SOUTH INDIA’S PREMIER UBER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
JUNE 2016 VOL 12 | ISSUE 11
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DEDICATED AND DEVOTED Some superheroes don't wear capes - they're called DADS. We showcase 5 of Bengaluru's superdads!
HIP HOP WITH A HEART
5 sensational Tamil rappers on everything from their music to profane lyrics, unique sense of style and more
SOARING HIGH, BEYOND THE SKIES MITTU CHANDILYA TALKS ABOUT HIS FUTURE PLANS + FASHION UPDATES, FEATURES AND LOTS MORE
MY VIEW
As far as new experiences go, I am embarking on something I never thought I would ever do in my life - owning a dog. And my first ever pup is a Rottweiler no less! My favourite animals in the world are the cow and the elephant. We also regularly save cows from slaughterhouses. I now look forward to the Rottie keeping me super busy - that, and of course, running South India’s most successful lifestyle magazine. Cheers and enjoy a great read! This edition of RITZ is fabulous, to say the least.
ARUNA R KRISHNAN
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RITZ JUNE 2016
or technical specifications of the model available in India, please refer to the product brochure or contact the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership. Accessories, colours and fitments shown may not be part of standard specification. Mercedes-Benz cars: The GLS meets Bharat Stage IV emission norms.
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The Final Authority.
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INSIDE
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10 Buzzin'
We’re all eyes and ears when it comes to the new happenings in town. Check out what's buzzin’ down South
24 RSVP
Superdry launched their first store in Bengaluru and it was an absolute jam Shangri-La Bengaluru finally threw the doors open to the much-hyped Hype - their rooftop lounge-bar Mansi Gulati’s NGO Managvini was launched amidst much fanfare in Hyderabad Harley Davisdon’s showroomon-wheels rode into Kochi with much pomp and show and RITZ was there for the kick-off Check out how drivers went down and dirty at Kochi’s Dirt Track 2016 event
34 Cover Story
Mittu Chandilya may no longer be the MD and CEO of Air Asia India, but he hasn’t decided to pack his bags and leave for lands unknown. He tells us how and why he’s here to stay and make Bengaluru his permanent home RITZ recognises some of Bengaluru’s superdads in a special feature
46 Look Book
Kochi’s avant garde designer Annah Chakola tells us about her design mantra Metaphor Racha’s designers talk about their love for the Freedom Fabric
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Boman Irani makes a quick stop in Bengaluru and we couldn't resist capturing a bit of his zany wit and Parsi humour Designer Jayanti Reddy from Hyderabad showcases some of her stunning designs
60 Spotlight
The Ganjam story is as iconic as the brand itself. RITZ meets Umesh Ganjam, one of the pillars of the brand
We take a tour of Sandy’s Chocolate Laboratory and get more than a couple of whiffs of the owner's delicious tale
Priyanka and Pratik Mantri are the future leaders of the Mantri empire. We ask them what they learnt from their dynamic dad
Catch up with the brains behind Kabadiwalla Connect on his out-of-the-box business venture
RITZ chats with Faraz Javeed, who heads the domestic division of Abad Fisheries, a part of Kerala’s successful Abad Group
70 Over a Cuppa
Meet Rheea Mukherjee, who loves to pencil in all her thoughts without any fear or hesitation
Adhil Shetty, Arjun Shetty and Rati Rajkumar talk about their hugely successful venture, Bank Bazaar
78 Corridors of
Power
Sunil Kumar Singh, Additional Director General of Police – Uniformed Recruitment Services Board, is Sanjay Pinto’s Man of the Month
80 Point Blank
Sanjay Pinto tells us why he likes India's most talked about television journalist Arnab Goswami
82 Trending Now
RITZ gets up close and personal with the Hip Hop artists of the Tamil music industry
96 Foodies Inc
The perfect ambience can transform an ordinary night into something spectacular. Check out Hilton’s rooftop bar and grill
EDITOR & PUBLISHER ARUNA R KRISHNAN EDITOR’S SECRETARY & COORDINATOR JAFFAR ABDUL HAMEED REGIONAL EDITOR - KARNATAKA ARCHANA SHENOY REGIONAL EDITOR - TELANGANA & ANDHRA PRADESH VANAJA BANAGIRI VICE PRESIDENT - MARKETING PRAVEEN KUMAR M FEATURES EDITOR - CHENNAI REBECCA VARGESE FEATURES EDITOR - HYDERABAD AJULI TULSYAN EDITORIAL REPRESENTATIVE - BENGALURU PRIYANKA GOLIKERI EDITORIAL REPRESENTATIVE - KOCHI RIYA SONNY DATSON LEGAL COUNSEL SANJAY PINTO CHENNAI CORRESPONDENT DIYA SUBRAMANIAN CHENNAI STYLIST SHRAVANTI RANGARAJ DESIGNER NARAYANAN SATHISH MARKETING CONSULTANT - BENGALURU SANJAY JARIWAL EVENTS AND FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHER - CHENNAI M.GURUNATH PRABHU EVENTS AND FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHER - BENGALURU FAHEEM HUSSAIN EVENTS AND FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHER - HYDERABAD SANTOSH KUMAR
o advertise in RITZ, T call Praveen Kumar on +91 98419 73090 /+91 44 4211 3871 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 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.
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BUZZ IN’
1.
100 Days Of Action ‘‘Action Hero Biju’, Nivin Pauly’s first movie as an actor and producer, crossed 100 days in theatres at Kochi and Trivandrum this month. The celebrations for the grand success of the movie were held at PVR Cinema, Lulu Mall, Edapally. The movie directed by Abrid Shine, had initially received a lot of flak on social media but eventually gained popularity for its ‘realistic’ take on a police officer’s life.
KOCHI
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Kerala Blasters Gets New Stakeholders
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A Transforming Picture ‘Trans, A transformation for life’ was a photography exhibition held at Durbar Hall Art Gallery, Kochi. The pictures captured by Harikrishnan, showcased three Malayali transgender models – Sheetal, Deepthi and Sonu in a bold and confident avatar, completely at peace with themselves. The exhibition inaugurated by film director, Martin Prakkat and Miss South India, Alieena Catherine Amon, featured eight unique photographs that capture the viewer’s attention instantly.
The Kerala Blasters Football Club, which competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) now has new stakeholders. Prominent Telugu Actors Akkineni Nagarjuna, Chiranjeevi, film producer Allu Aravind and serial entrepreneur, Nimmagadda Prasad bought stakes in the Kerala Blasters team from Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin would continue to hold a stake in the team, which is now gearing up for the third season of football.
SOPHISTIC
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E-1, LOTUS COLONY, CHAMIERS ROAD, NANDANAM, CHENNAI 600 035 | PH: +91 97899 37149
BUZZ IN’
CHENNAI
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GAP Comes To Town The mall was abuzz early on a Saturday morning, a sight that is quite unusual. So what could have the city up so early? This time around it was actress Kajal Aggarwal and the opening of the GAP store. Kajal sported GAP gear and white sneakers. Great, wellpriced fashion and a reasonably successful actress do make for a good launch strategy after all!
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Comic Pop Up
Cosplay League India brought to life characters from Captain America: Civil War ahead of its premiere screening. While Chennai may not yet be on the Comic Con India Map as yet, the growing fan base certainly offers something to cheer about.
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City Head Bangs To Agam The award winning contemporary Carnatic rock band Agam performed live in the city, with fans coming in to catch a glimpse of the band and their famed music.
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CHENNAI
BUZZ IN’
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Shivan And Narresh In Chennai Evoluzione presented an intimate sit-down Masterclass with designer duo Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja.They talked about dressing while on a summer holiday and various styles that could be used. Their latest line was on the racks and had everyone rushing to buy too! They also hosted a workshop with delicious cocktails and finger food to help women understand their body type and what they should wear to complement it. Stylish clothes, delicious cocktails and brilliant designers made for the perfect summer cocktail!
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Sidney Sladen’s New Line Sidney Sladen threw a brunch at The Park Hotel, Chennai to mark his new collection. Many including socialites and celebrities like Jayam Ravi, Ramya Krishnan, starlets Sanchita Shetty, Sona, Iniya, Divyadarshini and Sanjana Singh were present for the afternoon of fashion, glamour and brunch and bubbly.
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The Insta Star Raai Laxmi, better known as Laxmi Rai who has starred in movies like Mankatha and Bangalore Days shared a picture with her friend and fellow actor Sanjay Bharati who acted in Masss on Instagram captioning it 'Finally another picture of ours'. The two friends have been close for a while and looked like they were having a wonderful time with each other!
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BUZZ IN’
BENGALURU
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High-Heeled Confidence
The Naidus lived it up during their annual summer holiday in Italy! Ila, her dapper hubby Vinod and the budding fashion icon in the family - their son Vir - took to social media to make their friends in ‘Luru eat their heart out as the trio chowed their way through some delish Italian fare and visited the country’s most scenic sights. And true to her fashionable self, Mrs Naidu walked the cobbled streets of Florence in her Louboutin stilettos and showed off some of her new buys too! Hats off to you, lady… you should be crowned the new ‘High Heeled Czarina’ of South India!
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Babies Steal The Show It certainly made for a cute picture as the tall and elegant model mums Lakshmi Rana and Sonalika Sahay walked the ramp with their adorable daughters in tiny ponies and frilly frocks at the Max Kids Fest 2016 – Mom & Kids Fashion Show. Well done girls! And welcome to the world of fashion, little darlings!
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BUZZ IN’
BENGALURU
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A Happy Picture The Virwanis were super proud as their son Aditya Virwani graduated from the University of San Francisco. The picture they posted on social media of Jitu, Vandana and son Aditya, literally sent their friends in the city into a tailspin, receiving hundreds of likes. Just goes to show how dear Jitu and Vandana are to the people of Bengaluru and how well loved and respected they are among their circle of friends.
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Really, Mr Watson?
Australian cricketing hero Shane Watson showed his talent in music by strumming the guitar and singing a John Denver number for underprivileged children in Bengaluru. Donning the avatar of ‘Shiksha Superhero’ for the students of P&G Shiksha School, he emphasised on the importance of education in the lives of children who are really talented and have a bright future ahead of them. Great going Mr Watson!
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Super Proud Parents Nandish Domlur and wife Nishita were super proud as their son Nikhil graduated from Columbia’s class of 2016. Though never one to take the show-off route and flash his travel diaries on social media, the reserved Dr Domlur couldn’t hide his pride as his son achieved one of many milestones to come in his life. All of the couple’s friends offered hearty congratulations to the parents and the new graduate. It isn’t often that Nandish shows off - never his wealth or his status - but there’s no harm in showing off a child’s achievements now, is there?
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BUZZ IN’
HYDERABAD
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Technology Goes A Step Ahead Smartron, a technology company riding the Internet of Things (IoT) wave unveiled its next flagship product, TPhone, in the presence of Smartron’s strategic shareholder and Brand Ambassador, Sachin Tendulkar and the Minister for Information Technology, Government of Telangana, KT Rama Rao. Mahesh Lingareddy, Founder & Chairman, Narsi Reddy, Cofounder & Managing Director, Smartron and Rohit Rathi, Co-founder & President represented the TRON family at the launch.
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Reminiscing The 60s
With so many ladies' clubs and groups in town, it is at times difficult to keep track of their activities. But there are some that leave a mark. One such fun event that stood out was the 60s’ Beauty Contest by Femmi’s Ladies Club at the Backyard. It was commendable how each of the members made an extra effort to showcase the fashion of the bygone 60s era. This sure was creativity at its best and everyone had a fun and memorable time!
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Felicitation For Mohammad Ali Baig Hyderabad’s theatre revivalist Mohamed Ali Baig was felicitated in Chicago by the Indian Consul General in Chicago, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed at an event in Addison. Baig, India’s youngest recipient of Padmashri in theatre has earlier been bestowed with honours in Paris, Istanbul, Toronto, London and Pakistan. ‘Spaces’, Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation’s latest heritage play that premiered last year in London and Turkey also had its US premiere in Chicago.
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BUZZ IN’
HYDERABAD
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F45 Enters The Indian Market F45, leading international functional training system from Australia, forayed into into India with the launch of their first fitness studio in Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills. The facility was launched by Brett Lee, Brand Ambassador of F45 India; VVS Laxman and Pradeep Palli at a glittering event held in the city. For the uninitiated, F45 is a 45-minute workout that is said to keep X Men’s Wolverine - Hugh Jackman, and Nicole Richie, in shape. Since launching in 2014, it even boasts of a cult following around Australia and New Zealand.
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Hitesh Getting Popular By The Day! Hyderabad designer Hitesh Jashnani has become quite a hit in the men's fashion circuit. His designs stole the show at Sounds and Spirits recently in the city. His trendy jute and linen waistcoats have become the talk of the town and many seem to be adding his designs to their wardrobe.
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Mohan Babu’s ‘Dialogue Book’ Launched In London Tollywood’s Dialogue King Mohan Babu’s famous dialogues have been compiled into the aptly named ‘Dialogue Book’ which was launched in the House of Commons, British Parliament. Having completed 40 exciting years in the industry, the veteran actor’s dialogues are very popular in the South. The reception to honour the actor was hosted by Asian Lite, in association with Bob Blackman, Member of Parliament.
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RSVP
BENGALURU Superdry hosted a massive launch for their first store in Bengaluru and it was a jam. The Super Jam Superdry evening saw performances by DJ RAE, TTogether Collective and Anushka + agent. Prasad Bidapa and his lovely gang of models were seen enjoying the performances. Amongst other guests, there was Carlton Braganza, Waseem Khan, Sanjay Manaktala, Shaan Khanna, Sanchita Wahi and many more grooving to the music.
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RSVP
BENGALURU
Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru launched its much-anticipated rooftop lounge-bar Hype. Set against a spectacular backdrop of the city’s glittering skyline and visible from the four corners of Bengaluru, Hype which is perched on the roof of the hotel, with a split level deck, promises to be a favoured address for the city’s glitterati.
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HYDERABAD Jayesh Ranjan, IT Secretary, Govt of Telangana, Ramesh Prasad, Chairman of Prasad Group and Nikita Bisht, a beauty pageant winner and an actress in Tollywood and Punjab inaugurated the Photo Expo organised by the Hyderabad Arts Festival (HAF). The Photo Expo was the culmination of the Photo Competition held by HAF to give an opportunity to the people of Hyderabad to be a part of the festival. More than 400 entries were received for the Photo Competition, from which 46 entries were selected for the Photo Expo. The judging for selecting these 46 final entries was done by two reputed photographers of Hyderabad, Lenny Emmanuel and Arvind Chenji.
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RSVP
HYDERABAD Mansi Gulati (Mrs India Asia 2015, Mrs Most Talented 2015, Mrs Finesse 2015), launched the NGO ‘MANASVANi’ at Hotel Awasa in Hyderabad. Taking a step towards the betterment of society Mansi appealed to people saying, “Change your thoughts and you change your world. Let’s be together and work for our society.” Spotted at the event were a few well-known faces from the city’s social circuit like Farha Khan, Vidya Setty, Preeti Mohan, Shilpa Singh Gour, Priyanka Garg, Disha Gawri and others.
