SOUTH INDIA’S PREMIER UBER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
APRIL 2017 VOL 13 ISSUE 09
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YOUR BODY, MY WAY Top nutritionists tell you if you are eating right
PRESENTS
R ITZ
YOUNG
T U RKS
Young & Entrepreneur ial businessmen T HI RUK UM AR A N ROOPK UM AR , ARU N PR A SA N T H and SARV ESH SH A SHI set the trend for millennials
EXCITING INTERVIEWS, RESTAURANT REVIEWS, FASHION TRENDS, BEAUTY NEWS AND LOTS MORE!
SOUTH INDIA’S PREMIER UBER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
APRIL 2017 VOL 13 ISSUE 09
`100
THE ART OF GIVING
YOUR BODY, MY WAY To p n u t r i t i o n i s t s tell you if you are eating right
Hyd e raba d 's most well know n ph il a nthr op ist PI N K Y R EDDY on he r l ife , pa ss ions a nd ca uses cl ose to he r hea r t
EXCITING INTERVIEWS, RESTAURANT REVIEWS, FASHION TRENDS, BEAUTY NEWS AND LOTS MORE!
Every VBJ creation is much more than a beautiful piece of jewellery. Countless hours of craftsmanship and adherence to the highest of quality standards make each VBJ masterpiece a timeless heirloom. Mark a precious beginning this Akshaya Tritiya, with VBJ.
RITZ My view I present the April 2017 edition of RITZ to you with the great pride and satisfaction of having put together South India's most definitive lifestyle compilation of the successful, the young, the influential and the aspirational. My satisfaction is even greater at this moment, because more than an month after it was hosted, we are still getting heartfelt compliments from people for the success of our annual Audi RITZ Style Awards with renowned German carmaker Audi. I would like to thank the entire team at Jubilant Motors and Audi India for their steadfast support to RITZ over all these years. Now let me tell you why our April edition is special. Ducati - VST and RITZ are proud to present 3 of Chennai's dashing and successful Young Turks in business. Our endeavour is to showcase the state's emerging talent and our young entrepreneurs in a stylish new light. And who better to embody the spirit of youth and enterprise than one of the greatest and most stylish brands in the world and the best lifestyle magazine in South India! Ducati - VST and RITZ did a similar feature in Bengaluru which culminated in a stylish and trendsetting evening of celebration. I am therefore very happy that our association has extended to include Chennai now. Don't miss our exclusive with the charming Pinky Reddy, Hyderabad's veritable brand ambassador. She is a super woman who has managed to strike the perfect balance between her businesses, parties, jet-setting lifestyle and jaw-dropping associations that make national news and her philanthropic work which is moving and sustained. Though a lot less flashy and vocal about our successes, South Indians are just as inspiring as our counterparts in the North. At RITZ, we aim to make South India the lifestyle hotspot of the subcontinent and I believe if we can all attempt it together, it is possible! On that note, I am enjoying a super summer, because, despite the sweltering heat, this is my favourite time of the year! Happy Summer! ARUNA R KRISHNAN
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RITZ April 2017
RITZ Inside
ISSUE 09 | VOL 13 | April 2017
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20 10 Buzzin
Interesting events of the month gone by, at a glance
24 RSVP
The annual Audi RITZ Style Awards glittered with Bollywood and South Indian celebs and business A-listers
42 Beauty
Shielding your skin from the sun, the benefits of turmeric and more practical tips to protect your skin this summer
46 Personality
Ducati Presents Chennai’s Young Turks - 3 strapping young businessmen talk to us about their career and setting trends for other millennials Philanthropist Pinky Reddy on the art of giving
66 Spotlight
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Nutritionists and nutriprenuers from Bengaluru and Hyderabad talk about our diet Check out a tastefully done up Hyderabad home in our pages this month Photographer Chandraprakash on presenting interesting vignettes of life through his lens
84 Wanderlust
4 entrepreneurs tell us how they have changed the concept of holidaying as we know it
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RITZ April 2017
RITZ Inside
ISSUE 09 | VOL 13 | April 2017
88 90 Trending Now
What do you pair your luxury spirits with? South Indian? Punjabi? Or Eastern European? Prepare to be spoilt for choice Yoga practitioner Nuthan Manohar on understanding your body type and exercising right to stay cool
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98 Fashion
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‘Hot’ Fashion from Kochi for the summer Our ecommerce fashion portal That1too.com presents interesting looks for the summer
104 Corridors of Power
In his trademark style, star columnist and advocate Sanjay Pinto talks about the achievements of Dr B Chandra Mohan IAS, Revenue Secretary Tamilnadu
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106 Point Blank
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Sanjay Pinto makes a valid point about why people should not hesitate to open up and seek help for their depression
108 Food
Acclaimed columnist Minnie Menon is charmed by the new Aavartana restaurant at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai Tokyo Bay restaurant in Kochi scores high on service.
Edited and Published by Aruna R Krishnan from 7th Floor, Sigma Wing, Raheja Towers, 177 Anna Salai, Chennai 600002. Printed by B Ashok Kumar of Rathna Offset Printers at 40, Peters Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600 014 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. RITZ is not responsible for unsolicited material. RITZ assumes no responsibility for the veracity and authenticity of the advertisements published herein. Readers are requested to make appropriate enquiries before incurring any expenses or acting on medical recommendations or otherwise in relation to any advertisement or article published herein. Also views in articles published herein are those of the respective authors only. RITZ does not necessarily subscribe to these views.
All correspondence should be addressed to: RITZ, 7th Floor, Sigma Wing, Raheja Towers, 177, Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002. Contact: 4211 3871 / 2. Email: admin@ritzmagazine.in
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RITZ buzz in'
CHENNAI
GIVING DESI CHIC A CONTEMPORARY T WIST
S
avvy Chennai designer Richa Kapoor is out with her latest collections from her brands Jai Maa and Eagle Fashions that will make heads turn. Her style is eclectic ranging from the classic to bohemian chic with the desired sensual appeal. She sees her creations as feminine, free, comfortable and charismatic. She creates timeless collections that come with an attitude, yet are free spirited, with an earthy touch. Her range seamlessly blends the old with the new, trendy with the classic, with fascinating cuts, ruffles and intriguing layers. Her ensemble is often said to be
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inspired by nature with cottons, cotton tussar and hand-woven fabric. She creates intricate handwork in her designs, with rich antique pita and ethnic thread, giving her creations a rich and classic feel with hints of boho and retro-chic built in. She has participated in many fashion weeks and her latest collection for the fashion week in London, stands apart for its traditional Indian hand embroideries on hand-woven fabrics to infuse Indian sensibilities with international classic silhouettes Richa Kapoor retails out of Srikrishna Leela Apts, R A Puram, Chennai and can be reached on +91 98840 43206 and richakapoor88@gmail.com
india.ducati.com
New Ducati 959 Panigale. The perfect balance. 955 cc Superquadro I Monocoque Frame I Slipper Clutch I Riding Modes I Traction Control Engine Braking Control I Quick Shift I Steering Damper I Brembo Monobloc Brakes Big Piston Fork I Bosch ABS Prices start from ₹ 14,21,328* Ex Showroom Bengaluru Ducati VST #114B-D, Level 1, UB City Mall, Bengaluru, Karnataka - 560001 Phone: +91 80409 93131, +91 72598 36655 © All rights reserved. Ducati® sheild, Ducati® logotype and Ducati® trademarks are all registered properties of Ducati Motor Holding S.P.A. Italy. *Prices indicated are Ex-Showroom Bengaluru. Ex-Showroom price excludes road taxes, etc. and may also vary due to different taxation rates at different showrooms. Ask your local dealer for specific Ex-Showroom and On-Road prices. Accessories or options shown in this advertisement may not be part of the basic model. All prices and specifications are not binding and subject to change without prior notice and Ducati India Private Limited reserves the right to modify prices and / or specifications at its discretion.
RITZ buzz in'
BENGALURU
NOUVELLE CUISINE
As clichéd as it might sound, and by her own admission, Chef Shazia Khan says that she has a love affair with food. The MasterChef runner up and celebrity chef demystified the art of nouvelle cuisine in Bengaluru. She demonstrated the benefits of using innovative kitchen tools for creating culinary masterpieces and highlighted the importance of fresh local produce and quality ingredients. The event hosted by TTK Prestige, conceptualised a fusion menu with Chef Shazia demonstrating easy yet delicious dishes like dukkah crusted paneer with creamy beetroot, the brinjal affair, grilled figs with almond crumble and vanilla mousse, chilly mutton sliders, Cuban chicken skewers and specially concocted grape juice puchka shots. We hear that Shazia who is the daughter-in-law of Rahman Khan, a member of parliament is soon starting a culinary school. At the event she used a range of innovative gadgets and tools for the demo with emphasis on modern Indian cooking.
WOW-WONDERS OF WOMEN
IN TRUE IRISH SPIRITS!
It was an evening of celebration of the lighter moments of life! His Excellency Brian McElduff, Ambassador of Ireland in India and Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Honorary Consul General of Ireland, Karnataka welcomed guests at the Prince of Wales Lawns, Taj West End for an evening of revelry under the starlit sky. Guests from the world of business, arts, sports were seeing sipping on some Irish ale along with Irish expats for the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday night. St. Patrick’s Day occurs annually on March 17 in observance of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. What began as a religious feast day in the 17th century has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe celebrating Irish culture. Guests stood in attention as the Indian and Irish National anthem were played, followed by cake cutting and live music by the Fernandes Fusion music band. Everyone stuck to the dress code for the evening, which was green. There was a lavish spread of Indian and Irish cuisine.
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Strength to conquer weakness, toughness to overcome softness, and finer qualities to overcome smoother edges, that’s what a fine March evening brought to the city of Bengaluru, as 12 inspiring women sashayed with complete confidence down the ramp, each opening up and correlating to the audience their own nerve-wracking story of their lives and their achievements. These unsung ladies were felicitated at a gala event organised by Sabrina Dutta and Snigdha Kemkar. It’s not easy for one to reveal their own story in front of audience, but this was done so fearlessly and with aplomb as the audience held on to every word. The evening wore on with beautiful stalls, alongside live music. Spotted talking at the show was top cop BNS Reddy, Danish and Yasmin Sait, Lemuel Herbert, Dr. Sita Bhateja, Pooja and others.
RITZ buzz in'
HYDERABAD
WA L K F O R A C A U S E
T
each For Change, a non-governmental organisation, which helps government school students by providing them better training through its volunteer network, hosted its annual fundraiser at The Taj Falaknuma Palace in March. The event was hosted by the NGO’s CEO, Chaitanya MRSK, and was held at the 101 Dining Table in support of the initiative. The evening showcased the works of fashion designers Raamz, who especially customised a collection for the men, while Divya Reddy saw women sashaying down the ramp in her creations. Their attires were completed by some stunning diamond pieces by Kirtilals Jewellers. Celebrities from across the country who walked in support of the cause were Rana Daggubati, Lakshmi Manchu, Regina Cassandra, Adah Sharma, Pragya Jaiswal, Shubra Aiyappa, Madhu Shalini, Tejaswi Madivada, Neha Shetty, Sandhya Raju, Harshvardhan Rane, Sudheer Babu, Navdeep, Ronak, Shuba Dharmana and Mr World Rohit Khandelwal. The chief guest of the evening was MP Renuka Chowdhury, and the guest of honour was actress Bipasha Basu who was the showstopper.
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RITZ buzz in'
KOCHI
SOUTH INDIAN STAR BHAVANA GETS ENGAGED
Actor Bhavana is all set to enter wedlock soon. She got engaged to her long time beau Kannada producer Naveen in an intimate and private function attended by close friends and family. The duo met during the making of the film Romeo. Although her wedding dates haven’t been finalised yet, the star states that she would make that announcement soon.
LULU HOSTED A FANTABULOUS FOURTH ANNIVERSARY BASH!
Lulu Mall celebrated its 4th anniversary bash this year at the Lulu Atrium, Kochi. The international brand hosted the Lulu Retail Awards 2017 as a part of the celebrations. The function also had sizzling performance by Gowry Lekshmi and Siddharth Menon. Mollywood star Tovino Thomas was the special guest of honour at the cake cutting ceremony!
THE NEW HONDA WR-V ZOOMS INTO KOCHI The WR-V is an all-new Sporty Lifestyle Vehicle based on Honda's globally successful Jazz platform. It features a sporty and sophisticated exterior design, high quality spacious interiors with advanced equipment, top of the class fuel efficiency, powerful performance and a full range of safety features. WR-V is the first model developed by Honda R&D India along with Honda R&D, Japan, to match the needs and aspirations of young Indian customers who are looking for status, comfort and have an active lifestyle. Janeswar Sen, Sr. Vice President, Honda Cars India Limited and Senthil Kumar Natrajan, Zonal Head South Region, Honda Cars India limited were also present during the Kochi launch.
THE SPECIAL SCREENING OF ‘BADRINATH KI DULHANIYA’!
A special screening of the Bollywood flick, 'Badrinath ki Dulhania' was hosted by Singapore Airlines and Silkair at the VIP Cinepolis in Kochi. The film starring Alia Bhat and Varun Dhawan is a romcom that has already raked in 200 crores at the box office! Alia plays the role of an air hostess with Silkair airlines.
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RITZ FASHION
CHENNAI
F A R F R O M T H E O R D I N A R Y Amethyst in Chennai is your go-to destination for summer fashion. We give you a sample of one of the brands retailed at the store this season.
I
f you're looking for something stylish to wear this season, then check out the new travel and everyday wear collection from Anomaly at Amethyst in Chennai. Explore ‘easy to wear’ separates that are versatile and streamlined in cuts that are appropriate for the current weather, easy and lightweight; styles that you can travel with and that can be worn throughout the day. This collection pairs stylish yet functional silhouettes; well-crafted pieces with a modern twist that can be worn by themselves or paired with an existing wardrobe, seamlessly transitioning from an important meeting to a relaxed day out. With summer in mind, the aesthetics for the collection are explored in fabrics such as cotton, handloom cotton and cotton linen, with particular focus on functional
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elements like detailing, piping, and contrast trims. Using superior finishing and construction techniques, the entire collection is crafted in 100% natural, sustainable fabrics that are breathable and easy to maintain. The collection underpins Anomaly’s philosophy. As the notion of work and leisure becomes synonymous in this day, this need is translated into classic, well-tailored and utilitarian dressing that easily transforms itself from day to evening. Reflecting the season’s palette in monotones of blue, beige and whites, the collection defines understated chic for the modern woman and man.
Shop at Amethyst, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai. Ph: +91 44 4599 1633
RITZ FASHION
CHENNAI
C O N Q U E R y o u r S t y l e Q U O T I E N T For fashionable separates of crop tops, jumpsuits and palazzos worn as is or paired chic with sarees and bomber jackets with appliqué work, head to Evoluzione store for Dev R Nil's latest collection, The Valley of Missing Flowers to be on cue fashion-wise this season. Text: PREETI GT
T
imeless pieces from renowned Kolkata designer Dev R Nil (Debarghya Bairagi and Navonil Das) continue to enthral fashionistas from the city with their brand new line that has been inspired from Bharat Sikka's presentation of the Kashmir Valley at Kochi Biennale. In keeping with their signature style of marrying contrasting elements the duo's Summer Resort line, that debuted at the Lakme Fashion Week 2017, explores the fragile nature of all things beautiful. Depicting the floral meadows of Kashmir are prints of fallen leaves and petals in sustainable textiles of woven fabrics, khadi, organic cotton along with organza and silk. What stands apart in this collection is the nimble interface created between soft feminine prints and contrasting military inspired styles like stripes. Connected to a state of mind that is contemporary are delicate floral and leafy prints that are seamlessly woven together with
geometric lines and cascading curves creating stunning textures and layers. The highlight of this collection is undoubtedly in the intricate thread-work (or its replica in print) that continue the theme and truly pop alongside stark metallic shines, creating maximum oomph for your red carpet glam look. "Our trademark has always been to explore and play effortlessly with drama in the form of optical illusions, much like our signature ripple effect prints," explains Navonil Das whose collection we have often seen on Bollywood divas Deepika Padukone and Sonakshi Sinha. The entire collection with over 150 pieces has been liked across generations. Adventurous for those who seek to experiment with looks whether ethnic, western or fun fusion with interesting pairings of sari with a crop top or jackets and capes with jumpsuits, skirts and palazzos. Lovers of flowy ethereal dresses will not be disappointed with their
range that features pieces in a light silk fabric, teasing necklines and a flirty train. Bound to score high amongst responsible fashionistas is the clever use of colour and patterns that are trans-seasonal making each creation timeless with an ageless feel of garments. Dive into the world of hues from ecru to somber greys, muted greens to dusty blues with a wonderful pop of red, lime greens and such. "Explore your panache with an aura of fun that is certain to enhance your beauty with our collection rather than simply being a walking brand," smiles Das. Taking a good four months from conceptualising to launching the full range, the passion to create an explosive line while choosing the perfect weaves, textures and colours to bring designs to life is evident as each of the pieces speak a story. Own trendy pieces right from 10,000 onwards that celebrate prêt upto 1.5 lakhs for light bridal wear featuring silk and organza with cutdana work and gorgeous tissue sarees.
