RedMagazine Feb 2019 by RED MAGAZINE

`100/JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2019 - VOL. 08 | ISSUE 03 VIZAG

Special Issue - Part 2

FEATURES

DIVAS MAKE THEIR MARK They are a force to reckon as they take their ventures to great heights

REVIEWS

NEW ONES SPOTTED A lot many facilities are here, adding value to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fare

PARTIES

UNROLLING RED CARPET Revellers let their hair down till the wee hours on New Year Eve

Fabulous & fashionable

LIFESTYLE PERSONALITIES CINEMA FEATURE LUXURY EVENTS REVIEWS FOOD PARTIES

NOTE

Pravin not only had a long association with the city, but also an eventful tenure. As the Joint

he City of Destiny has recently witnessed a change of guard with Katamaneni Bhaskar taking over as District Collector from Pravin Kumar, who is going on transfer to West Godavari. While I extend a warm welcome to the new Collector, I, with a heavy heart, bid farewell to Pravin whose service remains etched in our hearts forever.

PUBLISHER’S

“

We are out with our Special Issue Part-2 and which is an extended tribute to inspirational women who took impressive strides in their respective paths. All women deserve

Collector, the GVMC Commissioner and ﬁnally, as the District Collector, he had rendered relentless service to the city, witnessing magniﬁcent highs and abysmal lows. The century’s worst cyclone Hudhud devastated the district and his efforts to restore normalcy, getting it back on its feet in record time are widely acknowledged and often cited as the exemplary. The stupendous success of IFR under his leadership is yet another feather in his cap. Right from the staff in his peshi to the common citizen, everybody will be missing this young dynamic bureaucrat, who kickstarted the Smart City initiatives. Complementing him in every respect is the graceful First Lady of the district Shobhana Smriti, with whom I enjoy a special rapport. She has added value to any fora and dais with her elegance and charm. I wish this beautiful couple everything best.

Chandra Mouli Tippala, Publisher

We have our regular features too in place for you to read and enjoy. I sign off here with a promise to be back very soon.

“My life, my way”- that seems to be her motto. That is how Tamannaah Bhatia’s world runs. Bohemian and blasé, she has chucked norms and sometimes even rewritten them. A multifaceted artiste, she is now set to scorch the screen with powerpacked performances in her latest outings. The star enhances the lustre of our cover with her exquisite looks and Haute columns with her eloquent speech.

to be appreciated, respected and admired as their contribution is crucial to build strong economies and improve the quality of life, families and communities. Our Feature focuses on a few such achievers and ﬁnd out how they are meeting their challenges.

THERE ARE THREE CONSTANTS IN LIFE... CHANGE, CHOICE AND PRINCIPLES.

5TH ANNIVERSARY

3RD ANNIVERSARY

1ST ANNIVERSARY

6TH ANNIVERSARY

4TH ANNIVERSARY

2ND ANNIVERSARY

FOR SHINING SKIN & LUSCIOUS HAIR Naturals, India’s No.1 Hair and Beauty Salon, launched its latest salon at Madhurawada. Vice-President S.Arvind Kumar said, “Having identiﬁed Madhurawada as one of the key markets, this new salon offers signature hair spa and beauty treatments. Naturals is renowned for providing quality services at affordable rates. We also plan to expand our wings and consolidate our hold in Tier II and Tier III towns”. Franchisee Partner Madhu said, "It has always been our aim to provide 100% customer satisfaction.”

VARUN MARUTI SETS A RECORD Varun Maruti, authorised dealer for Maruti Suzuki, set an all time new sales record for Dec 2018. Prabhu Kishore, Chairman, Varun Group said, “Varun Maruti sold 5075 new cars and 1367 true value cars in AP, Telangana and Karnataka. This is the highest ever sales in one month.” The Vizag sales include 815 new cars from Varun Maruti Arena and 151 cars from NEXA. Abbas Khan and Prasad Raju, GM, Varun Maruti and staff were prominently present.

RUPESWARA WINS BIG Rupeswara Rao, Executive Chef, Fairﬁeld By Mariott Visakhapatnam, bagged Chef Of The Year 2018 India award at the Hotelier India Awards 2018 held at JW Marriott Delhi Aerocity. He received the prestigious award in the presence of nearly 300 hospitality delegates across the country. The award has been decided by a panel of renowned area directors and chairman of different hotel brands. Rupeswara said, “I am grateful to the Fairﬁeld team for their immense support and encouragement.”

SHAKE & SHIMMER TO BELEDI Beledi Vizag Jamboree, organised by Madhu Singh - Beledi Alnnah/Mentor (AP) and presented by Swathi Promoters, was held at Diamond Hall, Srikanya Fortune Inn. M.Krishna Reddy, Chairman, Swathi Promoters, inaugurated the event. Hema, Creator of Beledi- a belly dance workout and ﬁtness program for women, and Madhu conducted the high-intensive and exciting session. Nearly 200 women grooved and matched their steps. Madhu said, “Everyone had a great time dancing their way out. Beledi not only burns fat but also helps in curing health (mainly menstrual) problems.” red magazine was the ofﬁcial magazine partner. red | 7th anniv. issue | 18

PRE-SANKRANTI GALA AT GREENDALE Greendale- the Complete International School held pre-Sankranti celebrations on its vast grounds. The venue oozed tradition with a hut decorated with mango leaves, banana saplings, traditional rangoli and Bommala Koluvu. Gobemmalu and Haridasu were added attraction. The youngest were blessed by Bhogi Pallu. Rangoli competitions and kite-ying, in which children and parents participated, were the highlights. Dr.Sunkari Ravindra, Chairman wished the students and staff Happy Sankranti while Principal Dr.Sharada Reddy thanked all the parents for their support.

SHOPPER’S PARADISE MY Boutique’s launch at Jagadamba Centre was a grand affair. Chief guest, Vanapalli Ravi Kumar, Chairman of Sai Pooja Foundation and Former Corporator of GVMC inaugurated it. Nearly 500 people attended the opening and were awestruck with the chic interiors of the facility. Owner Bommana Yuvaraj’s mother Sunitha lighted the traditional lamp. M.R.N.Varma, Senior Journalist and Srinivas Kumar, MD, Tummidi Brothers were the guests of honour. Yuvaraj said, “You can avail exquisite and exclusive saris, dress materials, kurtis, readymade blouses, hand bags and artiﬁcial jewellery.”

red | 7th anniv. issue | 20

FOR SWEET CRAVINGS The launch of Chappan Bhog (Naivedyam) was held with great pomp and show at Asilmetta, Tirumala Arcade. Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, MLA & TDP City President, inaugurated the outlet. President, TDP North India Committee, Sunil Kumar Balasaria, was the guest of honour. The who’s who of the city attended the event and relished hot piping chole bhaturas and other delicacies. Owners Pradeep and Meenal Agarwal and Manas Rout said, “This is your one-stop destination for snacks, sweets, namkeens, chats and dry fruits.”

FUN & FROLIC AT RISALI To mark Christmas and New Year, Risali Institute of Management held a grand food fest. CEO, K.Gowtham, Academic Director, Vivekananda and Head of the Hotel Management Department, Naveen were prominently present. The students of hotel management prepared an exhaustive array of ﬁnger-licking dishes which satiated everyone’s taste buds. Gowtham appreciated the efforts of both the students and management in making the event a success. The students participated in various games, sang and danced with great enthusiasm. The event concluded with cake cutting.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 22

CREDAI EXPO A HIT A wide range of properties and ventures, building materials, technology support and home automation devices were displayed at the three-day CREDAI Expo-2018 “The properties displayed were in tune with the brand image of the city. Nearly 12,000 people visited the Expo on the inaugural day,” said CREDAI-Visakhapatnam Honourary Secretary K.S.R.K. Raju. Expo Convener B.Srinivasa Rao said, “The huge LED screen that formed the backdrop of the dais was a new introduction. To accommodate the stalls in a better way, the hangar space was increased to 50,000 ft this year.”

ADARSHA’S BIRTHDAY BASH M.Suresh Reddy, Executive Director, Swathi Promoters, and wife Deepthi celebrated their daughter Lakshmi Adarsha’s 2nd birthday at the corporate meeting hall. The décor was a visual treat. Close family members and friends attended the event and had a great time relishing the scrumptious spread. Adarsha’s paternal grandparents, M.Krishna Reddy, TDP leader and Chairman and Vijayalaxmi, maternal grandparents Ananda Reddy and Surya Kumari and uncle and aunt, M.Ramesh Reddy, MD and Deepika, graced the occasion and blessed the little one.

NEXION’S ENTHRALLING WORKSHOP Nexion International Pvt Ltd (Italian Style That Inspires) held an event to demonstrate how to cut large format tiles (4x4, 4x8) using sophisticated cutting machine and how to use levelling system for seamless laying procedures. Vikas Sharma of Nexion conducted it. It was attended by 15 tile installers who were delighted to see the efﬁciency of the tool which is free from noise, dust and dirt and doesn’t need electricity to operate. Harish Kamat, Zonal Head of Sales and Sudhakar, Regional Sales Manager, Nexion, Kiran Kumar, Proprietor, MVP Raise and Raise and architect Aditya were present.

JCI CHAPTERS INSTALLED The installation of chapters JCI Vizag Port City and JCI Vizag Port Amigos was held at Oyster Hall, Waltair Club. Jc JGF B.Saranya and Jc V.Jeevan Jyoti swore in as the President of JCI Vizag Port City and JCI Vizag Port Amigos respectively. Dr.V.Satya Sai Srinivas, Project Director, DRDA was the chief guest. JFP T.Jyothi Sridhar, Zone President Elect 2019, Zone IV and A.Ravi Shankar, Director, Elitelogix Exim Agency Pvt Ltd., were the guests of honour. Jc Rajesh Guntu, Region E, ZVP2019, Zone IV and PPP Rajita Poosarla, Region A, ZVP, Zone IV were the special invitees.

KVR ERECTS VICTORY PYLON With the support of YSRCP, Kayala Venkata Reddy, the well-known businessman of the region, erected an 80-foot pylon in Ichchapuram, to mark the success of Praja Sankalpa Yatra of YSRCP President Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy. Jagan, who walked through 13 districts and concluded his Yatra in Ichchapuram, inaugurated the victory pylon. It will go down as a symbol of success in the history of the state. Kayala Venkata Reddy, Vijay Sai Reddy, Y.V.Subbareddy, Bhumana Karunkar Reddy, Bothsa Satyanaryana, Jhansi, R.K.Roja, Anil Kumar Yadav & Talasila Raghuram were present.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 28

ORANE CELEBRATES ITS FIRST YEAR OF SUCCESS The first anniversary of Orane Vishakhapatnam was celebrated with great fervour. Co-Founder and CEO Dinesh Sood graced the event and said, “We are pleased to be here because the state offers various opportunities in the beauty and wellness sectors. The commitment demonstrated by the government to the causes of skill development, women empowerment and youth entrepreneurship are highly laudable and attractive.” He added, “We plan to set up more training centres in Andhra Pradesh as Orane wants to contribute, in a significant way, to the ongoing initiative of the state to make ‘Skilled-in-Andhra Pradesh’ a global brand.” More than 40,000 youth, mostly young women, are already benefitted by the training they received at Orane’s institutes. The institute is spread across 11 states and two Union Territories and is instrumental in providing lucrative jobs of their choice, in the beauty and wellness arena both at home and abroad. It is heartening to note that many Orane students are now self-employed or entrepreneurs.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 30

RELISH A HEARTY BUFFET Soul Delhi launched its buffet services to ensure its guests enjoy a lavish spread with exhaustive and lip-smacking options. Starting off on a few ﬁnger-licking starters, one can go for a monstrous main course and pay a visit to their dessert counter which boasts of delicious sugary delicacies. Owners Raj, Sandhya, Divesh and Hitesh Hemrajani said, “We bring the best of North Indian and Continental fare to suit everyone’s palate. Take a bite and you will be left asking for more.”

MVV HONOURS KAPIL DEV Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev was the chief guest for the valedictory function of T-10 Cricket league organised by realtor and YSRCP leader M.V.V.Satyanarayana. Speaking about Indian team's ﬁrst test series victory in Australia, the 1983 World Cup Winning Captain said that he was extremely delighted over the overseas test victory. He also said that he loved South India and cherished the support he garners from fans here. Later, he gave away prizes to the winners. A large number of youngsters thronged the event to click selﬁes with their cricket hero. red | 7th anniv. issue | 32

o you travel often on business trips and

The Perch of

require a room to

freshen-up before the meeting or conference and relax after the stressful schedule? Have a flight late evening and do

Proprietor Tej Pereira says, “We aspire

not want to check-out early?

to be the one-stop destination for

Ever wanted to take a pause

those who look for a peaceful stay in

while driving to take a nap

the city. We strive to make a mark by

and had to scout all over for

offering a high quality stay experience

a comfortable room? Reached

with our impeccable services and

the city early morning and

pocket-friendly rates. We collaborate

want to check-in early? Let’s

with Treebo which has tie-ups with

admit it, all a traveller wants is

various MNCs and corporates and

a clean bed to crash, facility

diverts only the cream traffic to us.”

to charge their phone or laptop, spick and span

USP? “We are quite unconventional

bathroom and good food.

as we go out of the way and provide

And The Perch provides

bespoke services. Well, you can say it

exactly that. Yes, be it a short

is more of a butler personalised

trip to attend an event or an

requirement based service.”

adventurous road trip or business related travel or

Customer response? “Well, it has

family vacation to visit the

been a year since the inception and

famous spots in the city, this

the response has been overwhelming

hotel with ample amenities is

with everyone praising the top-notch facilities and impeccable services.”

just what you need for that

modern-day business and leisure travellers. As

hassle-free stay.

many as eight well-appointed rooms (175 sq.ft

Now, you know where to pit-stop

each) have all the amenities like TV, WiFi,

for that much-needed break!

Strategically located at Dabagardens (that too in proximity to the key business and shopping hubs of the city), this new-age hotel is designed to appease the red | 7th anniv. issue | 50

tea/coffee maker, locker and a high quality mattress. The stylish corridor with beautiful paintings on the walls and an ever-friendly receptionist makes the stay refreshing and reassuringly cheerful.

Timings: 24X7 Contact: 0891-2553689

exhaustive menu & endless

e all love visiting a food court for various reasons. One - they are crucial stopovers for rejuvenating yourself after a hectic shopping day, great spots to catch up with colleagues and friends to discuss work woes or they can be simply places providing a breath of fresh air. Twothey offer ‘n’ number of cuisines. From the senior citizens wanting to eat something light to the teenagers experimenting new dishes, everyone have their fill. Three- it’s varied budget options. Now, now, don’t think twice. Visit One Too Many (OTM) for these reasons. Located besides HP Petrol Bunk, Balayya Sastri Layout, this 18000 sq.ft. food hub offers a monstrous range of tasteful fare with renowned restaurants like Nathani, Dr. Ice Cream, Mojitos & Milkshakes, The Chocolate Heaven, Yummpy’s, Grill Citi, Madurai Café, Flying Dragon, Paleta House, Twist Potato and Mast Banarasi Pan. Self-service is eased with buzzers notifying you that your food is ready to be collected. The cash-less payment system adds to the hassle-free experience. Customers can obtain a top-up card at the entrance, recharge it with any desired amount (from Rs.500 to Rs.2000),

red | 7th anniv. issue | 52

hand it over to the server to place the order. Voila! the sale amount is automatically deducted from the card balance. This card is valid for four months and if lost, it can be blocked as it is linked with your phone number. This spacious jaunt with indoor (fully air-conditioned) and outdoor seating boasts of 200 covers and sufficient parking space for both four and two-wheelers. Comfort and elegance are prioritized here, with cushy furniture. The in-house hall Kites of 40 covers can be used for birthdays, anniversaries, exhibitions, etc. Added attractions: 12D VR machine, accessories store entitled ‘infinity’ (set up by 17-year-old Pranitha) and a kiosk of 20 varieties of refreshing organic sugarcane juice.

USP? Managing Partners Manjeera and Radhika say, “We have live bands performing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Isn’t it just mesmerizing to dine under the twinkling stars in this soothing weather while listening and dancing to melodious tunes?” OTM celebrates each and every occasion- be it Diwali or Christmas with great pomp and show. Customer response? “Oh, brilliant! OTM has been buzzing with customers. We took it upon us to choose only those eateries that are passionate about serving topnotch quality,” they add. Soon, you will be relishing fresh, delicious Avakai Annam, as one of the famous Ravulapalem store is going to open here.

Timings: 7:30am to 11:30pm | Contact: 9963910012, 9346220000

GUNTUR

nyone who loves beers will swear by the joy a chilled pint brings after a long hard day. But there is something magical about a freshly brewed beer. The taste is unique and the fact that it is straight from the tap and into your tilted mug gives it a distinct flavour that no bottled beer can ever hope to match. Want to give it a try? Well, Guntur folks can rejoice as the first microbrewery in town, Myz-Uno The Brew Pub, has opened its doors at Yogesh Grand, Brindavan Gardens. Why Guntur? Owners Rasagna Dharmana & Bharath Kamma say, “Guntur, the pivot of the APCRDA region, is considered to be the most flourishing city with immense potential to grow. We also realised that the city was in dire need of an uber-cool facility to provide a chilled out spot” Spread over 7500 sq.ft., the brewery is segregated into two floors to cater to families and youngsters separately. The 160-seat brew pub has been set up with the Belgium

BREWING UP A

STORM theme (Myz-Uno’s standard theme) where walls are peppered with vibrant graffitis and an interesting painting (Myz-Uno’s last supper dining) is portrayed using cotton gunny bags. Moreover, the furniture chosen complements the fine-dining and brewery theme with mid-century modern interiors featuring reclaimed materials like masonry brick, flooring from old boxcars and wood snow fencing. It serves an array of North Indian, Continental, Chinese, South Indian and Tandoori delicacies, besides a few of their signature dishes, that go well with the beers. You cannot miss out on Myz-Uno Vegetarian Khazana, Sabzi Zaffrani Biryani, Bhatti ka Murg, Guntur Kaaram Kodi and

Potlam Biryani. Apart from this, the beer served are addictive/chemicalfree, unfiltered, unpasteurised and dispensed from four 300 litre gleaming tanks. We recommend you try their Belgian Wheat and Mango Wheat beer. A couple can dine for anywhere between Rs.1,200 and Rs.1,400 (including beer). USP? They assert, “Like we said, we provide separate spaces for both family and youth. This not only facilitates more walk-ins but also helps shed the initial inhibitions to visit the ‘only’ brewery in town.” Customer response? “We have received an overwhelming response from across the city. Word of mouth is spreading fast as we witness nearly 200 walk-ins on weekdays and 300+ on weekends.” So beerlovers, hop on in as they will soon host renowned DJs and enthrall you with surprise live performances.

Timings: 12:00noon to 11:30pm | Contact: 7993065555 red | 7th anniv. issue | 56

RAGHUNATH TAKES AN

INNOVATV IE

BRANDING STEP

good marketer always experiments, looks to innovate and strives to stay on the cutting edge. That is the way he/she builds the best consumer and employee connect, which positively inﬂuences the image of a brand.

One such innovation from the house of Vaibhav Jewellers is Mana Vuuri Vaadu Mana Vaibhav Vaadu, (Our Villager Our Vabhavite) an activity that motivates and lifts the morale of their employees. It is routine and quite common place to witness organisations holding events on its premises to recognize and reward best performing employees. But, in this out-of-the-box initiative, the top-performing Vabhavites get felicitated and appreciated along with their families amidst their relatives and in their native villages and neighborhood. Vaibhav has always been in the forefront when it comes to branding, marketing and customer relationships and has earned many accolades and national awards. Operating from Visakhapatnam, Vaibhav stood apart from the rest, by taking up this ﬁrst of its kinds employee recognition activity. The recent one is its Employee Feel Good Day with a name and style that not only connects the employee and people of his/her native place but also adds value to the brand.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 58

The maiden programme of this initiative was held on 2nd Jan in Sri Gouri Kalyanamandapam, Kothapalem, Gopalapatnam. Two of their top performers Mr.B.Chander Rao, Assistant Manager Cash, Vaibhav V Square, and Mr.A.N.A.Raju, Assistant Floor Manager, Gopalapatnam store, were felicitated, in the presence of their parents, relatives and local public (nearly 200). As a reward for their successful journey with Vaibhav, they were given letters of appreciation which was handed down to them by the Special Guest, Mr.Gana Babu MLA- Visakhapatnam West. He appreciated Vaibhav for this innovative idea of rewarding employees at their native place & hoped that other corporates too emulate it. He further said that such activities beneﬁt both organizations and employees, and opens job opportunities for graduates and undergraduates from rural areas. Moved by this gesture, the relatives of the honoured employees thanked the management, while the employees expressed their gratitude to Vaibhav and vowed

not to spare any efforts in serving the organization and to contribute to the best of their potential in its growth. The event concluded to the satisfaction of all those involved. The overwhelming response speaks for the thumping success of the initiative. Employee Feel Good Day was the brainchild of Mr.J. Raghunath, GM (Marketing). He, in all humility, says, “We thank the management for accepting and implementing the concept. This is the way employees get recognized and are encouraged to perform better.” He appealed to other corporates to celebrate an Employee Feel Good Day which gets the employees more involved in the growth of the organization they are working for.

Feature

n this wide spectrum, we focus on women who are at different stages of

their travel on the path of progress. If some have negotiated crucial

turns and come a long way, some have just begun their journey. But all

of them are pursuing their well set goals with grit and determination. Setting aside the means and ends of their story, we ďŹ nd out how they have become a source of knowledge, power and inspiration, and how they motivate people. With a perfect plan and purpose, they have established their identity and are absolutely self-reliant. How they have created their own presence in this men-driven society forms the crux of our story.

By V.Sarada & Chandrika Mantri Shoot by Dhana Vijay

red | 7th anniv. issue | 62

Bhavana

5 Ananya

Jyothsna

Divya

Asha

Meenal

Faiz

Bhanumathi

Parvathi red | 7th anniv. issue | 63

Jaya

14 11

Sravani Salva Fathima

Sudha Padma Sri

Shobha

Sunita

Sri Lakshmi

Sneha

Usha

Srilatha red | 7th anniv. issue | 64

Feature

here are some hotels where you feel at home, although the reason isn’t obvious. It’s not because of the impeccable services or lavish

decor or lip-smacking food or a comfortable bed; it’s more of an overall sense of warmth and belonging. And that is

what you feel when you meet the evercharming, humble and bubbly Ananya. Her tryst with entrepreneurship began

at the age of 21, when she co-founded an e-commerce venture Rangkosh. Though that project did not take off, she deep dived into hospitality, joining hands with her soul mate, and took it to great heights within no time. “The ability to withstand pressure, without cracking

under it, as well as the urge to pre-empt every odd has Ananya Gopalsetty Head of Operations Hotel PL Grand

been my mantra for a successful professional life,” says she, brimming with confidence. Let’s know more about this hotelier who ‘never says never’.

EXCERPTS Motivation Entrepreneurship alone gives you the freedom to do more than one thing you are passionate about. Bringing your ideas to life, the joy of providing livelihood, flexible working hours are a few other factors that further lured me to be my own boss. Job profile Supervising day-to-day operations, maintaining quality and decorum, cutting costs & pilferage, maintaining books, building morale among the team, teaching, learning, innovating, planning for future events, networking and marketing. The list is long and constantly changes; no day is same. red | 7th anniv. issue | 66

Challenges Hospitality is a capital intensive field; that is a big challenge in itself. It needs continuous monitoring as there are huge chances of pilferage. It is highly dependent on unskilled labour. So whatever may be the season, running costs are high. Most importantly, customer retention is difficult in this highly competitive field. Creative steps Empowerment: We impart department heads with skills to make decisions and resolve conflicts. Inclusion: We encourage employee to suggest and provide feedbacks. Communication and sense of belonging: Employee can approach me without any

hesitation in case of conflict. It’s a close knit family. Employee motivation We hold staff appreciation and engagement programmes to appreciate their work and recognise the efforts put in by the team. Winds of change Travelling has become very affordable and accessible. There are many online portals for flight tickets, hotels, tourism hubs. Tourism is at an all time high. Steps to success Immense patience as this line is quite demanding. People and networking skills are a must. People get distracted with the plethora of options available.

OFF THE CUFF

Hence, you have to constantly advertise to attract guests and innovate new and unique features to retain them.

Changes your vocation brought in you I have become more patient and understand the value of hard work, commitment and money. It has made me confident and bold enough to take risks.

One thing your CV doesn’t reveal I love dancing and spending time with children.

Pros and cons of being a woman entrepreneur Pro: Flexible working hours. Con: Majority of people still find it difficult to accept woman in a commanding position.

Best moment When our hotel was rated as one of the best in the city on booking.com!