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KOCHI Harley Davidson Legend In Kochi ‘The legend on tour’, the new Harley Davidson outlet on wheels, was in Kochi for the first time displaying a majestic array of Harley Davidson bikes on the luxurious Mercedes Benz bus. The mobile dealership, designed by Dilip Chhabria of DC Design, offered customers all the merchandise that one would find in a regular Harley showroom, featuring the latest models, spare parts and accessories. The grand event, hosted by Spice Coast Harley Davidson, on May 13th also involved a gala celebration with its customers at the Le Meridian, Kochi.
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KOCHI
Dirt Track 2016 was organised by the Cochin Racing Club (CRC) recently. The event which aimed at putting Kerala on the motor sports map received a very good response from the city. It had two events - the Autocross, a timed competition that required drivers to navigate through a 2 km-long defined course and Motorcross, an off-the-road motor cycle race done on road circuits that are enclosed and prepared specially for the race. The highlight of the event was that for the first time in India, there were separate categories for children, under 17 and under 10 years of age. The competition concluded with a grand finale and announcement of the winners. JUNE 2016 RITZ
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COVER STORY 34
RITZ JUNE 2016
BENGALURU
Setting The
Right Example "A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child." Think back. Remember how strong your father was in times of difficulty. While everyone else was losing heart, he restored sanity and order. He must have felt the stress just as much as anyone else did, but he never let go. Everyone looked to him for support. He simply waited for the storm to pass. 20thcentury pianist Charles Wadsworth must have experienced this first-hand. He said, "By the time a man realises that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong." RITZ recognises a dad’s contribution to shaping his children’s future, indirectly a nation’s future. Meet five of Bengaluru’s superdads - they’re successful, strong and stylish - each one an achiever in his own right. Interviews: Archana Shenoy Photographs: Lucky Malhotra
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COVER STORY
Soaring High 'Support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, inspire hope where there is despair.' These words by Nelson Mandela are not just dear to Mittu Chandilya’s heart, they also reflect his mindset and the principles that he lives by. “Leadership for me has always meant creating social change and impacting broader perspectives than one’s self or their organisation and financial pursuits.” The former MD and CEO of Air Asia India, one of the country’s most inspirational young leaders and a great icon for today’s youth, sits down with RITZ post his three year stint with one of the country’s youngest airlines, to talk about his new plans and how he wants to help change the face of the nation
Three years ago his was an unknown name in India. Mittu Chandilya, or Mrityunjaya Chandilya, as he was christened, is today one of the most recognised names in the country’s aviation industry. At a time when an airline as mighty as Kingfisher had fallen, a young man of 33 with no former experience in the aviation industry was brought in to launch Dan Tony Fernandes’ Air Asia in the sub-continent. There was speculation galore about whether or not the Malaysian businessman had made the right decision by appointing someone so young and raw on many levels, someone who had no prior experience working in India (though he did study and grow up here), a CEO with no ready-made political connections and not enough understanding of India’s bureaucracy. Yet Mittu proved his critics wrong and did in three years what not many others in his position could do. A low-cost foreign airline with Indian partners and stakeholders, he established the brand and set up its India operations single handed, waded through yards and yards of red tape and circumvented millions of obstacles, but managed to get Air Asia up and running in record time and brought it up to the level where its day to day functions are now running in plug and play mode. “I had a three year contract with the company that I chose not to renew as I felt I had achieved what I was brought in to do. I’m great with startups and have a knack for turning around ailing businesses. I’m not the type to be motivated in an environment that is working well on its own. Hence it is time for me to look for
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Interview: Archana Shenoy newer challenges,” says Mittu, putting an end to speculation and rumours over his reasons for exiting Air Asia. Within minutes of his resignation being accepted and formalised, he had more than five other offers from top airlines, each offering him a better position than the next. He also had a mailbox full of requests from young entrepreneurs for mentorship and the possibility of him investing in their startups. “Right now, I am working on my entrepreneurial strengths and passions to personally invest in, incubate and mentor startups. I’m also open to opportunities of large impact and change that potentially disrupt traditional businesses and sectors,” explains Mittu. As always, he’s focussed on bootstrapping and driving value - financial and of social and community impact - while
“I’m great with startups and have a knack for turning around ailing businesses. I’m not the type to be motivated in an environment that is working well on its own” ensuring founders and entrepreneurs achieve the vision and strategic intent they initially started with. “I’m also building a fund to invest into portfolio or cross-functional startups of which I would like to drive some personally.” His lessons of strength and foresight he learnt from his father Ram Chandilya, an entrepreneur and successful businessman
himself, whom Mittu turns to even today for advise. “An important lesson I learnt at his knee was that one can be a leader, but humility is the most important virtue that a leader must possess. I remember sitting on his chair in his cabin one day - I must have been about 9 at that time - and receiving a scolding from him for doing so. He told me that the chair of the head of the company was reserved for him alone, not because he didn’t want anyone else to sit in it, but because it symbolised the leader of the organisation and one should not disrespect that protocol,” recalls Mittu with a fond smile. Today, the father and son continue to share as strong a bond as ever, and Ram Chandilya is his son’s strongest advocate and biggest supporter. “When most back away and back down dad and I accelerate and move forward. For us it is always about the fight,” Mittu says, as he poses for a photograph with his father. And then there are Mittu’s three sons - Rishi (aged 7), Rohan (aged 5) and Thoren (aged 3) - who crave their father’s attention as he hasn’t been home as much as he would have wanted to these past three years. “My biggest ambition in life has been to be a great father and I want my boys to learn all the lessons I learnt from my dad, and a few more from me,” says Mittu as he enjoys the moment with his three tykes clambering all over him. Though they’re relatively young still, it doesn’t take long to realise that they share their father’s grit and determination to forge ahead and achieve it all - even though right now the fight is just for his attention or for a vial of bubbles!
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proudly say,” quips the stylish dad, adding that his one woe is that his son hasn't taken to golf like himself. “He’s more of a soccer guy and so I have to force myself to play a Managing Director, MLC Estates Pvt Ltd rough game with him from time to time.” It's obvious Mr Shanmugam hates to get his feet We wouldn’t be wrong in calling Sanjiv dirty, but he’s willing to do anything to keep Shanmugam, Bengaluru’s most stylish man. his boy happy. We also wouldn't be wrong in calling him one of the city’s best dads. The single father, “But that doesn't mean he’s going to have an who is also one of the scions of a real estate easy and laid-back life where he can depend on his father’s money. I most definitely do empire in the city, sets aside everything on not want him to believe that he needs to his schedule when it comes to his 12-yearold son Vir. From taking care of the mundane groom himself to take over my businesses. I aspects of daily life like getting his son ready want him to be his own person and choose his own path. He knows that I’m around to for school, managing his homework and take care of his expenses till he can finish attending PTA meetings, he does it all. school and his further education. But after Young Vir, it seems, enjoys emulating his that, he’s on his own and has to find his way father’s uber classy sense of fashion and through life,” says Sanjiv. style. While other lads his age bum around in flip flops and shorts, Vir is most often well We hope young Vir is listening! turned out, carrying off jeans and a tuxedo with equal élan. “He gets it from me, I can
Sanjiv Shanmugam
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RITZ JUNE 2016
Nawabzada Saad Bin Jung Conservation & wildlife enthusiast
He’s of royal descent, a sportsperson, wildlife enthusiast, eco-tourism advocate, columnist, novelist, angler and photographer with over 25 years of experience in promoting and managing eco-tourism and jungle lodges and camps. Yet his loudest voice is and has always been his fight for striving to conserve Karnataka’s forest lands and indigenous tribes. And it's a passion that he’s handed down to his dashing son Shaaz Jung. An avid wild-lifer, renowned naturalist, cat tracker and wildlife photographer. Shaaz left the lucrative corporate life having earned his degree from the Utrecht School of Economics, to follow the family’s passion of establishing eco tourism as an integral tool for Conservation.
As an extension of their activities in India and in keeping with their undying passion for the wilderness, Saad started ‘Africa under Canvas', in order to offer the perfect wilderness experience set within the national parks of Africa. “My time in Africa is when I bond with nature. But my most cherished cause is to conserve the richness of our own lands - it's like fighting a downhill battle if I may say so myself,” says Saad. Hence his son Shaaz has taken it upon himself to try and maintain the good work his father has done for the tribes in and around Kabini in Karnataka, by managing their camp The Bison. Both father and son spend their best moments in the wilderness, bonding over the spectacular landscapes, amazing wildlife and thrilling experiences.
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COVER STORY Ramesh Dembla Fashion Designer & Entertainment Professional
You can either love him or hate him, but you certainly can’t ignore Ramesh Dembla. The fashion and event virtuoso from Bengaluru, who prides himself on pulling off some of the city’s most offbeat Bollywood-style events, has a more mellow side to his flamboyant personality when it comes to his sons Krishna and Rayan. “We’re more buddies than parent and kids,” he tells us, explaining how his older son Krishna often posts pics of them together with captions reading ‘Hanging out with my buddy’! “I think it's really cute,” quips the senior Dembla as he tells us stories of how he spends his best moments with both his boys in the gym. “Krishna wants to be a movie star and I’m doing everything I can to help him on that path. Rayan on the other hand is a typical teen who chooses to spend most of his time lounging around the house and vegetating on the couch. But we’re working on him and hopefully soon he will find himself being part of our chaotic, but super fit life.” And are either of his boys fashion inclined like the dad? “Absolutely not,” tells the dad with a laugh. “And I don't want them to take after my line of work either. I want them to enjoy what they do, and not do it because it's expected of them. I would love for both of them to dream big and strive hard to achieve their goals.”
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COVER STORY Paresh Lamba Designer & Founder, PL Signatures
He’s one of those men who played an instrumental role in upping the fashion ante for Bengaluru’s unsophisticated men of the yesteryears. In a city where men wore ill-fitted trousers and baggy suits some 20 plus years ago, Paresh Lamba and his design label PL Signatures, have spruced up the wardrobes of many a city-based CEO and businessman. His designs are formal, cutting-edge and super stylish, yet largely understated. Much like the man himself. And Lamba takes great pride in acknowledging the fact that his was one of the first for-menonly stores in the city that offered complete styling solutions for the urbane man. Today PL Signatures are worn by anyone who has his fashion sense right in the South. Even Lamba’s own sons - Pranav aged 19 and Prithivi aged 16 are huge advocates of their dad’s designs. Both stylish to the hilt and spiffily turned out, their designer dad has made sure he’s passed on his dressing genes to both his boys. “They love wearing the suits that I have customised for them, along with smart casual attire that Pranav has started wearing to business school. He’s quite the fashion icon among his peers,” says the proud father.
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LOOK BOOK
KOCHI
Exploring New Landscapes
akola
Annah Ch
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Annah Chakola's foray into the fashion world stems from her love of travel, exploration, and colours. Having been born into the Chakola family, which dealt with the business of apparels and furnishings for over 185 years, it is not a sheer coincidence that her core interests lies in decor, fashion accessories and fabrics. But Annah is a free spirit, a beautiful, sensitive modern 'gypsy' herself so to speak, who strays away from conventional routes. Her online store Boho Gypsy is a true reflection of the lady herself in every sense vibrant, rustic yet with an element of sophistication. RITZ caught up with the designer for a chat at The Cocoa Tree, Panampilly Nagar. Text: Smitha Kamal
What inspires your designs? It is mainly my love for travel! It keeps me motivated. I get inspired by the colours, the culture and heritage of the places I visit, which I integrate into my designs. The greenery of Kerala, the beige and brown hues of Rajasthan, the tribal culture, the artisans - they all fascinate me. And I have tried to bring all those colours into my apparels. I love the places that have a craft culture and resonate with a colourful Indian vibe like Cambodia, Morocco and Turkey. If you take a look at my collections you can see a melange of vintage fabrics, jacquards, rustic materials all inspired by many of these cultures.
But I am also a traveller and having a retail store ties me down to one place. An online store allows me the scope for travelling. Moreover, an online store gives access to customers all over the world. And these days you need to have an online presence to stay ahead in the market. The current market trends demand it.
Tell us about Boho Gypsy Boho is the short form of Bohemian, a freespirited form of life while Gypsy means the nomadic traveller or the wanderer. Boho Gypsy is an online store that offers a line of authentic, contemporary jewellery, lifestyle accessories and home décor. I also used to sell to retail outlets in the US. Till recently I used to do a lot of trunk stores as well.
the tribal culture, the
How did you realise that this was your niche? Well, when you discover that you enjoy doing something and also can make a living out of it, you stick to it. It is great when you have a passion that also pays you well. I moved to the US to study art at the age of 16. I started designing as a hobby and later my friends encouraged me to sell my creations. I then quit my job at a non-profit organisation, travelled a whole three months to different parts of Asia. Then I decided to start Boho Gypsy. Are you a self-made designer? Completely. I have had no formal training in design; I am self-taught. I simply followed my instinct and aesthetic style. Moreover formal training means that you have to learn to design in gold and I am the least comfortable with gold ornaments. It amazes me that even when people have find it difficult to make ends meet, they are willing to save to spend on gold. I did some short term courses for the sake of technical knowledge. What made you opt for an online store instead a brick and mortar one? I come from a family of retailers so I know what it takes to run a successful store.
“The greenery of Kerala, the beige and brown hues of Rajasthan, artisans - they all fascinate me. And I have tried to bring all those colours into my designs”
How do you do bespoke designs? The process of designing a bespoke item starts with sitting down with the person, talking to them, understanding their likes, interests and passion, their aesthetics and then exploring the colours they are drawn to. Then comes the task of finding the appropriate fabric. The materials are imported from different parts of the world like Latin America, Afghanistan, Tibet, tribal areas of Rann of Kutch and many other places. I usually prefer organic materials. Next is the challenging task of getting the designs executed by artisans, especially when you are working remotely and you have a deadline. Our country is blessed with skilled craftsman, but they lack true aesthetics and do not give due importance to the finishing touch. For instance, they might add an extra bead or two. But that extra bead might detract from the overall design element. Anyway, I have learnt to take it with a grain of salt. Your favourite part of designing? I absolutely love the travel it requires, hunting for the perfect material. I have travelled to random parts of the world searching for exquisite materials. I have travelled to dark alleys with crazy flea markets, quirky stores selling odds and ends. I admit it may get scary at times; especially as I am a small built person! (laughs) Who has inspired you? A lot of people. My mother (Nimmi Chakola) is a courageous lady who had to take over my father's business after his untimely demise. I have a lot of friends who have taught me to think big. As far as jewellery designing is concerned I am inspired by American fashion designer Donna Karan. She is a classic woman who has stood the test of time. Her lines have always stayed clean and she doesn't attempt anything crazy just for trends’ sake. I am inspired by how she understands a woman's body.