DESIGNER NAVONIL DAS’S QUICK STYLE GUIDE FROM THE BRAND NEW LINE: Contact: Ph: +91 44 2833 3627 ON A FIRST DATE Chose something demure with a fun length like a quirky and well fitted shift dress in white with a spattering of blue, red and green in floral and leaf prints. Keep the FORMAL length poised at your knees EVENING BALL and show off your curves! If you want to go western,
you must chose a delicate flowy long dress in organza silk playing with its plunging necklines. Choose the black and silver textured and layered dress for some class combined with sparkle.
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DESTINATION WEDDING Indian separates are just what you need; pick a flowy skirt in metallic colours paired with a cape jacket draped to perfection. Or a ghaghra skirt in light fabric or print with a rich organza silk crop top or perhaps a solid silk angarakha suit if you please.
RED CARPET PARTY While you can never go wrong in a draped or layered long dress, those seeking adventure can pick a statement shimmering beige embroidered sharara paired with a sheer jacket of the same style worn with a bustier top - a definite showstopper of an outfit!
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A Ritzy evening like no other – THE AUDI RITZ STYLE AWARDS with NAC Jewellers and That1too.com Awards Instituted By
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T
he best of Chennai congregated at the elegant Feathers Hotel on Sunday, March 12, 2017 for the glittering and ultra glamHospitality AudiPartner RITZ Style Awards in association with Associate Partners NAC Jewellers and That1too.com. The Awardees were from a dazzling repertoire of genres from A-list film stars, Sivakarthikeyan, current Kollywood heartthrob Keerthy Suresh, Bollywood sensation Aditi Rao Hydari who plays the lead in the upcoming Maniratnam-directorial Kaatru Styling Partner Veliyidai, South India’s musical sensation Anirudh Ravichander who has taken Tamil music international, Catherine Tresa and beauty queen and actress Sobhita Dhulipala to Supercar enthusiast Manoj Lulla, Narayan Lakshman, Senior Deputy Editor of The Hindu, Dr Varun Acharya, V Balakrishnan IPS, DCP-Mylapore, Aditi Mammen Gupta, Mahesh Ramakrishnan of Whitcomb and Shaftesbury, Savile Row, young author Krishna Trilok, Anitha Sivakumar of Parambriym chain of
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restaurants and Siddharth Ganeriwala of Aura. The fashion show by NAC Jewellers and Amethyst which showcased exquisite diamond and bridal collections had the Experiential Partner women in the audience swooning. That1too.com, the in-house fashion portal of RITZ showcased summer collections which were for the young, trendy and restless in spirit. Suresh G Kumar, COO of Audi and N Anand of NAC Jewellers were on stage along with Aruna R Krishnan of RITZ Radio Partner to present Awards to winners along with advocate and media personality Sanjay Pinto, prolific columnist, jewellery designer and one of the most well-known people in the Chennai social circuit Minnie Menon, Madhu Saran of ABC Clinic, Thai Consul General Krongkanit, Dr Vijayalakshmi Acharya and many others. A memorable evening indeed with the best of spirits, laughter, emotional moments and great bonding.
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CHENNAI
Text: NAMITA GUPTA
MEGA LAUNCH OF THE MIGHTY MINI One of the most iconic automobile brands in the world, MINI launched the all-new Clubman last month in Chennai. The occasion was cause for a twin celebration as the new MINI showroom was also being inaugurated the same day. The team at BMW KUN Exclusive pulled out all stops to make this a delightful customer experience and thrilled guests with heir hospitality. Check out snapshots from the event.
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KOCHI
THE SPECTACULAR Mercedes-Luxe DRIVE
T
The Mercedes Benz Luxe drive event, organised by Rajasree Motors in Kochi showcased the luxurious brand experience based on the three strong pillars of Adrenaline, Gourmet and Lifestyle. Apart from attractions like a live demo by Chef Ranveer Brar who curated a dazzling range of delicious cuisines, an exclusive fashion showcase by designer Nandita Mahtani, a live musical performance, blind folded photography workshop and a fun kids’ zone, the event gave guests an opportunity to drive and experience MercedesBenz cars on a specially designed track. The Luxe Drive also facilitated a complimentary car evaluation and provided car lovers an opportunity to pick up exclusive Mercedes-Benz merchandise from the venue.
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April 2017 RITZ
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KOCHI
KOCHI MUZIRIS BIENNALE 2016
K
ochi witnessed the third edition of the world’s largest exhibition of contemporary art. The Biennale, an initiative of the Kochi Biennale Foundation, founded by artists Riyas Komu and Bose Krishnamachari is supported by the Government of Kerala and the Department of Kerala Tourism. Spread across 12 venues around Kochi, it had exhibits and presentations of 98 artists including sculptors, painters, musicians, dancers, poets, authors, students and film makers from all around the world. This year, the Biennale
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SH OT O N: also included talks, conferences, performances, educational initiatives, workshops and other forms of wide public engagement. Mr. Sudarshan Shetty was the curator with Ms. Manju Sara Rajan taking up the role of CEO and Ms. Treesa Jaifer, the CFO. The exhibition that was inaugurated by honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan started on 12th December 2016 came to a close on 29th March 2017. The grand event, had a continuous stream of visitors - people from all walks of life with not just Kochiites but tourists from around the country, foreigners, art enthusiasts, students, celebrities, politicians and the honourable President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee.
April 2017
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RITZ BEAUTY
THE
Golden
Aloe Veda Turmeric Clarifying Face Wash, nykaa.com; ` 160
SoulTree Ayurvedic turmeric and Indian rose with forest honey Face Wash; ` 375
Auravedic Skin lightening oil with saffron, turmeric and winter cherry; ` 250
Turmeric Lemon Clarifying Soap by Veda Essence, eazelly.com; ` 168
PL A NT
The age old magic powder that our Kama grandmas used is the new big thing not Ayurveda only in the food industry but also making Nalpamaradi Thailam Skin waves in the beauty industry. No Indian Brightening dish is complete without turmeric as it Treatment; ` 595 forms an integral part of our Indian cuisine. Turmeric has many health benefits as it contains more than 300 antioxidants, which makes it a powerful healer. But turmeric not just heals you from inside; it also has the power to make you more beautiful on the outside. It is a natural fairness agent, helps clear acne scars and inflammation and also reduces oil secretion. Here’s a curated list of some of the choicest turmeric based magic potions. Areev Citrus Ancient Living Turmeric By NAMITA GUPTA and Turmeric Face Quench; ` 285
Kama Ayurveda Turmeric and Myrrh Skin Brightening Soap; ` 470
Dr. Jyotsna, Kama Ayurveda says that turmeric is good for your skin and hair both. Here are some of the properties of this magic rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant: 1. Anti-bacterial: Because of curcumin, an active ingredient contained in the rhizome, it has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiinflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Because of anti-septic action it not only helps to heal pimples and clear acne scars but also reduce oil secretion by sebaceous glands. 2. Skin repair and anti-photo-ageing: UVB light causes skin thickening, wrinkles, changes in skin pigmentation, larger blood vessels, and loss of elasticity as radiation increases the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), an enzyme which, when
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Lemon Body Wash (50 ml), eazelly.com; ` 195
Pigmentation Care Kit Auravedic on That1Too.com
activated, degrades collagen between the outer layer and middle layer of the skin; it is thought that the reason turmeric prevents sun damage is its ability to inhibit an increase in MMP3. Also curcumin helps in both reversing and preventing photoageing. Curcumin is also a potent antioxidant that scavenges free radicals that are produced in our skin due to exposure to UV rays of the sun, pollution, harsh chemicals, etc. 4. Skin lightening: Curcumin or turmeric lightens you skin by inhibiting the synthesis pigment melanin in the skin. 5. Insect repellent: Turmeric oil repels mosquito when applied to the skin. 6. Cracked heels: Owing to skin healing properties, a mixture of coconut oil and turmeric can be used for cracked heels.
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RITZ BEAUTY
Sephora Instant Moisturiser and Cream; ` 2,250
Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Cucumber Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 is free of any harsh chemicals and is enriched with wheatgerm, coconut and soyabean oils; ` 285
SHIELD
The Good Earth Store Markalak Mineral Rich Himalayan Clay makes a great cleansing face pack and cleans pores; ` 725
summer
ama Ayurveda K Pure Rose Water Face Mist, a quick spritz of these takes care of your skin all day; ` 250
Kama Ayurveda Lavender Patchouli Body Cleanser with pure essential oils is a wonderful shower gel; ` 595
SkinLab Protective Day cream is a skin nourishing cream and a facial hydrator has 35% SPF which infuses your skin with moisture and protects it from getting tanned; ` 500
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from the
SUN
Summer’s here, so get ready to face the heat with our handy guide to the top essential beauty potions you can’t be without this summer. Refresh your skin from the scorching summer sun as you pamper and hydrate yourself. By NAMITA GUPTA Lakmé Sun Expert SPF 24, SPF 30 and SPF 50 blocks 97% of sun’s harmful UV B rays; ` 400
Lotus Herbals Whitening & Brightening Gel Crème with SPF 25 prevents darkening and damage to the skin due to the harsh rays of the sun; ` 260
Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Combo Pack has a brightening lotion and tan removing milk pack that helps treat sunburns; ` 265
Sushma Khan, National Creative Director, Makeup, LAKMÉ Salon shares some useful makeup dos and don’ts for summer: • Using anything glossy, shimmery or oil based will always make makeup smudge quickly, so avoid. • Stick to matte finished and lightweight makeup that is not oil or emollient based. • If you can, try to do without foundation during summer, and stick to only a concealer to conceal minor flaws, if need be. • Instead of using moisturiser, opt for a serum as it has a lighter texture and doesn’t have oil. • Makeup techniques such as 44strobing’ and ‘air brushing’ are extremely popular; use the coveted strobing technique for a dewy, shimmery and youthful glow, wherein you enhance your natural facial features using only a highlighter in spots that catch light. • Also, winged liner is perfect for a day look with rose, peach or berry lips for the evening. Face and cheek tints are also in for summer • Since skin is sensitive in summer months, opt for waxing services that include chocolate, banana and cold waxes.
BE AUT Y BRE W An instant pick-me-up, the lure of coffee now goes beyond giving you the daily caffeine kick. A magic skincare ingredient, coffee can cure anything from dark circles under your eyes to help you get rid of unsightly cellulite or dry and patchy skin. There are coffeeinfused body creams that promise to tighten skin while hydrating it, to ground coffee in the scrubs and caffeine in beauty products that work on stretch marks, psoriasis, and acne. Caffeine molecules present in these coffee-based scrubs, masks and creams have the potential to improve the texture of your skin. By NAMITA GUPTA Oriflame Swedish Spa Anti-Cellulite Gel-Cream Contains Caffeine; ` 999 Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Coffee Bean Scrub; ` 375
Coffee Buzz Body Cleanser, Eazelly; ` 599
SkinYoga Coffee Body Scrub; ` 1,725
DR. KIRAN LOHIA, celebrity dermatologist, Lumiere Dermatology shows how coffee can be a boon for your skin.
• Its great antioxidant potential can help protect your skin against the ravages of pollution and sun. Its high percentage of polyphenols makes your skin stronger and healthier over time! It also helps repair UV damage from the sun’s harsh rays. • Topically, coffee has a lot of benefits as well. Used as an extract in under eye creams, it is great at vasocontricting (tightening vessels) so that your tired eyes look refreshed! • Also, coffee grounds can be great when applied to cellulite! The caffeine improves blood circulation and dehydrates fatty cells, making your skin look more toned. It can also be used to exfoliate the skin • when coffee grounds are used! • Furthermore, caffeine from coffee is a boon for your hair. When applied topically, it can increase hair growth! • Coffee is not the villain it has been made out to be. Add coffee to your routine for a beauty boost!
Oriflame Royal Velvet Firming Eye Contour Cream– Contains Caffeine; ` 699
100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream; ` 4,978
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TURKS Their social media profiles may resemble The Rich Kids of Instagram but our 3 young cover personalities are enterprising and inspiring millennials who will stop at nothing to achieve what they set out to do. Presenting for the first-time ever, 3 of Chennai's youngest successful businessmen on the cover of South India's largest lifestyle magazine, RITZ.
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Photographs: Ganesh Toasty Location: Feathers Hotel Styling: Sunil Karthik (Team Rehane) Special thanks to leading fashion designer Rehane for her inputs and ideas Hair and Makeup: Page 3 Luxury Salon and Makeover Studio, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Chennai
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Sarvesh wears a paisley printed bandhi and black regimental kurta from Gabbana.Life
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New Age
YOGI Gave up a lucrative professional cricket career when he was just 19 years. Was introduced to yoga purely by chance at 17 and turned to become a self-made catalyst of joy who dreamt of universal happiness. A teenage decision that warrants him today with accolades unheard of and success that is off the charts!
