-air courtyard where guests can sup while viewing traditional music and dance performances. But the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the Sheesh Mahal – a private dining for 1215 people – where everything – the cutlery,

The dining table at the Sheesh Mahal.

Dining outdoors

Swarna Mahal

jackets and huge saffron coloured turbans – laying out the succulent (and signature) lal maas (a traditional Rajasthani meat preparation), a never-ending kebab platter and an assortment of rotis. “We’re trying to maintain authenticity yet still offer choices to someone who may want something more regular,” says Bali, adding that, “Totally authentic food is very rich. It uses ingredients like saffron, cashew nuts, raisins, almonds and the like. So the menu is a combination of the very traditional and something new. – jungle maas, lal maas, gatta curry.” The service, as you’d expect, is highly personalised, courteous, and discreet. Goes without saying that eating at 1135AD is not cheap – but given the sheer indulgence, authenticity, and exclusivity of the experience, the `15,000 or so per head (sans alcohol) that you will shell out for dining

Assortment of Kebabs

at the sheesh mahal is well worth it. Dining out at the other sections will set you back less than a third of that, but the sheesh mahal is the crown jewel that you cannot afford to miss. 1135AD is not a place which you’re likely to waltz into for an evening snack on a whim. In more ways than one it’s an anachronism in this age of homogenised fast food. It belongs to another era when a meal was an occasion – elaborate and ritualised – to be savoured with pomp and leisure. Whether you’re out for a romantic evening with your better half, a gourmet trail through Rajasthan, or just a meal with a side-dish of history, you’ll do well to don the formals, switch off the phone, and settle in for an evening back in time. Close your eyes and you can almost hear the sound of distant hooves. The King’s back in Jaleb Chowk.

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chairs, decorative pieces, tables – are entirely made of silver. Ostentatious? Absolutely. But breathtakingly so. The outer wall of the dining area has intricate lattice work. “We were trying to clean the jaali work at the Sheesh Mahal when we realised that there was something inside it obscured by centuries of neglect. And then we got someone to delicately chisel it and we realised that inside there were in fact full jharokhas. It makes sense because back in the day, this was a ladies section. And right across is Diwan-e-aam. Below is the Jaleb Chowk where everything happened when a king came back from battle. There was a purdah system and the women could come here and look at whatever was going on down in the Jaleb Chowk through the jharokhas,” explains Bali. The meal commenced with the waiters – impressively dressed in embroidered sherwani

Jai Garh View

GOURMET

Rémy Martin Louis XIII

Legacy in a Bottle With three centuries of experience, the Rémy Martin family has distilled the process of cognac making into a fine art. To share the secrets about this exclusive liquor is Vincent Clème – Louis XIII brand ambassador for the Indian sub-continent.

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bove all, and before anything else, there’s the sheer romance of it. You don’t really have to be a cognac, or even a liquor enthusiast, to get goosebumps at the prospect of opening a bottle of a fine liquor which was casked a 100 years ago. The final rite of passage for a journey which began with a peasant harvesting some grapes in a field in Cognac, France, back in 1900 or 1910. The allure of Louis XIII transcends cognac lovers and imbues the liquor with a halo of almost mythical exclusivity. Interestingly, most Louis XIII fans and customers do not drink cognac in general. Don’t get me wrong, cognac lovers are obviously thrilled by the unquestionable superiority of the liquor, but even those who appreciate the aromatic experience of a fine wine, are overwhelmed by a waft of Louis XIII’s fireworks – over 250 aromas – which invoke the ultimate nosing and tasting experience. Even whisky enthusiasts, who appreciate the ageing experience of a 20-, 30-, or even 40-year old single malt, can’t help but be disarmed by the subtle complexity of this centurion. It’s not a gentleman’s club either: irrespective of the age -old association with men and their clubs, women are as susceptible to the smoothness, balance and the fine bouquet of aromas of Louis XIII. Ask Pierrette Trichet – our Cellar Master – and the first woman in the industry to ever reach that level of expertise. Trichet is just the fourth Cellar Master in the 100-year history of the House of Rémy Martin, and represents just one chapter in

Louis XIII’s biography. Four generations of Cellar Masters chaperone every single bottle of Louis XIII through its lifetime: right from selecting the best grapes (all of which are picked from Champagne-Grande, the best cognac terroir); overseeing the cognac doubledistillation process; regularly evaluating the progress of each cask of eaux-de-vie through

It is made of the finest Baccarat crystal with a solid 24k gold collar, which is adorned by the signature fleur-de-lys crystal stopper. Each decanter is the result of a synchronised ballet of 11 people over more than two weeks. I find quite often, that it's people with an inherent appreciation for fine watches and cars who are taken with the painstaking craftsmanship which goes into creating the Louis XIII. And also why, people often buy a bottle as a gift: yes, it is fantastic to taste, but it also looks like a million bucks! In my mind, there cannot be a more fitting vessel for what is truly, one of the last precious elixirs in existence. Obviously I’m gushing a bit, but just the sheer legacy of Louis XIII – from nature to man, from one Cellar Master to another, from a customer to his son, is the stuff that legends are made of.

A Taste of History

ageing; and finally assembling the exquisite cognac through an exceptional blend of 1,200 eaux-de-vie. Finally, the decanter itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The design is based on a metal flask found in 1874 on a 1569 battlefield.

The first swirl of Louis XIII floods the taster’s senses much before he actually sips the drink. There’s a huge expectation level: here you are, tasting a blend which is a 100 years old. Immediately Louis XIII reveals notes and scents of myrrh, honey, immortelle, plum, honeysuckle, wood bark, leather and passion fruit, giving the taster an unequalled olfactory panorama – complex no doubt, but one that will leave you giddy and gratified. If you've tasted Louis XIII, you’ve just followed in the footsteps of people like Picasso, Churchill and General de Gaulle, not to mention royalty from all over the world – and

The famous Grande Champagne Terroir.

Domaine du Grollet, the Rémy Martin family estate.

Aishwarya Nair

The King’s Cellar By Aishwarya Nair

Aishwarya Nair is the Corporate Food and Wine Consultant for The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, the company founded by her father and grandfather.

Tiercons – oak barrels for brewing Louis XIII.

partake of Louis XIII – no particular season, and certainly not just as a digestif. I’ll never forget my first tasting…which was appropriately straight from the barrel at the dank cellars of Louis XIII in Cognac. I had the unique privilege of being accompanied by Cellar Master Trichet, who, reacting to me being at loss for words, articulated her

understanding of my experience. “As luxurious as it can be, tasting Louis XIII is an experience of humility,” Pierrette remarked, “the century -old Louis XIII is beyond all of us...” LOUIS XIII IS AVAILABLE IN INDIA IN MORE THAN 40 LUXURY HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND WINE SHOPS (INCLUDING THE HOUSE OF SPIRITS, SELECT CITYWALK, SAKET, NEW DELHI).

NOV — DEC 2012

added yet another occasion to the momentous annals of Louis XIII tastings. In fact, over the years, Louis XIII has been served, and been part of, some of the most privileged experiences of time, whether it’s a journey on the Orient Express or a supersonic flight on the Concorde. And contrary to what most people believe about cognac, there really isn’t a right time to

A Louis XIII tasting is always a special occasion, but one at Le Grollet, Cognac – the historic home of the Rémy Martin family in France – with the Cellar Master Pierrette Trichet, is quite a remarkable experience. I was led into the ‘chai’ (cellar) which resembles a fairy-tale setting: cool, dimly lit, and illuminated only by a single light hidden behind a bottle of Louis XIII giving the entire place a forbidding ambience. Once my eyes got accustomed to the light, all I could see were casks – wooden vessels in which Louis XIII spends the better half of a century in. “These distinctive casks are not

shared by any other cognac. They are lovingly restored, never replaced and the unique property of the Louis XIII legend,” Pierette informed me. These barrels known as ‘tiercon’ are casks made from 150-year-old Limousin oak, which provide the ideal tannin level for prolonged ageing of the eaux-de-vie. The uniqueness of the Rémy Martin barrels comes from its staves’ thickness and their enormous size which ensures ample exchange between the liquid and the environment, promoting perpetual ageing. The first sip of Louis XIII in that environment intensified the experience for me, and was in a strange way reminiscent of nascent childhood feelings. First on the nose: a beautiful complexity of flowers, fruits, particularly peach, and toast. Then, once on the tip of the tongue, flavours of intense vanilla, candied fruit, honey and saffron. Sublime.

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Wasabi SUSHI UNRAVELLED Ever since it opened its doors to diners in the city four years back, Wasabi by Morimoto, at the Taj Mahal hotel in the Capital, has become the preferred haunt for gastronomes with a taste for Japanese food. Le CITY deluxe INDIA traces a Yellowtail fish’s journey from the Wasabi kitchen to the dinner plate with chef Vikramjit Roy. TEXT BY TREESHA DATTA / PHOTOGRAPHED BY HARI NAIR

made an effort to woo Indian customers: right from sourcing authentic ingredients from Japan to creating a vegetarian menu, the restaurant pulled out all the stops. The fact that chef Roy has an affable personality – patrons greet him like an old friend, take guidance and ask for his recommendations – probably helped too. “People were not comfortable with the idea of eating raw fish. So I started by introducing carpaccios – very thin slices of raw fish, arranged nicely on a plate with sauce drizzled on top and seasoned with a splash of hot olive and sesame oil (the hot oil partially cooks the fish). People enjoyed the carpaccios – they were eating raw fish but with the perception that it was cooked. That is how the initiation into Japanese cuisine began,” says Roy. What has also made Wasabi a favourite, is the consistent quality of food. Most of the ingredients are flown in from Tsukiji (famous for its fish markets) near Tokyo in Japan, and the seafood is sourced from across the world. “The crabs are brought from Alaska, the salmon from the North Atlantic, and the Yellowtail Tuna (fish) from Japan. The mussels and the clams are from Sri Lanka. We did our research, and after considering everything decided to source the best ingredients. The focus of this restaurant is quality,” the chef says with pride. A Japan Airlines flight dedicated to Wasabi – flies in from Narita Airport in

Japan to Mumbai, and then to Delhi – brings consignments of fresh fish twice a week, and other ingredients once a week. These are then, thoroughly checked before being accepted at the restaurants. While the ingredients are as authentic as possible, the chef admits that the same is not the case with the recipes. “We do not say that we are an authentic Japanese restaurant, or an American -Japanese restaurant. Wasabi is a contemporary Japanese restaurant and we do not limit ourselves to any framework. There are elements of America because of Morimoto’s relation with America. I also draw a lot of inspiration from Mexico and Spain,” he elaborates. Apart from the popular carpaccios, spicy king crab and the black cod miso, which has become all the rage, Wasabi has also developed a number of signature dishes including a popular appetizer – the scallop foie gras. Sushi is an all-time favourite, usually paired with a miso soup or enjoyed with Japanese teas like Sancha and Macha. However, it pairs best with a Shochu ( Japanese wine made out of rice) or even better, a cold sake. For Sake, Wasabi has a fine selection at its Sake bar, not to be missed. If you can't make the time to visit Wasabi, or are simply a gastronome with a penchant for cooking, pay close attention as chef Roy shares the secret to rolling that perfect Yellowtail Mango Maki sushi. Bon Appetit!

NOV — DEC 2012

ver the past few years, Japanese cuisine has gained a foothold in the imagination of food lovers in the country, and one of the most popular restaurants in India synonymous with great contemporary Japanese food is undoubtedly Wasabi by Morimoto. Legendary chef Masaharu Morimoto – best recognised as an ‘Iron Chef ’ on the hugely popular eponymous Japanese television show – opened his first restaurant called Morimoto in Philadelphia, then Wasabi by Morimoto at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai and followed it by opening another Morimoto in New York. After the success of his Mumbai restaurant he went on to start Wasabi in Delhi in 2008. Wasabi is one of the first restaurants in Delhi that brought Japanese food to the fore and helped popularise the cuisine. “It was a challenge to open people up to this kind of place and cuisine. Guests in Delhi are very different from Mumbai or any other place. They are particular and know what to eat and don’t move out of their comfort zone easily. At the time there were no major restaurants which served contemporary Japanese food, except Sakura at Metropolitan Hotel Nikko. Then 3600 at the Oberoi opened and made Sushi popular to some extent. But that was it,” says chef Vikramjit Roy who has been in charge of the restaurant from the very start. Wasabi stood out because it

GOURMET

Yellowtail Mango Maki Sushi WITH WASABI MASTERCHEF VIKRAMJIT ROY

INGREDIENTS Koshibuki Rice Shiragiku + Suheru + Yussen Vinegars Mixed Japanese Soya Sauce Seasame Seeds (Black and White, Dry and Roasted) Wasabi Nori Sheet

NOV — DEC 2012

Yellow Tail fish

Mango Slices Spicy Aioli Sauce

CHEF'S SUSHI TIPS 1. Since the rice is covered in vinegar, it gets quite sticky and therefore it is recommended to have a bowl of cold water handy. Dip your hands in the water whenever they get sticky and rub them together and shake the excess water off, before resuming. Do this as many times as necessary. 2. You need to make sure that the rice is not overcooked. If it is, then the final sushi would be too mushy and soggy. 3. Do not let your sushi stand for too long after it is prepared. They are meant to be made very fast and consumed immediately else the Nori (seaweed) will not be crisp but chewy. 4. Cutting of fish and vegetables needs to be uniform. Cut your fish into strips that are no longer than ½ inch in diameter. Cucumber

or any other firm ingredients should also be cut into thin strips. Length is not as important as the width. 5. Control the use of Wasabi in your sushi – too much could kill the flavor of other ingredients. 6. When covered with the sushi mat, use just the right amount of pressure. Pressing the roll too hard would result in a mushy and crushed roll, while pressing too lightly would result in the sushi being loose. 7. In Delhi you will find all the ingredients easily at INA market. Yamato-ya (Safdarjung Enclave, B-6/9 Local Commercial complex) also stocks Japanese ingredients. In Mumbai your best bet will be Godrej Nature’s Basket since it is easily accessible, or a speciality store at Crawford Market.

