Living Local - Andheri West Edition

July 2014

Volume 1 Issue 2

ANDHERI WEST EDITION

Complimentary Copy

Myths & Facts

Mugdha

About Weight Loss

5Skin

Godse

for TIPS Monsoon FITNESS BEAUTY

HEALTH

NUTRITION

BRAZIL FIFA 2014

LIFESTYLE

ENTERTAINMENT

EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

There is Something about

Benaras 1

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CONTENT July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 2

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14 18

20 27

32 34

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38 41 45

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Editorial Calling and Opportunity The Monsoon Post Mens guide to stay tidy this monsoon 5 skin tips for monsoon To continue remaining beautiful Mistakes men make with Hair ASHMIT PATEL Golden Rules of Fitness Myths and Facts about Weight loss Double Trouble - Platerrati A Gourmets paradise FIFA World Cup Soccer MUGDHA GODSE Gowns Dresses and Bikinis Improve your skill. THE 101 ZONE Acting. Photography Tips There is something about BENARAS Your neighborhood Parks ANDHERI WEST The Little Connection Look around and beyond the obvious The Power of Silence

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Contributors

ASHEESH KAPUR Actor Story-teller Filmbuff

SANDEEP SACHDEV

Motivational Speaker Ambassador, WICL 2014 Celebrity Nutrition Counselor Fitness First Fitness Consultant Personal Training Ambassador & Celebrity Winner of Biggest Loser

SALONI

Saloni Bhardwaj is a writer, social commentator and a journalist. A thinker who believes in inner transformation to overcome our shortcomings, only to achieve what we were always born to do.

MEERA

VIKETA ANAND

A foodie by nature. Cosmotologist.

I eat. I pray. I love. (repeat)

RATAN SETHI

Retired from a 9 to 5 job, Ratan feels blessed that he is able to travel to his heart’s content.

MOHINI

Dr. Anshuman Manaswi, M.Ch.

Consultant Plastic & Cosmetic surgeon, Bombay Hospital, Mumbai, and Obesity consultant

CONTRIBUTE

Mohini is a Tarot Card reader, Hypnotherapist and a Life Coach. She also teaches reading Tarot Cards and various self-healing techniques.

In the field of education for over 30 yrs / Conducts Teacher Training Programs / Integral part of The Little Company

MOHNISH PANJABI

Branding Professional, Menswear Designer & Style Blogger.

Putting the Snazzy in Man since 1991.

Apart from writing a successful all-mens style blog he also has his own menswear line called - The Snazzy Man dedicated to helping men with all their style needs.

Do you like to write? How about clicking photos? As part of the Andheri west community we would love for you to share them in your very own Living Local magazine. Let your voice be heard whether it is on the topic of health and wellness, local news, or an event you want to share in your community. Send in your entries: articles@livinglocalmag.com 6

www.livinglocalmag.com

Calling and Opportunity “Lucky are those who have a calling in life.” I remember one of college buddies in the USA mentioned this to me 5 years after we both had graduated. He was working as a Software Engineer and I had just quit my Software Engineering job at IBM to pursue my childhood dream of being part of the Movies.

I sensed his jealousy, but not towards me. He was jealous of the fact that I got my calling and he did not face any such phenomenon. It’s not like I saw some white light in the middle of the night and the light spoke to me. I simply saw a path that I clearly knew I would like to get on. Most importantly, it made me happy – on the Inside. It made leaving the Outside happiness (the fat Dollar paychecks) pretty simple. At least at that time it did.

They key here is that the Journey of that particular Calling began.

Ups and downs, highs and lows, I stayed on that path as it was my calling and simply put – it still made me happy on the Inside.

Now the Opportunity. Every now and then a different opportunity would come and tap me on my shoulder. I disregarded its presence simply to not deter from my busy schedule on the path of my Calling.

Many opportunities came and passed, but I cared less. I was on the path of a phenomenon only the selected few in this mortal world shall be privileged with. (I am still talking filmmaking here, nothing spiritual) This Magazine venture came as an opportunity a while back - back when I used to shudder the opportunities away in the name of the bigger “calling” path. So what made me finally take it up and start this venture has a tactical twist to it. But staying true to the subject of calling and opportunity right now, it’s the philosophical twist that got me going as well.

Heres the interesting twist- If the same opportunity keeps knocking time and again, maybe its not really an opportunity.

Maybe it is also a Calling. A simple adjustment of the mind. Isn’t that where it all takes shape? So I chose to acknowledge the Opportunity in the name of Calling.

Why? ‘Cause it passed the test of making me happy – on the Inside.

Editor-in-chief Anubhav Anand @anubhavanand

July 2014 Volume 1 Issue 2 Publisher: Urbane Living Media Printer: Swastik Prints, 5 khan compound, Andheri east, Mumbai-400069 Feedback: feedback@livinglocalmag.com Advertising: advertising@livinglocalmag.com

www.livinglocalmag.com Disclaimer: The views expressed by contributors and advertisers in our publication and on our website do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or publishers.

Urbane Living Media shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or losses arising out of the use or inability to use the magazine, any errors on pages, misrepresentations or omissions in the content, advertisements or products and services offered and take no responsibility for any issues arising from the use of suppliers who have advertised.

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8

Lifestyle

The Monsoon Post

by Mohnish Panjabi

Scarf A scarf is a super smart way of protecting your collars from getting wet as well as regulating your body temperature. Pick a pattern that’s easy to wear with most for your clothes.

If you were going for a solid shade something more neutral would be the way to go.

The Bombay heat this time was beyond excruciating so the onset of monsoon is most definitely a good thing for all of us.

Come rain or shine we need to get to work, gym, events and get-togethers, all of this while staying sharp!

So here’s a little guide on how to stay step out and stay tidy this monsoon and accommodate the several inches of rain the city will get over the next few months.

Umbrella A sturdy umbrella can be your most trusted companion during the monsoons. While buying an umbrella always remember that the quality is compromised a lot on the ones that are cheaper so don’t hesitate to invest in an expensive one with a better build that will last you longer and protect you from those showers. When it comes to the style of the umbrella I personally prefer a more classic full sized one because a) Its not too small and provides max protection from the rains b) its an added fashion accessory.

For those who enjoy a feel that is more modern the compact extendable umbrellas are also a great option.

Windcheater/Parka Make sure you have one of these handy. Parkas are very helpful with the windy weather the rains bring because it’s a jacket with a hood. These are also very good for when its just drizzling outside and you don’t have an umbrella on you.

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Dark Bottomwear Water splashes everywhere during the monsoons and it’s the worst when you’re going into work early in the morning and you realise there are water spots that refuse to dry out or muddy stains around the bottom of your pants. The best way to avoid this is to wear darker coloured bottoms.

This applies to jeans, trousers, joggers and even track pants.

Avoid Whites & Pastel Shades During the rainy season go for more darker colours so that if you do end up wet while the clothes stick to your body they don’t become awfully see through making you look like you just got out of a swimming pool.

Shorts These are lifesavers during the rains.

When it’s a casual affair and you can skip wearing jeans, go for shorts and be more comfortable. The whole struggle I spoke of earlier with bottom wear can be avoided.

Rubber Loafer Covers Now I do not know how many of you have ever heard of these or have them but I personally think they are the best way to protect your leather shoes during the monsoons.

If you are the type who appreciates good quality leather shoes as much as I do then you are well aware of the damage the rain can do to them, that being said slip these onto your shoes and see the difference for yourself.

You can pick these up from Amazon for a pretty good price.

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Waterproof Laptop/Carry Bag You never know when and where you get stuck in the rains so make sure that the bag you carry is waterproof and doesn’t allow any water seepage to happen on the inside. The new fancy ones as well as the traditional ones all come in waterproof fabrics now so you will most definitely not have a problem finding one that suits your taste best.

Crocs Slippers Now as much as the brand has been criticised for how their patent crocs look their range of slippers are the best option for the rains. These simple flip-flops come in an anti-slip material that washes off, dries quickly and at the same time prevents those common slips that tend to happen during the rains.

