July 2017

SOUTH INDIA’S PREMIER UBER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JULY 2017 VOL 13 ISSUE 12

`100

SANJAY PINTO decodes why Rajinikanth has it in him to make a blockbuster entry in politics

POWER, POISE AND

PRESTIGE

The incredible LAKSHMI MANCHU opens up in an exclusive chat

EXCITING INTERVIEWS, RESTAURANT REVIEWS, FASHION TRENDS, BEAUTY NEWS AND LOTS MORE!

RITZ My view

A

nd just like that, half of 2017 is gone. Over and done with.

Never to be ours again. Are our plans on the right track?

Are we pursuing the same goals that we initially set out to? 6 months down the line, it really is time to check on where we are vis a vis where we planned to be and opt for course correction where required.

A very wise man once said, 'Plans count for nothing, but planning is everything'.

One of my all-time favourite quotes reads like this: Yesterday is Gone, Tomorrow Has Not Yet Come We Have Only Today Let Us Begin Good luck!

FOLLOW US

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RITZ July 2017

RITZ RITZSPOTLIGHT Inside

ISSUE 12 | VOL 13 | July 2017

54 32 Personality

The incredible Lakshmi Manchu on

life, values, her daughter and

her friendships 18

Trending Now Hyderabadi women showcase their love for jewellery on our pages

26

We profile 3 passionate art collectors based in Kochi

42

Spotlight Actress Leona Lishoy on why number don’t count!

48

Tennis ace Rohan Bopanna on his maiden Grand Slam win and his beautiful wife

52

Chess grandmaster Harika Dronavalli on acing the game

56

Sangeeta Bijlani on the importance of meditation in staying youthful

60

Coimbatore’s Meenkashi is quite the globe-trotter as we find out in our chat

62

Take a look at our listing of Hyderabad’s most popular dessert joints

68

We catch up with the Masterchefs at VR Bengaluru

80 Food

Le Meridien Kochi’s tasty treats

catch our attention this month

8

RITZ July 2017

RITZ Inside

ISSUE 12 | VOL 13 | July 2017

62

72

Corridors of Power This super popular column goes truly pan-south with Sanjay Pinto talking to Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru Praveen Sood IPS

76

Point Blank Sanjay Pinto decodes why Rajinikanth has the potential to make a blockbuster entry in politics

82 Fashion

A curated collection of affordable

fashion from that1too.com 94 RSVP

A roundup of the most talked

about events across South India

48

90 Buzzin

Interesting news snippets from

across South India 12 BEAUTY

The best in hair care, masks and a

pop of colour for your lips

42 56

12

For advertising and marketing queries across South India, please contact M Praveen Kumar, Vice President - Marketing +91 98419 73090 Edited and Published by Aruna R Krishnan from 7th Floor, Sigma Wing, Raheja Towers, 177 Anna Salai, Chennai 600002. Printed by B Ashok Kumar of Rathna Offset Printers at 40, Peters Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. RITZ is not responsible for unsolicited material.

RITZ assumes no responsibility for the veracity and authenticity of the advertisements published herein. Readers are requested to make appropriate enquiries before incurring any expenses or acting on medical recommendations or otherwise in relation to any advertisement or article published herein. Also views in articles published herein are those of the respective authors only. RITZ does not necessarily subscribe to these views.

All correspondence should be addressed to: RITZ, 7th Floor, Sigma Wing, Raheja Towers, 177, Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002. Contact: 4211 3871 / 2. Email: admin@ritzmagazine.in

10 RITZ July 2017

RITZ BEAUTY

INSTA DETOX YOUR SKIN

Natural Glow face mask available at that1too.com ` 350

Facial masks are a quick pick-meup. When you don’t have the time to indulge or when you need that extra glow or moisture, they help perk up the skin. Excessive use of make-up products, pollution, heat and other impurities leave your skin looking dull and unhealthy. Detox your skin through masking. Different facial masks have different benefits depending on the active ingredients that are in them. From natural face masks to face masks with added goodness, there are all kinds of masks one can apply for an instant facelift. Looking for the best facial masks? Dr Shuba Dharmana, LeJeune Medspa shows the best way to pick the one that suits you.

By NAMITA GUPTA

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VLCC Clear Tan face mask ` 225

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1. Vitamin C Mask: Being a great anti oxidant, Vitamin C has wound healing properties and a good moisturiser. It also imparts radiance so it can be used by itself at home or be combined with treatments like peels in your dermatologist’s office.

2. Hyaluronic acid mask: Hyaluronic acid binds to water molecules and also has light-reflecting properties thus increasing hydration and radiance. Therefore it is good for mature and dry skin. This mask is also frequently used by dermatologists post treatments.

L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Mask in Eucalyptus ` 850

3. Papaya Mask: The enzymes in papaya help to rejuvenate and brighten skin. It is a great pick me up to brighten dull skin. It has skin lightening properties

Plum Chamomile white tea glowgetter face mask ` 475

12 RITZ July 2017

Organic Harvest Anti Tan Mask ` 495

4. Clay masks: Great way to purify and detoxify, as they absorb and sometimes pull out impurities and loose blackheads. They are great for oily and acne-prone skin 5. Ice masks: Mainly used by dermatologists post procedures, ice masks have soothing, calming properties and are thus used post any laser or peel procedure that may cause some redness.

RITZ BEAUTY

- Don’t over wash the scalp and hair.

Two washes a week is ideal. If your scalp is oily then alternate day washes. If you wash your hair daily, then only use shampoo on the scalp, not the entire length of the hair. If hair is dry and scalp is oily, condition the hair ends.

- Use appropriate hair brush for your hair type All for one, one for all does not hold good with brushes. It is important not to share your hair brush. Next use a comb/soft bristle/ hard bristle brush based on your hair type.

Never brush or comb wet hair; use your fingers to open up the knots in your hair post a wash. Hair is weakest when wet.

- Make sure your nutrition is upto the mark Nutrition to hair happens at the roots only, not through application on hair follicle. Most of the nutrition is through the body so orally is the best way. Make sure your diet has a healthy dose of iron, folic acid, biotin, zinc and omega 3 as these are essential nutrients for a healthy scalp and hair. Most times, hair fall, dull hair etc are related to poor nutrition and changes in body hormones like hypo thyroid and polycystic ovaries. Water is essential for hair. So stay hydrated with at least 1.5 - 2 L of water or fluids per day.

- Protect hair from heat/hot sun and radiation Like skin, hair also is damaged by excess heat, long sun exposure and pollution. While being outdoors for a long period, protect the hair with a scarf or cap. If you are going to be in a dusty environment, apply some leave-in conditioner or oil so that a protective coat is formed on your hair to prevent free radical damage. If you are using heating equipment / curlers, use a heat protecting serum before the procedure.

- Chemically treated hair requires special care if you have had a perm / straightening / colouring / re-bonding procedure. you hair is damaged. It requires special care. Use shampoo and conditioner for chemically treated hair and use a leave-in conditioner on hair ends to protect it from further dehydration which causes brittle hair.

Organic Hair Oil Nourisher ` 290, on that1too.com

High on Hair Work your way to fuller, stronger, thicker and lustrous hair with some of these essentials that work wonders on your mane. We all know the impact of urban life on your hair.

But what is it doing to your scalp?

Everyday your hair and scalp are exposed to environmental aggression that conspire against its natural health and integrity. Air-borne pollution, coupled with dirt, city grime and water impurities coat shafts and clog the scalp for weak, lifeless hair. Air pollution clogs the hair bulbs so nutrients can’t get in.

It also covers hair follicles until they cannot breathe. Hair feels coarse and brittle, the scalp itchy. It appears dirty, struggling for oxygen. Dr Chytra Anand, Consultant Cosmetic Dermatologist & Trichologist, Kosmoderma Clinics shares five tips to combat hair thinning and hair loss:

By NAMITA GUPTA

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RITZ BEAUTY

POP UP

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LOréal Paris Infallible Sexy Balm Bolds Yala Yolo ` 499

After ruling the fashion runways, colour blocking has taken over the makeup palette.

Give your lips a burst of colour with pop up bold colours that are trending now. What better way to take that selfie than making heads turn with a high-definition playful pout. The 90s pop up look is back with a bang. Remember the iconic retro music and the dance moves that never go out of fashion, clothes and accessories that compel us to post a throwback photo, and of course our favourite candies! Now there’s another reason to go back to those favourite days when pop up make up and fashion ruled the style charts. Not only do these lipsticks pack a power punch, but they also keep your lips moisturised, bright and beautiful. Go on, get your share of some candylicious fun!

By NAMITA GUPTA

Celebrity makeup expert Gouri Kapur shares how to get the right kind of pop up look with these lip shades.

1. Outlining the lips with a lip pencil helps in getting the perfect shape for brighter colours and also gives a great finish.

16 RITZ July 2017

Lakmé Absolute Lip Pout Matte Masaba Lips Hot Bubble Pink ` 750

Maybelline New York Baby Lips Candy Rush Cotton Candy ` 190

are naturally matte.

4. Don’t over do the usage of bright colours. Let just the lips do the talking while the rest of the face can be left neutral.

2. Opt for matte shades which look great in brighter colours.

5. Matte lipsticks tend to flake off, exfoliating your lips before application ensures your lipstick stays on longer and looks flawless.

3. I prefer using certain shades of lip pencils at times as lipsticks. Use it to line it, fill in and reapply if required, and they

6. Liquid lipsticks tend to get flaky, so remove and then reapply or applying a thin layer is the only trick.

Maybelline New York Baby Lips Candy Rush Watermelon Pop ` 190

RITZ trending now

HYDERABAD

OF FUSION AND GRANDEUR No matter what the occasion is, no look is complete without a dash of jewellery – team it with your Indian or western wear, and be sure that you’re ready to turn heads. Keeping that in mind, we went into the homes of some well-known ladies, to check on how they would carry their stunning pieces off.

Here is what they tastefully put together...

Text by ANAHITA AHUJA

Name: ANANYA SIMLAI Occupation: Regional Head of Government Business for AP and Telangana in Corporate Banking Dept.

How would you define your sense of style?

Simple, minimalistic but bold and differently chic How much do you enjoy wearing jewellery?

I love to wear jewellery, but the primary parameter is the occasion, place and time of day.

What is your favourite piece?

My favourite pieces are a ‘maang tika’, ‘kamar bandh’ and chokers – I possess quite a few of each.

Would you rather be under-dressed or over-dressed at an occasion?

Any day, under-dressed – cannot go for an occasion looking like a Christmas tree, after all!

Which celebrity’s style do you try and emulate?

I have never tried to copy anyone in life for anything whatsoever – I feel, what you wear should be an extension of yourself, and should define the person you are – hence trying and aping someone would take away from me being me.

One quick fix that never goes wrong?

A really long pair of danglers can do wonders for anyone provided the neckline is reasonably low.

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RITZ trending now

Name: VINITA SURANA Occupation: ED, Surana Group How would you define your sense of style?

Athleisure, classy, comfortable, urban and chic.

How much do you enjoy wearing jewellery?

Jewellery just completes a look in an instant – be it costume or real.

With the lives we live, I occasionally get a chance to wear my traditional jewellery.

What is your favourite piece?

That would surely be a Maang tika – it just changes the entire look.

Would you rather be under-dressed or over-dressed at an occasion?

Always dress to impress, so overdressed, but can’t understate my love for an all day yoga pants look!

Which celebrity’s style do you try and emulate?

No one in particular but Priyanka Chopra and Ivanka Trump get most things on point, and Alia Bhatt for the casual choices.

One quick fix look that never goes wrong?

Red lipstick

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RITZ trending now

Name: KOYAL CHANDAK How would you define your sense of style?

Sophisticated, bohemian, glamorous with a dash of funky which is easy to mix.

How much do you enjoy wearing jewellery?

I quite enjoy wearing it. I wear a lot of neckpieces, though I am fond of earrings and rings too.

What is your favourite piece?

Finger rings, for sure!

What is your take on the fashion sense in Hyderabad?

The fashion sense in Hyderabad is extending upwards to a great level – even though in my opinion, there is a lot of scope for improvement.

Personally I happen to be a huge fan of fashion, but to me clothing is a form of art. Art is a way of someone expressing a part of themselves – hence everyone has a different way of portraying it and a different opinion on what works and what does not.