2. Press and push the rice, spreading it with the thumbs and fingers to cover the nori. Cover the lower half first and then the rest, leaving a ½ inch margin on the top end. Re-moisten hands. 3. Sprinkle a mix of white and black sesame seeds on the entire rice covered 4. Carefully flip the roll over so that the nori is facing up.

5. Smear a line of Wasabi, according to taste, bang in the middle of the sheet.

1. Lay the nori sheet. Moisten hands. Make a baseball sized rice ball and lay it in the middle of the sheet.

your fingers while using your thumb to roll.

6. Lay the fillings, in this case, slivers of Yellowtail fish and mango slices, on top of the Wasabi in the centre of the sheet.

10. This is how the basic roll looks like. Next you would need a plastic sheet covered sushi mat to correct the roll’s shape.

7. Line the filling with spicy aioli sauce. It is essential that all fillings be put in the middle for the sushi to roll well.

11. Place the plastic covered side of the mat over the roll and with both hands, press lightly to firm it up.

8. This can be tricky. Roll the side nearest to you over the ingredients and finish the roll so the ‘seam’ is on the bottom.

12. The knife needs to be extremely sharp and dribbled with water entirely, so the rice does not stick. Cut the roll into half. Place the two halves side by side and slice them twice at equal distances so you have six pieces. Voila!

9. The rolling is a ‘hold, tuck and roll’ motion. Hold and tuck the ingredients with

A Class Apart Le CITY deluxe INDIA spent an afternoon with the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most-loved protagonist and found him humble, unassuming, and candid. Shah Rukh Khan defies the stereotype of a superstar. Photographed by Dabboo Ratnani

n a h K h k u R Shah Make-up by Arun Indulkar Styling by Daena Sethna

COVER STORY kids off to school. I can’t lift too much weight because I have had a few injuries and two surgeries. I am a no-nonsense workout guy: very little weight. No music. No talking to anyone. No partners. No hanging around in the gym…

That’s quite serious… TEXT BY SURUCHI DUGGAL, NIKKI DUGGAL

he lunch at ‘Mannat,’ was as unpretentious as the host. It was a bit unnerving: to see Shah Rukh Khan, India’s biggest superstar, playing the role of a gracious person-of-the -house, as he welcomed us into his beautiful mansion in Bandra (personally picking up a chair for one of us when he realised that there wasn’t adequate seating). Over the next four hours SRK juggled between an exhausting photo shoot, chatting with Gauri and Farah Khan (who dropped by to say hello), and playing host to us. SRK didn’t lose his patience once – a consummate professional. But he was more than that: shorn of the cinestar image, and the media hype, we found SRK amenable, witty, intelligent, candid, and remarkably grounded. Was this the ‘real’ SRK? Maybe. He did say, in the course of this interview, that publicly, he is what people expect him to be. And that it’s easier to do that, than be himself. Of course, by his own admission, SRK can put up a convincing act – an actor’s prerogative – and portray himself as whoever he chooses to be. But if this was an act, then it deserves to be taken at face value simply because it was such a good one. He has us convinced – SRK is no Bollywood egomaniac. He is King Khan for a reason: an actor and a gentleman. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

What did you have for breakfast?

I normally don’t have breakfast. I go straight for lunch. And usually I don’t take chawal or roti. Not because I’m dieting, just that I am not used to it. I am extremely Pathan like that. My mother was Hyderabadi and dad was Peshawari and both cooked really well. I only have meat – mostly chicken. Not that I am a food person. In fact I don’t find food yummy at all. For me it’s just another process that I go through when I get up. I eat twice a day.

NOV — DEC 2012

What’s your exercise routine like?

Timing wise it’s rather strange. I do it after putting the kids to sleep and once I’ve spent some time with Gauri. I start working out at 3-3:30 am, and sleep very late. When I’m shooting I sleep by about 3:30-4 am and when I’m not I crash by 6 am or after I’ve seen the

Not serious – just that I hate it. Nobody likes to workout. I was taught by my first film producer that you need to finish off the things you don’t like doing first. I was taking a long time to finish this guy’s film because I didn’t like it. So one day he came to me and said “You hate my film?” And I said, “I hate you.” And he retorted, “Look, do you want to keep seeing me for longer? Finish me off fast.” Now he is a friend. So a workout is a bit like that for me. I finish in about 40-45 minutes, but I have my own regimen. It’s a mix of a lot of things. I won’t bore you with the specialties but there is a kettle bell, a bit of TRX, then I do a lot of freehand, but I don’t get big muscles like film heroes do…

You do have a great body…

But I don’t get big muscles. I don’t really like them. I eat just twice a day and because of that they keep giving me all these vitamins and stuff when I work out. I just have black coffee and lots of it.

So you sit with the kids and have dinner?

Actually, if I am at home, I am only ever with the kids. I am very unsocial and don’t take phone calls at home. If I really have to, I take calls in the bathroom. It’s become a joke. If I’m in the bathroom for too long my kids say, “Papa, come out. Stop taking calls.” So I don’t take calls and a lot of people dislike me because they think I am pompous and arrogant, but it’s just that I’d rather be with my kids than talk to them. And if they don’t like that then so be it.

You’re a Delhi boy. Any favourite hang outs?

I have this strange sense of detachment to places and things. My biggest attachment to Delhi stems from the fact that my parents’ graves are there. Gauri’s family is in Delhi too, and I like the kids to go back and meet the grandparents. I lost a lot of my family very early, and I feel that attachment to any space or place is with the people who are related to it. Unfortunately the people related to it, don’t exist anymore. But I make it a point now, maybe because I am getting older, a little nostalgic, to go back to Delhi. I recently went with my kids, and I took them to the house where I used to live. I wanted them to understand that I was a very poor guy. And to me, to be a star; to have a big house, to have a car, to travel first class – is not important. When you are used to not having things, you

don’t get attached to them. People don’t realise it but I am a spendthrift, I blow all my money on my films. Today I have an excess of everything and in our house my kids have always been surrounded by the likes of Farah Khan, Karan Johar, Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, and the biggest actresses – Katrina (Kaif), Juhi (Chawla), Madhuri (Dixit) and Priyanka (Chopra). So for a long time my kids thought that everybody worked in film. I just wanted them to realise that for me it is so fantastic to know that even today if I see Madhuri or Juhi, it’s like, “Wow I am meeting Madhuri Dixit.” I’m trying to say it’s different for me because I’m not from a filmi background. If I go and see Madhuri today on the sets of Jhalak I won’t be like, “Hi Mandy.” Film people are not like that. They’ve known each other for a long time and are used to each other, but I am an outsider. To me the only thing that seems real is Delhi. Bombay doesn’t seem real. This house doesn’t seem real. I mean it is beautiful, but to me the reality has always been the road that I travelled in Delhi. So it’s not just Humayun’s Tomb, or Karim’s restaurant. My biggest attachment is to the houses I lived in. I have a few memories of Asian Games Village when that was made, because we used to hang out there…

What about with Gauri?

I didn’t hang out with Gauri too much because she was just 14 when I met her, and I was 18.

A lot has changed since those days...

I go to Ferozshah Kotla to watch the IPL matches, and remember the time my mum used to work close by. She was a magistrate in the court there – and would take me to her office, drop me at Ferozshah Kotla and I would watch a match. I remember asking Imran Khan for an autograph once, and that time he had just got out… and he shouted at me. Now I go to the same stadium for IPL and people are screaming my name. My attachment to Delhi is very surreal. Like when I go for promotions of my films: I was there for ‘Don,’ my friends were there – Farah, Ritesh, Priyanka and all and we decided to meet up at the Taj Mansingh. I remember having coffee there...you go downstairs and there was a coffee shop, with animals on the wall. I don’t know if it’s still there…

I think the Taj Mansingh hotel still holds a bit of nostalgia…

The other day my family took me to a Chinese place there. It’s strange for me – I know the steps, I remember being there with `50 in my pocket to have repeated coffee refills, and now I go there, without having money, and I know in case I don’t pay, they’ll be all right. They’ll tell

‘It’s a bit like a dream which I feel like I’ll wake up from and suddenly find myself back in my house, which is C7223 SDa – a small DDA ﬂat (in Delhi).’

COVER STORY

me that I can pay later…which is very strange. It’s a bit like a dream which I feel like I’ll wake up from and suddenly find myself back in my house, which is C7-223 SDA – a small DDA flat. I took my kids there the other day and left a letter for the person staying there. I don’t know if he’d believe that I had come. Then there’s the Deer Park… there are so many places in Delhi I remember but they’re none are landmarks. I remember when a few friends launched a company called Airtel, and made me their brand ambassador. It was a small company in Delhi which sold small telephones. They said, “Shahrukh hum kisi ko nahin jaante, abhi tu actor ban gaya hai, so you be the brand ambassador.” (Shahrukh we don’t know anyone, and now that you’ve become an actor, please be our brand ambassador). And now Airtel is so big.

said, “Tumhe dance nahin aata hai, par tumhe feel aata hai dance ka.” (You don’t know how to dance but you’ve got the feel for it.) I met some nice people then who were very kind to me. I cannot express enough gratitude for their kindness. G.P. Sippy looked at me and said, “Your hair is like a bear,” and then cast me as a hero in his film. As it was my first film, I didn’t know the importance but in the film industry it was like “wow.” Star sons don’t get launches like that. People like Hema Malini and Rakesh Roshan who are my friends now were so good to me when I came in. They gave me the impression that I was family. I lost my mom and dad and my sister fell sick and for a while I thought I had no family left. In about three months in the film industry here, I was made

Tell us about your transition from that reality into a world of cinema, to where you are today…

It’s the same, it’s transient and it’ll move on. When you see me on television and all, I don’t speak my heart out because people don’t want to hear that, they ask you stupid questions. Like “How is Katrina Kaif, or are you seeing Priyanka Chopra?” Which are stupid nonsensical things, and that irks me. Is this what you’d want to know from a person who has worked for twenty years? Now everybody’s life is boring, and you don’t need to know my life, but if you have taken some time out to know me, find a part of me that might help a kid to understand life better, or understand cinema better.

Did you always know that?

No. I wanted to be a sportsman, and then my parents died. Some people in the industry told me that I could never be a film actor. I work with those people now and I have no ego about it. I am well educated; I have done my BA and my Masters. I was a good student and I think I could have been good at most things I did. But I became an actor. I remember this lady – Saroj Khan – who was the senior most choreographer, and she

You know for us, from outside it’s a whole different story that we get to hear…

I know. And sometimes I don’t mind letting people believe that. I am an actor. You think that all I stand for is Chammak Challo? I’ll show you Chammak Challo! It’s okay, it’s easier for me to be Chammak Challo, it’s difficult for me to be me. The whole day I am working in front of a camera, I don’t know what is me. How am I real?

Do you try and make time for yourself?

I am always with myself. I don’t do anything else. I am not a very social person, not because of any other reason but the fact that I am awkward with people. It’s very strange. I do a job of entertaining millions of people, but I am completely ill-at-ease with people. I am courteous but I am not very talkative or anything. The easy part for me is that 90 percent of the people like to talk to me about films, and that’s what I do, so I can do it. But if I was a regular guy you had to meet in the evening, I am very boring and shabby…

What is the real SRK brand?

How do you work so hard?

My 73rd film is going to release now; I have worked relentlessly for 20 years. I work for 16-18 hours a day. I like it. I really like it. My wife asks me all the time how I do this every morning. And I say, “I love it.” I love acting and it’s as simple as that. And I don’t think I'm an actor because I know acting; I think I'm an actor because, that’s what I was meant to be. That’s it. This is all I know.

you can’t act, they’ll employ you. They find something nice about you, something positive in you.

to feel that this whole film industry was waiting for a son. They made me feel so wonderful. I know people from the outside think that there is only drinking and partying and womanising in the industry but it’s not like that. This industry is very secular.

You bring a lot of energy and talent to your work. You have gained a lot from the industry?

I might have, but then I am not the only guy who has really gained from the film industry. There are big stars who are perhaps not the best actors, and you wonder whether talent is everything. But you can’t question the fact that here is a job company that allows everyone to come and be themselves and gives them an opportunity. In the film industry even if

Brand I wouldn’t know. A lot of titles are given to people to oversimplify what they must be like. I like it – there’s ‘King Khan,’ there’s Baadshah, and one of them is also the ‘SRK Brand.’ To me it’s more like a title than me being an actual brand. Maybe I was one of the first guys who started advertising on a large scale. I have a very simple logic – I do only those films which I really want to do, I never do a film for any other reason. Everything else that I do, like for example, if I need a car, I’ll go dance somewhere and make the money. I’ll never take a car because I am doing a film. In fact I never charge for my films… very few people know that. So all these star fees that get written about me is all crap. I don’t charge for my films.

You also do a lot of philanthropic work that not many people are aware of… Yes, I do exactly what I feel like. There’s no organisation involved. If I feel like doing something for someone, then I just ask my people to call them and give them whatever money they require but I make sure that they don’t know it came from me. I don’t want them to thank me. In Islam if you want to do something for someone, you don’t tell them. You don’t carry any of the peripherals of your

COVER STORY to sell. I feel like I can’t say what I really feel like and I guess that’s why actors live in ivory towers. Not because they like to, but because people push them. So now I am very careful. If somebody asks me about an actor, or an actress, or a director, I say what should be said. I am proper, and I am a liar, because it’s not what I really feel. So if you ask me about a person, I’ll say I love her, and that it’s an honour to work with her. I am an actor and I can lie through my teeth and you won’t even know. I do that in my films for a living, and to do that in real life is easier for me. The difficulty for an actor is always being honest.

Have people confronted you?

Oh yes. There was this one gentleman who said, “You are a Muslim, you are not good enough to be in this country.” I said, ‘Screw you. I will be in this country.’ My Name is Khan was released, and there was this whole big thing in the media about me not being a patriot. My father was a freedom fighter, and I would die for my country, 100%. If I can’t die I’ll go sing and dance on the borders of my country...

What would you change about this country?

life on your sleeve and that includes charity, and what you think you represent as a brand. Inshallah I am going to make a cancer ward.