Your super power Multi-tasking. I can be friends with anyone.

Enjoy most When our guests heap us with praises for their comfortable stay. The respect and love my employees shower me with.

…spirit animal Koala bear

Imperatives for women There is still a huge disparity in job opportunities and pay scale for women. But that should not stop us from giving our best shot. I also request every woman reading this to whole-heartedly support other women! We need #girltribe to support each other. Tip to aspirants Every step requires planning, planning and more planning. Believe in yourself or no one else will. Make sure you have a good support system in place. Take on Vizag Vizag is a growing tourism hub, thanks to its beautiful coastline and evergreen landscapes. PERSONAL NOTE Memorable moments I have been an avid dancer. Along with my friends, I used to stage recitals, curate handwritten invitation cards and sell tickets to the neighbours to watch them.

Tiding over tough times I tend to get anxious but then I take a break, have a cup of hot piping tea, contemplate and then get back at it with full zest. Success habits I can’t say I am successful yet, but I try to be meticulous in whatever I do. Ties with family and friends I am surrounded by entrepreneurs in the family who understand the late working hours, never-ending pressure and daunting deadlines. Organizations that help you grow I am with Young Indians Vizag. I voluntarily spread awareness on child abuse in government schools.

If not this profession, then? Advertising and social media marketing What would you tell your 20-year-old self? Start saving, investing and travelling What keeps you awake at night? Netflix! …going in the morning? I am not a morning person. 3 words that define your hotel Quality, quality and quality Follow on social media Stand-up comedians Last search on Google Reviews of my hotel! TV show Suspense thrillers; Bodyguard, Birdbox, You, etc. on Netflix. Favourite blogs/podcasts It is on my to-do list to find good podcasts but for now TED.

Biggest risk Plunging into the hospitality sector, uninitiated, based purely on passion, was a risk.

Luck factor I have been lucky to have such amazing family and friends, but everything else is creativity and hard work.

Lessons learnt the hard way There is no substitute for hard work. Sometimes firing people is hard but necessary.

Leadership lesson Don't tell them what to do; teach them why and how to do it.

Non-negotiable in schedule Spending quality time with my husband Rakesh.

Company you admire Amul

red | 7th anniv. issue | 67

Feature

f you have got a sweet tooth, then there is nothing

quite as satisfying as scrolling through enticing

pictures of pretty macaroons, drool-worthy cakes

and sinful pastries on @bakelicious0103’s Instagram feed. Yes, Asha Rathod curates mind-boggling sugary delicacies, using the best-in-class tools and techniques, which are quite a hit with her customers. Extremely beautiful and artistic, each creation exudes the sheer effort and passion that drives this home baker. According to her, other than the right set of tools, one needs to constantly practise and experiment to excel as a home baker. And along with it, a few tips and tricks of the trade help. Her tryst with the oven definitely paid off as Bakelicious is now the most-preferred destination for all things sweet! Here, Asha shares how she found her true calling.

Knead Of The Hour

Motivation I have always been passionate about baking. Initially, I started baking for my friends and family members. The chorus of oohs and aahs I was greeted with prompted me to launch my venture. Hence, I decided to make moolah out of flour, butter and sugar. Daily routine From procurement of raw materials, baking, decoration to final touchesI do it all alone. I note down every requirement and take into account each and every minute whim of the customer so that I don’t miss out on anything. I even conduct workshops to hone the skills of amateur bakers. red | 7th anniv. issue | 70

Asha Rathod Cake Designer Bakelicious

Home Vs. commercial People here have been health conscious, so they prefer home baked treats to commercial ones. Every ingredient is handpicked, ensuring the best quality. Every order is freshly made; no compromise whatsoever. Moreover, I customize, based on customer’s tastes and preferences. And I consider every order as a challenge to provide exactly what the customer wants. Yes, I put my heart and soul into all the pieces I create. Challenges The most difficult one that we home bakers face is that we have to keep ourselves updated. New techniques

and products are introduced in the market every now and then. So, we need to constantly improve. Winds of change Wafer paper, delicate sheets of edible paper, typically rice-based, are trending. They are safe for consumption and impart a little flavour to the cake. Moreover, customers now opt for gravitydefying and rotating cakes. Changes your vocation brought I have definitely gained more knowhow in this field and become more confident and developed ‘Yes, I can do it’ attitude.

Expected from Bakelicious Top-notch quality, delicious creations and awe-striking presentation. In fact, our cakesicles are the talk of the town. Steps to success Obviously, one should be passionate about baking, come up with unique and innovative ideas and upgrade one’s skills and knowledge from time to time. Best moment When I prepared a customized 10kgcake for Asian Paints. That received many accolades. Enjoy most I love to curate fun and exciting edible toppers. The fact that I can use all my creativity to make my clients happy with a new creation every time is what I enjoy the most. The reviews are always a cherry on the icing. Imperatives for women Take pride in your work and strive to be world-class, no matter what the task is. Identify people, who positively influence

you, and change how you think. Listen, learn and lead!

Tiding over tough times I listen to music. It soothes my nerves.

Tip to aspirants If you enjoy doing something, just start working on it right away. Pursue it diligently- you never know where it might take you. But it is important that you should gain expertise in your desired field and never stop practising.

Success habits I wake up each day determined. Besides, I stay focused.

What next I have started taking corporate orders & organising dessert tables for birthday celebrations, where not only the cake, but also every element on the table is designed and created by me. PERSONAL NOTE Lesson learnt the hard way In a world where everyone is trying to be like someone else, it takes immense courage to take the road less travelled. Non-negotiable in your schedule My day does not start with a hot piping cup of tea.

Toughest decision ever made I recall I had to be out of town for a couple of days to attend a professional baking session. Not an easy feat as it was the first time I was away from my children. But what I am now is only because of that tough call, I took. Here, I want to appreciate the efforts of my family for having my back. Ties with family and friends Nothing much has changed. They have always been supportive and have encouraged me to go out-of-the-box. Manage work-life balance That comes easy to me. I work from home, keeping my children in mind. It is very advantageous as I can start as early as I want and work till as late as I want.

OFF THE CUFF Your CV doesn’t reveal I love to sing and dance.

Follow on social media Amy & Duff Goldman

Your superpower Creativity

Last search on Google Princess themed dessert table designs

Spirit animal Tiger If not this profession Singer or choreographer What would you tell your 20-year-old self? Passion makes you push limits. Awake at night? Thoughts like- “What should my next masterpiece be? How do I make it attractive?” Going in the morning? My children Hasini and Akshya Define your profession Passion, dedication & creativity

TV show everyone should be watching Living Foodz People to remember you and your cakes for Cakes for its lip-smacking taste and mind-blowing presentations and me for my friendly attitude. Luck factor I know for certain: the harder I work, the luckier I get. Lessons learnt Be a good listener. And never stop learning.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 71

Feature

A.Bhanumathi Chairman The Harbour International School

THIS IS

HER

PASSION

t is a house full of talent and brains. While mother is

an educationist, daughters Dr.Padmaja, Dr.Sridevi

and Revathi (architect) occupy prestigious posts.

Obviously, a conversation with former MLA Mrs.Allu Bhanumathi is enriching. You can pick up nuggets of information on two very critical fields of life- education and politics. While she is passively interested in the former, she is pro-actively involved in the latter as she is the Chairman, The Harbour International School (THIS), run by her grandson Raghu. With a trajectory replete with many highs and a few heart-rending lows, here she Motivation The idea of creating a facility for the betterment of the future gen has been the basic objective. I firmly believe that education is life in itself. Challenges Challenges are a part of life. I raise the bar for myself and challenge myself to be the best in imparting education to our children, which prepares them to face their own challenges of the 21st century. Organization culture We work as a family. Everyone connected with the school should feel that it is his/her own brainchild and strive for its success. As you sow, so shall

you reap. Our commitment and passion are directly proportional to the success of the organization. Motivating students and teachers It is a continuous process. We motivate them by being open minded and by adopting the ever changing techniques around the world. We treat our students with compassion and love to help them turn into best citizens. Every child is blessed and unique. With dedication and involvement, we nurture their latent talents.

is grabbing life by horn. She got married to Mr.Gowri Naidu (now retd.Superintendent Engineer A.P.Transco) at the age of 15 and had become a mother at 16. Yet, with unwavering resolve, she pursued her education and obtained M.A. and M.Ed. degrees and served as a teacher before setting up her own school. NTR chose this worthy daughter of the late Sri Lekkala Pedda Simhachalam Naidu, Elected Pradesh Congress Committee Member and Bharat Sevak Samaj Convenor, to represent Madugula constituency. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But due to the mischief played by rivals, my name was not found in the voters list. Yet there was no stopping me,â&#x20AC;? says she. Occupying positions like Regional Chairman, Women and Child Welfare, DCC Bank Chairperson and Board Member A.P. Agricultural University, she amassed vast experience & toured 12 countries on agricultural study. She was awarded by the President of India for best performance in formation of SHGs. Despite her own accomplishments & having empowered women around her, she feels that the condition of our woman leaves a lot to be desired. Here are her well-founded thoughts.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 72

Enjoy the most Interacting with younger generations makes me feel young and energetic. Desirable changes Our education system needs to be redefined. The present rote-learning method should be replaced by applicationoriented mode.

decisions. Con: Society still has apprehensions about our capabilities. We have to work harder and be a step ahead to prove ourselves. Take on Vizag Vizag is where I belong. For me, it’s not an option. This is the only place that makes me feel at home . I travelled all over the globe but have not seen a place as picturesque as the City of Destiny.

Keeps you awake at night? A good book Keeps you going in the morning? Yoga Three words that define your profession? Passion, perseverance and punctuality Last search on Google Current political affairs

She Boss: Pros and cons Woman wears many hats. Pro: We can create a nurturing environment which helps us build an involved community. We have abundant patience and we ponder before taking the plunge. We may be soft but are capable of taking some harsh

Favourite TV show I prefer to watch the news Want people to remember you and your organization As a role model

PERSONAL NOTE Hard lesson I learnt that I should not trust everyone but cannot change myself.

Tiding over tough times By keeping my composure

Superpower God

Message to your 20 year old self As Swami Vivekananda said “Arise, awake and stop not till your goal is reached.”

Advice to women Be a fighter, be persistent and stick to your visions. Don’t be afraid of taking up challenges. Stand on your feet financially and otherwise too.

Changes you found in you I am more calm.

What is one thing your resume doesn’t divulge? I am a staunch believer of Karma Yoga.

Spirit animal Tiger

Best moments Right from the birth of my children to innumerable experiences in my vast career as a politician and educationist, there have been many life defining moments.

Non-negotiable in your schedule My morning ritual of yoga, reading Bhagwad Gita and puja.

OFF THE CUFF

Success habit Punctuality Toughest decision Entering politics which is a highly demanding field. I did render a lot of service to the society but I could not spend much time with my children. Fortunately, our family bond remains unruffled.

Luck factor God has been kind to me Leadership lesson One has to be persistent Educational institute you admire Rabindranath Tagore’s Shantiniketan

Work-life balance Getting up early in the morning helps me maintain the balance.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 73

Feature

Bhavana Gullapalli Managing Director Paint The Town

Events

memorable

lanning your fairytale wedding is no mean

feat, even if you’ve been bookmarking ideas

on Pinterest. Between a groom who would

rather leave all the decisions to you and that dream makeup artiste whose dates don’t match yours, it wouldn’t be surprising if you found yourself missing out on some fine details. It could be a floral centrepiece that is an eyesore at your reception or the font on your monogrammed napkins. Stressed already? Fret not! The solution is to recruit the best in the business to take care of the nitty-gritty. And that folks is Bhavana. Why? Simple: she planned her own wedding efficiently! Her motto is simple: You enjoy your D-Day and We manage the rest! Her ethos to be there throughout the process as your advisor, your friend and, often, as a part of your family makes her

inspections which involve a lot of travelling across the country, planning the budget, ensuring top-notch service and on-time delivery, motivating my team to deliver their best.

Lesson learnt the hard way While you are waiting for that perfect time to start, someone else is already getting the desired results. Hence, stop making excuses and start working.

Challenges We have to deal with clients who have a different mindset when it comes to selecting the décor, cuisine, etc. So convincing them on what looks best is not an easy feat. Another daunting task is collecting the dues from clients post the event.

Selection of staff I believe in working with the best. Luckily, the team that worked for my wedding remained with me till now. My team is collaborative, creative and knows how to work under pressure.

the best in the field. She excels in organising fund raising events. Here, she shares how she manages it all with an undeterred resolute.

Motivation It all began when I organised my entire wedding- right from the décor, to selecting the cuisine to planning the budget and what not. Everyone was so impressed with the wellexecuted event that they asked me to plan my sister Shruti’s wedding too. That is when I realized my latent talent & decided to purse event management as a full-time profession and Paint The Town was born in 2016. Regular tasks The list is long. To name a few: on-site red | 7th anniv. issue | 76

Creative measures I communicate with them on a daily basis and strive to answer all their queries to ensure that things run smoothly. Biggest risk Starting Paint The Town!

Employee motivation I lend an ear to their suggestion or feedback- be it good or bad. This builds a healthy rapport and work environment.

Winds of change Traditional décor, themed weddings and parties and destination weddings are in vogue now. To succeed in your business, one needs Qualities like flexibility, efficient planning and good leadership skills are required to achieve great heights in this field. Cherished moments There are too many to even recount. You will be surprised to know that mostly clients approach us through word of mouth. That speaks for our quality, isn’t it? But yes, we recently created a unique and innovative wedding box with sweets, kumkum and scroll invitation, for a renowned businessman in the city. Their relatives and friends were awe-struck with the exquisite design and top-notch packaging. Such moments make my day.

PERSONAL NOTE Non-negotiable in schedule My prayer routine Changes your vocation brought I have become more confident. Tiding over tough times I pass the buck to my husband. He gives me the best advice and always has my back in times of need. Success habits I am a good listener and disciplined. Ties with friends and family It goes without saying that owing to my hectic schedule, I have little time to focus on my family. I strive to prioritise our schedule smartly to manage both career and family. I must admit that it’s been ages since I met or spoke to my friends. I wish I could carve out some time for them. My son Nihansh is apple of my eye.

OFF THE CUFF One thing your CV doesn’t reveal I follow latest fashion trends Superpower My never-say-die attitude Spirit animal Dog If not this profession A reporter for travel shows or a cardiologist Message to your 22-year-old self? Plan, plan and plan Keeps you awake at night? Pending tasks at hand Keeps you going in morning? Yoga Define your business Unique, on-time delivery and professional Follow on social media Dalai Lama Luring commercials Travel related ones

Enjoy most Dealing with challenges gives me an opportunity to push myself and work out of my comfort zone.

Last search on Google? Home interiors

She Boss: Pros & Cons Pros: Flexible working hours and ability to take own decisions. Cons: Women still face gender bias. Yes, this is a bitter truth. But I want to do my bit and make people aware about the tremendous progress women have made in all fields.

Want people to remember PTM and you for? My company for its ability to deliver as promised, that too on time, and me for my out-of-the-box thinking.

Tips to aspirants Love your job. Have faith in yourself. Give in your best. Don’t think too much; just listen to your heart and go for it.

Favourite TV channel NDTV Good Times

Luck factor I don’t believe in luck. It is only and only my hard work and creativity that keeps me going. Leadership lesson learnt A good leader listens and speaks rather than command, motivates rather than terrify, learns rather than expect and not boss around. red | 7th anniv. issue | 77

Feature

She

Divya Abhilash, Director Abhilash Synergetic Constructions & Exports Pvt LTD

ketches the skyline

he real estate sector demands diligence, analytical skills and an eye for details. Bestowed

with all these qualities, Divya Abhilash perfectly fits the bill. From researching on a listing to know its true worth, to floating and marketing unique initiatives for the clients - she has never backed out from a challenge. Proving her grit time and again, she emerged as a strong leader. She believes prioritising is an art and perfection is only the result. We find out how she carved her niche in this cut-throat field. Motivation My father-in-law, P.Anand Kumar, who founded the firm Abhilash Constructions, encouraged people to join it to learn nuances of the trade. Many successful builders in the city were trained at Abhilash. I too wanted to learn entrepreneurial skills from him. So after college, I joined his firm. Call it my fate or luck, the market was going through recession at that time. I got an opportunity to understand and brave the worst challenges of the industry. Later, I went on to take a prominent role in the firm. Through Abhilash Constructions, I could construct homes for first-time buyers. The satisfaction of presenting them their dream home is rewarding.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 80

Job profile Marketing and sales come under my jurisdiction. I start my day with a brief meeting with husband, P.Ashwin Abhilash, Managing Director, to understand where we stand that day, and the plan of action to reach our targets. This is followed by a meeting with the sales team. I visit our projects during the second half of the day, and I meet each and every customer before closing a sale. Challenges Sometimes I feel so motivated that I don’t want to stop working. But not all days are the same. Keeping my zeal at the peak, keeping employees motivated and meeting deadlines are some of the many factors influencing our industry. Biggest risk That was starting new projects during demonetization. Despite the financial crunch in the market, we are glad we went for it. Lessons learnt the hard way We must take 100% responsibility for

our life. We must first fix ourselves and then try to fix things around us. Dealing with employees I look for people who are willing to undertake responsibilities and are selfmotivated. I keep them motivated in my own way. Firstly, by saying, “Thank You”. It means the world to a person, who does the heavy lifting. A good leader also knows when to step back and let the team take credit. For the staff, this could be more rewarding than a bonus. We maintain transparency and assess where we stand now and how we intend to grow together. Lastly, we encourage them to share their ideas, and value their inputs. Winds of change Moving towards green buildings that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient. Steps of success Ability to foresee and confidence in your product and yourself. Imperatives for women One should be willing to perform well and go beyond one’s comfort zone to help, offer solutions to problems

outside of their core role or be a good source of energy to motivate the team. The more responsibility you take, the more you grow. Accelerators to grow I was part of an international youth organisation - AIESEC in college. As the Vice President, I had the opportunity to attend many local and international events which provided me with a broader perspective and gave me an access to meet icons. Currently, I am a member of BNI, NAREDCO and EO. This has helped me build good business relationships.

PERSONAL NOTE Changes your vocation brought in you More organized, composed and matured. Best moment Yet to come! There’s still a lot more to do and achieve. Enjoy most I have been a people’s person, so I love meeting people. My work gives me a platform to establish relationships and inspire people. Tiding over tough times By staying positive and focusing on what I can control, not on what I can’t.

Tip to aspirants Do something you absolutely love; so much that you would be willing to do it for free. Financial rewards do follow. Surround yourself with people who believe and bring out the best in you. And yes, don’t be discouraged if your first attempt at wedging your foot in the door fails; keep pounding on the doors until they open. Your take on Vizag Vizag is rapidly growing in three fields– industrial, tourism and knowledge. All eyes are on it. With huge investments pouring in the IT and Real Estate sector, Vizag is the right place for business. In 2021, there is a likely demand of nearly three lakh housing units but the supply is way less. Hence, we need to step up our efforts to meet the requirement. Pros and cons of being a female entrepreneur The ability to get work done quickly & understand people is what makes a woman a better leader. My clients and suppliers find it easy to talk to me. We are blessed with strong negotiation skills. However, I find handling government work a tad daunting.

Non-negotiable in schedule Family time Success habits Discipline, consistency and commitment. Message to your 20-year-old self Life is now, so do not delay waiting for a better situation. What keeps you awake at night? I switch off from everything the moment I hit the bed. What keeps you going in the morning? The thought that I make a difference in someone’s life. Three words that define your business Quality, trust and talent Follow on social media Sadhguru, Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone Last search on Google Dresses for my daughter Yaksha Favourite blogs Sadhguru and TED People to remember your company for That it delivers more than it has promised. Luck factor I feel fortunate to be part of a family that believes in my dreams.

OFF THE CUFF One thing your CV doesn’t reveal I am a classical dancer.

Leadership lesson learnt Be a good listener Companies that you admire Employee centric Google and customer centric like Apple

Your superpower Communication skills Spirit animal Lion If not this profession, then Fashion designer

red | 7th anniv. issue | 81

Feature

Faiz Unnisa Begum Owner Faiz Fitness Studio (FFS)

he energy obviously becomes infectious because it comes from vivacious Faiz who leads an eclectic group of fitness

enthusiasts. Interestingly, she makes it more like a dance party than a Zumba class. Here a box-step, there a few squats, jumps, twirls, lunges, a few quick sways of the hips… it is a treat to watch her and her

Challenges It was a tad difficult to convince people about its efficacy. Now FFS is flooded with students.

students grooving to the tunes of peppy Latin American beats. Faiz is the first one in the city to have expanded the scope of Zumba and enriched it adding ZOCA to it. Now it has become the most-preferred fitness routines among health buffs. Here is the powerhouse of talent who puts that spring in the feet of young and even not so young. Motivation It goes without saying that a woman’s body drastically changes after the child birth and it take months, sometimes years, to get back into shape. I faced the same after my son Ishaan’s birth. But I trained myself & bounced back. Inspiring other woman is just a natural fallout. I started with aerobic classes at home, and later, I got certified in Zumba, ZOCA, etc., and here I am, a qualified fitness instructor. red | 7th anniv. issue | 82

Creative measures I give a new variant every day, working out to the latest beats. My facility is budget friendly and within the reach of all. Student motivation Without pushing them, I give my students space & freedom to make them feel comfortable. Eventually, I work on improving their technique. Winds of change I see many talented young people stepping into this business, bringing in new forms of dance and fitness regimen. They learn different

module from across the globe and experiment too. This gives me an opportunity to learn. Steps to succeed Dedication, hard work and discipline. Best moment An obese young girl, suffering from PCOD, joined my classes. She was 6 years into marriage, but was not able to conceive. I knew all her problems would vanish, if she only shed a few pounds. She then took up a rigorous training at FFS. Today she is a mother of two beautiful daughters. Amazing, isn’t it? Lesson learnt the hard way There is no healthy competition in any business.

Enjoy most I love my workouts and follow it religiously. Imperatives to succeed Be bold, strategic and never give up. You can never progress in any field, if you don’t believe in your talent. Most importantly, you should believe in yourself. Pros and cons of being a She Boss? Pros: The best part is we are financially independent and don’t rely on others. Cons: We are taken for too much granted. It is also a tad difficult to carve out time for family. Tip to aspirants Learn the nuances of the trade & get the required certifications before you step in. It might take time but have patience, you will definitely succeed. Your take on Vizag Vizagites have become health conscious in the last couple of years. They give importance to a healthy, balanced diet and rigorous workouts. This is a good change.

PERSONAL NOTE

that John understood and respected my decision.

What is non-negotiable in your schedule? Gathering information on the latest workouts and dance forms

Ties with family and friends Come what may, I always take out time for them. Initially, when I meet my near and dear ones, I would only talk about fitness, fitness and fitness to motivate them to lead a healthy life. Now most of my friends and family members are more fit than ever.

Non-acceptable Lack of punctuality and absenteeism Changes your vocation brought in you I have become more disciplined, fit and happy.

Manage work-life balance I wake up pretty early and prioritise my tasks well in advance to balance my personal and professional life.

Tiding over tough times I believe in God and hard work. This helps me overcome any obstacle with ease. Success habits I always encourage new talent and provide a platform to those who deserve it. Toughest decision Work took my husband John to Zambia and he insisted that I shift base. However, I let go of this beautiful opportunity. Somehow, I didn’t have the heart to leave FFS and my students who eagerly wait for me every day. Yes, you can say that it is an addiction now. I am grateful

OFF THE CUFF A thing your CV doesn’t show I am not much into technology. I still prefer the old fashioned pen and paper way.