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5 SKIN TIPS MONSOON FOR

to cont i nue r ema i ni ng b ea ut i f ul d ur i ng t h i s mo nsoo n By VIKETA ANAND

Though monsoon brings us some respite from the scorching heat, dealing with skin gets a bit tricky too. No amount of make up stays and acne also poses a problem. Since your skin behaves differently in different seasons it become important to deal with it accordingly. Here are 5 tips to continue remaining beautiful during this monsoon:

Toning is the key Toning helps in maintaining the pH balance of the skin. Using a non-alcoholic toner twice a day helps maintain the pH balance of the skin. Rosewater also works as a natural effective toner.

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gpointstudio / shutterstock.com

HeaB l t eh a&u tBye a u t y gpointstudio / shutterstock.com

Use an Anti Bacterial face wash Change of season also calls for a change in our skin care products. Switching to and anti-bacterial face wash helps keep acne away specially if one has an oily skin.

Use Talcum Powder to avoid Fungal Infections Monsoon brings with it the problem of fungal infections as fungus and yeast thrive off damp and wet conditions. Using adequate talcum powder in skin folds like under arms and groin helps keeping these parts dry and avoiding any fungal infection.

Avoid make-up Try staying away from make-up as much as you can.

The humidity in the air is too much which smudges the make up and can also cause allergies or rashes.

Try keeping your skin as clean and make up free as possible.

Drink plenty of water We sweat a lot during monsoons and to make up for the water loss one must drink atleast 8-10 glasses of water daily. Drinking Water is the most cheap and effective way to take care of your skin during monsoons.

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MISTAKES Men make with hair

by Mohnish Panjabi

If there’s one thing about our appearance we’d like a permanent solution for it’s a bad hair day.

We might have all the confidence in the world, clothes that fit us perfectly and the right amount of facial hair, but a bad hair day has the power to ruin it all.

Here are the

3 mistakes that men mostly commonly make with their hair:

Waiting too long The biggest mistake most men make is waiting too long before they visit the barber. Guys should never look like they have got a haircut (unless it’s a completely new look), It should be natural, and thus regular upkeep is the way to go about this. Make sure you get your hair trimmed every 2-3 weeks and a while after go in for the main cut.

Never look like you’re trying too hard – Casual cool should be your aim.

Changing hairstyles Most of us are scared of change, especially when it comes to our appearance. As humans we tend to get comfortable in the way we are and for 14

guys many a times – lazy.

If you do want to change up your hair start the transition smoothly and slowly. Begin with a slight taper on your sides or if you are growing your hair out then get slight trims done off & on. This helps in easing you into that transition at the same time you can notice the details that come with this change.

Another factor that helps is that since its gradual, people aren’t really looking at you that much so you have more time to get comfortable with it.

Being afraid of giving direction No stylist is a mind reader. While you’re sitting there getting a haircut

and can see what’s being done to your hair and aren’t fond of it – Speak up!

This will benefit you because at the end of it you’re happy and confident with the look you now have to sport.

Why leave upset when you have the ability to say – ‘Can you do this differently?’

I hope this article has helped you guys pin point where you go wrong and how easy it is to turn the snazz on with the right hair cut!

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DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

the lost sensation in diabetes Dr. Dhruv K.Singh MD (UK), D.Diab (UK) Consultant Diabetologist and Medical Director r.dksingh@justdiabetes.in

Touch is one of the most important components of emotional fulfillment of a living being; and humans are not an exception. The perception of touch is facilitated, along with other factors, by a set of nerves, which carry the touch signals to the brain and its response back to the touched part of the body.

These nerves are broadly divided into three typessensory, motor & autonomic. The sensory nerves are preliminary responsible for carrying signals of various sensations like pain, temperature, touch, pressure and vibration, from the body surface to the brain. The motor nerves carry the signals of response from the brain to various part of the body surface, in response to a sensation. The third group comprises of nerves which are involuntary i.e. we do not have any control over them and they directly work under the brain’s directions.

These nerves are very sensitive and any change in their surroundings may have an impact on their functioning and conduction system. Along with many other conditions, diabetes is one of the most important causes of malfunctioning of these nerves and the deterioration of the functional ability of the nerves due to diabetes is called as diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic Neuropathy :

Diabetic neuropathy is a heterogeneous group of nerve disorders as a result of chronically elevated levels of blood glucose. The frequency and severity of diabetic neuropathy increases with duration of diabetes. It may involve the sensory, motor or the autonomic nervous system singly or in combination. The damage to the nerves occurs over several years and mild cases may go unnoticed for a long time.

Causes

The various factors, which may contribute to the overall damage to the nerve fibers are : • Consistently raised blood glucose levels.

• Damage to the fine blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.

• Autoimmune factors that cause inflammation in the nerves.

• Habits like smoking and alcohol.

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy:

Peripheral neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is again divided into two types – Proximal Neuropathy - pain and weakness in the following parts- Thighs, Hips, Buttock, Legs.

Distal Neuropathy - pain and loss of sensations in the following parts- Toes, Feet, Legs, Hands, Arms.

Treatment

Diagnosis

With clinical history the following tests are done.

These tests are: 1.

Nylon Monofilament Test.

2.

Vibration perception test.

3.

Nerve condition studies.

4. Electromyography.

The main aim of treatment is to minimize the symptoms and prevent further damage of the nerves. This can be achieved by: 1. Tight control of blood glucose. Keeping the blood glucose in the normal range protects the nerves throughout the body.

2. Focusing on each symptom individually.

3. Proper care of the feet. People with neuropathy need to take special care of their feet. Loss of pain sensation in the feet results in injury to the feet without appreciating the damage. The foot may become ulcerated or infected. Im paired blood circulation also increases the risk of foot ulcers.

4. Quit smoking and alcohol 5. Regular exercise.

6. Regular foot assessment.

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Beauty

17

ASHMIT PATEL

Pic: Haider Khan

PART 2 of the Series

5 golden rules of Fitness Fitness does not equate only to your muscles. Its your Stamina, Flexibility, Endurance together in its entirely. Make sure you focus on all.

What you eat is what you are. So make sure what you follow the right diet for your body.

Sleep is best form of meditation required by body mind soul. A well rested body and mind will keep you forever fit.

Longevity. Set long term goals rather than short-term goals. Make it a lifestyle. Its not a fad.

Always warm-up warm-down post and pre your workouts.

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Fitness

importance of a gym partner Think of your gym partner like your life partner in the gym. He or she has to be someone who makes you better and you both compliment each other. Someone who pushes you to the limit, harder and not get stagnated.

A stronger, more knowledgeable gym partner always helps. Keeps your body always in the improvement stages and pushes you towards higher intensity.

I used to workout with a close friend Fardeen who was one of my best gym-partners. He had a tremendously strong chest and shoulders which were my weak body parts. My legs and back were stronger than his. We complimented each other on the different body parts which heped in the overall development.

FORM is most essential. Don’t try shortcuts. It can never be a replacement to sweat and hardwork.

Set long-term goals. The harder you work the stronger your foundatin becomes and easier it is to maintain higher levels of fitness later on in life.

whats love got to do with it?

Body is a tremendous machine and you need to put it to right use.

A fit body gives the confidence in the way you look at yourself and also look at others. A fot person will be happier, more confident and a loving person. The lifestyle u follow represents you. Women love a confident man. You spread positivity.

how to impress the opposite sex in the gym Focus on your workout. You are there for that purpose. Impress the mirror in front of you. The opposite sex will follow.

power faith attitude

fitness 101 for teenagers getting into fitness

Pic: Haider Khan

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Myths and Facts

Suzanne Tucker/ shutterstock.com

ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS Weight Loss has been a major concern of Urban population. Its a welcome fact though, that the general population has become aware of the consequences of Obesity. But with Awareness comes Half Knowledge, which is dangerous. Here are some myths and Facts about Weight Loss.

by Dr. Anshuman Manaswi, M.Ch. dramanaswi@yahoo.com

Myth: No More Fast Food Maybe the extra cheese, french fries, soft-drinks, and pizzas are out, but you don’t have to stay clear of fast food completely to stay on your diet. If it part of us now, embrace it,but judiciously.

With better options now, one can relax a bit. Get a salad as a starter or choose the grilled chicken over fried, breaded chicken or scrape off the sauce and dressings as much as possible.

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Myth: If You Eat and Exercise Regularly, You Will Never Gain Weight

Myth: Carbohydrates make you fat

You need to be willing to make lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments as you age, change, and grow. As body metabolism slows down with age as early a 25 years onwards, one has to either eat less or exercise more to avoid gaining weight. The body experiences drastic changes around 40 years of age. You food and exercise plan should be flexible since your body metabolism will continue to slow down. The best thing is to be aware about new weight loss modalities which keep coming and take consultation with weight loss consultants to counter never-ending supply of conflicting weight loss advice.