Which celebrity’s style do you try and emulate?

The one and only renowned for her fashion styling – she sets style statements in Bollywood – Sonam Kapoor.

Would you rather be under-dressed or over-dressed at an occasion?

Proper attire says a lot about a person. One wants to be noticed for the effort put into an outfit, so I would rather be over dressed than under.

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hand crafted from FEMIʼS Fashion House

KALISTA

PALARIVATTOM BYPASS, KOCHI

RITZ trending now

KOCHI

FOR THE

LOVE OF ART!

Art is a beautiful form of expression - it can be feelings, thoughts, perceptions or just the essence of a fleeting moment. Though it has been engraved across all cultures in their history, tradition and architecture, very often, these priceless masterpieces are taken for granted. RITZ explores exquisite collections of three art enthusiasts from Kochi for whom art is a passion and though collecting art is an expensive hobby, they continue to nurture it for the sheer love of art!

Words: RIYA SONNY DATSON Photography: ARUN A MENON and BINU AVARACHAN

K GEORGE JOHN “I don’t see art as a commodity, but as something that I treasure, and enjoy seeing on my wall. It gives me happiness day after day. For the same reason, I find it impossible to part with any of my collections,” says K George John. His home, which is truly one of a kind, has been designed on the lines of an art gallery. Spread across 12,000 square feet, his water front bungalow at Edakochi is a beautiful medley of all styles of paintings. Having retired as the Chairman and MD of TBWA, his passion for art started over three decades ago. He has travelled across India and it has always been a passion for him to visit top galleries to collect paintings that appealed to him. He has works of artists like CM Karunakaran, Krishen Khanna, Rabin Mondal, Senathipathi, Karmarkar, Paritosh Sen, Hatarki, Shyamal Ghosh, Kaladharan, Sadanandan and Namboothiri to name a few. His home collection has to its credit over 60 paintings, of which every piece is unique, and is the original work of renowned artists.

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• First outing with Art: An Oil pastel of Christ on the Cross’ from Chaitram Art Gallery, Kochi.

• Art Trigger: The signature is very important and of course, the artwork should appeal to me!

• An artist I admire: T Kaladharan.

• Treasured Possession: Mural painting of the ‘White Stallion’ by Sadanandan, monotone sketches by Namboothiri and the works of Rabin Mondal and CM Karunakaran.

• A Commissioned Artwork: A large art work by Namboothiri based on the famous Malayalam song, “Ambalakulangara Kulikkan chennapol ayilathey pennungal kaliyakki…”

• An Impulsive Buy: Mural Art of ‘Krishna and Radha’ by Sadanandan.

• Weakness: Colourful Figuratives.

• On the Wish-list: Works of Krishen Khanna, Satish Gujral, Padamsee and Laxma Goud.

RITZ trending now

E D GA R P I N TO It was while restoring the 300-year old, ‘Old Harbour Hotel’ with renowned architect Karl Damschen that Edgar started exploring the world of art. “It was for my hotel that I first started interacting with artists and seeing their work; and that’s when I stumbled upon my passion for collecting art! I have been fascinated by works of famous artists, student artists, tribal art and sometimes even rare antiques. For me, more than the artist, the creation itself is what is important. Each artist is different, sometimes they express through images, visual displays or even audio visuals. The way they interpret it, is what attracts me to their work. What appeals to me may not appeal to everyone else.” His collection has everything from paintings to sculptures, tribal art, bronze art, contemporary art, abstract work and digital collage. Edgar has his private collection at his apartment in Kochi, apart from the ones displayed at his heritage hotel in Fort Kochi called The Old Harbour Hotel, his café, the Kashi Art Café and his art gallery, the Kashi Art Gallery, which was also one of the venues at the Kochi Muziris Biennale.

Every year, the gallery hosts three to four shows by artists from across the world.

• First Acquisition: A Digital Collage by Yusuf Arakkal.

• Art Trigger: It’s instinctive, it strikes a chord within you!

• Inclination: Bronze Sculptures.

• Treasured Possession: Each piece in my collection.

• An Impulsive Buy: Every purchase!

• Exploring art abroad: Have works by Mexican, Srilankan and Iranian artists • On the Wish-list: A 3D Skull Art by British artist Damien Hirst.

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RITZ trending now G E O R G E J T H A L I AT H ‘Labour of Love’ is how he chooses to describe his passion. “Art is life” says George J Thaliath, who firmly believes that art is a result of deep spirituality, passion and respect towards life and humanity. The Kerala Folklore Museum, his second home, is the fruit of forty years of consistent research, in-depth studies and extensive travel across India. The Museum that has over 7000 ethnic artefacts in wood, metal and stone, including paintings, sculptures, statues, costumes, jewellery, masks, carvings and much more is a treasure trove of history, culture, art and creativity. “Art is to be preserved so that the future generations are aware about the immense value of our rich culture, heritage and traditions,” he says.

His wife, Annie and children, Jacob and Elsa are also very involved and supportive of his endeavour.

George is the author of ‘FACE’ (Folkart And Cultural Expressions) which is literally an exhaustive encyclopaedia of Indian Folkart!

• Art Trigger: It’s instinctive, when you see an art piece that you desire, it will arouse your spirit!

• Favourite Collection: Tribal art and Folk art.

• Treasured Possession: Every single piece here is my treasure.

• Achievement: My Museum has India’s biggest collection of tribal ‘Masks.’

• Ambition: Preserving art, instilling knowledge and respect for art among the younger generation.

• On the Wish-list: I would love to build a museum bigger than the Salar Jung Museum!

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RITZ personality

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HYDERABAD

Power, Poise and

PRESTIGE

South Indian film industry’s one and only Lakshmi Manchu, is not just a fabulous actress, producer and television presenter, but also a doting mother, wife, sister and daughter. She started acting at the age of four, after which she went ahead and got a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Oklahoma City University, followed by a stint at USC for Film Production.

Known for her works in Telugu cinema and American television, Lakshmi is a powerhouse of talent and energy. Loved by every single soul around, her persona oozes warmth and love. In a candid interview, the lovely lady opened up about her childhood, her daughter and other relationships.

Text by ANAHITA AHUJA Wardrobe: RAW MANGO Jewellery: BALAJI JEWELLERS Makeup and hair: SANDY Styling: ANAHITA Photography: AKSHAY RAO July 2017 RITZ

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RITZ personality What were you like in your school days?

I always knew I was different as I didn’t fit in the class at all. I would be more attracted to extracurricular activities than towards the books.

With time, as I kept getting older, I knew I wanted to be an actor – I wasn’t sure of where, how and when that would happen, but I knew that was my calling. At that point in the South, no actor’s daughter was allowed to be an actress, it is only now that we have others like Shruti Haasan, but back then actors only passed on the mantle to their sons and not daughters. As I got a chance to go to America, I ran.

What about the family – how did they react when they found out?

My family didn’t know at all.

My father thought I was doing documentary films over there. Even when other people saw my work and told my father, he thought they were all referring to the documentaries.

When he started realising that it wasn’t that, he couldn’t even show to them that he didn’t know – so he would act like he knew. Then it started coming from more sources, so my brothers broke it to him.

They did not have a choice by then! (smiles). I was the only South Indian girl to have made it till there – they were very proud of me, of course, as they knew how difficult it was to make a mark in America.

year and a half. And when you go for these auditions, it is not like you’re selling jewellery that you can bring something to match the taste of your client – it was you who you’re trying to sell there – and when you’re rejected one after the other, with zero support – it definitely isn’t easy.

So, what brought you back?

Nothing in particular. Life, I guess. It was my brother’s wedding that I came back for, and then one thing led to the other. I was offered a show to host and it’s been six years now.

Are you happy here?

Well, I have my ups and downs. I am not creatively satisfied on the work front here, when compared to what it would have been like if I were there.

Roles here are so typecast in a box that you end up doing the same thing over and over again.

And are you looking at moving back?

Honestly, given a chance, I would work there and live here! Now, with my daughter being the most crucial part of my life, I feel it is very important to raise her around my family and impart our values. I notice that with the changing times, it is becoming all about yourself – giving rise to more nuclear families around.

Life is not supposed to be lived like that – it is not meant to be all about yourself. It is about taking care of the beautiful people and relationships How did things work out for you in around. I want her to grow up with the US? her grandparents, cousins and family I was clueless! I didn’t even know and learn how to take care of these what a head shot looked like, or for relationships. that matter what the difference was between an agent and a manger. My Let’s talk a little more about teachers in college were very confident Nirvana... that I had whatever it took to make it, Life with her is as if I am three! as long as I kept at it. I started off as Thanks to her, I am living life all a junior artiste – an extra in Boston over again. I feel I am her age with a Legal and as luck could have it, within slightly better vocabulary. She knows no time, I was cast as an actor in it. what she wants, she puts me in my place – has her likes and dislikes – Was it smooth sailing for you? and above all is extremely loving and Oh, definitely not! It was all about caring. With her, I am reliving life all audition after audition for the first over again.

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How has she changed you as a person?

I feel, I have become more fun. She keeps me in splits. She is a spirited girl! I want to take credit for the incredible human she is, but that is just her.

What kind of a mother are you?

A very liberal mother, who is very disciplined at the same time. I do not take tantrums. Her behaviour at home and outside needs to be checked on, and I do just that. I discipline her whenever and wherever needed, Let’s now talk about you being a producer.

Even in America, I used to produce short films. I was always good at putting things together. And here, when the opportunity came up to do it – I jumped at it. It is a liberating experience to make movies you like – especially if you enjoy putting things together. I try and work with new talent, because there is a whole lot of enthusiasm. And it is nicer to work with people like that. I live, breathe, and eat cinema – so I didn’t want to wait till I got older to become a producer. I wanted to get to it now and it all fell into place with the right opportunity.

You are known to be a strong woman...

More than that, I am blessed with a deep, husky voice - to start off with.

Thanks to this, whatever I say comes across in a stern way and work ends up happening. Which is great because if I had a squeaky voice, it wouldn’t have had the same effect.

Career wise, what has been that one turning point for you?

That was when I was offered my TV show Memu Saitam– through which I was able to help so many people in need and there is no feeling quite like that. That was when I learnt my lessons, not only as an actor, producer but also a human being. It was beautiful to see how deeply we could impact people through cinema.

“I KNEW I R E A L LY WA N T E D TO BE AN ACTOR BUT ALSO KNEW T H A T I T WA S N ’ T GOING TO HAPPEN HERE.”

July 2017 RITZ

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RITZ personality

“ M Y FAT H E R H A S N E V E R B E E N A B L E T O S AY A S I N G L E B A D T H I N G A B O U T M Y W O R K . H E S AY S H E ’ S M Y F A N ! ” 36 RITZ July 2017

July 2017 RITZ

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RITZ personality On a different note – what is your relationship with your father like?

It is very cool! Every daughter should be able to be as open, free and friendly with her father as I am.

He has been the strongest person in our life and there is so much to learn from him. He never gives up and is so protective of us – the values he’s instilled in us are unparalleled.

How does he react to your work?

He has never been able to say a single bad thing about my work. He says he’s my fan. He doesn’t like me producing because he feels I shouldn’t put my money in it. But I understand where he’s coming from – he’s a father, after all.

Which is the most special relationship?

My life is made up of many friends and a lot of special relationships.

My friendships are very special to me – each and every one of them. I care for and nurture my relationships the most because I feel, I am who I am because of my friends – because of their unconditional belief in my dreams. They have guided me through it all.

Do you watch your work? How do you react to it?

I am very critical about the stuff I do.

I look at myself and look at the tiniest problems. But I am not one of those who checks between shots – if I start doing that, then there is no way I’d be able to okay it. I am critical about when I see myself, at the end product.

think we are so lucky, just to be able to breathe, taste food, hear music, touch and feel, and above that love. It is all so incredible. I want to live life, experience it all.

NOW, LET’S DO A QUICK, FUN RAPIDFIRE ....

What is the last gift you gave someone?

I have just come back from Abu Dhabi with bags filled with gifts. I have quite a few perfumes to give my friends.

Did you brothers ever try to set you up on a date?

(Laughs) Set me up? They were ready to kill every boy I even spoke to!