Keeps you awake at night Music and choreography for the next day class

Keeps you going in morning Superpower My students as I never keep I can make anyone shake a leg. them waiting! Spirit animal Dog. I am faithful. Message to your 20-year-old self You should have started this a long time ago

3 words that define FFS Vibrant, spacious and stress-buster Follow on social media Sucheta Pal and Shwetambari Shetty

Last search on Google Honey chicken recipe for my son Favourite TV show Khatron Ke Khiladi, besides other cookery & dance shows Want people to remember FFS for? Dynamic and fun workouts, chilled out ambiance and me! Fitness studio you admire Cult

red | 7th anniv. issue | 83

Feature Jaya Parchuri Executive Director Ramcor Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. & Cool Concepts

COOL

B SS

WITH WARM HEART

o BNI meet is ever complete without at least

a handful of people thanking Jaya M’am for

that lucrative business they have clinched

or acknowledging her referral for the deal they have transacted. Such is her magnanimity and magic. Two sayings – “We rise by lifting others” and “Nothing is so strong as gentleness.”- sit pretty on this petite lady, who is never seen raising her voice nor heard using a harsh word. One need not dwell too deep to find out the origin of her compassion. Her father, Mr.A.S.N.Prasad, is known for his selfless social activities and his contribution to the fields of health and education, while her mother Mrs.Hemalatha relentlessly strived for women empowerment, setting up the Pragati Charitable Trust. Perfectly in sync with this illustrious family is her husband, Mr.Homesh. This made-for-each-other couple makes any meet or party distinctive, giving it an air and aura. They turn into an instant centre of attraction when they enter any gathering. Interestingly, the Parchuris left behind the cool climes of the US to sweat under the scorching native sun, that too to provide chilled out comfort to the locals. Making rapid strides in the field, Ramcor has become a household name. But this stupendous edifice of success and goodwill is not built over night. It is the result of diligent efforts and ‘never say giveup’ attitude of the lady. Jaya tells us how she keeps her cool while marketing her concept.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 86

Motivation My father motivated me to step into our family business. Initially, I was apprehensive about it as I come from an entirely different background. I am qualified in Genetics Engineering. Thanks to his guidance, I could learn the trade ropes rather fast. Challenges The challenges are many – like handling employees, keeping up with the changing market trends and meeting deadlines. Work culture We hold monthly review meetings to assess the performance and our set goals. The employees are given all the freedom to express their views, grievances, and even give suggestions.

Staff motivation They are given incentives, based on the targets reached. We take care of their health by providing health insurance and help them educate their children. Winds of change The Inverter VRV/ VRF System has been the biggest change in the cooling industry in the last few decades – with improved energy efficiency, maintenance comfort, suitable for both small and large spaces. Steps to success We need to stay abreast of the latest development in this field and also provide the most dependable after-sales service – which has always been our USP.

The best moment Best moments are plenty. But what makes me really happy is the positive feedback coming from the customer. Those happy smiles of the satisfied customers make my day. Hard lesson Steering away from my basic nature; I have learnt to be firm and hard when needed and while dealing with certain people and different situations. Best part of your vocation I enjoy interacting with people from different walks of life. Pros and cons of being a She Boss Pros: Flexible working hours, developing an ability to multitask. Cons: The need to assess and reassess your priorities in accordance with work and home. For women to progress Women are already playing a prominent role in the society. They are taking great initiatives towards preserving ecosystems, organic farming and various other charity works. It is really admirable and noteworthy. Tips to new players Be focused and passionate about whatever you do. Be

patient and never give up. Take on Vizag Vizag is an ideal place for any business, as people are friendly and ready to accept new concepts and ideas. PERSONAL NOTE Non-negotiable in your schedule My morning session of yoga/meditation.

not come back to settle down here. That is what happened. My sons Aravind and Avinash graduated from Stanford University and are now in Silicon Valley. Ties with friends and family My business does not affect any of my relationships and I shall never allow it to happen. Work-life balance As mentioned, I am blessed to have my family supporting me in every possible way. Hence, it is no task for me to have a perfect work-life balance.

Changes your vocation brought in you I have become more outgoing and freely mix with people and with much ease. Tiding over tough times I have a very good support system in my family. My parents, sisters, husband and close friends pep me up when I am down and help me see the brighter side of life. Your success habits Being cool and calm. The toughest decision The toughest decision I had taken was to give up my US residency to settle down in India – tough because I knew that one day my children would leave for the same land and may or may

OFF THE CUFF One thing your CV doesn’t divulge My love for art

Advice to your 20-year-old self Have the courage to follow your dreams

Last thing you googled for Shivani’s talk in Silicon Valley

Superpower My Family

What keeps you awake at night? Thinking about children/playing Sudoku

Want Ramcor to be remembered for As a reliable Cooling Service Provider

Spirit animal Dog

Three words that define your trade Cool, chill and freeze

The luck factor I would call it Universal Grace

If not this profession, then? Genetic Researcher or running a Non -Profit Organisation

Favourite TV shows I am not a TV Buff. Except for T-20 cricket and bit of news, I don’t watch much

Business personalities you admire Azim Premji and Ratan Tata

Feature Dr.M.Jyothsna Chief Dermatologist and Cosmetologist Skinshine Skin & Hair Clinic

matter of hide and

reat your skin kindly because you wear it every day and your hair with respect because it is your best and

fine accessory. With the rapid and revolutionary advancement in treatments and technologies, practically there is nothing a specialist cannot do to keep your skin glowing, hair growing and setting right a few anomalies, if any. Going by her flawless skin and lustrous hair, you know that Jyothsna leads by example. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beauty, after all is being comfortable in your own skin, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it?â&#x20AC;? asks the young doctor , who has opened a state-of-the-art clinic that offers services that are hitherto confined to metros. There is no doubt that this new facility is up for grabs. It can be seen by the fact that the elegant doctor is always on her toes, with her appointment pad overflowing. She explains how she found a toe-hold in the city, bringing with her a whiff of fresh air in the skin and hair care.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 90

Motivation I was brought up by my Ammamma the late Mrs. Thirupatamma, who was a fiercely independent and strong woman for her generation. She influenced me to a great extent. Being under her wings, perhaps, had subconsciously motivated me to think of entrepreneurship. It was further reinforced by the immense support lent by my husband Kalyan Shankar who is also into business. Hailing from Hyderabad, I did my MBBS from Deccan Medical College. Marriage brought me here and I studied MD in Dermatology. After working as an Assistant Professor in NRI Medical College for three years and as a Chief Cosmetic Dermatologist in Kaya, I started my own clinic.

Birth of Skinshine I am passionate about advanced technologies and latest treatments in cosmetic dermatology. I saw that these technologies are available only in metros like Delhi and Mumbai. I want cosmetology to be accessible and affordable to everyone, even in the two-tier cities. I thought it was finally time I introduce the latest in this field to the Smart City. Routine My day at the clinic begins with the team meet in which we discuss the scheduled procedures of the day and the rest of the schedule is set. Challenges Creating awareness of cosmetology is the biggest challenge I face. Many people still think that it is only meant

for the glamour-seeking elite, films and TV stars and the stage performers.

The part you enjoy the most My job is very creative and I enjoy each and every bit of it.

Biggest risk Launching latest techniques in a city like Vizag is the biggest risk I took. But now I think the risk is worthwhile.

Advice to aspirants Have a clear vision & passion. You are a superpower yourself

Team managing The first quality I look for in my team is discipline. To motivate them to perform their duties, I keep giving them incentives. We have team lunches very often to build a good rapport with one another. The top performers are always given a pat of appreciation and are mentioned in the meets. Winds of change We have many advances in cosmetology like anti-aging, laser for unwanted hair, etc. Laser is the fastest, safest, pain-free and more efficient of all the modes. Steps of success Immense passion for cosmetology alone can lead you to success. The best moment When my patients say that they are happy and satisfied with the results. And that makes my day.

Pros and cons of being a female entrepreneur Pro: Women are good at multitasking. Con: Balancing professional and personal life is a challenge.

Tiding over tough times? Stay calm and take some time out for myself. Success habits I stick to my ethics and discipline and have immense passion for cosmetology. Ties with friends and family Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really hard to maintain the work-life balance. But my family and friends are very supportive.

Take on Vizag A place where awareness of cosmetology is growing. PERSONAL NOTE Crucial shift A very important twist in my life was shifting base from Hyderabad to this place. However, it was quite soft and smooth. It should be credited to my parents Mrs.Padma and Mr.Narashimha Reddy who have not only encouraged me in my endeavours but also taught me how to adjust to any environs. Non-negotiable in schedule My quality time with my baby Hansviraj. Changes you see in yourself I think I have developed more patience and understanding others from their perspective.

OFF THE CUFF One aspect your CV doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reveal I am a fashionista

What keeps you awake at night? Instagram

Superpower My husband. He is my mentor, best friend and pillar of strength.

Going in the morning? Work, work and work

If not this profession A scientist Tip to your 20-year-old self Just chill. Everything will fall in place

Follow on social media Deepika Padukone Favourite TV show Games Of Thrones

To be remembered for As a good cosmetic dermatologist with a scientific approach. Skinshine as the best clinic for skin and hair concerns and deep-rooted in ethics. The luck factor Hard work and success come together. Well, I feel I am lucky Leadership lesson Team work always wins.

You can reach Dr. Jyothsna on 9000922884 red | 7th anniv. issue | 91

Feature Meenal Agarwal Owner Chappan Bhog

Spice

sugar,

and Everything Nice

he door of Chappan Bhog opens at 9:00am sharp but stays so well past its closing time of 10:00pm as both the orders and crowd just don’t stop coming.

Reason behind this overwhelming response? Well, the answer lies in its expertise in dishing out that special mithai or even chaat for that matter without deviating from the original recipe. “Be it a dish from Punjab or Rajasthan or Andhra Pradesh, we strictly adhere to the authentic flavours, ingredients and taste,” says Meenal, the driving force behind this facility that has earned its reputation for top-notch quality and impeccable taste within no time. Here, this charming and courteous lady gives us a flavour of what it takes to run a mithai and namkeen store.

EXCERPTS Motivation During my hostel days, I would be the first to take up the initiative to plan all the cultural events. So yes, you can say that planning and leading has been my forte. Later, I pursued Bachelors in Hotel Management from IndoAmerican Hotel Management Institute with an intention to start a venture of my own in the food industry. Due to unforeseen reasons, I couldn’t pursue my dream. But over a course of time, I realised it was time to give wings to my desires. After an endless research, meticulous planning and ‘n’ number of sleepless nights, I started Chappan Bhog. Here, I want to acknowledge the support of God, my husband Pradeep, family and friends.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 92

Daily routine Ensuring the quality is maintained, interaction with staff, inventory management, taking orders on call or one-to-one basis, ensuring they are delivered on time, besides others, are just a few of my daily tasks. Challenges It gets a tad difficult to satiate everyone’s platter. Sometimes, a customer desires something spicy and sometimes medium spicy. We also have a tough time procuring good quality raw material. Since ours is a labour-oriented industry, staff retention is another challenge. Lastly, some of our products are highly perishable in nature and hence, require robust inventory management. Lesson learnt the hard way That nothing comes easy in life. You need to have that fire, passion and zeal within you to make it to the top. Selection of staff He/she should be passionate, determined and self-motivated.

Employee motivation I empathise rather than bossing around. Besides, I strive to create a homely and healthy atmosphere at work. I also make a point to celebrate each and every festival with them. Deal-breakers in partnership Dishonesty and impoliteness. It is difficult to partner with those who don’t value time. Winds of change Undoubtedly, food-delivery apps! They have made it easier for us to reach every nook and corner of the city, catering to our customers so that they can enjoy our delicacies sitting in the comfort of their homes. What does one need to succeed in your business? One should work hard, be dedicated and understand food in particular. Best moment The never-ending appreciation and positive feedback received for my facility keeps me going.

Enjoy most That I get to taste different cuisines without having to cook on my own! Tip to aspirants Have faith in yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Make mistakes but make sure you learn from them. Your take on Vizag It is a diverse city flooded with people from across the country. This city was lacking a one-stop shop for authentic North Indian cuisine and we have provided exactly and precisely that. Pros and cons of being a female entrepreneur Pros: The staff treats you with utmost respect, and customers too mellow down a bit when they see a woman standing behind the counter. Cons: People don’t take you seriously. A woman’s credibility is always doubted. Maintaining work-life balance is always a task.

OFF THE CUFF One thing your CV doesn’t reveal I am a good singer. Superpower Confidence Spirit animal Lioness If not this profession I would either join politics or start a chain of hotels. Message to your 20-year-old self? Live life queen size. You anyway cannot make everyone happy. You are not rajma-chawal. Awake at night What step do I take next to fulfil my dreams? Define Chappan Bhog Quality, authentic and delicious! Follow on social media Gordon Ramsay

Favourite TV show Radha Krishna ...Blogs/podcasts Sister Shivani, Sadhguru Accelerators to grow BNI Remember Chappan for High quality, authentic delicacies, brilliant service and good customer relationships Luck factor Luck plays a minor role in success. Hard work, determination, discipline, sacrifice and passion are important too. Leadership lesson A leader cannot be always loved. Other sweet outlets you admire I have grown up relishing the delicacies of Sweet India and Sri Sivarama.

PERSONAL NOTE Non-negotiable in schedule Family time Changes your vocation brought in you I have become more organised. I have also learnt how to manage time and employees. Tiding over tough times The affection and support of my family and friends helps me to get out of my blues. Success habits Futuristic planning and time management.

Imperatives for women We are blessed with leadership and multi-tasking abilities. It is just that we need to identify our talent and work on them. Ties with family and friends Even though I have not been able to spend enough time with my near and dear (guilty as charged), they have always understood my hectic schedule and stood by me. I believe in spending quality time rather than counting the hours.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 93

Feature

A WELL

ever go to a doctor whose office plants are

dry- goes a saying. If that is the criteria,

you have every reason to go to

Dr.M.Parvathi, whose beautiful garden always is in bloom with flower-crowned plants. In fact, it is a common joke among friends that the doctor, an ardent nature-lover, appears on her FB post, only when a bud blossoms in her garden, which is rather frequent. While this shows her sensitivity and sense of aesthetics, her popularity as a medical practitioner and an erudite teacher speaks for her professional acumen. And a number of awards she won on many social fora stand witness to her multipronged talents. Here we present Dr. Parvathi and her varied interests.

Dr. M. Parvathi Associate Professor, Dermotology, Andhra Medical College & Director, Surya Hospitals

+ Motivation My childhood dream to become a doctor, was further reinforced by my parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wish. To their delight, both my brother and I became doctors. Serving the underprivileged in the villages has always been an activity close to my heart and my profession gives me immense scope for that.

managing a job. Be it a Saturday or Sunday, a dedicated homemaker never gets an off. It is always a double whammy for us who serve with equal zeal and commitment, both at home and work place.

Working environment Rapport with patients: I always have an unobtrusive interaction with patients and their families. This forms the crux Job profile of a good hospital. I understand not My time is divided between teaching medical students and treating patients. only the patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; physical condition, but also their circumstances. I go that Challenges extra mile when it comes to treating I too face the same challenges that a HIV patients. Besides giving them working woman faces. Yet, I feel that treatment, I help them gain confidence house administration is tougher than to face the society. red | 7th anniv. issue | 96

Ties with students: Here I assume the role of a mentor and create such a friendly atmosphere that the students are happy and eager to come back to me. I understand the problems of the married students. They are free to come to me with any of their problemsprofessional or otherwise, and I come up with plausible solutions. Tough assignments The toughest was when I was working with the Peripheral Health Centre (PHC) in S.Kota. The travel itself used to take up three hours a day. We had to treat and deliver best results with minimum facilities.

Winds of change Our field has undergone tremendous change. The subjects we studied branched out into a number of special and super special streams. The investigation process has become much easy, with the advent of new technologies. Earlier, we had only X- ray as a diagnostic aid, but now we have a number of technical supports like MRIs and CT scans. Mushrooming corporate hospitals and government sops like Arogya Shree have taken healthcare to a much higher level and within the reach of larger circles. Memorable incident This was about a heart patient, who went into labour rather late and was bought to my PHC. Despite our best efforts to resuscitate her, we could only save the baby. That case haunts me till date. We could not shift her to a better-equipped hospital in the city in time due to lack of proper transportation facilities. Imperatives for success To start with, one should have a dream, and with determined efforts one should realise it. Best part of your job Teaching, conducting welfare activities and free medical camps. For women to progress They should be educated and financially independent to face this competitive world. Advice to aspirants Build trust of the patients and you are sure to build your own space in this field. PERSONAL NOTE The best moments If Dr.Shanta Ram came as my blessing and an understanding husband, my two daughters Dr.Diyal Lekha and Aishwarya Lekha, who is studying fashion designing in the US and son-in-law Dr. Srikant and

grandchild completed our happy family. The 100-bed Surya hospital, which we run in partnership is yet another best thing that happened. Tiding over hard times I think of those who have gone through worst times and draw strength to face my tough times, which are blissfully not many. Hard lesson I learnt that one should keep away from controversial issues and also that peeping into other’s affairs only begets heart ache. Non-negotiable in schedule Morning walk and gym. Changes your vocation brought I find less time for other activities. Success habits Will power, hard work and efforts Tough decision I continued working with the PHC even when I was carrying and pursued MD after I became the mother of two children- both the decisions were rather bold.

What would you tell your 20-year-old self? Nothing special as I progressed with a clarity of vision even then. What keeps you awake at night? I am a sound sleeper. What keeps you going in the morning? My exercise Three words that define your profession? Patience, dedication and hard work. People you follow on twitter/instagram/fb? My friends Favourite TV show Jabardasth How would you like people to remember you and your organisaion? Me as a friendly doctor and my hospitable for its spick and span ambiance Luck factor It does play a major role. Leadership lesson One must lead by example Other hospitals you admire Global Hospitals and Apollo

Ties with friends and family I am an out and out people’s person. Somehow, I carve out time for friends and family. Work-life balance I manage it easily, planning my day meticulously.

OFF THE CUFF One thing your CV doesn’t reveal My passion for classical dance. I fulfilled that dream through my talented daughters. Your super power My family Spirit animal Lioness If not this profession, then? Interior designing

red | 7th anniv. issue | 97

Feature

Salva Fathima Owner Saashri Jewellers

sure footed on path

wo teenage beauties complement Fathima’s elegance in that picture perfect Whatsapp DP. This brings to

mind Thomas Hardy’s famous line- “a picture of honest beauty flanked by innocence.” However, there are no prizes for guessing. They are her daughters Sarayu and Ashrita, from whose names Saashri has been derived. If the majestic outlet oozes splendour and opulence, the glittering fare it flaunts is even more magnificent. Fathima, Motivation I wanted to become a strong and independent woman who can take her decisions, make a mark in the society, and add value to our most precious asset- time.

about. My husband Anil Kumar is not only my friend, philosopher and guide, but also my vision-builder. He helps me understand trade nuances. He gives me space and time to design my desires. He is one super brain, who makes things Influences easy for me, besides being my My father Mr. S.M.M.Bahauddin was strong shield 24x7. a successful industrialist. My mother Mrs.Shafique Begum brought us up Daily tasks with great care and concern. I grew I take care of my clients, help them up seeing him working hard and understand the design and make helping the needy. Right from the jewellery within their budget. I train age of 13, I used to write his and keep my staff motivated. business letters, take care of cash transactions, and helped him in his Challenges Earning the trust of clients, building daily tasks. These exercises made me understand what business is all a long lasting relationship, and

the architect behind this resplendent brand, besides carrying out the business transactions, conceptualises and designs jewellery that can go into anyone’s safe as a timeless heirloom. Acknowledging her husband Anil Kumar’s indispensable role and business acumen in this spectacular success, she talks of her own contribution that added sheen to it.

keeping constant check on quality of work and services.

Tip to aspirants Love yourself. Have confidence.

Keeping the flock together We train them and offer incentives to make them push the envelope. We rank them setting monthly targets.

Pros and cons of being a she boss Pros: We have family’s support. And we can easily multi-task. Cons: nothing.

Winds of changes Earlier, the collection was limited to yellow gold temple harrams, emeralds, one CZ diamond and bangles. Now there are many genres like nakshi, jadau, etc. Today’s woman finds something missing, even though she has 50 pieces. To succeed in business, one needs You need to be trustworthy and provide top-notch quality. The most enjoyable task I enjoy being a leader, helping and guiding my folks and organising the business. I love to interact with my clients. I can never get exhausted doing that. The appreciation showered on me by clients is amazing.

The Vizag scene I love the city. My efforts are directed towards its betterment. I am proud of starting a unique flagship store here. PERSONAL NOTE The biggest risk The biggest risk I have taken is marrying a man out of my community & standing tall and perfect. I may have faced ups and downs, but they made me realise what life and relationships are all about. It also helped me mature at a very early age, and made me confident and strong. Non negotiable in your tasks Quality of ornaments, design and service. Best moment Every day is an unforgettable day for me.

OFF THE CUFF

Every client brings in a new experience. Opening this outlet on VIP Road is the most cherished moment. Tiding over tough times I recite my prayers everyday for more than an hour, even when I am on the treadmill. That builds my energy. Changes your vocation brought in you Being an entrepreneur is an embedded quality in most of us. As we progress, the latent qualities like confidence, spirituality, smartness and ability to lead come to the fore. That is what I have experienced over the years. Ties with family and friends My spiritual strength and my family’s support backs me up all the time. I am blessed to have many lovely and loving people around me. Because of my commitments and busy schedule, I have very little time for my own self, leave alone for others. But then, my friends family members understand that and are helpful, indeed.

An important aspect your CV doesn’t disclose I am a very simple human being, and a loving mother Superpower My spiritual strength Spirit animal Fish If not this profession Interior designing What would you tell your 22-year-old self? Stay a little longer with parents, love them more, and serve them. If not this business Any trade where I can use my creativity and value my time Keeps you awake at night? Commitments and

responsibilities of being an entrepreneur. What keeps you going in the morning? Designing and quality service How do you describe your business? Design savvy and quality freaks and one with the best ambience Luck factor Spiritual strength and hard work attracts luck. Who are the other designers you admire? Jewellery designers like Suhani Pittie, Farah Khan Ali and Amrita Singh keep me inspired. I simply love to read their blogs.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 101

Feature

Shobha Kishore, Fashion Designer, Hastakar

Her

art of living

oes her creativity lead to her work

or does she work her way to

creativity? Whatever may be the

order, Shobha Kishore has built an exquisite brand Hastakar, translating many beautiful thoughts into great designs. Opportunities unfold as one marches ahead in any journey, but the key is to know when to take that crucial turn

Motivation Being an entrepreneur was never my motivation. It just happened. My interest, bordering on passion and obsession, was in designing clothes. It gradually built up as a business.

and when to add that extension. That is what she has done by opening a new division- Vastraka that specialises in fabrics that reflect her fashion philosophy. A godmother for many craftsmen, Shobha states, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hastakar and I are synonymous and it is hard to see us as different entities.â&#x20AC;? There is a lot more to hear from

Challenges Earlier the challenge was how to please clients. Later, it turned out to be how to customise designs as per my client's personality & psychology. Now, the biggest challenge is to convince them that good creative work takes time.

the lady on a noble mission. Work culture It is important that all the skilled red | 7th anniv. issue | 102

craftsmen, my staff stay together as a viable team. I hold fun activities like picnics, team games and movies. Employee motivation I make my team understand that when Hastakar receives praise for quality and design, it is because of the team efforts. It is never a oneman show. I share the happiness of the client with individual employees who had worked on the project. Winds of change The appreciation of our traditional fabrics and the acceptance of IndoWestern clothing are two changes that I noticed in the last few years.

Steps of success A sense of fashion; giving adequate time to client; managing the varied skilled workers; focusing on a quality benchmark; meeting client expectations and having patience and understanding. The best moment Moving into my own studio has been a major landmark in my journey. I designed and created a good ambience, keeping the needs of clients and comfort of my skilled craftsmen in mind. The best part I get to know a variety of people and their fashion sensibilities. My vocation gave me many fine friends. Fashionable clothing & fine design keep me delighted. She Boss: Pros and cons Gender notwithstanding, the boss has to take responsibility for all consequences and get good work done. Status of woman Women have the right to enter any field, depending on their passion. Yes, our social fabric discourages women from playing a prominent role. The best way to deal with it is to think out-of-the-box, take up meaningful tasks. Men in the family should encourage them to pursue their career. Tip to aspirants Chase your dream, follow your heart, take care of customers and put in sincere work. The Vizag scene It is a city that is not too big and not too small. It is diverse in its population. Word of mouth seems to have a speed of its own in this city. That is quite good for business.

OFF THE CUFF

PERSONAL NOTE Tough decision The toughest decision of my life is to commit myself to being a professional designer. I did not realise at that time how tough it would be to develop this and give adequate time to my husband Kishore and son Akhil. With a feeling of guilt, I made an extra effort to give priority to my family. What is non-negotiable in your schedule? My personal time. Changes your vocation brought in you My empathy for the various needs of my clients has developed well. My patience grew in leaps and bounds as I learnt to deal with different situations. I am more focused on the variety of fabrics and design trends in the country. Tiding over tough times I sail through them with the support of family and friends.

Your CV doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disclose: My love for leisure activities. Superpower: My husband and my son Spirit animal: Tigress If not this profession: Jewellery designer or teacher Advice to your 20-year-old self Just keep calm and be positive, everything will be fine What keeps you awake at night? Nothing. I sleep well. What keeps you going in the morning? A cup of coffee Your business in 3 words Creativity, discipline and customer satisfaction Luck factor: Yes, good luck and timing are vital. Last search on Google Images of western clothing that I can adapt to Indian tastes. Favourite blogs/podcasts Blogs and Instagram on fashion and Podcasts by Vogue magazine and American Fashion Broadcast.