It’s the Calories and not the Carbs that make you fat.

Carbohydrates that contain a lot of sugar and fat are what make you fat. Unprocessed carbs make you feel full from fibre in it unlike the processed carbs. For example, whole grain cereals are more filling — and makes you feel satisfied longer — than polished cereals, though both have the same amount of calories. What you want to do is eat carbs in moderation.

The fact is that there is so shortcut to weight loss. One has to be disciplined and motivated to lose weight. These instruments only help marginally if at all. These have not been tested for massive weight loss and their safety profile has not been studied. There are many unanswered questions like 1, Does the fat cells break for sure and is it constant for all? 2. Can the body get rid of all the fat content which come out after breaking of the fat? 3. Is there any risk of raised cholesterol in your body during that time? 4,Is there any risk to heart during this period? 5, Is it safe in the long run? In my opinion, these technologies should be used only for smaller fat deposits from where the fat content can be cleared by your lymphatic system.

Fitness

Myth: Massive weight loss can happen with technologies like U LIPO, I LIPO etc.

Myth: Limit your Starch intake when trying to lose weight.

Fact: Many foods high in starch, are low in fat and calories such as: bread,rice pasta, beans, fruits, some vegetables (like potatoes).These foods become high in fat and calories when eaten in large portion sizes. Additional toppings (high in fat) such as butter or mayonnaise also add to the calories. Foods high in starch (also called complex carbohydrates) are an important source of energy for your body.

EXPERT ADVICE To Lose weight , one has to understand that being overweight is unhealthy. Be motivated and look at the long term goal. Consult Dietician, Psychologist and Obesity consultant for correct advice.

Do not fall trap to the beautiful catchy advertisement because many of them have no scientific basis and are out there to sell their products. Only proven treatment for weight loss apart from diet and exercises are Bariatric surgery, Intra-gastric balloon therapy and Liposuction / tummy tuck surgery to an extent.

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Q& A

with celebrity trainer/ nutritionist Sandeep Sachdev Every month Sandeep will answer any fitness related questions that you have. Please email your questions to: ask-sandeep@livinglocalmag.com

I believe that you start losing calories after you have finished about 15 minutes of workout. Is this true?

Amrita Gujral

It depends on what kind of training you are doing. When you work out, your body gets the energy you need for sustained activity by burning your stored calories. When you perform aerobic exercises, your body keeps burning calories for a short time after you finish your workout. When you perform strength-training exercises like lifting weights or functional training, you permanently boost your calorie-burning capacity by increasing your body’s supply of muscle tissue.

I am told that a cardio session is only effective for 45-50 minutes, after which the body stops reacting to weight loss. What is an advisable duration of a good, brisk walking session?

Amrita Gujral

The Process of the body is that it first utilizes Carbohydrates for the 1st 20-25 minutes depending on the intensity of your training post which it gets into the fat burning zone from the 25th-45th minute. If you are an individual who is restricted because of time and have worked out well for 45mins the food news is that you have burnt fat. Don’t stop after 30 mins because the period from the 25th-45th is the most crucial period of your training. On the other hand, if you like working out for a longer period of time then ensure that you are consuming simple carbohydrates so that you body doesnt utilize your muscle for using energy as a fuel, let that fuel come from a simple carbohydrate without disturbing your muscle mass. A simple carbohydrate could be anything from a Gatorade to a banana but make sure it is consumed in small quantities at time intervals.

If I want to remain fit, should I be eating more or less than my metabolic rate and if I burn close to 5000 calories per week, how often can i incorporate the a cheat meal?

Malavika K Saxena

If you want to remain fit, it is imperative for you to sit with your Nutrionist and design a diet according to the Metabolic Rate of your body. By eating more than what your body burns, you would be overeating which would add to your weight and if you eat less, then your body would lose muscle which also leads to fat gain. Simple Thumb rule- More the muscle , less the fat and less the muscle, more the fat. Incorporating a cheat meal purely depends on your Fitness goal but I use a simple rule, if you want to enjoy a cheat meal, make sure you hit the gym and burn extra calories to earn the cheat meal.

What is an ideal calorie intake? How much daily intake of protein, fats, carbs etc is required to stay fit?

square logo/ shutterstock.com

Your ideal calorie intake has to be in line with your Basal Metabolic Rate. To Know your Basal Metabolic Rate you can visit your gym and they would help you out and just in case you are not going to a gym, you can use any BMR Calculator on Google.

Once You know your Metabolic Rate your Nutrionist would divide those calories across carbohydrates, proteins and Fats.

Fitness

We often read up on generic diet advice provided in magzines and newspapers (often provided by recognized nutrionists). Is it advisable to follow these diets or do diet plans need to be customised?

Radhika Mantri

I would never advise anyone to follow a generic diet as we all lead different lifestyles. As a Nutrionist, my prime focus is always to understand the lifestyle of the individual and then on I would prepare a new lifestyle with him/her after knowing his or her dislikes are. Its not easy to follow a clean diet immediately hence I would need to know the lifestyle of the person and work accordingly. Eventually I would take you the the Perfect diet depending on how quick the client is responding to the progression of the diet suggested to him/her.

I eat 3 major and 3 mini meals a day. I would like to cheat once in a while. Please give some points so I can cheat smartly.

Also, if I indulge excessively, how do I calculate my next day workout to undo the mistake?

Sumeet Sachdev

Eating 3 major and 3 minor meals is the best way to keep yourself fit. We all love our cheat meals but ensure that you avoid cheating at night and you rather keep the cheat meals for the lunch or early evening snack. If you have a sweet tooth, the best way to cheat that meal is to have it immediately after your workout or have it as a meal but not with a meal. Your body requires energy ever 2-2.5 hours so once in a while it would be smart to have your cheat meal as a meal rather than having it with a meal. For eg. Post Lunch if you want to have a chocolate, if you do that you are actually storing excess fat but if you would have that same chocolate after 2.5 hours, that time your body needs energy from a meal so you could have that chocolate as a meal and not mix anything with it so that your body does not store that chocolate but would actually utilize it as energy for the next 2- 2.5 Hours.

There is technically no rule of undoing anything the next day because you can’t reduce your eating the next day to compensate for the overeating of the last day as its a new day and you have to consume your Basal Metabolic Rate because thats the minimum your body burns. Just make sure you train harder at the gym by working out for some extra time. I try to burn extra calories the day I know I am cheating or at best I ensure I never miss my training at least for that particular day.

What is an ideal workout regimen to stay lean?

You should workout at least 5 times a week come what may and when u mention lean, you must break that work out by doing strength training( functional, circuit, trx, kettle bell) 3 times a week followed by 15-20 intense cardio and twice a week do a good 45-60 minute cardio session. And of course , eat right !!

I have lost tremendous amount of weight in the last one year.

This also caused a lot of muscle loss. Now I am at a stage where I need to build on my muscle mass but am yet to get rid of the very little stubborn flab around my waist. How should I balance my weight training and cardio to achieve both?

Sumeet Sachdev

You have to tactful on the ratio of your Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fat depending on the goal you have in mind. The ratio of complex carbs and protein would change depending on the goal.

From the training aspect, its very important that you dont focus all your energies on only cardio or excess cardio post your weight training. Depending on your goal, you could weight train 4 times a week and keep cardio for 2 times a week and probably on the days you weight you could do maximum 20 mts cardio post your weights on 2 days.

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Fitness

25

Food

The DOUBLE

TROUBLE

Duo Shweta Menon and Sunnaeya Kapur together run Pllatterati. A gourmet’s paradise and a one-stop destination for all at-home/ private/ corporate entertaining needs. Fun filled parties, to a regular, chilled out evening with friends and even a romantic dinner for two are their forte’.

Pllatterati provides customized menu selections of lip-smacking food covering all types of cuisines, thus offering a variety of culinary practices from around the world while assuring a balanced, wholesome and good dining experience.

Shweta, Partner and Head Chef at Pllatterati is professionally trained in classical French and Continental cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu, London. She is equally adept at Awadhi Cuisine having mastered it under training from some of Lucknow’s famed Khaansaamas. She has an in-depth knowledge and a native flair for South Indian food as well.