What are your thoughts like when you’re driving the car?

One thing that often crosses my mind when I look out is how every one of us, is going through something or the other. Otherwise, life ends up

What is the best way to start a conversation with you?

I like people who don’t try to put on anything and are who they are.

The weirdest thing a fan has done for you?

There is this lady in Nellore who got a tattoo of my face on her hand!

Your celebrity crush?

Ranveer Singh! He has such a wild vibe – his energy is contagious.

What/who do you want to be remembered as?

As a girl who lived life fully and did what she wanted to. I truly believe in the quote ‘Well-behaved women, rarely made history’ – by Marilyn Monroe.

“ H O N E S T LY, G I V E N A CHANCE, I WOULD WORK IN AMERICA AND LIVE HERE!” becoming so much about yourself, that you don’t realise there are others around too.

How much of your life is dependent on technology?

How selective are you about your Oh god! Embarrassingly dependent! I work? go to sleep checking Twitter, Instagram Very! If I were in America, my and Facebook. It’s almost like they will choices would have been different. I run out of business if I don’t look at am picky because I want to able to do them. I am not a laptop or iPad person, justice to everything I do. I am not it’s just my phone and yes, that habit happy running around trees, I enjoy can get a tad bit annoying. watching that stuff, but cannot do it.

What I do has to be meaty and should What if I were to uninstall all your excite me. social media apps on your phone...

I would actually be very happy because What inspires you? someone else doing what I myself Life – everything about life does. I can’t!

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If you were to wake up tomorrow as someone else – who would you rather be?

Wonder Woman!

What cheers you up?

My daughter and her stories.

Favourite word?

F***!

What are you afraid of ?

Mediocrity of people – when people limit themselves and stop doing things.

How would someone get your attention?

It has to be their personality, their sense of humour and the fact that they are themselves around everyone.

If you had to change your name – it would be?

Nirvana.

July 2017 RITZ

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fashion RITZ

Rekeetha Gaddaffi

COIMBATORE

COUTURE IN COIMBATORE

W

hen designer Rekeetha Gaddaffi started Ocean Jasper, her idea was to make couture affordable for the stylish people of Coimbatore.

Ocean Jasper is a Luxury Boutique based out of Coimbatore. She has been catering to many brides and bridesmaids for many years now who love her edge over designer wear.

Rekeetha claims Ocean Jasper is more of a couture hotspot than a boutique.

She is working hard towards setting the trend of helping the city’s fashionable crowd to pick a Coimbatore designer who promises to deliver the best of designs, so that they don’t have to scout to cities like Delhi or Mumbai for designer wear. Rekeetha specializes in Lehengas and Anarkalis that make any girl stand out in a crowd. Her 100% pure Kanchi pattus have been worn and appreciated by many.

Start wrapping yourselves with the bright tones of purity. It’s time to rediscover your fashionable self and never run out of style. Being in the limelight comes naturally to those who wear clothes from Ocean Jasper. So if you are a bride to be and want to look like a queen on your special day, then Ocean Jasper is the place to be.

Raised in a country with remarkable arts and colourful carnivals, falling in love with India and its culture is inescapable. Ocean Jasper, a high fashion premium luxury boutique was not only inspired by the legacy of the rich art and craft of India, but also found an immense passion in reinventing them. What makes them stand out from the many others around is the myriad cuts, colours and styles that never go out of fashion.

They are always in tune with the latest fashion trends. Ocean Jasper offers an attractive range of latest designer Anarkalis that are the perfect choice for any occasion in a plethora of colours, designs, and patterns to fulfill your demands.

For further details, log onto www.oceanjasper.in.

Address: 16-A1, Huzur Road, Coimbatore-18, Oceanjasper8888@gmail.com Ph: +91 73731 88888

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT

PR E T T Y IN BL AC K : Leona wears a black midi skater dress with accessories from Aldo

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KOCHI

NUMBERS Don’t Count!

She’s the pretty girl next door who is always cheerful and ready with a smile! Her career in Mollywood started with ‘Kalikaalam’ and she went on to do many memorable roles in movies like ‘Jawan Of Vellimala’, ‘North 24 Kaatham’, ‘Annmariya Kalippilanu’ and now ‘Vishwasapoorvam Mansoor’.

It has not been a cake walk for this young actress who learnt the ropes the hard way! RITZ gets into a candid conversation with the gorgeous actress, Leona Lishoy as she talks of her movies, interests, dreams and marriage!

Text: RIYA SONNY DATSON Photography: SHAFI SHAKKEER Venue: LE MARITIME, VYPIN Styling: JOBINA VINCENT & DHANYA Hair and Make Up: PANACHE HAIR, SKIN & BRIDAL LOUNGE Wardrobe Courtesy: MARKS AND SPENCER Footwear and Accessories: ALDO, STEVE MADDEN

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT

What was your biggest take away from the multi starrer ‘Jawan Of Vellimala’?

Initially, I wasn’t aware that it was a Mammootty starrer. I was told only after the audition that it was being produced by him and that he is the lead actor. I was excited and equally petrified! But to my amazement, he was so cool on the sets! He would interact with everyone, joke and even sing songs! I was conscious while doing scenes with him mostly because of the crowds that gathered to watch him perform. My co-star, Asif Ali, was very positive and energetic, he would encourage me, crack jokes and try to ease my nerves. I was most comfortable with Srinivasan uncle for he was so light-hearted. I remember we would all have a laugh riot each time he passed a comment about anything. Although I had very few combination scenes with Mamta, I was really star struck by her. I had a lot of questions for her and she would gladly oblige and clear all my queries. In a nutshell, it was a tremendous learning experience for me and that’s where I saw the bigger picture, the sheer hard work and planning involved behind the scenes– all from the experts in Mollywood!

Although Ann Mariya Kalippilanu was a big hit, we didn’t expect to see you donning the role of a mother. Did you have any inhibitions doing the role?

I just wanted to do good characters and I never really had any insecurities doing the role.

When Sunny Wayne casually mentioned about the role, I instantly liked it and wanted to do it. At first, even the director had his doubts for he felt that I looked too young. And for a moment, I wasn’t sure too but after trying out a couple of scenes, the director seemed happy with my performance and I felt comfortable.

Ann Mariya Kalippilanu had a young crew and I totally enjoyed working with the team. It was indeed a good break for me!

mostly within his theatre group and when it came to the film industry, he always had very professional ties. During my childhood, I don’t remember having his friends coming home for movie discussions or my going to a shooting location. In fact, he never expected me to enter the film field at all. It just happened that I was offered a good role and we decided to give it a shot. And fortunately for me, it clicked!

You have worked in other South Indian films as well. How was the experience?

I was a part of a Kannada movie which was shot in Manali. I had worked really hard for the project and I remember my skin had literally started to peel in the weather. I absolutely loved the character I was portraying but unfortunately, some issues cropped up just before its release and the movie had to be shelved. I was extremely disappointed that it didn’t get released so I don’t usually discuss it.

After putting in so much effort, how do you tackle such disappointments?

The year 2013 was a very busy year in my career and I was a part of many projects but unfortunately, most of the movies either got shelved or the shooting had to be stopped midway through the project. It was really heart breaking but I learnt a lot along the way. Now I am more careful while choosing scripts and roles.

What is your criteria for choosing roles?

I have come to realise that there should be at least two strong points when you choose a project. Apart from the script and the director, the production banner is equally important.

There is no point in jumping at a good script if the production house doesn’t have the capacity to release the movie. Your work has to reach the audience!

The latest trend in Mollywood now is that the current crop of actresses are being increasingly replaced by debutant actresses or actresses from other industries. Do you find that challenging?

Yes, most definitely. I think there are plenty of opportunities for everyone today. Unlike earlier, people are more open to women Your dad, Lishoy, is a very popular actor accepting ‘films’ as a career too. So, there and TV star. How has he influenced your is a lot of fresh talent now which makes it career? challenging for everyone. But it doesn’t worry Well, my dad was never really a typical ‘Cinema’ me too much because my priority is to do good guy as one would expect. His friends were characters in good films. Quality is more

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“I DON’T INTEND TO JOIN T H E R AT R A C E TO THE TOP”

CO R PO R ATE CH I C The dusty pink round neck shell top has been paired with mahogany treggings. A sling bag from Steve Madden along with​Aldo accessories and stilettos complete the look.

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT

R U F F LE D BE AU T Y The mustard tunic looks stunning when paired with the bead embellished leather sling bag and matching accessories by Aldo.

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“ I J U S T WA N T E D T O DO GOOD CHARACTERS A N D I N E V E R R E A L LY HAD ANY INSECURITIES DOING THE ROLE”

important than numbers. I don’t intend to join the rat race to the top.

What do you think is your biggest strength?

My family! I can say or share anything with my parents for they understand me completely. I know I can depend on them for support at any time.

What about your weakness?

I am not too good at networking and I take time to make new friends especially in the industry.

You recently appeared in a print ad of Pothy’s with Kamal Haasan. Who is the one dream actor who you want to act with?

Mohanlal, Mammootty, Kamal Haasan, Dulquer, Nivin Pauly, Nedumudi Venu…the list is endless.

I want to act with everyone possible. There are no limits to dreams, right?

RA

Who is your inspiration? Any Dream Roles?

I love the actresses of the 90’s - Urvashi, Shobana, Revathi, Manju Warrier. They are just amazing and I really look up to them. Dream role would be to do a dance based movie where I get to play the role of a Bharatnatyam dancer!

PI

D

FIR

E:

• Favourite Colour: Peach • Beauty Secret: Natural Home remedies • I can’t do without: Kajal • Favourite Perfume: Japanese Blossom by Bodyshop • Interests: Driving and Sketching Wall Art • In My Bag Always: A Hand Sanitiser

‘Vishwasapooram Mansoor’ is a recent release, tell us about your experience and about your upcoming projects.

In ‘Vishwasapoorvam Mansoor’, I played the role of a college girl called Soumya, who I think is very much like me. I could really relate to the character and I enjoyed doing the role. My next movie is ‘Hadiya’ which is directed by Unni Pranavam. I play the role of an orphan Muslim who goes through a lot of difficult situations. It is a very intense character involving a lot of trials and emotions. I have also started shooting for Aashiq Abu’s ‘Mayanadhi’ which is produced by Amal Neerad and written by Shyam Pushkaran.

The film has Tovino Thomas doing the lead role.

What is the one condition for Marriage?

That the guy should take me around the world! I love traveling! On a serious note, I am enjoying my work right now and I think marriage is definitely not on the cards - at least not in the near future!

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT

SMASHING BENGALURU

IT TO THE TOP 48 RITZ July 2017

Meet Rohan Bopanna, India’s leading doubles tennis player, who has just returned to Bengaluru after winning his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, Paris

By NAMITA GUPTA Photos by FAHEEM HUSSAIN Wardrobe courtesy: ZEVEN Venue courtesy: GRAND MERCURE HOTEL, BENGALURU

H

e’s on cloud nine and has all the reasons to be.

Bengaluru boy Rohan Bopanna won his first Grand Slam title acing the mixed doubles final of the French Open in June. Looking dapper in sportswear from Zeven of which he is the brand ambassador, the 37-year old towers over others as he poses for RITZ magazine as part of an exclusive interview about his sport, his love life and more.

MASTER STROKE

Sharing his experience on winning the title, Rohan states, “I’ve been enjoying playing on the clay court surface and I’ve adapted my game style differently now in the last couple of years. A lot of the credit goes to the fact that even after so many years of playing, I was flexible enough to change and adapt to something new. When I was in Monte Carlo this year, I was with Pablo Cuevas and we won a big tournament. I kept practicing with Pablo everyday and my game improved a lot.

We don’t have that kind of surface in India, so I was feeling positive every time I practiced and when I stepped onto the court for the finals. It was the third tournament for Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski and me as we played in the US Open and in the Australian Open tournament before that, which gave us an edge over others on how to work through our strengths.”