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e is branded India's youngest CEO in the Yoga and Wellness sector by Bloomberg. He is all of 24 years old and has successfully created and manages a 100-crore empire today. Meet Chennai's ever buoyant and magnetic personality Sarvesh Shashi who is the founder of Zorba - A Renaissance Studio, which is touted as a distinctive health and wellness institute that uses the practice of yoga as the base. What is perhaps equally fascinating is that he comes from an affluent family that owns 18 different types of companies and businesses in the varied fields of export and imports of steel, distribution of commercial and FMCG products, real estate and education sectors to name a few. Yet, Sarvesh chose to carve his own path and found his true calling in the field of yoga and holistic wellness. "Zorba is a way of life that thrives on the concept of living each day fully to realise your true potential and endless possibilities. Having practised this art form and to feel the holistic approach of living is the only way known to me and spreading this love and happiness to people remains the mission of our studios,� explains Sarvesh. April 2017
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RITZ PERSONALITY But let's get some misconceptions out of the way. Don't visualise him as a stereotypical yogi or a saint in traditional garb. Yes, he did undergo a rigorous transformation that saw him meditate for nine hours and was once completely cut off from the world for 40 days; think silence, celibacy, away from family, friends, technology and such. But he is your quintessential metrosexual man who loves to take care of himself, is immaculately groomed, well versed with fashion brands and is often seen hobnobbing with his closest friends, taking off for a vacation every quarter and who also enjoys to dabble in photography and can double up as a stylist for friends and family. "My inspiration is in the applause of audience, I am a true performer" Sarvesh divulges. "Getting better as I help others and finding myself as I help in unravelling others’ potential is what inspires me. Trying to groom the mentality of people that they are each capable of limitless possibilities and connecting seven billion breaths is what Zorba has set out to achieve." Valued currently at a staggering 112 crores as stated by him, Sarvesh's vision in partnership with Talwalkars Better Value Fitness embodies two business modules that includes 30 studios in 9 cities across India with five of them in Chennai alone and about 70 more across 20 cities in the pipeline in the next 9 months. "When I started off in Dec 2013 alongside my mentor Mr. Antim Guru, the preconceived notion in our country sadly was that yoga was only for women, best suited to improve flexibility and that it was ideally for older people. Instantly, the 500 million people under 30 years became my target audience, with the mission being to make yoga - which is the unification of mind, body and spirit - appealing and enjoyable to all. Although the current format of Zorba includes meditation, pranayama, chanting and more these are incorporated in the form of nuanced practices in various centres as paddleboard yoga, basketball yoga, insight yoga, stiletto
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yoga, aqua yoga, aerial yoga and 20 more such interesting forms of yoga." It may all sound magnanimous now but the then-21-year-old Sarvesh simply wanted to start one centre, and not anymore for his averse interests in administration! That revolutionary numero uno centre too had a true purpose - to be able to successfully launch along with his guru a book on Right Brain Management to a sizeable audience. But, fate had far larger and more ambitious plans for the youngster. Although Sarvesh had no intentions to join the family business, it was his dad, Shashi Kumar and uncle Sunil Kumar, who helped with initial investments and over a casual conversation in 2015 suggested that he should ascertain the value of his brand. "Approaching Vignesh Shankar of Dandekar Capital worked like a blessing as he not only helped in the valuation but also initiated the merger with the Talwalkars group. Unlike a standard merger with a huge corporation, Talwalkars have given me complete creative freedom to pursue my original Zorba vision while helping the brand grow pan India and soon become international." Your biggest learning in this 3-year journey? "Obviously I am pleased beyond doubt with my growth and independence but it's the satisfaction of pursuing a 100% in something that highly excites me, serving as a constant reminder of how life is invaluable." He further adds "Just like with every other first time entrepreneur, the whole journey of making mistakes and fixing them, financial prudence and perfecting your business model is phenomenal. Understanding man and management is the key and no business school is a better teacher than your own experience!" Sarvesh enlightens on a parting note. The young businessman has even had the chance to travel with 2 IPL teams for 3 years without officially signing for them and was part of the Under-19 cricket academy from TN and also learnt Bharatanatyam, other Latin dance forms and martial arts.
Quick takes: Favourite value in life: "Love like there is no tomorrow, and if tomorrow comes, love again!" Role models: Parents and mentor Antim Guru Indebted to: Family, My closest bunch of 7 friends whom I've known since Std 8, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar - The Prince of Royal House of Mewar and noted tarot card reader and Divination Therapist Pankhuri Agarwal Fitness goals: To be more flexible Favourite hangouts in Chennai: Brew Room, Sandys and Rush sports arena Squad Goals: “A trip with besties that we ensure once every quarter to create experiences that last a lifetime” Favourite holiday: Spain and Brazil Favourite brands: Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Hublot, Chanel for perfumes and Zara. Favourite TV character: Simon Baker aka Patrick Jane, The Mentalist Inspiring movie for entrepreneurs: Forrest Gump Favourite business quote: Richard Brandon's “If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your clients” Being young is: “Freedom with responsibility; freedom of thoughts and emotions” Life apart from Zorba: Entrepreneur of six other ventures - Take Off, a marketing and branding agency, a quirky food kiosk called Mad over Madras, Rush- A multi-sport arena, Chrysal- A Start Up incubator, Dot- An interiors and architecture firm, Stranger than Fiction- A company that makes and produces online video content.
“A p p r o a c h i n g V i g n e s h S h a n k a r o f Dandekar Capital worked like a blessing as he not only helped in the valuation but also initiated the mer ger with the Talwalkars gr oup”
“Just like with e ver y other first time entr epr eneur, the whole jour ney of making mistakes and fixing them, financial prudence and perfecting your business model is phenomenal”
Sarvesh wears a blue Jacket with black panel detail from Gabbana.Life
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Desi Dan
T HE BUSI NESS MAN Thirukumaran Roopkumar hails from a family that is steeped in the business fabric of Tamilnadu. So when he says, “It’s not about making it, the key is maintaining it,” you know it harks back to the values he was raised with. Still, not one to hop on solely to the family business bandwagon, Thiru, as the handsome 25-year-old businessman is fondly called, has started his own venture TRK Global which has just forayed into the sports arena among other fields. Quizzing one of Chennai’s most eligible bachelors on a range of topics from his expansion plans to workout routine and his charm offensive with the ladies, Diya Subramanian captures this spicy chat.
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RITZ PERSONALITY Ta k i n g i t s l o w w i t h r ega r d t o a n a c t i n g c a r e e r h a s n ’t s t o p p e d T h i r u f r o m dating actr esses, as we hear that he has been been r omantically involved with at least 2 South Indian heroines
2017 has started off as a blockbuster year for Thiru with the launch of his venture ‘Turf 137’ football arena which guarantees a five-star experience for footballers. The idea struck him over a casual conversation with friends and today stands transformed into South India’s finest of its kind, for which Thiru has spared no expense to ensure comfort and safety for players. The turf area is FIFA-approved and imported from Amsterdam; this is in stark contrast to the cement flooring underneath turfs at most arenas, which could lead to injuries in the long term. “People start playing football as early as 4 years of age. I don’t want my customers to hit age 40 with knee problems and multiple injuries because the turf they started out on compromised on quality. The highest standards of quality adherence is an essential in any business I do.” The space for Turf 137 comes from one of Thiru’s sprawling homes where the family used to live before they moved to their current residence in Adyar. As a business proposition, Turf 137 has already received a fair share of interest from potential franchisees. Thiru says, “Yes, we are planning to franchise; we already have three offers that we are considering.” As we chat further sitting in the plush and verdant environs of Chennai’s poshest club, The Madras Club, I can’t help but notice the number of older people who walk up to Thiru and exchange pleasantries with him with a lot of fondness. “Guys my age usually spend time with those in similar age groups but I am a total people person. I’ve always been a good listener and I take keen interest in the lives of people I interact with.” The topic takes us back to his family and Thiru’s eyes light up when he talks about the man who he adores and is inspired by - his grandfather. “People tell me I was born with a golden spoon. But my family never believed
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in spoiling me with privileges. My upbringing has been quite grounded and rooted in culture. For instance, my grandfather always taught me to be humble. He was in fact the man who was instrumental in making SPIC a formidable industrial giant in those days. Despite the 20,000-strong workforce, my granddad was the kind of leader who would know the security guard at the gate by name. I admire him for the respect with which he treated others which they reciprocated to him multifold.” Considering his family legacy, Thiru learnt the trappings of business at the family’s polyurethane foam manufacturing unit. “That was my first job. We manufacture mattresses, cushions and foam for the domestic and automobile sector. I also dabbled in our real estate business and in the textile sector, where we are one of the largest manufacturers for H&M in addition to supplying to Diesel, Hanes and other international brands.” So what prompted him to branch away on his own instead of staying put in familiar well-heeled territory? “I still run the fabric export division in the textile business. But I started TRK Global because I have always been a guy who is independent - I have always wanted to stand on my own feet. There is tremendous expectation from me, in terms of my success in business given my family’s goodwill. Well, what can I say? I am all for challenges and meeting those expectations!” So what is the future for TRK Global? “Next up for us in the short term is a couple of bars in Chennai - high-end and upscale. The future for TRK Global would be in the fields of Energy, Construction and Real Estate.” But a little birdie told us that Thiru has already been offered acting roles and is considering them. So where does cinema fit into his game plan? Thiru laughs, “I have always had a fascination for Tamil movies since 8th grade.
I have always loved acting, it’s a passion I have never explored. Yes there have been offers but the timing has never been right. I have always been groomed for business so before I decide to sign on for a movie, I would definitely like to stabilise my new ventures. Acting is definitely on the cards though. Even at my workplace, I am constantly goaded by my team to get into movies. They even tell me they will be my fan club president, secretary etc.(laughs)!” Tough indeed to resist so much temptation and pressure. But taking it slow with regard to an acting career hasn’t stopped Thiru from dating actresses, as we hear that he has been been romantically involved with at least 2 South Indian heroines. So how can one interview one of Chennai’s most eligible and handsome bachelors without broaching the topic of his romantic life? We hear Thiru’s friends fondly call him Desi Dan, after the American Instagram superstar, poker champ and trust fund beneficiary Dan Bilzerian. True to his nickname, we are told by reliable sources that Thiru once flew down Swedish and European models who are his friends and partied with them in the city with his gang of Indian pals! Apparently, his mom even ribs him quite a lot joking that his list of girlfriends spans the English alphabet twice over! So I coax him to spill the beans. In true movie star-Casanova style, Thiru replies with a big smile which breaks into a chuckle, “No comments, please.” I refuse to relent. He offers, “See, I am a diehard romantic but I’ve also had my heart broken. You live and learn, as the saying goes.” With his hectic schedule, Thiru makes it a point to stay fit, spending 2 hours in the gym least three a week and is also a champion swimmer. “I like to look good. A big part of looking good, as you know, comes from feeling good. Workouts and keeping fit are essential to me. But I must
say, my workout regime tends to shock people. I’ve been known to do pull ups with about 25 kilos suspended to my waist. Upside down crunches with weights are my thing. Naturally, I get a lot of eyeballs (laughs). Chennai’s very own Dan Bilzerian is sure making the city look good on the sports map and has exciting plans to make South India a lifestyle and entertainment hotspot. Well, we can’t wait!
Quick takes: Favourite Holiday destination? Maldives, because it’s my scuba diving paradise. London would be one place I would like to settle down in for sure. I spend at least 3 months of the year in New York as well. Favourite places in Chennai? Radio Room and Q Bar are regular hangout spots. Prego at the Taj Coromandel is my place to eat. Favourite TV show character? I am a big fan of Harvey Specter from Suits. And my current favourite show is the Night Manager. Favourite business quote? “Do what you love and give it your very best” Being Young is: “Exhilarating. You can’t expect to be old and wise if you’ve never been young and crazy”
T h i r u ’s f r i e n d s c a l l h i m Desi Dan, after the American Instagram superstar Dan Bilzerian.
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BASIC
INSTINCT Backed by pure, simple conviction and the perseverance to achieve, 27-year-old Arun Prasanth - the charismatic young man behind the fame of TOVO is happy being considered an 'outsider' yet fitting deftly amongst the successful restauranteurs of Chennai. Even a brief chat with him is bound to reveal a major personality trait that wins him all-round admiration - Arun speaks from his heart, boldly, honestly and with intense passion.
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hat are the odds of a 20-something youngster returning home from the UK, having graduated from London School of Business with a work ex from an ace of a banking corporation, succeed in the tricky restaurant business? A long shot is probably a foregone conclusion - that is, until you have met Arun Prasanth Bacthavathsalam. "Apart from enjoying food like most people, my only other exposure to the industry is when I chose to do my dissertation on sustainable energy. This was in relation to food waste generated by a customer rather than in commercial restaurant kitchens,� explains Arun. "Proving to my professors at the University of Greenwich that food waste was a resource and
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RITZ PERSONALITY “A p a s s i o n t o innovate backed by ethics, morals and the pure raw emotion to succeed is how passionately I connect with my business plan” managing it sensibly would lead us towards better customer spending power and sustainable businesses, was my first challenge. A personal incident at a restaurant convinced me to take up the cause of food waste generated by customers, and the subsequent findings that I meticulously worked on remain the corner stone of my business. All I wanted to do was practically carry out what I theoretically proved!" Thus began his journey with TOVO since 2013, where less is more and where Arun is awaiting patent approval with regard to the way food is cooked in its own natural flavours and juices using a combination of heat that would make the slow-cooking process viable for a commercial kitchen. With a background that is as diverse and different as his, why venture bullishly into avant-garde cuisine such as TOVO, I quiz? "My theoretical plan that was neatly laid out led me to this kind of cooking and cuisine. Moreover I was deeply motivated by the fact that with my line of business I can innovate and contribute in my own style, to the way people eat their food. This intention backed by ethics, morals and the pure raw emotion to succeed is how passionately I connect with my business plan,” explains Arun as he wears his heart on his sleeve. It is this natural aptitude of business and fearless conviction that drove the 27-year-old to launch his first outlet, not at the young and vibrant Besant
Nagar or at the escape pads of ECR/ OMR but right at the heart and pulse of Chennai - Mylapore. "I literally wanted to take the bull by its horns by trying to create a sustainable modern restaurant amidst the natural, routineloving common Chennaiites. Once I was able to succeed here, the next challenge I gave myself was another area of similar reputation - Anna Nagar." All along Arun faced obstacles like any other first-gen entrepreneur. "I knew I was being exploited - bankers seeking additional guarantee, landlords authoritatively wanting more advanced payments and service providers offering only bare minimum repayment window; I accepted everything. My own family touted me as being foolishly aggressive - firstly, because I chose not to follow the footsteps of my dad and uncles, who are all highly educated and who pursue the Services at the highest level, and secondly because my business plan was avidly enterprising for a first-time entrepreneur like me, requiring an initial investment of more than a crore! Nevertheless I was convinced, I breathed the success of my venture and I believed I had it in me to steer and sustain my business. It is undoubtedly easier said than done but my conviction and will power helped me in wading through rough waters. Today, I feel fantastic to see my capabilities and potential being realised through ways that are influenced by morals and simply being just. I probably am even a tad bit wiser to understand the reason for my
parents’ apprehensions initially; they didn't want me to experience probable failure." Now after four years and four restaurants that have a combined value of over 25 crores, sustaining through constant improvisation is the key. "My food principles are very simple - the raw materials I procure form my basic etiquette; absolutely no change or compromise in quality. While this is basics 101 that happens inside the kitchens, the product outside is sophisticated even as we constantly come up with more permutations and combinations to innovate for our customers. I believe I am doomed if at any point I interchange these two aspects!" Arun considers his true success in the numbers that speak clearly, the very statistics of food waste that got him involved in the restaurant business standing at an astoundingly impressive 1/8th of the average Indian restaurant! "This will continue to be my driving force to reach higher all whilst in the bid to revive the deteriorating quality of the subject of the dish, without help from other ingredients." What does it take for a youngster like him to understand branding and the pulse of the people, we ask. Arun is wise in quoting, "The exercise is like taking care of a certain species of bamboo which takes even upto four years for the seed to pop, but once it does see the light of day, the sapling grows rapidly each day. In life, you need immense patience to nurture your dreams until they become reality,” he signs off philosophically.