NOV — DEC 2012

Tell us a bit about your production company Red Chillies and your upcoming movie…

I am doing two films this year. One is with Farah, and it’s called ‘Happy New Year,’ which, Inshallah, should start in December. It’s a fun Farah Khan kind of film. It’s a big production too – I like to do big films. Not that I have anything against small films – I’ve done Paheli and Asoka – but I want cinema to be really cinematic, and I can afford to do that. So till I can, I will make films like Ra.One and Don, My Name is Khan and Om Shanti Om… Red Chillies has a VFX unit, which I think is the best in the country. We don’t make the best films but VFX wise there is no one who can touch our company. Ra.One was a test of what we can do in this company. We’re working on Hrithik’s next film. I’m a strong believer of bringing in more technology. It doesn’t make too much money right now, but we have sustained it for nine years, so hopefully

when things look up in terms of VFX, then Red Chillies will grow. Then I am planning to make another couple of films with a friend of mine from Delhi. One is called ‘A for Apple, B for billi and C for Kutta’. I have never done a Delhi-based film. Chak de was supposed to be filmed in Delhi, but we shot at different locations…so this is a Delhi film, it is set around Defence Colony.

You recently tweeted – ‘The free man is he who does not fear to go to the end of his thought. Be free today and always.’ That is an inspiring message, do you live by that?

It’s actually a line from the book by Eduardo Galeano, he’s a South American writer who writes very dark and scary stuff, but has a very interesting take on life. I like to face things, although life is not confrontational – it’s going to go on despite you and inspite of you. Now unfortunately, I don't tweet that much anymore. I used to write personal things about my family and the things they do, but people, it’s so sad: journalism today is analysis from the point of view of the story that you want

I would like to educate every young girl, because I have huge faith in women. I have been surrounded by women all my life. The reason for my success in life is women. From my mother to my daughter and all the women who have come in between. Actors, directors, friends, I have just had women making my life what it is. They are smarter, they are intelligent and they smell much better than men. So it’s as simple as that and I think they deserve a much higher place. I have done 70 odd films. My heroine is not just a showpiece, and I am not talking about Paheli, or Asoka, but I am also talking about Om Shanti Om. You’ll remember Deepika (Padukone), You remember Kajol in every film I’ve done with her, you’ll remember Rani (Mukherjee). And of course it’s because of their talent. Even if they are playing sexy and cool, it’s all right to be sexy and cool. I would like my daughter to be an actress. I would like my daughter to be sexy and cool. I’d like her to be a moviestar. That’s how much respect I have for women as movie stars.

What does luxury mean to you?

I have always believed that luxury is being able to walk into a store, not being able to decide which shirt you like, and being able to buy both of them.

Your rule of thumb for success?

There are two words for success, doing and trying. I don’t think even hard work works out all the time, but doing and trying instead of just you know, thinking or discussing. I just do. The worst thing that can happen by doing is

you can go wrong, which is also quite cool. Just do and try.

Which city would you like to spend your twilight years in?

I guess by the time the twilight of my life comes we’ll have cities on the moon.

Movie lines closest to your heart?

“I love you, k k k k Kiran.” It works for men and women both. Actually I think I like two or three – “Haar ke jeetne wale ko Baazigar kehte hain.” And then I like “Agar ant mein sab kuch theek na ho, toh it’s not – the end, picture abhi baaki hai.” And the third one I really like from Devdas is, “Hum lailaaj ho gaye Chunni babu.” I think it’s one of the most romantic lines in the world.

Your favourite holiday destination with the kids?

Going anywhere with the kids is great, but I quite like London. I have been to Austria with them on a skiing trip and it was absolutely fantastic.

What's the secret behind your gorgeous hair?

Any favourite ride? If you had to drive a car on the streets on Mumbai with no traffic, what car would you prefer? I’m not into cars at all. As far as Mumbai is concerned, a Santro is perfect! I mean I don’t do that but I am beginning to teach my son – Aaryan now. Not to drive but just giving him the feel of a steering wheel now that he’s 15 years old. Of course Aaryan can’t even afford that right now.

What are the values that you would impart to your children? A sense of humour – I think that’s extremely important. Being non-judgmental of people, successes or failures, is another. We are very judgmental – I have gone through that, and it’s not nice.

What does happiness mean to you?

Extremely difficult to answer because at different times happiness means different things to me. I feel the happiest when I’m

sitting around in a pair of shorts and a vest with junk food all over my body, with my children by my side watching a silly inane film and drinking as much coke or pepsi or coffee. Just being completely spoilt and having someone come to the room just to change the channels on the television!

A line that defines Delhiites?

Robust, loud, and carefree! Apart from that I think Delhiites know how to be naturally macho. You know the way they walk and talk. And if they fight they fight, it’s not just talk. That’s why I’ll pick up fights sometimes and say, “You don’t know, I’m from Delhi!”

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I have absolutely no idea. I don’t use shampoo or soap in my hair. I wash it with water. Sometimes my hair stylist will put shampoo but that is rare. So I don’t have a comb or a brush and I don’t use a specific shampoo unless

I am shooting. I don’t use any products on my hair. Maybe it’s genetic. My mother had hair to die for…

FA SHION In conversation with Tarun Tahiliani in which the master couturier talks about his design philosophy, love for Delhi and its heritage, what luxury means to him, his romance with nostalgia and admiration for yesteryear actress Meena Kumari.

The Man All Women Love

TARUN TAHILIANI TEXT BY SURUCHI DUGGAL / PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAVID MATTHIESSEN

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ver since Ensemble – Tarun Tahiliani’s first boutique store opened in 1987, the quintessential Indian designer has become the last word on exquisite bridal wear so traditional, so regal, and yet, so cutting-edge, that he’s attained a peerless stature in the order of designers amongst whom he ranks. Irrespective of whether it’s wedding season or not, Tahiliani’s gorgeous studio in Gurgaon is always a hub of activity, with the crème-de-la-crème of the city trying to get a foot into the door for a fitting session.

What has been the one, biggest highlight moment of your career?

I think there were at least a couple. The first was when we started on Ensemble which wasn’t as much about me, as it was about promoting Indian design. At the time there was such a lacuna when it came to showcasing Indian design and the store received such a great response. It’s not like it made money to start with, but it just kind of grabbed people’s attention...it became quite a sensation. Then there was my first solo show in London which was just amazing. We had the

city’s high society sitting there and that’s the night I actually met Philip Treacy, India Jayne and other people from that sphere. I think that was very exciting, and very nerve-wracking. And then I think doing my first ready-to - wear show in Milan. I was the first Indian designer to do that. And now, the next thing I am working on – we have opened stores, built a studio, and we’re trying to get this bridal couture studio done which will really redefine the whole experience in India and bring it to the equivalent of any luxury company or couture studio anywhere in the world.

Tahiliani's main studio space on the first floor.

but people come to us for our techniques. The base material might be quite simple – just the usual silk and tulle. We have started working with a lot of hand-woven brocade but it’s really about what we do. We create our material because Indian fashion has traditionally been about textiles. Our job as designers is to continue that tradition but give it a modern shape and form.

If you were to choose a person from the arts, past or present to represent your brand, who would it be? Amazing! And Delhi is so totally ready for that right…

India is ready! Indians are out of control… I mean people spend all these millions and then lie in bed wracked with a fever for weeks after because it is so exhausting (laughs)! It’s one thing if you have to go for one wedding but sometimes now you have to go to five in a night because there are mahurat days.

We work with a lot of new materials all the time,

How do you refresh yourself creatively?

I exercise and go away on trips. I am also a huge museum fiend. I’m off to Washington DC for my son’s graduation and all I can think of is what museums I want to see. In a country like India there is so much sensory overload

You’re resolutely Indian in your creative approach…

Creatively there’s just so much to draw from our culture. I love the drape form – love the way the Indian traditional dress is, because it is draped…the way a sari or a dupatta is draped is simple and yet beautiful in its simplicity. Even the men wear drapes – the dhoti, turban, everything was draped. Sadly this tradition is dying in our country: you see it mostly with the sadhus and the fakirs, how they take bits of fabric and drape themselves, and carry that off with a waistcoat…that’s always exquisite to my eyes.

What elements according to you define luxury? The prerequisite and essence of luxury, and sadly, one that’s often not adhered to, is if things feel fantastic, then forget how they look. For me, the first thing about luxury is how it feels on your skin if you close your eyes, not a projection of what you are showing to

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Have any new materials been introduced in your collections in recent times?

Tough question. I think because I am a romantic, I have a vision of this…in India, amongst the actresses that would have to be Meena Kumari, because for me, she just exemplifies sensuality. Even somebody like Picasso who reinvented himself so many times while staying true to his original talent.

all the time. There are ugly urban centres everywhere…but it is possible to take just about anything if you open your mind and convert it into anything. But to do that you have to be able to see it through your eyes…

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Tahiliani and his team getting creative in one of the nooks of the building.

somebody. The way it hangs on your body, the way you can move, the way it caresses you, is paramount. Fashion works on many different levels: on a basic level, you are covering yourself for modesty or the elements. The next level is how it livens up your life a little bit…luxury is purely what it feels like. Finally, luxury is the connect between who you are, and your ability to dress that way. Luxury is being able to express yourself. Does it sit right, does it feel right, does it belong to this time and most importantly do you revel in wearing it?

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-sales. There weren’t even dress rooms. You had to try your clothes over your existing clothes, the tailoring was terrible and people were making the transition from wearing saris to tailored clothing. Today the younger generation in their teens and early 20s, will wear micro miniskirts and think it is fine. There’s much more freedom, and exposure to the world. But in a way that’s good because it’s creating a revival of India. Everyone rushes out there and wants to be western and then comes back to their Indian roots.

Have we moved on since?

What role do you think fashion plays in shaping a city’s contemporary culture?

Oh I love Delhi. I moved here from Mumbai, which no one from that city can understand. First of all I love the fact that there’s a 1000 - year-old history and all these monuments and amazing parks. There’s so much culturally, there are so many interesting people. I love the seasons, I love the trees and the birds. It’s a great city because it has space.

Luckily because of Indian fashion, especially bridal – people want to be very Indian. So how does India get reinvented in its contemporary way? I feel I am Indian when I speak in English but if I am going to make a shirt then I want it to fit as well as a western shirt would. But the work will be Indian, and the tailoring should be as good as what you can find anywhere in the world. The Indian should never be a compromise or an excuse to be chalta hai. That’s not okay. We come from the oldest, greatest civilisation.

Your take on Western influences in culture and fashion?

How do you think fashion in our country has evolved since you started?

Your affinity for Delhi’s heritage is well known. Not too many people move back from Mumbai…

unfortunately, in India, because of our colonisation, I think we had to become westernised to get ahead, so we started speaking different languages. Three days back I went to Laila Tyabji’s house who is the founder of Dastakar. In the entire house, not one thing was brought from abroad. It was the most exquisite home I have ever seen. She only wears handloom saris and depending on the colour, matches them with chappals and beads. It’s so feminine and beautiful…she just wears kajal and to me that’s great Indian style.

There are a lot of influences from the West. Let me just backtrack – the Italians love to be Italians; the French love being French…

When we opened Ensemble, there was sticker shock because at that time people were used to shopping at boutiques, or at exhibition-cum

I think fashion is super important. It’s one of the signs of vitality shall we say, because in a contemporary culture, what do great cities do, what do they have? They have a lifestyle; the city provides the lifestyle and what does lifestyle mean? It means how people live and what they pursue in their free time…the restaurants they visit, theatre, sports…in the historical mode it’s about how they celebrate and that is where fashion is always a big ticket. Delhi is also sort of becoming the fashion capital just like Mumbai has always been the film capital. You have a strong summer and winter, so you need different styles. It’s also becoming a destination to shop for your wedding because most of the designers are here – it’s a bit like Milan in that respect.

Overview of Tahiliani's Gurgoan factory and studio.

‘FOR ME THE FIRST THING ABOUT LUXURY IS HOW IT FEELS IF YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES, NOT A PROJECTION OF WHAT YOU ARE SHOWING TO SOMEBODY. THE WAY IT HANGS ON YOUR BODY, THE WAY YOU CAN MOVE, THE WAY IT CARESSES YOU...’ Serious fashion weeks are here. It has huge tourist traffic because it’s the Capital and due to its proximity to the traditional tourist hubs of Jaipur and Agra. On the other side, south Indian cities are becoming quite fashionable. In Kolkata they still like to go to the tailors… Mumbai is much more casual because of the lifestyle and much more stylish.

What are the three things that everybody should own to make their wardrobe complete?

Have you ever had to forfeit any of your artistic ideals to stay in business?

You always have to balance. People want to buy a printed shirt between this price and

this price so you have got to work with that. That’s a realistic thing. You have to balance business with creativity and as you get more and more experience you learn how to do that. You keep your couture for your crazy ideas but with your ready-to-wear you create balance. Designers like Armani and Lagerfeld do that beautifully.

What do you still want to accomplish in your lifetime?

Oh my God you might just bump me off in my 40s! I want to develop couture in a much more refined way. I want to be able to do a ready-to-wear line which is much cheaper and produced more economically and make that available all over the country and eventually all over the world.

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For women something as simple as a fluted blouse sari is wonderful because you can dress it up or it wear it in the simplest way without doing anything, like a black dress – very versatile. A white chikan shirt is amazing because it goes with anything. You can dress it up or down. I think truly stylish people

whether it is Maharani Gayatri Devi or Jacqueline Kennedy, were always simple and always had great quality. They never needed to wear 20 things on themselves. When people do that here, even though I know that it’s a bit to do with Indian culture, it just seems a very nouveau thing to do. You feel you have got to clutter yourself and show a hundred things. For men, a beautiful achkan or bandhgala in beige linen or black wool, because you can’t go wrong with that. Lovely white kurtas in the summer are fantastic.