The modest sportstar feels he started playing tennis a tad late by today’s standards. “I started playing at the age of 11, which is pretty late. As a junior I didn’t play that many tournaments. When I was 14, I was told by the coaches that I was still very raw as I had not played many tournaments. Only when I was 21, I won a tournament at the national level and that instilled confidence in me that I could play tournaments at a higher level. I always believed in my game, irrespective of whether I was losing or winning and at every step I could improve my performance. My family and friends always encouraged me. A lot of people have made sacrifices for me along the way. My parents were a great source of strength and support. My dad sometimes tells me if he had known how much it would have cost he wouldn’t have probably gone ahead with my coaching! Representing your own country is a wonderful feeling. As an athlete winning a Grand Slam would be anyone’s dream come true and to have achieved that was a proud feeling,” states Rohan who also loves cricket, badminton and golf. Although he won quite a few big tournaments, he confesses that it was winning the smaller tournaments that helped him grow and learn as a player.

CO U RT TO CO U RT S H I P

The Kodagu boy fell in love with Supriya Annaiah and he confesses it was love at first sight. “I was introduced to Supriya in 2010 by a cousin of mine who knew her, when she had just walked into a restaurant I was dining in, by chance. We got married in 2012. She is a wonderful person. It was tough for her as she came onto the circuit not knowing anything about tennis and had to adapt to my schedules and routines.

Everyone thinks it’s a glamorous life, since we’re always July 2017 RITZ

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT travelling the world for tournaments.

But when we travel we hardly get to go out and see the city like a tourist.

During the day, I’m at the tennis court and we might just go out for a meal at night and come back early and catch up on some sleep to play the next day. But Supriya has understood the journey well and what I actually go through and is a significant part of it. She is a psychologist and has now started her own practice. She comes with me to a lot of countries and now that she has her own practice, it’s more flexible for her to plan her travels to coordinate with mine. Every time I’m playing a big series, she comes along. She balances her work and travels with me whenever she can, so that way we get to spend some time together. We also liked our time spent together in Koh Samui. We went to Monaco where I was playing at the Monte Carlo Masters, and recently we were in Budapest where we spent three days together after I had finished my tournaments. In 2013, unfortunately I lost early in Paris, but since she was there with me we could take our time to explore. We went across Paris and also Niagara Falls later.

We have done many such trips,” shares Rohan.

LOV E M A K E S T H E WORLD GO ROUND

“I’ve got to see more of the world now that she’s with me than when I was travelling by myself. I also love adventure travel. I’ve done bungee jumping in Macau which is the tallest one in the world. I’m a big adrenaline junkie and next on my bucket list is sky diving. The only thing is that our schedules are tight and it’s tough to incorporate travelling for pleasure.

Both of us like to try new things. And it’s great now that she’s studied so much to become a psychologist and now she can have her own career as well as be with me. We try to balance around each other’s schedules so that we don’t spend too much time apart,” says Rohan. About his other passions, he adds, “I love watching Bollywood movies and hope to catch up on a lot of Bollywood movies when I return

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from this Wimbledon season. I watch every movie that releases. I’m also a big foodie and like to try out new cuisines, my favourite being Japanese.”

We prod further and nudge him whether his psychologist wife talks to him on how to deal with the stress levels this sport might bring at times and he states, “She’s definitely someone who understands me really well. Unknowingly sometimes maybe she would have helped whenever we discussed issues, but it’s never happened formally. She has the hidden talent of connecting to people.

We’re also good friends with Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza and we play and hang out together whenever we can. We also spend time with my friends from Coorg who have grown up with me. We also went to the Beyonce concert with Lara Dutta and Mahesh, when we were there for the mixed doubles Wimbledon.”

S E RV E TO W I N

Spilling the beans on his daily schedule, Rohan reveals, “I try to begin my morning with yoga or meditation and after a healthy breakfast I start off with my practice that goes into a couple of hours. I go to the gym after that and then try to go for another hour of practice. The whole day goes away in playing tennis. The tennis court is like my office. Whenever a friend asks me how it is to be a tennis player, I tell them it’s exactly like dressing up and going to an office and meeting people and doing your work. The only difference is that I attend office in my tennis shorts and t shirts.”

When he’s not honing his skills on the court, travelling for tournaments or exploring a bit of the world with his better half, Rohan takes out time to train young aspiring players at The Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy (RBTA) bringing a refreshing new dimension to tennis coaching in India.

Ask Rohan how often he goes to the academy and he states, “I’m not able to go very often, but if I’m in town I go there as much as I can. I have a huge passion for giving back to the sport and training kids with whatever

experience and exposure this sport has taught me. Every time I see them train with our coaches, it brings a smile on my face. Right now, between my travelling and matches, I’m not able to diversify. But what’s worked for me is perseverance and that is what every budding tennis player needs. Keep training hard, eat right, be disciplined, believe in yourself and never stop following your dreams.”

About his future plans, Rohan who won the men’s doubles title at the 2008 Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles, many ATP titles and other tournaments, awards and accolades adds, “I’m leaving to London in a few days as the big grass court season is starting and before Wimbledon we have a couple of matches, so I’ll be playing that. After that I will be leaving for the US Open and by the end of the year I hope to play at the London Masters and finish the year strong.”

Kudos to India’s latest Grand Slam champ!

RITZ SPOTLIGHT

KOCHI

MAKING THE

RIGHT MOVES At 26, she has already won the Grandmaster title (which is one of the highest world titles awarded to a Chess player), the Arjuna Award bestowed by the Government of India for outstanding performance in National sports, three bronze medals in a row in Women’s World Championship and is currently World No. 9 on FIDE rankings! There is no stopping this determined young lady who is now aiming for the World No.1 title!

RITZ is in conversation with the gifted sports star, Harika Dronavalli as she talks of her passion for chess, her interests and rigorous routines even as she is leading the Indian women’s team at the World Team Chess Championship in Khanty, Mansiysk (Russia)!

Text by: RIYA SONNY DATSON 52 RITZ July 2017

L

ike any bubbly seven year old, Harika cherished playing indoor games with her family and she fondly recalls cracking Sudoku puzzles with her siblings. But little did she know that her life was about to be transformed when she applied for her first national game of chess! Harika worked hard for her big day. Her training sessions would start as early as 6 am and would go on till 5 pm for three months. Her hard work paid off when she won her first Nationals in 2009. As she started to win more medals, her parents and coach were convinced that Chess was her destiny and although she had to stop her schooling, she had set her heart on winning the World championship.

Ta c k l i n g t h e P r e s s u r e The game of chess involves a lot of planning and strategy and the player needs to remain calm under pressure to think straight. “It takes a lot of experience to handle the pressure. There is no point getting worked up, for it will only affect your game adversely. You need to focus on your goal and I think the most important thing is to be confident and believe in yourself,” she says. Apart from Yoga, Harika stresses on physical exercise to keep the mind and body fit. “Physical exercise is equally important and every day, I try to work out for at least two hours and practise the game for 5-6 hours.

When you are required to play for 6-7 hours at a stretch, we need to be physically and mentally fit to stay alert till the end of the game!”

On Winning Titles “People have always been kind and supportive. Even when I won three Bronze medals in a row, there was no criticism that I hadn’t done better but it was always support as they understood the difficulties and pressures of the game. But personally, I am not satisfied!” she says openly. “I am happy that I have had so many achievements but I still feel I can do better and that I have a long way to go!

My biggest critic would be my trainer, Shri. N V S Ramaraju who constantly guides me and challenges me to do better.” She is also a big fan of renowned Chess player Viswanathan Anand who has always tweeted for Harika and extended his support to her during world tournaments. “I have always been star struck by him and have a lot of respect for him.

He’s always very supportive and has tweeted for me during the world championship. Whenever we meet at a tournament he’s very cordial and down-toearth,” she says.

Professional Game of Chess Although there is a lot of respect for the game, it is not as popular as other games. “Chess is not

“People have always been kind and supportive. Even when I won thr ee B r o n z e m e d a l s i n a r o w, t h e r e w a s n o c r i t i c i s m t h a t I h a d n ’t d o n e better but it was always support as they understood the difficulties and pressures of the game” July 2017 RITZ

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT

RAP

ID

F IR

E:

• My Idol: Judit Polgar from Hungary • Best Compliment: That I am very down to earth • Title closest to my heart: Arjuna Award and Grandmaster title • Longest Game played: 7.5 hours • I detest: Negativity • I admire: Self-made people • I can’t do without: The Internet.

included in Olympics either. I think it is because it is not a very easy game for everyone to understand. There are a lot of rules and nittygritty to the game which you can master only with experience and practise. A professional game of chess is much deeper and one needs to acquire knowledge about the rules and the moves. You need to foresee the opponents move and trick your opponent which can be very stressful and tedious. Unfortunately, the effort and strain is not visible like in a physical game.” Support from the Government? “I have visited many countries during the tournaments and I think we have one of the strongest support system from the Indian Government, although decisions and approvals can be slow at times. We have achieved a lot at the world championship and I think it’s time to build an awareness about our achievements to bring more focus to the game.”

Outside the Chessboard It’s not all practice and tournaments for this champion who recently walked the ramp with Sushmita Sen for the launch of the label, Shashi Vangapalli. “I love reading, cooking, doing art and craft, watching movies and yes, playing with kids,” she rattles away. “I do have to travel a lot for my training camps and I think that is one thing that I hate about the game – the long training hours and travel. Sometimes I wish I had a private jet! It’s a fantasy but it would definitely make my travel much easier,” she sighs. One thing that you love the most about the game? “The beauty of the game – the concept and the strategy behind it!”

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT BENGALURU

THE OYE-OYE STAR TURNS YOGINI

By NAMITA GUPTA

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She’s called Bijli by her close friends and despite staying away from the film industry for a while now, Sangeeta Bijlani still exudes a magnetic charm, as she talks to RITZ about her love for yoga, her fitness routine and her love for blogging. Sangeeta’s face lights up as she smiles and reveals how she swears by the art of meditation and yoga.

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT

I

have been meditating for 20 years now and I have realised the only and the best method of releasing stress is to shut your phone, unplug your computer and all other gadgets and align the mind-body-spirit with meditation.

If in meditation we can affect the stress response, we can affect the ageing process, which is the reason why meditators look young and live longer. Your skin begins to shine, you look brighter and youthful, and there is a healthy glow which transcends age. Meditation is powerful. So, for those who would like to stay youthful forever there is nothing better than indulging in meditation. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

If you meditate 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night, you will begin to see amazing benefits. For me meditation is the most effective tool and the answer to a youthful, healthier and happier life. I believe in the magic of meditation,” effuses Sangeeta as she swears by the power

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of yoga and meditation.

In Bengaluru, for an event, Sangeeta shares her experience, “My time spent at the Krishna Wellness Centre was truly a joyful one. I arrived a day before the 5k Walkathon as Mimi Partha Sarathy and I wanted to catch up. The Yoga centre is beautiful and serene and has a calming effect on the mind the moment you step in. I enjoyed spending my time here getting to know her trainers and we did a few yoga asanas which felt extremely relaxing. It was a long day and it was dinner time by then and her mom fed me with the most mouth-watering dosas and idlis and the best rasmalais I have ever had. Next morning we were up and about at 6 am and all set to begin the 5k Walkathon at 7.30 am. The place was suddenly swarmed with kids and adults all ready in their colourful tees, tracks and caps. You had to see the energy and enthusiasm amongst all and luckily the rain-gods favoured us with perfect weather, even during the peak monsoon

season. Amongst many cheers from the local people, yogis and the ebullient participants began the 5k Walkathon from the Krishna Wellness Centre. During the walk it was such a pleasure to know and interact with many eminent personalities of Bengaluru, who were all a part of this wonderful cause, as were the adorable kids from Ashwini Charitable Trust.

After the Walkathon and back at the Centre there was prize distribution after which we were served some delicious South Indian breakfast that was rounded off with incredible coffee. Next up was a beautiful chanting session arranged for all guests which was completely tranquil and took you into a meditative state. It was indeed a pleasant experience and I’m so glad to be a part of it all.”