“In life, you need immense patience to nurture your dreams” 58 RITZ April 2017
Quick takes: Favourite value in life: Always contribute, however small - to friends, family, society and hope that you might make a difference Fitness regime: An hour of jogging or cycling in the outdoors every morning Other interests: Long bike rides along the ECR, cricket Favourite hangouts in Chennai: Besant Nagar beach for cutting chai! Memorable squad experiences: Proud to have conquered most adventure sport experiences with friends - base jumping, bungee jumping, scuba diving and the coveted Leh-Ladakh bike trip Favourite holiday: Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Favourite brands: Giorgio Armani and Apple Favourite TV character: Tyrion Lannister, Game of Thrones Inspiring movie for entrepreneurs: The Aviator Favourite business quote: Steve Jobs' "Be Foolish" Being young is: Only an emotion Arun wears a pale pink peak lapel jacket from Gabbana.Life April 2017
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What is life if we don’t help each other? P I N K Y R E D D Y
She knows how to `Live Life Queen Size’ and how to `Give Life King Size.’ When she does the former, the world sits up and gapes in awe and when she does the latter, nobody gets to know except the recipient whose life gets better forever. In today’s day and age where people brag more than they do, her actions remain personal, known only to two people – herself and the beneficiary. So when she says “What is Life if we don’t help each other?” you tend to believe her. Say hello to Pinky Reddy, a high profile socialite, super successful entrepreneur and a large-hearted philanthropist! Text: VANAJA BANAGIRI Photography: ARVIND CHENJI and SMITA RAO
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Her life story reads like the script of a happilyever-after movie minus the melodrama. For the little dramas that unfolded if they did were handled effortlessly by the even keeled Pinky. Christened Aparna by her parents soon after she was born, her sobriquet Pinky became so famous that her husband Sanjay wasn’t sure if their wedding card should have her real name. “Sanjay wondered if people would think he’s marrying somebody else because our wedding card carried my real name Aparna,” says Pinky laughing out loud at the memory. Their easy chemistry and camaraderie is palpable every time you meet the high profile couple. “We have always been
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great friends,” says Pinky referring to Sanjay, “I always knew I would marry him when I grew up. We have had a beautiful life together with wonderful children. Touch wood!” Their son Keshav’s marriage to Veena recently was performed in the trademark Pinky style. Attended by the who’s who of films, business, fashion and art, the 3-day affair provided much fun and gaiety to everybody who was a part of it. That’s what Pinky is popularly known for – style, splendour and savvy. However, much as it looks like she’s breezing through life, she packs in incredible amounts of work besides being a hands-on mother to her two children and a doting wife. “I have been fortunate in many ways but I have also taken all my roles
seriously. Whether it being a wife to an industrialist, mother to Mallika and Keshav and now mother-in-law to Sidharth and Veena or being a team leader at my business ventures, I give my 100%,” she emphasises and that is quite evident from the way every venture and every person in her life has turned out. When it comes to her own businesses, Pinky has always had her hands full. She can easily be described as one of the most dynamic and popular women leaders we have in the country today. A successful entrepreneur with interests in diverse challenging fields of retail, infrastructure, hospitality and social causes, she astutely juggles her home, business ventures and philanthropic interests. She is also happens one
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RITZ PERSONALITY of the promoters of GVK Power & Infrastructure Ltd and other GVK Group companies. In terms of her personal contribution, Pinky spearheaded the art team at Mumbai International Airport and was one of the key design advisors for the airport, mainly for the new Terminal 2 or T2. An ardent lover of art and antiques, she has been one of the pioneers for initiating the ‘Jaya He, GVK New Museum’ at Terminal 2, the first elaborate museum inside any airport in the world. She personally led the T2’s design team on a road trip across the country to give them a firsthand feel of India and Indian architecture that defined the overall design and aesthetic components of the airport. The Jaya He, GVK New Museum is being appreciated in large numbers by discerning travellers, both Indian and foreigners, who currently pass through T2. Her work was duly recognised when in January, 2015, she and Sanjay were jointly felicitated by CNBC Awaaz for creating the iconic Terminal 2 at Mumbai Airport. “Sanjay is a super organised guy and plans every detail meticulously. I am at the other end of the spectrum,” she remarks. Obviously, it’s a classic case of attraction between the opposites. “A lot of people find it hard to fathom but the truth is we never fight. We may have arguments but those too are far and few in between. Once, I picked up a fight just for the heck of it to see how it feels but when Sanjay sent me a huge flower arrangement, I felt so stupid. That was the beginning and end of my so called itch to fight,” she narrates with her signature laughter. Married when she was all of 17, Pinky has grown organically learning lessons in keeping a home, building businesses and being the `Lucky Mascot’ for other budding businesses. She is believed to have the `Midas touch’ and there is a
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constant beeline of people who are keen to get their enterprises and shows inaugurated by her. “It happened gradually. The first time somebody asked me to inaugurate their store; I went along without making a big deal of it. One thing led to another and I was cutting ribbons left, right and centre. The businesses flourished and I became the lucky mascot by default, you see,” she says in an even tone. Pinky is passionate about socially relevant and beneficial causes and has been actively engaged in activities ranging from FICCI, Hyderabad 10K run, Young Indians, Indian School Of business (ISB), Young Presidents Organization (YPO) to associating with and organising fund raising events for charitable institutions such as CRY, Save the Child apart from establishing her own charitable trust ‘Aparna Foundation’ committed to supporting the less privileged and supporting the cause of artisans of traditional and dying Indian art forms. “My father (T Subbarami Reddy) always told me right from my childhood that giving to the needy is of utmost importance. He would tell me that 10% of whatever we earn must be allocated to charitable
activities. That is the seed for “Aparna Foundation’, my NGO. Though my focus is on supporting and reviving traditional art forms, I do deviate when necessary for a worthy cause of an individual. Being the Founder-Trustee gives me that freedom,” she says speaking about her need to give. Stories abound about her generosity from students she helped to entrepreneurs she supported not to forget her gestures of helping young talented sports persons. “I called her to ask for a few leads for sponsorship for a promising cyclist who needed a professional bicycle,” narrates a beneficiary, “She could have passed on a few references and be done with it. After all, that’s what I had approached her for. Instead, Pinky offered to pick up the tab for the new bicycle.” She brushes it off uncomfortably when you compliment her for such gestures. “End of the day it’s their effort. What is life if we don’t help each other?” The Foundation has been supporting the cause of artisans and families engaged in such creations, promoting such well-known albeit fading forms through sales at her enterprise, the Lotus House stores. April 2017
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"The first time somebody asked me to inaugurate their store; I went along without making a big deal of it. One thing led to another and I was cutting ribbons left, right and centre. The businesses flourished and I became the lucky mascot by default, you see." 64 RITZ April 2017
Under her leadership, the Foundation has engaged itself in various activities, associated with organisations conducting charitable events, supported individuals in diverse ways including financial assistance, running cultural programs at the airport supporting the cause of Hindustani and Carnatic music and amateur artistes. The most recent initiatives include setting up of Centres of excellence (Crafta-life project) to promote and nurture art, craft and artists such as Chivurachitrangal of Kerala, Leather Puppetry of AP and Ganjifa Folk Art of Karnataka. An ardent aficionado of Indian culture and heritage, Pinky is closely associated with causes supporting the preservation and promotion of Indian heritage objects and artefacts. This has been the foremost motivation for her involvement with the Lotus House Group, of which she is the Managing Director that aims to achieve the twin objectives of sourcing authentic, beautiful and delicately worked products from diverse, fragmented, talented artists across the country and also making it accessible at convenient stores located at Airports and Malls. “The Lotus House Group is a retail chain that operates stores at international airports and malls in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Cochin. Besides the business aspects, I also look at the creative aspects because I believe the key to any brand’s success is closely linked to supervising the branding aspects, product display and creating an ecosystem for them to thrive and become visible,” she says sounding every bit a pro that she is. The various brands that it created and owns are the Lotus House (Handicrafts), Poperazzi (Pop Art products) and The Local, a unique concept being launched shortly to bring under one roof diverse food products from the delicious bylanes of India.
As if all these activities don’t fill up her plate enough, Pinky has always been associated with FICCI FLO since 2001. As its Chairperson, Pinky has spearheaded the organisation’s activities and has been a catalyst in their expansion. She is also an active member of the Young Indians of Confederation of Indian Industry. Under her stewardship as the Education Chairperson, Hyderabad was rated the best region for the initiatives taken to support education projects. Pinky is also a part of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), which is considered the most powerful network for business leaders in the World and seeks to serve as a forum for peer network, ongoing education and sharing of ideas. Since 2002, she has been one of the founding members of the support group at ISB named Aikya which seeks to integrate the students with life in the city
and provide an opportunity to interact with families like her renowned for business acumen, their entrepreneurial spirit and involvement with social causes. Year on year, she has been chosen by ISB to be the host to a large group of management students, to be groomed, mentored and taken care of. Of all the hats she wears, the one closest to her heart is the one that enriches lives and empowers people. “Whether it is 10k run or Lotus House, I would like to engage in work that makes a tangible difference in the lives of people,” she says. And when you look at the good will she is showered with or the popularity she enjoys in the higher echelons, one thing stands out. Gunupati Aparna Reddy (Yes, that’s her official name!) is an embodiment of a host of virtues that very few people can even come close to. That’s what makes her who she is!
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RITZ SPOTLIGHT
PACKING A BENGALURU
POWER PUNCH
True dedication and passion for their work is what mattered most to these enterprising youngsters who have taken an entrepreneurial plunge after successful corporate stints to give back to society. They provide tailored health strategies for physical and mental well being for weight management and are helping millions of Indians achieve peak wellness. These nutripreneurs are doing their bit to shun away the belief that being healthy isn’t easy and reiterating the fact that health food can be tasty too. We speak to entrepreneurs in the health food space who emerged stronger from their own falling and are now urging others to not just eat healthy, but live a healthy lifestyle and achieve holistic wellness apart from looking and feeling good. Text: NAMITA GUPTA Photography: FAHEEM HUSSAIN
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Two young entrepreneurs DARSHANA NAHATA and SUNAYNA HIRAN are cousins who sought an alternative to the pubbing and clubbing culture. So they came together to fulfil their healthy living aspirations combined with a passion for cooking, fitness, and self-realisation with ENERJUVATE studio & cafe. They also offer classes and workshops, besides nutritious appetising fusion cuisine. They have gluten free and vegan options of popular foods, naturally sweetened ice creams, fresh juice shots, jowar pizzas and wraps, spicy Thai and Nepalese soup meals and scrumptious fusion salads. Darshana states, “Health has always been an integral part of my life from daily yoga to nutritious healthy food, I’ve been practicing it for years now. My husband and his family have a history of heart diseases, hence we decided to cook and eat consciously. Enerjuvate is a health studio with a curated set of activities, designed to rejuvenate body and soul along with a store that appeals to the aesthetician in you. The café offers a healthy food menu.” Sunayna adds, “The turning point was when my husband Abhay who was obese decided to lose weight and today looks so fit. Our aim is to indulge in vigorous fitness activities and then eat to your heart’s content and that’s why we set up Enerjuvate - a beautiful green space where fitness and food come together. We offer yoga, aerial yoga, healing, dance, flea markets and invigorating workshops to promote mindful eating to make your soul happy and energetic.”
Contact: Ph: +91 94500 4012, +91 93412 14259. Email: info@enerjuvate.com
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GEHNA MANGLANI - A 12th grade student who is heading to Parsons to study design Gehna Manglani confesses that the idea of starting Edible, came up when she returned from school and scouted around the house for something to munch on. Gehna says, “I've always been interested in food and nutrition, I studied it for four years in school and Shalini, my mother is a nutritionist. Discussions with her hence allowed me to enjoy studying the subject more. I wanted to come up with something that would make snacking more guilt-free than it is, given everyone’s concern with what it is they are putting in their bodies. The turning point was mainly my getting bored of what I was given to eat at home, resulting in my eating out extremely often. My focus for Edible is to promote not so much healthy eating as healthy ‘snacking’ among people of my age. The aim was to keep it as simple and manageable as I could, but yet effective enough to make a lasting impact. I sell homemade snacks, such as granola bars that contain as few calories as possible, simultaneously keeping the satiety factor in mind. My quinoa and pumpkin seed granola is popular and makes it a healthy on-the-go snack. Food and fashion are two interests I have had for as long as I can remember. I’m finishing school now and in college, I want to study business with a side of design. ”
Contact: Ph: +91 96868 40840.
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This health-tech start-up, HEALTHI is started by REKURAM VARADHARAJ (RV), who are alumni of global MBA programs at Stanford (US) and INSEAD (France and Singapore) respectively. Healthi aims to empower its users to make smart choices about their health so that they can avoid chronic illnesses. Combining scientifically validated predictive analytics, machine learning technology, contemporary design, strong partnerships with healthcare majors and cutting-edge research, they are revolutionising the preventive healthcare market. Krishna Ulagaratchagan, cofounder and CEO shares, “As with most innovations, Healthi was born out of dissatisfaction with the status quo. My family has a history of heart disease and high blood pressure. Anxious about whether I would suffer the same fate, I diligently invested in a health check-up every year. I was increasingly frustrated that the outcome of my health tests was a report that was unintelligible to people like me. In conversations with my friend (and later, co-founder) Rekuram Varadharaj, I found that this dilemma was not an exception. Rekuram too had gone through his share of routine annual health check-ups. Since he had always considered himself to be reasonably fit, leading a healthy lifestyle (vegetarian, non-smoker, etc.), he was taken aback when some of his results were not as rosy as he had assumed. Healthi is a digital preventive health startup working towards empowering its users to make smart choices and avoid chronic illnesses. You can count on us for a personalised and comprehensive preventive health journey, which begins with a health check-up. We aim to be the go-to smart personalised preventive health service for the digital Indian.�
Contact: Ph: +91 91766 69333. Email: krishna@healthi.in
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NAMU KINI and MISHA GILL, HAPPYHEALTHYME: Namu is a mom of two, a nutrition enthusiast and triathlete. She is a wellness influencer and believes that healthy food can also be delicious. Misha is also a mom of two and is passionate about all things health and food related. She practises mindful eating and is especially conscious about the relationship between the mind, body and soul. Their venture HappyHealthyMe has been certified as a 100% organic food brand and grocery startup that stocks locally-sourced products that have been carefully selected to promote health for the mind, body and soul. Namu shares, “One has to make sure that the food is organic to get all the necessary nutrients. We did extensive research with our own formulations and all the products are certified by the USDA and the NPOP. Our range is earth-friendly and goes through a taste test also. We don’t import any health food, but make them all in India. We personally saw the changes in our own health as we switched to organic produce. We also hold cooking and nutrition workshops and address health concerns on how one can address ailments through mindful eating. We promote real food with organic staples, signature blends of beans and lentils, black and brown rice, millets, ragi, that can be made with regular recipes, healthy sweeteners like liquid jaggery, organic spices, nut butters, organic breads and so much more.”
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Misha adds, “We’re school friends and would meet on weekends and have done many cycle tours together. Our common ideal is to promote sustainable living. To this end, apart from dietary choices, one needs to make some lifestyle changes as well, with natural detergents with zero chemicals, copper ware, organic lip balms, bamboo toothbrushes and body scrubs.Through my triathlons I have been taking real food supplements and avoided artificial supplements. We have super green powders that alkalises you. Refined oils are bad, we suggest using cold pressed virgin coconut oil for cooking and organic ghee. As you can see, we are all for mindful living.”
Contact: Ph: +91 80-41248881. Email: hello@happyhealthyme.com
MEGHA MORE has been working hard on her entrepreneurial venture TRUWEIGHT. She did something many wish to do but few actually dare — she left a well-paying corporate job to follow her heart. Today, she has an experienced team that counsels people online about obesity, with 60 nutritionists on board, and has also co-authored a book on weight loss and super foods. Although she was already in the fitness business with a chain of gyms before she conceived, Truweight was different because it was a foodbased weight management solution that was really effective. Megha decided to make a difference in the society by helping people change their eating habits to curb obesity, diabetes and other PCOD problems in women. “I was in Chicago when I saw people going for morning runs even while it was snowing outside! That got me interested in running and I ran my first half marathon which was my first tryst with health and fitness. It inspired me to come back to India and start something in the health space to make Indians healthier. I started in Hyderabad with fitness centres designed for women with special circuit training using hydraulic machines and soon realised that fitness is not equal to weight loss, and that was a bigger market need. We pivoted to nutrition and food, which as per research, contributes more to weight loss. Truweight is a food based weight loss programme. The three pillars of Truweight are personalised diet charts, superfood kits and tech-based mentoring. We give customised diet charts through a personal dietician. We have our own range of 45 proprietary food products especially formulated to increase the nutrition content of regular foods - for example our version of upma is higher in protein and we include nutritious food that is currently missing from our diet, like a healthy concoction of greens including spirulina and moringa, alfalfa grass and wheatgrass in a ready-to-mix
drink format. There is extensive techbased mentoring and monitoring. We believe eating right is the only sustainable solution to lasting weight loss. We offer a range of superfoods as part of the programme. We are also the only company to develop exclusive technology in not just monitoring diet logs, but also in designing the most scientific diet charts which are part of an interactive feedback process. We are pleasantly surprised by the benefits of eating right and this inspires us to continue our research. There is no greater happiness than reading client testimonials of how their lives have changed post the programmes. I am not in the business of weight loss, I am transforming lives, one kg at a time.�
Contact: Ph: +91 81066 57210. Email: megha@truweight.in April 2017
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RITZ SPOTLIGHT RISHAAD VAZIRALLY started FRESH PRESSERY as he wanted to spread the knowledge of drinking healthy juices. His cleansing concoctions are getting to be a rage. Rishaad who is the CEO and Founder, aims to make his brand the fastest growing cold-pressed beverage company in South India. He is working towards helping people transform their lives through conscious nutrition. He is using his background in the pharma retail sector to put the various systems in place and ensure the company moves to the next level with his line of Fresh Pressery juices made from the finest rawfood ingredients and dedicated to the pioneering concept that the benefits of cleansing should be made available to everyone. Rishaad whose constant quest for losing weight led him to try out juicing, was sold on the idea, when he felt completely transformed after a week-long cleanse states, “The health food industry in India is still at a very nascent stage but growing at a fast pace as lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, cancer, thyroidism, auto-immune diseases, stress, etc are on the rise and the fitness culture has taken off in India. I got into juicing as a friend of mine told me that I could solve my alopecia (autoimmune disease) if I started juicing certain combinations of vegetables and fruits. I invested in a cold pressed machine and the results were fantastic. Fresh Pressery started off being a cold pressed juice company but now I’m making innovations in the health food space with five cafes in Bengaluru and five more coming up. We are also launching a ketogenic menu in all our cafes. We are opening Fresh Pressery in Chennai in August this year. We will be getting into the packaged food space, such as organic millets, quinoa and various flours soon.”