Your future projects. I always felt like returning to my home where I belong. Deep within I am a Kochi girl. So I am opening a new space in Fort Kochi - The Drawing Room, an extension of Boho Gypsy. This is a lifestyle space for interior decor alongside a café. A place You can check out Annah Chakola’s collections where creative people can hang out, listen at www.bohogypsy.com/ to music and relish good seafood. JUNE 2016 RITZ
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LOOK BOOK
Ravikiran and Chandrashekar
BENGALURU
A Khadi Renaissance The freedom fabric is on revival mode, with models and celebrities donning it on the ramp, and fashionistas overseas embracing it as the ‘fabric of the future’. As the brouhaha over khadi envelopes the world of fashion, two designers in the heart of Bengaluru are quietly labouring to galvanise weavers and spinners in Karnataka and to instate khadi as an easy-to-manage contemporary textile boasting multiple advantages. RITZ meets Ravikiran and Chandrashekar, who started Metaphor Racha to celebrate the spirit of khadi. Text: Priyanka Golikeri 48
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Photographer: Faheem Hussain
Metaphor Racha is an artistically chic studio cocooned in a leafy lane in the Jayanagar neighbourhood in Bengaluru, housing a range of women’s apparel and home furnishings. They make short kurtis with copper metal buttons, kneelength kurtas, striped jackets, and dresses in shades of grey, cobalt, spruce, lapis and navy blue. There’s also a collection of tie 'n dye dupattas and tasselled stoles, handembroidered in the kasuti pattern. “A collection of sarees woven by women from Shirahatti has just come in,” exclaim Ravi and Shekar excitedly, pointing towards a rack with sarees in grey, cerulean, vermilion, burnt orange, indigo and teal, some bearing fish and bird doodle prints that are juxtaposed with geometric block prints. Not just sarees, but every other product that lines their store is handcrafted by weavers from villages in Karnataka, with whom Ravi and Shekar work closely through co-operative institutions. The entire process is done manually by the artisans, right from spinning, dyeing, warping, weaving and printing; with khadi being the fabric. “Karnataka khadi is far more authentic in terms of texture and quality. We want to provide a market for the khadi artisans of our state who toil to produce such fine products. Though Karnataka khadi is coarser as compared to the fabric produced in other states, we feel the beauty of khadi lies in its coarseness,” says Shekar. The apparel at Racha (the word’s a combo of Ravi and Chandrashekar) flatters the wearer, with everything from the stoles to the sarees being fluid, free-flowing; and easy to drape, style and carry. Their typical customer is the working woman, “and also people who look for value-based and sustainable products. In that sense, people who buy our products could be of any age group,” states Ravi, going on to add that khadi not just looks and feels great, but provides comfort and doesn’t crumple easily. Their collections are replenished every 45 days or so. “There’s no spring/summer or autumn/winter collection as such for us as our weavers weave every single day,’’ says Ravi. Their most recent collection had
apparel in the subtle tones of grey, slate, ocean blue and denim. The next one will see cream and off-white providing a rich contrast against maroon. A quick look around the store would indicate that the two like to underplay their hues. Ask them why and pat comes the reply, “We have to use chemical dyes since natural dyes are not really made in Karnataka and also require a lot of water. Since we use chemical dyes, we like to keep colours to the minimum”, says Shekar. Though the venture started in 2011 with Racha selling through pan-India exhibitions, the store opened only last year and witnesses a footfall to sales conversion rate of almost 100%. Ravi and Shekar like to be present in the store, “spend time with prospective customers, guide them through, explain the nuances of khadi and provide them with not just a purchase, but a holistic experience.” The next step for Racha is to go online. “But we’re apprehensive as we’re not really clued into e-commerce and unlike e-retailers, we cannot afford to give discounts and freebies,” says Shekar, to which Ravi adds that the store provides a touchand-feel experience which can get missed while making an e-purchase. But in this dayand-age, online is a channel that cannot be overlooked. An e-presence would also bring them closer to customers overseas, a segment which is highly lucrative, as they’ve been already receiving a healthy dose of enquiries from Japan, America and other countries. “We’re looking at starting a range of apparel for men, as we’ve been asked repeatedly about a men’s khadi collection,” says Ravi. When will Racha designs been seen at fashion shows, we ask. “We don’t really need the ramp as we have social media and our exhibitions to see us through. We’re also not very fashiondriven per se. For us, fashion is to cut and stitch!” say the two friends and business partners. JUNE 2016 RITZ
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LOOK BOOK
BENGALURU
Quirks And Laughs He’s zany. He’s witty. He’s jolly. He likes cracking a joke every now and then. He could get serious. And he’s stylish. Both on screen and off of it, Boman Irani is insightful and entertaining. The powerhouse of talent was in Bengaluru to unravel his unconventional idea of style at the Blenders Pride Reserve Collection Evenings when RITZ caught up and had him wax eloquent about his sense of style, acting and Parsi humour. Text: Priyanka Golikeri
First off, on the subject of style, tell us what you are most comfortable wearing. My track pants and a T-shirt. I genuinely feel that jeans are comfortable to work in. Comfort is one aspect of dressing, while respect is another. I would never ever go anywhere dressed shabbily. And I like to dress shabbily as when I’m at home, I’m shabby. At home I don’t think anyone even needs to comb their hair. It’s perfectly ok. When you’re at home with your dog tumbling on the bed, you can’t possibly wear a suit. But when I’m flying or heading out for any meeting or a function, I don’t think I’ll ever go without a blazer. Which characters you’ve essayed so far had a bizarre fashion sense? Oh, that’s true of most of the characters I’ve played. And which one character tops that list? It’s the one I played in Khosla Ka Ghosla for sure. Because I couldn’t understand the clothes I had to wear. See I do wear clothes that are bizarre. But that’s the character. I never judge a character as we can’t be judgemental about who we play.
“I think Virus (from 3 Idiots) is one of the darkest characters I’ve ever played. And people think of it as comedy. But it’s a dark character. He talks about his son
Your son (Kayoze) will also be seen in The Legend of Michael Mishra where you have a role… Yes, but we don’t share screen space.
falling off a train and
Having acted in multiple plays and in films, how distinctive do you find the two? Screen acting is not about the actor. Theatre
darkness. ”
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going to lecture the next day. This reflects
is about the actor. Screen acting is about the direction, as it’s a director’s medium. The director is telling the story through cuts, close-ups and editing. I think even nonactors can be a part of great movies as the director can make the character look good. So it’s very important that we have a good script and a good director. If there are good actors acting with you, that’s the best that can happen. When you act with a good actor, your performance looks even better. Many people think a good actor can overshadow your performance, but that’s not true. Nobody overshadows you. An actor who is good will make you look good. I was doing Ferrari Ki Sawari and it was such a pleasure to work with Paresh Rawal as we’d rehearse, discuss the role and the pitch. It’s very important to work with good actors. You’ve performed comedy and dark roles with equal élan. Which of the two do you like playing more often? Playing the bad guy is easy. If I take the character from Khosla Ka Ghosla, which is my favourite film and I always talk about Khosla, he’s a bad guy. But he’s got a very serious story to tell. I think Virus (from 3 Idiots) is one of the darkest characters I’ve ever played. And people think of it as comedy. But it’s a dark character. He talks about his son falling off a train and going to lecture the next day. This reflects darkness. That something is wrong with that man. That he’s not normal. Whatever he did was full of ego, full of narcissism, and reflects complete superiority. He’s a dark character.
I like to play characters that are shaded, rather than uni-dimensional. Virus could have been a nice person, but he does not want to venture out of his shell. He is always frowning. But one day he decides to crack some joke. See, there are funny people who can be extremely serious. You cannot have a funny person joking every day as he could also be living with some pain. The moment you have a funny man who can be serious, or you have a serious person allowing himself a little joke here and there, it makes the character appear more real and rounded. Most importantly, I like characters that are part of a good story, because if the story is not great, nobody will pay attention to the character. Stories are most important and characters help to tell the story. Are you considering acting in a play soon? No. Not now, although I will soon. My heart is in theatre. People ask me whether I want to go back to theatre, to photography and I say YES. So then they ask what I’m doing right now. I say I’m doing movies and I’ll concentrate on this right now and when people get fed up of me doing movies, I’ll go back to my other passions. Let me play out the movie chapter now. My life has anyway been one of merging chapters. What is it about Boman that not many people know? I’m petrified of lizards. Absolutely petrified. I’ve still not gotten over the fear of missing my flight. So even if the airline manager is with me in the lounge having coffee, I’ll say let’s go. Another thing about me is that I’m a very lazy person. People think I’m hardworking, and I work very hard when I’m working. But when I’m not working, I’m the laziest person in the world. I would not even turn around for the remote to change the TV We Parsis talk loud; we eat and keep telling stories. It always helps being a little naughty channel!! When I’m lazy, I want to be lazy. by nature. Being a Parsi, does humour come naturally What Parsi delicacies are you fond of? to you? Yes as Parsis we’re happy even making fun of At weddings I like saas ni macchi, which is fish in white sauce. At home I like to eat the ourselves. We’re happy teasing each other, Parsi pulao and I like our good old dhansak. including our parents. My mother never stops me from teasing her, and I never stop Do you cook any of these dishes? my kids from making fun of me. If a family Oh no, I can’t even boil an egg! Though once cannot laugh at the dining table, then it’s I’ve cooked on TV, which I did all by myself as not a family. I encourage humour. Parsis like my wife’s hands were tied. to laugh; I think the neighbours get fed-up. JUNE 2016 RITZ
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Photographer: Santosh Kumar
LOOK BOOK
The ivory dhoti pant with a printed cape renders a simple yet poised look, ideal for summer. The block printed cape embellished with traditional Hyderabadi zardosi reflects a sophisticated charm intertwined with the beauty of the bygone eras. Catering to the young, the silk material rests delicately on the skin yet speaks a thousand tales of traditional grandeur.
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HYDERABAD
Traditional
Beauty
Having styled the likes of Sonali Bendre, Rakul Preet, Neha Dhupia, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and many others, designer Jayanti Reddy has earned her stripes not only in the city of the Nawabs but across the country as well. Despite having a business management degree, her passion for clothes and love for creativity inspired her to plunge into the fashion domain. Her collection at the Lakme Fashion Week 2016 was a super hit. Named ‘Siaa’, the collection was all about re-imagining the past. The rich details and structured silhouettes added uniqueness and represented a woman who is Indian, yet modern. Take a look at two of her creations from the Lakme Fashion Week 2016…
The orange Chanderi silk ‘High-Low’ kurta with ankle length pants is a unique creation from Jayanti’s collection. The lightly embellished kurta is soothing on the body and is a visual treat. The centre slit renders a further chic look, also adding an element of style and comfort.
Text: Ajuli Tulsyan
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Model: Sanjana Sarathy Dress: Satin Linen dress Price: `35,000 Brand: Merasal Hair and makeup: Page 3 Luxury Salon, Khader Nawaz Khan Road Photographer: Mobin Kurien
Fashion's Hottest Destination
It's the newest hub in cyberspace to delight fashionistas with nouveau styles and coveted designer wear. That1Too showcases some of the seasons best - newer colour palates, edgier cuts and avant garde styles for today's conscious consumer. Shop these looks today at That1Too.com
The Best Stores and Brands ONE Destination
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LOOK BOOK The Best Stores and Brands ONE Destination
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Model: Krishika Anbalagan Dress: Satin Linen Dress Price: `42,500 Brand: Merasal Hair and makeup: Page 3 Luxury Salon, Khader Nawaz Khan Road Photographer: Mobin Kurien
A BOHO-VIBE They're the perfect summer shades in an ideal summer fabric. The long flowey style allows for easy movement and optimises on comfort. Wear them as day dresses or as demure evening outfits, these linen dresses are the perfect ensemble for the boho-Indian fashionista JUNE 2016 RITZ
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LOOK BOOK The Best Stores and Brands ONE Destination
THE SENSUALIST Black is perennial, perfect for every season and most occasions. Accentuated by bright pops of colour these noir staples are perfect additions to your wardrobe.
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Dress: Noir Slit Dress Price: `6,200 Dress: Noir Trench Coat Price: `8,000 Brand: Blue Print by Navya & Divya Niranjan Black Shoes: H&M Red Shoes: asos Hair and makeup: Page 3 Luxury Salon, Khader Nawaz Khan Road Photographer: Mobin Kurien
Model: Vignesh Shivasubramanian Shoes: Brick Red Urban Driver Price: `2,999 Brand: Splits By Anderson Photographer: Sai Nikileshwar
The Best Stores and Brands ONE Destination
URBANE EDGE Who said clothes had to be the focal point of one's fashion quotient? Often it's the accessories and that element of quirk that give a much needed boost to even the most mundane look.
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SPOTLIGHT
BENGALURU
Re-defining
Luxury
UMESH GANJAM
The name ‘Ganjam’ spells opulence, elegance and grandeur. And that’s what the family has been endeavouring through its exquisite and luxurious products all along. Having been in the business of jewellery for close to two centuries, a rich legacy, heritage and tradition define their existence in Karnataka. A key member of the clan, GB Umesh, Joint Managing Director, Ganjam, is at the helm, steering ahead the business started by his forefathers in an evolving consumercentric landscape which is marked by volatility and intense competition. As he strives to consolidate the brand through a market for premium luxury jewellery, RITZ meets the simple, soft-spoken, straightforward and selfeffacing man for an exclusive chat. Text: Priyanka Golikeri
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“It is our artisans, to whom we owe it all. They are a set of highly creative people who handcraft our jewellery and I am forever grateful to them. Ditto for our customers, who have seen us through all these years and are closely involved in what we do. A thousand salutes to our artisans and customers.’’ This could have made for a nice conclusion, but with GB Umesh, it’s the starting sentence into the conversation. “Aren’t our customers and artisans the wings that help us fly high?’’ asks the man as he seeks to unravel the progression of Ganjam from 1889 to 2016. The brand is synonymous with high quality gold and diamond jewellery ever since the company was formed 127 years ago with a base in one of the oldest parts of Bengaluru. “But as a family, we’re almost 200 years old in jewellery”, says Umesh, recalling a journey that started from the AndhraOrissa border to Hampi, then to Srirangapatna, and finally into this city. It’s a super insightful story, as it’s the journey of a family whose craftsmanship and intricate designs found favour with the royals in Mysore, Nepal and Japan! Spearheading A Revolution At the turn of this century, when gold and diamonds reigned supreme in the market for premium jewellery, Ganjam did the unthinkable and embraced platinum. It was an audacious move at that time, around the early 2000s, when platinum was a rarity in jewellery, especially in India. GB Umesh was introduced to renowned Japanese platinum designer Kazuo Ogawa, and together they held an exhibition showcasing avant-garde pieces of platinum jewellery for Ganjam’s elite clientele. “Bengaluru was our spot. The reaction from our customers was phenomenal.