Talking of her current passion, the doe-eyed beauty adds, “This year I have begun writing blogs on bijlistrikesblog.com once every fortnight. I am enjoying it as I have discovered a new facet to my personality which I didn’t know existed until one of my friends encouraged me to try my hand at it. I write on various topics about life, from watching other people’s experiences in relationships, on beauty, friendship, love and anything that I feel like. I also keep busy making appearances and attending events all over India and travel abroad too from time to time. I was approached by a couple of film makers and read a script too though I haven’t been able to give it the nod. I am also in talks to do a commercial for a product. But what keeps me satisfied is something more meaningful than all this. I spend three hours daily in pranayam, yoga and meditation. I am fitness conscious so every evening I am at the gym for two hours. I love watching movies so once a week my friends and I get together and go to the theatre, binging on popcorn and a movie. I love to go and spend time at the farmhouse and go trekking, cycling and swimming and just being in sync with nature.”

RITZ SPOTLIGHT COIMBATORE

TAKING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED A globe trotter and an avid reader who is married to Arvind of Dindigul, Meenakshi was born and brought up in Coimbatore. “I read a lot and have been through a slew of authors including Murakami, but Fountainhead by Ayn Rand is my favourite book. I keep a copy of this book in all my residences,” states Meenakshi while chatting up with RITZ over a cup of green tea at her plush residence at Coimbatore.

Text: RAJESH GOVINDARAJULU

T

he couple and their daughter Vedhika move through their homes located at Dindigul, Kodaikanal, Coimbatore and Sirumalai on the hills with effortless ease. While Arvind is into the business of textiles and cultivation of gherkins for export, Meenakshi manages the resort, LAKESIDE at Attur near Sempatti.

The exotic resort is located within a 30-minute drive from Dindigul.

Meenakshi loves to travel and has been travelling for two decades, visiting over 45 countries. “I like to travel with my family or my friends - Vidya Ramesh and Arthy Devaya of Bengaluru. Our trips are over two or three weeks at one go. We have been to Cuba, Peru, Brazil, Egypt, Argentina, Mexico, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and many other interesting places. Sometimes we had to get on six flights in order to reach places like Turks & Caicos (British Columbia Islands) and it

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took us about 36 hours from India.

We really enjoyed the trip and it will always be memorable. I have really enjoyed visiting the Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines in Peru.

I’m now planning to visit Chile in South America and I wish to cover the Easter Islands too,” adds an enthusiastic Meenakshi.

Travelling has been a pleasure for her in spite of the fact that she is vegetarian. She somehow manages with fruits at times when she does not find anything interesting.

Meenakshi had recently done a road trip from India to Bangkok via Myanmar and this motivated her to do an exciting car tour covering 24 countries in 70 days on road over a distance of 24,000 kilometres. “It was an all ladies team consisting of Mookambikai Rathinam, Priya Rajpal and myself. All of us were new to each other and this trip has made us friends for eternity. We were flagged off from Coimbatore and met Kiran Bedi in Puducherry and

Najma Heptullah and Mary Kom in Imphal before moving out of India. The trip covered Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Austria, Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

The longest drive was through China, it took us over 20 days in this large country and in Central Asia we drove through an altitude of nearly 13,000 feet. In Myanmar, we were provided a military escort. Tata Motors provided us their HEXA for the trip. We completed our trip at the Indian High Commission at London and the High Commissioner hosted a dinner for us in order to celebrate the successful completion of the trip,.” shares Meenakshi while sharing details pertaining to the historic trip.

The tidbits shared by her are fascinating, “It took me about eight months to plan and get the trip ready. The tolls in China cost us

5.25 rupees per kilometre. All of us had to get 11 visas per head and the insurance for the car had to be taken based on the countries in our route.

We went through three passes in Central Asia. The luggage was just our uniforms, one bag each, phones, vehicle spares and some food. We got trained by the people at the Tata Motors for a few days and this helped us to manage contingencies.

The trip was supported by Rotary, CRI Pumps, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital and many others. We met a number of Rotarians all over Asia and Europe during the course of our visit. The focus was on the Rotary India Literacy Mission. We honoured a number of women achievers all through the tour. “ The travel was supported with the best of communication systems and Meenakshi gave an everyday update to the people who were tracking Team XPD 2470. “The travel, the hurdles faced by us, the landscape, varying weathers, local entertainment and hospitality, photo and video opportunities, interesting types of food, clothes, culture, languages and fellowship offered by the local populace was mesmerising.

This once-in-many-lifetimes trip will forever be memorable not only for us, but for our near and dear one and the enthusiasts who supported and tracked us realtime throughout the trip”, adds a jubilant Meenakshi while exuding energy and enthusiasm.

Meenakshi, who has friends across the country and is ever ready to explore, has now made many friends across the world!

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THE DESSERT

Quest

HYDERABAD

C H U R R O LT O What makes your desserts different?

We can definitely say that we innovate a lot when it comes to desserts in our store. We don’t do regular things like brownies or cupcakes but do try to create something new every single day.

Our desserts are a perfect balance of sweetness with very high quality ingredients like exotic fruits from Holland (blueberries, raspberries, and blackcurrant).

How do you look into: Freshness: We sell out everything in the display every few hours so it keeps refilling – hence guaranteeing it all being fresh. When it comes to Churros, they are made on order and come out of the kitchen warm with house made sauces.

Calories: We also have homemade pasta and wood fire pizza which is all organic. We try to keep it healthy and our concept is to eat healthy in savoury and use the calories on dessert!

What is your specialty?

Churros are a Spanish dessert, freshly fried on order and served with a variety of dipping sauces. They are so popular and tasty that we sell one every minute!

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Look around – monsoons have hit the city and the world has suddenly become more romantic. Very few of life’s pleasures top the simple joy of sipping on hot tea and indulging in some sinful chocolate to get a feel of this weather.

For all those who are busy with their lives, looking for life to become perfect – stop. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, take a moment - pause, look around - enjoy a dessert and make it perfect... and when you decide to do that, we’d like to help! Having wiped the frosting off our faces, here’s our take on dessert havens around the city!

Text by ANAHITA AHUJA

How do you stay up to date with the latest trends?

We have a special menu roll that we keep changing every week, we paint on it and keep it new every week. We order all seasonal exotic fruits and make desserts from them. We come up with new types of plating and finishing for desserts.

What is the most challenging part of making desserts?

The time and effort it takes to make each dessert is intense. Each dessert takes a minimum time of 1 and 1/2 days to make and serve. For example, our Banoffee pie is a secret recipe of making Dulce de Leche by stirring condensed milk for eight hours while the pears are poached in red wine for three hours!

Owned by: NEEHAR B and SNEH P Price for two: ` 600 Address: Churrolto, Madhapur Main Road, In front of Pillar No. 31, Hitch City.

Ph: +91 9701171768

VA N L AV I N O What makes your desserts different?

We are different from the other bakeries and dessert shops, as our concept is different. We showcase live desserts like waffles and crepes, and at the same time have Italian food with a cafe feel. We also house a whole range of French desserts and chocolates which you will not find anywhere else.

How do you look into: Freshness: We buy the freshest ingredients on a day-to-day basis and one can witness that on our shelves.

Be it imported fruits or vegetables, everything is procured everyday – without any artificial flavouring in our products. That is our USP. Price: We are priced slightly above the average market rates as we use the highest quality of raw ingredients especially chocolates and exotic berries, cheese etc.

Appearance: We believe what looks good should also taste good and that is what we try to do.

Calories: Personally speaking, desserts

lovers should never check the calories otherwise the joy and desire to enjoy it is not left.

Taste: Food is our passion and we believe in delivering authentic taste and flavour.

What is your speciality?

We specialise in crepes, waffles, cheese cakes, burgers and coffees.

While our ferrero rocher cakes and cheese cakes are our best sellers.

How do you stay updated with current trends?

We travel for exhibitions to keep ourselves updated with trends across Europe. Recently we had a French chef who was here for a month to train our team.

Owned by: HARISH and LAVEENA RAMNANI, and ABHIJEET PAI and ASHWINI PAI JHABAK Price for two: ` 800 to ` 1200 Address: Van Lavino, SL Jubilee, Road no 36, Jubilee Hills.

Ph: +91 04023559770

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT

CONÇU What makes your desserts different?

That would be the fact that they are available locally, the quality of ingredients used and the harmonious balance of flavours in each dessert. One of our core values is to never compromise on our quality and we go to great lengths to source the best ingredients.

How do you look into: Price: We price our desserts across different ranges so there is something for everyone.

Appearance: We pay close attention to the appearance of each dessert, but also make sure they are desserts that can be packed and carried away easily as we do a lot of takeaway orders.

Calories: Desserts are for that occasional indulgence so we try not to make calories our priority when we design them.

Taste and freshness: Taste and freshness is on the top of our list when we work​on our desserts.

The bestsellers: Tiramisu and Russian Medovick from our standard menu are our

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most popular desserts from our standard. A close second would be our Chocolate and French Biscuit cake as well as macaroons.

How do you stay up to date with the latest trends?

A lot of research ensures we are up to date with the latest trends. Attending classes taught by international chefs and following the work of top pastry chefs around the world helps us keep abreast of the developments in the world of pastry.

How do you handle wastage?

Our standard operating procedures ensure that we rarely have any wastage. On the rare occasions that we do, we share it with our team and their families while the products are still good enough to be consumed.

Owned by: SAHIL TANEJA and SWATI UPADHYAY Price for two: ` 800 plus taxes.

Address: Conçu, Plot 479/B, Road no 21, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Ph: +91 99858 00031

PA P PA R O T I What makes your desserts different?

The Dessert is a Bun which is totally different from the bread what we have in our daily life in local market, as when we think of desserts the only thought thought that comes is sweetness, but we at Pappa Roti serve a freshly baked bun which is topped with Caramel and coffee flavour topping which balance the taste and stuffed with salted butter.

How do you look into: Freshness: Pappa Roti serves freshly baked buns and food as we start processing the product only after orders are placed by the guests.

Price: We have received a lot of reviews and personal feedback from our guests and friends that we are on a higher side but we import most of our products from different countries because we believe in delivering great food to our guests.

Calories: One signature bun is 190 calories.

What is your specialty?

Coffee caramel buns and coffees, while the Nutella with hazelnut bun and Lotus

biscuit bun sell the most.

How do you stay up to date with the latest trends?

We have a team from Dubai supporting us in designing our menu on special occasions which keeps us updating our menu with some mouthwatering food.

What is the most challenging part of making desserts?

As mentioned before we don’t make it here in house, we import the dough and flavour topping bags from Malaysia. The challenge here is to proof and thaw it accordingly at appropriate given time.

How do you handle wastage?

Pappa Roti is very much in control about wastage, as we do fresh bake on orders.

Owned by: KUNAL and NITIN JHETWANI Price for two: ` 800++ Address: Pappa Roti, Ground Floor Konda Pride Building,Road no 1, Jubilee hills, (beside Stone Waters) Ph: +91 40-68888818

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT

T H E M AT T E R O F B AT T E R What makes your desserts different?

We concentrate on building original recipes where personal attention is given to each and every product that is sold. Our desserts stand out because we constantly innovate and recreate to bring in flavours and foods from around the globe. But mostly, it’s our concepts and designs that make us different.

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How do you look into: Freshness: Freshness is key to our brand’s reputation. This is definitely our main focus. To ensure our products are consumed at their freshest.

Price: Price comes in second to quality. We are providing a high quality product and are priced accordingly.

Appearance: I believe that 40% of the effort must go into the visual appeal of any product. I follow a standard procedure that when a customer walks in he/she should be pleasantly confused looking at the display, that way I know all my products are desirable.

Calories: Often, calories are the least of my worries. It is nature’s law of food

that good things are bad for you and bad things are good for you. I don’t want to mess with that. Desserts are a treat, a sweet cheat. This may sound harsh but there’s no such thing as a healthy dessert.

I guess that’s why it’s a sinful temptation!

Taste: Taste comes with freshness, even the simplest thing will taste good if it’s fresh. Apart from this, taste of the product forms the basis of survival and growth in this industry. We strive to offer unusual, different and a vast variety of flavours and tastes through our constant creativity and experimentation.

What is your specialty?

Our specialty is definitely our themed cakes, the Cupcakes and Nutella Munchkins Owned by: RIA GIRRI Price for two: Starting at ` 150 Address: The Matter of Batter, Road No. 11, Banjara Hills, Ground Floor, Delta Seacon Building (Lane next to Sarvy).