Contact: Email: info@freshpressery.com
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Soundariya
s c i l o h a p o h S AHOY! Sougat Paul( Kolkatta)
Shop till you drop at this themed pop-up from Lime Soda. The third edition from curator Soundariya Anil promises a whole lot of sunny fashion, cheerful home decor and accessories that are red hot - 'cause that’s how you swagger this summer! Text: PREETI GT
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reaking stereotypes right from its first edition last year, Lime Soda Pop-Up continues to delight Chennai-ites as the go-to place for those seeking unique fashion and lifestyle accessories for men and women that are trendy yet affordable. "A plethora of options from budget friendly finds to plush designer gear has been our inimitable feature and this edition just got bigger and bolder, as we will have a couple of Lakme Fashion Week designers in the mix," shares Soundariya excitedly. Aptly themed Summer Bazaar the edition will feature 24 participants showcasing their exemplary creations all day on April 12 and 13 at Amethyst. The highlight of the retail bonhomie will be from fashion week designers' Sougat Paul from Kolkata and Indore's Aarti Vijay Gupta who will display their bespoke pieces straight from the ramp. While Nirjara prides in new-age clothing inspired from royal India featuring handcrafted fabrics and luxurious silhouettes, Sougat Paul's forte is with gorgeous cocktail and gala dresses filled with immaculate clever detailing that draws inspiration from small everyday thoughts and objects. Aarti Vijay Gupta is certain to capture every fashionista's imagination with her ensembles in elegant three dimensional and quirky electric prints. Also exciting is the showcase from city-based designer Bandana Narula, who will launch her latest line exclusively at this pop-up. Grandmas Love 4 U is anothernifty enterprise that is known for cosmetics like cooling eye gel, lip care along with skin lightening scrubs, iconic body butters and hair care products. Check out readymade cool Indian festive and party wear clothing from Bombay Bazaar along with affordable high quality summer wear like kurtis in Ikat and cotton, shrugs, palazzos and trendy clutches from Delhi's May Boutique. While you continue to witness the myriad shopping streets of India's prime shopping hubs under one roof in Chennai, don't miss out on eco-friendly vegan men's accessories of shoes, bags, belts and more from The Alternate. Spend some time at TWISTY for a dose of contemporary comfort and portable furniture for your home, office spaces and at Little Lavish for a collection of hand-picked artefacts by craftsmen from all over Asia. "Lime Soda is at the right place at the right time - Chennai shoppers want to have access to designer brands in the city, just like Mumbai, Bengaluru or Delhi and the designers too are keen to showcase their work to a market that is avidly enthusiastic and has a passion for fashion" smiles Soundariya. :Also since the pop-up caters across price ranges, is interactive with creative themes and more, shoppers find this to be a more pleasant and comfortable shopping experience unlike malls." Featuring in the two day fare will be contests, photo booth fun oments and give-aways from Uber, Radiocity and more whilst you dwell in the themed experience specially put together by Crafty Art. Nirjara (Ahmedabad)
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HYDERABAD
YOUR BODY MY WAY
Today, life goes by in spending more than half of your day at work, and the remaining between the g ym and socialising. The habits and lifestyle that our grandparents followed are slowly falling off the track. With all this going on, stress levels seem to be on the rise. Add to this- a little bit of the uber cool wave of fitness and nutrition, it is only imperative that you pay attention to what you eat and what supplements you take. A nutritionist is one of those friends you definitely want to have in your contacts list. After all who doesn’t want to have access to one with their random questions while standing in the middle of the grocery store aisle? “What were those raw vegan wraps you recommended?”, “Is this green juice really as healthy as it looks?” and so on… Here are some tips from some of the top notch nutritionists… Text: ANAHITA AHUJA
Name: SRIDEVI JASTI, Holistic Nutritionist and Founder at Vibrant Living Foods Belief: One can become healthier by adopting a life-changing and mindful shift to organic nutritious food. This conviction led me to set up Vibrant Living, a company that produces highly nutritious and delicious vegan and gluten-free foods in Hyderabad. Forte: I am an ardent organic food proponent, and prefer foods being grown bio-dynamically and organically. I also import ingredients which are not easily available here. Known for: I make diet plans keeping in mind our personal and emotional connect with food, our tastes and preferences. I do diet plans for various health conditions like diabetes, heart health, beauty and anti-aging. It is important to do a juice detox once in a while to cleanse but under professional guidance. I supervise 'Only on Juice' detox seasonally as I know that 'Safe in and safe out' is critical to avoid health issues! But mostly, my cleanses are more about consuming clean and pure foods. I also incorporate solid meals along with amazing beverages like wheatgrass, green smoothies and superfood chia-berry drinks. Lunches under my programmes are organic, freshly cooked, filling and delicious! We have mid morning and mid afternoon juices and we end with a wholesome dinner stew/ soup. Each day sees inspired lunch and dinner creations, crafted from the best fresh produce available! Sridevi can be contacted on +91 8096091111 and sridevilife@gmail.com.
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“My key str ength is in understanding and living the philosophy that wholesome, clean foods have a daily and long-term effect on the human body and mind.”
Name: DR. SHUBA DHARMANA, MBBS DFFP DPD (UK), Cosmetic Dermatologist, Nutritionist, Hair Transplant Surgeon, Chief Evangelist and CEO LeJeune Group of Medspas Known for: I do not advocate detox diets, as I think they can be detrimental. They have a bad effect on your mood and energy levels, and I believe every meal should be balanced and have fat, protein and carbohydrate in them even if it’s a snack. The vegan diet: A Vegan diet has several benefits but it is also something that needs a lot of understanding and determination. Sourcing is difficult and we have certainly less choices here when it comes to eating out. The advantages are that we believe in animal rights when we go vegan as there will be no animals that will be slaughtered like they are being right now (some even at birth). There is a lot of disturbance in our ecosystem and environment because of animal farming. Top soil erosion and pollution of ground water is accelerated with animal farming. Also animal farming today involves giving them a lot of chemicals, antibiotics and they are fed with chemical fertilizer laden crops and grains that in turn affect us – this adversely causes diseases, cancers and dementia. There is also increased risk of certain diseases like diabetes, heart diseases and cancer from eating animal products. Substitutes for protein and calcium: Greens like spinach, kale, green peas, green beans, hemp powder, non dairy milk like soy milk or almond milk, nuts, seeds, nut butters, quinoa, tofu, lentils, beans, and sprouted grains. Also, calcium fortified soy and almond milk, calcium fortified tofu, soybean, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, collards, kale, mustard greens and okra. Dr Shuba can be contacted on +91 9845104890 and sdharmana@gmail.com
“ Fo r s e v e r a l y e a r s w e h a v e b e e n b l a m i n g fats as a food group to have caused cardiovascular pr oblems. Today the r e s e a r c h i s t e l l i n g u s i t ’s n o t t h e f a t s but the amount of sugar we are ingesting that is the root cause of the problems.”
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RITZ SPOTLIGHT Name: HEMLATA RATHI, Nutrition and wellness consultant, Soul Beauty and wellness centre LLP Belief: I believe that the absolute healthiest food recommended daily is the locally grown nutrition rich food taken in a balanced form. Processed and packaged food with added preservatives are a definite no-no. On Cold Pressed Food: The latest trend among the fitness and nutrition freaks is cold pressed juices and oils. But again benefits of the same depend on how we look at it. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Cold pressed juices are exposed to minimal heat and air so are claimed to hold more vitamins minerals and enzymes from the whole fruit but we also have to remember that juice focused diet does not provide all the nutrients our body needs. Most fruits and vegetables contain little protein or fat and juicing process removes much of the fibre. One more point to understand is that it is next to impossible for a person to eat nine apples or oranges, 12 carrots in one sitting that an average cold press juice bottle amounts to. If you love juice have a cold pressed one but balance it with other healthy food. Cold pressed juices are good. Hemlata can be contacted on +91 9346065095 and hema@soulindia.in
"Many indi viduals use Juice Cleanse as a for m of detoxifying the body but we always for get that we have entire or gans working round the clock devoted to detoxification - healthy liver and kidneys. So we need to follow a consistent balanced nutrition plan rather than detoxification to maintain optimum health."
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Name: ALI FARAAZ, Nutritionist Belief: I don't believe in quick results. Dieting is about lifestyle change, hence I always advocate a slow progression with weight loss and always recommend that my clients take time to understand their bodies and understand the entire process of dieting. One food to stop eating? Whey protein. It is synthetic and not good for you or your gut bacteria. A balanced diet contains more than enough protein and there is hardly a need to supplement it. Low-fat vs. low-carb diet for weight loss? Low carb! The low fat diet fad has been busted as a myth. Known for: Imagine a car without all four wheels? That is how I feel about removing a food group from the diet. All food groups have a part to play in the functioning of a healthy body and hence are a must! Busting typical myths: • Fruits are not bad for you • Weight training is not always required to lose weight • High protein diets are not always healthy for you • Drinking water doesn't make you bloat • There is no such thing as a detox diet Ali Faraaz can be contacted on +91 988510192 and ali@ nutritionfreak.in
"When I started off people didn't even know what br own rice was. Quinoa was unheard of. Now people have come a long way in understanding holistic nutrition. They're more aware of their eating habits. They now realise the impact food has on their bodies and understand that only working out h a r d e r w o n ’t h e l p. "
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CHENNAI
BEHIND THE LENS F On a passionate journey to promote photo art images, city photographer Chandra Prakash talks about his best shots and creative perspectives Text: PREETI GT
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rom the era of black and white photography to the instant and current digital age, Chandra Prakash has many a story to tell. "Learning through onventional training methods using a humble Linholf Technika camera, the art was all about the intricacies of observation and sight,� he begins. Extensive travels, exposure to different cultures and interactions with hotographers from the world over, have constantly helped to find his niche hich rests firmly on photo art images for the Indian consumer. "While there is a certain appreciation for the art of photography, what I am able to offer differently is a creative perspective and affordable photo art that captures colours, scenery, places and more that are certain to open a pandora box of interpretations. While each consumer appreciates beauty in various forms, a medium to communicate will truly find its essence in photo art, similar to
abstract paintings." Photo arts have a unique quality to inspire, make one think and dwell deep into the mind of the photographer though his visuals. "My work and my frames draw inspiration from the way I was taught the art - patience not only to wait for that perfect moment to click but also to be curious; with excitement that will follow after a day or two until I am able to hold my black & white frame by print!" he smiles. Ever wonder why we Indians appreciate scenic or colourful articles more than portrait and facial photography? "It has got to do a lot with our upbringing, our psyche" explains Chandra Prakash. "I have noticed that westerners are taught to appreciate the individual beauty of the human face - high cheekbones, eyes that speak, well defined features and more which are embedded in their minds leading to a wide consumption of portrait and mood photography. While Indians appreciate portraits in spiritual form, mood photography hasn't found its place yet." A career spanning more than three decades and many a thousand clicks later, we put the photographer on the spot about his favourite frame. "It has got to be the one I captured of a friend's grandfather in Ooty circa 1980. His face was pleasant, ageing with beautiful and well defined wrinkles coupled with a smile that was full of energy, I simply had to capture the beauty of his face. The frame conveys everything I wanted - current moods and was natural with emotions, raw yet pristine and perfect." Having worked extensively with brands that include Ford, Sony, LG, Diageo, Mazda and others in UK and UAE, Chandra Prakash now has his feet firmly set in India whilst planning for his dream shoot - to travel towards the north of the country to regions around Tibet, Ladakh and beyond for frames filled with stunning landscapes, happy faces and colours that blend seamlessly from earth to sky. "While this year will hopefully open avenues in Europe to showcase my work in the many art festivals in Denmark and Sweden, planning for this dream shoot
is getting me giddy with excitement! Our country provides such a wonderful canvas - so varied and full of character and I can hardly wait to explore." Find Chandra Prakash's work displayed at Chennai's Lakshna Art Gallery. You can also explore his archives through his website www. mcpphotoart.com for photo art that will make for an interesting addition to your metropolitan home or office space, printed using pigment ink and imported non toxic media that are a guaranteed catalyst for hours of endless conversation.
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HYDERABAD
SIMPLE
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SPACES
Text: ANAHITA AHUJA Photography: SANTOSH KUMAR.G
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nu and Keerthi Narsimhachar’s gorgeous home in the lush interiors of Jubilee Hills is a mix of classic structure and modern artefacts. This illustrious Hyderabad couple lives with daughters Shweta and Niharika, and constructed this dream home about nine years ago. The house was built keeping in mind Anu’s sensibilities as she always wanted a home that would express her personal taste – a mixture of both the contemporary and the traditional. However, every aspect of the house has been decorated based on decisions made jointly by the entire family, making this house truly a loving home. The white exteriors of the bungalow, together with the long driveway and a lush green garden give the space a colonial look. The garden leads to a lovely pool surrounded by stone flooring, giving it a refreshing touch. White pebbles in place of some tiles, only adds to the beauty of it. An attractive water fountain has been placed on the northeast section of the house, as per Vaastu. Architect Yashwant Rammurthi has inventively created the fountain by using stone chakkis that give it a rustic feel. A mirrored wall enhances the feeling of openness at the entrance and also reflects the formal living room facing it. Separated from the foyer by sliding glass doors, the room is picture-perfect, right from the luxuriant Kashmiri carpet to the drapes and upholstery, all co-ordinated in rich hues of gold. Despite the opulence, it is far from flashy, with the stark white walls balancing the flash of gold. We enter into a spacious room that is divided into a dining and seating area. The seating area is tastefully done up with a set of antique console tables that were gifted to Keerthi’s grandfather by the Nizam. Intricately carved out of pure rosewood, the tables
beautifully contrast the marble statuettes picked up from Greece that sit atop them, starkly European in an otherwise traditional space. A clearly contemporary space greets us up ahead (which is Keerthi’s favourite part of the house) – a cosy sit-out with light wooden flooring that contrasts the marble floor in the surrounding areas. This features beige and brown sofas, with perfectly matching curtains, and a huge wooden and marble bar. The bar, that Keerthi was most particular about, was designed by him, with some assistance from his architect who handpicked the lampshades from Delhi. He shares, “My living room is where we usually unwind and entertain our guests, and that is why I was particular about how it turned out. I knew how I wanted it to be and it shaped up into much more than that.” The room is a den that has the family’s much prized, state-of-the-art home theatre system. The room has an entire white wall that has been dedicated to an interesting collection of tribal masks that the family has gathered over the years during their various travels. At the back of the house, through the den, one is led to a lovely rock garden, which is more private in comparison to the one in the front. A corridor filled with antique furniture leads you to the curved
staircase that goes up to the bedrooms on the first floor. Both Niharika and Shweta had full reign in designing their bedrooms as they wished, and both chose a contemporary look. Niharika’s room is done in shades of red, her favourite colour. A strikingly textured red wall highlights her bed in the foreground. Attached to the room is a walk-in wardrobe that leads to a spacious, contemporary bathroom. Shweta’s bedroom has a similar design in hues of azure blue. The master bedroom has a traditional look, with a gold theme similar to that of the living room that gives the space a regal yet warm aura. It is the antique furniture that has been in the family for generations, which really brings the house to life. As Anu explains, “At first, we thought we’d go to China to pick up furniture, but that is what everyone has been doing these days and hence we decided against it. Also, we had lovely antique furniture already so didn’t need to. We have tried to keep a balance of furniture and space in the house – so that it doesn’t look too full or empty – just right.” Tastefully decorated, this classy and spacious house is indeed a perfect combination of classic elements with a contemporary touch, making it a delight for every visitor.