Sunnaeya is Partner and Business Head at Pllatterati. Akin to her temperament, she has the flair to create the right tone and ambience for the occasion. She will guide you in various other aspects required to make the occasion a memorable one. She also overlooks and organizes other sevices such as Bartending, Waiters, Dj’s, Live Singers and so on, if required, on request.

Chicken Roulade Pakoda (The FIFA Snack) Shwetsie- “What awesome weather. Chai & pakoda time!!!”

Sun- “Awesome weather indeed. How about some beer and fried chicken.”

Shwetsie- “Hmmm...Lets make it more interesting...Chicken Roulade Pakoda??”

Sun- “Isn’t that one of the items on the menu for the football party we are catering to?? Chicken Roulade Pakoda and FIFA...I like!!! How about a simpler recipe for it so even a novice could Mi.Ti / shutterstock.com attempt it??”

Shwetsie- “What would be interesting and different is to peel long strips of aubergine or courgettes. Grill them lightly in olive oil. Place your choice of stuffing like shredded chicken or cottage cheese with herbs on one side of each strip.

Roll it to make a roulade shape. Refrigerate for an hour or so. Dip in any kind of batter, like a tempura or rice flour batter. Deep fry and serve with a thai chilli dipping sauce or a plum sauce. What say Sun, shall I push you into the kitchen while I sip on my beers!!!”

Sun- “Ha ha...Sounds like a plan!!!”

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Where the streets

by Ratan Sethi Photographs by Aparna Paul Jain

Besides gaining some spiritual insights when you’re in

Benaras,

there’s one other thing you are bound to bring back with you - weight. After my 3 day stay in the ‘holy city’, I found myself with some excess baggage of the fleshy kind.

Having said that, I would go back to eat in Benaras in the blink of an eye. Even if it means having to spend extra hours at the gym. Everything available there is pretty much either deep-fried or sweet. And it all tastes so good that your eyes will constantly be rolling to the back of your head.

On my return journey to Delhi, my co-passenger was a gentleman named Ian from Canada, who had recently retired and was traveling the world. He had spent a week in Benaras and had all these notes and pictures about the street food and wanted me to explain every one of them to him. We spent almost the entire night talking about the city and our experiences and afterwards he was understandably disappointed that he hadn’t been brave enough to try any of the street food. “Damn!” he blurted out.

“I’m going to have to make another trip just to eat!”

All beautifully photographed by my friend and travel companion, Aparna Paul Jain, I hope the pictures will entice you to visit Benaras or at least salivate while reading.

Followed by a plate of hot kachoris and hot jalebis at our favorite ‘dhaba’ 28

Begin your morning in the Ghat’s with some fresh cream over fresh baked bread!

I swear I’m not a huge fan of fried savory foods. But these samosas and kachoris (served with a potato subzi) were to kill for.

Food

have great food Oh my God, the jalebis. Like no jalebis I have ever eaten. I would eat a plateful of them every morning.

Not lying.

Best lassi I have ever had.

BEST ever!

Malaiyyo.

A winter sweet made with sweetened milk and saffron, left out overnight in the dew and then churned to a froth.

SO delicious.

The rabri cauldron.

You have to visit Benaras in the winter to enjoy these to the max.

Ending the night with a Benarasi paan. Be sure to take your sweet tooth with you 29

PARSI CUISINE

AKURI

Ingredients: 4 eggs 2 medium onions, chopped 2 green chilies, finely chopped 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste Fresh Dhaniya leaves, one fist full Salt to taste Oil

by Kamalrookh Karbhary

daniel vela/ shutterstock.com

Method Heat oil in a pan and fry onions till brown. Add salt, ginger and garlic and fry further (Ensure there’s enough oil to avoid lumps being formed). Keep stirring and add finely chopped green chillies. Fry well and reduce flame.

In a bowl, nicely whip the eggs. Adding few drops of water would help make them fluffier.

Add tomatoes to the pan and fry them on high heat, let them fry but not pulp.

Then in a medium trickle add the eggs mixing continuously.

Simmer flame and shut gas once eggs are cooked but soft.

Transfer in a glass bowl and garnish with fresh coriander. If you like coriander slightly cooked you can add it just before shutting the gas.

Indulgences & Accompaniments: Some Parsis love a dash of cream with their Akuri While others love Cheese. You can grate the cheese and add at the last stage and cook till it melts A lot of Parsis who stay in the North of India, eat their Akuri with parathas too, while some love it with their rotli (aka Roti).

You can have it with buttered toast or even Pao.

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Food

31

SOCCER World Cup HISTORY OF WINS 1930 1934 1938

Uruguay Italy Italy

(The World Cup was not held until 1950 because of the Second World War)

AGIF/ shutterstock.com

1950 1954 1958 1962 1966 1970 1974 1978 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 2010

Uruguay West Germany Brazil Brazil England Brazil West Germany Argentina Italy Argentina West Germany Brazil France Brazil Italy Spain

a new World Cup record (2014) the oldest player in the history of the tournament.

Jefferson Bernardes/ shutterstock.com

AGIF/ shutterstock.com

32

Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, Age 43, becomes oldest player in World Cup history.

HOW IT HAPPENED In the match between COLOMBIA and JAPAN, Colombia was leading comfortably 3-1. Manager Jose Pekerman allowed Mondragon to achice this new record by replacing him with the playing goalkeeper in the 85th minute.

And history was created.

The Infamous Biting Incident Here's the run-down of the infamous Biting Incident in World Cup Soccer 2014.

Group D Match: Italy vs Uruguay Uruguay beat Italy 1-0 Biter: Luis Suarez Bitten: Giorgio Chiellini Biter has previous history of twice biting players in different incidents.

?

MarcusVDT/ shutterstock.com

DID YOU KNOW

wavebreakmedia/ shutterstock.com

LEAVE EVEYTHING ELSE ASIDE (IST) Quarter Finals 9:30 PM, July 4, Friday 1:30 AM, July 5, Saturday 9:30 PM, July 5, Saturday 1:30 AM, July 6, Sunday

England, Italy and Spain all failed to advance out of the group stage in the World Cup for the first time since 1974

Jefferson Bernardes/ shutterstock.com

Semi-Finals 1:30 AM, July 9, Wednesday 1:30 AM, July 10, Thursday Third Place Play-Off 1:30 AM, July 13, Sunday Final 12:30 AM, July 14, Monday 33

Favorite Word: “Ji” I say this to everyone who asks me or says something to me.

Favorite Exercise: I am a Yoga person every morning it’s a must for my living.

Favorite outfit: Gowns Dresses and Bikinis ;)

MUGDHA GODSE

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If you were to pick a Bollywood actor as your workout partner who would it be?

Salman Khan or Hrithik Roshan most Definitely !!

Did you choose Bollywood or Bollywood chose you?

How did it happen?

Bollywood chose me, fashion happened to me while I was still trying to figure out what life had in store for me. I was working at a petrol pump as a student when 1 one day decided to try my hand at modelling and that’s where I was noticed and there has been no turning back ever since.

The best form that you would like your man to come in?

Jeans and a crisp white linen shirt. It’s sexy, suave and sophisticated.

What is Mugdha doing when she is not in front of the camera?

Travelling and spending time with my family in Pune or having house parties to catchup with friends who I’ve not been able to meet due to work.

Tell us a helping hand in Bollywood that extended towards you in the time of need. How? Luckily I’ve never really felt the need to go asking for help as the industry and God has been very kind to me but yes Madhur is and will always be a dear friend and if I ever need a hand he is one I’d call for. Salman helped me once get my cheque cleared from a production house too which was really sweet of him and as everyone knows he sure has a heart of gold.

What’s important in a man-woman relationship? Love, Respect, Care or Passion. Order them in preference.

All of them. No relationship can ever function without any of them. Love,Respect,Passion and care.

Your money is on which team for the World Cup Soccer Final?

Argentina or Chile. I don’t follow it much but yes either of the two would make for a good win.

Predict a year when India would qualify for the World Cup Soccer.

My predictions barely come true hence let me leave it to the team and the soccer fans to decide so.

Tell us your favorite hangout place in Andheri West.

My house…Café Indio, The Little Door.

What does the phrase “You may be traveling Global.. But you are always Living Local” mean to you?