Ph: +91 040-40020184

W E W E N T A R O U N D T H E C I T Y, T O F I N D O U T F R O M S O M E K N O W N FA C E S A R O U N D, A B O U T T H E I R FA V O U R I T E D E S S E R T S. H E R E ’ S W H AT T H E I R I D E A O F A P E R F E C T S I N F U L C H E AT S O U N D S L I K E . . .

I have a sweet tooth and am a cocoa addict, so anything chocolate-y and I am all yours.

Labonel Classic Chocolate Cake is my Kr yptonite – there is nothing ver y fancy about this cake but it almost feels like it was tailormade to my taste. It is not too much of an over-dose of chocolate but the right hints of it around your taste buds. If I had to pick between the last Classic Chocolate Cake or the last woman alive on earth – I would hands down pick this cake because evolution may gi ve rise again to w omen but this, I d o n ’t t h i n k i s p o s s i b l e !

– Sanjay Kumar, actor and ex-merchant

I absolutely enjoy sw eets, because o f wh i c h I a m q u i t e c h o o s y, t o o.

After having tried out a lot of things fr om a lot of places, I would say the Chocolate Eclair from Conçu, the chocolate brownies and the Classic Chocolate Cake fr om Labonel are to die for.

– Hebah Patel, actress

My favourite dessert in the city would be the sizzling brownie from Ruci and idoni. It is a chocolate brownie with a scoop of ice-cream on top served with a generous pouring of melted chocolate on the ice-cream. It is served on hot sizzler plates to be eaten directly in its sizzling hot form – defines pure divinity!

– Kirat Singh, businessman

HYDERABAD LOVES: L A B O N E L : Think of desserts in the city and this is one of the first names that comes to your mind. “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt” – is the perfect line to describe a Labonel lover.

Known for: chocolate brownies, cupcakes and cakes.

Price for two: ` 1000

G U I LT T R I P : For all those who think cupcakes are desserts for people who hate to share. Whether you are looking for a tarty flavor or a citrus-y kick, a shot of chocolate or the red velvet trick, you’ll find your fix for cupcakes here.

W O F L : You walk in and find yourself in a world of freshly baked breads, waffles and savouries. It’s the delicate smell of the place that will immediately win you over. Drop in for a mouth-watering breakfast or to indulge in some divine waffles.

Known for: Cupcakes, cheesecakes and waffles Price for two: ` 800

Known for: waffles and pancakes Price for two: ` 700 July 2017 RITZ

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT

BENGALURU

Meet the

MASTERCHEFS Bengalureans were treated to a flavourful treat whipped by the Masterchefs who taught them how to create these artistic and flavourful dishes

68 RITZ July 2017

By NAMITA GUPTA

I

t probably just doesn’t get better than this.

The Black Box at VR Bengaluru turned one and to ring in their first anniversary they hosted the longest birthday party with month-long celebrations. The VR One Carnival was complete with entertaining jugglers, stilt walkers, puppet festival, along with pop-up restaurants, energetic and soulful musical performances and DJ nights at the Sky Deck and more. But the marquee gourmet event that left avid Bengalureans sated and in complete awe was World on a Plate with the MasterChefs – MasterChef Australia, author, restaurateur Chef Gary Mehigan, Australia’s leading pâtissier Chef Adriano Zumbo, Le Cordon Bleu Singaporean pastry chef of 2am:dessert bar, 2am:lab and Janice Wong Sweet Shop at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Chef Janice Wong, Winner of MasterChef 2016, Australian teacher and television cook Chef Elena Duggan and our very own restaurateur, TV show host, judge, author and food stylist Chef Ranveer Brar. The event in association with Gold Rush was packed with master classes and food tasting sessions. RITZ caught up with the MasterChefs in a candid tete-a-tete as they laid out a smorgasbord of unique flavours.

1. What did you demonstrate at your masterclass in Bengaluru this time?

Gary: I’ve come specifically for World On A Plate, let’s be honest. It’s my second year here and we had a fabulous time last year. It’s very exciting to be involved because we have Janice Wong, Adriano Zumbo and other amazing chefs. This time I showed off my kind of sophisticated comfort food and there are no Indian touches. I demonstrated Roasted Salmon with new season farm fresh vegetables.

Elena: I brought in some of my favourite summer flavours, but also utilised local ingredients because I love to showcase things that people can do within the area that I’m cooking. I demonstrated how to make a Crispy skinned Snapper and Quinoa Salad, which is healthy as well as delicious.

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RITZ SPOTLIGHT Adriano: I wanted to ring in a great experience in the dessert world. My motive is to tell people that making exotic desserts isn’t hard. They can be made in a simple manner. It’s about organisation and putting the right ingredients together in the right proportions. I made my creation called Dirty Chai Spiced Honey Date Cake, which is masala chai with a shot of coffee ice cream served on the side of a tea cup made of chocolate stuffed with honey dates. It’s my first time in India and I’m very excited.

Ranveer: I brought in summer into Bengaluru this time through my dish. I whipped up Jaamun cured salmon with ice apple and chilli compressed melon.

2. What’s new on the MasterChef series? Any other developments?

Gary: MasterChef this year has been amazing. People are tuning back and loving it again in Australia. We have again got a little bit of a sweet tooth this year. We have got probably the best line up of international chefs we’ve ever had. I’m also doing a series of podcasts which will be launching in September, so they are in-depth and very personal conversations about food.

Elena: Most of the time lately, I’m building content for my website, i.e video recipes, I have around 500 recipes ready to put down there and share with the public and am making sure that they are accessible to everyone as there is a huge following for it. Building video content is very time consuming but also a very joyful process.

Adriano: My business is the main thing that is keeping me busy back in Australia. The constant push of developing and creating in such a fast flowing world in the food industry is incredible and I’m a person who loves recreating and making something new for people every time. That takes a lot of time.

Ranveer: There’s a show on air called Fem Foodies, Asia’s first food truck competition and the first food truck reality show. There’s another show

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food was really never the focus; it was the conversation, what we were cooking, what we were doing was really emotional and something that I really enjoy.

Elena: I’ve always loved both food and art. So I became an art teacher first then pursued my love for food. When 3. How was your experience at I was about two, I liked contributing World on a Plate in Bengaluru? to family meals. I’ve learnt a lot from Gary: It was a crazy experience. Even everybody in my life and I think all of the organisers, Gold Rush were their passion just multiplied in me. surprised to have so much buzz and Adriano: I was around 13 when I interest created last year. It was a rollercoaster. And this year it was even realised I wasn’t interested in school; better and more interesting with lots of I wasn’t very focused on academics.

I was more interested in sports and registrations for the masterclasses. doing things with my hands. At 14, I Ranveer: The experience of World On started making cakes from my parents’ A Plate essentially revolves around supermarket and taking it to school. bringing food forward; whether it is At 15, I moved to Sydney and started restaurants, office goers or corporate cooking. I studied at L’École, LeNôtre people. World on a Plate has become and Bellouet Conseil and opened my a platform to bring food forward and first pastry shop in 2007 in Balmain in that is one of the reasons I like to Sydney, and since then it has grown to associate with it.

10 locations.

4. What are some of the latest food Ranveer: I just didn’t want to do what my parents wanted me to, that trends these days? essentially was the urge. I was a rebel Gary: We’ve been through that whole kid. I found solace in food. I was a provenance and sustainability which restless child. Food made me stable. is really important. Celebrating local and natural and native ingredients is really important. A lot of countries are 6. Your success story in brief ? Some of the celebrities who have dined following that trend now. with you? What are your future Elena: A respect for using a whole plans? ingredient, so no waste or minimal Elena: The most famous people have waste is trending. That way we are been eating my food throughout the forcing ourselves to be creative. So show, there was a concentration of that’s one of the trends I’m excited to them because each week we would see. meet someone new.

Adriano: I think the freakshakes, Adriano: It’s been a good journey. donuts and minis are quite popular I’ve met some great people. I’ve in Australia. But for me it’s about the had my own TV show, have written classic flavours, like apple pies, red many books, travelled the world and velvet and others. cooked for some of the most amazing Ranveer: I think vegetarianism and Australian food icons. I would love veganisim are trending these days. to do more of teaching and educate people more about dessert and how 5. When was your first tryst with food? When did you decide that this simple they are. is what you wanted to do for the rest Ranveer: My success story might traverse around the restaurants I’ve of your life? opened and the shows that I’ve done, Gary: I was about 15. My grandfather but all that is secondary. I think the real was a chef and he was the one that success story is the legacy of people inspired me. I used to love talking that I’ve trained. to him and cooking with him. But called Northern flavours, a classic Indian dessert show, that’s also on air.

We have one more show called Ranveer on the Road on Twitter and we are going to shoot in Turkey for the same again.

RITZ CORRIDORS OF POWER

(Pic: Praveen Sood, IPS, Police Commissioner – Bengaluru)

CEO OF

BENGALURU POLICE!

W

hen a top ranking official casts the trappings of power and his uniform aside and steps into the shoes of ordinary citizens, that’s when he would feel the pain they go through 24x7. So when Praveen Sood became just another name, minus even the IPS, on the attendance register of the 2003 MBA batch at IIM Bangalore, it was more than an eye opener.

Becoming “a student all over again” was quite like an Independent Director of a Company who is regarded as an ‘outsider inside’. “I got to view policing as a common man. I had moved into the hostel, drove my own car and would often be flagged down by traffic cops for no reason except to check my driving licence, vehicle registration and insurance. In civvies, few could recognise me!” On one such drive, this 1986 batch IPS officer noticed a traffic constable opening the tap of a passing

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BY SANJAY PINTO

water tanker. Enquiries later revealed that it was to quench his thirst for a tip, or ‘mamool’ in police parlance!

The incident left such a lasting impression that the first order he issued after getting back into his khakhi uniform, as the Commissioner of Police- Mysore and later as the Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Bengaluru, was ‘Thou Shall Not Stop Motorists’ just to check documents. The only exceptions were suspected drunken or rash driving.

“The logic was that there was no need to stop vehicles and block traffic to check documents when 90 per cent motorists are law abiding.”

This practical style of policing was not inherited. Sood is not a second generation bureaucrat. His background is humble. “My career in the IPS was pure destiny. The Soods are traditionally business people. I was born in Himachal Pradesh but brought up in Delhi. My father, the late Om Prakash Sood was

a clerk in the government and my mother Kamlesh Sood was a teacher.”

By virtue of being in IIT Delhi, where he completed a B Tech degree, he saw “everyone appearing for the Civil Services Examination.” With Civil Engineering and Psychology as optional subjects, he too joined the ‘nerd herd’ and was “pleasantly surprised” to find that he had scored a fairly high rank and landed in the IPS. “Every day is a new experience. And I think Karnataka is the best cadre I could have got.”

Early in his career, as the Assistant Superintendent of Police – Nanjangud, Sood realised that “to feel the pulse of the people we serve, we do need to master the local lingo.” His district postings in Bellary and Raichur saw action against dacoits who used to waylay buses on the highways. There were also some naxal movement.

“Those days we all had to prove ourselves. Night rounds was a regular feature.” But his first city assignment

came in ‘95 when he was posted as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) West Bangalore. It was an eventful three year stint. Sood was put in charge of the Anti Rowdy Squad for the entire city with a spate of high profile kidnapping cases. A prominent businessman Jaipuria had been abducted. The ransom demanded was a whopping 10 crore. The criminals were from Uttar Pradesh and one of them had powerful political connections.

“The tycoon was rescued in 5 days without paying a rupee.” Sood’s academic knowledge of Psychology probably came in handy!

Another three year stint beckoned, this time on deputation as the Police Advisor to the Government of Mauritius. “This was a great learning curve. The country was more advanced, at least procedurally. Confessions to a police officer were valid. Third degree methods were never used. There was zilch emphasis on recovery as evidence.”

Striking at the root of corruption in policing, Sood completely overhauled the police recruitment system in Karnataka. When he was posted as the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Recruitment), he found that for a couple of years, there had been no recruitment, as the process was mired in litigation. Sood convinced the government to scrap the interview and old recruitment procedure which was highly subjective and prone to nepotism

and replaced it with multiple choice questions with carbon copies of answer sheets carried out by the candidates and only qualifying marks for physical fitness. This meant that anyone could cross check the answers and ushered in a new wave of transparency. Initially introduced for the constabulary, it was later extended for Sub Inspector recruitment and was “replicated by other States like Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.” The system ensured “zero interference” from either the political establishment or higher ups in the department. “My successors have taken it to greater heights.”