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RITZ WANDERLUST
Wanderlust WITH A TWIST BENGALURU
Let this vacation not just be a time to take quick selfies in front of hundreds of monuments, but one that brings you close to nature and your inner self. With holidaying taking on a whole new meaning now, how about awakening to the spirit of adventure in a holistic manner as you cleanse your soul and celebrate life to the fullest? Picture this: R‘Oum’ing or meditating in the wilderness, hiking along with a group of like minded trekkers, running marathons in a foreign land, indulging in dance sessions, cultural trips, tasting some yummy bites and participating in other offbeat activities that no one else has ever done before; and all this in the company of like-minded folks from all walks of life. All of us have that need to get away and find ourselves. At the onset of the holiday season, these ingenious entrepreneurs are crafting tailor-made holidays with a twist to give your travel a whole new meaning with yoga, spirituality, trekking, fitness, quirky activities and so much more thrown in to add that extra jazz to your much required break. If you’re planning your next holiday and want to do something different this time, then our holiday guide might be just what you’ve been dreaming of. Text: NAMITA GUPTA
NATASHA MAHINDRA, ANAM CARA YOGA RETREATS specialises in yoga adventure travel. Natasha says, “We have done yoga and scuba diving retreats, yoga jungle safaris, pure yoga and trekking trips. On our retreats we blend nature activities such as hiking, kayaking, para gliding, camping, snorkelling, island trips, diving and more to our itinerary and enrich it with outdoor yoga sessions on the beaches, mountains and forests adding elements of sound therapies and massages. We’re going on a retreat in April to Kheer-Ganga in the Parvati valley with trekking, bathing in hot springs, yoga, guided meditations, full moon rituals, drumming sound journeys and camping out in the open. We have taken a few groups previously to Andamans, Himachal, Nagarhole, Bir Billing, Goa, Coorg and Kerala. At Andamans we stayed at the Flying Elephant which was out in the nature. At Kabini we stayed at Waterwood, Colonel’s in Bir Billing and the Inner Temple Moira village in Goa. The prices for each of these places vary.”
Contact: Ph: +91 98450 07353. Email: natashamahindra@gmail.com
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GAURI JAYARAM’S ACTIV HOLIDAY COMPANY, as the name suggests is all about integrating your travel discoveries with your favourite way to stay active. Fact is that travelling by foot or on a bicycle can take you places no bus and car can. So Gauri believes that it is not just about doing things you really enjoy but also discovering destinations in a deeper way. She says, “We put in a lot of research into our trips - access, safety, beauty quotient and so many things come into play. Sometimes we visit places on our own but we also listen to our travellers. Travelling active is also at times about ticking things off your bucket list so a variety of things come into play when it comes to picking locations. Some of the popular ones we have done include: Annapurna in Nepal, Bali for guided cycling, Israel for running a unique marathon (Jerusalem Marathon), Tuscany for selfguided cycling, Peru for the Inca Trail Trek, Botswana for Wildlife Camping, Grand Canyon for rafting besides so many other incredible places. At most of these locations, we go for small, locally owned, boutique style places that offer the experiences of the destination. For example each trip to Jordan will include a stay at a Bedouin Camp, in Morocco we include at least one Riad and in Tuscany B&Bs. In Nepal we stay at Tea Houses owned by the Sherpas. This is one of the joys of traveling active - you can get really into the heart of the action, enjoy the outdoors but also experience authentic local places where owners cook your breakfast etc. Including airfare the trips range from around ` 50,000 for Nepal all the way to probably ` 3,00,000 but we also have a trip to the North Pole that is priced at 18,00,000 excluding airfare, so it really varies. Milind Soman has travelled with us. He recently participated in the Jerusalem Marathon in Israel and said that he had always wanted to visit Israel but the fact that there was a marathon to run sweetened the deal for him allowing him to explore the destination as well as do something he loves - run! The outdoors has that effect on many people - irrespective of their preference of activity - hiking, rafting, cycling, running, camping etc.”
Contact: Ph: +91 98862 83441. Email: gauri@actiholidaycompany.com
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Contact: Ph: +91 98450 40886. Email: laiqashah@gmail.com
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LAIQA SHAH, OOMPH ESCAPES who organises bespoke luxury fitness holidays states, “I organise fitness holidays and since we’re not a fitness retreat, we do one fitness activity per day always for 3-5 hours catering to a mixed group of different fitness levels - and end the day with superb food as gastronomy is a big part of Oomph Escapes. We dine at Michelin starred restaurants and get to taste the local cuisines by famous chefs of the region. The fitness activities we do vary from place to place depending on what the region offers us - for example in mountainous regions we have done trekking, mountain biking, nature walks and rock climbing; if we’re visiting islands or beach destinations we do water based activities such as sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, deep sea swims etc. I incorporate all the best elements of a good holiday - fitness, food and culture and it’s the most luxurious holiday possible by choosing only the best five-star rated villas and boutique properties. Since I like to offer a new experience on every trip, we visit new destinations every year and avoid repetition. Destinations are always chosen with nature, local cuisine, culture and luxury in mind and we opt for the least touristic choices. The more remote an island, the better it is for us. I’ve hosted holidays in unknown parts of Spain, Italy, Portugal and we are visiting the lesser known Greek islands this May that can be only accessed by a 30-seater plane.” She adds, “I always do a few recce trips beforehand and get a good network of local contacts in every destination to ensure that we give the most seamless experience. The cost of our trips ranges from £1200-£1600 for a couple and this always includes four nights accommodation in a luxury villa or a boutique hotel, organic breakfasts, all the activities, transfers and the most fun and relaxed holiday experience ever! I’ve had a few famous celebrity clients that have joined us on our escapes, but they prefer their names not to be mentioned.”
VIKRAM AHUJA, BYOND TRAVEL picks destinations based on places which offer a wide range of activities to do. These could involve interactions with nature and the outdoors or with local communities and cultures with a rich history of music, dance, food and celebrations. “We avoid regular touristy places where the only options are seeing sights from afar without any opportunity to participate in the local culture. Some of the popular destinations for such getaways are Pushkar, Darjeeling, Dharamshala, Sri Lanka, Bali and Bhutan. The best places to stay are gorgeous outdoor luxury tented accommodation (such as The Orchard in Puskhar) to beach-side cottages and resorts (such as in Sri Lanka and Bali)). Sometimes the favourite places are not always the most luxurious places, but the ones with the best stories. The cost varies from place to place but could be from ` 25,000 for Dharamshala to ` 55,000 for Bhutan to ` 60,000 for Bali for anywhere between a trip of four to seven days. We take groups of women-only travellers to yoga; mixed groups, kids, senior citizens and even spiritual healing groups in over 50 countries. Besides personal interactions with local communities, exploring various cultures, arts, music and food, some of the activities which are must-do are: Pushkar: The world famous Camel fair, listening to local Rajasthani folk musicians under the moonlight. Darjeeling: Riding the toy train! And if lucky, even dancing on top of it. Dharamshala: Catch a glimpse of the Dalai Lama! Sri Lanka: Hot air balloon over UNESCO heritage sites, art walks in Colombo. Bali: Learn how to cook local cuisine and get plenty of Balinese massages. Bhutan: Learn archery from locals, trek up to Tiger’s nest monastery,” shares Vikram.
Contact: Ph: +91 98452 21787. Email: vikram@byond.travel
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TAMANNA CHANDHOK is an angel therapist, psychic healer and spiritual coach. She introduced the culture of spiritual retreat with a trip to Pushkar last year with travellers from across the globe and is planning four upcoming retreats in 2017, from mother-child retreat in Dubai and Delhi, senior citizen retreat, retreat for the broken hearted and retreat for singles. “I started Spiritual retreat with the idea of giving travel lovers a platform to experience travelling with an intention for soul growth. We are constantly travelling for work or leisure, but every time we come back from a holiday, we find the need to take another break, because we don’t feel fulfilled from deep within, so I wanted to create a platform where people can come together, travel, interact, see a new destination as well as go through spiritual growth and increased awareness about life, karmic, energy science and spirituality. Over a period of three days we cover subjects like meditation, sun rise healing, emotional eating, spiritual parenting, past life healing, chakra balancing, life after death and five dimensions of human existence. The places I select are keeping in mind that they are not very commercial, easily accessible and the overall energy of the city is vibrant without being too overbearing or exhausting. Pushkar was wonderful due to the vibration of the place and significance of Brahma energies. Also I will be conducting one in Hrishikesh, Puducherry and Bali and later in Bhutan, Coorg and Peru too. At Pushkar we stayed at Hotel Orchard’s luxury tents amidst marigold fields. In my upcoming retreats there will be spiritual camps at Bentota, Sri Lanka at a beach side resort, In Ubud, Bali amidst the rice fields, in Hrishikesh on the banks of the river and staying at boutique hotels. On an average for domestic travels the price for the package comes to ` 36,000 to ` 52,000 for three nights and four days. International locations may vary depending on the city and duration, but for example the Sri Lanka retreat is ` 52,000 for four nights five days that includes hotels, sightseeing, meals and hotel transfers.”
Contact: Ph: +91 98337 02262. Email:Tamannac111@gmail.com
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RITZ TRENDING NOW
KOCHI
BEAT THE H E A T! As April arrives, with it comes the scorching summer heat! While it’s one thing to enjoy the warm summer, it’s quite another to get sun burnt! As the mercury starts to soar, it is plain agonising to step outside into the hot sun. Your mind and body needs to be equipped for heatwaves, exhaustion, dehydration, heat rash and much more. Nuthan Manohar, yoga expert and founder of Me Met Me at Kochi shares valuable tips on how to beat the heat with yoga and ayurveda! Text: RIYA SONNY DATSON Photography: ARUN A MENON
N
uthan firmly believes that ayurveda and yoga go a long way in helping your body and mind adjust to the changing seasons and the weather. “Ayurveda is a science of life that goes back thousands of years! As per Ayurveda, there are five elements in nature - namely earth, space, water, air and fire. Based on these elements there are three doshas, that govern the body types, you have – Vata (air and space) Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth). One could also have a combination body type like a Vata Pitta. Based on your body type, your reaction to the heat will be different. So you need to understand yourself first.” She goes on to explain the different body types as follows: • Vata: People with this dosha are generally light and lean. Like the wind they are active and sometimes even restless. Due to the element of air, they tend to have dry skin, nails and hair. They are also creative people but may have irregular routines, they might not be able to accommodate vigorous habits. Vata imbalances can cause dry skin problems and irregularities in digestion like constipation or gas. Vata people feel cold, and often are prone to joint pains. As you age, your Vata also increases. • Pitta: This dosha would consist of
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medium built people who don’t gain too much weight. They are intelligent, determined and make good leaders. They are open to vigorous routines and are good athletes’ but have a tendency to sweat. They have slightly oily skin. Imbalances in Pitta could lead to acidity, hair loss, rashes and even anger. Often Pitta is said to be at its peak post puberty till age catches up. • Kapha: Kapha consists of people who are heavily built and sometimes even overweight. They are quite soft natured, patient, cool, composed and caring. They love food and can be either lethargic or hardworking. They have a tendency to have oily skin and imbalances in Kapha can lead to obesity and depression. Kapha is said to govern your lungs, all the way to
brain. However a healthy Kapha body type is said to be the best constitution. As children we have excess Kapha, and yes, it is the upper body that is prone to illness for kids. “During summer, the Pitta element (which is the fire element), is what needs to be maintained. Summers and the heat is often welcome for the Vata person. But rest assured that this year, with the predictions of extreme heat, no one can take their health lightly. For a Pitta, heat can cause a plethora of problems. An imbalance leads to related problems like acne, dehydration, head-aches, acidity, heartburn and at an emotional level, even negative feelings like anger, arrogance and jealousy. Here are a few things you can do to keep the fallouts of heat at bay!” she explains further.
YO G A A N D B R E AT H I N G EXERCISES: Asana practice in summer should be gentle and should include postures that help calm the nerves and improve digestion. Here are a few simple postures that can help beat the heat. Shishuasana or Child Pose: This posture is a relaxing posture and cools your nerves. Sit on your heels and slowly bend forward pressing your chest against your thighs. Your hands should be kept close to your body and your forehead should touch the ground. Pregnant women should not try this posture. Prasarita Padottanasana or the Wide Legged Forward Bend: Stand with your legs about 5 feet apart, feet held parallel and grounding down with your feet. Stretch your hands out to the front as you inhale and bend forward; as you exhale, press your hands against the floor and bring the head down. Stay for five slow breaths. Follow up with a simple standing backbend. Vipareeta Karani This is a Mudra or energy seal that will help retain the coolness of your head. Following is a modified step by step procedure called the ‘legs up the wall’. You can use props like bolsters, pillows and folded blankets while doing this mudra. • Sit on the floor next to a wall, such that your feet are on the floor, spread in front of you, and the left side of your body is touching the wall. • Exhale. Lie on your back, making sure that the back of your legs press against the wall, and that the soles of your feet face upwards. Make sure you are comfortable in this position. • Place your buttocks a little away from the wall or press them against the wall. • Make sure your body forms a 90-degree angle against the wall with your head and back resting on the floor. • Lift your hips up and slide a prop under them. You could also use your hands to support your hips and form that curve in your lower body. • Keep your head and neck in a neutral position and relax.
• Close your eyes and breathe. Hold the position for at least five minutes. Release and roll to any one side. Breathe before you sit up. Sheethali is a kind of Pranayama that helps lower body temperature and pressure. This helps to reduce the heat in the body as well as stress. You have to sit cross legged, ensuring that your back is straight. Roll your tongue, point it out and inhale using your mouth, as though the tongue is a straw. You will feel cool air passing through your tongue, exhale using your nostrils. Repeat slowly at least ten times.
N O U R I S H I N G YO U R B O DY • Ensure that you take plenty of fluids in the form of water, cucumber, lime and gooseberry infused water, coconut water or barley water. Make it a habit to sip at least 3 litres of water daily. • Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables specially watermelons, berries, citrus fruits juices and green leafy vegetables • Take small but frequent meals instead of heavy meals • Yoghurt is a good form of dairy to cool your body, however buttermilk is even better suited. • Avoid spicy, fried and oily food as it adds to acidity and indigestion. Try to refrain from non-vegetarian food, instead choose lentils for protein.
MASSAGES AND A RO M AT H E R A P Y Aromatherapy makes use of natural oils extracted from parts of plants to create an aroma that stimulates the brain and relaxes the senses. Nuthan recommends use of coconut oil, lavender oil, peppermint or sandalwood oil to massage your body. “You could rub the oil lightly all over your body after a bath. It would serve as a moisturiser, the smell would help you relax and act as a perfume.” Nuthan also recommends applying sandalwood paste on your body to heal sunburns, acne and tan. A blend of tomatoes, oats and yogurt is great as a body pack this summer.