Grounded and know where one’s coming from. Money, fame all this will come and go, take us places but its important to be grounded and know ones values.

Tall Dark and Handsome OR Rich Rich and Rich: Handsomely Rich ;)

A product you would never endorse and why?

Fairness cream. I think it belittles girls who are dusky.

Not only do I find it insulting but also extremely saddening that we still have a certain section of society believing in: fair is beautiful.

What’s next professionally where the fans get to see you?

I am currently shooting for 3 films one is Bejubaan Ishq directed by the Dada Saheb Phalke award winner Jaswant Gangani. It’s his hindi film debut too. Then I have 2 more films one titled Romila and one Facebook Dangerous. All these films are women centric and I feel finally cinema has come of age for actresses to start experimenting with their roles. It gives me immense pride to portray the characters I am playing and I am hoping the audiences love it too.

You’ve got sensual eyes. So that’s not part of the question.

What’s one thing that you would change about yourself physically? Why? I love myself the way I am you mentioned my eyes I think the whole of me is Sensual (winks).There’s nothing I’d like to do away or part or change in me. I love Me.

35

E En nt teerrtt aa ii nnmmeen nt t

Who is Mugdha – the person?

As normal a girl as any other with a travel bug inside of her. She loves life and knows how to enjoy it.

Improve The 101 Zone Your Skill

michaeljung/ shutterstock.com

Photography TIP

Acting Audition TIP

Enhance your images by using a

foreground object.

What does it do? It adds depth.

You’ve seen professional photos where 1 person is in focus and others are out of focus. It also adds a contrast to the actual portion of the image that you are trying to focus on or capture.

Example Below: The leaves in foreground.

Relax Your Facial Muscles Ever been to an audition and felt that your facial muscles were not relaxed and making it uneasy for your performance and your speech.

Here’s a useful tip.

Say these lines before an Audition: “Whether the weather be Coooooldd… Or Whether the Weather be Hot (say HAUT)…

We’ll be together.. whatever the weather…

Weather we like it or not (say NAUT).”

Start slow and then say continuously as fast as you can.

Your facial muscles won’t give up on you now.

Go Break a Leg!

36

suravid/ shutterstock.com

Entertainment

Lets get

FILMING Everyone aspires to hold a camera and capture moments. Some aspire to go beyond and tell a story. If you are the latter than you are an Independent Filmmaker at heart. Now all you need is the tools to tell your story. This article will not get into the Creative aspect of your story-telling but tell you about the

Top Six Pieces of Equipment Every Independent Filmmaker Needs MOVIE CAMERA

LIGHTING

Sounds Expensive right? Not really. Today, with the Digital Filmmaking at fingertips, a camera needs to be as Basic as possible for beginners. Canon and Nikon are the best options and there are a variety of DSLR’s available. Remember you need to tell a story, the cosmetics of an expensive camera etc should not worry first-timers.

Keep it Simple. If you are constrained with budgets, ideally you should use as much natural light, outdoor locations as possible. Five-point lighting kit for film is needed and this is the most expensive piece.

Unless you intend on doing lot of light related work with your own kit as a DoP, we suggest renting light equipment.

SOUND RECORDER / MICROPHONE

LIGHTING

Unless you are going to make another The Artist (Oscar Winner for Best Motion Picture of 2012), a good Sound recording will make the overall production quality polished.

Keep it Simple. If you are constrained with budgets, ideally you should use as much natural light, outdoor locations as possible. Five-point lighting kit for film is needed and this is the most expensive piece.

Unless you intend on doing lot of light related work with your own kit as a DoP, we suggest renting light equipment.

Sennheiser offers a range of Microphone Series that are easily available and not too expensive.

For Sound Recorder we recomment the Zoom H4n.

Records on SD/SDHC cards, has built in mics & speaker and uses simple AA batteries.

SLIDER/ GLIDECAM EQUIPMENT Unless you want to shoot a street style guerrilla kinda film, investing in a slider or glidecam will give your film a quality, professional and expensie look and steer cleat from the low-budget tag.

Slider or glidecam may be priced anywhere between 15,000 INR to 50,000 INR. And there is always a good way for first-timers to rent them on need basis.

THE CREW Damnit! The most expensive thing and now you are telling me about it. If that thought crossed your mind then let us share the beauty of being an independent filmmaker- your crew usually comes for Free. How? In the form of Family and Friends. Every Independent filmmaker at some point of their initial careers seeked the support of their loved ones. And remember, its an art form everyone likes to be associated with.

My three Ps: passion, patience, perseverance. You have to do this if you’ve got to be a filmmaker.

- Robert Wise Thinkers Think... Doers Do. What are you waiting for?

37

There is Something about

BENARAS

by Ratan Sethi

Benaras was never in my travel radar until a couple of years ago, when I went through some kind of a personal transformation. Although how it exactly turned to ‘fascinating’ from ‘uninteresting’, even I can’t explain. What also helped was that Aparna, my photographer friend was going to accompany me on this trip.

After a 3 hour train delay, 2 auto-rickshaws that broke down on the way and a fun third ride with a chatty driver, I finally reached Godowlia Chowk, close to where I was supposed to meet Aparna, who had arrived from Kolkata a couple of hours earlier.

As I got off the auto-rickshaw to walk the final section, I was greeted by a sea of humanity. On either side were rows of little stores but I had to keep my eyes focussed on the road as I began jostling my luggage through the crowds. A few minutes later my friend spotted me and we met each other with peals of laughter.

Walking towards our hotel, Aparna, who was now well-versed with the art of walking the narrow lanes, kept asking me to keep my eyes on the road. “You’re going to step into poop”, she said.

Maneuvering through the chock-a-bloc lanes while looking out for cow poop, plus carrying on a conversation, was challenging to say the least.

The evening aarti at the Dasawamedh Ghat, a one-hour long, grandly decorated, brightly lit, tastefully choreographed prayer service was my favorite part of the day. The entire time I felt like I was in a trance. There was a group of tourists from Brazil sitting around me with whom I had exchanged smiles earlier. One of the women in a heavy accent said to me, “Isn’t this the most incredible thing you’ve ever seen?”. I nodded and smiled, thinking to myself that you don’t have to belong to any religion or even be religious to appreciate a beautiful prayer service.

It was near midnight and it seemed like we hadn’t stopped for a moment between some saree shopping, checking out the weaving looms, going on a boat ride etc.

It had been a long and tiring day. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to sleep right away as my mind was on overdrive from the 38

Tr a v e l

constant stimulation. I went online and found out that the sun was expected to rise at 6 am.

“I’ll see you in the lobby at 5:45 am”, I said to Aparna, checking the soles of my shoes for poop.

Early mornings at the ghats were quiet and peaceful with a spectacular sunrise over the Ganga. Once the sun was up and we were done clicking, what seemed like a million pictures, we decided to sit on the steps and just relax for a while. A lean, scruffy old man came up to me and held out his hand.

I did the polite thing and shook it, assuming that he was just being friendly.

Except that he wouldn’t let go and began massaging my arm, slowly working his way up to my shoulders. The apparently eighty year old masseur certainly knew what he was doing and it felt pretty damn good. He convinced me to lie on my stomach right there on the steps while he worked on my back and legs. Meanwhile tourists kept stopping by and taking pictures. I tried to get them to pay me for the photos but they just laughed and moved on. I could see from Aparna’s pictures later, why it would have looked so hilarious as he sat on my butt and worked on my back.

We had been for a boat ride the previous morning but Aparna was very unhappy with our boatman. “He’s supposed to tell us stories,” she kept saying. “That’s supposed to be the best part of the boat ride.” So since our first boat ride wasn’t satisfactory, Aparna checked with a friend who referred Tinku the boatman, who had stories coming out of everywhere. Not surprisingly, after about five minutes both of us stopped listening. So much for ‘the best part of a boat ride’.

Looking back it seems unreal as to how days in the oldest living city. We he said pointing to a small duffle bag. quickly we adapted to surroundings struck up a conversation over coffee. “My parents force me to carry a cell that were so foreign to us city slickers.