Although Traffic Management was never formally taught at the Police Academy, Sood seems to have been bitten by the innovation bug. Hardly four months before the new Airport was opened, with the distance to the city and the snarls giving Bangaloreans nightmares, Sood was posted as the Additional Commissioner of Police Traffic, Bengaluru in 2008. This was when he devised ‘Operation Blackberry’ and set up a sophisticated Traffic Management Centre with surveillance cameras as “manual intervention causes more chaos in traffic.” Technology, he felt “reduced physical interface and corruption.” The E-Challan system, he claims, was a hit and a classic disruptive technique. “Freedom from challan books exposed leakages. We were not doing more enforcement. They were

just leakages plugged.” And how. “The fine collection which stood at 15 crore till 2008, shot up to almost twice that figure the following year. In 2010, it was 39 crore, climbed to 52 crore in 2011 and is about 70 crore per annum today.”

In a jocular vein, Sood says that had he been a CEO of a private company with this bottomline, he could have jolly well pocketed a ten fold salary hike!

For 25 years, from the time he entered the IPS in 1986 till 2011, this top cop “hardly ever took leave or went on a holiday”. It was finally time for the family. Refreshed after a break, the turnaround officer went on to head the Police Computer Wing as the Additional Director General of Police.”We were the first State to have an advanced Criminal Tracking Network, for which my predecessors did a lot of work.”

Sood took on the mantle of “delivery of services”. The Right to Services was introduced under the rubric ‘Sakala’ meaning “within time.” There were 21 services ranging from FIR copies to Passport Verification guaranteed to citizens with SMS alerts at every stage.

The disruptive strategy in policing saw Sood regularly sharing his expertise in Traffic Management and Citizen Centric Services at the National Police Academy. “I always tell my officers.

‘Don’t ever say I started this or that’.”

Come to think of it, the mantra of ‘institutionalise, not personalise’ seems ideal even in our political landscape!

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RITZ CORRIDORS OF POWER

What babudom may construe as ‘innocuous postings’, this senior officer has strived to make a difference everywhere. As the Managing Director of the Karnataka Police Housing Corporation, he was instrumental in implementing a scheme for the construction of 10,000 quarters for policemen in one go. The rationale was simple. “If policemen have to cough up huge rent for private accomodation, it may force them to become corrupt; if they live in slums, they may rub shoulders with criminals.” During his short stints as the Principal Home Secretary and Additional Director General of Police of the Karnataka State Reserve Police and Administration, he provided a morale boost to the otherwise demotivated constabulary with an emphasis on their welfare.

The crowning glory came in January this year with his appointment as the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru. His

74 RITZ July 2017

IVRS menu like press 1 for emergency, 2 for traffic, 3 for childline\elders. If you want an appointment with the Inspector for “non emergent work of a routine nature, you don’t have to hang around at the police station indefinitely. You can fix an appointment through 100.”

One of the first police departments in the country to capitalise on the social media, Sood has an impressive 8.3 lakh twitter followers and counting, while the Bengaluru City Police handle has another 8 lakh followers. A simple tweet can galvanise the police into action.

On the personal front, the queen at home – Vinita Sood works for an education company that aims to transform rote learning to activity based education and life skills. The Soods have two charming daughters – Aashita is a lawyer and is now doing her Post Graduation in Intellectual Property Rights in London and Anoushka is studying Economics and Mathematics.

A keen golfer, the Commissioner has been unable to touch his gear for quite sometime. Or dive into the pool for a swim. “Right now my hobbies are zero”, he confesses but is quick to reiterate his “passion for technology.” Truth be told, this interview was fixed through a tweet and direct message! #HighTechTopCop.

immediate focus was on the response time to calls to 100. “I found that calls to 100 would be often engaged or no one would pick up within a reasonable time. I increased the lines to 100, all of them hunting lines. My Namma 100 scheme envisaged a 15-15 goal – a call should be picked up within 15 seconds and an emergency response vehicle should reach a scene of trouble or crime within 15 minutes. Today, every call to 100 is answered in 4 to 5 seconds and the police party reaches the spot in 17 minutes, down from 30 minutes earlier.”

A firm believer in the ‘broken window’ theory, the Commissioner feels “statistics mean nothing. The police image revolves around the speed with which we reach a citizen in distress.” For that matter, he doesn’t fancy displaying the mobile numbers of senior officers. “Why should a citizen have to ring up a senior officer for sundry matters? That’s why I have merged all helplines into 100 with an

(Sanjay Pinto is a Lawyer at the Madras High Court, Columnist, Author, TV Political Commentator, Public Speaking Mentor & Former Resident Editor – NDTV 24x7)

RITZ POINT BLANK

RAJINIKANTH: A PER FECT TEN Photography: Gurunath Prabhu.

F OR YOU R N E W R OL E

BY SANJAY PINTO

76 RITZ July 2017

P

olitics is not a ‘First Day, First Show’ affair but an arduous long haul. The electoral battle field is not quite a box office. Movie punchlines may have recall value but are not the same as manifesto slogans. And getting people to press that button on the EVM is not the same as drawing frenzied crowds to the movie theatres. But the contrast ends there. The politics of today requires no qualification. On the other hand, it suits those with what, in a democracy, ought to be disqualifications – scams, not very high IQ, criminal cases, muscle and money power and an insatiable urge to amass wealth to probably fund the next corrupt election. Where does this leave Tamil ‘superstar’ Rajinikanth as he seems all set to take the much hyped, contemplated and debated political plunge? I’d stick my neck out and say that Rajini, if he changes some of his stripes, has it in him to make a blockbuster entry into politics.

Here’s why: 1. When was the last time we had a down to earth political leader? Simplicity and humility are in Rajini’s DNA. Having interviewed him in the past in my previous avatar as a television journalist and having even accompanied him from Chennai to Delhi for an award function, I can vouch for the man’s unassuming nature.

With a humble bus conductor background, the actor can effortlessly relate to the people, especially the poor, who constitute the biggest chunk of voters. For this to happen, he must beware of a coterie that inevitably forms around power centres and takes on the coveted mantle of access control. If the common man can reach him through a whatsapp message, facebook post or tweet, without having to network and pull strings, half the battle is won.

Rationing public appearances to create that hysteria worked in films. It will not work in politics.

2. The catchphrase in most debates on Rajini today is ‘vaccum’. Post Jayalalithaa and in the context of a split in the ruling AIADMK, observers believe the political vaccum provides the ripe opportunity for Rajini to answer his own cryptic punchline in his film ‘Muthu’ on the “correct” time to make a grand entry in the people’s court. A political scenario minus the two dravidian juggernauts – with Jayalalithaa no more and Karunanidhi not active, may be a red carpet to convert the massive fan following into a political force.

And votes. If he doesn’t do it now, it may be hard to deflect criticism that it’s a strategy to garner publicity before film releases.

3. More than a vaccum, you need a big push to succeed in politics.

Whether it is a prod or a prop or a Godfather, it has come, albeit indirectly at this stage, in the form of the BJP. With two more years in office at the Centre and the opposition in no shape to mount a challenge in 2019, patronage from the capital can translate into a protective veneer, media boost, mentoring and all that comes under the broad rubric of ‘establishment support’.

4. The thousands of fan clubs can be effectively converted into organisational bench strength for Rajini’s political activities.

However, the metamorphosis of ‘fans’ into ‘cadre’ needs to be executed with dexterity. Ensuring that new found political power does not go to their heads, that they fall in line and channelising their energy towards social service related activities will be a challenge. If nothing

succeeds like success, nothing fails like excess. Rajini’s “naan oru vaati sonna, nooru vaati sonna madhiri” (what I say once is like what is said a hundred times) must evoke the obedience of a soldier.

5. Everybody loves an achiever.

Rajini’s popularity, his pro poor and ‘good guy taking on the bad guys’ image assiduously built through his film roles and punchlines like “panri thaan kootamama varum. Singham single ala varum” (Only pigs come in packs.The lion comes alone) is bound to pass muster with the masses who are disenchanted with the system and yearn for that breath of fresh air.

6. A ‘politically correct’ stance on a slew of contentious issues, from Cauvery to Eelam, make Rajini a relatively safe bet for all sections.

Known to be quite image conscious, he has the knack for quickly gauging public sentiment and adapting to changes, without courting controversies. Unlike a Kamal Haasan who is known to be more candid than ‘candied’!

7. Flexible and never intransigent, Rajini is far from arrogant.

That’s a big plus in politics where rigid stands can wreak havoc.

Remember the time when the PMK’s Dr.Anbumani Ramadoss, as Union Health Minister, wrote a letter to the superstar to quit smoking in films and how he readily obliged? Such gestures can win brownie points with the people.

8. Spiritual, yet secular, Rajini can gel with just about any political combine. While the BJP may seem like a natural ally, don’t overlook his long time friendship with Congress leaders from Tamil Nadu like P.Chidambaram.

Note how he recently praised DMK Working President M.K. July 2017 RITZ

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RITZ POINT BLANK

Spielberg were to make a film on Stalin and a few other regional Corruption in India, he can title satraps and even regretted it: ‘Swindlers List’! An early and harsh statements against late recent disclaimer: “If you want to Ms.Jayalalithaa in the past. Keen enter politics to earn money, then to mend fences and build bridges, forget it” augurs well for a Mr. the superstar can script his Clean aspirant. own version of Dale Carnegie’s bestseller ‘How To Win Friends 10. All along, Tamil Nadu, as indeed, & Influence People’ with ‘How most other States in India, has To Win Alliances & Influence been plagued by the TINA Voters’! That makes him capable (There Is No Alternative) factor. of holding a political swayamvara Either the Two Leaves would at will! scorch the Rising Sun or the Rising Sun would eclipse the Two 9. Rajini’s movies are lapped up Leaves. Not anymore. Rajinikanth by everyone, including the B can herald a new Rainbow and C audiences. In politics, B Coalition. As his one time ‘coand C stand for Black Money star’(!), actually a cameo player and Corruption.The actor was in his film ‘Enthiran’, I wish him among the first to endorse the well in what may well become crackdown on black money that ‘Yen Vazhi, Thanee Vazhi’! (My demonetisation sought to achieve, way is unique, for those North of striking a chord with Team the Vindhyas) Modi. I often quip that if Steven

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(Sanjay Pinto is a Lawyer at the Madras High Court, Columnist, TV Political Commentator, Author, Public Speaker & Former Resident Editor – NDTV 24x7)

RITZ food

KOCHI

A Flavourful Fantasy Undoubtedly one of the most distinctive properties in Kochi city – the Le Meridien, is the picture perfect destination for leisure or business. Its recent merger with the Marriott group has only stepped up its grandeur and presence! RITZ catches up with the property’s new Executive Chef, Pawan Pal Singh Maini who treats us to an exotic breakfast menu while giving us a sneak peek of the ‘Ember’ restaurant which is to be relaunched soon!

Text: RIYA SONNY DATSON Photography: BINU AVARACHAN 80 RITZ July 2017

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am pleasantly surprised when Chef Pawan reveals that it has been his long cherished dream to explore and experience South India.

“When my career started out, my first mentor was a Keralite Chef from Calicut. His cooking methods and techniques were very unique and that’s what triggered my curiosity and liking towards South Indian food,” he fondly recalls. He has travelled across the country and abroad, experienced different regional cuisines but South Indian food and Rajma continue to top his list of favourites!

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Armed with two decades of experience in Indian and world cuisine, Chef Pawan is a seasoned connoisseur who goes by the philosophy of ‘Keeping it simple!’ Although he always had a passion for North Indian cooking, it is during his travels and food expeditions that he unravelled new culinary horizons. It is his belief that most cuisines are similar in terms of taste but the key behind each region’s delicacy lies in its ingredients. “Each ingredient has its own unique flavour and taste. When we combine too many flavours, we mask its identity and its soul is lost,” he explains. While Le Meridien serves a variety of world cuisines to its guests, it has also consciously tried to inculcate the ‘local’ cuisine and ingredients into its menu. “Securing high quality and fresh ingredients is one of the biggest challenges for us. Towards achieving this goal, we have started to revive the organic gardens in the hotel premises,” he says as he shows us around the organic vegetable garden.