Success habits I make only those promises that I keep. I bestow undivided attention to my clients. Ties with friends and family My friends and family have been supportive throughout my journey. Despite my inability to spend much time with friends, they stand by me. Hastakar to be remembered... Our commitment to enhance the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image. It should be known for its uncompromising quality. Craftsmen associated with it share the benefits and client has a happy experience.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 103

Feature

13 Sneha Damaraju Saripalli Director, Traxx Fitness

eople often find their fitness regimen becoming a little

too routine for their liking. To satiate the hunger of

change-seeking health buffs, a plethora of game-

changing gyms and studios are springing all over, offering a mind-boggling range of exercises. Some of them are tough and some are made easy using appropriate props and equipment. While there is a phenomenal growth in the outdoor fitness activities, there is also an exponential growth in the indoor facilities that reinvent the ‘go-to-the gym’ experience. Breaking the myth that sophisticated gyms are only set up in the most happening places that can be accessed by HNIs, Sneha Damaraju Saripalli, and her partners run a state-of the art gym in the outskirts of the city. The endeavour has been a thumping success right from the word ‘go’.

Motivation Owing to the city’s growing obsession with fitness in all its forms and the lack of a state-of-the-art gym in Madhuwarda, we, a team of four, stepped in to fill up that gap. I am proud to say that our gym has all the trappings that make our customers sweat it out. Challenges Strategic marketing, client retention, attracting new members, tackling cut-throat competition and taking care of the staff are some of the major challenges.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 106

Staff selection & motivation Communication between employees & management is of vital importance. Hence, we have a weekly team meeting in which we discuss all issues threadbare. We select our staff based on their skills. Coming to motivation, we are one big happy Traxx family which is high on motivation. Winds of change I am a newbie in this field so I am still exploring. Steps of success Commitment. You want to keep that spark alive? Commit. Want to find that

spot in

neighbourhood perfect investor who will rocket your business? Commit. Want that Ryan Gosling body? Commit, commit & commit! Biggest risk We were skeptical of introducing the curvemill. We are the first to launch it in Vizag. But dispelling out apprehensions our customers took to it in a big way and now it is a big hit. Tough decision Stepping into this industry itself was a tough decision for us as we basically had no idea about this field. The support from family and friends, besides a lot of research, helped us make it this big. I must say this is the best decision I have ever taken.

Best moments The respect and admiration I receive from my clients, especially when the younger crowd calls me Akka. Partnership criteria Trust, loyalty, accountability and transparency are the major criteria for partnership firms. Without any of the above mentioned, it’s impossible to carry out a business in partnership. Steps to success Maintain good relationships with both

staff and clients. Personal interaction with clients helps in development of the firm and new ideas too. Imperatives to succeed Women should trust themselves, be confident and know their talent. Of course, family support is important. Pros & cons of being a woman entrepreneur Pro: We earn a lot of respect. That is inspirational. Con: Sometimes, I admit, that we do get underrated.

Tip to aspirants Stop those excuses, just do it. Your take on Vizag The overwhelming response, we received from the local people, especially Madhurawada dwellers was noteworthy. Their fitness awareness and health consciousness came as a big surprise to me. They appear to be fitness addicts.

PERSONAL NOTE Trajectory I am a commerce graduate and did bachelors in Law. My husband Chandra Mouli has been supportive in whatever decisions I make and take. Of course, he is my first and best critic too. Daily routine It starts with household chores and taking care of my son. Then I head to the gym to supervise business activities. I started my own fitness routine again after a long break. Non-negotiable in your schedule Playing with my son. However hectic the day maybe, I have to spend time and play with him. Lesson learnt the hard way People cannot be trusted blindly.

Changes your vocation brought I have become more analytical. Tiding over tough times I keep telling myself that nothing, not even bad time, is permanent. Success habits I don’t entertain negative thoughts. Ties with friends and family I give big thanks to my husband, parents-in-law, family members and friends for giving me that space to manage my gym. Work-life balance It is all about prioritising and drawing a line between the two arenas without any distractions. I stay focused on my work. But once I am home, my son can never let me think about anything other than him.

OFF THE CUFF Superpower Multi-tasking

Keeps you awake at night My two year-old son

One thing your CV doesn’t reveal I mimic

Three words that define your gym Commitment, passion and hard work

If not this profession Lawyer

Follow on social media Upasana Kamineni Konidela

Message for your 20-year-old self Keep going, don’t stop

TV show should everyone be watching Suits

Your gym and you be remembered for That not just Sneha but the trainers too welcome and treat clients like family. The luck factor I would not call it luck but the trust and faith my partners render in me. Leadership lesson learnt Spontaneous decision making is crucial. Last search on Google Green smoothie varieties red | 7th anniv. issue | 107

Feature Dr.Sravani Sandhya Senior Dermatologist & Cosmetologist Aura Skin & Hair Clinic

aura “

It was not all hunky-dory when I set up Aura four

years ago. I recall having only one patient,

sometimes none, in a day,” she recounts. Now it

boasts of an enviable and long client list. But for Dr.Sravani, it wasn’t about chasing the light at the end of the tunnel but rather lighting up the way as she went along. “I wasn’t after adding zeros at the end of my EXCERPTS

practised cosmetology with FDA-approved equipment. Motivation So, I decided to introduce I grew up watching my father the latest cosmetic treatment Mr.Ramaiah Bellam & uncle options at reasonable rates Mr.Kotaiah make it big in to the city. I thank Deepak, their respective fields. Their my husband, who motivated unwavering passion for their me further. work inspired me to follow their footsteps. I saw my Challenges family going through a tough People here are not that time after my father’s demise aware of various treatment due to cancer in 2012. It options available. They made me realize two things- preferred to go to metros life is unpredictable and a and spend a bomb on woman should stand on her treatments. It was difficult own feet. The urge to be on to convince them that we my own had become strong. have well-qualified doctors, state-of-the-art cosmetic Inception of Aura equipment & offer services When I started my practice at a budget friendly rate. in Vizag, there were hardly By and by these hesitant any certified cosmetology lot turned into our loyalists. clinics or even doctors who red | 7th anniv. issue | 110

paycheck. I just followed my dreams and made a few goals along the way. Rewards come when you work hard and invest your money prudently,” says this strong-willed dermatologist. Yes, it is this ‘do whatever it takes’ attitude that made her cosmetology clinic the most preferred one in town. Here is her take on varied aspects of life.

Creative measures It is important to listen and acknowledge. People like being valued and a well placed compliment helps. Documentation of regular work processes and procedures are also vital. Biggest risk Investing in a huge cosmetology setup was the biggest risk I took. Cosmetology equipment is quite expensive. I spent a lot on lasers and other equipment but never compromised on the quality.

Lesson learnt the hard way Patience is the key stone to success. Selection of staff He/she should be hardworking, honest, loyal and responsible. Keeping the flock together Perks always work. I make them feel responsible about the workplace. Winds of change Many! Non-surgical face lifts and technological advancements in skin care like customisable and made-tofit 3D face masks, UV tracking devices, custom hydration blends and opte’s spot correction. Steps to success Ensuring that the patients are happy with the results. I don’t pursue it for money. I do my best as I know the rewards will follow. Best moment When patients return with appreciation and praise! Enjoy most Outcome of my work. Your take on Vizag There are very few top-notch cosmetology clinics in this city. Such procedures are still new and limited unlike in metropolises like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. She Boss: Pros & Cons Pros: We are born multi-taskers, emotionally stronger & determined to complete any task at hand. Cons: The constant juggle between personal and professional life is an obvious challenge. Tip to aspirants Just do it! We only have one life. Don’t feel guilty that you are finding it difficult to balance work and family.

PERSONAL NOTE Non-negotiable in schedule My ‘me’ time. Changes your vocation brought in you I have become more dedicated and responsible. Tiding over tough times I know it’s just a phase so I recall all my happy moments to get over it. Success habits Patience, hard work and punctuality

Imperatives to succeed If you make a mistake, own it, apologize and move on- don’t ruminate. Appreciate feedback, negative or positive, and think, “What can I do with this?” If you are not making mistakes, you may not be doing something interesting. Ties with family and friends I agree that I hardly spend time with my kids and friends, but I try and make up for it. I am grateful to my husband who understands my hectic schedule.

OFF THE CUFF A thing your CV doesn’t reveal I don’t take life seriously, I just go with the flow. Spirit animal Turtle If not this profession Pilot Message to your 22-year-old self? Live your life. Don’t give much thought on what people think. If not this business Beauty care line Keeps you awake at night? I ponder on how I can better it. Expansion plans are in the offing. Keeps you going in morning? The fact that people look up to you and depend on you Describe Aura Exceptional service, revolutionary and updated Follow on social media Dr.Jason Littleton, Ellen Favourite TV show You and Friends Inspirational blogs/podcasts Dr.Jason & Dr.Lara Devgan

Want people to remember Aura for As the top dermatology and cosmetology clinic. We take utmost care of our patients, and every client is important to us. Leadership lesson learnt Take end to end responsibility Clinics you admire Devgan Scientific Beauty and New York Dermatology Clinic

red | 7th anniv. issue | 111

Feature

K.Sri Lakshmi Owner, Varnas

hues of

eeping up with the world of fashion is not a simple

task. In fact, it becomes rather daunting and

overwhelming when you get inundated with wide

range of options. Thank God for some mercies like Sri Lakshmi, who can bail out people suffering from the finding-that-perfect-attire anxiety. Yes she created a veritable shoppers’ paradise which is replete with traditional wear of subtle patterns and embellishments, besides some unconventional designs and exhaustive varieties. “You desire it, we provide it,” is the motto she follows in running this one-stop destination for all things trendy and fashionable. With a penchant for creativity, style and innovation, she stepped into this world with the support of her doting brother Venkat. Here, she shares her love for EXCERPTS Motivation Ours is a big closely-knit family. And every now and then, we get together and celebrate all occasions. And as you know, every occasion calls for a new attire. Instead of scouting around for that perfect apparel, I decided to design my outfit. Impressed by my innovative creations, my family suggested I put my talent to good use & seriously pursue this field. Inception of Varnas Seeing my keen interest in designing, my brother Vogi Reddy Venkat Reddy helped me start my first boutique titled Vastra Siri. Going by the red | 7th anniv. issue | 112

overwhelming response of the customers, we decided to shift to a spacious facility to offer a wider range of designs and dresses. That is how Varnas was born. Job profile My day starts and ends with thinking about the growth of my business and following fashion trends. Challenges I didn’t face any challenge. But by establishing Varnas, I got the better platform and the best opportunity to show my creativity. Creative measures I always strive to create a healthy work environment. I constantly encourage my

clothes, clothes and clothes!

employees to come up with their suggestions and feedback. Their inputs help me expand the scope of my vision and mental horizons. Biggest risk Starting Varnas! I knew I would face cut-throat competition from other established brands but still I went for it. Now, I can say that it was worth the risk and effort. Lesson learnt the hard way If you have the right amount of determination and dedication, you can overcome any obstacle in life. Election of employees He/she should be a good team player, honest, dependable, effective communicator and flexible. Employee motivation Praise them for their brilliant efforts and guide

them gently out of the situations, when they go wrong.

latest fashion trends, and want to try something new and unique.

Partnership criteria Excess of anything is bad. If you have partnered with someone who either dismisses every suggestion or a plan of yours, or agrees to even the silliest and potentially disastrous idea, you must take the hint that it doesn’t work.

Advice to aspirants Be subtle. Analyse the market before you step in. Seize the moment; don’t let thoughts like ‘I don’t feel like I’m ready’ get in the way. Be persistent.

Winds of change Online marketing and shopping have become the new storefront. The fashion spectrum is evolving where the customer wants the latest to keep up with the fashion trends and looks for creations that offer value for money. Steps to success Choose the right location, hire the right employees and be more organised with finances. Your take on Vizag There is no doubt that the city is growing in leaps and bounds. Vizagites too are accepting the

She Boss’ pros and cons Pro: We are more approachable & empathetic when compared to male counterparts. Con: Inability to make lucrative connections. Tip to aspirants Survey your audience to learn what they are interested in. Build your own platform but don’t try to appeal to everyone. Competition is a good thing. It proves that there is demand for what you offer.

Best moment The outlet was buzzing with customers on the first day of the launch itself. This stays etched in my mind. Enjoy most Designing something unconventional. Tiding over tough times I stay positive and get creative. Success habits As entrepreneurs, we must continue to ask ourselves, “What next?” Ties with friends and family Though I am neck-deep in work, I always take time out for my near and dear ones. I don’t want to miss out on any moment. Besides, I am always grateful to them for supporting me.

PERSONAL NOTE Non-negotiable in schedule Meeting the deadlines. Changes your vocation brought I am more enthusiastic now.

OFF THE CUFF An interesting aspect your CV doesn’t reveal I enjoy cooking. Superpower I can gauge what a customer wants. Spirit animal Humming bird If not this profession Chef What is your message to your 20 year-old self? Don’t waste time, start working towards your goals immediately.

Keeps you going in morning? Positive attitude What are the three words that define Varnas? Exclusive, exquisite and elegant Follow on social media I have no social media account Last search on Google Latest trends in the industry TV show everyone should watch I prefer movies

What do you want people to remember Varnas and you for? Varnas for its exhaustive range and What makes you awake at night? budget-friendly rates, and me, for Nightmares my friendly approach.

Luck factor It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Leadership lesson learnt Leaders don’t work alone. Boutiques you admire Varnas, Varnas and Varnas!

red | 7th anniv. issue | 113

Feature

SHE OFFERS THE RIGHT

Srilatha Guntur Proprietor, Manyata

IN TIME EXCERPTS Motivation My journey began with designing a few outfits for family and close friends, which I did with two sewing machines and three workers. Impressed with my creations and witnessing my passion towards designing, they encouraged me to take it up in a big scale. Hence, I floated Manyata. Job profile I interact with the clients and take note of their preferences. Based on that, I brainstorm over a few themes, colour palettes, silhouettes and fabrics. Once designs are shortlisted, the options are sent to the customer. After the approval, my team and I roll up our sleeves and get to work!

hat she is fearless, ready to experiment and blends modernity with tradition makes Srilatha the much preferred designer of the city. No wonder, she draws discerning shoppers from far and near with her

distinctive aesthetics. She views fashion from a different lens, playing around with unconventional prints and bold colours. Her attires appeal to every kind of customer. But more than that, what she does best is engage with ideas about what fashion and design can and should mean. Here, she showcases her work.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 116

Challenges Limited choice of fabrics & unlimited designs to explore. I strive to create a unique look to offer 100% satisfaction to my customers. For this, we dye the cloth to achieve certain shades & opt for either a new pattern or a new variation in embroidery. Biggest risk Like the movie Kick, my life has been abundant with risks. For instance, offering custom-tailored orders within the set deadline, at the same time ensuring the perfect output and satisfaction, is no mean feat. Lessons learnt the hard way Never ever give up. With patience and perseverance, you can overcome any hurdle that comes your way. Be brave.

The right team I am a stickler for perfection, especially when it comes to getting that perfect fit, which sometimes is no less than a miracle. It takes great efficiency and precision to get it right, and punctuality to get it done on time. I expect the same from my team.

PERSONAL NOTE

Team motivation I treat my employees like family as they are the foundation for any establishment. I encourage them with perks and appreciations, and try to be there for them.

Changes your vocation brought Nothing much. I just wish I had some leisure and time for myself.

Winds of change This is a very dynamic industry. Today it could be linen, tomorrow maybe kalamkari. I need to keep myself updated. Steps of success Patience, huge investment and trustworthy employees. Advice to women Have immense faith in what you conceptualise. You should also know how to convey the same without offending either your employee or customer. Tips to aspirants Educate yourself on the everchanging technology, financial systems, and trends to keep up with the pace at which the industry is growing. Vizag for business The city has made its mark across the globe. Not to boast, but we cater to many NRIs who choose our boutique and pick up our attires for special occasions. She Boss: pros and cons Being an entrepreneur, male or female, has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you give your 100% and prove yourself in the industry, nothing else matters.

Formative years My father Mr.Ram Mohan Rao, a farmer, made us work in the fields to earn our pocket money. We were taught to be independent. Non-negotiable in schedule My time with family and friends.

Best moment I cherish each and every moment, as I am passionate about this

field. But yes, the joy on my customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face when they look at the final product, which I put my heart and soul into, makes my day. Tiding over tough times I have utmost faith in God. He is my source of strength. Success habits I believe in the maxim- Early to bed and early to rise. Besides, my day feels incomplete without the aerobics and zumba session. Ties with family and friends Nothing much has changed after I took up entrepreneurship. My family and friends always look up to me with great respect and love. I strive to live up to their expectations.

OFF THE CUFF Your CV doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reveal Cooking traditional age-old recipes is my forte. Superpower Strong-minded Spirit animal Jaguar Message to 20-year-old self? Get ready to face the world If not this profession Organic farming Keeps you awake at night? Delivering end-products of topnotch quality on time. Keeps you going in morning? That aromatic cup of coffee Define Manyata Perfect customized tailoring Follow on social media Deepika Padukone Last search on Google Latest version of capes

and ability to deliver within the set deadline, and me for being approachable. Luck factor I believe hard work pays. God blesses us for the good we seek and luck follows like a blessing.

Want people to remember you Leadership lesson learnt and Manyata for To be humble while being firm Manyata for its impeccable timing

red | 7th anniv. issue | 117

Feature

Dr. Sudha Padma Sri Founder & MD Padma Sri Hospitals and IVF centre

CREATES

BUNDLES OF

“

Give up - how do you spell it?,” asks an invincible Dr. Sudha

Padma Sri, who lives life on her own terms, and with an

indefatigable sprit and rock solid determination. She is a

perfect example of the maxim- Fortune favours the bold. Married to Mr.Srinivas of Padma Sri Constructions at the age of 16, she went for the most daunting MBBS course and emerged with flying colours, simultaneously raising a family. Today, she is the region’s best IVF specialist, who runs Padma Sri Hospitals that literally and figuratively pierces the city’s prominent skyline. It is only natural that her felicity in varied fields got recognised and she was bestowed with the Best Medical Officer Award in 2000 and Mrs.Andhra 2010 Rexona Paripoorna Mahila by ETV. With a perfect command over language and clarity in thought, the articulate diva speaks of the tough journey, making it sound like a child’s play. Motivation I was always a topper in academics and the aspiration to serve the needy grew up with me. Specialisation in gynaecology was also an obvious consequence, as I consider it a great privilege a doctor can have to help a woman turn into a mother. Laden with filial obligations, women often neglect their health. Nothing can be more gratifying than taking care of these noble souls. Challenges Challenges galore for people who set out with lofty goals. It is difficult for any woman to give her 100% to both family and career. You have to learn the art of

red | 7th anniv. issue | 120

balancing both in order to succeed in life. I evolved my method at an early age when I used to cook, take care of my two daughters and attend college. Yet, I faced my first challenge when I boarded the Pedda Majji Palem bus to take up my first assignment with the PHC. I used to cross the Thatipudi reservoir on small boats and walk uphill to treat the tribals. The second one was when I took up fellowship in Laparoscopy in Hyderabad. I would travel every weekend to be with my family. But I look at them as experiences that made me strong & motivated enough to build my hospital and clear the colossal bank loan I raised for it, that too singlehandedly.

Team building To attract good hands and build them into a cohesive team is tough. Today, if I am able to spare time for you, it is because I have an 80-member dedicated team at work, offering services 24x7. Ties with patients No particular efforts. I believe in honest and transparent interaction. They seem to be quite happy with what we deliver and that is why today we are on the top. Winds of changes I can cite two. Firstly, there are increased incidences of infertility. The glad tiding is that today’s women are uninhibited and openly seek solutions to their problems. Secondly,

technology is advancing in leaps and bounds and we are always on our toes to be in step with it. Memorable moments At the professional level, several dejected childless couples, who lost hope, were blessed with children after the treatment. Even women, who have lost their uterus, got children through surrogacy from our centre. Success of these cases are cherished forever. At personal level, it was when I was invited and honoured as a chief guest at my esteemed alma mater St.Josephs Convent. Steps to success 3 Ds- Dedication, Determination and Discipline. Advice to women To start with, they must take care of their health, take proper diet, exercise and sleep.

On building hospitals Hospitals should be run by independent administrators rather than doctors. Doctors should not take up administration as it puts them under twin pressures. I am an accidental founder. It all started when I performed hysterectomy on a banker’s wife. Happy with my service, and offering a loan, he suggested that I should have a facility of my own, a temptation I could not resist. Luckily, it clicked.

Hard lesson A setback in my health imparted a valuable lesson to me that I could not take it for granted. Of course, I bounced back to life. Secondly, I learnt financial discipline is imperative for any of us to survive. Non-negotiable in schedule The 10-minutes I have with my son after he returns from school. Change you see in yourself Now, I love myself and in fact, I have started living. Stress buster Gymming

PERSONAL NOTE The trajectory By the end of my 3rd year in MBBS, I was a mother of two daughters Dedeepya (gynaecologist) and Poojitha (engineer). I studied along with them. My son Saajith arrived almost two decades later, when I felt an intense desire to have a child. I hardly enjoyed brining up my girls, as I was preoccupied with studies and later setting up my career at that time and missed out on many nuances of motherhood, which I fulfil now.

Toughest task Balancing career and home. Family I don’t set out for work without saying bye to my mother. My parents Mrs.Vimala and Mr.Venkata Ramana (retired Executive Engineer) live nearby and I spend an hour with them every Sunday.

OFF THE CUFF

One thing your CV doesn’t reveal I am very affectionate and expect reciprocation. I pick up only positive vibes in people I meet and try to imbibe them.

Padma Sri Hospitals My soul is in the hospital. Naturally, I want people to love it.

Superpower Determination

Leadership lesson Be part of the team.

Spirit animal Tigress

Luck factor It gave me right opportunities and I clinched them.

If not this profession IAS officer 3 words that define your profession? Noble, noble and noble

Like to be remembered as Affectionate and lively person

Other hospitals you admire Running a hospital is an unenviable task. So, I admire all those who do it.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 121

Feature Dr.Sunita G.Yelavarthi Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals

TOUCHING THE ART OF

G D

t's not only women, but even men brave the

knife to enhance their looks, says a recent

study, explaining the tremendous increase in

the experts who tinker, cut, stitch, repair and chisel human bodies like dexterous artists. Here we talk of one lady who makes a positive impact on people who come to her feeling self conscious of that extra flesh here or missing mass there. Though Sunita is born to be a doctor, she chose the specialisation on her volition. Here, is the account of her tryst with this branch of medicine which is changing the very face of the society. Her responses are as incisive and sharp as her scalpel.

Motivation I grew up in a family dominated by doctors and in medical environment as my parents and many others in my extended family were doctors in various specialities. So right from the childhood, I had seen myself as a doctor.

Challenges I can compare my work to a piece of art. Hence, the challenging aspect is to reconstruct the part as close to the original natural self. Secondly, to achieve and match the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perception of the end result is a huge challenge.

Job profile Having done my super-speciality in Plastic Surgery, I am pursuing my career at Apollo Hospitals. I also run my private clinic Aesthetix Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. I deal with all cases of trauma, burns, congenital anomalies and cosmetic surgery.

The ambience I try to keep my working space as aesthetic as possible. My clients need to relax and be at ease as my work demands and involves uninterrupted communication and interaction. This can be easily accomplished if the clients are comfortable and trust the procedure.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 122

Ties with patients I have always encouraged direct, one on one basis interaction. In fact, I ask them to message or call on my mobile directly whenever they want. Winds of change There has been a significant shift in the way plastic surgery, more particularly cosmetic surgery, is sought by people today. It is no more seen as a luxury restricted to the rich and famous women alone. Now men and women of all strata are looking at the option of plastic surgery for leading a life with self confidence.

Memorable case/experience The most rewarding/memorable ones are that of the cleft babies who smile beautifully after the procedure. The happiness of the parents as they watch their little ones new normal face is worth the effort. Steps of success Skill, competence, the patientabove-self attitude, accessibility, constant learning and improving, and above all patience. Most enjoyable aspect Making a difference to people’s lives makes my day. To better women’s status It has to begin with self. One must constantly evolve and improve, as a part of the bigger picture. She, then, should strive to improve the immediate environment, support network and march towards her goal. Finally, what one seeks should be in tune with the greater good of society. The positive outcome is inevitable when 3 aspectsPersonal, Environment and Community are in tune. Tip to aspirants One should not only have skills and confidence, but also considerable knowledge of hospital management, as they are two different aspects but equally important. PERSONAL NOTE The best moment The best moment was when I stood first in the state entrance exam which I had attempted taking a break, working for four years as a general surgeon. The joy was abound when the moment reappeared after three years of toil, staying away from family when I stood as university topper in my super-speciality.