Once he found out that I had a phone.” He laughed saying that he Walking the small lanes of the ancient food blog he went from being ‘just didn’t have a connection. “When I city, everything seemed fascinating and friendly’ to ‘I love food - I want to go to a place that has free wifi, I send at the same time comforting. We made be you’! them an email to let them know that an attempt to leave the real Benaras and I’m okay.” had our taxi driver bring us back in an “Do you know why I keep coming hour. “But you’ve paid me for the enback to Varanasi?” he asked. “They He told me that he had tire day,” he protested. It didn’t matter. have the best lassi!” thought of becoming a sadhu for a couple of Pascal and I met on the last of my 3 Pascal was born in Switzerland 27 years, to experience years ago, works for organizations their lifestyle, to not like Greenpeace for 4 months in the have any emotional year and travels the rest of the time. ties. “I think I would India is in his itinerary every year. make a good sadhu”, Travel is on a shoestring budget, he laughed. staying/eating at the most basic ho“Why do you think you are the way tels/restaurants or with friends, unreserved compartments of trains and you are?” I asked. non-luxury buses for commuting.

He shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve “What makes you do this?” I asked. never lacked anything, I grew up in a “You could have such a comfortable normal home with parents that have always loved me.” life back home.”

“It’s boring”, he responded. “I love “When was the last time you sent my country but everything is the same. I come here and every place I them an email?” go to has something new to offer.”

“But isn’t it hard roughing it out like His smile told me that it had been a while. this?”

“Not really,” he replied. “If you’ve “Let’s go to the Blue Lassi Shop,” he always had everything, you realize that money isn’t what’s important.” said after a short pause.

Coming from a 27 year old, it sounded profound and reminded me “They have free wifi.” of my favorite line in The Fight Club - The things you own end up owning I looked at him and smiled back.

There definitely was something about you.

Pascal!

“All my possessions are in here,” 39

40

Community

LOKHANDWALA PARk No.4

AND H WES ERI GRE T ENS

Take advantage of YOUR Neighborhood PARKS

JOGGERS PARK, LOKHANDWALA BACK ROAD

M.C.G.M Park, Oshiwara

NANA-NANI PARK, VERSOVA

CHACHA NEHRU UDYAN, MODEL TOWN

41

RASHIM CHAHAL

ANDHERI WEST COMMUNITY SUCCESS STORY A wise woman once said, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” (Mae West) and my todays guest is one such lady. Sitting elegantly in her ornately done up yari road apartment, Rashim Chahal exuberates grace and class.

Alumni of the famous St Bedes Collge in Shimla, Her journey in Andheri west began in the year 1987 when her Air Force pilot husband took up a Job with Air India and they moved to Mumbai. ‘Living in Mumbai was my destiny I guess as being born and brought up in a small town of Hoshiarpur who could have thought I would end up calling mumbai my home.’

Andheri West Resident for the past 27 years

She recalls how Andheri west back then had hardly any residents, and little did she know that in the next few years it would become one of the most densely populated suburbs of Mumbai. ‘my dhobi to bhaajiwaala are all whom I’ve seen as little boys and are now fathers and some even grand fathers today.’

At the age of 64 yrs, Rashim has started her new venture called ‘Greenhouse Café’ located 64 kms away on the Mumbai-Nasik highway.

And my chat with her convinces me about her passion and drive to achieve something even at this age when most women would hang their boots and live a retired life.

Her day starts at 5.00 am when she wakes up and gets ready to leave for the café by 6.30 am, which is (believe it or not) 64 kms away.

From Wedding planning to Interior designing to working at The Ashoka Hotel in the 1980’s Rashim has done it all, not to miss her social work which she doesn’t like to talk about much, I ask her what made her start a café at this age and that too on the highway. Rashim is quick to answer ‘I always wanted to ‘have’ something of my own but never really got a chance, and when this opportunity came my way I couldn’t let it go.’ She further elaborates,’ Of course I had to make up my mind for all the sweat and toil that it required but I knew in the end it would be worth it’. The sparkle in her eyes while talking about the cafe says it all. ‘The satisfaction and sense of achievement that this venture has got me at this stage of my life is worth all my hard work and toil.’

42

Community

Being a people’s person, meeting different people from all spheres of life is what makes her day at the café interesting and fun. ‘I’m a hardcore Punjabi foodie who doesn’t like to cook’ retorts Rashim, and one look at the menu you know she means business- and serious food business in every sense. Their breakfast menu is one of the best you could get by far on a highway and is at par with any of our city cafes. From Sausage and baked beans to stuffed parathas and south IndiaGreen House café has it all. ‘I used to be a frequent traveller on the MumbaiNasik Highway and always struggled to get good quality food’ says Rashim, ‘so when the opportunity to open a café came, I wouldn’t miss it for anything.’ She tells me that most of her ingredients and groceries are personally hand picked by her team and they do not rely on any bulk supplier. ‘The food at my café is as hygienic and high quality as we would have in our homes since I did not want to settle for anything but the best.’

“we have become a self sufficient neighborhood with little or no need to travel long distances for recreation.”

Living in Andheri West for 27 years, I ask Rashim how things have changed from back then to now to which she says ‘Earlier we had to travel to other neighborhoods for restaurants and shopping, we didn’t even have a theatre in our neighborhood, but today we are spoilt for choice- we have become a self sufficient neighborhood with little or no need to travel long distances for recreation’. ‘I love how these small restaurants have mushroomed in the last few years offering great dining experience.’ From Legacy of China being her old time favourite, she is a frequent today to Nom Nom. ‘Today we have EVERYTHING in Andheri. Kya Nahi Hai yahaan- From Pizza Express to Mainland china to Urban Tadka, You name it and we have it’ rightly so.

Someone has rightly said, ‘Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life’. Rashim Chahal is a prime example of how life begins at 64 with dreams in her eyes and something exciting to wake up to even today.

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44

Tip #2: Look Around and Beyond the Obvious

- by Meera

Dear Parents, Look around and beyond the obvious is the mantra for you this month.

Look around at what? Is there something specific I need to look out for?

In a city which is a concrete jungle, with buildings all over the place, traffic jams, dust, overcrowded areas, what is there for me to look around at?

Stop for a minute and think. When in the car with your child there is a lot you can look at and this will lead to bonding as well as value inculcating in an indirect manner.

There are the Gulmohar trees in full bloom, the orange of the flowers is so bright and chirpy, the Bouganville are spilling over with tumultuous colours, they vary from shocking pink to white to purple and an ochre shade and if you just point these out to the children not only will they learn the names of various flowers but automatically they will learn the colours too.

At present the rain washed trees look green, there are various shades visible in them. New tender leaves are sprouting. When it rains one can smell the earth, maybe one would prefer to say the dust and grit in the city but lets not be so jaded. We need to connect with Nature and appreciate all that she has to offer us.

The clouds change colour from white to grey to dark grey, it may be raining in one area but a few kms away it may be dry and one drives from the wet spell to the dry one!

The face of the sea and the waves change, they are more gusty and strong, the wind blows more vigorously and all this can be noticed, pointed out and enjoyed.

When you see a car stopping to let another human being cross the road, you can bring this to your child’s

2xSamara.com/ shutterstock.com

notice and appreciate the gesture.

Your child will imbibe it and do the same at a later date. Same goes for littering or waiting at the traffic signal. Thank the auto or taxi driver who has dropped you, thank the liftman or watchman and address them by their names. These are little gestures we need to look out for and they will all lead to making a difference in the lives of all involved.

A long drive can always be fun and “I spy” games can be played which will enhance the insight of the child and develop the ability of looking beyond the obvious. The sight of a plane landing or taking off too has its own charm and one marvels at the man made machine which takes us across miles.

When in the park besides enjoying the slides and sand pit, spend a few moments noticing the perfection of the flowers and leaves, their varieties and their beauty. Keep the child in you alive and if you make a conscious effort to point out these things to your child, there will always be fun and pleasure in what you do and see.

The courtyard at The Little Company in Bandra is a tree laden one and the

children see them bearing fruit such as mangoes and guavas. There are little birds which visit this green area which are normally seen in the hills, they are rare but one does site them, colourful sun birds. The neem tree in the rains smells so lovely. All we need to do is to develop our sight to see all this and not take it for granted.

A 24 year old boy seeing out from the train’s window shouted...”Dad, look the trees are going behind!’. The Dad smiled. A young couple sitting nearby in the train looked at the 24 year old’s childish behaviour and remark with pity. The boy suddenly exclaimed “Dad look the clouds are running with us !’. The couple couldn’t resist and said to the Dad “Why dont you take your son to a good doctor?” The gentleman smiled and said “I did and we are just coming from the hospital, my son was blind from birth, he just got his eyes today”.