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Model Indrani Dasgupta Photographed by Anushka Menon Styled by Pernia Qureshi Hair & Make-up by Anu Kaushik Art Direction by Nikki Duggal

Skirt – Atsu from perniaspopupshop.com Bag – Chanel Shoes – Christian Louboutin Necklace – Bharany's Top – Stylist’s own

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Bag – Poem from perniaspopupshop.com Necklace – Bharany's Saree – Tarun Tahiliani

Lehenga – Tarun Tahiliani Cuffs – Bharany's

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Dress â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Anand Kabra from perniaspopupshop.com

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Saree – Sabyasachi from perniaspopupshop.com Necklace – Bharany's

All jewelry Bharanys, bath robe the Leela

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Jewellery – Bharany's

Top – Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna from perniaspopupshop.com Shoes – Chanel Dress – Pernia Qureshi Earrings – Bharany's Pants – Model’s own

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Earrings – Bharany's Bag – Tod's

NOV â&#x20AC;&#x201D; DEC 2012

Location Courtesy: The Leela Palace, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi, Delhi 110023, India

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ASHISH N. SONI & KALYANI S. CHAWLA

At Your Service TEXT BY NIKKI DUGGAL / PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAVID MATTHIESSEN

Le CITY deluxe INDIA took a mall stroll with designer extraordinaire – Ashish N. Soni – and Dior ambassador in India – Kalyani S. Chawla, at the city’s fashionable hangout – the super luxe DLF Emporio, while the two chatted about the good old days, the fashion scene in Delhi today, and a friendship that’s endured over the years.

ON EACH OTHER KSC: Ashish is one of my oldest friends and one of the first people I met in Delhi. We were neighbours and spent a number of afternoons together at this basement which he used to work out of. I’m a huge admirer of his work and have worn his clothes for many years now. Honestly, I feel that he’s one of the most talented designers in India. But more than anything else, he’s my buddy.

they were going to do, and how they were going to do it. Each day was literally like an experiment. I was in the second batch at NIFT, along with Abu ( Jani), Sandeep (Khosla) and Rohit Khosla. Gudda (Rohit Bal) had begun a year or two before that while Suneet (Varma) had just come back from London. Technically we were glorified tailors. There were no stores, there was nothing. I had to find a sponsor even to do one show in a year! My first show cost me two-three lakh which was big money those days. To answer your question – I feel like I want to start all over again. Having been through all of this in the last 20 years, I’m taken with what I can do over the next two decades. It almost feels like I’ve been through this really long internship…

ANS: I don’t think many people know Kalyani the way I know her…I’ve seen different facets of her in different phases of her life… She’s always been ambitious and it’s admirable what she’s achieved in the last 20 years: whether it was running a factory in Noida, building a business, selling it, and finally moving on to a position in Dior today. She stepped into a man’s domain and carved out a place for herself.

ON WORKING OVERSEAS KSC: After being an exporter who’s worked closely with the fashion industry in India and is now working with Dior, I find a huge difference: in terms of professionalism, infrastructure and funding, it’s like a different planet. Globally, designers only focus on designing. They are only supposed to design and not worry about garnering sponsorships or selling garments…

ON 20 YEARS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY KSC: I remember the main road in Greater Kailash… it had hardly any multi-brand stores then. Everyone was struggling those days… but most of the designers came from financially strong backgrounds. Still, how long can you keep pumping in your own money? Ashish had his own money and he did it. There was no fashion industry as such.

ANS: Abroad you’ve really got creative freedom, which comes from not having financial restrictions and other responsibilities. As a result your output goes up as your creative drive scales up. There are other things too…I learnt from the Italians about successful family - run businesses. Everyone in the family works together as a team.

he’s the ultimate survivor and successful entrepreneur who’s worn many hats. He can suit a man as well as any of the world’s top-notch designers, and has known her since they both started out – seeking their fortunes in the world of fashion.

NOV — DEC 2012

ANS: We were lost when we started! 20 years back everyone was trying to figure out what

ON DIOR KSC: Dior happened at a time when I was doing great business: I had a very lucrative and successful export business. A friend of mine

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who was working with LVHM insisted I meet with this guy from Dior. So I met him at a coffee shop and he was like you have to work with us. But for me my independence was precious and I was really scared to take up a job. They persuaded me for six months and said I should come to Paris! I went to Paris and saw ( John) Galliano working through the window at the Dior setup – something I hadn’t imagined I would see in my wildest dreams And that was only two years ago... ANS: It’s been quite a drastic change at Dior – to go from Galliano to someone like Raf Simons. I am dying to see what Simons does at Dior: I don’t even want to use the word ‘minimalist’ anymore but the level at which he thinks, he redefines minimalism. I am a huge fan of his and this year is his first season. If there’s one show that I want to see this year, then it is his. ON FASHION IN INDIA ANS: The fact that we’re in India is going to be the most positive part… We were pushing the wave but there was none. Now we are far out in the ocean and there’s no shortage of waves. If you can ride the surf then you don’t need to struggle. I say no to more things compared to 20 years ago when we used to look for things to do. A lot of newness has come into everything.

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KSC: That curve has turned…We all turned that curve in...

RED CARPET ATTIRE KSC: Ashish’s clothes have always been so straight-lined in a way. His thought process is very androgynous. I have always liked that because it’s always been so edgy. For example he’ll make a skirt which looks like a Vivian Westwood silhouette. 20 years ago, nobody was making these clothes and that’s what drew me to him. He was also the first designer who was making western clothes for women in India.

ANS: I have dressed Kalyani for many years! Very few women can carry pants that well. Kalyani carries them off with finesse. That’s what I would like to see her in… ON BOLLYWOOD KSC: Frieda Pinto has become such an international name now that you forget she’s Indian. I have worked with her and spent a whole day with her at a shoot…Her sense of

'Either you have it or you don’t.’ KSC

'If you keep editing your wardrobe, it will only get better.' ANS style is very much her own. She really knows her fashion. Either you have it or you don’t. You can be dressed in the best of designer wear and look like a complete wannabe… ANS: I work with Bollywood very closely. The actresses have usually been models at some point and you’ve dressed all of them… and you have a relationship with them before they become stars. But in terms of a fashion diva it has to be Sonam Kapoor. She is totally in tune with trends, what looks good on her. She’s the ultimate fashion diva.

ON DELHI FASHION KSC: Youngsters today are so cool, so trendy, and they are wearing the right thing because today every newspaper dedicates so much space to fashion. Delhi is the style capital, the fashion capital. Bombay probably has the divas – a few people who dress really well, know their brands, and pair unusual things. ANS: Moving forward it is all about exposure...10 years ago how many stylish people were there? Today a young person wears what he sees on perhaps, a Dior runway, but does his own interpretation by buying a pair of Pumas. That is fashion; that is style... ON TRENDS & BRANDS KSC: When it comes to clothing, I collect saris. If I see a nice sari – whether it’s from Abraham and Thakore or a Kanjivaram in Nalli (which I still go to). I have been wearing saris since I was very young and I can run a marathon in one. ANS: I have never been one to follow forecasts. I have always believed that every great designer has to have great intuition. It is about intuitively knowing what the next big thing is. What’s interesting, what’s new: it could be a high street product, it could be a Dior, but it needs to have that twist. You look at the price tag after that. I don’t think most people look at price tags anymore. You won’t be shopping where you are not meant to be. MUST HAVES FOR MEN ANS: The very first thing is to choose the perfect cloth and that’s where most men lose out. Buy the right things but at the same time chuck out the wrong things. Second – balance your wardrobe. Make sure some of it is trend-worthy and you are comfortable wearing it. Don’t buy just because it happens to be on the cover of GQ because you can’t look like Arjun Rampal. If you keep editing your wardrobe, it will only get better. Less is more.

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Narain Karthikeyan ON HOME TURF The first Indian ever to race at the highest level of motorsport, spoke to Le CITY deluxe INDIA about getting behind the wheel of the HRT Formula 1 car for the biggest pit stop in his racing season â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the 2012 Airtel Indian Grand Prix.

‘Ayrton Senna was not only a master of his craft, but also an inspiring person outside the race car.’ Narain Karthikeyan

TEXT BY MERAJ SHAH / PHOTOGRAPHED BY HRT FORMULA 1 TEAM

ack in the 80's when the country didn’t even get live telecasts of F1 races, a teenager in Coimbatore nursed dreams of competing in them. After realising that near impossible fantasy, things have come full circle for Narain Karthikeyan, as he got behind the wheel with the home crowd spurring him on at the 2012 Airtel Indian Grand Prix.

This has to be a fantastic opportunity for you – to be racing in front of a home crowd. How do you feel going into this race? It was quite an experience last year, driving in my home GP. When I made my F1 debut back in 2005 I never thought we’d have F1 in India so soon. It was overwhelming to see the amount of support there was in the grandstands – something which I had an opportunity to relish during the drivers’ parade. It is something a driver can only expect in his home country and I had an opportunity to reflect and realise that we as a country were on the brink of something truly remarkable. Needless to say, once again it is the race I am most looking forward to.

What is your week in Delhi going to be like? For me, it will be the busiest race week on the calendar – with a lot of media and corporate appearances and so on. But that won’t deter me from being focused on my training regime and race preparation. Doing a good job in the car is what matters the most and I am looking forward to achieving the best possible result for the team come raceday.

What is your strategy for the Buddh circuit, and what do you think of the track?

You’ve got a good boy image…don’t you

getting fans interested in F1 is concerned – now we have to sustain that interest and engage with them directly.

Do you know Delhi well? What’re you planning to do in the city when you get some time out?

I enjoy spending time in Delhi – there are some great restaurants I know of but since I’ll be completely focused on race prep through the week leading up to the GP, I think everything else will have to wait until after the race. One of my sponsors Tricon Media is planning a party at Amber lounge for the drivers and guests.

Growing up in India, what did your parents think when you said that you wanted to become a race driver?

subscribe to the playboy lifestyle associated with F1 drivers?

I think these presumptions can’t be generalised and applied to everyone. Drivers are disciplined, hard-working athletes doing their jobs. For some, taking a break may mean partying; for me it is spending time with my family.

How do you see F1 growing in the years to come in the country?

The inaugural Indian GP last year was a raging success and brought F1 to the forefront in India. During the week leading up to the race, it was everywhere – from primetime television to the front pages of newspapers. With that kind of exposure, everyone is well aware of the sport – I meet amazingly knowledgeable young fans on a daily basis. So I think we’re on the right track as far as

They were incredibly supportive. My father was a rally champion so coming from a motorsport background definitely helped. But considering that we had very little by the way of motorsport in our country, aiming for F1 was unthinkable! Even though I was single-mindedly determined, I failed to realise what an uphill task it was at the time and a more concrete picture emerged only when I started racing in Europe. A lot of hard work and perseverance, coupled with absolute self-belief, and the unwavering support of the Tata Group has been instrumental in taking me this far.

Who is your sporting hero?

There are many heroes, but one who undoubtedly stands out is the late great Ayrton Senna. Not only was he a master of his craft behind the wheel, but also an inspiring human being outside the race car – doing as much as he did for Brazil during the most turbulent times. In my view, his untimely death was a tragic loss, not only for motorsport, but for the world at large.

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I can’t help being a little biased, but I think BIC has loads more character compared to other new-age circuits on the calendar. A lot of

work went into designing the artificial elevation changes, the blind crests and so on, and it has paid off. The surface is incredibly smooth – actually the smoothest of any track that I’ve driven on. Tyres, as we’ve seen throughout the season, are going to play a key role in deciding the strategy, along with the weather. During that time of year we can rule out rain, but if it is unusually hot things can change quickly.

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MERCEDES BENZ SLS AMG A rare blend of classic design and uncomproming performance, the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG is a front-engine, two-seat luxury grand tourer. The car was first showcased at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. More recently, the 2012 Paris Motor Show saw the launch of the electric version. By Javier Alonso Esquerro

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ith its iconic gullwing doors, the 2012 Mercedes SLS AMG – the successor to the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing – has already captured the imagination of motoring enthusiasts and critics alike. The car’s 6.3 litre V8 engine ensures its performance is every bit as striking: 571hp torque and 420 bhp peak power deliver 0-100 kmph in 3.8 seconds and 0-200 in just over six seconds. The radical design concept extends to the lightweight body frame. The SLS is the first Mercedes-Benz to feature an aluminium chassis and body for avionic-

perfect driving dynamics. The car also features the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, and the AMG high-performance composite braking system. The avionics theme continues to the cockpit design: Napa leather, real metal trim and optional real carbon fibre help set the interior apart from traditional offerings and Mercedes Benz says that five interior shades will be on offer to allow for personalisation. The most significant upgrade over its predecessor is the car’s AMG Ride Control sports suspension which uses electronically controlled dampeners to

give the driver three different suspension settings – Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. The SLS AMG is instantly recognisable as the Official F1™ Safety Car which is deployed on the racetrack whenever hazardous situations such as accidents or bad weather endanger normal racing. The car is the first independently developed vehicle by AMG in its illustrious history spanning over 40 years. It not only takes AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz, into a new era, but also demonstrates development expertise of the very highest order.

LIGHTING SYSTEM

The SLS’s dominance is underscored by six large air intakes and the wideset, vertical headlamps. The central bi-xenon low-beam headlamps with metallic wing element are framed by two LED blinkers above and two LED daytime running lights below.

WHEELS AND TIRES

Lightweight design was a key consideration with the wheels: weight-optimized AMG light-alloy wheels – 9.5 x 19 inch (front) and 11.0 x 20 inch (rear) – based on the innovative flowforming principle reduce the unsprung masses while increasing driving dynamics and suspension comfort. 265/35 R 19 (front) and 295/30 R 20 (rear) tires developed exclusively for AMG ensure optimum grip.

Sport Auto, Germany's specialist motoring magazine had called for a vote amongst its readers for 'The sportiest cars of 2011.' The SLS AMG not surprisingly came first. It was the gull-wing model's second appearance in a row on the winner's podium.

GULLWING DOORS

The spoiler integrated into the boot lid extends automatically at a speed of 120km/h and provides outstanding stability.

EXHAUST SYSTEM

The AMG sports exhaust system with two integrated chromed twin tailpipes provides a unique, powerful and sonorous sound experience.

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Despite the low seating position typical of sports cars, the wide opening gullwing doors ensure easy entry and exit. The designers made sure that the doors had as large an opening angle as possible, which is why they swing up by 70 degrees. Another consideration that is just as important is that the distance between the opened doors and the road surface is an ample 1.50 metres, while the size of the passage between the opened doors and the upper of the side skirts is a generous 10.8 metres. The gullwing doors require less opening space than conventional coupe doors, and can be fully opened in a normal garage.