Hard lesson Family time can never be a priority for a surgeon. Non-negotiable in your schedule My morning routine which includes personal fitness and planning for the day. Changes your vocation brought about I have become more sensitive to other’s needs. I have immense gratitude for life and its gifts.

OFF THE CUFF Thing your CV doesn’t reveal I am very inquisitive. Superpower Simple, yet committed Spirit animal Deer

Tiding over tough times Living in the moment & taking one step at a time.

If not this profession Homemaker

Success habits Meticulous & precise planning & giving my 100%.

What would you tell your 20-year-old self? Be yourself –I gave myself the same advice so many years ago.

Toughest decision Leaving my husband Dr.Raghu and children Jainaa and Chaitanya for three long years, when I went to pursue my superspeciality in Plastic surgery. It made me emotionally stronger. Ties with friends and family I am blessed with people who understand my professional demands and are positive towards it. Work-life balance Being yourself completely in both aspects of life without feeling divided about it.

Keeps you awake at night? Emergency calls from hospital. Keeps you going in morning Healthy breakfast Define your profession Precision, Resoluteness, Patience Follow on twitter/instagram/fb? Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Last search on Google Technology related information as I find it challenging Favourite TV show Not a TV person but recently I liked Young Sheldon Favourite blogs/podcasts Ted talks People to remember you for My work is my signature, it speaks for itself. Luck factor Luck favours the hard working. Leadership lesson One has to own the job to deliver their best. What other clinic/hospital do you admire? Specialists Hospital at Kochi where I did my fellowship in Cosmetic surgery. red | 7th anniv. issue | 123

Feature

n an industry notorious for its high rate of failures, Usha is running a

veritable gastronomic venture. Her inherited love of food and an

alchemical touch made her restaurant top the list of every food

lover. This enthusiastic spirit has grown up watching her Ammama and mother Mrs.Kala wield the ladle and serve lip-smacking Andhra and Tamil Nadu delicacies to every guest that has walked into their home.

Flowing with THE

“Nobody ever went back without getting a taste of their food,” she says . The young yet, farsighted girl carries this age-old tradition forward, satiating varied tastes of innumerable customers at her Godavari. She tells us how she found her feet in this competitive field.

current EXCERPTS Motivation After pursuing B.Com, I took up a job in Hyderabad but somehow it did not hold my interest. I returned to Vizag, joined hands with my mother and started Godavari. Job profile Until a point where it was self-sustaining, our roles were never limited to one. So, I do everything- from serving food to inventory management.

good care of you. We are on the same boat and we work as a team to keep it afloat. Customers can expect Food and ambiance that reminds them of the comfort of their home! To succeed in your field, one requires Versatility and consistency.

Best moment I can never zero in on one big moment as I have 100 small ones. But yes, positive customer experiences at Godavari have always been Challenges the best – be it a couple Shortage in labour. An increase in internal migration from Mumbai touring the affected small and medium country, German tourists or sized businesses in two-tier our very own Vizagites appreciating the food. cities. We try our best to retain our staff. When it Pros and cons of being comes to food, everyone a She Boss has his/her own favourites. Pro: I feel that in my line of What is good and what is business, understanding bad- becomes subjective. your audience plays a So to work out a common ground between customer’s significant role and as a woman empathising comes preference and unique innately. Con: “Sir lera?” This recipes has been yet question is put often during another challenge. a sales pitch. They are taken aback when I ask them to go Employee motivation ahead as they are talking to Treat your employees like your own. Take good care of the right person. them and in return they take red | 7th anniv. issue | 126

Usha Kalva Co-Founder Godavari

Imperatives for women Surrounding yourself with the right people and seeking mentorship can open new opportunities. I must state that women around me have been bold & ever-ready to undertake risks. So yes, we march ahead! Tips to aspirants Don’t be afraid to share your ideas with the world. With the right determination and consistency, it is possible to achieve your goal. Your take on Vizag The city offers everything within a comfortable distance. That makes it a great place for tourists and small businesses alike. PERSONAL NOTE Enjoy most I look forward to the daily discussions with my mother, employees over lunch or dinner. Lesson learnt the hard way Patience is a virtue. Non-negotiable in schedule An hour in the morning and an hour after we close, I take time out to read or watch something that keeps the creative juices flowing and challenged. Curiosity leads to ideas. It is imperative as we are working on our next venture. Change your vocation brought The realization that there’s an entire world out there waiting to be explored! We are a drop in the vast ocean after all. Tiding over tough times I indulge in physical exercises. That helps me to stay calm. Success habits Learning with an open mind. Toughest decision ever made It was tough to choose between working in a company and starting

my own business. I chose the latter. With this, I realised that plans don’t always work out the way we expect them to, and that we need to own up to the choices we have made in our journey. Ties with friends The first few months that went by in a jiffy and I had no clue about what was going on in their lives. Still, we used to catch up at the restaurant, and they have helped me with everything around. Now when I look back, I realised that they lent me a solid support without which I couldn’t have reached so far. Managing work-life balance My mother who is my partner and strength ensures that I maintain a healthy and positive balance in everything I do. I wonder if I could do it without her guidance.

OFF THE CUFF One thing your CV doesn’t reveal My obsession for denims

Follow on social media Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb

Your superpower I ask a lot of questions and I get the answers

Last search on Google red magazine

Spirit animal Dog If not this profession, then? Industrial designer What would you tell your younger self? Don’t wait for the right time. Just go for it. What keeps you awake at night? The kid inside me wonders when the flying cars will come! And when the water level rises, will Noah be ready? What keeps you going in the morning? My large cup of coffee Three words that define Godavari Home, comfort and joy!

TV show everyone should watch The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel People should remember Godavari and you for Godavari for its food and me for my contribution in making this world a better place with food and cheer. Luck factor If luck has a form then it is the support of my parents. Leadership lesson learnt Learn from other’s mistakes. Make mistakes but ensure not to repeat them. Other restaurant you admire Foodex. The chicken puff I had when I was 10-years-old and the one I had recently tasted the same. red | 7th anniv. issue | 127

Magical Music & Delicious Spread

omaa Restobar welcomed 2019 with a grand party at its premises. Nearly 300 people attended the event and had a gala time munching on lavish delicacies and sipping nectarous beverages. Renowned bands Seven Strings and Hellscape’s melodious live performance had everyone grooving to their tunes. Besides, the guests were awestruck with the bartenders’ juggling act with ﬁre. Owner B.Lokanadh Rao says, “The event received an overwhelming response. The upcoming events will be bigger than this one. So stay tuned!”

red | 7th anniv. issue | 130

ovotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach ushered in the New Year celebrations with a blast. The party was hosted with three themes across three different venues in the hotel, offering guests plenty of options to choose from: V-Convention had Knight of Dons theme, Terrace- Inﬁnity had Retro Night themed party and Pool Deck had Hawaiian theme. Scintillating performances of Bollywood and Indian Idol singer Manisha Karmakar, Bollywood Dance Troop, International Russia Singer Natallia, Retro Singer David, DJs Eddy and Bobsy enthralled all. Guests were in for an additional treat with an array of delicious appetizers and beverages.

GOOD FOOD SOULFUL TUNES

t was all fun and frolic at the sea-facing Hotel Ambica Sea Green for party-lovers. More than 100 people attended the grand bash held at Marina Hall and were in high spirits as they welcomed 2019. With DJ Siva and Kiran from Hyderabad upping the ante with Bollywood music, the crowds were wild and uninhibited, keeping energy levels high till wee hours. Scintillating dances, fun and frolic games, sumptuous buffet & refreshing beverages ensured that the celebrations were a big hit.

FAMILY COMES FIRST

our Points By Sheraton organised a grand New Year party for its staff and family. The theme was Retro and everyone was dressed accordingly to it. The event began with a speech by GM Vijayan Gangadharan, who said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that family matters and that they are the backbone of an employee. And recognizing family as part of our team results not only in happy employees but also helps to build trust and cement long-term relationships.â&#x20AC;? A magic show, fun and frolic games & cultural program enthralled all.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 132

a night to remember

he Park hosts the voguest parties in town and their New Year’s Eve gala was no exception. It organised a gleaming theme party, Mystery of the Egyptian Nefertiti, at the beach lawns. Nearly 1500 guests attended and were awe-struck with the Egyptian-inspired decor. The special attraction was a mesmerising tanoura dance performance by an Egyptian troupe specially roped in for the event. The night also saw guests tapping their feet and swaying to the beats of DJ HI2. The crowd deﬁnitely had a gala time as they relished a lavish spread.

NUMERO UNO BASH

yz-Uno held a grand party UNO Party at its spacious brewery. Praveen Simhadri of R-Crew Entertainments organised it. Nearly 650 revellers, dressed in their best, attended the bash. The Mardi Gras theme was the main attraction. DJs Aman, Nawaz and Rithika had everyone on the dance oor as they spinned mesmerizing tracks. The guests were in for a treat as they were served delicious Oriental dishes, special drinks and ﬁve variants of beer. Owners Rasagna Dharmana & Bharath Kamma said, “We received an overwhelming response from everyone who attended the event.”

red | 7th anniv. issue | 134

Opulent Affair

he sangeet ceremony of Anirudh, son of Mallik and Silpa Kankatala, and Sonika, daughter of Nagaraju and Roopa Araveti was held at V-Convention. Mintu Sarna curated the lavish décor and an extravagant 3D stage. Members of the couple’s family and friends enthralled all with their spectacular dance performances. The crème de la crème of the city attended the occasion and had a gala time feasting on lip-smacking delicacies and sipping nectarous cocktails. The party went on till wee hours as everyone danced the night away to the beats of DJ Piyush.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 138

Magnum Opus Event

he City of Destiny witnessed a grand celebration when Anirudh, son of Mallik and Silpa Kankatala, tied the knot with Sonika, daughter of Nagaraju and Roopa Araveti. The ceremony held at Waltair Club exuded opulent glamour. The couple certainly complemented each other in their gorgeous attires as Anirudh donned an orange sherwani and Sonika, a red and green lehenga. The occasion saw renowned political leaders, industrialists, educationists and bureaucrats pouring in to bless the couple. The guests were awe-struck with the elegant and stylish dĂŠcor done up by Dinaz. Later, they relished a lavish spread of multi-cuisine delicacies.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 140

red | 7th anniv. issue | 141

Sangeet

he Sangeet ceremony of Satya Divya and Suraj was held in the beautiďŹ ed lawns of the Hotel Park. The ambiance was mesmerizing with cool sea breeze complementing the music of tides. The high voltage focus lights upped the glow and glory of the event. The Sangeet was a mixer of classical and modern music. The melodious vibrant tunes enthralled guests.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 144

eception to celebrate the wedding of Satya Divya and Suraj was hosted by the parents of the groom, Datla Raghava Raju and Lavanya, at Freezone Lawns, Hyderabad. This grand event saw crĂ¨me de la crĂ¨me of the city blessing the couple and enjoying the hospitality of the Datla family.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 145

Regal

he wedding of Satya Divya with Suraj was celebrated at Vizag Conventions on 22nd Dec 2018. The bride is the only daughter of Mr.D.S.Varma and Mrs.Sridevi and granddaughter of Mr.D.Ch.Tirupathiraju and Mrs.Satyavathi and Mr.K.Subba Raju and Mrs.Suryavathi. The bridegroom Suraj is the son of Mr.Datla Raghava Raju and Mrs.Lavanya and grandson of Mr.D.Suryanarayana Raju and Mrs.Satyavathi and Mr.M.Subrahmanyam Raju and Mrs.Laksmi, who hail from Hyderabad. The venue was resplendent with fairy lights and the hall was decorated with ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;owers of rare colours and especially, the dĂŠcor of Mandapmam was dominated by roses. A hoard of distinguished guests from all walks of life Judiciary, Politics, Bureaucracy, Social, Cultural and Education and from across the globe converged here to bless the couple. The guests also represent CII, Chamber of Commerce, Sports fraternity, CREDAI and HR fraternity.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 146

red | 7th anniv. issue | 147

One Stop Family Store

LEO Jul 23 – Aug 22

acknowledged. But don’t let it get to

If employed, your hard work will be

Aug 23 – Sep 22

VIRGO

mood of the management before

Employed should pay attention to the

Sep 23 – Oct 22

LIBRA

a diplomatic approach. You may have waited a long time, but at the end everything will fall into place. Businesspersons are recommended to be attentive too. You will probably be offered an opportunity to invest in a new business abroad. If single, do not change yourself just to impress someone. Married, it is time to take a walk down memory lane to rekindle romance and strengthen ties.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 – Jan 19

LUCKY FOR YOU: INDIGO, 15

SCORPIO

Oct 23 – Nov 21

Employed should analyse all the aspects before switching jobs. Your colleagues will be on your side, even the ones you haven’t had a good relationship with. Patience and diligence works wonders! If in business, distribute your resources competently. Act thoughtfully. Singles, it is time to activate your charisma. Don’t try to cross the line. Untimely actions, disregarding your loved ones’ opinions, having an approach which is too subjective – these are the most notable mistakes the married should avoid. A vacation is on cards.

LUCKY FOR YOU: GREY, 13

This is not the time for self-interests. You have to adjust with people and situations. With a vigorous social life, you will be in great demand. Career will be in focus and it is advisable to reach targets. Monetary issues are not on the radar. Though you have the liberty to take decisions, you will not be a mood to take action regarding the financial affairs. A plethora of relationship opportunities are indicated, leaving you in confusion.

LUCKY FOR YOU: VIOLET, 27

saying airing their views. Try to adopt LUCKY FOR YOU: BLACK, 17

your head. You should now take on more responsibilities. Bonding with associates may, however, take a hit. If self-employed, follow your gut when it comes to taking major decisions. Involvement in partnerships should be avoided, as the results could be hazardous. Singles will finally find their soul mates. Married need to spend a lot more time with their near and dear. So plan a vacation.

LUCKY FOR YOU: CREAM, 30

If you work for yourself, complete the present project before moving to a new one. For employees, it is a good time to prepare a platform. So explore the possibilities and analyze the alternatives. In love sphere, the level of responsibility goes up, but the results will also be impressive. Consider all proposals before taking a decision. You need to talk with people and communicate with them. This period is very good for establishing relations.

If you are self employed, this is a good time to sign foreign contracts and enter into new alliances. Try to adopt unique business strategies, but do not rush to make a decision. There might be a misunderstanding with your boss, but you should be attentive and tactful in handling such situations. You can benefit from networking with your colleagues. If married, you will not face any major situations or conflicts. Plan a surprise trip for spouse. Singles should strengthen the ties with their friends.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 – Dec 21

LUCKY FOR YOU: BROWN, 20

`100/JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2019 - VOL. 08 | ISSUE 03 HYDERABAD

Special Issue - Part 2

DESIGNERS

THEY RULE THE FASHION SCENE

SCOPE

DAKSHA IS ON A ROLL A novice as she is, Nagarkar amazes critics and audience

The curators of style effortlessly blend old age traditions and present day aesthetic trends

REVIEWS

CHECK OUT NEW SPOTS We offer a few glimpses of the latest trade entrants that are creating buzz

LIFESTYLE PERSONALITIES CINEMA FEATURE LUXURY EVENTS REVIEWS FOOD PARTIES

NOTE

t is a much awaited move. Congress is out with its Brahmastra (ultimate weapon) or Trump card - Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, hoping to herald a new era in the party. While cadres across the country welcomed her grand entry as the general secretary of All India Congress Committee, the Telangana Congress has celebrated it on a large scale. Though she is not a stranger to politics, her direct involvement will give a much needed shot in the arm to the

PUBLISHER’S

Be it playing with colours, selecting the best fabric, designing innovative patterns and motifs or the on-spot customization- these fashion icons excel in every aspect. Our Designer speaks of a few design gurus whom

Whether it is politics or any other ﬁeld, women have been playing very decisive roles. It is little wonder, our Special Issue Part-1, which played rich tributes to prominent women from various walks of life, was greeted with overwhelming warmth & appreciation. All women deserve to be appreciated, respected, and admired as their contribution is vital to build strong economies and improve the quality of life, families and communities. However, insurmountable page limitation allows us to speak of only a few. We hope to talk of many more in our future editions, with suitable paeans.

Chandra Mouli Tippala, Publisher

I wish you all a very happy reading before signing off.

Yet another star, who shows a lot of prowess and promise is Daksha Nagarkar. This girl, who is fairly new on the block, has hugely contributed to the success of the ﬁlm Hushaaru. Forthright and frank, she talks of the baby steps she has taken in the world of cinema. Open Scope to know about her.

As if bagging the coveted role in That Is Mahalakshmi was not enough, Tamannaah Bhatia went on to land a role in the period film Sye Ra Narasimha Reddy. It definitely makes one ask, “Is there anything this powerhouse performer can’t do?” To find answer, you have to turn to our Haute chapter.

every fashion-enthusiast should know and follow.

DOESN'T MEAN POLITICS WON'T TAKE AN INTEREST IN YOU.

party, it is said. Detractors, anyway, took potshots at Congress saying that dynastic politics has gone two steps forward. It is to be seen if she would live up to the expectations of the party and people.

“

JUST BECAUSE YOU DO NOT TAKE AN INTEREST IN POLITICS

5TH ANNIVERSARY

3RD ANNIVERSARY

1ST ANNIVERSARY

6TH ANNIVERSARY

4TH ANNIVERSARY

2ND ANNIVERSARY

ELEGANT & TIMELESS FASHION Mamta Mansingka’s Kilol Jaipur was launched in Banjara Hills. The launch saw Anju Poddar lighting the traditional lamp along with various socialites and fashion experts. Fashion experts Bina Rao and Archie Paranje were prominently present. The store displayed a wide collection of apparels and upholstery made of different fabrics and designs. The USP of the designs is their roots to Indian culture that depict the authentic colours and patterns in a new avatar. The guests were spotted indulging in shopping and discussing fashion.

ROYAL COLLECTION The House of MBj showcased one of the largest collections of Jaipur's royal kundan polki and extraordinary diamond jewellery in a private show Taraassh at Salon 2&3f in The Park Hyatt. The show redeﬁned the traditional craftsmanship of polki and diamond jewelry. It gave a detailed look of the fragments and comprehension of the art, curating every piece with thought and inspiration. MD Gautam Soni said, “No wedding is complete without Rajasthan’s polki jewellery. But since Hyderabad has very few options, we have come up with this exquisite collection.”

ULAVACHARU IN BENGALURU After a successful stint with Hyderabad, Ulavacharu, that has won various accolades, is all set to win the hearts of the citizens of Bengaluru. Ulavacharu has now opened its doors at Koramangala. Actor Nikhil Kumaraswamy Gowda, Deputy CM of Karnataka, Dr.G.Parameshwara and MLA Ramalinga Reddy inaugurated it. This authentic traditional cuisine pays tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Rayalaseema region. They serve 18 varieties of biryanis/pulaos and more than 30 traditional starters.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 15

Manisha

Aruna

Ramakanth

FOR A NOBLE CAUSE

Usha Rani

Uma

Moon Moon & Pradeep Roy

Sadhana Singh

Chiranjeevi Bindhu & Srinivas Donthi

Hafsa red | 7th anniv. issue | 16

Sachin

FLY HIGH Sudha Jain

Pranitha

Madhulagna Das

Keeping the spirit of Sankranti alive, Srinivas Donthi & Prajyoth hosted a kite ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ying party on the terrace of Sri Chaitanya Kalasala, Himayathnagar. Guests were seen indulging in light-hearted conversations and enjoying the picturesque and breathtaking view. Seen at the event were Sadhna Singh, Preetham Julekar, Keith, Grishmi, Shazia, Pooja and Suchitra, besides others.

Brij Gopal

Madhuri

Rotary Club of Jubilee Hills presented the preview of a documentary on social innovation Program for Primary Prevention of Sexual Violence (PPPSV), a collaborative initiative of King Edward Memorial Hospital Research Centre, Pune, Berlin Institute of Sexology at the CharitĂŠ, Bayer Group in India and an advisory council of experts from India. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Durga Prasad, IPS Advisor Home, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Swati Lakra IPS, Head of SHE teams, Government of Telangana and Dr.Vasudev Parlikar, Head, Psychiatry Division in King Edward Memorial Hospital Research Centre, Pune participated in the panel discussion moderated by Ananda UVL, Bayer Group in India.

WITH LOVE TO KATHAK Indian dance forms have their own charm. This was yet again proved at Nrityaangana's third annual show held at Bharati Vidya Bhavan. Suhani's love for Kathak began at the age of eight. Driven by this love, she established Nrityaangana in 2016 to impart the art form in its honest and purest form. The team of Nrityaangan celebrated its third anniversary with fervour. The audience was all praise for the students’ performance.

Anjum Babu Khan

Vandana & Pratiba

Archana & Sapna

Tej

Kosha

Vijay Durga

FLOWER POWER

Suhani

Ansh

Sruthi Agarwal red | 7th anniv. issue | 18

Tanvi & Vanshika

Jyothi & Jithender

Mangli

Ikebana International Hyderabad Chapter #250 held their annual exhibition “Basket and Blooms” at the Marigold, Begumpet. The event was an homage to the late Remani Nambiar, the ﬁrst President of the Ikebana International Hyderabad Chapter. The chief guest of the soiree was S.P. Singh, Chief Secretary of the Telangana Government and the guest of honour was B.Venkatesham, IAS), Secretary of the department of Tourism and Youth Advancement. As usual, there were many creative works on display, leaving the guests in awe.

Vani Sudam

Dr. Kamala

Isha & Ayesha

Aditi Rao Hydari, Gaurav Gupta & Kangana Ranaut Harish & Esha Hindocha

HIGH ON FASHION

Shreedevi Jasti

Brinda

Manisha Kapoor

Varsha & Ritu

Avnish & Priya

Karishma

Deepa Suchita & Sandeep

The one thing that every fashion lover looks forward to every year is the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour. This tour, that took the nation by storm, was in Hyderabad as their second destination. Held at the uber-luxury Taj Falaknuma Palace, the fashion show was nothing less than an extravaganza. The show saw Gaurav Gupta as the key designer displaying his collection. His interpretation was showcased through his garments. Renowned actors Kangana Ranaut and Aditi Rao Hyadri set the stage on ďŹ re.

Poonam

Rashi & Nithin red | 7th anniv. issue | 20

Diva

Rina Hindocha

Muskaan

Tanusha Bajaj

REVISITING ETHNIC WEAR It was an evening that made fashion special, as Sangeetha, an ISB graduate under the Goldman Sachs programme and a remedial teaching expert turned self-taught fashion designer hosted a two-day fashion festival. In this connection, a special preview through a Mini Fashion Show was organized, where ten models, sporting 30 outďŹ ts Kalamkari saris and lehangas, showcased the collection. The concept is breathable clothes. Nearly 1500 clothes were showcased in the fashion festival that had readymade and designer blouses, Indian gowns, cotton kurtis, anarkali, Banaras saris and Made In India fabrics.

Praveen Agarwal & Tripti

Anand Datla

Arvind & Apurv

Anitha Soni

Meenakshi

SETTING A BENCHMARK.

Anjani Shah

It was a proud moment for the city as Young Indians brought like-minded entrepreneurs and achievers under one platform in an interactive session with Bishnu Sultania and Satyarup Siddhanta. It was an inspiring event as mountaineer Satyarup, who is on the verge of setting a record to be the youngest in the world to climb both the Seven Summits and Seven Volcanic Summits, shared his story. Bishnu, a speaker and achiever, spoke of his journey from riding a bicycle to ď&#x20AC;&#x201A;ying his own 6-seater aircraft. The session was followed by a delicious dinner. Kiran Krishna Murthy

Riddhi

Shreya Malani

GRAND ANNUAL CELEBRATIONS It was a day of bonding as Sanskruti Shikhar School celebrated its annual day with students, staff, parents and members of Sanskriti Ladies Club. The event saw students coming up with the best of their skills like singing, dancing, drama, as the staff, management and parents cheered them. It was a soul-soothing to see the teachers sharing their experience and joy of being with the school. The participants relished lip-smacking snacks. Tushar & Rima red | 7th anniv. issue | 22

Meenakshi

Samridhi

Nanda

Sanjay

Ali & Azara

Navneet & Vinita Pittie

NOSTALGIC ART JOURNEY Rekha & Prashant Lahotia

Krishnakriti Art and Culture Festival held an art exhibition, highlighting the transformation of urban spaces, people and cultures. The theme ‘Urban Frames-visual practices and transitions’ is a platform to bring in pan-Indian artists, architects, art historians, conservationists, photographers and stakeholders under one roof. “Through vintage images, I look for what’s lost, and document the transitions,” said Jaipur-based artist Nandan Ghiya. Devendar Surana

Kavitha & Manisha

Faiza

Santosh Ahuja,Shankar Ahuja & Nitin Ganerawal

Shambhavi

Kisan Lohiya

red | 7th anniv. issue | 24

Shaheen & Sikander

CELEBRATING A MILESTONE

Sahil Gulati & Priyanka

Abhishek & Niharika

Rinky

Zarna

Absorb, a boutique bar, opened at Jubilee Hills. The launch was grand and memorable. It saw party-lovers letting their hair down and grooving to the DJ’s tunes. The dance oor was packed and the guests were seen relishing Italian & continental delicacies. An unstopped ow of mocktails and cocktails of varied combinations kept them in high spirits. The launch party lasted till wee hours as the vibrancy of the space was infectious. Jai & Purvi

Jayesh Mulani

Saachi

Kavitha Tiberwal

GOOD FOOD & PRETTY AMBIANCE Foodies can rejoice as Enchante Cafe Lounge was launched at Filmnagar. This café lounge serves an array of Italian delicacies and desserts to satiate your taste buds. The interiors of the facility, weaved around travel theme, is an added attraction. The team said, “We want to give our diners the best taste wrapped in the best presentation. We ensure that they are prepared and presented in a way that it ignites your taste buds with a mere glance.” Food lovers were seen in complete attendance, relishing the lavish spread.