Makarakanti
Vanki - Family
itage, Ganjam
archives, Her
Thalaikuchchu and Talai Saman
Vanki -
Famil
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ives, H e
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They were mesmerised and were keen to make a purchase. This was an eye-opener as we didn’t presume our clients will have a penchant for platinum,” he reminisces, adding that with new-found confidence he then flew to Japan and sold in Tokyo, Osaka and Hokkaido through exclusive exhibitions. “That was a big turning point. As that’s when we contemplated on re-launching ourselves as a premium luxury brand.” Some of the splendid platinum pieces crafted by Ganjam, such as Iraja, the neckpiece that winds around the neck and ends in a cascade on the shoulder are iconic. Like platinum, doesn’t the company plan on discovering the might of other elements and creating another revolution now? Palladium and titanium are already creating ripples in the jewellery scene overseas. “We’re not averse to any metal. We could perhaps think about another bold move,” he says, adding that palladium and titanium have the potential to upset the gold and platinum applecart. And with ever-changing consumer tastes, “jewellers will have to adapt.’’ The Ever-Changing Consumer The typical profile of a Ganjam customer is either a person on the threshold of marriage, or a well-settled middle-aged buyer who enjoys wearing jewellery. “Certain families have been our customers for generations now. But there’s a challenge in getting younger clients,” says Umesh. To counter this, the company has been introducing theme-based collections. The Song of the Sea collection inspired by the sea, Gerbera (inspired by the flower), Le Jardin (inspired by nature), have been attempts to connect with youngsters “who think we’re traditional. We want to appeal to them as makers of contemporary classic jewellery.’’ Moreover, the brand has JUNE 2016 RITZ
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SPOTLIGHT introduced collections at attractive price points, like the recently launched Tasrika, comprising diamond-studded rings and pendants in gold priced below `1 lakh. Certainly a conscious move, considering pieces from Ganjam sell for upwards of `3 to 5 lakhs. The idea is to bring in firsttime buyers and people in their 20s and 30s with a more affordable and stylish range. But the challenges don’t end there. Consumers nowadays, especially women, are quick at forking out lakhs on designer watches, luxury handbags and other highend products. Umesh believes international luxury brands have marketed themselves “very well”, and the competition a jeweller encounters is not just from contemporaries, but from luxury fashion and watch brands, car-makers, as well as service providers such as travel companies. While some may perceive a gold bangle as an investment,
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others might consider investing in an experience, such as a trip to Europe, or buying the latest hatchback. This marks a paradigm shift in consumer thinking from say a decade ago when people usually preferred investing in jewellery. Running parallel to customer preferences is the friction in the gold market, with prices hovering around `27, 000 to 28, 000 per 10 gms. Definitely lower than the `30, 000 plus mark witnessed some time ago. Furthermore, investment instruments such as gold ETFs and gold mutual funds are catching people’s fancy, perhaps announcing a threat to jewellery. Umesh differs on this. Minor fluctuations are the name of the game, he says. “Every consumer doesn’t look at it purely from an investment stand-point. There are so many who perceive gold as ornamentation as well and thus there are takers.’’ There is indeed a silver lining, as the
World Gold Council predicts that despite turmoil, the demand for gold will rise in India. Gearing Up Ganjam To take on the challenges, the brand has two dynamic and aspirational men who are working under the guidance of family patriarch and company chairman Eswar Ganjam and the stewardship of Umesh. “My cousin Kumar (Eswar Ganjam’s son) and my son Dushyanth are crucial to the group. With his background in gemmology, Kumar handles procurement and production, while Dushyanth manages retail and marketing.” Why just the men, even the women are an integral part of the brand. “My wife, my aunts have been playing a key role in the design, procurement, customerrelationships, and human resources. We all work as a well-knit unit. And my uncle
Eswar is always there to guide us. He’s phenomenal, knows the nitty-gritties and has been around in the business for over 60 years,’’ says Umesh, who formally joined the business in 1971. It’s time to know whether store expansion is on cards. The flagship outlet in Bengaluru is a swanky showroom steeped in sleek décor, reflecting a regal aura and is outright elegant. The store is a contemporary interpretation of a temple that reflects the deep heritage of Ganjam, and the massive dimensions, the walls composed of cut stones, the carved columns all combine to create a space that is evocative of Hampi and Dravidian architecture. Says Umesh, “As we’re a luxury brand, the store was designed to emit a rich feel and it’s been successful in our positioning.’’ Ganjam has an equally stylish outlet in Mumbai, at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and yet another in New Delhi’s posh Vasant Kunj. But there’s no plan to add more, as of now, even though expansion abroad is on the cards. “We’re looking to consolidate these three at present. Also, our plans for the next few years include strengthening ourselves as a luxury jeweller and making our brand the most preferred one for consumers.” Will we also see Ganjam at fashion shows, considering the brand has been missing ever since Milan in 2003? “We’re a luxury brand and are not into fashion jewellery. To be at fashion shows, a brand needs to introduce a collection every season. We sometimes take upto two years to launch a collection,’’ says Umesh, adding that fashion shows are not really viable for Ganjam. The Man Himself Just as the family is famed for its craft, it is also known for promoting music. Flights of Fantasy, the Carnatic and Hindustani music programme by Ganjam, which happens annually in Bengaluru stands testimony to this. “Both my parents were well-versed in Carnatic music. I was fortunate to have been exposed to music early on though I don’t really sing. But the family is inclined towards different genres in music.” Umesh feels the culture scene has evolved in Bengaluru, just like the city, with theatre, art, and music thriving in different pockets. “You have Kannada plays happening somewhere, Sufi music in one locality, Carnatic music elsewhere. This is good news for Bengaluru.” A nature lover, the man is fond of birds.
“Every consumer doesn’t look at gold purely from an investment stand-point. There are so many who perceive gold as ornamentation as well and thus there are buyers ”
Well… it is the two-headed mythical bird, the Ganda Berunda, which is the insignia for Ganjam. “It is believed the Ganda Berunda is Lord Vishnu himself. One head signifies protection of the good, while the other symbolises punishing the evil.” The resplendent designs at Ganjam are known for the fine motifs of birds like the magical peacock, swans, parrots and the birds of paradise. Who does not like birds,” asks Umesh? The passion with which he speaks about birds and the brand is unmistakeable. As is the inherent discomfort when asked about Umesh the man outside of office. “I like to study languages. Sanskrit and Kannada.” That’s all he is ready to reveal. JUNE 2016 RITZ
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Photographer: Faheem Hussain
SPOTLIGHT
BENGALURU
Transforming Skylines, Shaping Futures The two are as distinct from each other as chalk is from cheese. He is quiet and reserved, while she talks nineteen to the dozen. She loves grooving to dance beats, even as he prefers sitting still in a corner with the laptop. On most weekends, you would invariably find him at home, while for her, Saturdays and Sundays imply being out with friends till the break of dawn. She detests reading, but he devours books on fiction and fantasy. These differences notwithstanding, the two remain united in their mission - to further the business empire started by their father. Meet Priyanka Mantri and Pratik Mantri, scions of the innovation-led, future-focused Mantri Developers that is rapidly changing the skylines of South India with projects spanning the residential, commercial, retail, hospitality and education sectors. In an exclusive interaction with RITZ, the brother-sister duo open up about their ambitions, passions and plans to steer ahead the real estate behemoth in a turbulent market scenario. Text: Priyanka Golikeri
“We were young kids then, fighting with one another, pulling each other’s leg and then making things even just like any other pair of siblings,” recall Priyanka and Pratik of the late 1990s, the year 1999 to be precise, when their father Sushil Mantri started Mantri Developers. Today, the venture boasts a `1000-crore turnover, has built over 45 projects, and is one of the most recognised names in the real estate market in South India. The real estate sector in India, which is predicted to scale $180 billion in four years’ time, is currently going through a bit of a topsy-turvy phase, with demand witnessing a slight decline. The siblings however remain highly optimistic. Says Pratik, “the residential trend has slowed down quite a bit, but this is more towards the high-end, with sluggishness being seen in case of apartments in the `1.5 – 2 crore bracket. On the other hand, demand for apartments in the `40-80 lakh range is moving quite well. There is a
boom in the commercial segment as well with startups and newer ventures looking for office space.” “Ditto with retail, which is also witnessing a boom,” adds Priyanka, who heads marketing (Retail) for Mantri. According to her, organised retail has evolved over the years, ever since the group’s first mall, Mantri Square in Bengaluru, which opened in 2010. “We called it the ‘Taj Mahal effect’ then as hordes of people would walk into the mall just to see the structure. Over the years we’ve witnessed a massive shift in consumer behaviour, with many people making purchases rather than merely indulging in window shopping. We now have a footfall of about 25,000 people on any given working day, and about 50,000 on weekends. The demand for organised retail has shot up over the years,” says Priyanka, adding that as a result of the demand, the group has plans of opening two more malls in the near future.. JUNE 2016 RITZ
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SPOTLIGHT
Tech’s The Future To surge ahead in a digital economy means embracing technology-led innovations and digital platforms. Pratik is focused on consolidating the technology base for the group, automating systems and leveraging the power of social media to forge constructive relations with customers. “Social media is a great tool for customers to correspond with developers in a quick fashion. We as a company are very responsive through our social channels. We keep a record of every single complaint or feedback that we receive and give our responses within 24 hours.” As a key step towards ramping up the tech base for Mantri, Pratik is working on the website. “We want it to provide different types of information and appeal to everyone, right from prospective buyers to someone who has already bought a home, and to vendors and suppliers. Basically, we want to build a complete ecosystem through the website.” What more does the company need to take stock of in order to maintain its position in a competitive market? “The key factor that is lacking is further automation of processes which has increased dramatically in recent years. In highly industrialized countries, process automation serves to enhance product quality, master the whole range of products, improve process safety and, efficiently utilize resources resulting in lower emissions. In developing countries, mass production is the main motivation for applying process automation.” Pratik wants to automate across the board at Mantri so that systems run by themselves. “I feel we have a great opportunity to leverage technology to build buildings faster, reduce delivery time, get better customers, induce greater transparency, and pass on information in a rapid manner; all of which will contribute towards helping people build their dream homes.” Upping The CSR Ante Alongside automation and technology, another aspect which is high on the Mantri radar is corporate social responsibility (CSR). Priyanka’s
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entry into the group years ago had marked a paradigm shift in the CSR wing of Mantri, with initiatives in skill development, education and sustainability gaining much more credence. Through Mantri SEVA, as the CSR wing is called, education and training on soft skills and hard skills is provided to high school drop-outs at a centre on the outskirts of Bengaluru. About 120 pupils are currently engaged in this course. “We’ve tied up with the Smile Foundation and we ultimately try and get them placed in BPOs and the retail sector. I want to focus more on making women employable through this initiative,” says Priyanka. Moreover, through the sustainability programme, Mantri SEVA is pushing towards a greener Bengaluru by conducting cleanliness drives and sapling plantation activities. As the conversation moves towards ‘green’, a quiet thought runs through the mind. Hasn’t the green cover depleted in Bengaluru over the years, owing majorly to construction? “It has,” says Priyanka, but that’s because of the increase in infrastructure is what she believes. “Bengaluru is developing and the development is moving towards the outskirts of the city. Whatever we can do, we try to do in terms of our green initiatives. Our buildings are green buildings now because that’s our way of ensuring a level of sustainability within our projects.” As brother and sister speak passionately about their projects and work, you cannot help but wonder if this is really where they always dreamt of working. “I was pretty much always inclined towards this business,” says Pratik, going on to reveal how during one particular summer vacation in his early teens, he’d ended up interning at a construction site and learning the nitty-gritties. But Priyanka’s is another story altogether. Dreaming of becoming a doctor, she had taken up science in college. “Well, things changed and I eventually moved to commerce.” To this statement, Pratik is quick to respond. “In fact our dad wanted me to be a civil engineer. But I hate mathematics!” So what’s it like to be working with a sibling? “We are not siblings in office and our relationship at work is highly
professional,” says the petite Priyanka, adding that as employees of Mantri, they follow all the protocols and systematic procedures that have been set. Her younger brother, who towers over her at 6 feet, is quick to add that once they head out, they are back to being siblings who hang out together to have some fun. “It is well established that we are colleagues at work and siblings after 7PM,” states Pratik. Into The Future Providing a glimpse into his future plans, Pratik circles back to automation. “You see, automation mitigates errors and this is needed in real estate where people invest their life savings in a house.” He is also looking to diversify into sectors such as hospitality, though he says it is still “too early to divulge on the specifics.” Priyanka meanwhile is keen on exploring other departments within the retail sector that go beyond her forte of marketing. "Everything is a part of my agenda. I want to learn how a mall is built from scratch.” As the camaraderie and friendly banter between the two rolls on, you cannot help but think how lucky are those siblings who get to work together. Good luck to both!
“It is well established that we are colleagues at work and siblings after 7PM”
RAPID FIRE How does Mantri compare with competitors? Our organisation runs more on a system based format rather than one individual’s opinions. This allows all decisions that are taken to be collective and fairly unbiased, giving us a huge advantage in an industry which is soon to become highly organised. Your contributions that have made a difference at Mantri… Pratik: Specifically speaking, the upcoming redesign of our website is one as it caters equally to our existing customers as well as new prospects. Priyanka: The CSR activities under Mantri SEVA have managed to catapult the brand as a responsible organisation, and this has also helped shape the lives of those who cannot afford a basic livelihood of their own. How do you both see yourself three years from now? Pratik: I feel I will have a much larger perspective on Mantri and on the industry as a whole. This will allow for better decisionmaking and provide a broader grip on strategic operations. Priyanka: In 3 years, I see myself handling one vertical of the business on my own, making it a profit centre for the business. If you were to undo something related to work that you did, what would it be? Pratik: I would have stopped trying to replicate other people’s work and rather establish my own way of working. Priyanka: If I had to undo something, I would have set procedures and practices well in advance, rather than follow the old ones, learn the hard way and then reinvent the wheel in the areas of work under my supervision. What’s it about Bengaluru that you like most? Pratik: The people. They’re casual and don’t interfere in other people’s business. The people here make you come back.
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things you both have learnt from your dad… Pratik: His attention to detail, punctuality, decision-making ability, straightforwardness and being adaptive to change. Priyanka: What I’ve learnt from dad is dedication, risk-taking ability, decision-making, being to the point, and keeping personal and professional lives separate.
What’s your vision for Bengaluru? We need a well thought out plan with a clear distinction and incentives to create growth corridors. The dream of every homeowner today is to be able to walk to work and this can be made possible only through city planning. How do you guys unwind? Pratik: I read and relax at home Priyanka: I dance. I’m a trained salsa and belly dancer. Cars that you drive… Pratik: Toyota Prado Priyanka: Mercedes E Class JUNE 2016 RITZ
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SPOTLIGHT
KOCHI
Catching 'Wild Fish' The Abad group which has a turnover of over `1000 crores has many successful business segments including hospitality, real estate, shopping malls, retail, sea food export, cold storage and logistics. RITZ speaks to Faraz Javeed, who heads the domestic division of Abad Fisheries.