REKINDLING ‘EMBER’

Le Meridien is all set to relaunch its restaurant, ‘Ember’ and Chef Pawan is busy with food trials and menu planning. “We plan to relaunch Ember on the ‘North West Frontier’ theme focusing on North West cuisines like Pakistani, Afghan and Lucknowi.” Signature styles on the menu? “When it comes to traditional cooking, I believe in ‘going back to the roots’. No matter how much we try to modify these rich delicacies, the traditional taste is what lingers on.” I am curious to find out as to what inspires this gifted culinary maestro. “I think all mothers are great cooks and my mother has been my greatest inspiration as a child. As I got involved in my career, my guests and their appreciation became my inspiration. Now, my daughter is the inspiring soul who drives me!” he says with a smile.

EAST MEETS WEST

Chef Pawan escorts us to the classy Latest Recipe restaurant that is buzzing with guests. He starts to explain that the signature breakfast dishes at the

Le Meridien are a beautiful blend of the European and South Indian palate and just as he finishes, an impressive platter of poached quail eggs perched on traditional mini medu wadas arrive.

The presentation, taste and texture of this delicacy is absolutely delightful - tiny soft eggs served on the crispy medu wada, topped with the creamy saffron moilee (which is rich concoction of onions, coconut milk, saffron and turmeric).

We are satiated by the quirky fusion of flavours when yet another signature dish makes it entry - the Uttappam Tartine chicken tikka, Smoked Salmon and Minted Zucchini feta! The miniature Uttapams serve as a base for the variant toppings of tandoori chicken tikka mixed with paprika mayo, smoked salmon and crunchy zucchini with feta cheese. The platter is not just pleasing to the eye but turns out to be an absolute treat to the taste buds.

And for the grand finale, the seared

Salmon with Charred Valencia Orange arrives, served with Lavash, a Middle Eastern bread. The Salmon is marinated with lemon, salt and pepper and seared to attain just the right texture so that flavours are preserved. The tangy smoked orange and lettuce salad served with it complementing it perfectly. Final verdict? A perfect fusion of flavours and textures served with charming precision! A breakfast indulgence that is most definitely a flavourful fantasy!

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Traditions

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July 2017 RITZ

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RITZ fashion

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RITZ fashion

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Our versatile signature denim dresses, tunics and palazzos are designed to be matched with flared skirts, crop tops and bold jewellery.

DENIM FLARY PALLAZO ` 2,500 TOP - MAROON CRAYALO SILK COTTON LEHANGA SET ` 12,800 OXIDISED SILVER PLATED STATEMENT BOHEMIAN NECKPIECE ` 3,750

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July 2017 RITZ

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Tiered Maxi dresses are the perfect transition pieces flowing naturally from day to evening.

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RITZ buzz in'

CHENNAI

A LOT OF EXCITEMENT ABOUT SIFA!

Ace choreographer, event manager and celebrity manager Ajit Menon is excited about the first edition of Max Presents SIFA - the South Indian Fashion Awards, conceptualised by him and slated for 29 July 2017 in Chennai. A platform to recognise and award professional talents from the fashion and entertainment industry including models, designers, stylists and others from across South India, the event also seeks to award fashion icons from film and television. Ajit who has worked with leading national and international brands throughout his 2 decade-long career is also personally overseeing a very special fashion sequence in the show by a leading designer. We wish him success.

BENGALURU

A STYLISH SAREE SOIREE

ITALIAN IMPRESSIONS An eclectic group of food and whisky connoisseurs were invited for a four-course sit down Italian dinner hosted by Vinod Valson, General Manager, Vivanta by Taj - Yeshwantpur and Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky. The evening began with some Paul John cocktails like Bee’s Knees and Edited Mint Julep post which the guests were taken through the evening curated by Heemanshu Ashar and Shehan Minocher. Shehan introduced the first course of Capesante Scottate con Ratatouille paired with Paul John Brilliance, which was followed

by Tortellini di Pollo and Paul John Edited. The main course was a choice between Filetti di Spigola con Salsa di Capperi or Osobucco di Agnello Brasto, Risotto alla Zaffereno, Legumi which was paired with Paul John Bold. The elegant and well crafted evening ended on a sweet note with Panna Cotta con Frutti di Bosco. Executive Chef Agnimitra Sharma and his fleet of trained chefs received a standing ovation for their culinary extravaganza.

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Satya Paul presented its Spring Summer collection at the Bengaluru Marriott Whitefield.

Jatin Khanna, Multi Property Vice President Bengaluru & General Manager Bengaluru Marriott Whitefield in association with food writer and wine enthusiast Jyotiee Balani played host to an exclusive preview of Satya Paul’s spring summer collection called Bohemian Rhapsody.

The collection was showcased in an enthralling, fashionable evening, as guests enjoyed canapes and wine. Prominent city socialites such as Sonya Suri, Nalini Nanjundayya, Sandhya Jain, Vandana Upadhyay, Sapna Singh along with models from Bengaluru were seen wearing the brand’s gorgeous sarees.

HYDERABAD

buzz in' RITZ

MAKING HYDERABAD FITTER Mumbai-based fitness coaches Samir Purohit and Namrata Purohit recently opened doors to their Pilates Studio in Hyderabad. Owned by Mitali Sanghi Reddy, The Pilates Studio is located at Road no 5, Banjara Hills. The event was organised by Purple Martini events and had the who’s who of the city in attendance. Guests were seen catching up over wine and hors d’oeuvres, while discussing their fitness and diet regimes. Some of the guests spotted at the event were Shweta Keerthi, Shivaangi Sharma, Nitya Jalan, Malini Alexander and Tarun Reddy.

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RITZ buzz in'

KOCHI

THE KOCHI METRO INAUGURATED

BY PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI The much-awaited Kochi Metro project, was launched at a grand event by the honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi. The project has been completed in a record time of 45 months, which is the shortest duration of any metro project launched in the history of India. It has to its credit many firsts - like hiring the transgender community for its operations, including a higher ratio of women in its workforce as compared to other metros, use of solar energy and green initiatives like the implementation of vertical gardens on its concrete pillars. The entire project covers a distance of 25km with 23 stations of which the first phase was launched on June 17, 2017.

NIVIN PAULY & WIFE RINNA BLESSED WITH A BABY GIRL

After the birth of their son, Daveed, South Indian star Nivin Pauly and his wife, Rinna Joy were blessed with a baby girl recently. The actor announced the arrival of his princess through this image on his Facebook page!

Congratulations to the proud parents and of course, to the big brother!

VOLKSWAGEN LAUNCHES ALL NEW PREMIUM SUV ‘TIGUAN’ The Tiguan boasts of superior handling characteristics on any terrain, strikingly elegant exteriors and sophisticated luxurious interiors. Packed with advanced offerings like smart assistance systems, modern technologies and comprehensive connectivity, the premium SUV promises the best in comfort, convenience and performance inherent to Volkswagen. The Tiguan was officially launched in Kochi at the EVM Volkswagen showroom at Maradu by the Joint RTO Manoj Kumar and the Group’s Managing Directors, Saju Johny and Sony Johny.

THE LEGENDARY JEEP LAUNCHES THE STRIKING COMPASS! Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) India announced the opening of pre-bookings for its Made In India Jeep Compass in Cochin. The first sale of the Jeep Compass in Kerala was held at the Jeep’s showroom in Kochi, in the presence of Franklin, RTO, Abdul Rasheed MD and Anil Kumar, Head of FCA. The Jeep Compass, manufactured locally at FCA’s state of the art joint-venture facility in Ranjangaon, near Pune, will be available in three trims- Sport, Longitude and the Limited.

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RITZ RSVP

CHENNAI

AN ELEGANT LAUNCH

T

he beautiful and dynamic Deepthi Reddy hosted the launch of Abhinav Mishra's new line of clothes at her elegant Nungambakkam store Tifara. 6 women from different fields - socialite Sneha Nair, actress Sakshi Agarwal, VJ and TV celebrity Kiki Vijay, gynaecologist Dr Deepa Ganesh, model and singer Aishvarrya Suresh, and entrepreneur Simar Kaur graced the launch and walked in clothes specially handpicked for them by the designer. RITZ Editor and Publisher Aruna R Krishnan was also seen in ethnic wear from Abhinav Mishra who was also present for the launch. Some snapshots from the glam affair.

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Hair and makeup- VURVE SALON,CHENNAI.

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RITZ RSVP

Ashok and Dipthi Jimmy and Shaheen Amrolia

R

Priya and Arun Chittilappilly

BENGALURU

A RITZY AFFAIR

ITZ Magazine and MISU pulled out all the stops to host one of the most classy evenings in June. The evening celebrating the success of RITZ Magazine saw the young cover page power couple Arun and Priya Chittilappilly mingling with the elite guests at the swish soiree. The invitees were dressed in their designer best as they let their hair down at Amit Ahuja’s swanky new Pan-Asian restaurant on St Mark’s Road in Bengaluru. There was sheer bonhomie in the air as they helped themselves to some red and white Red Banyan wines, Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky, Kingfisher Premium Beer and Kingfisher Buzz at the free flowing generous bar. The teetotalers were seen sipping on some Lemon and Watermelon Iced Teas. Some of the hors d’oeuvres that everyone was raving about were Spicy Tofu Avocado Maki, Fried Turnip Cake, Namprik Tofu, Fried Coconut Shrimp Roll, Kung Pao Chicken and Thai Golden Bags Chicken.

Nutritionist Shalini Manglani and financial consultant Mimi Partha Sarathy were some of the early ones to leave. Reliance Jio head honcho

Jimmy Amrolia and his pretty wife Shaheen had a blast clicking photographs on their phones. Swati and Sidharta Viswanath and Sushil and Manjul Gupta also shared some happy vibes and left to attend a close friend’s wedding. Other eminent socialites at the celebratory bash included Pramila Deepam, Manish Vohra, Gurpreet Singh, Abhay Kewadkar, Sonya Suri, Rekha Jain, Roopamouli, Behram Siganporia, Arun and Babita Sharma, Komal and Suresh Vaswani, Sheetal C, Imtiaz and Rubi Chakravarti, Amit and Mamta Roy, Dr Shuba Dharmana and Anshul Chodha, Ekta Rathod and Reshma Kunhi, Rahul Dev Shetty, Beena Patre, Veena Ashiya, Omana and Dr Thomas Chandy, Nalini Nanjundayya, Anitha Kholay, Shalini Chopra, DJ Chico, Runa and Nealesh Dalal, Amit and Mamta Roy, Ekta, Reshma Kunhi, Pragya and Abhishek Jain, Ashok and Dipthi Aashok, Ramesh Dembla, Nirmal Mandoth, Chinu Kala, Sounak Pushpita Sen Barat, Vikram and Manjusha Maheshwari, Simera, Sathish, Richard, Halima and others. BNS Reddy, Additional Commissioner of Police was also spotted having a blast at this shindig.

BNS Reddy, Additional Commissioner of Police and Namita Gupta

Swati and Sidharta Viswanath

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Halima and Neha Das

Sonya Suri

Komal and Suresh Vaswani Imtiaz and Rubi Chakravarti

Rekha Jain and RooSpamouli

Rahul Dev Shetty and Gurpreet Singh

Omana and Dr Thomas Chandy

Anitha Kholay Sheetal C

Arun and Babita Sharma

Pramila Deepam

Amit and Mamta Roy

Dr Shuba Dharmana and Anshul Chodha

Mimi Partha Sarathy

Mohammed Haris Nalapad

Dr Sushil and Manjul Gupta Veena Ashiya

Ekta Rathod and Reshma Kunhi

Nalini Nanjundayya

Manish Vohra and Abhay Kewadkar Shalini Chopra

July 2017 RITZ

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REGISTERED WITH THE REGISTRAR OF NEWSPAPER FOR INDIA UNDER NO. TNENG/2004/17667 TOTAL PAGES -100 POSTAL REGISTRATION NO .TN/ARD/71/2017-2019 WPP LICENCE NO. TN/PMG (CCR)/WPP 122/2017-19 RITZ JULY 2017 DATE OF PUBLICATION ON THE 5TH OF EVERY MONTH