Rachit

Anamika

Rajesh & Deepa

Yashna

Ritika & Pakhi Anil & Ritu Divya & Shivam

Sheela Vinay & Rashmi red | 7th anniv. issue | 26

Nilesh & Sudhindra S

Reena

Shivani

Sanjay, Bhagya, Sirisha Rajsheker Reddy Mona

Shiva Balaji & Swapna Madhuri Nitya Naresh Deeba

Adit

Ananya

WHAT’S IN TREND? Trendz, a two- day exhibition was held at Taj Krishna. Socialite Radhika Sriyu along with actress Chaitra & Page 3 socialites inaugurated it. Trendz is famous for bringing the fashion trends from across the country to the city. Speaking at the event, organiser Shanthi said, “The 70-stall show has exquisite saris and designer apparels, jewellery, bridal wear, half saris, lehangas, lifestyle accessories, home decors and kids wear.” The expo held during the last week of December was a perfect way to say goodbye to 2018 as it gave a glimpse of the current fashion trends.

Deepthi Alapati

Jini red | 7th anniv. issue | 28

Sreeja

Rupa Reddy

Priya

Raj Kandukuri

Chandra Lekha & Chitra Lekha

Bobby

SIRISHA MAKES A MARK Sirisha Reddy is a name that needs no introduction to the fashion world. Within a short span of one year, her label has garnered a special place in the heart of the city's fashion lovers. To celebrate this moment and gear up for an even more successful year, Sirisha Reddy threw a party that was attended by near and dear ones. The plush boutique went for a makeover with a new collection. The family was seen helping Sirisha in welcoming the guests. The celebration was attended by producer Raj Kandukuri, Madhura Sreedhar, actor Adith and others.

Bonya Raghu Kunche

Anil & Umesh

Madhura Sridhar

Mounika Dj Piyush

Antrina & Rohan

Vishal & Urvi

Grand New Year Bash

here is no doubt that Snort is one of the most happening adda for party lovers. Staying true to its brand image, it organised a grand New Year bash. The tariff was fixed, but not the limit on food and drinks. The party also had various couple contests and freebies as added attractions. The revellers let their hair down and danced to the high-octane tracks of DJ Piyush Bajaj. Friends and couples were seen clicking selfies at the selfie booth and lighting sky lanterns. As the clock struck 12:00, Snort welcomed 2019 with grand fireworks!

Aravinda Saritha & Chandra Tanmai

Anvita

Yukta Shraddha Greeshma

Priya & Srikar

Shailaja

Sonal red | 7th anniv. issue | 30

Shailaja

Lakshmi

Madhuri

Dj Albert

Sree

Kavitha

hy should men have all the fun? Driven by this quote, Xenia Cafe Lounge Bar organised a glitzy and glamorous Ladies Night. The ladies of the city were seen in great numbers making it clear that they too know how to party hard. They had a gala time as they danced to the foot-tapping beats of DJ Albert, and were even offered unlimited drinks. Complementing the mood and occasion, the lavish spread of different cuisines with a range of desserts made the dining experience perfect.

TWIN CELEBRATIONS FOR KIRAN

Sadvika Sangram & Nimisha

Shanmuka & Vinita red | 7th anniv. issue | 32

Kavya

Moon Moon ,Ruchika & Manju

t was an evening of double celebrations as Kiran Srinivas threw a pre-New Year party at the ever buzzing Snort and even introduced his new productbased company- Kenvault, a Fintech ďŹ rm. The party, attended by friends and family, experienced double excitement. The DJ had everyone swaying to his foot-tapping beats. The guests had a bash as they partied hard, relished delicious food and sipped refreshing drinks.

Kiran Srinivas & Madhuri

Aparna Lakshmi Aparna

Prasanna

g ifting

made special

ife is filled with special moments, and everyone desires to make it special and memorable with gifts that can be remembered forever. For all those who are looking for such special gifts for their special onesyou have an exclusive destination in our very own Hyderabad. Driven by the belief that gifting should be customised and exclusive, Karishma Jain decided to start a destination that would offer such creative solutions. Spread across a lavish 1500 sq.ft. space in the up market Banjara Hills, Karishma & Co is a house for

national and international brands like Ekaani, Noritake, Rosenthal, Versace and others. The well-spaced store reflects the passion of the owner towards the untouched market for luxury gifts, branded silverware and customised gifts. Amidst the wide range of collection, you can be assured of finding your choice. However, if you have a specific demand for a party or function, all you need to do is to tell them what you have in mind and voila, you will have your signature gift. Impeccable designs, prompt delivery and ability to deliver in more numbers is what makes Karishma and Co a unique concept with a monopoly in the gifting scene of the city. From personal gifting to corporate gifting, they do it all. So, next time you wish to surprise your near and dear ones or your team, you know where to head to.

Timings: 11:00am to 8:00pm | Contact: 9000027700 red | 7th anniv. issue | 36

Tasty Delights & chilled out

V i bes

yderabad is a city that never fails to surprise its citizens with new hangouts. They are mushrooming in every nook and corner. Joining the bandwagon is Xenia CafĂŠ Lounge Bar. Sprawled over 3000 sq.ft. and located in the busy streets of Road No.12, Banjara Hills, this facility is an indoor dining space boasting of Greek architectural flavour. The interiors are done in a unique chess board theme. Wondering why the chessboard theme? Well, it is to portray the philosophy that life is like a chess game. This is effectively conveyed from

the moment you enter the lounge, with the interiors dotted with huge cutouts of chessmen. There is also an exclusive zone with a small bar for the party-goers, whereas the rest is for those who love to dine and chit-chat with their near and dear ones.

signature drink Sangria and appetizer Broccoli Bites cannot be missed out on. For sandwich lovers, you have various options complemented with crispy fries. Moreover, the bread and spices are made in-house to give that fresh and perfect taste.

On the tasting platter, the menu offers an array of Continental, Italian and German delicacies. The bar offers a wide range of cocktail and mocktail options. Their

So for all the revellers out there, you must pit-stop here and explore it.

Timings: 12:00noon to 12:00am Contact: 9100100412 red | 7th anniv. issue | 38

Play

he husband-wife duo, Neha and Sumit Ahujaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aim to create a healthy work-play environment for children laid the foundation of Sim and Sam's. After a successful stint in Kompally, the couple recreated the magic again in a new location- Uppal. Located at the Food Republic in Pocharam, this 7,800 sq.ft. play area caters to children of all ages. Parents have free access to the play area and can also linger on in the lounge area, catching up with their work, or reading, while their kids indulge in play.

n Lear

volcano slide (first in the country), ninja circuit for kids (first in the country) with two huge slides, rotating octopus, huge toddler area with ball pool, all this to ensure the little ones have great fun. Complementing the play area, there is a well-designed reading zone with a few handpicked books for kids.

The play area offers building blocks, magic mirrors, and other such free toys for body-brain coordination. Last but not the least, Sim and Sam's proves to be a perfect venue to host your kid's birthday party. So, next time you wish to provide your child a healthy play date, you know where to head to.

The newly designed space is ocean themed and the entire carpet area is matted with water-themed cushioning. Staying true to its brand image, Sim and Sam's in Uppal boasts of a wide range of games like bubble roll,

red | 7th anniv. issue | 40

Contact: 9676588022 | Timings: 11:00am to 9:00pm

WRAPPED UP IN

L VE

Wait! If you thought it is all about satisfying your sweet tooth, then you must know that they also offer an exhaustive array of pizzas and burgers that you cannot miss out on. Check out their Nutella Waffle, Dark Chocolate

red | 7th anniv. issue | 42

Pancake and White Sauce Non-Veg Pasta which are must-trys. Waffle World is all set to introduce new varieties and rice bowls. On the business front, they are all set to expand through franchises. So, now you know where to head next time you are in the blues.

Timings: 8:00am to 1:00am Contact: 9704494433, 040-48540401

fter a lovely meal, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it important to indulge in a soothing dessert? So, here is one such destination to satiate your sweet cravings. Waffle World, the new name on the block, has created quite a stir in the dessert options. This facility is located at Madhapur near Mahavir Auto and run under the expert guidance of Gopi Nadh. Sprawled over 1400 sq.ft., it is a comfortable space to sit back & enjoy the wide range of waffles & pancakes with your near and dear.

ocated in the plush

collection, the store also

Jubilee Hills,

stocks handcrafted jewellery

Sangeetha Studio

and precious stones.

of handcrafted apparels and

Sticking to the theme of the

accessories. Sangeetha

collection, the interiors are

Rajesh's vision to curate

earthy and simple. The

hand painted Kalamkari and

collection is well segregated

make it available to one and

as per the cuts and placed

all laid the foundation to this

neatly on display.

offers an exquisite collection

outlet. Spread over 1000 sq.ft., the store has a wide range of ready to wear blouses, gowns, kurtis, saris and more; available in Indian and contemporary designs in a vast range of fabrics. Complementing the

Shoppers Paradise

We can assure you that the store has something attractive for all age groups. For all those who love Kalamkari, this is a must visit destination as it offers collection in all price range.

Timings: 11:00am to 8:00pm | Contact: 9248025432 red | 7th anniv. issue | 44

Epitome of they master them all. The common thread that holds all the designs is that each piece has a story behind it.

e it any occasion, everyone aims for that perfect look which is incomplete without sparkling and stunning jewellery. Driven by this belief Anand Mor laid the foundation of Jatin Mor Jewels, (formerly known as Mor Jewellers). This facility is located in Punjagutta. Under the leadership of his son Jatin Mor & creative expertise of jewellery designer and his daughter-in-law Suvedha Mor, Jatin Mor Jewels has become a name to reckon with in the world of jewels.

Though all their designs are impeccable, they are specially known for their wedding designs that encompass all the ceremonies like bridal shower, sangeet, wedding and more. Right from ideation to the making, every aspect of jewellery making happens in-house, that too with a qualified and world-class team. Besides, what makes Jatin Mor Jewels unique is that clients have the privilege of visiting the factory & watching the trinket in the making. They are soon coming up with a spacious 6000 sq.ft. facility within six months. So drop in at Jatin Mor Jewels to get a new look for all wedding festivities.

Gone are the days when people used to choose from the options available. Now they all aspire for exclusive and unique designs. If you are one of them, this haven is your one-stop destination. From cocktail parties to traditional wedding jewellery,

Timings: 11:00am to 8:00pm For Appointments: 9100105002

red | 7th anniv. issue | 46

Delightful

ew year, new hopes and new plans. When everything is new, we are sure, you would like to have a brand new plan for your wardrobe too. From classic contemporaries to handlooms to ethnic wear, the year calls for a lot more. So, here we bring you designers, their deďŹ nition of fashion and some details about their signature style that would help you decide whom to approach, when you want that picture perfect look.

By Swarnalata Pothapragada | Shoot by Dinakar Pamu

Asmita Marwa

Architha Narayanam red | 7th anniv. issue | 50

Gaurang Shah

Jyoti Reddy

Shilpa Reddy

10 Mrunalini Rao

Kavitha Gutta

Sirisha Reddy

Priyanka Agarwal

Madhu Verma

Vinita Passary red | 7th anniv. issue | 51

Designer

HYDERABAD

Architha Narayanam

WEAV ING emot ions

he was a teenager when she fell in love with fabrics and colours. Like Ekalavya, she is self taught and learned the art by herself and proved

once again that anything can be pursued, accomplished and achieved, if one is fervent and fascinated with it. Architha Narayanam is a name that is taken with great love and respect when one talks of ethnic wear, especially when they mention lehengas, saris, and kids wear. Her creations ooze class, style and fashion. In a conversation, she narrates her fashion love story.

Weaving thoughts It all begins with a seed of inspiration that sprouts designs which later grow into a collection. Whenever I am designing a collection, I pay attention to two aspects â&#x20AC;&#x201C; designing and wearability. I follow the idea with sketching and then go for creating samples. The best ones are turned into a collection. When working on silhouettes, I know what fabric suits which design. Each piece should be different yet similar in a collection. Amalgamating minds and hands It's an ongoing process. With a team of nearly 100 people with different skills, you can imagine the madness that happens at the workshop. I have red | 7th anniv. issue | 52

to encounter concerns & absentees, with deliverables staring at me. Work pressure mounts during the peak season as two or three people take off. But they are so capable that they make my job & journey worthwhile. I have a great team that can create anything and everything for an ask. Creativity Vs commercial viability I love to create designs that satiate my creative urge, but saleability is equally essential. There can be times when your creation may not be what a client expects. But at the end, the clients have the final say. I have also learnt the art of understanding and can gauge what they want.

Longevity Not just me, every designer wishes that his/her collection must be eternal. But fashion changes every day and people these days want to look just the best and leave no stone unturned to accomplish that. The longevity of any outfit in a client's wardrobe is mostly one time. This impacts our work too. That is why we create different collections but the designs mostly are eternal. There are also occasions when a client asks for a piece from the old collections and we do recreate that for them. Winning hearts Thankfully, my clients trust me and most of the times it's a win-win

you are designing for a star, it's not about one outfit. They are given a good 20 options, out of which, they select two. The craziest time is during events like IIFA. There are stars with different images and demands. Anything can go wrong like a zip is off here or a stitch goes wrong there. Setting them right is a challenge in itself. Icing on the cake Dressing up innumerable

brides and being the reason for their smiles and making their special day beautiful are my cherished rewards. Kickstarting 2019 2018 ended on a wonderful note with an appearance at a fashion show. This year, we aim to come up with better ideas and collections. Piece of advice This is an industry where many people exist and many

F A V O R I T E S

situation for me. But there is a lot of pressure to make it the best because most of my collections is bridal wear. We can neither delay nor can go wrong with the fittings. Be it designing for brides or otherwise, I prefer to listen to my clients first, and then work out my creative plan. So, once they tell me what they are looking for, I package it with what looks the best on them. It often works this way but there are times when a client looks happy at the sketch level, but is not with the outfit. Once a bride-to-be asked me for a high-low. I showed the design, but once she wore the final outfit she said, the front is too high which was how it was intended to be. I tried explaining to her, but it didn't work. So, I reworked the design to satisfy her.

come in every day. The only way to sustain is to have your own signature style. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imitate and make your own. Also, it is very essential to stay updated with the market and fashion trends to evolve along with it. When you start, there will be many hiccups like client rejections, bad designs and more. Stay focused and look at it from a longer perspective.

Lessons learnt All these 15 years, every day has been a task and left me learning something new. I get up to new ideas & face challenges to make them real. Fortunately, I have every single client satisfied.

Designer Sabyasachi

Friendly partners I closely work with weavers and did a collection on handlooms. When dealing with pure weaves and handlooms, there are two things I am concerned about. Selling them at a competitive price so that more people buy them and increase the demand. I make sure that the weavers are paid their dues on time. They should know that their skills are worth pursuing to sustain them.

Fashion show Lakme Fashion Week

Dressing up the stars They say the desired noise is created only when two hands come together. In the same way designing for stars is all about complementing each other. When

Actor Kamal Hassan Color Keeps changing but ice blue

Fabric Flat chiffon

SMALL CUTS Define fashion Comfort and quality Personal style statement Comfortable, stylish and perfect fit How do you wish women to feel when they wear your designs WOW

Fear while launching a collection No fear but excitement to see the reactions of clients to the new collection Handling creative blocks I take a break. Let my mind breathe easy. I catch up with friends and family.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 53

Designer

HYDERABAD

Asmita Marwa

For and with

the

weavers

esigning for films is now a fad and

considered the highest goal for every

fashion designer. But when she

started, "Fashion/design," were foreign terminology. No wonder, she is considered the pioneer of Telugu cinema fashion as her maiden step into the fashion world was through cinema. She had designed for and styled the top league of actors like Venkatesh, Nag, Preity Zinta in films like Manmadhudu, Premante Idera, etc. After a successful stint with cinema, it was time for her to create her own mark, that reflects her personality and perception of fashion. This laid the foundation of the label Asmita Marwa. In conversation The colour call Colours, fabrics and textiles always fascinated me. My mother and grandmother were creative, and I owe my love for fashion to them. I pursued psychology, but my creative skills came to the fore. It is beautiful to see a design take life in a piece of fabric. I was 20 years old, when I started making designs for myself, later for friends, and got noticed. A friend & director Jayant Paranji introduced me to films. Starry journey It was challenging as Tollywood didn't have designers. They had red | 7th anniv. issue | 56

costumers who used to get outfits based on the director's reference. It was a copy and paste job. But I wanted to assemble the outfits. Some stars were apprehensive and I had to work hard to make them believe that it would look good on them. But with Nagarjuna, it was wonderful. He gave me a free hand and was open to ideas. No wonder Manmadhudu is still considered a benchmark in terms of its fashion quotient. I enjoyed the phase but once again it was not me. I had to confine my thoughts to a lot of things like character, star status,

with the lady who decodes her design language and her ever-evolving journey in fashion.

director's vision etc. That's when I decided to launch my own label. Weaving thoughts I am a free-spirited and never follow trends. Seasons are not for me because I believe in creating timeless pieces. My design are for strong, independent women. The language that I use in my cuts is bold and striking. All

my silhouettes are relaxed, as I don’t believe in fitted wear. People think there are many sizes, but I don’t. My creations can be worn by a skinny person as well as someone on the heavier side. I ensure to define the structure despite the flowy texture. Source of inspiration Culture, language & people I come across in my travel are source of inspiration. I am fascinated by the culture & beautiful textiles of Burma. I am using their material for a new collection. I have learnt the knack of retaining my signature. My creations have an underlined spiritual angle and are thought-provoking. I keep revisiting the bindu, calligraphy, whirling dervish and words- aham brahmasmi. Zero wastage is my priority. Even the smallest pieces are used in making an accessory or a bag or a motif in another design. We do a lot of fabric manipulation.

not try to be too modern by printing Buddha heads. They should go back to printing age old floral, bird and tree of life patterns. The government and designers should join hands to train them. I did try reaching out but there is so much of bureaucratic hassles. Hence, I do my bit by creating sustainable fashion and paying them their worth. Kickstarting the New Year I wish to take the brand internationally but not through fashion weeks. They are all about show stoppers and not the outfits. Impact of social media Social media can enhance the brand

image, especially for a media shy person like me. I got onto social media two years ago & I enjoy it. I now know what people think of my creations. I come to know various professionals, who turn out to be a source of inspiration and collaboration. Piece of advice If you wish to really make a mark of your own, chase it with your heart and soul. You need to put in your blood and sweat for nearly six months for a 7-minute show, which can make or break you. You must establish your own style and design language if you wish to sustain in this profession for a long.

SMALL CUTS

Your own style in 3 words Classic, Bohemian and Free-spirited How do you want women to feel in your creation Best version of herself.

Amalgamation of minds and hands I am there throughout the process. I have a small team which is in sync. We are not into mass production. We create only that we can sell. Icing on the cake I feel grateful to directors, friends and actors who have made me what I am today. One cherishable moment is, Bikram Basu, who used to head Seagrams and Blender’s Pride Fashion Tour, gave me a chance to tour with them for three years across the country along with the topmost designers. I am grounded and have a good rapport with clients. Friendly partners I am closely associated with weavers from across the country. I am one of the first designers to bring Kalamkari on the ramp & give it a contemporary feel, introducing more of indigo and red. I feel the weavers lack direction. The Kalamkari artists need guidance to be true to their art and craft and

Define fashion Not to be taken seriously.

Biggest fear when launching a new line No fear. But I question: How excited I am to buy this? Will I wear this? Handling creative blocks Travel

FAVOURITES Designer Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen and Yohji Yamamoto

Handling pressure I come out with my best when I am under pressure & working with a tiny piece of fabric. I take it as a challenge of how that tiny piece can be used.

Actor Ranveer and Deepika Fabric Cotton Colour Ivory and red red | 7th anniv. issue | 57

Designer

HYDERABAD

Gaurang Shah

STORY

JAMDANI,

is love for fashion and fabrics started at a young age. Unlike

not used to its full extent. The ancient mastery was intricate, but it was lost over generations. A change was required to bring back the intricacy and a new appeal- both in approach & weaving possibilities. I enriched the weaver to redesign the looms, and introduced new designs that broke the conventional look of handlooms.

other children, who are fond of ice-creams, toys, it was his mother’s saris and vintage dupattas that captured his

attention. It seemed unusual for a boy to be in love with a store run by his father that sold blouse pieces. Little did anyone know that it was a creative mind in that making, which would re-write the fashion scenario. In conversation with Gaurang Shah, who has made it loud and clear that ‘Women look their best when draped in a sari.’

Kickstarting New Year Jamdani has been my first love. Hence, my focus this year is to create an Indian Jamdani Weaving Art Museum. The journey began with Interlace to showcase master craftsmen and their masterpieces. Combining a rich array of mediums like film, poetry and experiential installations, it’s a saga of transformations; a discovery of the diverse influence that make our weaving technique one of the most exquisite creations of the country’s looms. It also gives an experience about the unparalleled skill & transcendent ability with which the weaver has been continuing the tradition over the years. Love note for Jamdani The legacy of Indian Jamdani technique impressed me. The spirit surrounding the art and its masters is brilliant. This lets me weave any pattern, interlace colours, textures, yarns and much more. In the initial days, the potential of Jamdani was red | 7th anniv. issue | 58

Weaving thoughts Our inventive practice and concepts revolve around imaginative interpretation in fabrics, texture, and colour that lead to enticing hand weaved saris and salwar kameez. The thought behind a concept is to read the heart & soul of a fashionista and design a fashion statement. Amalgamation of minds and hands Every ensemble comes with a pre-determined approach. We identify one talent to weave the concept into reality. Our Neel collection displays a range of weaves & techniques, using indigo. This encompassed Maheshwari silks with Bandhani, Kota Cotton, Double Ikat from Koyyalagudem in AP, Patola from Patan, Ajrakh Block Prints, Chikankari embroidered kurtas and saris, Kalamkari, Jamdani on a fine count Khadi From Bengal, Benaras saris using Organzas, Parsi-embroidered ensembles and Dhakai Jamdani saris. So, the quest has been to get the best from all parts of the world. From ideation to reality To create a Khadi sari, we revived an antique design element on this weave in a white-onwhite rendition. This masterpiece was weaved

by a skilled weaver using fine 300 count Khadi. Its texture is so fine that it can pass through a ring. It took 2.5 years to make this 6-yard piece. To curate a piece with a border carrying a design inspired by marigold fields, I opted for modern colours; showcasing an extreme detailing with fine veins within the flowers and leaves. This task of great dexterity and a new push towards finding the limits of the weaver’s experience took over 12 months. I always believe in quality over time. Hence, every creation has been enduring. Our sari ensembles are inventive and timeless work of Jamdani weaving art is unmatchable. Icing on the cake “Dream beyond convention, make weaver challenge artistry to turn unconventional designs into reality” has been my mantra. The most satisfying part is to see a happy weaver family and the next gen's willingness to explore the craft. Dressing up stars A celebrity and designer enjoy a win-win situation. To watch them embrace a creation is touching. It is an enabler to tap each other's fan excitement. It is beautiful when they confess that handlooms up their persona. Winning hearts A designer’s goal is to create unseen designs and sustain attention. Clothing is woven with a promise to make a statement. Fashion longevity Design-to-clothing takes months. The pursuit is to turn ensembles into covetous performers in the fashion market. There are a few pieces that come from the looms one season after another, so there is always a customer in waiting.

Friendly partners We began with 10 weavers 20 years ago. Today we have more than 800 weavers. This speaks for the growing craftsman tribe. Through Interlace, we strive to nurture new forms, sustain the art and conserve weaver’s economic stability.

SMALL CUTS

Lessons learnt Every moment and step taken is a lesson learnt. My motto has been to pursue grit & raise the artistic bar.