The history of the Abad group dates back to the 19th century when the group became the first Indian company to export sun dried shrimp to countries like Burma, Tokyo and Singapore. As business started to expand, Usman Mohamed Hashim founded Abad fisheries in 1931. The company currently has a domestic division apart from exports. The brand has many firsts to its credit, right from being the first in the country to import Frigoscandia Freezer from Sweden, to starting the first fully panellised air conditioned factory called CAP Seafoods, to having the first modern public cold storage of 3000 pallet capacity, installing a cryogenic freezer, the list goes on. The domestic division, called Abad Food Services is the brainchild of Faraz Javeed, the great grandson of the legendary Hashim. Javeed, a seasoned gastronome who is passionate about traveling and films, launched this division in 2010 which has its presence in Kerala, Chennai, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Delhi. In Kerala, they offer services in Kochi, Trivandrum and Calicut. Abad food services, known for its high quality sea food products, exceptional service and timely delivery has three main verticals. The first, caters to HORECA segment, that’s the Hotels, Restaurants and Caterers. The retail division called ‘Sea sparkle’ supplies high quality frozen
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fish and breaded ‘ready to fry’ seafood to super markets or the modern trade. The latest addition to the company, called ‘Wild Fish’, has a chain of state-of-the-art seafood stores that caters to institutional as well as retail sales through its outlets at Fort Kochi, Kadavanthra and the Nucleus Mall at Maradu. “There was a consistent demand for fresh seafood in the domestic market which inspired us to start ‘Wild Fish’. The hot picks at the store would be the Seer fish, Pearl spot, Emperor fish, Barramundi, Black King Fish, Pomfrets, Leather Jacket and of course, the smaller ones like the Natholi and the Mathi. We also have a live fish counter for crabs and mussels. The Fort Kochi store has the Abad Chullickal restaurant adjacent to it. So, we also offer the ‘You buy – we cook’ service, which is very popular. Once the customer makes his pick, we prepare the dish as per his choice,” he says. There is a perception that fish loses its taste when kept in cold storage. Javeed busts the myth clarifying that the ‘Chill Kill’ method of killing the fish in ice is the best way to preserve the quality and taste of the product. “Fresh fish always needs to be stored in ice. Our in-house Freon based ice making Unit keeps the fish frozen in good quality ice that is free from Ammonia. We vacuum pack the sea food at our outlets and the product thus packed can be stored
Photographer: Suneesh Suresh
Text: Riya Sonny Datson
in the chiller compartment for a week to ten days or stored in a freezer if it needs to be stored longer,” he explains. Is Frozen food healthy? “In frozen foods, consistent quality is the major concern. But if you are buying it from a trusted source, that is not really an issue. Professionally frozen fish is frozen at - 45 degrees which keeps it fresh without letting the product dry up.” He recommends buying fresh sea food if it is for immediate consumption and frozen if it needs to be stored for longer periods. When asked about the response from the domestic
market, he says that people realise that it is convenient – there is no wastage as one can choose the size of the product, no issue of waste disposal and we also offer maximum yield as the fish is being cut and packaged by professionals. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Elon Musk, Raghuram Rajan, Ratan Tata and Steve Jobs, Javeed continues to explore new horizons. Apart from opening more Wild Fish outlets across Cochin, the 'School of Fish' is the new exciting venture that Abad
“In frozen foods, consistent quality is the major concern. But if you are buying it from a trusted source, that is not really an issue”
Food Services has in store at Mattancherry. The project which would cost over 12 crores, is an extravagant cooking studio that offers informal classes on various aspects of seafood, right from the basics like how to identify the different varieties of fish to learning how to clean them, fillet a fish, understanding which fish is ideal for what dish and of course a trained Chef will teach students the secret behind preparing delectable dishes. The school is open to all those who have a passion for seafood! JUNE 2016 RITZ
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BENGALURU
Chronicling Urban Tales Candid and articulate. These two words could best describe the charming and beautiful Rheea Mukherjee, Bengaluru’s newest author who recently launched her first book Transit for Beginners. A woman who loves to pencil in all her thoughts without any fear or hesitation, Rheea is set to carve a new avenue for people who are passionate about good reading material. RITZ chats with the woman who loves to explore and experiment through her writing, and does not like being ‘politically correct’. Text: Priyanka Golikeri
“I’m 32 now and I started working on this book when I was 22.” This is how Rheea opens the conversation as she sips from a glass of chilled lemonade. So that’s 10 years before Transit for Beginners saw the light of day. At 22, Rheea was pursuing her masters in creative writing in San Francisco. “I had worked on a few stories and had them distributed to the college magazines. But I was slapped with rejections. Nine out of 10 times, my stories got rejected.” But she remained resilient, as writing is what she is truly passionate about. “I have always been a fiction writer at heart and I treasure the craft of short stories.” Working around this passion, she wove together a set of 15 stories over the years that convey a sense of urban angst and collectively constitute her first book. A quiet reading of the book brings to the surface characters, narratives and situations that are dark. Stories that dig deep through the crevices of depression, loneliness, sexual violence; as well as the euphoric joy that emerges through random human bonds. “Issues such as mental illness, depression and loneliness intrigue me and I like exploring them through my writing,” says the feisty woman who often sucks on cubes of ice and lemon while writing. “Yeah. I love sucking on ice and lemon. It keeps my creative thoughts flowing.” As we munch on crisp watermelon and feta salad with arugula, the conversation veers towards Indian fiction writing. Indians are an uptight bunch finding it tough to cope up with “choices, liberation and sexuality.
“Did British authors ever italicise words like ‘scones’ or ‘apple pie’? So why should Indian writers in English italicise words like idli or dosa? Italicisation takes a reader out of the
crunchy mushroom samosa. So is there an Indian writer in English from the current crop whom she truly admires? “Jhumpa Lahiri.” Rheea likes Jhumpa’s craft of short story writing, but feels the Pulitzer Prize winning author could get thematically repetitive and “is scared to experiment.” Anyone closer home? “Well… my favourite book is The Last Song of Dusk. I feel Siddharth (Dhanvant Shanghvi) owns himself as an author. In that book, he did what he wanted to do with his style, his story context” language and his story.” In an effort to create an ecosystem in Bengaluru where good writing and Indian writers tend to be politically correct,” reading thrives, Rheea co-founded the Bengaluru Writers Workshop in 2012 feels Rheea. And subjects that writers are and Write Leela Write in 2014, which is a uncomfortable exploring remain taboo. Sexuality comes foremost to the mind when content and design laboratory. “We hold the term ‘taboo’ is mentioned. “Even topics workshops and discussions where people of all ages participate. I’ve noticed that such as mental illness, gender problems for many people, writing is therapeutic.” are taboo for writers to explore and Besides running this lab, Rheea is busy experiment with.” researching for her next book, a novel that Like the taboo subjects, the concept traverses through the Bangalore of the of italicisation is another big bone of contention in Indian English writing. Indian 1970s. This could certainly make a good read, considering there aren’t too many writers in English often italicise words fiction novels centred on the city, unlike the they think a global audience won’t be able multiple ones on Mumbai, Kolkata or Delhi. to comprehend. “Did British authors ever “Bengaluru is unsexy,” proclaims the writer. italicise words like ‘scones’ or ‘apple pie’? Bengaluru is a boring IT city, which was We as readers still understood what a earlier perceived as a pensioner’s paradise, scone or apple pie was as we understood says the proud Bangalorean. “Authors don’t the context of the story. So why should usually find a wholesome narrative circling Indian writers in English italicise words like idli or dosa? Italicisation takes a reader around Bengaluru This city does not have the sex and violence of Bombay, nor does it out of the story context,” says Rheea, a have the British hangover of Kolkata, or the half Mangalorean-half Bengali who is a elite arrogance of Delhi.” vegetarian (by choice), while biting into a JUNE 2016 RITZ
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CHENNAI
The Big Feast What would you expect to see at a laboratory? Beakers of coloured liquids oozing out smoke, a mad scientist with crazy hair? Transform that image to something much nicer, something more pleasant… something truly decadent like, say, chocolate! RITZ takes a tour of Sandy’s Chocolate Laboratory aka Sandy’s and gets a more than a couple of whiffs of the owner's delicious tale.
Sandesh Reddy, one of the city’s most wellknown and best-loved food entrepreneurs may seem like he has it all covered now - the business acumen and the love for food, but the man instantly wins us over as he candidly admits that it took him a couple of failures to get to where he is today. “Sandy’s was my third attempt at the food business. Previously, the restaurants that I set up did not gain the popularity that I hoped they would. But then again, I think that this was because people no longer want what I like to call, a Plain-Jane restaurant. A chocolate lab was something that sounded fun and crazy and it has clicked,” he says. Though Sandy’s started off as a chocolate lab, Sandesh's love for food soon prompted him to experiment further. Today the fivepage menu at Sandy's has its fair share of cocoa but also allows customers to choose from a larger spread of all-day breakfasts, sea food platters and more. “I have spent a lot of time in the kitchen exploring and perfecting most of the things on the menu. The others are ideas and flavours that have been innovated by my chefs,” he laughs. The man takes no chances with the quality of food that leaves the kitchen and even goes to the extent of sourcing his meats from outside the state. For instance, the pork sausages are from Delhi, and Sandesh is said to even specially source free range beef.
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“People no longer want what I like to call, a Plain-Jane restaurant. A chocolate lab was something that sounded fun and crazy and it has clicked”
Moving on to how the man curates his menu, Sandesh Reddy says that Sandy’s does not follow a set menu every month. “It is constantly evolving. Trends change and so do tastes. I spend about fifteen days a month in New York, understanding the food scene there and figuring out how best we can experiment with the flavours at our restaurant.” On a side note, he says that the menu only has food and flavours that he likes. “You will never find paneer on the menu!” We have no protests, after all it is Sandy’s! Despite being a stickler for what’s on the bill of fare and what is not, the man does make a couple of exceptions. “I had a friend whose father used to love his tuna sandwich and
though it was never on the menu, every time he came in he would order for the sandwich. I always kept a can of tuna in the larder just for him,” recalls Sandy adding, “Once he passed away, I added it to the menu in his memory.” Apart from Sandy’s, Sandesh Reddy owns the Old Madras Baking Company, Ox and Tomato and runs a franchise of Social. He proudly says that his lady backs him up. “My wife helps me handle these places. She too has a very keen eye for detail.” Sandy also plans on opening a bar called Radio Room and further expanding with another restaurant called The Dining Company. The well curated menu aside, each of his enterprises carries a unique ambience and attracts a different clientele. “We set up Ox and Tomato and Old Madras Baking Company as something that would be affordable to as many people as possible. We also have a very quirky menu at these places, like donuts that are made out of milk bread and the Elvis donut, which is a peanut butter and banana donut sandwich.” Social, however, demands a different treatment. Sandesh has not had any culinary training and it is clear it is simple passion that drives him. As we end our conversation, we ask him what one can expect to see on the menu this month. He says, “You’ll just have to come on over to Sandy’s.”
Photographer: Gurunath Prabhu JUNE 2016 RITZ
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OVER A CUPPA Photographer: Sai Nikileshwar
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Sonaal Bangera & Siddharth Hande
Siddharth Hande with business partner Sonaal Bangera
CHENNAI
An Offbeat Business Idea ‘Tired of all the extra plastic in your house, don’t know what to do with them or how to recycle them? Here’s an app that can help you with all your recyclable waste troubles!’ Sure it sounds like just another infomercial, but city youngster Siddharth Hande is turning an everyday problem into a potentially viable business model. RITZ catches up with the brain behind Kabadiwalla Connect to learn how he makes the green, while keeping the city green While many people use their smartphones to click those selfies, and make snap stories, several kabadiwallas in the city are using them to track recyclable material prices, locate areas from where waste can be picked up and hail a pick up to transfer this waste to Kabadiwalla Connect’s Material Recovery Facility. “We have networked all the kabadiwallas in a particular area and given them the ability to bypass the middleman when they sell recyclable goods through our app K Connect,” Siddharth tells us. Kabadiwallas or like Siddharth likes to call them ‘stakeholders in the informal waste ecosystem’ are said to be benefitting financially from Kabadiwalla Connect since the app allows them to constantly monitor pricing of waste plastic, thereby giving them the impetus to collect more recyclable material to sell. “Our app enables transparent pricing and also pushes up the prices of recyclables. It also educates them about the types of plastics that are floating in the market and their worth,” he says. Once the load is collected from the kabadiwallas, KC transports them to their facility in Madhawaram where the plastic is further segregated and shredded before it is then sold to a larger recycler. While at first one may think of Kabadiwalla Connect as just another social cause organisation, Siddharth Hande is quick to correct our train of thought, “We are a for profit organisation, which revolves around a social cause. We have the technical knowhow and the idea and we
“We are a for profit organisation, which revolves around a social cause. We have the technical know how and the idea and we want to integrate IT into the informal waste ecosystem. This also allows us to be independent of funds that come through charity”
want to integrate IT into the informal waste ecosystem. This also allows us to be independent of funds that come through charity.” So how has the startup managed to develop the User Interface and an app without external funding? “We initially received a digital innovation funding from the World Economic Forum. Later on we were part of the Autodesk Social Entrepreneur programme where we received $150,000
worth of software from Autodesk,” he answers. The 15-member team at Kabadiwalla Connect is currently working on mapping Kabadiwallas' data in the city and developing the User Interface and User Experience for a household customer app which is set to launch sometime during the month. “This app is very similar to a cab hailing app. The app allows the user to identify their nearest kabadiwalla. It also gives them little tips on waste segregation and composting,” Siddharth says. However, this is not the effort of one man, Siddharth Hande tells us his partner Sonaal Bangera, co-founder, handles the tech end of Kabadiwalla Connect while he heads the business division. Currently the startup’s expenditure amounts to ` 3,00,000 a month. “We are looking for seed investors for our enterprise. We’d like to raise $300,000 to 500,000 through seed investors.” The start-up also upcycles solid waste and has a division called Upcykle. Upcykle deals in the production and sale of simple utility products and premium upcycle products made from reclaimed waste like glass, plastic or even wood. On a concluding note, Siddharth tells us that they plan on teaming up with hotels and restaurants in the city to manage their recyclable waste. “We’ve just tied up with Ox and Tomato,” Siddharth smiles. Looks like this budding entrepreneur has all his business fronts covered! JUNE 2016 RITZ
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Adhil Shetty
Rati Venugopal
Arjun Shetty
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CHENNAI
Playing financial matchmaker
The founders at Bank Bazaar have been betting big on the Indian market and pushing hard to establish their market place in a rapidly evolving and volatile economy. From being a company that bridged a customer gap that was quite unheard of, to bringing about a paradigm shift in the way financial products are being consumed, co-founders Adhil Shetty, Arjun Shetty and Rati Rajkumar talk to RITZ about their rationale behind setting up Bank Bazaar. Text: Rebecca Vargese The premise to their story is something rather simple and personal - acquiring a housing loan in 2007. “It was a tiring and tedious process and we faced some of the common difficulties that a consumer faces while searching for the best deal in the market. As customers ourselves, the gaps between an awesome experience and the existing offline process were very obvious to us, and we felt the need and genuine opportunity for changing it,” says Adhil Shetty, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bank Bazaar. By rolling out Bank Bazaar, the co-founding trio introduced the country to a ‘neutral online marketplace’ and ‘banking’, two words that were not usually heard together. “The financial product marketplace in India is still predominantly traditional. Bank Bazaar was able to develop the technology and platform for an online marketplace that can help informed and convenient decision-making that has been missing until now.” With the largest range of financial products (ie) quotes on loans, credit cards or personal finance products, from various institutions, banking with BB is as simplified as online shopping. One can instantly search for a tailor-made option and the platform’s unique algorithms take the financial profile of the customer into account while calculating, throwing up only the most relevant offers and schemes. In July 2015, this financial marketplace raised $60 million in their next round of funding from Amazon India, Fidelity Growth Partners and Mousse Partners. Existing investors Sequoia Capital and Walden International also participated in the funding round.