BEAUTY SLEEP Make it a point to sleep early and to get up before sunrise. Finish your exercises in the morning and make it a habit to meditate 15 minutes, and let your heart be filled with positive thoughts. This will help keep your cool through the coming months.
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RITZ TRENDING NOW
HYDERABAD
Spirited
Cuisines
Rare Scotch by the oldest distillery in Scotland, the hottest Craft Gin and Beer, or the rare vintages of the Grand Cru wines – the world of luxury spirits and wines is indeed an exhilarating one. From aristocratic royalty to new money, elaborate alcoholic beverages have always been synonymous with wealth, status and eccentricity. Thanks to an increase in wealth, independence and empowerment, now even the Modern-She is turning her eye to luxury products and services that were historically a ‘male territory.’ As a result, many brands are seeking to specifically appeal to the rising affluent female consumer. Hence, it is no surprise that all the luxury spirits (whether it is the rapper-endorsed beverage or the undeniable classics) are getting more and more extravagant with highly detailed packaging designs, rich histories and even extremely expensive price tags. Coming from a city where food is a religion, it is only imperative for its drinkers to team it correctly with their finest choice of elixir. In order to understand this culture better, we caught up with some connoisseurs from the city, to get an insight on their favourite alcohol, and their recommended pairings. Text: ANAHITA AHUJA
MOHIT MALHOTRA, Executive Assistant M a n a g e r, P a r k H y a t t Hyderabad
You’ve been a part of the luxury hospitality industry for 16 years… tell us about the world of luxury. Through my experiences, I have learnt that people don’t just fly from one part of the world to another to simply stay at a hotel and eat. They do it because they are in search of an experience – an experience of comfort and indulgence. What’s missing when it comes to the luxury spirits? There’s still a strong need for brands to express heritage, provenance and premium values on spirits packaging, but with a new focus on communicating it with subtle cues that convey craft and an eye for detail. Despite an upsurge of restaurants, the city certainly needs a great cocktail bar with mixology and creativity taking centre stage – a place where an experience is created through modern gastronomy and the craft of cocktail, and where music is not the focal attraction. A tapas wine bar with an extensive wine by the glass selection with grazing food options would be a concept worth pondering upon. Your favourite spirit? My new found adoration for pairing lies in a much understated beverage, Tonic. If 70% of your Gin and Tonic is the tonic, then choosing a match that harmoniously fits in to the company of your favourite gin is important. International brands such as Fever-Tree, offer a range of tonic waters complementing the flavour profiles of this luxury spirit. Basic pairing tips? • Whisky has a rich, deep and very smoky underlying flavour that works really well with aged beef… try it with a fine Japanese whiskey which has just the right amount of bitterness and butteriness and smokiness. • The layers of gin's botanicals enhance the briny but not too intense flavours of the shrimps. • Bourbon has a gentle depth from ageing in a charred oak barrel, making it an ideal accompaniment to barbecue. Have that big slab of smoky baby-back ribs or smoked brisket with a glass of small-batch bourbon or a well-made Manhattan. • The Russians like to keep it simple: Serve Vodka, icy cold, with caviar, smoked fish, herring – to give the neutral spirit a kick.
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N A R E N PA L S I N G H , M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r, T h e B r a n d S a r d a r (F&B Consultancy)
What are your views on the market in Hyderabad? The cosmopolitan culture of the city together with cross pollination has led to a harmonious intermingling of dining and drinking habits. This has resulted in an increase towards brand awareness. However, lack of an extensive portfolio and discouraging price structures are hurdles that we need to overcome to accelerate the growth. Your thoughts on the change in demand of luxury spirits in Hyderabad… People nowadays are very well aware of what they want to indulge in and hence there is immense scope with huge demands. Diageo integrated with USL which has a huge penetration in market. Believe it or not but Gold Label, Platinum labels sell the highest in Hyderabad after Delhi, in India. What would your favourite ones be? I am a malt drinker and my field of work entails selling it too. From what I see, some of the best that are often sold are Talisker, Cardhu, Platinum label, Blue Label, Glenlivet, Oban, and Laphroig.
Your recommendation on pairing your malt? Being a true Punjabi I prefer my malts with kebabs! (smiles) On a serious note: • Single malts like Glenmornagie, Laphroig or Macallan should be teamed with a fatty piece of meat where its fat coats one’s palate – that helps in enhancing the flavour profile of the whisky. • Beluga is a luxury vodka that could be paired with fish roe, oysters, smoked salmon or a spicy eastern European klobasa. • Gin like Crossbill works best with smoked salmon or goat cheese. • The Rum named Ophyum, 23 years Solera from Dominican Republic goes flawlessly with a nice Cuban cigar and dark chocolate. How are people’s palates changing with time? People are nowadays very well travelled and understand what every luxury spirit has to offer to their palate, thanks to which, many have shifted from premium to luxury.
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RITZ TRENDING NOW ASMANI SUBRAMANIAN, Brand Ambassador of Diageo and a Mixologist Tell us about the luxury spirit market in Hyderabad? Is it brand specific or suggestive? I can see a continuous decline with the high end white spirits, and its space is being taken over by the Single Malts. As of today, Hyderabad is definitely a brand specific market. As a mixologist, what do you recommend on pairing with your favourite luxury spirits? For me personally cocktails work far better with Asian and Indian Cuisine, while Single Malts, Scotch Whiskies and Japanese Whiskies do not complement these cuisines really well. Some basic tips? • Spicy food match-up is a bit trickier to navigate. Alcohol elevates the spicy sensation brought on by capsaicin so, if you're not careful, you'll end up feeling the burn and just the burn. • If you are looking at whisky evenings – appetisers with gentle spice and citrus work well with a “Mizuwari” made
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with light fragrant whiskies. Mains finished with smoke work well with medium bodied whiskies such as Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 Year Old with some peat influence Full-bodied rich whiskies like Johnnie Walker XR 21 Year Old or Johnnie Walker Blue Label works amazingly well with roasted dishes, medium spiced north Indian curries, and rich fruit cakes. Strong, peaty whiskies like Lagavulin are best with some nice dark chocolate and strong blue cheeses, especially Roquefort. • Cocktails with sweet and fruity flavours are actually spicy food's ideal mates. The sugar mutes the burn brought on by high-proof spirits and spicy food adds refreshment to the otherwise steamy meals. My favourite picks would be Tiki cocktails such as Ron Zacapa Mai Tai with Asian and Indian cuisines, which often have fruity elements in their dishes. Bright citrus flavours offer similar relief. Classics like Tanqueray No. Ten gin gimlets, Ketel One lemon drops with a hint of fresh coriander offer relief. Talker
S U R YA V E E R S I N G H , E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r, T r a n c e Hotels and Resorts (also a certified wine sommelier and educator) What are your thoughts on change in demand of luxury spirits in Hyderabad? Hyderabad is a changing entity; currently the city is rediscovering itself and its preferences. There is most definitely a large scope of demand in the luxury spirits industry especially for whiskey. With median incomes growing, tastes buds are elevating. Lately we are hearing from Hyderabadis that they will “only drink Greygoose” or “nothing but a Single malt”, since they also dread the nasty hangover which comes with entry level spirits. In fact they have become so specific about what they want that if their specific brand is not available then they’d rather not consume any alcohol at all. Your recommendation on pairing some luxury spirits… • The Gin Monkey 47 goes beautifully with citrus Mahi Mahi fish in Caper sauce • Laphroaig single malt whisky with a Cheese platter • 18 year old Macallan scotch with dark chocolate soufflé • Grey goose L’Orange with Grilled chicken breast and Peri Peri sauce • Kubota Daiginjo Sake with Salmon Nigiri sushi Some basic tips while pairing? Make sure that the food flavour doesn’t overpower your spirit and vice-versa. Both should work in tandem and complement each other. It is usually a safe bet to pair cuisine from the same country as origin or the spirit. Sweet flavours break down spicy food. How are people’s pallets changing with time? There most definitely is an urge in the city to broaden their beverage preferences, and with incomes growing, there is an untapped market for luxury spirits. I would give it not more than a year or two for Hyderabad to shift its preference from Beer to luxury spirits.
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RITZ FASHION KOCHI
‘H O T’ C O U T U R E Summer is here with its bright hues, cool cottons and floral frenzies. Each season brings with it, its own inspirations, textures and designs. Kerala celebrates Vishu and Easter in April this year and the native summer styles mirror glimpses of these festivals! RITZ checks out the cool summer collection crafted by three of the top designers from Kerala, who have used handwoven fabrics and ethnic styles in their designs! Read on to hear them describe the collection in their own words. Text: RIYA SONNY DATSON
R O U K A B Y S R E E J I T H J E E VA N “Rook believes in the beauty of everyday living. Sometimes it’s just best when life is simple and we celebrate the little things we come across everyday. ROUKA meaning bodice in Malayalam celebrates that effortlessness. This summer soak in the effortlessness of a spring holiday. We're looking at straight cuts, summer dresses, and more importantly the fun aspect of wearing comfort with style. Summers are a lot about travel and we're working on making it easy. This implies a lot of neutrals and simple patterns. Textures are the key to this easy summer wardrobe. Monotone textures make the cut this summer, with tone on tone details adding class. We always stick to natural fabrics because functionality is key. It’s always a good idea to keep jewellery to a minimum during summers. Statement earrings are always a great idea with simple summer dresses.”
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S E A M S T R E S S B Y R A S M I P O D U VA L & V I M A L A V I S WA M B H A R A N “Don’t let the fashion industry dictate your choice of colours or fabric but let the spirit of the season do that! Seamstress has chintzy florals and checks in flowy A-lines for the summer. Cotton crepe is a comfortable fabric to wear for it breathes well, has a lovely fall and drape and most importantly, it lends a cool, breezy look! For formals, we recommend, Chintzy Kalamkaris in minimal cuts and of course, cool linens in structured cuts. We don’t follow the western system of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Instead, we follow a Vishu, Mazha, Onam and a Christmas/Festive collection. This Vishu (New Year in Kerala), we’ve worked with a traditional mundum veshti, paired with retro styled blouses like the shirt blouse, rouka, high collared and embroidered blouses. We’ve also used soft pastel Kalamkaris and Kerala kaithari fabric. There is a certain rustic, ‘lived in’ charm to the traditional mundum veshti, the idea was to retain that look but with a slight contemporary spin, using off-beat blouses. Style Statement? Give a spin to the traditional look with your own style quotient – it could be a short peplum shirt instead of your traditional blouse, or experiment with the drape or even an unusual accessory – maybe kuppivala (glass bangles) & sneakers!”
MANTRA BY S HALINI JAMES “Long rustling dresses that twirl sensuously around the ankles; delicate, frothy anarkalis that swirl around you with a mind of their own; hemlines that play hide and seek, eyelets that play peekaboo; willowy silhouettes, flirty fabrics, prints and paisleys that will leave you sighing for more. That's our offering for the summer - 'A Spring Affair': A delightful collection of floral prints on soft, gossamer voiles. The summer palette has garden pastels with prints of foliage, florals and paisleys. The layering with crochet lace in our collection gives a peasant-girl styling to the whole look. When it comes to accessories, the Athleisure trend continues. Sneakers are worn with dresses, albeit with feminine add-ons like lace and pompoms. Headbands and scarves add dashes of contrasting colour to the look.”
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RITZ FASHION
Summer’s Coming
Make this a summer to remember, That1Too brings to you a fun range of summer fashion to sizzle in the heat. With an explosion of colours and on trend styles, this is the summer when fashion meets comfort. We have trend checked everything that we offer you on That1Too.com! Off shoulder tops with this season's sleeves, bling jewellery, skirts and jumpsuits that steal the show, all in a price range that makes you jump for joy! Summer's coming, Are you ready? 98 RITZ April 2017
On Aditya: Chambray Green Linen Shirt ` 2199 Printed Green Shorts ` 1399 Fabiano Green Sunglasses ` 4950 Wristwood Wooden Watch ` 8495 All on That1Too.com On Roya: Riddhi & Revika Flower Crop top ` 9000 Orange Hi low Skirt ` 1689 Gold Cuff ` 699 All on That1Too.com
Brooklyn Top ` 549 Joggers ` 599 all on That1Too.com
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RITZ FASHION
Peach and Black Striped Jumpsuit ` 2999 Leather Fringe Bag ` 2240 Bedazzled Chunky Necklace ` 1099 all on That1Too.com
Brooklyn Top ` 549 Joggers ` 599 all on That1Too.com
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Long Green Maxi Dress ` 3750 Golden Horse Necklace ` 1800 all on That1Too.com
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RITZ FASHION College Pique Polo shirt ` 1299 Stretch Denim Shorts ` 1899 all on That1Too.com
3 Layered Wings and Star Necklace ` 699 Silk Top ` 1800 Sunflower Skirt ` 3499 Moustache Pendant Necklace ` 650 Ring ` 1200 all on That1Too.com
Earrings ` 890 Python Clutch ` 2352 Blue Printed Skirt ` 3499 Pearls Atomic Duo Ring ` 990 Eternity Double Finger Ring ` 390 all on That1Too.com Green Khadi Long Shirt ` 2250 Hot Panno Shorts ` 1599 Basket Ring ` 800 all on That1Too.com
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RITZ CORRIDORS OF POWER
O S C B
P E R AT I O N S U C C E S S F U L, I T I Z E N S E N E F I T T E D
BY SANJAY PINTO
(Pic: Dr.B. Chandra Mohan, IAS – Revenue Secretary – Tamil Nadu)
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riven by an idea planted in his mind by his mother Maitreyi, who worked for the Health Department in Karnataka, a young graduate from the Govt. Medical College, Bellary, decided to trade the stethoscope for files. In ‘94, he was part of the first batch of Civil Services aspirants to pick Medicine as an optional subject in the examination. The son of an agriculturist – Venkatramanappa, he reaped a rich harvest in the All India Examination. That’s when the three letters ‘IAS’ replaced the four letters ‘MBBS’ after B.Chandra Mohan’s name plate. And right from 1995, his prescriptions for a plethora of challenges in Tamil Nadu have worked, with many firsts to his credit. Over the last twenty two years, Dr.Chandra Mohan, now the Revenue Secretary of Tamil Nadu, has held several sensitive posts and had to face many a Catch 22 situation, which he battled through sheer ingenuity. In his early posting as the Collector of Madurai, he noticed that “many tanks and lakes were in a state of disuse” and for the first time in the State prepared a compendium of water bodies in the district which served as a blue print for drought mitigation schemes in the years to come. For instance, in Melur Taluk, the three thousand odd farmers wanted a permanent bund built. A monetary crunch loomed large. “With the ‘Food For Work’ programme, we managed to rustle up resources and managed to build a dam, solving a 70 year old problem.” Although his stint as the Collector of Karur was short, the sand mining issue, he recalls, was tackled with a firm hand. A Chennai assignment as the Deputy Commissioner (Health & Solid Waste Management) of the Corporation of Chennai saw the AIDS Control Programme getting “a fillip” and the civic body emerging as “the first in the country to modernise solid waste management.” Unsold stock and mounting losses greeted him at Aavin. As the Managing Director, in less than a year, he was able to “turnaround” the dairy sector and milk cash profits by plugging loopholes in the system, for which the department collared the Udyog Ratna Award in the capital.