REAR WING

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Carrera S Cabriolet

This spiffy open-top Porsche makes a spirited pretence of sobriety when you’re headed for work, and transforms into a hard-nosed racing machine when you’re letting your hair down.

By javier alonso Esquerro

ho thought that losing a roof over your head could be so much fun: not even when you behold the fantastic looking 2012, Porsche Carrera S Cabriolet – superlatively striking with those classic 911 lines. With the top on, Porsche’s open version of the 911 Coupe would feel right at home in a corporate car park: it looks fast, but as refined and sophisticated as you can expect in a sportscar with a 400 horsepower heart. But turn the key, glide on to open tarmac, retract the soft-top roof, and floor the gas pedal, and you unleash the car’s alterego – a no-holds barred true-blue racer which can rip from 0-100 kmph in 4.7 seconds. It speaks differently too: what was a warm gurgle at low revs turns into a full-throated sonorous roar as you hit the redline. Aesthetically, the new 911 Carrera S Cabriolet has a much more compact look than its predecessor. Its structure is lighter and features an impressive chassis constructed primarily from aluminium. And yes, Porsche has stuck with the traditional canvas top (as opposed to the majority of its rivals who’ve opted for the retractable hardtop). But it’s no compromise: au contraire, the hood, made from magnesium and covered with canvas fabric (available in four colours: black, blue, brown and red) is durable yet casually sporty. Electrically powered, it can be operated using the key remote or a button on the centre console, and opens and closes in just 13 seconds. It remains operable while the vehicle is moving, provided the car does not exceed 50 kmph. The multi-layer fabric top from the 997 model and earlier generations has been replaced by a much simpler and more effective structure. The new 911 has a wider track at the front and a lower roofline, lending it a more dynamic and, sports-wise, more elegant head-

on appearance. While the new bi-xenon headlights are fitted as standard, the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), with dynamic cornering lights and speed-sensitive headlight control logic, is available as an option. The Porsche Carrera S Cabriolet comes equipped with 20-inch wheels as standard, larger than those of its predecessor, affording the convertible heightened sports authority. The tyres’ enhanced rolling surface improves both comfort and performance. The vehicle’s interior design represents a clean break with the previous generation and features luxurious materials and finishes available in a number of colours. Notable additions include the centre console and its 4.6-inch screen. The seats offer 4-way electric adjustment and provide heightened comfort and an even sportier hold. The performance, as can be expected, is absolutely stellar. The 400 horses on tap propel the car from 0-100 in a fraction over four seconds and the car pulls to a maximum G-inducing 301 kmph. Buyers can opt for a 7-speed manual gearbox or a double-clutch PDK (Doppelkupplung). The latter, together with the ‘Sport Chrono Plus Package,’ helps reduce fuel consumption and improve acceleration times. The vehicle’s fuel consumption is remarkably low for its performance, dipping down to 10 litres per 100 km with a manual gearbox and 8.9 litres /100 km when fitted with the PDK system. The best part about the Carrera S Cabriolet, something which it shares with most cars from the Porsche stable, is that it’s relatively easy to drive, and throw into corners, while maintaining an extremely high level of safety. It’s difficult not to be enticed by this car’s charms at first glance, and almost impossible after you take it for a spin. If you do decide to bring it home then be prepared to part with just over one crore rupees for the pleasure.

WELLNESS

Seima Jindal Jajodia THE ART OF UNCOOKING

So you’ve turned vegan. If you listen to Seima Jindal Jajodia, the woman behind Nourish Organics, then that’s a great start – she’s been practising healthy eating for years and says that when it comes to nutrients, nothing beats raw organic food. Excerpts from a chat with Seima Jindal Jajodia... TEXT BY NIKKI DUGGAL / PHOTOGRAPHED BY HARI NAIR

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Who ordered the pizzas?” She asks incredulously as her son and his friends shuffle nervously. After eliciting no response Seima goes on to offer the youngsters an entire menu – from home-made pizza, a mezze platter to apple pie. “I’m happy to fix a meal for you boys anytime,” she says. Fast food is, predictably, anathema to the lady who prides herself on healthy eating (and makes a living out of selling ready-toeat ‘super-foods.’) In her typical active fashion, Seima has suggested to me that instead of conducting a formal interview indoors, we walk about and chat at Nehru Park. Swayed by the veritable feast which she's just offered the boys I make another attempt to ditch the park and stay indoors: a suggestion which is immediately vetoed. For Seima, wellness is a lifestyle.

Vegetarianism – fad or fact

Fads come and fads go. When yoga became popular, then everyone in America went crazy about it. At the time they said it’s a fad. But it is still there. It has been there for more than a decade and a half. A fad, if it works for people, becomes a way of life. Hardcore non -vegetarians who have adopted the vegetarian way, like it now. They’ve crossed over because it suits their systems and they’re happier this way.

Vegetarianism vs. raw food

Once you turn vegetarian you start experimenting within that and start exploring the healthier options within it. Along the way you realise that cooking food destroys a lot of enzymes and totally takes away vitamin C, for example. And then you discover that there are ways by which you can enhance the goodness of food: by fermenting it or by preparing it in certain ways, by combining different things in an innovative fashion…that’s where raw food comes in.

What about the carnivores?

Organic food is the way forward?

Yes, organic, pesticide-free, chemical-free, the least processed kind of food is beneficial for you. But that can be a bit of a luxury and the best way is to only eat seasonal and local produce and forget about organic food. A vendor selling seasonal food is not concerned with shelf life.

On Nourish Organics

At Nourish Organics we started with ‘super -foods,’ foods which when added to one’s diet have multiple benefits. These are foods which have more than one nutrient and include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and the like. These are easily available in India and we decided to package them so they would be easy to carry and consume. A health bar, which is made with dates, nuts and seeds is convenient to carry around and makes for a perfect mid -meal snack and has enough energy to last you for two three hours. So even if your meal gets delayed your blood sugar won’t drop drastically. Once you begin to watch what you eat and have something at regular intervals then all these foods can be beneficial for your body.

Counting calories

Our focus is not on counting calories. A bag of chips and an energy bar might have the same number of calories, but you have to see the quality of calories. It’s about what it is adding to your system. A bag of potato chips is actually not adding anything nutrition-wise to your system, whereas an energy bar filled with dates, nuts and flax seeds gives you so many nutrients. That’s beneficial on different levels.

Busting food myths

People feel that nuts and bananas are fattening but these are all misconceptions. Also it

matters where you are in your life at that point of time. And everybody’s weight and body composition is different. So there will be people who will eat just two almonds and it will add to their weight. But you could be a person who can eat 10 almonds and cashews and other things and still not put on weight. But if you are to compare a barfi which is laden with sugar and just 10 almonds or 10 cashews, then the latter are better choices any day. But again it depends on where you are in your life. If you are on a maintenance diet, then you can safely consume nuts and kishmish (raisins), but if you are trying to lose weight then it is better to go with what your dietician or someone who is guiding you tells you. And we offer that service at Nourish Organics too.

On her preoccupation with eating healthy

It all started with me trying to lose weight and then I lost two very dear members of our family to cancer. During their treatment we researched on the kind of foods we should be giving them. It had to be tasty and yet nutritious. That’s the first time I got to know about ‘super-foods.’ I have always been a foodie, and come from a home where food is relished. Food which is freshly cooked tastes better.

On innovating in the home kitchen

I substitute wheat. Instead of a wheat roti I will make you a missi roti which is made with besan or I will make it with sorghum flour or buckwheat, I recently made buckwheat dosas and they were really appreciated by my family. And instead of a lot of very saturated fats I have always used olive oil. But I don’t stick just to that. I use sarso ka tel (mustard oil), coconut oil and ghee for cooking. A lot of focus that I used to give to fruits earlier, I give to vegetables. A lot of foods can be cooked lightly. I also experiment with different types of salads.

NOURISH ORGANICS IS AVAILABLE ACROSS INDIA IN ALL MAJOR FOOD STORES. THE FLAGSHIP STORE IS IN MEHAR CHAND MARKET, NEW DELHI.

NOV — DEC 2012

In moderation, non-vegetarian food is fine if it suits you. Where you get your meat or eggs from is paramount. But then it’s common

knowledge that commercial rearing of animals for food is ecologically very bad for the planet. It produces all these greenhouse gases. Also you really can’t tell what these animals are being fed, and the meat you’re eating could be laced with all kinds of nasty antibiotics.

WELLNESS

IMPERIAL SPA

The Inner Retreat With a Sufi theme interwoven into its ambience and therapies, the Imperial Spa is one of India's finest spas. An urban haven for those seeking to get in touch with themselves, and the things that really matter. By Jacqualine Tara Herron

NOV — DEC 2012

he search for meaning in life has never been as elusive as it is for the urban dweller today – drowned out by the hectic pace of life, and host of distractions. For me, whilst looking for answers and guidance in my teens, the search led me to Sufi poets. Rumi, Kabir, Hafiz, Sharam Shiva and Mirabai all bared their souls and devoted their lives to the pursuit of truth, and sharing their experiences with others. Their message is of the heart, that opens minds to the unity of the human spirit, and their poems and songs speak to the divine in us all about the eternal mystery of love and life, of the soul, and of faith. What does that have to do with a spa, you may ask. When it comes to the Imperial Spa – everything! When I first came to the spa, I knew, instinctively, that here was a space, with its peaceful ambience and serene architecture, which lent itself perfectly to Sufi teachings. The Imperial Spa reflects the elegance of the hotel with its cool marble floors and walls and quality of materials throughout. The architectural story is drawn from the Mughal era, with corridors of tall arches creating long vistas for self-reflection, and traditional Tikri mirrored artwork and antique embroidered wall hangings. Aesthetically featured lighting to walls, floor and ceilings, is both traditional and contemporary and compliments the time of day. The ceilings are still a staggering 13-feet high with skylights to flood public areas with natural light and inspiration. The Imperial spa offers a magical hideaway with 16,000 square feet of marbled space that includes a new salon, gym, yoga studio and squash court. The job before me was to create a space which correlated the key qualities of each poet with the therapeutic action of the oils used in the spa to create a continuity of understanding and a depth of perspective at the spa.

So, I set upon carving my favourite Sufi verses on stone tablets and had them imbedded in the walls so guests could read them and be transported as they floated through their spa journey. The therapy rooms were themed around some of the great Sufi poets – The Kabir Room and Mirabai’s Room – came into being. The oils used in the therapies at the spa – the Oils of Spirit – are also named in the same way such as Oil of Rumi and Oil of Kabir. Our Sufi philosophy is the thread that weaves the intention and quality of The Imperial Spa service into a whole; giving meaning and significance to people’s life and reminding them of what is important and valuable in the turning world.

The Spa is open to hotel guests only.

Jacqualine Tara Herron is an author, consultant, therapist, an experienced yoga teacher, spa products developer and Director, The Imperial Spa & Salon. Q & A with Tara

How important is it to get massages at regular intervals?

Stress, tension and over tiredness cause toxins to block the healthy circulation of vital energy and lymphatic drainage thereby weakening the immune system. Regular

massage boosts circulatory systems, improves elimination of toxins and brings the body and mind back into balance and alignment. This is turn creates a positive ‘feel-good’ factor. I recommend a weekly massage.

Can you remove cellulite through massage therapies? Yes, there are specific products, essential oils and massage techniques that do help break down cellulite and drain away excess fats. However, exercise is essential, as is a low fat diet. Very coagulated cellulite will take at least six months of dedicated changes to diet, fitness programs and massage to get rid of.

What are the alternatives for those who don’t get the time for regular massages? Any home remedies?

Dry body brush every morning before you shower. This stimulates the lymph nodes and helps keep metabolism healthy. Have lovely hot baths in candlelight, with pure essential oils that are calming for deep relaxation. Or bathe in natural salts to draw out impurities and cleanse the blood. Burn essential oils in the home to calm the mind and always take a cool shower after a hot bath to boost circulation and eliminate toxic waste. Let the daily acccumulation of tension ebb out with yoga and meditation. Eat a light meal in the evening.

What would be your ‘winter tips’ to keep the skin moist?

Dry body brush daily, use a good skin exfoliant three times a week, and a hydrating body cream or natural oils with nut extracts that are rich in omega-3, minerals and natural vitamins. Drink penty of warm water and take supplements of Omega-3.

Staircase to the Spa.