Its never too late to start afresh and appreciate and notice all the beautiful things which surround us. We just need to stop and hold on for a few precious moments to notice things which we have become oblivious to and which we take totally for granted.

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Community

THE LITTLE CONNECTION

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Restaurants

Education Fashion

Neck Of TheWoods Events Festivals Parties Activities

Workshop on Advanced Portrait Tattoo Techniques Aliens Tattoo, Versova July 5th, Saturday

Chinese Coffee- a play by Ira Lewis Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, Sat Jul 05 2014 at 06:00 pm

Community

Workshop- “Relationship-The Heart and Soul of Life” Classique Club Raheja, Lokhandwala, Sat Jul 05 2014 at 03:00 pm Archana Trust Suburban exhibition #ShoppersParadise The Club, D.N. Nagar Tue Jul 08 2014 at 10:00 am

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CHEAT SHEET DN Nagar Oshiwara Versova

Police Stations 26303893 26304002 26323861 26323862 26304812 26365420

Andheri West Fire Station (Fire Brigade) 26205301 26205101 RTO Office 111 D, Ambivali Village, Opposite Manish Nagar, Versova, Four Bunglows 26323315 26362252 24 Hrs Ambulance Service SRCT Ambulance 45204640 Love parents 45110142 KGN Ambulance 49171839 Pet Ambulance Service Save Our Strays 9820141310 Shree Ram Anugraha Trust 9619933223 Associations Punjabi 9324119795/ 9324220053/ 9833852467 Sindhi 9820625712 Lokhandwala Residents 9822254387 Lokhandwala Federation 9867764555 Vyapari Mandal 9322233191

Krasimmira Nevenova / shutterstock.com

Right Diet For You - Your relationship to Food & your Body Raheja Classique club, lokhandwala Sat Jul 12 2014 at 07:00 – 9:00pm B*mb Thursday @ Hard Rock Cafe Andheri feat. THE LIGHTYEARS EXPLODE and TEJAS Hard Rock Cafe Andheri, Thu Jul 17 2014 at 09:00 pm Talk to the Entities 2.5 Day Beginner’s Class Raheja Classique club, Lokhandwala Fri Jul 25 2014 at 09:30 am A Walk In The Woods Naseeruddin Shah and Rajit Kapoor, Dir: Ratna Pathak Shah Wed Jul 30 2014

Celebrating Vivaha JW Marriott, juhu Fri Jul 25 2014

ALL EARS..... Your voice can either aid or hinder successful communication. Hotel Karl Residency, 38, Lalubhai Park Road Sat Jul 12 2014 at 10:00 am Soundathon Masterclass with Shantanu Hudlikar YRF Studios, Mon Jul 28 2014 at 08:00 am Little Chefs Master Class - The Potato Prince 04 Jul - 04 Jul AGE 9 to 14 9820188871

Entertainment Industry The Film Writers Association 26733108 26733027 Indian Film & Television Directors Association 26733197 65164283 Cine Artist Welfare Trust 26730511 26730512 Wimptsea (Sound Association) 26744421 Clubs Andheri Sports Complex 26744266 26744989 Country Club 61638251 Celebration Sports Club 26367269 26332244 Renaissance Federation 26255579

DID YOU KNOW

DN Nagar is named after Dadabhai Naoroji, also known as the Grand Old Man of India. Credited with forming the Indian National Congree he was the first Asian to be a British MP.

47

Community

In Your

48

Community

An interview with

RUXANA PATHAN

child prodigy, painter

& celebrator of life and all things beautiful.

by Asheesh Kapur

What form of art best represents Ruxana Pathan?

My paintings are expressionistic in style. They are large format acrylics that enable and exalt the infinite power of the human spirit. Often there are recurring motifs in my work like old door ways, angels and flowers. For me symbols and reality merge at a point of inner significance and i often seek the door ways of consciousness as the axis around which my artistic expression evolves. It is almost like a spiritual allegory where endings are path ways to new beginnings.

Any mentor and your relationship with him / her?

Yes, Krishnaji Howlaji Ara the artist extraordinaire, master painter of Modern Indian Art and founder member of the Progressive Artists’ Group with M.F. Husain , F.N. Souza and S.H. Raza. He was also my foster father, my third parent and my mentor. As a child the first word i ever uttered when i was around him was “Inna” and that is how i fondly referred to him all my life. I grew up watching him and my mother, Zenab, paint. Inna always said, “Painting Mein Jaan Daal Do”. Mine was a beautifully rich childhood.

Your first exhibition?

When K.H. Ara organized a show of a hundred odd abstract paintings by a two year old girl, many cynics and art critics called it

a publicity stunt stating that a little girl surely could not paint this well. Ara immediately organized a press conference where the same child artist painted in front of the media and people from the art fraternity. All speculations were silenced. This event was also filmed as a Films Division Documentary. Herein began my wondrous journey as an artist.

sell. To suppress that inner voice in order to concede to the commercialization of art. Also artists must avoid being self indulgent for they might lose themselves and their expression, thereby, disintegrating into absolute mediocrity.

Is your home where your heart is?

My husband Tariq Siddiqui , he is home for me and he is my heart.

Do you believe in Angels ?

Yes. I have three watching over me. Inna , my mother and my husband who is the living angel but sometimes he behaves more like a devil.

Your favorite color?

As an artist i attempt to explore and manipulate the orchestration of colors. Within them lie silences, depths and rhythms. I use color to create works that refract life through an aesthetic prism, not just to bring joy or to caress the soul, but also to fortify and validate. All colors are important to me.

How do you evaluate success?

The whole idea of being successful is to be able to live life on your own terms. True success is freedom from the bondage of ‘being successful’ . I recall what Charles Horton Cooley said , “an artist cannot fail, for it is already a success to be one”.

The biggest mistake artists make?

To let their art be dictated by the pressure to

Your greatest emotional strength ?

My Faith and my God.

Your greatest indulgence ?

My food. Being a complete foodie i have been blessed with the art of awesome cooking. From the humble yet heavenly ‘daal chawal’ to the most exotic ‘khichda’ , i simply cannot resist food.

The best way to say good bye is? Do we ever say good bye? Does anything end?

This never ending, ever evolving transition, the metaphysics of the universe as it unfolds and transforms from one rhythm to another must be respected. Our loved ones, though they move on , continue to live as parts of our soul. Life is infinite and time is an artist that never stops….

Ruxana is a resident of Andheri West since 2005

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TALKING ABOUT OUR PROBLEMS IS OUR GREATEST ADDICTION

by Utkarsh Roy “I can’t take this anymore, I hate my Life!”, sobbed John. “It’s okay”, I said. “Everything is going to be fine”.

John was sharing another one of his complications in Life. That was all he ever did! Problems, gossips, break-ups, heart-breaks, grief, sorrow, pain, anger, the dark despondent side of his Life was all shared.

Isn’t this what we all do? Don’t we always tend to share the gloomy side of our lives, thinking there is no joy at all? Thinking being grief-stricken is far better than being happy! All we do is talk about our problems to another person and how miserable and screwed up our Life is. Isn’t it an addiction?

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Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction, why can’t we talk about our joys instead?

Sadness is over-rated, problems are over-rated but aren’t our joys a bit too below the required level, aren’t they a bit too under-rated?

Why can’t we talk about the happy things, things that would brighten up someone’s day and in turn yours too! Yes, grief has to be shared, but why can’t one share his joys too!

“Shared joy is a doubled joy, shared sorrow is half a sorrow” Sharing sorrows of your life won’t completely make them go away, time eventually will.

But sharing your joys with somebody would surely be multiplied into a much greater joy.

Henry Burton once said, “Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; ‘Twas not given for thee alone, Pass it on; Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another’s tears, ‘Til in Heaven the deed appears Pass it on.”

TALKING ABOUT OUR PROBLEMS IS OUR GREATEST ADDICTION. BREAK THE HABIT. TALK ABOUT YOUR JOYS.