Muse fabric Khadi and silk

Impact of social media Conversation, interaction, criticism & admiration now happen at one place. It helps to connect with stakeholders and target audience. From a matching center to a top league fashion label The journey has been gratifying, made me a stronger person, and has strengthened my belief in Indian Textiles and Jamdani weaving as an eternal art. There is so much to explore and experiment. Tips to aspirants Have faith in your abilities. Textile design cannot be taught but learnt on the field. Be inventive, desist following trends and never hesitate to experiment.

Define fashion Cool, grandeur and personal appeal Your style Confident

Inspiration Woman, nature, architecture, art and Indian traditions After wearing your clothes, a lady should feel Royal like a Maharani Message to your younger self Even today, Indian textiles and traditional saris are the heart and soul. Your fear Don’t let fear overpower you. Begin with confidence, a belief that every line you create will hold a lasting charm. Craziest dress you designed Being crazy is far away from my mind. Handlooms are more modern now. I always fortify it with heritage and traditions. Overcome creative blocks I focus on solutions and ways to make every design a reality.

FAVOURITES Attire: Sari Model: Carol Gracias Actor: Vidya Balan, Kiron Kher, Sonam Kapoor Genre: Mythology and history Colour: Bright ones like orange, yellow, red and indigo. I like white too. Show: Lakme Fashion Week Store: Gaurang and Vaya red | 7th anniv. issue | 59

Designer

HYDERABAD

Jyoti Reddy

Epitome

Élan

ho would expect Jyoti Reddy, armed with a

degree in Economics, Sociology and Statistics from Mumbai University and Masters in

Business Administration from University of Cincinnati, USA, would foray into fashion world? But that is what she did, as she is fascinated with textiles right from childhood. She has absorbed all aspects of the fashion industry, in national and global context, through trade shows, travel, associates and weavers. With years of experience in this industry, she is the proud presenter of Ereena, an authentic Eri silk brand inspired by the rich, ancient tradition of rearing, spinning and weaving Eri in a remote region in Assam.

With love to Eri My tryst with Eri silk began 17 years ago. At the Frankfurt Heimtextil trade show, an Italian textile agent said, “The world needs intelligent fabrics.” Smart technology was in its nascent stages, so fabrics being intelligent seemed a fascinating prospect but a tad improbable. The quest for an intelligent fabric made me discover Eri silk- the most sustainable natural fabric! This exciting journey led to the birth of the brand Ereena. From discovery to introduction In 2001, I became an angel investor in an Eri silk yarn factory. It started with an objective to create jobs in the strife-torn North East led by textile technologist Dilip Barooah. Our team red | 7th anniv. issue | 62

did the pioneering effort in creating fine counts of Eri silk yarn. We made Eri and Muga silk fabrics and blends in the factory, employing local tribals. I successfully marketed this fabric, sellling embroidered cushion covers & bed linen to small private firm in USA, France, Sweden and Muscat. Later, I introduced them to private companies in USA and Muga & Ikat home furnishings to Schumacher. Kickstarting New Year My collection includes saris, fabrics, dress materials, lehengas, stoles, scarves and soft blankets. With many products in the pipeline, especially the children’s garment line and a range of Indo-western outfits, I want to scale the brand to the next level.

Weaving thoughts Our yarn is the raw material. I work with handlooms to create unique qualities of fabric with different counts of yarn produced in our own facility. Everything I make gets a new twist. My designs are inspired by random elements in the environment that catches my eye. I play with geometric forms, give importance to colour and its combinations. I look at the total piece in my mind and see if it will complement the wearer. Amalgamation of minds and hands I graph my designs and colours on paper. I determine the yarn counts, imagine the scale of my motifs, width of my borders and the colours that evolve from the merging of warp and

weft. Weavers bring these to life with their skill. I salute them. Icing on the cake I give full credit to my weavers for introducing me to the intricacies of different weaving techniques. My love of the loom leads me to experiment. As an outsider, who was not conditioned by any formal training, I have the advantage of thinking outside the box. I stretch the limits, test their patience and challenge their learned skills. Partners Ereena provides livelihood to more than 20,000 families. The state-of-theart factory, where innovative techniques and processes convert the yarn into world-class Eri silk, employs more rural women. We are involved, at every stage of creation- from drawing yarn to designing, dyeing & weaving to sewing of the final product. Our mission is to positively impact more families in the under-developed parts of Assam through the power of our innovative products and collaborations.

beautiful inside. Therefore, I am not in the mindset of best-selling, how much sale per month, etc. Impact of social media The boundaries have shrunk and knowledge is widespread. So yes, it does play its role, making everyone socially visible. Mantra for life The bigger the bend in the bow, the farther your arrow will go. Do not be afraid to make mistakes, but be open to learning from them. Best moment Discovering Ereena silk. It embodies the glorious Indian tradition of ahimsa or non-violence at its very heart.

SMALL CUTS Fashion in three words Ethical, sustainable and empower Your style Luxurious, elegant and graceful After wearing your clothes, a lady should feel Comfortable. She will make a statement when she enters the room. Message to your younger self I did not envisage any label. I was enjoying learning and being creative. Craziest dress you designed An Ikat criss-cross wrap knot blouse that can be adjusted to fit even if you lose or gain few inches.

Tip to aspirants Focus on making attractive designs from sustainable textiles.

Winning hearts I don’t think I need to convince anyone. Brand Ereena is for the environment conscious woman who celebrates modernity and respects tradition. My customers are women who aspire, have a sophisticated mind, are wellread and well-travelled and stylish. They always look for something new. Hence, when they come to me, they are already in love with what I make. All they need to do is pick what suits them Passion Vs business Ereena is a pioneering effort to create awareness and experiment. Through this endeavour, we want to provide an opportunity to our customers to experience the new and relatively unknown silk in all its versatility. Our primary aim is to generate employment with local resources. When you drape yourself or your home in Ereena silk, you not only look stunning but also feel

ACHIEVEMENTS

FAVOURITES

Participated at the NYNOW show in New York.

Showcased at the International Folk Art Market Santa Fe 2018 under ‘Innovation’ category. One of the 151 invitees to be selected from 640 applications from 53 countries.

Contemporary Fusion

Introduced a contemporary new line of global fashion fabrics and garments in collaboration with Cathy Amouroux French designer.

IFAM New York

Actor Amala Akkineni Cut Indian and Western

red | 7th anniv. issue | 63

Designer

HYDERABAD

Kavitha Gutta

culture to native

he loves anything that is Indian- from arts, textiles, paintings, dance forms, crafts to anything that's deeply rooted in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture. This unwavering love and a desire to reinvent them like never before made Kavitha Gutta launch her label Golden Threads. The journey that began in 2010 has been turning fabrics into possessions that one can cherish for life. The lady tells us how she pays a rich tribute to Indian art and culture through fashion.

Weaving thoughts I first go through various sources that inspire me. Inspiration can come from anywhere- from nature, little trinkets or even just a colour on the wall. I am in a constant mode of thinking to find patterns in everything I see. When something interesting strikes, I go about exploring that idea deeply. This can take up several weeks and this is a very inspiring phase which I love the most. Then I start drawing out ideas for creating textiles, cuts and forms. This undergoes several iterations before I finalize a design. I, then, get samples done from our weavers and tailors. Based on the samples, we go back to the drawing board and finalize a design. After a series of iterations, we come up with a line of collection. Then we start the process of making the pieces that is collection ready red | 7th anniv. issue | 64

Imagination to reality As we don't have the material that needs to be made, we first make samples with muslin. We work with tiny samples of colours & embroidery patterns. I close my eyes to mediate on the design and try to visualize it in my mind. Sometimes it's a Eureka moment, sometimes nothing. It is a constant back and forth playing with the samples and imagination to come up with a piece. Sometimes, we choose materials, depending on the mood of the collection. Other times, we are so inspired by a fabric that we base our entire collection on it. All our masters and karigars have been with us for a long time and understand our expectations. Thankfully, I have a great team. It takes nearly 4 months to ideate and create a collection. I strive

to design collections that can be enjoyed for several years. But we do keep making new collections to add to our catalog. Muse fabric I love to work with all kinds of hand weaves. Every inch woven emits the immense craftsmanship and unique effort that went into making it perfect. I fall in love with them even more. Icing on the cake The compliments my client's receive when they don my creations are the icing on the cake. This gives me immense joy and encouragement to raise the bar.

Dressing up stars Not just with stars, but with anyone, dressing up is an external element that impacts your soul. In other words, clothes reflect your personality with an icing of good appearance. It's a fine balance. I try to dress celebrities or clients, based on their personality so that when they wear my pieces they look the best. All of us are particular of what we wear and how we look, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it? Winning hearts Winning and losing are part and parcel of the business. The latter probably because your concept is too early for the market or you missed the mark on what the customer likes. Therefore, the quote, "right thing at the right time," holds true here too. On the other hand, sometimes it so happens that a client cannot visualize how a piece would look on them, especially during custom orders. I have to use my imagination to

make them understand that it suits them the best. I try to walk them through a world of imagination to see themselves in it and how it would look on them. Lessons learnt I have made many. Right from ordering too much fabric that sat around for a long time, not anticipating off seasons or just trusting make believe investors who just waste your time. The key is to learn from the mistakes and not end up repeating them. Every mistake I have made has made me a better person, designer and entrepreneur. One should make mistakes but the real failure is when you don't learn from them. Impact of social media It's huge. It has totally changed the marketing scene from print to social media in just a few years. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a crowded place, making it suffocating at times. So, it's important that you let your

customers know who you are and get your story across in an interesting way. Friendly partners Most of my collections revolve around hand weaves. I work with them day in and day out. Every moment, I am mesmerized with their work and craftsmanship. I try to provide a platform where I work in tandem with them in making collections that will be loved and adored by many. This, in turn, encourages them to continue doing beautiful work. Piece of advice It's hard to break into an industry that's already busy, but consistency, focus, determination, hard work and being true to yourself will make you go a long way.

SMALL CUTS Fashion in 3 words Your best self Your own style in 3 words. Royal, classic and forever How do you want women to feel wearing your clothes? Like the most beautiful woman in the world! If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be? Find an investor as early as possible.

What was your biggest fear when launching a new line? Not knowing if I will be able to meet the demand. The best you have created The first birthday dresses of my two daughters. How do you overcome creative blocks? Take a walk, meditate or do something entirely different.

FAVOURITES Designer: Sabyasachi | Model: Reha Sukeja Actor: Vijay Devarakonda | Cut: Deep back neck Attire: Pattu langa voni (half sari) | Colour: Gold

red | 7th anniv. issue | 65

HYDERABAD

Designer

Madhu Verma

SPEAKING FABRICS SPELL OUT

FASHION M

adhu believes that life is nothing but a

bunch of stories. And his creations are art

pieces that narrate them. Since his school

days, he knew that he was meant for this creative field and by the time he completed his school, he decided to foray into the fashion world. After an adventurous and challenging stint as a stylist with television, Madhu Verma has come a long way in creating his niche. Over a cup of piping hot tea, he takes us through his story of fashion and about his label Monk.

Fashion perception My designs are art pieces and I never look at them from a commercial angle. I ensure that my running costs are covered but the motto is to create something that people cherish. I don’t believe in trends and norms. If anyone asks what colour suits me, I say, “All of them.” I don't like confining people to certain cuts & colours because of their size and color. Fashion is used as a tool to cover our inadequacies. I tend to disagree and make my clients understand that. Weaving thoughts My collection is like a film story and the star red | 7th anniv. issue | 68

cast is fabrics, embellishments, cuts, etc. I curated a collection Kamasutra, when I was in college, blending two fabrics. For the man, I chose a rough textured fabric in natural colours and depicted the woman in red satin. The offspring that depict the unison were shown through motifs like eggs, leaves, etc. My source of inspiration is characters, one-liners, stories, and incidents. But it is different when I design exclusively for a client, whose personality I have to know and create a design that matches his/her perspective. Amalgamation of minds & hands Tough. Till recently, finding the right person to do the job was difficult. But now we have one too many to choose from. Nearly one lakh karigars and craftsmen have migrated to Hyderabad from different places. They do a phenomenal work, depriving the

local talents of work. Unfortunately, they fail to be proactive. My creations include a range of skill like hand painting, zardozi, etc. However, I need to be there with them through the entire process. Winning hearts It's simple, the client must be happy. A lot of time and thought goes into a piece, compared to its shelf life. Clients may not know this. For them, it's all about looking good. However, people do value our opinions. With the increase in their spending capacity, they don't mind opening their purses for something special for them. Friendly partners Dealing with weavers is difficult because they don’t change. Their survival becomes difficult unless and until they change. There is a deadlock there. There are many layers to it. Ten years ago, when

I started, they would not go for any innovation as they have been working like that for ages. You could not fault them as to learn a new technique, they have to take a break from their job, losing even the little earnings. But now they started creating modern designs. This is the need of the hour. Yet another issue is that the next generation doesn't want to pursue the inherited vocation. We cannot give the environment that a kid would get, being born in a weaver's house. They breathe it and pursue it seriously. However, the next generation would take it up only when they see that the skill earns them money. The government support and sops should complement the efforts of weavers as India houses a gamut of varied fabrics. Every yarn is unique. I am happy that things are changing albeit slowly. Now, the weaving units are busy and I wish that they are paid well. Dressing up stars I have seen the transition in the outlook of visual media as far as fashion is concerned. From styling for the news anchors to TV shows and movies- dressing up celebrities is a task. It is difficult because most of the times, they don't know what they want and they don't give you time to source or create. On the other hand, the media is constantly hunting the celebrities, who don't have the chance to experiment. Even if they do, the fear of whether it would be accepted or not haunts them. This makes them fussy. We cannot blame them as there is a lot at stake. Icing on the cake It still feels like yesterday when I joined as an intern in a popular Telugu channel, styling the news

anchors and then a dance show. The trek to reach the point where I am now has been stressful and eventful. However, I would say all those incidents have made me evolve as a person and professional too. With a protracted thought process, a lot of days and nights go into making them. However, that one smile of joy and satisfaction on the face of the person who wears it, makes you feel that it's worth it. Kickstarting 2019 A lot of shimmers and little-relaxed outfits. I may be at a fashion week. I have a story in mind, which I wish to convert into a collection. There is a big project that I am getting associated with, but I can't disclose the details now. I know it is good to have a plan in hand, but honestly, I don't know how to do it. So, I let things shape their way, I focus on my skills and ensure I am ready when opportunities knock at my door. Piece of advice I don't think I can give advice to anybody, but say that this industry is stressful and demanding. Everybody must have a purpose to be here- it can be expecting it to be a lucrative entrepreneurial venture. This is not something that you do for a couple of years and move on. This calls for a long term commitment and patience. So, take it if you really wish to pursue it.

SMALL CUTS Describe fashion Expression, feel good Personal style You can't ignore me, I love the comfort and make a style statement. One thing you wish to change in your career Everything. You evolve at every phase of life and so when you look back, you have more ideas that would make you feel or add a different angle to what you have done. If a movie was made about you, what would be the title and who could star in it? The title could be- A Fashion Monk and actor may be a newcomer One thing about you many don't know? I am media shy and find it extremely stressful to speak to a big crowd. Conversing one-to-one is fine.

FAVOURITES Fabric Anything that has texture. I love holding a fabric as it helps me understand its anatomy. Actors Frieda Pinto, Priyanka Chopra Author Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Paul Cohelo, Ghalil Gibran Story Lord of The Rings

red | 7th anniv. issue | 69

HYDERABAD

Designer

prospective contender for a medical seat, a random decision to apply for NIFT, an unprepared attendance to the exam and choosing medicine over fashion designing- this is what summarizes Mrunalini Rao's journey into the fashion world. She was a bright student and an equally creative child. A casual suggestion by her friends, about â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;why she shouldn't think of fashion designingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; brought about a poignant twist in her life. Her life course took a turn for good. Despite appearing for the exam unprepared, she emerged with flying colours, clearly indicating that she is a born winner.

Mrunalini Rao

Weaving thoughts I make 3 collections a year, deriving inspiration from travel and people. I start with a mood board, colour story & decide on embellishment and embroidery. Then I start sketching. Then I identify the fabrics & technique to make the collection unique. The production begins by trying the designs on the samples. & the final collection is done. Amalgamation of minds and hands Besides having the right team, we should be able to communicate our vision the red | 7th anniv. issue | 70

right way. I ensure that my team is given the right inputs and brainstorm. I discuss till I get what I want, then I get down to work. We are in a field where communication is a must to keep it going. Fulfilling journey It has been a satisfying journey. My collection shares space with the designers, whom I once looked up to. I evolved professionally and personally. When you start you know where you want to be and when you are on the top, you know how to be there. The journey between

these phases is beautiful. My signature has made its mark and I enjoy that. I have been creating pretty outfits that are unique and I look within to define my style. Creativity vs viability I used to create what I like. But I have become more professional. There are some stores that sell everything and anything that I make and there are others who sell only the most sought after ones. So, we send the first lot to these stores, and whatever sells the most, we send to the rest of the stores. Thus

we are sure that there is no dead stock. Despite all this planning, some pieces are left. Winning hearts A fashion designer cannot help creating what he/she likes. But getting it liked by others and making it viable is the name of the game. Only one of my collections fell flat. I loved it a lot, but buyers did not perceive it the same way. I was not getting any orders and sustaining myself, during that phase, had become difficult. However, I did manage to rotate the collection and cleared it off. So, I make designs in fewer numbers and make more only when I know that they are moving. Dressing the stars Most of the times, it's through the stylists. It started with Shravya Varma for actress Charmi. Later, I worked with stylists in Hyderabad and Mumbai. The process is stylists pick up what they feel will look good on the star. The problem is either the stylist is informed at the last minute or they ask for clothes at the nick of the moment. As there is little time for alterations, the stylists pick up outfits from different designers and leave the choice to stars. Kickstarting 2019 The goal is to do a ramp show and work with more artists. I want to identify different craftsmen like embroiders, zari workers etc and create a collection that would bring forth their skill. This would be my way of supporting the skilled. Impact of social media I am not a tech savvy person. My sister handles it. I do feel it is a great platform to showcase your brand. Social media got me recognition and connected me to people. Now that my collection

goes nationally and internationally, social media helps me further. Friendly partners I tried my hand at a handloom collection. But it did not happen. I cannot fathom where it went wrong. Still I want to work with handlooms because I am a big fan of them. More often than not, I am seen in handloom saris. So, yes, associating with weavers and handlooms is definitely in the pipeline. I have to make more efforts to create designs that they could weave in saris and dupattas.

Piece of advice This is a highly demanding field. I came into this field out of sheer love for it. Yet, there have been times, when I have worked round the clock, have cried because a client yelled at me and made me ask myself, "Why the hell I am here?" But at the end of the day, when you truly love what you do, you don't think of them as problems. Efforts seem worthwhile, the moment you see your client happy in your outfit. So, take it up only if you genuinely love it and wish to pursue it seriously.

SMALL CUTS Fashion in three words Design, comfort, style Your style Comfort How do you handle creative blocks? Travel One thing if you could change Whenever I apply for a show, the samples we make are a disaster. However, the final collection that comes out later is a super hit.

So over the years, I realise that I need to think way ahead. Also, I have realized that my estimation of time is wrong. Lessons learned I have learnt the art of saying No, even if it means losing a client. I accommodate the client's wish but once I know it may affect the look of the outfit, I say no because, at the end of the day, people will certainly say, "Mrunalini's design/outfit is bad."

F A V O U R I T E S

Designer Sabyasachi Attire Sari Actor Deepika and Priyanka Fabric Currently it's organza but otherwise, my all time favorite is pure silk

red | 7th anniv. issue | 71

Designer

HYDERABAD

Priyanka Agarwal

orn and brought up in Kolkata, she moved to Hyderabad as her family decided to set up their own business here. Since her childhood, it was colours and fabrics that attracted her. Further, it took shape of a passion, as she began trying hands on her mother's old saris and dupattas, giving them a new look. In conversation with Priyanka Agarwal, a NIFT graduate about her journey into the fashion world.

Kickstarting New Year My focus will be expansion this year. I am planning to exhibit more in a lot more cities and countries. In a nutshell, the goal is to reach out to more and more audience. Weaving thoughts Drapes and single tone fabrics have always been my favorites. Every outfit will have something unique about it when it comes to its silhouette. When you are in a creative field like designing, inspiration can be from any source. It could be nature, people, incidents or more. So, I keep my mind open for ideas.

people, based on their creativity, dedication and experience. This, I do to ensure that they merely do not implement what I say, but also have their own mind and share their views on the overall look of the outfit. When it comes to fabrics, I opt for the pure ones. Georgette, chiffon, organza and different textured satins & crepes are my favourites. Besides, a personal touch is also required for the embellished fabrics which I mostly use for yokes. For this, I visit different cities. I keep aside two days for fabric sourcing when I travel overseas. It takes nearly 45 days to put together a collection with the process ranging from designing to fabric sourcing to the end result.

Amalgamation of minds and hands Pattern-cutting plays a vital role Longevity in the fit and fall of an outfit. Then I want my creations to be endless comes yet another important and that is what I try to do, mostly aspect- stitching. I selectively hire red | 7th anniv. issue | 74

because I work on single tones and drapes which never go out of trend unless a seasonal fabric like velvets or bling is used. Icing on the cake I am known for my quirky prints and dissimilar back designs but my style completely changed after I started travelling to source fabrics, and now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s snazzier. So, it is the constant evolution of me as a person that I feel has been the most endearing aspect of my journey.

Dressing the stars It’s a big success for a designer to see a celebrity dressed in her creation. The outfit and celeb both complement each other. It is a pleasure to see celebrities donning my collection. Winning hearts I believe in being honest with my clients and that has got me to where I stand today. Most of them take my advice, however, a few are a bit hesitant on how they look in certain drape I have. I explain to them how a silhouette/style enhances their body type. Passion Vs business Fashion is ever-changing and sometimes it changes rather rapidly. However, I feel, we are artists as we create the trend. At times the only collection I have actually worked on is not my best-selling one. But I feel it is a part and parcel of any field, not just fashion. By God's grace, there have been a few who loved that collection, and hence

the sales continued. Change is everything, especially in this industry we have to be updated and keep changing the style, but I ensure that my basic signature style remains intact. Impact of social media Social media plays a very important role in any industry now. It keeps people updated about the latest trends, designers and what their collection is all about. Marketing through social media has become so much easier and one can constantly make their presence felt without any leg work. Tips to aspirants Don’t be afraid of taking that first step. I did not know anyone from this industry and had no mentor to guide me when I started. Making mistakes is part of the process, but not learning from them is an issue. Believe in yourself and work hard towards your goals. Don't follow trends but create them.

SMALL CUTS Fashion in three words Statement-making, classic and tailored Your style Experimental, comfortable and elevated After wearing your clothes, a lady should feel like Diva Message to your younger self It’s not going be easy and if it was, everybody would be doing it. Take that first step & everything will fall into place. You go girl! Biggest fear To be genuine. I am or at least I have become positive with anything and everything. I know I will always have clients for everything I create. Craziest dress you designed Not really

FAVOURITES

Model John Abraham Actor Alia Bhatt and Deepika Cut I mostly do princess cuts but I am the best in shift dresses. Attire I love short cotton dresses or shorts with casual tees. Fabric Georgette, chiffon, crepes and imported satins Colour I love all colours

Best one There is this one drape that happened by fluke and I loved the outcome of it. It came out of my love for drapes that I had since my childhood. Overcome creative blocks I always have a sketchbook and pencil in my bag. Whenever I get some ideas, I pen it down. I look into different cultures from across the world and even different eras. Your successor My daughter. I see all the traits in her; however it’s a long shot. If a movie was made on your life, who would play you? Preeti Zinta or Alia Bhatt because I feel they are natural and bubbly and I can relate with them.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 75

Designer

Shilpa Reddy HYDERABAD

Apowerveritable house

Shilpa Reddy, besides being a fine and innovative fashion designer, is a model, classical dancer, fitness expert and entrepreneur. This undoubtedly makes her a creative powerhouse. Through her presence at various international fashion shows, she has put Indian fabrics on the global platform and played a key role in promoting it as a fabric to reckon with. With more than 25 years in the industry, she has many stories to share of this dynamic industry and that is what she has done here.

Kickstarting 2019 I set out with lofty, yet workable, objectives like changing my business module to design consciously and use natural fabrics.

destinations influence and inspire me and sometimes the book I read ignites the thought. All these, and maybe more, help me conceptualise a collection.