“The first pitch was the hardest. Everything has a learning curve, and getting an investor is no different. Convincing the first investor to fund us were crucial.”
The demographics of BankBazaar.com are salaried 30+ individuals from the top cities and the firm is slowly penetrating tier 2 and tier 3 cities. BB figures among the top 3,000 websites in the world, with a daily traffic of about 632,799 views; it is ranked at mid 300’s in the country. Revealing their toughest business pitch yet, Rati, Chief Product Officer, smiles, “The first pitch was the hardest. Everything has a learning curve, and getting an investor is no different. Convincing the first investor to fund us and getting the first bank to tie up with us were crucial. Our enthusiasm coupled with our inexperience made an interesting mix.” Arjun, Chief Operations Officer, explains the company's business model and revenue generation, “Our revenue comes from applications-based commission from banks. Customers are not charged a commission. We are not lead-based aggregators but application-based end-to-end financial service providers.”
With the advent of the ubiquitous smartphone, Bank Bazaar aims at moving towards completely paperless transactions. “Increasing digitization means entrepreneurs will have access to a largerthan-ever market. However, paperless and present-less financial transactions are still not a norm. Legislative policies that encourage paperless financial transaction on mobile devices, such as the new e-sign platform that validates digital signature without any physical token, would be very welcome,” says Adhil. As a startup offering unique financial products, the co-founders tell us that they do not have a reference point to benchmark customer habits. “There are incidents when things don’t go according to plan. And we learn from them.” So what has Bank Bazaar learnt from their experience? What are their top 5 business mantras we ask, and the answer is spontaneous, “Maintain your cash flow, don’t be overwhelmed by change, invest in talent, choose your mentors carefully, go by the rules.” Having partnered with the largest public and private sector banks and NBFCs in India, Bank Bazaar provides the largest number of products ranging from loans, insurance, and mutual funds across 11 product lines. Despite coming from various backgrounds, the brains behind the company Adhil, Arjun and Rati believe that their diversity is their biggest strength. While many may be apprehensive about the start-up boom, Adhil says that the trend is shifting in favour of FinTech and marketing. “Those who have the vision can challenge the status quo and improve consumer experience in the coming years.” JUNE 2016 RITZ
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CORRIDORS OF POWER
THE ART OF
POLICING 2.0
Armed with a load of books, sheets to sit on the cold, broken floor and sheer grit, a young Sunil had to trudge long distances to village schools in backward, rural Northern Bihar. As his father Dr. Jainath Singh, was a veterinarian in government service, his early life was replete with transfers from one village school to another. Papa dear wanted his son to don the white coat. But an incident changed the teenager's perception of the medical profession. “I sustained an injury on my leg while playing and had to be rushed to a village hospital. It was a macabre sight. Patients were lying on the floor, howling and groaning in excruciating pain. Blood was being collected in bowls. I almost fainted.” So how could someone terrified of seeing blood, become a doctor? The medical career option was justifiably shelved. And that led to an unswerving foray into the Indian Police Service for Sunil Kumar Singh; a goal bolstered by the spate of murders of students and bomb blasts he witnessed during his college stint.
(Pic: Sunil Kumar Singh, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Uniformed Services Recruitment Board)
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Despite his penchant for Hindi Literature, Sunil opted for Political Science at Patna University, from where he completed a Masters Degree, with the likes of the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary Apurva Varma, IAS. “That was the time I was contemplating a doctorate in Hindi Literature and was toying with the idea of starting a Hindi Magazine. But coming from a family of government servants – my Uncle was an Engineer in Damodar Valley Corporation, my grand father was a Head Clerk, there was pressure on me to follow suit. My mother Maya Singh was keen that I write the State Public Services Examination as she wanted me to be close to her.” At this juncture, the advice of his cousin Ravi Kanth, a 1987 batch IPS officer who was gunned down by terrorists in Assam, came in handy. “He asked me to choose an optional subject that I was passionate about, not what the herd picks. So I went in for Hindi Literature. Incidentally, I had failed in the subject in Class 8!
However, while preparing for the UPSC exam, I was only terrified of English, although it was only of a qualifying nature!” A second attempt in 1988, won him the badge 'Sunil Kumar Singh, IPS'. Now posted as the Additional Director General of Police – Uniformed Recruitment Services Board, Sunil has changed a lot over the years. When I first bumped into him when he was the Superintendent of Police of Nilgiris, at the Collectors and SPs Conference at the Secretariat, Sunil used to sport a handle bar moustache and was quite a terror. Now clean shaven, he seems to have mellowed with age, and with his daily dose of inspirational facebook posts, it's perhaps no coincidence that the second in command of khakhi recruitment is like a khakhi version of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar! As he laughs off the reference, he is quick to reveal that the first thing he does on waking up every morning is to send a whatsapp message to his wife Archana. Is that a romantic message? “No, no. It's always something profound and philosophical. The same message is posted on my facebook account.” Sample this. “Reflections can't be seen in boiling water. Similarly, solutions can't be found with a disturbed mind.” These gems of wisdom don't come from thin air under a Bodhi Tree but from hard core policing over close to three decades. The bulk of his assignments have been related to Law & Order and Crime Prevention. Sunil has served as Superintendent of Police in Tuticorin, Pudukottai & Nilgiris, as Deputy Inspector General of Police in Ramanathapuram, Trichy, Madurai and Armed Police, as Commissioner of Police of Trichy, Salem & Tirunelveli, Additional Commissioner of Police, (Headquarters) in Chennai, before his present role as the ADGP – USRB. “The buzzwords I have tried to follow in my career so far are 'sincerity and honesty',
handed down to me when I as the ASP Neyveli by former Director General of Police D.Mukherjee.” In Pudukottai, Sunil cracked down on illicit liquor by “cutting connivance and through delegation.” The situation, he reveals, was so bad that “women officers were scared to go on night rounds. I rewarded local cops handsomely for tip offs leading to raids on illicit liquor and punished those who looked the other way. Soon, I was able to make the district 'arrack free'.” In the year 2000, Sunil says he “recovered stolen property worth over a crore.” Throughout his stints, he recalls with pride how he made “transfers and postings of subordinates transparent and on merit”. In his USRB tenure, the Youth Brigade – the brainchild of Chief Minister Ms.Jayalalithaa, touched the ten thousand mark. “Almost all of them have been absorbed into the Tamil nadu Special Police Battalion.” What's more, “for the first time, we have introduced online applications for police recruitment.” Taking the cue of a transformation on the personal front, early on in this piece, Sunil opened up. “Earlier, I seldom left my camp
office before midnight and used to travel on rounds for at least 100 kms every day. I developed back pain and severe migraine. There were times I couldn't lie on the bed and had to sleep on the floor. Once I happened to cross Pachaiyappa's College and noticed a Yoga exposition by Baba Ramdev. I signed up and then continued my sessions at Isha Yoga. My fitness improved drastically. I began jogging at the sprawling Trichy Police grounds. Later as Commissioner of Police, Salem, I appointed a tennis coach and learnt the game from scratch.”. As Sunil and his charming wife Archana, also a graduate in Political Science from Patna Womens College, posed for photographs, I couldn't help wondering how this couple can pass for University research students! Perhaps, that secret calls for another facebook post. Or as Mark Twain quipped: “Age is mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.” (Sanjay Pinto is a Lawyer of the Madras High Court, Columnist, Author, Political Analyst on Times Now, Former Resident Editor – NDTV 24x7 and a Media Mentor) JUNE 2016 RITZ
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WHY I LIKE ARNAB GOSWAMI BY SANJAY PINTO
Sanjay Pinto analysing election results on Times Now Early in my career while covering cricket for NDTV, I remember watching an animated bunch of cricket fans at the M.A. Chidambaram stadium engaged in an argument over how Zaheer Khan should bowl to the Aussies. The conversation veered around where exactly India's 'Sultan of Swing' should pitch the ball, how he should grasp it, his run up and even the field he must have – how many slips, men in the deep and whether that forward short leg was required at all. Cricket is like a religion. And every spectator is entitled to have an opinion. As I left the stands, I inquisitively asked those lads if they were professional cricketers – not Ranji but at least league or college team level. They turned out to be gully players. Mercifully, this was in the pre-twitter age and none of them were 'empowered' to troll the medium pacer, if his attempted yorker turned out to be a juicy full toss, or if he bowled a wide or a no-ball, or was clobbered by an in-form batsman. Sports viewing invariably comes with the realisation that form is temporary, class is permanent.
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Cricketers are the flavour of the season. Deified when they win but with the risk of having their homes stoned when they lose. Unlike the head honchos of the mainstream media, evident from the crass term 'presstitutes', by which they are referred to in certain circles. The more prominent prime time anchors are, the more flak they are likely to get. In any case, the brickbats will far exceed the bouquets. And from those with half baked information and little or no understanding of how the media works. The very folks who lament about 'media trial' and how anchors play judge, jury and executioner, which in many cases is true, derive vicarious pleasure in sitting in judgment over arguably, the most watched and the most criticised television journalist in India - Arnab Goswami. To be fair to discerning critics, it's the anchoring style of the Editor-in-Chief of Times Now that gets their goat. The entire channel seems wittingly or unwittingly built around brand Arnab. And his flagship show 'The Newshour', which extends to almost two
hours every weeknight, has a different format which sections of viewers call a slugfest. The common complaint is that the anchor does not allow panelists to complete their sentences and insists on their taking a line in agreement with his view. As a “long time buddy”, as Arnab himself introduced me on the election counting eve show, a former colleague at NDTV and a regular panelist on the Times Now debates, I do have a different take. The Arnab I know is a thorough gentleman. It may shock you to know that one-on-one, he is quite soft spoken. And affable. And unassuming. And reasonable. In NDTV, I can vouch for the number of times he had fought to showcase ground zero exclusive stories of reporters. TV, as a medium, can have Generals who have never fought a war. Arnab has had his baptism by fire. Has he changed since we worked together at NDTV? Everybody does. But if our short coffee, lunch and dinner breaks at the Times Now Noida studio during that marathon Election Results Day were any indication, Arnab seems to have retained his sense of humour and those middle class values. And his contempt for the blue blooded, power tipsy brigade. The rub really lies in the format of his show. For starters, Arnab doesn't follow the beaten track. He sets his own rules and leads the pack. Unlike other channels and programmes, the NewsHour is not a sedate Panel Discussion with the usual suspects pontificating and sometimes even hijacking the show. It's a no holds barred fiery debate, as even the flames on the screen portray! It's like the Super Over of a T 20 Match, not the last day's play of a drawn Ranji Trophy Test Match. Don't look for that classic square drive. Expect cross batted shots including the helicopter chop! Making no pretence of being a 'moderator', his views are his views and he unabashedly takes a stance on every debate, challenging, perhaps pinning down, alright even pummeling those with a contrarian view. The panelists who draw first blood usually come out on top. Yes, there are often enough panelists to play a cricket match! And yes, some don't get a chance to speak, what with their finger up in the air pleading for a word. Intervening in a vociferous argument is a skill. But seldom has Arnab cut me off in the middle of a sentence. On an average, I have got close to a minute for every point or rebuttal I made on his
show. This has been so even when I have taken diametrically opposite views from his own stand, as in the case of the slapping of the controversial Sec 66A of the Information Technology Act against a twitter user on a complaint by a top politician's son, which was when I made my debut on Times Now. To those who think he is pro Sangh Parivar, what would have explained his outrage over the RSS attack on Mother Teresa? Yes, there is a lot of screaming and fillibustering but grandma's advice that 'if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen' applies here! Lampoon him till the cows come home but at the end of each night, the TRPs speak for themselves. Let me give you a crude example. If there's a fight on the road, wouldn't many of us be tempted to stand and watch? When politicians get grilled, there's an outlet for all that pent up anger and angst and the craving to put them in their places. That's what Arnab does. With aplomb. Several months ago, I texted him for a testimonial blurb for an upcoming book of mine. What Arnab sent me was so heart warming and glowing. Once during a debate, I noticed some dramatic footage which I
did not have a chance to view in advance. A simple sms during the show (yes, he checks messages during the live telecast) ensured that he respected my position and steered clear of any questions on that aspect. Having been under many a shadow in his previous avatar, he knows how much an opportunity means to meritorious professionals. That is one reason why he probably offered me a seat at the high table during the elections. When I thanked him, his response humbled me. “Don't thank me, Sanjay. I'm delighted we are on together again this way.” No matter what the world says about Arnab, I will always stand by my friend. He may shout. He may scream. And he may cut you off in the middle of a sentence. But he's a good human being. And a terrific, fearless journalist who is politically accurate, never politically correct. That's enough for me to stay tuned. For the others, there's the remote. (Sanjay Pinto is a Lawyer, Columnist, TV Political Analyst, Author, Communications Mentor and Former Resident Editor of NDTV 24x7)
Sanjay Pinto (L) and Arnab Goswami (R) JUNE 2016 RITZ
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CHENNAI
Hip Hop With A Heart Distinctive personalities. Unique styles. An abiding love for their music. Our pick of 5 Tamil rappers and hip hop musicians are a groovy, fun lot. In this exclusive, they talk to Ritz about a range of topics from their craft to the use of profanity and even their fashion sense. With June 12 marking the World Day Against Child Labour, we ask the artists about the menace and find that they are also all heart, as they emphasise on every child's right to dignity and life through education. Text: Rebecca Vargese
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Hustle And Flow From growing up breakdancing on the sets designed by his architect father to becoming a hugely popular name in the Tamil music industry, Lakshmi Narasimha Vijaya Rajagopala Seshadri, aka Blaaze has pushed the limits of his musical prowess. With 14 years, a whole lot of film music and an extensive history of stage shows under his belt, Blaaze has cultivated an aura of awe and ingenuity that leaves fans screaming for more. Continuing his legacy, Blaaze tells RITZ that he’s been “real angry and had explicit lyrics in some of my rhymes, but when it's time to spread music, it's always better to do it with positivity rather than hate.”