Spiritual

THE POWER OF SILENCE

by Saloni Bhardwaj

In this age of pace and rapid communication, words have more importance than feelings. On several occasions the person may appear calm on the outside but their maybe constant chatter inside. The advent of social media has compounded this over expressing, excessive need for communication. The vigorous thought process and the strenuous lip service are barely put to rest. Strangely, if one looks around most people will always be found talking or communicating in some form or the other. What ever little time one gets, is spent in conversation. Expression of happiness or venting of anger-grief, just regular reportage of the day or some sensation that our average life may have witnessed. All needs to be told to somebody. Words are perhaps the most important part of our curriculum.

Talking is the exchange of energy and energy flows from a higher level to a lower level; therefore, you are giving the other person more of what you have. Here we are talking of quantity. Sometimes after a conversation you feel fulfilled, while other times drained; sometimes motivated, while other times grouchy. Such situation is reached because you are exchanging vibes or getting from the other what you do not have. The other person’s happiness uplifted you since he gave you his higher energy, while the lady who was miserable, depressed you since she sucked your energy. Why do some people motivate you while others induce depression? Why do you feel tired after long conversations?

Energy is the form of consciousness in a human body and conserving it means benefiting your physical, mental and spiritual self. Retention or adequate expression of any thought or emotion fortifies your internal energy. This in turn helps your ethereal body to expand. This power-dose is used by your body to give you good health, better thought process and a higher quality of life.

Language was a part of communication but now it’s a habit. One keeps talking all the time and usually more than required. Everything told, retold, discussed and analyzed but no outcome is reached. Most people fear silence since it induces introspection; it makes you hear your inner voice. There are moments of life which give you innate satisfaction; again there are instances which plunge you in anguish; your aim should be to learn from them. Over expression of your joy will end that fervor and repetition of your grief leads you no where. If you keep quiet and retain the energy you have got in such times it would help you in character building. A joy adequately expressed doubles energy which is utilized by the body for good health and creative aspects; grief takes you to an introspection of your own deeds.

LISTEN and SILENT are words spelt like a jig-saw and by the use of these in your life you learn the most; by both you are accumulating and retaining energy. Most silent people are keen observers; silence provokes an internal calm and brings about serenity. Practicing silence in your habit shall help you closer to your self and God. Learn retention and fruitful channelising of that force. Successful people or motivational speakers are nothing but people who have used their energy like money, with a deft hand. Refrain from futile speech and obtain innate internal stillness; observe absence of verbal fatigue and lead an enlightened life. After all a day spent In silence is the best pilgrimage.

STILLFX / shutterstock.com

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HOROSCOPE (JULY) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANCER!

For Cancerians (born between June 21st and July 21st, inclusive), the year ahead promises to be familiar and friendly. There is emotional happiness. The ability to pull that happiness into other areas of your life will also be strong. You will be appreciative of all that happens. Keep your positive antennae up. Don’t over-do the emotional engagement bit, though. And if you are not sure how to keep that part under control, ask folks whose wisdom you would trust. Though not a hugely active year, you are likely to enjoy yourself a lot.

(Please note: The guide uses Zodiac Signs according to date of birth, and not according to your Sun Sign, Moon Sign or Ascendant. There is no cusp.)

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th):

July could prove to be a little confusing for you. There will be not mush you can spearhead into happening.

Yet, if you can exercise a bit of calm, there can be some things you can accomplish by sheer tenacity and determination. On the other hand, you may not find anything to be determined about, which is quite all right, actually. Just carry on doing your regular stuff and catch up with old friends, for entertainment.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 20th):

If you have plans in place, July could be wonderful for you. You will see progress in anything towards your desired outcome, though the outcome may not be short-term, provided you know what you are doing.

If you don’t, then just stick to your own regular beaten track, and do everything within the box for your own comfort.

LIBRA (September 23rd-October 22nd):

July is going to be slightly easier for you than it is for the other Air signs, so start off with a deep, calming breath.

There is not much scope for bringing in new ideas, but it is a very good time to wrap up things you have been already working on in a productive way. This is difficult if it is repetitive, but you just may manage to speed things up for yourself, if (a big if, by the way) you do not get caught up in experimenting just for the heck of it. A day at a time is a good pace for you to practise channelling your energy.

SCORPIO (October 23rd-November 22nd):

An enriching month for you… It is a good idea to be calm enough to hear your inner guidance, and to be observant enough to see what a good time you actually are having.

Energies will strongly encourage you to pace yourself, focus and be honest with yourself in matters that matter. This kind of sitGEMINI (May 21st-June 20th): uation is ideal for laying the foundation for long-term projects. If you are July is a month that will support general determination and effort, and if you have anything of short dura- looking at short-term satisfaction, nada. Instead, let off emotional steam by having enjoyable movie dates with close friends. tion that can engage your interest for the month, you know what you have to do. Other than that, the month SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st): is not very easy for you and you may end up feeling restricted and July is an inexplicably difficult month for you. Now that limited. Briefly, there could a flutter of some imaginative challenge… we have got that out of the way, here is how you can turn but it will not last. So buckle and practise your practice! it to advantage. Get out projects you have put aside for various reasons and restart. You can get a lot accomCANCER (June 21st-July 21st): plished in this, by using the formula of ‘plodding’. It works wonderfully Have a happy birthday! And a wonderfully tuned-in when you focus on it. Also, if you like to enhance your knowledge, this is month for you! In many ways, you will be doing the a month to Read! Taking what is offered, instead of hankering for what is right thing, at the right pace, with the right motivation, so that is kinda awesome! Also, your particular just not available for now is a robust attitude that works for you. situation may turn challenges into minor tests, to which you will sudCAPRICORN (December 22nd–January 19th): denly get hold of answers, so how does it get better than that! Watch Your month, somewhat…! You know about hard work, out for multiple choices, though… if you are not sure of yourself, you effort and dedication. You can re-interpret childhood may stumble over others. dreams as goals. You can also get unfinished work out

LEO (July 22nd-August 22nd):

Though the month of July may not be easy for you, and though I can’t offer you much mitigation, there is one thing that will keep you afloat, and that is your ability to take charge when the going gets rough.

However, be alerted right now that the going will not be rough at all.

It will just not be your style. But you can pretend for a while to have taken on the responsibility of everybody’s hard work, and thus cast your blessings on them to ease matters for yourself. Hunker down, anyway, and this, too, shall pass. And if something exciting comes up, remember that it will be brief, so don’t go chasing that chimera.

VIRGO (August 23rd-September 22nd):

July can be an unexpectedly good month for you, if only you will allow yourself. You get plenty of opportunities to do what you are already good at, and you will also get a few shots at letting down your hair and grooving away. Honestly, you will not over-indulge in any fun, so it’s all right for you to indulge… and be happy. If things get too serious mid-month, as it is likely to be, you will notice that you are one of the few holding up well. It would be a good idea, more like positive karma (!) to help others not as stable as you.

and set up a new plan to complete them. And this month will give you opportunity for precisely such work. Enjoy your occasional time off, and keep doing what you do so well. And, by the way, you will also understand as the month closes, that some very special honing has happened to your spirit!

AQUARIUS (January 20th–February 18th):

If you have things to do that you have earlier planned, this month will be productive. For that, however, you will have to rein in your tendency of looking into more options and just stick to what needs to be done right now.

You will be in no mood for emotional drama, so a good way to release anything pent up would be to have a hobby you are particularly fond of, and visit with it as often as you can.

PISCES (February 19th-March 20th):

A good month for you… and to make it better, you need to take action, particularly on everything you consider good for you. It is possible for you to work on long-term goals. Encourage yourself to reach where you want to by designing a path as enchanting as you want. Set the mood in any way you know to keep at doing things on the agenda. Don’t divert. Don’t walk away. Your engagement is the encouragement your dreams need to actualise. You would be exemplary at ‘effort’, if you put yourself to it, so please do. It will be fruitful.

Have an awesome July! - Mohini (MOHINI is a professional Tarot Card reader. She can be reached by e-mail at mohini.tarot@yahoo.com)

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The month of July is named after

Opening DAY METRO

Julius Caesar BIRTHSTONE: Ruby (which symbolizes contentment) BIRTHFLOWERS: Larkspur or the Water Lily.

Zodiac Signs Cancer and Leo

ANDHERI METRO

Doctor’s Day (INDIA) 1st July Independence Day (U.S.A) 4th July World Population Day 11th July View Uptop

Jul 5-July 27 Cycling Tour de France Rina Schild/ shutterstock.com

Golf British Open Jul 17-20

Warren Goldswain/ shutterstock.com

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