Spa Corridor

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Hydrotherapy Suite

ARCHITECTURE

The Tomar Haveli AND YOUR GUIDE TO COLLECTING PHOTOGRAPHED BY HARI NAIR

A modern Haveli in Delhi’s Mehrauli village reflects a passion for collecting rare art and antiquities. By Mayank Mansingh Kaul

NOV — DEC 2012

he Tomar haveli in Delhi’s Mehrauli area is a rare sight in the city’s bourgeoning landscape of minimal interiors and haphazard concrete facades: a new construction made almost entirely of older architectural elements. Located amidst an urban village, with cowsheds and dharamsalas for neighbours, the haveli is a celebration of diverse inspirations and cultural influences. Home to Nalin Tomar, and designed by his business partner Mahijit Singh, it is an exceptional repository to a unique collection which befits the duo’s status as two of India’s leading dealers in antique textiles, paintings, objets d’art and jewellery. Its walls echo with stories of adventurous trips to the remotest corners of the world, persistent chases of reclusive sources, and an unrelenting search for the unusual. “The choice to live here seemed odd at the beginning, ” reminisces Nalin. “We had bought this piece of land to build a warehouse for our growing collection, but once work started we found it was possible to build a very spacious home here – a lesser luxury in other parts of the city…” Architecturally, ways were found to shut out external noises which now imbue the house with a sense of isolation. The three-floor structure is built in a style borrowed from old town houses – with a courtyard in the centre and the external walls facing the gullis (narrow lanes). Here, it is possible to perch – along with the odd visiting peacock – on any of the numerous balconies for an unfettered view of the going-ons in the streets below, or relax in

one of the many bedroom suites oblivious to the chaotic world outside. The house comes alive dramatically in the living and common areas: in the dining room, wooden concert chairs from Fort Cochin are paired with vintage crockery from Bordeaux, embellished by the portrait of a dandy zamindar from Bengal (by an anonymous artist)! Cut velvet upholstery with tiger motifs adorns artdeco sofas in the formal drawing room, while vintage books and cane crafts cosy up together in the study. Pichwais from Rajasthan tower over art-noveau railings in the stairways, while there are erotic photographs from Sri Lanka and hand-embroidered towels in the washrooms. Throughout the home, there is an abundant inclusion of window panes – often stained glass – and Burma teak wall panelling, re-appropriated from old mansions being broken down across the country. Kaka – as Mahijit is known to his friends – reflects on how his interest in collecting lends itself to his knack for interiors design: “When doing up a space in the Sultanate style, for instance, there is a thrill in being able to find all the relevant ingredients from that period to recreate that ambience. My attempt is to always create a holistic experience rather than a mere mélange of various products.” Red sandstone pillars bought at an auction in Chandni Chowk, (and belonging to the Mughal period), frame the main rooms where Nalin entertains his guests. A lot of thinking went into the lighting of the room – in the day, cut-glass windows create a play of shadows inside. In the evenings, floor fanus with numerous candles impart a subdued effect, evocative of a clandestine musical mehfil in a velveteen Mughal tent, in a desert in the middle of nowhere… Nalin and Kaka’s partnership has spanned three decades and several projects, including two other properties of Nalin’s – a four-storey home in Hauz Khas Village facing Khilji period monuments, and an apartment in Mehrauli (the interiors of which are designed in the

art-deco style). It is here that their remarkable partnership comes forth: while Nalin travels around the world, seeking out new destinations to create thematic collections, it is Kaka who sniffs out valuable sources in unlikely local situations. If Nalin facilitates their knowledge of artefacts through constant research and learning, Kaka instinctively makes connections between styles and chronologies. Their quest for novelty naturally attracts an eclectic circle that includes visiting international artists, historians, curators, authors and designers. And quite like the haveli, as equally inconspicuous from the outside, is their store in Hauz Khas Village – Krishna at Chaupal. On any given day, the store sees anyone from a former Begum seeking help in evaluating heirlooms and, well-known interior designers picking up rare Zardozi coverlets to embellish plush homes, to young couples favouring a 19th century rug. From Jamevar shawls, Jamdani saris and company paintings, to vintage photographs in never-before-seen albums, terracotta from South India, wooden statues from Burma, Deccani glassware, ceramic tiles from the Middle East, Persian carpets from Iran – the list is endless. Nalin’s current obsession is batik textiles from Jambi in Indonesia. These textiles were inspired by Indian Kalamkaris and Ikats being imported from India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A desire to know more about this unusual Asian encounter has taken Nalin on countless trips to the country. Similarly, Nalin recalls, taking many trips to lesser-known places on a whim or speculative information in years gone by. “Until the 1980s, to give an example, small towns like Kohlapur in Maharashtra had museums that showcased collections of local land-owners and royalty, which were impeccably maintained. One could see how historical patronage for art and craft had led to a vibrant scene linked to art colleges in the state. We happened to get to know of, and acquired the works of some of the earliest post-

2 as younger, first-time collectors are becoming interested in heritage. Many of them are NRIs, who’ve returned to the country recently, and are rediscovering their roots. Sujata Assomull Sippy is a leading fashion writer and commentator, and growing up between London-Dubai and India finds herself increasingly drawn to collecting one-of-a -kind pieces for her home. “In fashion too, I have lately been drawn to vintage bags and clothes. Increasingly I find that

friends who would earlier ask me about new stores to hit on trips abroad, want to know more about destinations for vintage shopping. They are drawn to the craftsmanship of pieces which are extremely well-made, and have a history to them. There are memories attached to the acquisition of such pieces, and there is a sense of being connected with one’s past,” she adds. These sentiments are shared by Garima Jain, a consultant working in the field of traditional Indian crafts,

NOV — DEC 2012

colonial artists from here, whose freshness we were drawn to. Many of them later became very well-known names fetching record prices at auctions.” Such encounters create special personal associations with many artists, as well as clients who’ve become friends. And while there are numerous anecdotes of people like yesteryear actress Rekha spending afternoons here; of Paul Smith, Donna Karan, Bianca Jagger and Parmeshwar Godrej visiting, the duo cherish those instances when lasting friendships have been forged through chance meetings. They remember a day when an Italian lady came looking for antique silver. To their surprise, she pulled out a weighing scale from her hand-bag, and began to negotiate for the silver in a way only the Italians can! “It was hilarious,” muses Kaka, “But it became the start of a special friendship that has lasted till today.” It is also so, on this afternoon at their store, as the third generation of a family from New York whose parents are friends of theirs (and discerning collectors) are enraptured by a stunning Patan Patola textile from Gujarat. Having spent their life in the world of corporate investment banking, they are beginning to see the legacy of their own grandparents. A frequent visitor in the past few months has been Anupam Poddar, one of India’s leading collector of contemporary art, who grew up surrounded by gorgeous textiles acquired by his mother – Lekha – and one of Nalin and Kaka’s oldest clients. “I have begun to appreciate antiquities for their classic beauty and timeless value. Each work is crafted with such care, imagination and reverence for the materials involved that they are a true delight to indulge in,” reflects Poddar, whose interest gradually became so serious that he enrolled himself in an Art History Programme. It is such patrons that Nalin and Kaka share many long evenings discussing the intricacies of an 18th Century Asian textile or Agra Piettre Durre. But this is changing too,

ARHITECTURE

2 1. A rare, life-size wooden and papier-mache sculpture from Tamil Nadu. 2. Glass paintings from Lucknow depict courtesans from the 19th Century. 3. A wood sculpture. 4. An oil-on-canvas depicting the Madonna.

"I HAVE BEGUN TO APPRECIATE ANTIQUITIES FOR THEIR CLASSIC BEAUTY AND TIMELESS VALUE. EACH WORK IS CRAFTED WITH SUCH CARE, IMAGINATION AND REVERENCE FOR THE MATERIALS INVOLVED THAT THEY ARE A TRUE DELIGHT TO INDULGE IN."

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Anupam Poddar

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who finds that vintage allows her to enter a new space of creative expression: “Personally I like to break artifical boundaries between the traditional and modern…A Gajji lehenga belonging to my materal grandmother…a velvet waist coat with a jump suit, a Jamavar on a cold winter evening. I even dress up my home with exquisite paisleys and embroideries…with vintage you can still get a level of quality at a price point that would normally be impossible”. That’s what has repeatedly attracted collectors and connoisseurs to the lasting presence of relics and antiquities from India. Leading international auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s regularly feature miniature paintings, historical textiles and

hand-crafted objects along with contemporary and modern art, and increasingly their collector base is moving to local enthusiasts from foreign ones. Many Indians tend to pick up pieces from India in other parts of the world; such has been their popularity abroad. Durva Gandhi, Founder-Director of Breathe Arts, an online Indian art portal observes that, “the field of antiquities will definitely emerge as a strong trend in the coming years. One of the reasons is the slowdown in the contemporary art market due to prices reaching astronomical levels. We are ourselves looking for the right opportunities to engage with this segment in a fresh way.” With one of India’s oldest art galleries – Pundole in Mumbai – hosting an auction

of the estate of physicist Homi Bhabha last month in Mumbai, has the momentum swung? “We try to stay away from such speculation ourselves – having been through many such cycles of the market in the field of art – and encourage people to create their own narratives,” quips Tomar. “Sometimes it may be a matter of fifteen years before the right person comes along to pick up a work, sometimes more. One then feels that the work has been waiting, and it has found him”. Philosophises Kaka, “Whatever the initial interest, it is impossible to not be touched by the charm of something delicately hand-made, so considered in its use of colour.”

6 5. In the central atrium of the Haveli, a marble fountain-head from Madhya Pradesh is used as a decorative element. The red-sandstone walls are from the Mughal period.

GUIDE TO COLLECTING! While travelling abroad hit flea markets and antique stores. Get information from locals on sourcing objects â&#x20AC;&#x201C; crafts particular to the region. In India, take time out for Sunday Bazaars and second-hand shops. Chor Bazaar (Mumbai), Nai Sadak, Hauz Khas Village (Delhi), and Free School Street (Kolkata) are great places to start!

6. A colourful Russian tea-pot from the 1950s is paired with dainty Japanese egg shell tea cups from the early 20th Century. 7. In the study on the first floor, a portrait of Nalin and Kaka by Sri Lankan artist Neville Weereratne.

Set an annual budget, and plan acquisitions. Setting a theme to the collection makes the journey all the more exciting! Dream up new narratives based on your own life story, interest in different periods in history or a culture around the world!

8. At the Hauz Khas village store: a Kinkhab brocade fabric from Benaras (early 20th Century). 9. Embroidered borders from vintage saris occupy an entire cabinet.

Websites like e-bay.com and fab.com offer exciting vintage products! If you have a theme in mind, the internet can provide information on select sources.

10. Ceramic panels from Multan amidst other memorabilia.

Take up a short course or read up on areas of interest. Befriend specialists to keep abreast of the latest finds! Get tips from friends and dealers on maintenance of the work.

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WIRED

Time-Tested Tradition IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN Spitfire Pilot

IWC Schaffhausen’s latest Spitfire pilot’s watch is a stylish nod to WWII aviation that belies its cutting edge horology. By Govind Dhar

NOV — DEC 2012

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or centuries, the blue of the open skies has proven irresistible to man. From commanding the very first steel bird as its pilot and master, to tearing toward the stratosphere in rocket-propelled aircraft, the seduction of flight has driven man to challenge the fundamentals of nature. With sheer imagination and the technology at hand, man has continued to marry form and function to fly farther, faster and higher. Of course, to reach the limits of their imagination, engineers and pilots have relied on a few pieces of mechanical poetry with their enduring transmutations to see aviation and aerial flight through to fruition. One indispensable tool in that armoury has been the humble pilot’s watch. “Flying revolutionised the world of

technology as much as that of wristwatches,” says Christian Knoop, Creative Director at IWC. “Increasingly high altitudes with extremes of cold and temperature fluctuation together with instruments and engines that generated powerful magnetic fields represented an immense challenge.” The pilot’s watch has long been that superlative attention-grabber of wearable art that gets aficionados all a-chatter. Everything from the number of complications its creators have been able to stuff into it – and whether the wearer knows how to read them all – to the stylistic elements and accents that make the timepiece stand out in a crowd makes a pilot’s watch one of those must-have pieces for the watch collection. Traditionally, the pilot’s

watch is often distinguished by being somewhat larger of dial and crown, offering anything from basic complications such as chronograph configurations, to perpetual calendars and world time indicators. Depending on the wearer however, a watch’s utility whilst flying; how limited it might be in edition; or if a new complication has been added to the watch, make a particular model all the more sought after. The Spitfire As the perfect case-in-point, this year’s pilot series from the International Watch Company (IWC) was showcased as the centrepiece of their newest collections for 2012. Dubbed ‘the year of the high-fliers’, IWC unveiled no less than 14 pilot variants at the Baselworld

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Flying revolutionised the world of technology as much as that of wristwatches.”

Christian Knoop, Creative Director at IWC

films of the era demonstrating the devastating alacrity of those men in their devilish flying machines, the Spitfire series hinges on motifs appropriated from the actual planes and boasts some of the most useful complications in horology. In a class all to itself, the IWC Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date -Month 2012 is a handful. Form and function Complex and beguiling, the Spitfire immediately plays up the style motifs of the model’s cockpit controls. With an ardoise dial bearing a sun-pattern finish, IWC has kept the overall look of this watch clean and sophisticated. With propeller -like hands and Spitfire-reminiscent rivets holding down the

large numerals on the display, this watch comes in a sleek 18-carat red gold case and durable brown alligator leather strap. Unlike some of the displays seen on other aviator watches, which tend to make full use of the space on the dial by cramming in numerals, extra divisions for various functions, time-zones and a myriad indicators, this Spitfire is uncluttered and elegant. The digits displayed for the day and month at 9 and 3 o’ clock respectively play a crucial role in this timepiece as they mark the first time the watchmaker has included digital displays on a pilot’s watch. Stylistically they add to the charm of the piece because they have been fashioned to look like altimeter counters found in the cockpits of planes. At 6 o’ clock, another digital display in the perpetual calendar

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watch and jewellery show in January this year. Amongst their chronograph, father-and-son, and perpetual calendar watches, the company fired up powerfully visual associations with two of their aviator watches. Enter the ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Spitfire’ series which created ripples in the watch world for their reworked sizes and looks. The former refers to the legendary moniker for the US Air Force’s 1969 programme for training top pilots to new levels of ability, and famously recalls the 1986 Tom Cruise blockbuster of the same name. The latter however evokes the reputation of those death – defying game-changers of World War II skies: the Spitfire plane. From romantic black and white photographs of daring pilots in their characteristic aviator goggles, to the hazy

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The oscillating weight of the Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital DateMonth has the shape of an elegant Spitfire silhouette which can be seen through the sapphire-glass back.”