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Define your style of music especially in the context of your interesting background of a TamBrahm boy growing up in Zambia and touring the United States. From living 25 years in Zambia to studying at a boarding school in Suffolk, England and then moving to Columbia College, Hollywood for my Bachelor’s Degree in Cinema- my perspective is truly worldwide. Having said that, being in the motherland, Chennai, for over the last ten years has allowed me to discover my roots, my ancestry, Tamil, Sanskrit, religion and tradition. Life has taken me from my presidential rap song in Zambia with only a guitar and keyboard in 1991, to being onstage at an AR Rahman concert with 80 live musicians, to releasing my first Sanskrit rap. My music is constantly evolving and growing. Hip hop and rap are from the West. How far have you had to Indianise your music to suit our audiences? Hip hop and rap are inborn. If we have something to say and we say it with a beat and in poetry - It's a rap! I first really learnt to Indianise my thoughts in In My Father's Words by Zambezi funK. It was the first time that we expressed our thoughts on religion and its effects on us as an Indian society. Though the song was in English, the sound and crux of the message made it truly Indian, yet global (smiles). Who are your favourite artists internationally and why? And what do you think defines a great musician? My favourite artists are 2Pac, K-rino, Miles Davies and Prince. They had, still have, the ability to make you feel, through sound, notes and syllables. For me a great musician is one who stays real to the art and still manages to reach the world. How important are drama, awe and a carefully cultivated persona to the overall success of pop culture artists? What is your unique image? It's important to have an image as you are discovered but it's also just as important to redefine that image as you learn and grow. My image comes with the stage. There is no conscious effort to portray oneself as this or that. I think we try to stay true to who we are deep inside, the rest is just perception.
One routine you follow to create music? Some music directors go abroad, some go on luxury cruises etc. What gets your creativity going? Prayers. Issues. Everyday instances. I get triggered anytime and I just allow myself to be a tool to express that in the best way I can. Fastest you have made a rap and the compliments you received for it. We were on the Jai Ho tour and I had been doing the same rap on Humma Humma for a while. Suddenly during one of the rehearsals Rahman said, ‘Hey if you have a new rap, join in.’ I felt my heart skip several beats and I had about two minutes to come up with and perform a rap that would be ‘worthy' of Mr Rahman. I
“My journey so far has been a blessing. AR Rahman really showed me how to blend the flows and raps with the norms of film industry. Also I have rapped for Rajnikanth Sir’s movies for the last 13 years, I finally got to meet on May 4. It was surreal! He even gave me his blessings (smiles)”
rushed on stage and the lead guitarist, Joel Shearer, threw me a pen and a piece of paper and I started to rap out a really trippy triple time triple syllable flow, before the song reached the background music interlude! That Rap made it onto the rest of the shows and that was a 'wow' moment for me. Also I remember the guitarist exclaiming, 'That's badass!' How international are Indian musicians today? What do you think the future will be like for us? The world is so small these days and we have the added advantage of a deep musical heritage in our blood. So as we explore and collaborate, the future could be real melodious. JUNE 2016 RITZ
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Favourite lyrics? From 2PAC - Me against the world: They punish the people that's askin questions And those that possess, steal from the ones without possessions The message I stress: to make it stop study your lessons Don't settle for less - even a genius asks-es questions
- it's called Asian Underground Music - South Asian Invasion. It includes Kingsouth Krishan, Paul J, Scratchmaster Kave and me. The first two singles are ready for the mix.
The social issue closest to your heart. Blindness. I even made a short film about a blind gentleman in Bengaluru called Braille Babu which showcases Some words for aspiring musicians... his work. I also feel strongly about child Always keep it real and express labour - I witness it everywhere, yourself. Do what really makes you everyday and it's getting worse. I happy and enjoy the journey. The think awareness is the key and action struggle always gives rise to the must follow. My family tries to do hustle. its bit. For the last 10 years now we Abroad it is norm core for rappers to have celebrated my son’s birthday at an orphanage for girls in the city. The use profane language. Honey Singh has also been criticised for his vulgar only way we can empower children is lyrics although his songs had a great through education. following. Would you say that South You have worked with some of the Indian rappers are a little tame for biggest names in the Indian music profanity? Many seem to want to industry today. Tell us about some of deliver social messages. your experiences. Nah. I've heard some real gangsta My journey so far has been a blessing. talk here too (laughs). I think the AR Rahman really showed me how platform determines what we put to blend the flows and raps with the out. I've been real angry and had norms of the film industry. He taught explicit lyrics in some of my rhymes, me to view songs from the director's but when it's time to spread music point of view. and spread a song, it's always better Amitabh Bhachchan, or Uncle B as to do it with positivity rather than I call him, was also fun to work with hate. My mantra is: If it's real, it's required. and train when he had to portray a rapper in the song BnB from Bunty Not just for the sake of it. Aur Babli. Ilayaraja had some cool insights into every word and phrase Your unique voice, we feel, is one of that I rapped and its metering. your greatest pluses. What do you Kamal Haasan knew all the right feel are your strengths? My passion for writing songs, love for words for the Unnaipol Oruvan song and allowed me to do my own thing. syllables, exposure to world music, Also I have rapped for Rajinikanth family, and commitment to work. Sir’s movies for the last 13 years, I finally got to meet him on May 4. It Present and future projects. I have just completed a collaboration was surreal! He even gave me his blessings (smiles) with Veena maestro Rajesh Vaidya and Paul Jacob on the first Sanskrit Rap – the Syamala Dandakam. It's my Who would your dream music 'present' and my 'future' project. The collaboration be with and why? My music teacher, Mr Teiron Jonesv, music will be available soon through from Kitana Primary School. He doopaadoo.com. introduced me to the world of music Also we've just formed the first and now I'm swimming in it. Rap Act from India and Sri Lanka
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Blazer: His Studio Photographer: Sai Nikileshwar
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Punk And A Class Apart
Happy, un-guarded and spunky - that’s the other side to the don’t-mess-with-me persona that Lady Kash dons. Her grit and free spirit have made her the poster girl for all that’s rad with women rappers in the industry. Having started out in music at a rather tender age, this punk-rock looking celeb has evolved and is set to restart working on her originals after a break. A couple of collaborations later and all the more musically wiser, Lady Kash talks to RITZ about what truly makes her, her!
How did Kalaivani Nagaraj become Lady Kash? I always wanted a stage name that would establish a fine line between my professional and personal life. It was something that I had meditated upon and one night I received my stage name in a dream, where I was being presented with an award. I took that as a sign and went ahead with Lady Kash. Would you say that South Indian rappers are a little tame for profanity, which is norm core abroad? Many seem to want to deliver social messages. Are you open to trying a sexy, fun rap number without a social message? Well, it really boils down to every artist as an individual and their take on it. As for me, I try not to use vulgarity in my songs. I am open to all sorts of styles of songs, so long as it connects with me.
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Hip hop and rap are from the West. How far have you had to Indianise your music to suit our audiences? I do make a conscious effort to at least have a tinge of my culture as a SingaporeanIndian in all my music. However, the song decides its treatment, hence I let what comes to me naturally translate into my songs. Who are your favourite artists internationally and why? And what do you think defines a great musician? Some names off the top of my head would be... Pharrell Williams, AR Rahman, Jessie J, Ryan Leslie. In my opinion, a great musician is someone who keeps it real, no matter what and puts out art sincerely, not just for the sake of popularity or fame. It is also one who would not step over others just to get where he/she wants. How important are drama, awe and a carefully cultivated persona to the overall success of pop culture artists? What is your unique image? Well unfortunately, people are very drawn to the drama going on in the lives of artists, although that's really not what should be of importance. Having said that, I can't deny that drama does sell in the industry. I hope that ends. People should focus on our art, more than our personal lives. We're all human at the end of the day. What makes me unique is just the fact that I stay who I am. I am not trying to be anyone else and am evolving every day. The same applies to my fashion sense. I'm more about style and comfort. It's important to look good when you are a public figure but that only really comes when you feel good and shine from within! That's what matters to me. How important do you feel is writing your own lyrics and making your own music? Also tell us about your favourite quotable lyrics. I love writing my own lyrics. I think it is a beautiful thing to be able to write your own lyrics as you can express yourself extensively. But at the same time, sometimes life just gets you and there are points where you can't express yourself. I am open to working with songwriters for my songs. I think an exchange of creative energy is awesome. My favourite lyrics are
“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.” Bob Marley “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints; the sinners are much more fun.” - Billy Joel Have you ever faced gender bias as a musician? Have you ever been asked to dress a certain way, sing a certain kind of song etc. just because you are a woman. How have you dealt with it? Too many times, unfortunately. I cannot stand stereotypes. I stand to break them and stand by equality.
global, taking it further than I have done today. There is a long way to go and this is just the beginning. In all my music, I want to cherish my identity of being an Indian girl, even if it is just a tinge at the end of the day. How international are Indian musicians today? What do you think the future will be like for us? We have so many musicians and artists of Indian origin. It's a wonderful thing. I'm sure we're all going to make some real noise in the planet in the time to come… soon! (smiles) What is your biggest plus as a musician? I get to meet all sorts of souls from all around the world. Who would your dream music collaboration be with and why? I'd love to work with Pharrell Williams. Just his energy… I don't know… (smiles) I just connect with his work a lot.
“Drama does sell in the industry. I hope that ends. People should focus on our art, more than our personal lives”
Present and future projects. I have completed a couple of international collaborations with artists from Switzerland, Malaysia and India and they are set to release this year. Apart from that, I am also working on my originals, after a good break. The social issue closest to your heart. Inequality in the world. Lack of clean water and education. Climate change. Some words on the issue of child labour? It's got to end. Every child deserves the right to a good start - exposure to education and that too, on a holistic level. Every child has something special to offer our world and it is heart breaking to see them suffer through child labour and most of their cries go unheard. It's a personal dream of mine to provide education for a child in the future when I am financially stable and more able to help.
So that's what I do. I just refuse to give in, even if it takes away a project or an opportunity. Sometimes, you just have to make sacrifices for a bigger vision. It will be worth it in the end, I believe. Where do you see yourself in the music industry 10 years from now? Do you want to make a mark internationally? I am working towards taking my music
Some compliments you have received for your music. Well, the biggest compliment would be AR Rahman sir telling me that “Tamil girls should rock the world too.” That, to me would be the most moving words I could have heard from someone as inspirational as him. It showed me that he had immense faith in me and that my vision is something he looks forward to. JUNE 2016 RITZ
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The Making Of A Hip-Hopper The name rings synonymous with Tamil Hip Hop and for those who grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s his Maadi Thirantu ruled the airways making him a household name. Yogi B has come a long way since pioneering the Tamil Hip Hop scene and even to this day his songs are ‘still dope’. Maybe it is his pottu or maybe it’s just the name that gives you this deeply spiritual vibe, but the man is disarmingly young at heart, calls his mother amma and is an out and out role model for young hiphoppers. Yogi B allows RITZ a look-see inside his world. How did Yogeswaran Veerasingam become Yogi B? I was 14 when I wanted to become a rapper. My genre’s precedent to becoming an ‘emcee’ is a moniker and I chose ‘Yogi B’. This was because I was very taken up with Hinduism in my teens and wanted to be a Yogi, thus Yogi B was the logical conclusion.
Abroad it is norm core for rappers to use profane language. Would you say that South Indian rappers are a little tame for profanity? And how about you? Profanity in hip-hop lyrics were used to musically express the harsh realities of African American life. Contextually, these words in rap extruded profound emotions rather than mundane vulgarity. For us Asians however, it would be asinine to emulate American lifestyles. I consciously made an effort not to blatantly curse in my songs. I’m very glad that South Indian rappers have shunned profanity; I feel it is also as a sign of respect to the dignity of classical languages. I have produced many tracks that are just plain ‘sexy and fun’. Hip-hop is all about real life, so it has to be fun to stay positive.. How far have you had to Indianise your music to suit our audiences? I have always infused Asian elements in to the lyrical ideology and the musical sound of my albums, English and Tamil. When Vallavan from ‘Yogi B & Natchatra’ came out, it defined the Tamil hip-hop genre. My upcoming album, Manthrahood has a lot of South Indian instruments, which has been a long time ambition.
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Who are your favourite artists internationally? And what do you think defines a great musician? I have a long list (smiles). Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Beatles, Earth, Wind & Fire, Dr Dre, Naughty by Nature, NWA, Wu Tang, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Mobb Deep, The Prodigy, Babyface, Boyz II Men, Run DMC, Redman, Teddy Riley, Blackstreet, Timbaland, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Bob Marley,. My Indian faves are of course the legendary trinity of South India; MSV, Ilayaraja and AR Rahman. Great musicians are humble souls who have astounding artistry and admirable ideology in sound character.
“I have been told for the longest time that my santhana pottu is my signature look but in truth for me it is what my Amma always taught me to do, pray. My fashion sense gravitates towards anything that is urbane, suave”
How important are drama, awe and a carefully cultivated persona to the overall success of pop culture artists? What is your unique look? Drama and awe are purely celebrity marketing tactics for Pop artists, which are necessary to be on the media radar of and grow brand equity. Persona coupled with exceptional talent and business finesse is what will keep you alive in this industry. I have been told for the longest time that my santhana pottu is my signature look but in truth for me it is what my Amma always taught me to do, pray. My fashion sense gravitates towards anything that is urbane and suave. How important do you feel is writing your own lyrics and making your own music? Also tell us about your favourite quotable lyrics Penning your own rhymes on your own tracks is obligatory for a bonafide hip-hop artist but producing your music isn’t. On that note, my favourite quotable lyric is by Sting from the song ‘Russians’: How can I save my little boy From Oppenheimer's deadly toy? There is no monopoly on common sense On either side of the political fence We share the same biology Regardless of ideology Believe me when I say to you I hope the Russians love their children too Do you feel it is easier for women to get famous quicker as musicians, while men have to try really hard? No. The competition for women are not men, but other women.