Weaving thoughts It begins with a mood board, feel, finalizing the silhouettes and goes on to selecting the colour palette, picking the suitable fabric that can absorb the design, adornments and embroideries. After many years of experience, a few things happen on autopilot. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consciously decide how to go about every piece. The process has become intuitive and impulsive but it comes with a lot of conviction. Sometimes, the colour does the trick, sometimes my travel

Amalgamation of minds & hands Teamwork is the crux and having the right person in the right place holds good in the creative business. Once I conceptualise my collection, I know exactly what fabrics to be used to execute the collection. I enjoy using different fabrics & take up the challenges that go with it. It is the technical aspect and the behavior of the fabric that make the difference. I have had the privilege of working with various craftsmen and weavers. There is so much talent around.

red | 7th anniv. issue | 76

Ideation to reality Creativity is an emotion, a feel or an expression. Hence, it is a state of mind. Be it a piece or collection, sometimes it may take a day, a week and even a month. The beauty is when you are in the creative flow, your focus is on realising the thought and not on time. A collection stays for 6-8 months but sometimes some elements continue longer. Muse fabric Every fabric is special in its own way. So, I can't choose one. Malkha and Linen are close to my heart. Malkha because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an intelligent fabric. Linen for its breathable nature and classy, sophisticated look. Next two top are Banaras and Kanjivaram.

Icing on the cake It is amazing to note an inspiration and an idea taking shape and turning into a beautiful reality, with the help of artisans & craftsman. And how that reality gives away a little bit of who you are – that is the favourite part of my endeavour. Creativity Vs Viability Yes, there are times when a creation comes straight out of your heart but fails to win hearts. But that's part and parcel of any profession. For example, my Paris collection Malkha was right from my heart and a true representation of who I am. It is strong, out of the box, organic, Indian, sustainable, global, modern & fiercely original. Unfortunately, the response was not so encouraging. Learning I would never call anything a mistake because if I didn’t make mistakes there was no way I could have propelled myself to learn something new. What I learned is to give the client what they need, without compromising on your aesthetics and design sensibility. Impact of social media It plays a huge role in a building a brand image. It has changed the way you perceive fashion, branding its communication. To the rescue of weavers Someone once told me that if you change 30% of your wardrobe with Indian weaves and Indian textiles, you can save the dying art of many Indian weaves. It hit me very hard. We all can do this so easily. Since then, I have started wearing a lot of Indian weaves in

different forms and shapes using them in modern silhouettes. I design Indo western and western outfits using traditional fabrics. Piece of advice Since global warming is real, and as the fashion industry is the second largest pollutant of our planet, it becomes every designer's responsibility to use sustainable raw material and design consciously, keeping in mind the well-being of our planet. We must send across a strong message to conserve our Indian weaves and design with a conscious mind and heart. SMALL CUTS Fashion in three words Expressive, enhancing and alive Your style in three words. Strong, fearless and classy How do you want women to feel, wearing your clothes? Strong, bold and empowered

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing at the beginning your career, what would it be? Work as an intern for at least six months with another designer What was your biggest fear when going out with a new line? No fear The craziest dress you designed Red carpet gown using Pochampalli woven fabric. And another red carpet gown using Malkha, gown worn with the power shoulder, hand embroidered jacket. The best you have created I don’t get attached to my clothes nor do I have a favourite. Today I might like an outfit, tomorrow I might change that thought. How do you overcome creative blocks? Take a break, breath & meditate. Creativity has to flow. It happens only when all other aspects in your life are at ease. I try to find the root cause not blame blocks.

FA V O U R I T E S

Sailing through the change Fashion has become a fast fashion, which worries me the most. Majority of them are forced to look for quantity rather than quality. I know the value of fabric, handloom or weave.

Designer Many! Every designer's perspective of looking at fashion is so different. I love the diversity of how each designer can think so differently. But what I resonate with the most is Balmain. Model All Sabyasachi models. I don’t know if it’s his magic or theirs. Actor I like actors who are true to their craft. When they are, it shows. Cut Power shoulders

red | 7th anniv. issue | 77

Designer

HYDERABAD

Sirisha Reddy

orn and brought in Kurnool, like

many of her ilk, she too earned her

B.Tech degree, but like them, she

did not opt for a job and a corporate life. She realized that her heart lay in fashion designing. Her technical knowledge and official training in graphic designing gave her an unmatched edge over her peers in the industry. Sirisha Reddy unveils her quest to be unique and way ahead of trends in a candid conversation.

DRAMATIC

Weaving thoughts I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t follow the mood board, travel and spend time in cafes to observe varied interiors and themes. So, if something catches my attention, I sketch and develop it with fashion elements. I love clouds and keep making forms out of them. I make permutation and combinations by making 5*5 samples. Being a graphic designer, I try my sketches with different structures in the digital format to identify which fabric would red | 7th anniv. issue | 80

look good. So, in the beginning itself I know how the final product looks. This helps me reduce the wastage of fabric that happens in making samples. Once I am ready with my designs, I start the production. Amalgamation of minds & hands You need a master tailor who does the exact cuts & karigars who can enhance the outfit with the right work. My work answers for 20%, the rest lies in getting it done. So, I give

them the details. For e.g., if I need a flamingo, I tell them the exact shade, details of the beak, sharpness of the eyes etc. The karigars do a sample to ensure they are on the right track. Creativity Vs viability My collection is built on sensibilities. I don't follow a trend or season as I want my clients to wear them for a long time. I ensure my outfits have the makeshift angle. That is how my designs are unique and one piece.

At times, it is tough to convince clients of the outfitsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth as there is imitation in the market. When clients ask why the cost is high, I urge them to touch and feel the outfit. The feel of the fabric and softness of the work make them understand the intricacy and detailing. Friendly partners I am associated with a group of weavers who weave silk saris. I also had collaborated with Pochampally weavers. This year I am planning to revisit it in a new avatar, create something in Khadi. This effort is very close to my heart. Icing on the cake Turning my thoughts into reality has been the most endearing part. Bringing smiles on so many faces is what makes it worth it. Every design helps me evolve as a person and gives me an opportunity to share my experience with people who want to venture into this field. Dressing up stars I love designing for celebrities as much as I love working with stylists. Each one of them is unique and gets the best out of me. I never had a tough time as I have a different approach. Stars are constantly chased by media and need to look their best. In this quest, they do go overboard and become fussy, and they are absolutely justified in being so. Impact of social media I started my career with the support of social media. As a graphic designer, I used to get my clients through it. But over the years I see social media growing commercial. We used to get visibility organically, but the actual posts get obscured by sponsored posts. Now you

need to pump in money. It is a good platform for brand building, if used wisely. The word of mouth has been doing great for us. Kickstarting 2019 In addition to creating new designs and collections, I also want to focus on imparting knowledge. Despite having a formal training, most of the things that I know now, have been learned through exploring and watching YouTube videos. I have realized that institutes teach you only the basic technique and nuances, the rest has to be learnt on the job. So, I am introducing a long term internship programme in which the interested can gain hands-on experience by assisting me. The one-day or weekend workshops will address various topics like styling, grooming,

wedding shopping, etc. On the brand aspect, I shall be working on a collection where I will be revisiting my signature style i.e. sequences and cut glass with a 3D and embossing effect. That is all for now. So please wait and watch. Piece of advice Competition is inevitable, not just in the fashion industry but in any industry. So, if you wish to make a mark and sustain, you need to find your USP. Don't give a damn about what people

have to say about you. Ask yourself and based on your self-analysis, decide on the direction you want to go. Stick to it. Good, bad or ugly, face it, because a brand is not made overnight. Believe in yourself, have patience, keep trying and stick to your decisions. Irrespective of which college you join, do your own research, meet more people and gather knowledge to succeed.

SMALL CUTS Define fashion Comfort, able to carry, colour combination Personal style Jeans and casual tee Creative blocks Not much. Even if it happens, I start sketching randomly so that all the vacuum gets out of my mind. Fashion mantra Wear what you love

FAVOURITES Accessory All of them- watches, finger rings, neckpieces and footwear Actor Pawan Kalyan Designer Manish Malhotra, Georges Hobeika

Fabric Raw silk and silk organza Colour Black and wine shade Embellishment Feather work red | 7th anniv. issue | 81

Designer

HYDERABAD

Vinita Passary

With a rich experience in fashion and retail, Vinita Passary has been bringing a gamut of contemporary fashion to her store that celebrates Indian weaves and techniques. Not only has she created a niche for herself as a designer, but also created a platform to bring in unique designers to showcase their prowess in designs that equally suit the classics and contemporary. Her relentless effort to preserve and revive arts without compromising on quality makes her unique.

ELOQUENT

ikat

Love at first sight My connection to Ikat began since I was a teenager. Living in the small town of Rourkela , I used to wear a lot of Sambhalpuri saris & dupattas. Once we moved to Hyderabad, I re-connected with Ikats in the Pochampally Ikats mode. I was fascinated by their versatility.

Bringing it into vogue The journey started in 2010, when we formed a design cell consisting of textile designers and weavers led by me to create the brand Translate. We created functional ready-to-wear red | 7th anniv. issue | 82

Ikat clothing and home furnishings. We knew the idea had potential but the challenge was to find the right kind of weaving clusters who are willing to do our production. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very difficult to make a weaver try new designs and yarn counts. It needed many visits to the village. Ikat is a time-consuming craft, the cycle is nearly 5 months of textile production and 2 months of garment sampling. As it involves human hands, we have to often put up with delays.

Weaving thoughts We begin a new season or collection

defining the colour. The season dictates the kind of textile variations in count and yardage. We revolve our story around clients tastes. It takes nearly eight months to bring a new collection. We make sure that one seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection merges into the next season's looks for longer shelf life. We believe in slow fashion. So, no piece is out of date. Our collections are effort-less and are liked by both young and old alike. Icing on the cake I love every moment of it and the diversity in the workspace. Most

joyous part is when the collection shapes up, we get to shoot it and look at the mood that comes out on the weaves. We are always in for pleasant surprises season after season. Dressing the stars Our work is known for its comfort and detail. We do have patrons among artists and stars like Tabu, Diya Mirza, Vidya Balan, Kanika Kapoor, Mithila Palkar, Anaita Adajania, Kiran Rao, Sania Mirza who endorse our line. People who connect with crafts and handmade products value them and appreciate what we do. Winning hearts Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market is well versed with fashion and styling. When clients are confused, we ask them to try the separates. And they get convinced. We make separates which are versatile and can be worn differently. I give them the perspective as a wearer & handhold them till they feel convinced.

Creativity Vs viability Our best collection may not be the best seller. How I look at this is a collection sometimes does better in a store with a particular age group. We have a diverse audience hence it becomes difficult to comprehend that what we think is the best, is the best retail friendly collection. Lessons learned Over the years, one thing I have realized is that logistics play a key role in the success of our business. Hence, thorough research is done where and how to expand. While we decide to open a new outlet, risks on the location is a must. India being a country with a huge, diverse population, different cities like to dress differently. We have taken a conscious decision to cater to such diverse needs of our clients. Impact of social media Social media helps us to reach out to a wider audience. Clients can get direct updates on the new launches. It is

helping us reach people without disturbing their privacy. The brand vocabulary, using pictures and videos, instantly connect us to the clients. Friendly weavers We work with Ikat artisans round the year & ensure that they get continuous work. They are also upgrading their skill sets. Our efforts motivate them to pursue weaving and train the gen next. The company too has grown along with them. We have seen their children join the craft, some have even joined institutes to train in technical skills. This gives them confidence that the art would be carried forward. Words of wisdom I advise designers and entrepreneurs to discover a local craft and bridge the gap between the artisans and the market and create a sustainable future for generations to cherish.

SMALL CUTS Fashion in 3 words Comfort, individuality and effortless styling Your own style in 3 words Bohemian, contemporary Indian, layering Wearing your clothes, women should feel Confident, ease, empowered Biggest fear We have started experimenting with newer colours in Ikat and wonder if they will be accepted.

inspired by Uzbekistan Ikats. Our weavers were hesitant to make them as the designs were complicated and had multiple colours. However, they made them and were surprised with the final outcome. How do you overcome creative blocks? Whenever I have a creative block, I visit the village and meet the weavers and see some of the samples that they have worked on. A discussion with them always inspires me.

The best you have created We have worked with textiles FAVOURITES Designer I love all designers working with Indian crafts and handlooms Model: Radhika Nair | Actor: Radhika Apte Cut: Simple A-line dress | Attire: Shift dress with a long jacket Colour: Red and dark indigo blue red | 7th anniv. issue | 83

redhaute

and more than 60 movies, she has amassed

star, who shares her journey.

both the sense of an actor and the sensibilities of a

conversation with the acting powerhouse, who has

waits for opportunities, she creates them. In

her own unique path. Yes, she is not someone who

What is more admirable is that she has chalked out

conďŹ dence, her craft and her ability to stay relevant.

exalted status can be attributed to her self-

commanding presence in the industry. The actorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

a portfolio of characters that helped her establish a

phenomenon. Over a span of nearly 14 years

amannaah Bhatia is a trendsetting

success

MY FILMS HAVE ALWAYS SHOWN ME IN GOOD LIGHT, AND I AM GRATEFUL TO MY DIRECTORS FOR THAT.

12th standard and thereafter got busy with South Indian ﬁlms. I must say that never did I run around for good offers.

me till Sye Ra.. came along.

I have always wanted to work

with Chiranjeevi and I am glad to

have landed this. Starring in an

encouraged me to audition for the role of the lead actress in this ﬁlm. I gave it a shot and cleared through.

Of course, to get perfect in

a classical dance, it takes

many years, and I didn’t have

inhibitions and gain conﬁdence.

to be part of its remake, if it is

with ﬁlmmakers writing more

work in female-centric ﬁlms. Now

new skills and not repeat previous

experiences, update ourselves with

We should learn from different

As actors…

help you loosen up; get rid of initial

Ever since I saw Queen, I wanted

made. I always looked forward to

teach you acting. But such platforms

I strongly believe that nobody can

It was a great learning experience.

That is Mahalakshmi

perfect my steps.

I got time, I used to practise and

Experience with Prithvi Theatre…

who was in the audience. He

dance for Sye Ra..

that much time. As and when

spotted by producer Salim Akhtar

function in school where I was

I was performing at the annual day

Sa Roshan Chehra

On mastering classical

about the characters.

need to research extensively

big challenge for actors as they

On bagging your first film Chand

I started working. I studied till

period ﬁlms but nothing excited

epic and a non-ﬁctional ﬁlm is a

actor. I was just 14, when

I got many offers for large-scale

Since childhood, I have

Why acting?

REWIND

always aspired to be an

NOTHING IS PERMANENT IN LIFE. SO, I DON’T DWELL TOO MUCH ON SUCCESS OR FAILURE.

better actor you become.

time for us to explore

My ability to adept in any situation.

Your strength

days when I come home drained out.

handle. I must admit that there are

and physical involvement is a lot to

you to dive into them. The emotional

are. Some characters really require

It depends on how intense the ﬁlms

by your characters?

How much do you get affected

Telugu better than Sindhi!

and Tamil uently. In fact, I speak

Now I can converse in both Telugu

understand and make sense of them.

delivering the lines. Yes, I had to

All my training happened while

On learning Telugu/Tamil?

FORTE

get it right without ruining the shot.

Scared and nervous! I was trying to

Facing camera for the first time?

no harsh adjustments per se.

worked there since a young girl. So,

another extension of me. I have

Mumbai and residing in the South is

with all the industries now. I hail from

I go ﬁlm by ﬁlm and I am quite familiar

wood/Kollywood assignments…

Balancing Tollywood/ Bolly-

more you evolve as a person, the

different characters.

mistakes as much as possible. The

meaty roles for women, it’s a great

On Sye Ra Narasimha Reddy

full-edged ﬁlm in Kannada yet.

me wonder why I haven’t done a

They were really warm and made

actor Yash and the entire team.

It was wonderful to work with

Shooting for K.G.F.: Chapter 1

LATEST BUZZ

On longevity My conﬁdence! I also have no qualms doing glamorous roles, as long as they are important for the story. Films have always shown me in good light, I thank directors.

Post-Baahubali Post the success of this film, filmmakers has been offering me action-oriented subjects which are more performancecentric. So yes, in a way, Baahubali has helped me shape up as an actor. Now, I can fit into any role.

Most difficult role Baahubali. It was physically very demanding. There were a few injuries here and there during the stunts.

Handling perks/downfalls Nothing is permanent in life. So, I don’t dwell too much on success or failure. I feel blessed and fortunate for what I have achieved.

How do you connect back to reality? I don’t zone out beyond the shot. But to return to my normal self, I go home, spend time with family and friends, and start over all again.

Sacrifices behind the glamour Just that you have to prioritise your work over others. But isn’t that obvious in very ﬁeld? With so

Wite-n-Gold Wite-n-Gold is my father’s business. I contribute to the creative aspects as a designer.

Parents approval of your career choice While my father Mr.Santosh was supportive, my mother Mrs.Rajani was not that comfortable. But over a course of time, she understood me. They stand by me. I enjoy their never-ending support.

UP AND CLOSE

THE BEST PART OF BEING CREATIVE IS THAT DON’T HAVE TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN ONE WAY , YOU CAN USE VARIOUS MEDIUMS.

Change about yourself I am not that patient. I need to work on it.

The real Tamannaah is… A foodie, chilled out, loves to host people, spend time with family and friends and ﬁnds joy in little things like a long drive.

Essentials to survive Passion, discipline, consistency and improvisation.

much cut-throat competition, you have to be on the top of your game.

Fashion faux pas Too much bling during my initial days

Style mantra Be comfortable in whatever you wear

Biggest turn off Fakeness

Any weird habit I sleep with my mouth open.

Precious thing in your wardrobe My footwear collection. It has been a tad difﬁcult to source them.

Strangest thing ever eaten Shell ﬁsh. It didn’t go down well.

Admire Priyanka Chopra. Her achievements are really inspiring.

One thing on your bucket list Leisure travel

Addicted to Coffee

…fashion designer Neeta & Nishka Lulla, Sabyasachi and Anamika

…red carpet look Pant suit- classy and comfortable.

…emoji: Rolling on the oor and laughing

…word: Amazing

…airport look: A comfortable dress

…pizza topping: Olives

FAVOURITES

RAPID FIRE

SC PE

aksha Nagarkar. It is not just her name which is unconventional, her performances too are- be it Mythili in Hora Hori or Geetha in Hushaaru. Rather preferring to call spade a spade, she’s far away from giving diplomatic answers. That honesty is what makes her refreshingly different from the current crop of leading ladies. In an exclusive tête-à-tête, Daksha talks of her struggles and choices.

By Chandrika Mantri

and

On bagging your first film While undergoing a dance course with Shiamak Davar in Hyderabad, someone informed me about a beauty pageant and urged me take part. Since I was pursuing BBA (a correspondence course), I had a lot of free time and went for it. I bagged the title. My pictures were circulated among all the coordinators and PR circles in the city. One of them forwarded the same to director Teja and he approached me with Hora...

REWIND

Upcoming projects There are quite a few offers in the pipeline. I am going through each one of them thoroughly.

Working with director Sree Harsha Konugati and actor Tejus I could connect with Harsha from day one, I could, with great ease, discuss my character and for that matter, any other aspect. He is one gem of a person and trustworthy. I also enjoyed working with Tejus. He is now one of my closest friends.

Your role in Hushaaru was lauded. Your response? As a 20 year-old, I had my fears about whether I could do justice to the character in my first film Hora... With Hushaaru, I came well-prepared and ready to try anything. I felt elated when the film became a hit.

Latest Buzz

Initial hurdles I never got the chance to hobnob with the industry folks as Hora... was not shot in Hyderabad. But after the promotions, I did get a lot of offers. Unfortunately, the movie opped and I was left with only a few offers in my hand. I could sense a change in everyone’s attitude. They expected it to be a big hit and no other movie

Toehold I am yet to ﬁnd that sound space in the industry. I recall after Hora..., I took a break for two years as my parents insisted that I should complete my studies. So, I am yet to make my mark.

Family blessings My parents Dinesh & Sadhana, never really had an issue. They have always been supportive. Since I am the only child, they didn’t have any choice.

First reaction Excited, since I had aspired to be an actress since childhood and my dream was bearing fruit ﬁnally. But I was skeptical whether I was prepared for the role or not. However, I decided to attend the meeting and that’s it. No audition per se.

Strength and weakness Strength: I am raw so one can easily mould me into any role. I am ever-ready to experiment and not rigid and grasp things

Films you look forward to Though I want to explore each and every genre, I am a diehard fan of commercial ﬁlms.

Inspiration Shah Rukh Khan. His journey of ups and downs, rise to the top, and the transition from playing a negative character to a die-hard romantic hero is motivating. I want to mention that Chiranjeevi’s journey is also equally inspiring.

Acting workshop or dialect training? It was an on-the-job training on the set of my ﬁrst ﬁlm with Teja. It was the best way to learn. I did take a dialect training because I wanted to dub for my role. Acting is 50% of what you do in front of the camera & 50% at the dubbing studio.

FORTE

had released that week. That was when I learnt that nothing is constant. The struggle was more mental than physical.

Critics I have been very lucky with critics as they have written only positive points.

The real Daksha is Couch potato, loves to watch movies, an introvert, not a party person & moody.

Sacrifices behind glamour We actors are expected to portray this happy side of ours on social media despite having a rough day. We have to say goodbye to the real emotions.

UP AND CLOSE

Surrender completely to director or give own inputs I am a director’s actor. It is a learning phase for me, so I feel it is important to surrender and learn as much as possible from the captain of the ship.

fast. Weakness: There is that initial hesitation when it comes to delivering Telugu dialogues as it is not my mother tongue. But I will be comfortable with it when I do more movies. I am emotionally very vulnerable.

Maggi or momos: Maggi

Addicted to: Instagram

Mountains or beach Mountains

Last book you read Wings of Fire

Actors: Salman, Katrina, Jr NTR & Shruti Haasan

Airport look: Jacket, jeans and boots.

Pizza topping: Olive

FAVOURITES

RAPID FIRE

2019 resolution Make more friends in the industry and do more and more ﬁlms.

Worst pick up line used on you Are you a time traveller? Coz I see you in my future!

Notice first in opposite sex Eyes

Song stuck in your head Nuvee nuvee

Puppies or kittens: Puppies

Coffee or tea: Coffee

Twitter or Instagram? Instagram

AQUARIUS

TAURUS

Apr 20-May 20

LUCKY FOR YOU: MAGENTA, 25

PISCES It is an extremely beneficial period for business persons. A good time for new ventures and investments and is good for the employed too. You may undertake fairly extensive travel for business purposes or in connection with your job. Contacts will help. Singles will find romantic partners. There will also be a high level of socialization in professional groups. In marriage, you may experience some turbulence. It is an excellent period for your children, who may notch up notable achievements.

Feb 19 – Mar 20

LUCKY FOR YOU: GREEN, 18

Tradesmen are in for a good profit. But do not invest in doubtful projects. For the employed this period is easy and peaceful. The probability of difficult situations emerging in the working sphere is minimal. There are no exceptional opportunities either. For singles, love life will be quite calm. You will gravitate towards a more observant and thoughtful mood. Do not expect any exceptionally vivid situations. Married may find themselves at the epicentre of events.

You can expect high-quality results in business. Don’t go where others go. At this time employees can literally go against the flow, but should not trust colleagues. Your emotions can play a cruel joke. Keep them under control and you will be fine. This is a good period to establish new relationships. The strong-willed can change many things in love sphere. It is enough to stay true to yourself. Singles can count on success in relationships, but only if they are willing to compromise.

Jan 20 – Feb 18

ARIES

CANCER Jun 21 – Jul 22

LUCKY FOR YOU: PINK, 19

TAURUS Employed will find circumstances developing in their favour. You need to take the control of the situation and start turning your plans into reality. Tradesmen will find good partners, but you should not take advantage of the situation. Married should not lose heart. If something has not been resolved by now, it does not mean that the situation has no solution at all. Give it time. Singles, if you see your goal, do not change direction under any circumstances. This period is good just for enjoying life.

Apr 20-May 20

LUCKY FOR YOU: YELLOW, 22

Some financial interruptions of transitory nature might become guarantees of prosperity in future. Financial and business spheres can cause difficulties, which will push you to the next level. Be confident and plan the smallest detail. For employed, it is a successful period with some good projects coming their way. Singles are likely to meet a person who will exert a strong influence on their fate. Married too have something to think about. Some of them may run into fascinating dilemmas.

developing in a very positive way.

calm period as a lot of things will be

favour. For married, this is a nice and

Singles may not find situation in their

but sometimes it is the only way out.

bat is certainly not the best option,

changing jobs. Quitting right off the

likely. Employed may think about

offered. New business mergers are

Do not refuse any help you may be

be professional in handling issues.

within the limits of competence and

Businesspersons should act strictly

Mar 21- Apr 19

LUCKY FOR YOU: RED, 23

LUCKY FOR YOU: BLUE, 10