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indicator marks leap years and will require resetting only in 2100 when unusually, it will not be a leap year. At 12 o’ clock, a totaliser records the elapsed time for reference during use of the watch’s chronograph function; a universally crucial tool for pilots. The Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month 2012 also records more than one time via the chronograph due to an integrated flyback function; offers self-winding, and holds a substantial 68 hours of power reserve when fully wound. All of this is achieved beautifully by IWC’s 89800 movement. “It takes a complicated mechanical act of force to advance four display discs at the end of the month and thanks to the digital leap year display, no fewer than five discs, synchronously at the end of the year,” says Knoop. “This complicated mechanism must not affect the watch’s accuracy, even if the tension in the spring is almost exhausted or if the chronograph is running.” For enthusiasts, one of the most fetching aesthetics of the Spitfire watch is on its caseback. “As a premiere in the Pilot’s Watch family, the oscillating weight of the Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month has the shape of an elegant Spitfire silhouette which can be seen through the sapphire-glass

back,” says Knoop. “This design element was inspired by the Supermarine Spitfire Mk II, a Rolls Royce Merlin powered variant.” Gliding in circles beneath the see-through sapphire caseback, the beautifully detailed Spitfire will probably tempt wearers to keep the watch off as much as on. IWC and WWII IWC’s development of watches for pilots stretches back to 1904. Their first pilot’s watch (the Mark IX) emerged in 1936 boasting shatterproof glass, a rotating bezel with an index for recording short periods of time and an anti-magnetic escapement, together with high contrast luminescent hands and numerals for easy reading in poor light conditions. In fact, so steeped in history is IWC’s development of precise mechanical watches that it harbours a classic irony common to so many luxury brands that endured through the world wars. IWC had developed a Big Pilot watch based on a pocket watch movement that it used on deck watches provided to the British Royal Navy. Not one to lag behind, Hitler also desired IWC’s horological supremacy for his Luftwaffe pilots. As a result, between August and December 1940, IWC delivered close to 1000 Big Pilot

watches to the German Luftwaffe. Till the 1980s, IWC continued to receive commissions from the British Royal Air Force for custom made pilots’ watches. Due to its long association with aerial and naval forces, IWC continues to maintain particular characteristics of its early pilot watches in its timepieces today. For example, the Spitfire bears a hacking second hand (one that stops when the crown is pulled out) which is necessary for watch synchronisation during team missions. Further, each watch has a soft-iron inner casing (first unveiled in 1936) which protects the movement from magnetic fields, allowing it to maintain accurate time and distance in the air. And lastly, the Spitfire is also protected against pressure displacement – handy for those jerky monsoon flights over India. It is also waterproof up to six bars (should you have to use your ejector seat) or make use of your life vest during an emergency water landing. Whether you’re considering the Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month 2012 for your personal collection or for your next aerial mission into foreign airspace, you can rest assured that its superlative elegance, sophistication and accuracy will keep you up to speed, in or outside the danger zone.

LE CITY DELUXE STORY

Rafael Amargo at the launch party of the magazine.

Launch party of Le CITY deluxe SPAIN summer 2012 at Boo Beach Club, Barcelona.

The Story of Le CITY deluxe

NOV — DEC 2012

106

e CITY deluxe was first launched in Barcelona, and in a span of mere five years, spread its network to over 20 major cities worldwide including Madrid, London, New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Monaco. No mean feat for any publication, we say. Le City deluxe INDIA draws its lineage from this illustrious publication. Today, through its extensive and diversified media platforms which include print, online and digital (iPad, iPhone, tablets, e-newsletter, YouTube channel), Le CITY deluxe and its global partners reach out to an estimated 1.5 million readers worldwide. It all began when Claudia Trimde, Founder and CEO of the group, first published BARCELONA deluxe in 2007. The bilingual (Spanish and English) magazine was the city's first luxury publication. To maximise reach and cater to an online readership, Le CITY

Charity deluxe at the Zarzuela Hippodrome, Madrid.

deluxe quickly established a web presence in a number of major cities around the world including Barcelona, Delhi, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Miami, and Paris. The second print edition – an overarching quarterly – called Le CITY deluxe WORLDWIDE, was launched and presented a selection of content from all these cities. By 2008, BARCELONA deluxe began its distribution with Iberia (Frankfurt – Barcelona flights) and Singapore Airlines, (Barcelona – Singapore flights). In June 2009, the publication won the Accesit award for ‘Best Publication of the Year.’ In response to the success of BARCELONA deluxe, MADRID deluxe was launched in 2010, and the iphone and ipad versions of both editions also appeared. Furthermore, the brand gained major exposure as a result of its subsequent distribution tie-up with premium airline lounges at Heathrow,

Paris, Frankfurt and Brussels. In early 2011, the digital editions of both magazines – BARCELONA deluxe and MADRID deluxe – became amongst the top-20 downloaded apps in the Apple app store. In fact, the Spain edition’s ipad version went on to win the ‘Best Digital Magazine’ award. At the end of 2011 the group incorporated a franchise in Turkey and signed joint ventures in India and the USA. Over the last few years, Le CITY deluxe has evolved into a major brand from just being a publication house to incorporating luxury services. The Worldwide Private City Luxury Club is now a force to be reckoned with as a forum for members to forge contacts in the world of luxury. Through an online Social Club and events, the club’s members partake of various luxury experiences and expand their business networking.

Fiona Ferrer Leoni (L), F1 driver Dani Clos and Claudia Trimde, CEO Le CITY deluxe, at the launch party of Le CITY deluxe SPAIN summer 2012.

W Hotel, Barcelona

NOV â&#x20AC;&#x201D; DEC 2012

Poolside, W Hotel, Barcelona

107

SOCIETY

Tanisha Mohan

Aman Dhall

A Connoisseurs’ Soiree The very first ‘Blue Evening,’ – an exclusive soiree organised by Johnnie Walker Blue Label (the premium blend from the House of Walker) and Quintessentially Lifestyle (the world’s best known concierge service) took place at Le Cirque in the Capital. The event saw a host of celebrities and Scotch whisky enthusiasts in attendance. The swish set seen hobnobbing at the do included Manish Malhotra, Tanisha Mohan, Rajiv Bajaj, Aman Dhall, Jiah Khan and Sumant Jayakrishnan amongst others. Conceptualised to celebrate the achievements of individuals who like to savour the finer things in life, this event saw the unveiling of the first of its kind, attractive gift-pack crafted by Porsche Design Studio exclusively for Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The guests also got to taste the whisky, which is brewed to deliver an intense and multi-layered experience.

Sumant Jayakrishnan

Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Managing Director, Diageo India

Tim Etherington, Judge, Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador

Nafisa Khan

Rajiv Bajaj

Manish Malhotra

SOCIETY

Ramola Bachchan

A Mini-dash of Royalty

Gaurav Bhatia & Megha Bhatia

Pallavi Puri & Varun Puri

he iconic Mini Cooper, perhaps the most chic car in the history of automobiles, had a classic day out in the Capital as part of the Royal Fables Exhibition at the Imperial Hotel. The pre-party to the event was hosted by Bird Automotive MINI at its exclusive studio in Vasant Kunj. The main attraction of the evening was the unveiling of a beautiful painting of the Mini by Princess Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh. The cognoscenti of Delhi turned out in full force at the event and included the likes of Meera & Muzzafar Ali, Varun & Pallavi Puri, Varun Khanna, Roma Bakshani, Ramola Bachchan, Nilofer Wani, Charu Parasher and Sanjay Dhir. The exhibition concluded with high tea hosted by Rani Alkarani of Pratapgarh in which the guestof-honour was Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur.

Anshu Khanna & Princess Vaishnavi of Kishangarh with the MINI painting.

CMY

Kumar Sahib Padmanav Jadeja of Gondal & Princess Vaishnavi of Kishangarh.

SOCIETY

Bina ramani and Sunil Sethi

(L-r) anurag verma, abhishek Gupta & nandita Basu

Gautam Seth (L) with a friend

manish arora and rohit Bal

P CJ Delhi Couture Week

he third edition of the FDCI Delhi Couture Week, presented by PC Jewellers and Aircel was an extravagant affair. India’s top couturiers – from J. J. Valaya, Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi to Manish Arora – presented their magical collections, each embodying grandeur and splendid detail. The Couture Week also witnessed a smattering of Bollywood actors including the likes of Sharmila Tagore, Madhuri Dixit and Katrina Kaif on the ramp. With such an alluring line-up of designers and their collections, the city’s glitterati turned up in full force for the shows infusing the Couture Week with glitz and glamour. anisha Bahl and ambika Pillai

Shantanu and nikhil's show

Varun Bahl's show

(L-R) Balrram Garg, Managing Director PC Jewellers, Sunil Sethi and J.J. Valaya

Manish Malhotra

Aparna Behl & Deepak Bedi

Simar Duggal and Amaan Ali Khan

(L-R) Payal Jain, Rakesh Rathore and Reynu Taandon

Vikram Baidyanath (c) with friends

SOCIETY

Harmeet Bajaj and Leena Singh

Manav Gangwani and Anamika Khanna

Manish Malhotra's show

Fleur Xavier with a friend

Gauri and Nainika Karan

Suneet Verma

Sabyasachi's show

he 20th Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is undoubtedly the most awaited event in India’s fashion calendar. The Spring-Summer 2013 shows, saw a bevy of leading (Ashish N. Soni, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Wendell Rodricks) and upcoming (Payal Pratap, Khushi Z, Sakshi Pradhan) designers. The week featured 131 designers from across the country, 34 spectacular shows and 183 designer stalls at the exhibit area which sprawled over 100,000 sq.ft. The after parties were a riot with the crème-de-la-crème of the fashion industry letting their hair down along with actors Manoj Bajpai, Diane Penty, and Parineeta Chopra.

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI along with Alphonsus Stoelinga, Ambassador of the Netherlands. Kiran Dhingra, Secretary Textiles, Govt. of India accompanied by Sunil Sethi, FDCI, visits the exhibits at WIFW SS' 13.

Ashish N. & Misha Soni

Ashish N. Soni's show

Rajesh Pratap Singh (L) and Alex Davis

Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna, Jan Tiamanou and Suneet Varma take a bow after the Dutch Fashion Here & Now India show.

(L-R) Sanchita Ajjampur, Manoviraj Khosla and a friend

Rohit Bal

nandita Basu and v. Sunil

rajesh Pratap Singh's show tarun tahiliani and hanut Singh

(L-r) rakesh agarwal, nandita mahtani and James Ferreira

Gautam kalra with a friend

Payal Pratap Singh's show

amar Singh and Sunil Sethi

(r) romi Chopra with a friend

Jaya and aditi Jaitely

Wendell rodricks namrata Joshipura's show

Wendell rodricks' show

neelam Pratap rudy (r) with a friend

raseel Gujral & naveen ansal

Pia Pauro's show

Gaurav Gupta's show

CALENDAR

MUMBAI & DELHI SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA November 17, 2012, Mumbai November 18, 2012, Delhi www.sunburn.in

MUMBAI SAMA 2012 SUFI MUSIC FESTIVAL

PUSHKAR CAMEL FAIR

November 22 – 24, 2012

www.pushkar-camel-fair.com

November 18 – 27, 2012

DUBAI FAI WORLD PARACHUTING CHAMPIONSHIP MONDIAL 2012 November 28 – December 9, 2012 www.dubaicalendar.ae

THAILAND FULL MOON PARTIES November 28, 2012 December 25, 2012 December 28, 2012 December 31, 2012 www.fullmoonpartykohphangan.com

GOA 43RD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA

PRAGUE FUTURE OF WEB DESIGN November 27 – 29, 2012 www.futureofwebdesign.com

November 20 – 30, 2012 www.iffi.nic.in

MUMBAI INDIAN ART FESTIVAL

NOV — DEC 2012

November 28 – December 2, 2012 www.indiaartfestival.com

118

DELHI SOUTH ASIAN BANDS FESTIVAL

BENGALURU & MUMBAI GUNS AND ROSES

KOCHI KOCHI MUZIRIS BIENNALE 2012

December 7 – 9, 2012

December 7, 2012, Bengaluru December 12, 2012, Mumbai

December 12, 2012 – March 13, 2013

www.web.gunsnroses.com

www.kochimuzirisbiennale.org

www.southasianband.com

RAJASTHAN BUNDI UTSAV December 1 – 3, 2012 www.bundi.nic.in

JAIPUR JAIPUR JEWELLERY SHOW December 23, 2012

GOA SUNBURN GOA

www.jaipurjewelleryshow.org

December 27 – 29, 2012 www.sunburn.in

PALM BEACH PALM BEACH FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL www.pbfoodwinefest.com

NOV — DEC 2012

December 7 – 11, 2012

119

GUIDE

LUXURY HOTELS DELHI & NCR

ITC MAURYA

Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi-110021 +91 11 2611 2233 www.itchotels.in

JAYPEE GREENS GOLF AND SPA RESORT

THE OBEROI

Nariman Point, Mumbai-400021 +91 22 6632 5757 www.oberoihotels.com

TAJ LANDS END

Band Stand, Bandra, West Mumbai-400050 +91 22 6668 1234 www.tajhotels.com

LE MERIDIEN

THE TAJ MAHAL PALACE & TOWERS

AMAN NEW DELHI

Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 +91 11 4363 3333 www.amanresorts.com

THE HILTON

Janakpuri District Centre Complex, New Delhi-110058 +91 11 4123 4123 www.hilton.com

Apollo Bunder, Mumbai-400001 +91 22 6665 3366 www.tajhotels.com

THE TRIDENT

Nariman Point, Mumbai-400021 +91 22 6632 4343 www.tridenthotels.com RAJASTHAN

AMANBAGH, NEAR JAIPUR

Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi-110001 +91 11 2334 1234, 4150 1234 www.theimperialindia.com

Amanbagh Resort, Ajabgarh Village, Alwar-301027 +91 1465 223 333 www.amanresorts.com

THE LEELA PALACE

OBEROI UDAIVILAS

THE IMPERIAL HOTEL

Chanakya Puri, Diplomatic Enclave New Delhi-110021 +91 11 3933 1234 www.theleela.com

THE OBEROI

Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, New Delhi-110003 +91 11 2436 3030 www.oberoihotels.com

THE TAJ MAHAL HOTEL

1 Mansingh Road, New Delhi-110011 +91 11 2302 6162 www.tajhotels.com MUMBAI

JW MARRIOT

Juhu Tara Road, Mumbai-400049 +91 22 6693 3000 www.marriott.com

THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL NOV — DEC 2012

Off Western Express Highway, Santacruz (East), Mumbai-400055 +91 22 6676 1234 www.mumbai.grand.hyatt.com

G Block, Surajpur Kasna Road, Greater Noida-201306 +91 120 6743 000 www.jaypeeresortdelhi.com 8 Windsor Place, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi-110001 +91 11 2371 0101 www.lemeridiendelhi.com

120

THE GRAND HYATT

114 Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai-400018 +91 22 2481 8000 www.fourseasons.com

Hardasji Ki Magri, Udaipur-313001 +91 294 2433 300 www.oberoihotels.com

RAMBAGH PALACE Bhawani Singh Road, Jaipur-302005 +91 141 2211 919 www.oberoihotels.com

TAJ LAKE PALACE

P.O. Box 5, Lake Pichola, Udaipur-313001 +91 294 2428 800 www.tajhotels.com

GOURMET DELHI & NCR

BUKHARA

ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi-110021 +91 11 2611 2233 www.itchotels.in