Where do you see yourself in the music industry 10 years from now? Do you want to make a mark internationally? In 10 years I see myself with voluminous songs with mad music videos from a successful career, financially and artistically. I am blessed to have already made a mark on the global Tamil diaspora. How international are Indian musicians today? What do you think the future will be like for us? I think we are still not truly international because Indian artists don’t have a significant fan base outside their ethnicity. ARR however is the golden benchmark for all of us Indian artists. What is your biggest plus as a musician? My edge I think would be that I produce my own music, my voice, my rhymes and my message. Who would your dream music collaboration be with and why? My dream collaboration would be with SPB sir again on an original Tamil funk-soul track because he is a living legend in music. Present and future projects. For the past 3 years I have been slaving on my follow up album to Vallavan. It is titled ‘Manthrahood’ by ‘Yogi B & Natchatra’ (Dr Burn & I). And then music for movies, music documentaries and other artists under my record label, Boombox Records. The social issue closest to your heart. The rot of mankind as a species, due to corrupt politicians, eventually leading to war. Some words on the menace of child labour. Developed countries must place precedence of children welfare above all else. I come from a middle-income family. My Appa had a stroke at a very young age but he worked till his last years and my Amma sacrificed daily to provide us with everything from education to food on the table. I have come to realise that countless children have it much worse than I, as such I have assisted numerous organisations that give these kids a decent chance in life. Some compliments you have received for your music. ‘Your music was my college life anthem’ ‘This is Tamil hip-hop, everything else is a
pathetic copy’‘ Even my grandparents like your songs’ ‘I started rapping because of you, Anna’ How come so many Tamil rappers are from Singapore-Malaysia? Do you guys get along well and meet up? I was the founding member and the principal music producer of a Hip Hop group called Poetic Ammo. Our first album, entitled It's a Nice Day to be Alive, was released in 1997 and was a breakthrough in the Hip Hop scene in Malaysia. The song Vallavan was part of this album. And thus the Tamil hip hop scene was born. In 2007, my album
Vallavan in collaboration with Natchatra, a duo comprising of Dr Burn and Emcee went viral. This gave a new lease of life to the Tamil hip-hop scene in Malaysia, thus mushrooming a legion of rappers into exploring with this art form. Tamil rappers seem to dress similarly. Is that a very Western influence? Both rap and its associated urban apparel are from the west so not only Tamil rappers but all rappers globally follow the fashion of their hip-hop idols in the states. The same implies to rockers. JUNE 2016 RITZ
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TRENDING NOW Wardrobe Courtesy: Gatsby Photographer: Mobin Kurien
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The Impassioned Dame She is the girl next door, the one with the carefree smile, the sprightly step, dark kohl-rimmed eyes and the ever-changing hairdo. A hijab-covered Sofia Ashraf released her first rap, the catchy ‘Don’t work for Dow’ jam when she was just 20. Since then she has put up a remarkable fight against Unilever, recorded a couple of Bollywood and Kollywood songs for music maestro Rahman and has a long list of causes she would like to champion. Her lyrics are raw, the message is hard-hitting; It is the real deal! This live wire ‘rebel’ dressed for our shoot in wardrobe from Gatsby, opens up to RITZ about her understanding of and inspiration from the movement and the culture that is Hip Hop.
You rapped about the mercury poisoning in Kodai by Unilever. Commendable effort. How much has changed on the ground after the song? Did you receive requests/threats not to take on big corporations through your music? Thank you. I have been wrongly painted as the sole crusader against Unilever in the struggle for reparations. The Unilever battle is a 14-year long struggle. I only got involved recently when I was asked to write a song and appeared in a music video in some really mismatched clothes. The people fighting the real fight are Chennai Solidarity Group and Other Media. On March 9th, 2016, as a result of that song, 591 ex-factory workers were compensated by HUL. This was a huge win for us. Of course, it is just half the battle won,
as we are still fighting for a stringent cleanup for the site. I have not received threats for taking on HUL. Ironically, the only death threats or harsh verbal bashing I have received was for a response video I had made to the sexist song Clubbule Mubbule. But then again, I never take trolls seriously. Of course, my mom worries when I take on big names. But she’s a mom. She will worry if I go against a corporation or come home late for dinner. That’s what moms do! Abroad it is norm core for rappers to use profane language. Would you say that South Indian rappers are a little tame for profanity? Many seem to want to deliver social messages. Are you open to trying a sexy, fun rap number without a social message? Yes, as an industry, there is the unfortunate presumption that chauvinism and sex alone sells in rap. Even Honey Singh started off rapping about Bhagat Singh, but had to turn to misogyny to get accepted. Rap, in its essence, is rooted in revolution and strife. To me it has always been a cathartic release. That is why rap has so much profanity; because it is a medium of passion. Some people show their passion and aggression through foul language. Being a writer, I prefer to go with word play. That’s just a personal choice. I definitely don’t believe that every song has to have a message. I am actually quite a comical character and have done a number of spoof songs. Hip hop and rap are from the West. How far have you had to Indianise your music to suit our audiences? It’s great to see rap gain popularity in our country. But, it’s silly to see that Indians have also adopted the sub-culture of rap. I find it funny when I hear a rapper talk in ghetto slang. This, to me, is cultural appropriation at its worst. I don’t take any special effort to Indianise my music. But I always pay attention to “Sofie”fying my songs. Who are your favourite artists internationally and why? And what do you think defines a great musician? I absolutely love MIA. She is unabashedly "local" in the way she slathers on Tamil beats and melodies into her songs. A great musician knows that there are stories only
they can tell and sounds that only they can make through their music. How important are drama, awe and a carefully cultivated persona to the overall success of pop culture artists? What is your unique image? Tell us about your fashion sense and how important it is for female musicians to look good. As someone who has worked in advertising, I am aware of the importance of packaging a product. I have never drawn the distinction between a female or male musician and prefer to keep gender out of it. So, as a musician, ‘Looking Good’ is not as important as standing out or having your own identity. I have always been a rebel. Combine that with my love for art and what you have is a homegrown style that is an amalgam of punk rock meets DIY.
“Ironically, the only death threats or harsh verbal bashing I have received was for a response video I had made to the sexist song Clubbule Mubbule. But then again, I never take trolls seriously”
How important do you feel is writing your own lyrics and making your own music? Also tell us about your favourite quotable lyrics Lyrics are all we have. Take that away and we are a hollow husk of drum and bass. To a rapper, words are a lover he cradles and coaxes into purring out a melody in his throat. My favourite lyrics are my own: “I've danced with sinners and sung with saints and found their tunes to be the same” Have you ever faced gender bias as a musician? Have you ever been asked to dress a certain way, sing a certain kind of song? How have you dealt with it? Yes. I deal with it by not paying it any heed. Enough said. Tell us about the impact your music has
had socially. How much has changed with respect to the issues concerned that you have highlighted? Kodaikanal Won’t, awakened the world to HUL’s toxic legacy. But the biggest impact it had was that it gave faith to the social work community that our campaigns do work. Art has great power. But art alone cannot change the world. I can write an intensely moving song about poverty. What now? Have I cured the food crisis? Music with a message is great. But music with an actionable outcome is better. Where do you see yourself in the music industry 10 years from now? Probably not even in it! Haha. I am a content creator first. Music was just one medium I used to tell a story. My next foray might be comedy, art, theatre or even cinema. I go wherever my art takes me. Present and future projects. I just released a song about the TN elections. I am currently working on a campaign to deliver justice to the victims of the Bhopal Gas Disaster of 1984. I will soon be releasing a more prolific yet fun sequel to the Kodaikanal issue, regarding the clean-up. I am also working on a spoken word piece about domestic abuse. I have a few pieces coming up about gender issues and the identity of the modern Indian women. But, what I’m most excited about are my comic sketches and spoof songs; an avatar of mine that those close to me know very well, but not the rest of the world. The social issue closes to your heart. Moral policing, patriarchy and identity. Some words on the menace of child labour. I volunteer at a school for alternative education next to a forest. It is called the Cuckoo Movement and I truly believe in the philosophy that we need to leave behind a better world for our children and better children for our world. Through alternative education, I think we can solve both problems. Some compliments you have received for your music. I personally believe I have a long way to go to evolve as a musician. But, after Kodaikanal Won’t, an ex-worker called me and told me 591 families are indebted to me. That is the best compliment I have ever got! JUNE 2016 RITZ
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TRENDING NOW
Mixing Up That Jam Fourteen years ago, a young hip hop 'artist' of 18 years made his way around Kuala Lumpur performing at local underground rap battles. Today he walks tall, flaunting his signature nose ring bling and being known as one of the most commercially successful Tamil Hip Hop artists in the industry. Not having shied away from the sheen of mainstream Kollywood music, Kavithai Gundar Emcee Jesz' tracks exude the filmy charm that we all love. Emcee Jesz peppers his conversation with RITZ with brutal honesty and opens up about friendships and the unique position he holds in the industry. Describe the evolution of your stage name. My stage name is a play on my actual name Sujesh. I took the 'Jesh' out of Sujesh and changed it to Jesz. The word emcee refers to a rapper and that's how I became Emcee Jesz. Of late I have come to be better known as Kavithai Gundar, which translates to lyrical gangster, after the success of my independent album Kavithai Gundar. Abroad it is norm core for rappers to use profane language. Would you say that South Indian rappers are a little tame for profanity? Many seem to want to deliver social messages. Are you open to trying a sexy, fun rap number without a social message? Tamil is a powerful language and I think most Tamil rappers around the world respect the language too much to add profanity to their songs. I prefer not to use profanity because I really don't feel the need for it. But, I do have a couple of tracks which contain highly explicit content. Most of my music is mainstream, commercial and radio friendly. Hip hop and rap are from the West. How far have you had to Indianise your music to suit our audiences? Hip Hop is a culture in itself and to Indianise it means to take away from its core essence. Tamil Hip Hop is an amalgamation of Tamil poetry and this subculture and I think it takes a lot of skill to stay true to the root art form while making it your own.
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Who are your favourite artists internationally and why? And what do you think defines a great musician? A couple of my favourites are Notorious B.I.G., Dr Dre, Tupac Shakur, Bone ThugsN-Harmony and Ja Rule. Despite the fact that most of them have questionable side businesses, (laughs) they were brilliant in putting together chartbusters that are still remembered. For me, a great musician is someone who is real and doesn't fake a persona. I have been influenced by these rappers to a great extent. I am a big fan of AR Rahman as well. There is a magical quality to his music. He has inspired me to see the larger picture when it comes to music and not confine myself to being a
rapper. I think that is why all my music has commercial value too. How important are drama, awe and a carefully cultivated persona to the overall success of pop culture artists? What is your unique image? Drama is what gets us the publicity. It is pretty much just how we package this persona that we don and promote it among fans. My unique image is my ‘KG’ (Kavithai Gundar) brand and also my looks. I am the only Tamil rap artist who sports a mukuthi (nose ring) and has long hair. As for fashion, I am not very swayed by trends. You will probably find me waltzing into any showroom and picking up stuff that I think suits me and defines my KG image! How important do you feel is writing your own lyrics and making your own music? Also tell us about your favourite quotable lyrics. I write most of my lyrics. I believe that I can better deliver a message on my own rather than depend on a lyricist. Lyrics are all we have to tell our story. My favourite lyrics or if I could call it a ‘punch quote’ is “Neriki Sei”, which means do it right. Where do you see yourself in the music industry 10 years from now? Do you want to make a mark internationally? I think I have already managed my acclaim to international fame about 10 years ago. Another 10 years from now I will be at a stronger vantage point in the
Tamil Hip Hop industry. There is lot that I as part of the Tamil music industry can deliver. I hope to inspire people through my music. What is your biggest plus as a musician? My biggest plus as a musician is that I can make my own hits, while working on other projects in Kollywood. Also as a musician I have the freedom to turn producer for other rappers. Present and future projects. I signed on to be the protagonist in a Tamil film called Chennai to Singapore. The movie is being directed by Abbas Akhbar and is set to release this month. Beside the movie, I am working on an album that is up for release this year, but I'd like to keep it all hush hush for now. (smiles) The social issue closes to your heart. Gender equality and climate change. Some words on child labour. I think governments should be more
stringent in their action against those employing child labourers. I look forward to helping as many children as I can by educating them and giving them a safe place to stay. I would like to make a song about it too. Some compliments you have received for your music. I won an award for most popular artist of the year in 2009, at an award show by the #1 Tamil radio station in Malaysia THR Raaga. I think the award was a compliment in itself.
“Tamil is a powerful language and I think most Tamil rappers around the world respect the language too much to add profanity to their songs. I prefer not to use profanity because I really don't feel the
How come so many Tamil rappers are from Malaysia? Do you guys get along well and meet up? Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur, is the motherland of Tamil Hip Hop. The Tamil Hip Hop revolution started here and now it has made its way into the music industry. There are new faces that keep emerging all the time. I think all the rappers here at KL are pretty tight. Most of the rappers here treat me as their big brother, which is a warm feeling, Tamil rappers seem to dress similarly. Is that a very Western influence? I personally don't think so. Hip Hop has become a fashion statement too. Honestly you don't find rappers dressing up like how artists used to or how people from the ghetto looked. Fashion trends and technology mount a lot of pressure on people to experiment with new looks on a day-to-day basis.
need for it.�
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The Sky
Kitchen It is a sultry Friday night but it is Chennai after all, humidity and frizzy hair comes with the territory. Twinkling city lights, the cool sea breeze, circling planes, a cold glass of your favourite drink and your besties can transform an ordinary night into something spectacular. RITZ takes a breather at Hilton’s rooftop bar and grill, Q-Bar Text: Rebecca Vargese
‘This is one ‘Q’ that you won’t mind waiting at,’ we are told, as we make our way past the bar counter, DJ system and sink into the rather large lounge sofas. As international as Hilton is, Q-bar prides itself in catering to the local palates. “Our menu is carefully curated, picking out local favourites and recreating the dish with our unique distinctive touch,” says Achal Aggarwal, Executive Chef. Q-bar aims at providing and promoting colloquial flavour to a diverse audience that includes both city folk and expatriates. The food menu is generously peppered with local favourites – Chicken 65, Naan, Podi Idli, Milagai Bajji, Chicken Shawrma etc – all dishes preceded by the letter ‘Q’. “These are our signature specialities presented with a Q twist,” chef Aggarwal smiles. If you’ve had a long week and need an incentive to loosen up, try the Long Q cocktails and you are hit with a rather generous tall glassful of the drink of your choice. This house speciality is a double dose of your drink - be it the Long Island Iced tea, or a Classic Daiquiri. The grill section offers diners some of the finest choices of meats – both imported and local, sea food and even vegetarian options. Alongside the set grill menu, diners can
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also customize their grill to be a mixture of meats, seafood and the veggies. “We’ve noticed that the ‘mix and match’ option is a crowd favourite. People seem to love their pork chops, lobster, baby octopus and
Photographer : Gurunath Prabu
FOODIES INC.
CHENNAI
even their cottage cheese and tofu,” says F&B manager Devendra Kushwaha. He also lets us in on a little less known fact, “Q-bar encourages you to try your hand at the grill.” For the adventurous cooks Q-bar sets up a personal grill outside your cabana, however, cooking is kept under supervision. While this Al-Fresco bar has its regulars, for the uninitiated, the bar also has a Sundowners cusine which opens at 3.30 pm. The menu is designed as a ‘thirst quencher’ which has a diverse choice of coolers and smoothies. “Guests can either detox or retox based on their preference,” laughs Kushwaha. As we munch away at the Q-specialities, chef Aggarwal reminds us that the Sundowners menu is modified constantly
and cool salads and some scrumptious finger foods are on the menu for June. Beside the appetising menu, we love their style of service – drinks served in a fish bowl as you watch the sun set. Despite its laidback and personal ambience, Q-bar is the one of the hippest night spots in town and hosts boutique events, bachelorettes and other parties. “We’ve had almost 830 people at Q-bar on a single night and these parties pack a punch,” says Kushwaha. As tempting as the offer sounds, for tonight we prefer the cozy cabana, Q-bar’s intimate setting and our own heart-to-heart. Address: Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Guindy, Chennai Phone:+91 44 2225 5555 JUNE 2016 RITZ
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