Photograph : GURUNATH PRABHU
Regulatory issues and industrial disputes got his attention as the Labour Commissioner of the State. “Our biggest achievement was streamlining welfare disbursement to the beneficiaries in a time bound manner through Labour Welfare Boards.” In the saddle as Commissioner of Horticulture, “agriculture was in a crisis.” “Through precision farming, earning three to four lakh per acre was possible. Green homes were promoted and with even a quarter acre, people were able to get twenty to forty thousand rupees a month.” The officer’s “passion for gardens” won Tamil Nadu a Government of India recognition as the ‘Best Horticulture State.’ Arguably his biggest challenge in administration was as the Manging Director of Metro Water, where he had to tackle “three years of drought and a deluge.” The commissioning of the desalination plant aside, Chandra Mohan strategically sourced water for the city from “unconventional places.” Agricultural wells in Tiruvallur were hired and “we were able to pump in close to 120 MLD.” Veeranam was going dry and it took considerable “brainstorming to increase its capacity to 220 MLD”. Chandra Mohan attributes the absence of riots over the acute water scarcity to these proactive measures. At the World Bank Conference, the dynamic officer was invited to share his experience of managing drought in Chennai, along with eight other representatives from across the globe and his initiatives also won the ‘Global Water Leaders Award’. Water can cut both ways and soon came the problem of plenty with the unprecedented 2015 deluge. A double whammy ensued, with both sewer and
drinking water lines down. “When there is no water problem, nobody realises it. When things don’t work, all hell breaks loose.” In Mogappair, the sewage line was damaged as workers had dug an open channel. “I was on the spot till 2 am during that crisis to oversee the repair work.” These were times of personal sacrifice by many unsung heroes and their stories didn’t make it to the mainstream media. Like the story of a “Metro Water Engineer, whose own house was washed away in Manapakkam but worked round the clock, even carrying loads of diesel on his head in neck deep water for motors that were used to pump out water. Or my own driver who also didn’t go home for several days although his own place was flooded.” Then the water lines near the Adyar Bridge had sunk. “The lines were replete with curves and bends. We had to send divers in to set things right.” The sewage system was also badly hit on TTK Road in Alwarpet, connecting many VIP areas and the Metro Water team had to work flat out to restore normalcy under trying circumstances. There was no looking back after the devastating floods, as Chandra Mohan soon found himself back at Ripon Building, this time as the Commissioner of the Chennai Corporation. Elections in the State were round the corner and the big challenge was to repair the battered roads in the city. Chandra Mohan claims he brought the roads “back to shape in record time.” That apart, he exudes pride in “improving gardens in the city and transplanting trees at the Marina” from private lands. The history of drought didn’t stop the shower of awards. As the Revenue Secretary, a position he has been holding
for about eight months, Chandra Mohan operationalised the online patta transfer and bagged the ‘Chief Minister’s Best Practices Award.’ At the helm of disaster management, he was literally in the eye of the 2016 ‘Vardah’ storm and says his satisfaction stems from significantly “minimising the loss and damage to life” and “getting the media on the same page as the government”. That’s something that just didn’t happen during the 2015 floods. It’s not clear if Chandra Mohan, a la Jim Reeves, promised his lady love a rose garden. But his gift of the gab certainly won the heart of Karuna Priya, an Indian Forest Service Officer of the 1996 batch, now posted as the Conservator of Forests in Chennai. The officer couple have two budding stars in Mihir Mohan and Kiran Mohan, students at Maharishi Vidya Mandir. Chandra Mohan hastens to add that his “85 year old grandmother Lakshmi Devamma has been a big pillar of strength” Taking a stroll in gardens and parks, reading fiction, from Jeffrey Archer to Sidney Sheldon and listening to both Hindi and Kannada music keep him occupied. That’s when he isn’t troubleshooting for the government.
(Sanjay Pinto is a Lawyer of the Madras High Court, a Columnist, Author, TV Political Commentator, Public Speaking Mentor & Former Resident Editor – NDTV 24x7) April 2017
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THE GREAT DEPRESSION, MIND IT BY SANJAY PINTO
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f bollywood star Deepika Padukone threw the spotlight on depression with her “I had it too” revelation, an Indian author Shubhrata Prakash has made society feel ashamed for stigmatising this mental condition and the medical fraternity to go back to the drawing board and perhaps update, innovate or tweak treatment protocol. Call it a co-incidence or a twist of fate. I was recently invited to initiate a chat with the Author of ‘The D Word’, Tamil Nadu’s Health Secretary Dr. Radhakrishnan and Psychologist Dr.Mini Rao at Odyssey recently, courtesy the man behind the bookstore T.S.Ashwin. Murphy’s Law “if anything can go wrong, it will” screams out as you picture a scenario of a young graduate bogged down with medical reports on her heart condition instead of academic notes bang in the middle of her preparation for the most gruelling and competitive Civil Services Examination. While her performance took no hit, the situation got worse. A fortnight before the final interview, she was wheeled into the operation theatre for a heart surgery. But she breezed through this stage with elan. And courage. And a steely resolve to take life’s battles head on. To be ranked 60 in an all India list was a miracle. In the saddle as an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and post marriage and kids, Shubhrata Prakash continued to defy the odds. It almost seemed as if God was keen on telling her: “You’re handling stress immaculately. Here’s some more.” There came a time when she broke down, was even scared of herself, diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). With a top cop husband who had an equally stressful work schedule, this senior Income Tax officer realised that there was “no silver bullet to slay the beast” of depression. In an age of superstition and stigma and quackery and the social media, where everyone is an expert; she sought help, critically
evaluated and even titrated her own medication, underwent therapy and bounced back to tell her story to the world. ‘The D Word’ is Shubhrata Prakash’s blow by blow account of depression through her own eyes and emotions. When most patients are embarrassed to be even seen visiting a shrink, here’s a bureaucrat with two kids who has dared to chronicle her own story and research for the world to read. Flipping through the pages of ‘The D Word’ and anchoring that panel discussion revived painful memories of my own bout of depression in the late nineties and early two thousand, over a personal issue. It lasted almost three years. I took no medication. On waking up every morning, I would shudder at the task of going through another day. I would end every night with a wet pillow. That I was in a stressful profession of twenty four hour tv journalism cut both ways. It kept me occupied and drastically curtailed opportunities to grieve. But it also took a toll on my health, pushed up my blood pressure and cholesterol. My inner circle of friends knew what I was going through and displayed unimaginable patience as I would eat their brains off on the phone. They constituted my first line of defence. Some would even jocularly suggest that I cease being a teetotaller, hit the bottle, grow a beard and compose poetry! I found great solace in books like Dr.Wayne Dyer’s masterpiece “How To Pull Your Own Strings” and Norman Vincent Peale’s “Amazing Results Of Positive Thinking”. But the latter proved tricky as I needed to let go! The prayer: “God, give me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference” became my mantra. I even had chats with a shrink friend, not at his hospital or clinic but at a club where he would invite me to grab a bite and an informal counselling session. Counselling helped but like the effect of paracetamol for fever lasts 6 hours, it needed a long term dosage.
To the outside world, especially when I would appear on tv through the day and every night, I masked the hurt but on accasions, I suspect, it probably leaked out. I was only in my mid twenties. Throughout those difficult years, I was determined to never let the hurt degenerate into hate. I fought back and I conquered the big D, emerging emotionally stronger, wiser and more mature. I often wonder why people fight shy of seeking professional help for depression. A drunkard has no stigma when he goes for treatment of a liver disorder. A chain smoker has no qualms when he checks in for a lung X-Ray. What’s so demeaning about depression, especially when a WHO survey points to 1 in 4 Indians likely to suffer from problems of the mind by 2020? I have mooted the idea of Shubhrata’s impending bestseller being prescribed as a text book in educational institutions, as a PhD topic of research and most definitely a bollywood movie script. Meanwhile, keep shedding those tears. It’s as therapeutic as writing!
(Sanjay Pinto is a Lawyer at the Madras High Court, a Columnist, Author, Political Analyst, Public Speaking Mentor & Former Resident Editor – NDTV 24x7) April 2017
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RITZ FOOD
CULINARY
Treats from the Asian Kitchen
Fort Kochi is the ideal blend of the old and the new, of colonial charm and Kerala traditions, of ancient heritage and contemporary art. Its magic lies in the confluence of many cultures, religions, traditions, art, architecture, commerce and cuisines. And rightly so, it is also a favoured haven for tourists, art lovers and food connoisseurs. Asian Kitchen by Tokyo Bay has found its place in this enchanting part of Kochi and it has been drawing crowds for its authentic Pan Asian menu, a first of its kind in Kerala that has to its credit seven different types of cuisine – Japanese, Chinese, Malaysian, Thai, Indonesian, Singaporean and Vietnamese. RITZ eexplores the delectable delicacies offered here with Roopa George, MD of Tokyo Bay and the Executive Chef, Amit Rai! Words: RIYA SONNY DATSON 108 RITZ April 2017
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sian Kitchen by Tokyo Bay was launched in the Cochin Club almost two years ago. The club that recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, was exclusively built for the British nationals residing in Fort Kochi. But after independence, as the colonial rulers left the Indian terrain, this beautiful property was opened to Indians. “For the Baby Marine group, this is our first venture in the hospitality segment and thanks to our marine export wing, we are able to offer the best quality sea food at our restaurant,“ says owner Roopa George. Guests are welcomed with a warm, friendly smile at this pleasing restaurant that scores high on service. The single floor diner opens out to well-manicured lawns that serve as a perfect party venue and the surrounding lush green trees lends itself to the cool ambience. Guests have the option to dine inside or along the open veranda. The colourful Chinese lanterns that line the portico and the light instrumental music playing in the background, all add to the whole Asian feel. Chef Amit Rai pops in between, in his cheerful demeanour to check on his guests. “Being a Pan Asian restaurant, you must try the signature delicacies of each cuisine to understand the variety we offer. To start with, I recommend the Tom Yum soup which is a Thai speciality,” smiles Chef Rai. This hot and spicy broth with shrimp and mushrooms, has a citrusy tint to it along with the distinct flavour of lemon grass, Galangal (a Thai herb) and coriander roots. Just as we begin to sip into its
taste, the Butter Garlic Prawns arrive, a luscious Chinese delicacy! This amazing appetiser is essentially batter fried prawns with the rich flavour of garlic, butter and Broccoli – an absolute must have! Of course, the tantalising Japanese Sushi, one of the most popular dishes at the restaurant makes its grand entry next – Chef recommends the ‘Tempura Maki’ specially curated by him. This delicacy has cooked prawn wrapped in seaweed and vinegared rice and finally rolled in tempura crumbs. The Tempura Maki is served with Gari, (or pickled ginger), soya sauce, salad and the Wasabi paste, which is made out of horse radish. When asked about the popularity of the dish, Chef explains that though Tokyo Bay is known to serve authentic Sushi, which is really uncooked, guests often enquire for a cooked version. The main course culminates in the much celebrated Nasi Goreng, an Indonesian speciality! This platter has a generous portion of fried rice, tossed with Sambal Belacan (a native Indonesian chilli paste), shrimp and fried egg and accompanied with the chicken satay. The dish served with crispy prawn crackers and a light onion salad is a full meal by itself! The rice has a sticky texture to it, is spicy and lightly sweet to taste, laced with the flavour of shrimp. The juicy peanut flavoured chicken satay compliments it perfectly along with the crackers and the salad! “While sea food happens to be very popular here, our vegetarian delicacies like the Thai green curry are equally
divine and a big hit too. The credit goes to our Executive Chef and his expert team!” smiles Roopa. I couldn’t agree more! The grand finale of course, is the refreshing double scoops of flavoured ice cream, a signature dessert crafted by the Chef. The first scoop is an exotic blend of Vanilla Ice cream with Japanese green tea called Matcha! And yes, the colour of this dessert is a beautiful tea green! The second is a scoop of vanilla ice cream blended with coconut and jaggery - the wonderful ethnic flavours of Kerala. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to the perfect Pan Asian dinner!
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RITZ food
CHENNAI
Culinary Voyages
with Minnie Menon
AVA R T A N A
H
ow many executive chefs are given a mandate which permits them to dream? A once in a lifetime opportunity to dream, innovate and create something never before? Very, very few for sure. Executive Chef Ajit Bangera of the ITC Grand Chola is definitely the chosen one. Ajit grabbed this offer like a deft fielder at ‘first slip’ on the cricket field. Avartana, the celebrated new South Indian restaurant at the ITC Grand Chola in Chennai
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is his baby…it was in the incubator for 2 years. Chef Ajit had a team of four. They went into a huddle, and armed with the power of imagination launched a truly outstanding 21st century South Indian restaurant. They have dared to be different and that is gutsy. With a soft launch on March 17th, numerous newspaper reviews and a social media buzz that was unparalleled, Avartana opened its doors for business.
Entering the restaurant, I paused and took a step back. However much I was prepared for Avartana, it was like nothing we have ever seen for exclusive South Indian cuisine. Like bespoke clothes, Avartana prides itself on a bespoke menu. But this was only the beginning of my journey. The interiors were equally bespoke. I entered the 62-seater restaurant with brightly lit décor which looked anything but South Indian in the
Minnie Menon
traditional sense at first glance. The lighting in the shape of banana flowers and the mural of a Kerala boat crafted in mother-of-pearl and back-lit against one entire wall gave an authenticity to the surroundings. But it stopped there in terms of tradition. Futuristic modernity deftly takes over the dĂŠcor. The restaurant is a tad bright but that adds to the welcoming ambience. The private dining room reflected warm, honey brown lighting from coconutshaped light shades over the dining table. The dĂŠcor is a reflection of the artistic sensibilities of the Thai interior designer who had been awarded this prestigious assignment. Core South Indian elements were infused with a fine Oriental twist. I was given a guided tour and saw for the first time a live, interactive, see-through kitchen in a 5-star restaurant. Ajit explained that they have tasting menus, not a la carte. These varied from 7 to 13 items. They had a specially crafted 12-item menu for me to enjoy over a tete a tete on fine foods and culinary trends. While waiting for my meal I flirted with some zesty and April 2017
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Photography : Gurunath Prabhu
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colourful cocktails. One was named after the address of the hotel. I then moved on to the serious business of tasting the tasting menu….quite a pun, right? Beginning with a herb-infused tomato rasam which was strained in a French press coffee strainer and poured into believe it or not …. a martini glass. What a way to elevate an everyday Madrasi household staple into an exotic drink! It reminded one of a Japanese tea ceremony. It had the accompanying pomp, all that was missing was the Japanese maiko girl! The Lamb Brain Fritter was a melt-in-the-mouth experience. Did it trigger thoughts of an Indian foie gras? Hmm…I savoured the moment. This dish is completed with a semolina crisp which is nothing but a rava dosa slice that is wafer thin and looking dashing placed in the lamb. While the cuisine is South Indian,
the presentation is truly international. And therein lies the essential difference between Avartana and other great South Indian restaurants. This visual appeal of the cuisine mysteriously influences and affect one’s taste buds. “Taste and presentation go hand in hand. Re-imagining the way one eats South Indian food is the secret of this cuisine,” explained Ajit. Add to this the service team’s narration of each dish, with confidence and panache… This is truly an incomparable dining experience. Coriander fish dumpling followed… the word ‘dumpling’ gave it an oriental and popular appeal. The Asparagus, French beans and Coconut stew Idiyappam, a truly wow dish in my book, is like an exotic vegetarian Khow Suey. I noticed a few visiting overseas residents enjoying the same dish. My menu was like a star-studded cricket 11 and a twelfth man. Another of the stars on my menu was a stir fried lobster with charred onions, chilli and garlic. Noticing my obvious relish Ajit Bangera informed me they also have an exclusive seafood Tasting menu of 12 items with calamari, prawns, lobster and other treasures of the sea. All these menus are priced quite competitively,
despite the star trappings and one-of-akind dining experience. The sago and yoghurt with its masterly presentation, complete with the tamarind and dried berry sauce looked and tasted quite the cordon bleu dish created to cool us down in sultry Chennai. “I am confident this cuisine will work anywhere in the world capitals in Europe. And now in the short time since we launched, some of the doyens of South India who love traditional cuisine have given us a big thumbs
up,” concludes Ajit on a happily optimistic note. I am filing this column gazing at the misty mountains of Mussoorie… Away from the heat of the plains and listening to the news of the Supreme Court’s ruling restricting the sale of alcohol at restaurants close to the Highways. This has put our Hospitality sector in a tailspin. But this is only the tip of the iceberg, our states are going to lose much need revenue. We hope enlightened thinking will prevail and good times will roll. April 2017
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