INDIAN ACCENT The Manor, 77 Friends Colony (West), New Delhi-110065 +91 11 4323 5151 www.indianaccent.com

LE CIRQUE The Leela Palace Chanakya Puri, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi-110021 +91 11 3933 1234 www.theleela.com

MEGU The Leela Palace, Chanakya Puri, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi-110021 +91 11 3933 1234 www.theleela.com

ON THE WATERFRONT Aman, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 +91 11 4363 3411 www.amanresorts.com

ORIENT EXPRESS Taj Palace Hotel, Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi-110021 + 91 11 4363 3411 www.tajhotels.com

THE CHINA KITCHEN The Hyatt Regency, Bhikaji Cama Place, Ring Road, New Delhi-110607 +91 11 2679 1234 www.delhi.regency.hyatt.com

THE SPICE ROUTE The Imperial Hotel, Janpath, New Delhi-110001 +91 11 2334 1234, 4150 1234 www.theimperialindia.com

WASABI BY MORIMOTO Taj Mahal Hotel, 1 Mansingh Road, New Delhi-110011 +91 11 2302 6162 www.tajhotels.com

360º The Oberoi Hotel, Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, New Delhi-110003 +91 11 2436 3030 www.oberoihotels.com MUMBAI

CAFE BY THE BEACH H2O Water Sport Complex, Chowpatty, Girgaon, Mumbai +91 22 6565 0040

CAFE ZOE 126, Todi Mathuradas Mill Compound, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai-400013 +91 22 2490 2065 www.cafezoe.in

HAKKASAN Krystal, 206, Waterfield Road, Bandra (West), Mumbai-400050 +91 22 2644 4444 /45 www.hakkasan.com

KOH Intercontinental Hotel, 135 Marine Drive, Lobby Level, Nariman Point, Mumbai-400020 +91 22 3987 9999 www.ichotelsgroup.com

TWO ONE TWO BAR AND GRILL 12 A, Ground Floor, Hornby Vellard Estate, opposite Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai-400018 +91 22 2490 1994/93

YAUATCHA Ground floor, Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai-400051 +91 22 2644 8888 www.yauatcha.com

NIGHTLIFE DELHI & NCR

ANIDRA Aman Hotel, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 +91 11 4363 3333 www.amanresorts.com

BLUE BAR, THE TAJ PALACE Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi-110021 +91 11 2611 0202 www.tajhotels.com

KITTY SU The Lalit Hotel, Barakhamba Avenue, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi-110001 +91 11 4444 7777 www.thelalit.com

LAP

3rd Floor, The Crescent Mall, Lado Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi-110030 +91 11 2952 3737, +91 8800 777 074 MUMBAI

AURUS MUMBAI 12 A, Ground Floor, Nichani Kutir, Near Reid & Taylor Showroom, Opposite Ajanta Hotel, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai 400054 +91 22 6710 6666, 6710 6667 www.dishhospitality.com

BLUE FROG Zeba Center, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai-400013 +91 22 6158 6158 www.bluefrog.co.in

HYPE R1, Fourth Floor, Atria Mall, Opposite Poonam Chambers, Next To Nehru Planetarium, DR Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai-400018 +91 22 2481 3799 www.hypetheclub.com

WELLNESS DELHI & NCR

AMATRRA SPA The Ashok, 50 B Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi-110021 +91 11 2412 2921/25 www.amatrraspa.com

SIX SENSES SPA Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Surajpur Kasna Road, Greater Noida-201306 +91 120 2339 900 www.sixsenses.com

THE AMAN SPA Aman New Delhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 +91 11 4363 3333 www.amanresorts.com

THE OBEROI SPA Dr.Zakhir Hussain Marg, Delhi-110003 +91 11 2636 3030 www.oberoihotels.com

VLCC SPA

22 Community Centre, Basant Lok, Priya Complex, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi- 110057 +91 11 2615 5561/2/3/4 www.vlccwellness.com UTTARANCHAL

ANANDA IN THE HIMALAYAS The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Tehri-Garhwal, Uttaranchal-249175 +91 1378 227 500 www.anandaspa.com MUMBAI

QUAN SPA

J W Marriott Hotel, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai-400049 +91 22 6693 3000 www.marriot.com HIMACHAL PRADESH

THE OBEROI SPA, WILDFLOWER HALL Wildflower Hall Hotel, Mashobra, Shimla-171012 +91 177 2648 585 www.oberoihotels.com

SHOPPING DELHI & NCR

DLF EMPORIO 4, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070 +91 11 4611 6666 web.dlfemporio.com

DLF PLACE Plot No. A-4, District Centre, Press Enclave Road, Saket, New Delhi-110017 +91 11 4606 4444 www.dlfplace.in

KHAN MARKET, NEW DELHI

Near Lodhi Garden, New Delhi-110003

SANTUSHTI SHOPPING COMPLEX Race Course Road, Near Ashoka Hotel Chanakya Puri, Delhi-110021

SELECT CITY WALK A-3, District Centre, Saket, Delhi-110017 +91 11 4211 4211, 4211 4200 www.selectcitywalk.com MUMBAI

PALLADIUM MALL 462 Highstreet Phoenix, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai-400013 +91 22 4333 9999, 2492 0912 www.highstreetphoenix.com

NOV — DEC 2012

Hotel Samrat, Kautilya Marg, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi-110021 +91 11 2410 3762 www. laptheclub.com

SHROOM

121

The ‘new’ Mehar Chand Market

ocated in Lodhi colony in New Delhi, six-decade-old Mehar Chand market and its 150 odd stores remained in oblivion for a long time, mainly because of its vicinity to the popular and posh Khan Market and Defence Colony market. All that is slowly changing. Realising the potential of its location – upmarket residential areas of Jorbagh, Defence Colony, Golf Links, Sundar Nagar and numerous bungalows of the Lutyens zone are only a few kilometres away – many niche stores like CMYK, Nourish Organics, 1010 Nail Spa and The Altitude Store have opened in the recent past and are changing the face of Mehar Chand Market – from the quaint retro shopping enclave once famous for its tailoring shops, to being the next Khan Market for the rich and fashionable.

TEXT BY TREESHA DATTA / ILLUSTRATION BY DILBAG SINGH CMYK: A first-of-its-kind concept bookstore that houses a gamut of illustrated books dedicated to art and design. The store is also used as a dynamic space to support and promote the works of upcoming creative individuals. Feeling peckish after your book hunt? Head upstairs to their cafe.

NOURISH ORGANICS: Conceptualised and owned by Seema Jindal Jajodia, Nourish Organics, like the name suggests, sells an array of organic and nutritious ready-to-eat snacks, nuts, health bars, and a range of ‘super-foods.’

PLAY CLAN: With India as their eternal muse, Play Clan combines art, design and fashion to create collections in home décor, apparel, gifts and stationery. A must-visit for those with a love for all things quirky.

THE CHEESE BALL: Flanders Dairy Products have been synonymous with great cheese for years now. Their store at Mehar Chand, called the Cheese Ball, is a treasure trove for turophiles. From cheddar to mozzarella, smoked gouda, Danish blue, mixed herb gouda, bocconcini – they have them all. Say cheese!

Shop No. 15-16 / 011-2464 1881 / rolibooks.com

Shop No. 17 / 011-2464 4393 / theplayclan.com

FAB INDIA: One of its many outlets in the country, Fab India is a home-grown chain store that retails garments, furnishings, fabrics and ethnic products, hand-made by craftspeople across rural India. Shop No. 21-22 / 011-4905 1501–03 / fabindia.com

Shop No. 25 / 9810 400 778 / nappadori.com

Shop No. 31 / 011-2465 3789 / flandersdairy.com

KUNAFA: All of you with a sweet tooth need to visit Kunafa – a Mediterranean sweet store. All sweets and confectionery are prepared by expert Syrian and Jordanian chefs using premium quality nuts, dry fruits (especially dates & figs) and other ingredients, all sourced from the Middle East. A perfect Diwali treat. Shop No. 70 / 011-49050 644 / kunafa.in

CHEZ NINI: If you are a true Francophile, then you must already know Chez Nini – the charming French bistro with a delectable menu. An endeavour of Montreal-born Nira Singh, Chez Nini’s cosy

Shop No. 79-80 / 011-4905 0665 - 666

MASABA: Designer Masaba Gupta, daughter of cricketing legend Vivian Richards and actress Neena Gupta, has her namesake store in this market. The brand is all about bold feminism in Indian weaves, and, since its launch in 2009, has consistently worked for the betterment of weavers across southern India. Shop No. 103 / 8447 470 950, (Nanda Bhat) / houseofmasaba.com

THE ALTITUDE STORE: For the healthconscious shopper, this store stocks a range of organic natural products from across India which are cultivated and processed without the use of chemicals. You can shop online and get your stuff home-delivered. Shop No. 110 / 011-4905 0404 / thealtitudestore.com

EXHIBIT D: After a stint in London, home-accessory and product designer Gautam Dhawan returned to India and opened his first design studio by the name of Exhibit-D. They offer customised design services for those interested, however his very creative, original pieces are enough to entice and drool-worthy. Shop No. 122-123 / 011-4905 2210 / exhibitd.in

NOV — DEC 2012

NAPPA DORI: The name literally means ‘leather and thread’ and the same is designer Gautam Sinha’s muse. Their bright and colourful leather and metal trunks won the hearts of many. In their new store in Mehar Chand Market they have these, plus a lot more variety of wearable bags, other home and fashion accessories and gifts.

Shop No. 30 / 011-4905 1184 / nourishorganicfoods.com

and simple interiors and a blend of French food with comfort cooking will keep you coming back for more.

123

COLUMN

New York, New York

By Suhel Seth

NOV — DEC 2012

124

have often been asked to define luxury and my response has always been that if you could define luxury, then it would defeat its very meaning. Luxury is personal. It is not a badge of honour because all those who tell you it is critical to carry a Birkin croc have no clue about luxury. In fact luxury has never been about brands. It has always been about the self. And the ultimate luxury is the luxury of time – the time to holiday; the time to browse; the time to indulge in your favourite pleasures whether it’s a walk in a park, admiring the painful pathos of a Van Gogh work in a museum, or for that matter engaging in dinner-time conversation with Daniel Mendelsohn, the venerate American litterateur. It is these moments that one can describe as pure luxury and not some silly shopping spree that you would undertake either down 5th Avenue or Sloane Street. I have always believed in luxurious holidays: only because I believe that it is important for the mind and body to unwind and luxuriate in the small pleasures of life which we often ignore. And those pleasures could range from staring at squirrels play with each other, to reading a fine book by Peter Bergen in the verdant surroundings of Central Park. The

reason why this is luxury is because it cannot be bought in a shop or in a mall. I always spend summers between New York and London – one month in New York and another month in London. For me London is the hub to explore Europe. This year my month in New York began with the advent of spring in late April (there is no better season to spend in New York than spring). There is almost a revival of senses and feelings and the joys of warm weather are so visible in every New Yorker’s face. I began my trip by first indulging myself in art and gladly accepted an invitation from the Chairman of Sotheby’s to attend a private dinner where this much-talked about painting – The Scream – was on display. It was a dinner for 18 people. And there was much anticipation as to how much Eduard Munch’s masterpiece would eventually sell for. It sold later that week for $120 million. But more than the painting, it was the conversation that was interesting. Here I was, surrounded by connoisseurs of art and good taste, and the conversation ranged from Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins to Malcolm Gladwell. As I approached the seat with my name-card, I looked to my right and discovered I was seated next to Sharon Stone. Now where on earth would you expect to be seated at a dinner next to the woman you spent your youth drooling over. But Stone is no bimbo. Remember she was married to the Editor of the Boston Globe and our conversation centered on India and mysticism. More than the conversation, it was her demeanour which set Stone apart: no fuss, no entourage and as the evening got over, she got into a cab and off she was. No fawning chauffeurs and over-sized cars. My next few days were equally art-drenched. The Frieze Art Fair was being held for the first time in New York and that too, at Randall’s Island (a magnificent island in the middle of the Hudson). The whole place was done up in white and the art was arresting. More than that, it was the ambience which was magical. Visitors got to meet some of the finest collectors and gallerists from across the world. I bumped into Jack Cluso, one of America’s finest artists and spent some time with him discussing good and bad taste in art. From the Frieze, my next haunt

was, as always, The Metropolitan Museum of Art: I soaked in the Gertrude Stein exhibition which is the largest collection of Picassos and Matisses in the world. Spring is also when the new theatre season begins in New York and the perfect time to catch plays and musicals. I am still a purist and thus no musicals for me...only fine plays. I went to see ‘Death of a Salesman’ with Philip Seymour Hoffman in the lead. Now this is one play that I have myself acted in; have watched Dustin Hoffman in, and must confess that Philip Seymour Hoffman brought a brilliant and indefatigable energy to it. The sheer brilliance of this play also inspired me to go and see ‘The Columnist’ with John Lithgow in the lead. I also took in some opera – Turandot. No New York summer can be complete without its famed salons – where minds meet and engage in discussion in a manner that is quite unique. I spent several such evenings. One such was at the charming home of Bob and Jacquine Arnold who have a lovely home overlooking the Hudson in a heritage building. In walked business magnate Steve Wynn of Las Vegas fame. No sooner had I finished asking him how he felt ripping his own Picasso by mistake, that Leonard Lauder, the owner of Estée Lauder made an entrance. But the true pièce de résistance was my meeting with Peter and Judy Price. Peter is amongst America’s most acclaimed lawyers while his wife Judy is the Chairperson of the National Jewelry Institute of America. They are true Indophiles and we got talking about their next holiday to India which I suggested they spend in verdant Kerala. And more critically, Judy, under the aegis of her organisation is keen to host an exhibition of Jewels of Royalty in New York in 2014. On yet another evening, I spent my entire time talking to Shaukat Aziz, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan who was also a former banker with Citibank in New York. During that conversation I realised how horribly wrong we are when we paint an unkind and unfriendly picture of Pakistan… My vacation ended with luminous lingering thoughts. And it is these thoughts that are the imprint of luxury in every which way!