Brew Magazine October - 2019

VOL-4 ISSUE-02 `100 I OCTOBER 2019

26

ROWING THE SNAKE

32

IS THAT POSTER? IS THAT A PAINTING?

NO... IT’S KALAKKII!

THINK. CREATE. LIVE

Dr. Manimekalai Mohan Managing Trustee

TOP

10

Dr. Manimekalai Mohan REASONS Managing Trustee

TOP

10

TO STUDY IN

REASONS TO STUDY IN

Prime Choice for Learners English Immersive Environment Excellent Academic Resources Prime Choice for Learners World - Class Infrastructure English Immersive Environment Global Edu- Learning and Excellent Academic Resources International Collaboration World - Class Infrastructure Sports and Physical Well-being Global Edu- Learning and Fantastic Boarding Experience International Collaboration Beautiful Nature Everywhere Sports and Physical Well-being Incredible Culture Fantastic Boardingwith Experience Holistic BeautifulDevelopment Nature Everywhere Incredible Culture with Creating Professionals

Mettupalayam, Coimbatore (DT).

Tamilnadu. India. M. +91 9364454884 Mettupalayam, Coimbatore (DT).

Tamilnadu. India. M. +91 9364454884

Afliated to CBSE, Delhi.

Singanallur, Coimbatore. Tamilnadu, India M. +91 9344451888 Afliated to CBSE, Delhi.

Singanallur, Coimbatore. Tamilnadu, India M. +91 9344451888

Afliated to CBSE, Delhi.

Uppilipalayam, Coimbatore. Tamilnadu, India M. +91 9364511111 Afliated to CBSE, Delhi.

Uppilipalayam, Coimbatore. Tamilnadu, India M. +91 9364511111

Holistic Development Creating Professionals

Integrated Coaching Institute for NEET

/ IIT - JEE

Integrated Coaching Institute for NEET

/ IIT - JEE

Foundation Course for IX & X - Optional Foundation Course for IX & X - Optional

XI & XII NEET / IIT - JEE XI & XII Coaching NEET / IIT- -Optional JEE Integrated Integrated Coaching - Optional

Repeaters NEET Full Time Course Repeaters NEET Full Time Course

Mettupalayam, Coimbatore (DT),Tamilnadu. India. M. +91 9364454884 Mettupalayam, Coimbatore (DT),Tamilnadu. India. M. +91 9364454884

www.ssvminstitutions.ac.in

www.ssvminstitutions.ac.in

CONTRIBUTORS & ADVISORY BOARD & ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. RAJESH JEGANATHAN A young and dynamic medico. He runs A and dynamic medico. He runs theyoung prestigious Billroth Hospitals based in the prestigious Billroth Hospitals based in Chennai.

Dr. RAJESH JEGANATHAN Chennai.

Dr. RAJESH JEGANATHAN

CONTRIBUTORS THOTA THARRANI CONTRIBUTORS & ADVISORY ADVISORYBOARD BOARD CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTORS ADVISORY THOTA THARRANI & ADVISORY BOARD CONTRIBUTORS & BOARD & ADVISORY BOARD

A young and dynamic medico. He runs A and dynamic medico. He runsin theyoung prestigious Billroth Hospitals based the prestigious Billroth Hospitals based in Chennai.

Chennai.

This year we enter a bigger dimension, This yearacross we enter a bigger planning a wider reader dimension, base with THOTA THARRANI THOTA THARANI planning a wider reader basewith with THOTA THARRANI a big stepacross forward, this was ignited a THOTA THARRANI THOTA THARANI This yearthe weone enter a bigger dimension, planning a big designed step This forward, this wasand ignited a logo by only with Thota year we enter a bigger dimension, planning This by year weone enter abase bigger dimension, across a wider wider reader with a big big step step planning forward, logo designed the and only Thota Tharrani.

Brew Lifestyle extends awith heartacross a reader base a forward, year we enter abase bigger dimension, across ayou wider reader a big step forward, Tharrani. This Brew Lifestyle extends awith heartthis was ignited with a logo designed by the one warming thank note to the legend This year we enter a a bigger dimension, this was ignited logo designed by the planning across awith wider reader base with this was ignited with logo designed byextends the one one warming thank you note to athe legend and only Thota Tharani.

Brew Lifestyle himself foraplanning his incessant contributions. across a wider reader base with big step forward, this was ignited with a and only Thota Tharrani.

Brew Lifestyle Lifestyle extends extends aaa and only Thota Tharani.

Brew himself forlogo his contributions. aheartwarming bigincessant step forward, this was ignited a himself thank you role toonly the with legend designed by the one and Thota

VEEJAY VEEJAY SAI SAI VEEJAY SAI VEEJAY SAI SAI AnVEEJAY award-winning writer, editor, and a culture critic.

An award-winning writer, editor, and critic.

An writer, editor,extensively and aa culture culture critic.

Heaward-winning has written written and and published onIndian Indian He has published extensively on An award-winning writer, editor and a He has written and published extensively on Indian classical music, fashion, theatre, food and art.

An award-winning writer, editor and a classical music, fashion, theatre, food and art. culture critic.

He has written and VEEJAY SAI classical music, fashion, theatre, food andpublished art.

heartwarming thank you role to the legend himself himself

heartwarming thank role the logo designed theyou oneextends andtoonly Thota Tharrani.

Brew by Lifestyle a legend heartfor his incessant contributions. for his contributions.

Tharrani.

Brew extends heartfor his incessant incessant contributions. thank Lifestyle you note to thea legend ASHOKwarming VERGHESE warming you note to the legend forthank his incessant contributions.

ASHOKhimself VERGHESE himself for his incessant contributions.

culture critic. He has written and published VEEJAY SAI extensively on Indian classical music, extensively on food Indian music, fashion, theatre, and classical art. fashion, food and art. editor and a An theatre, award-winning writer,

An award-winning and a culture critic. He haswriter, writteneditor and published culture critic. He written and published extensively on has Indian classical music, VITA DANI DANI extensively on food Indian music, fashion, theatre, and classical art.

VITA VITA DANI Passionate about grassroots of sport in fashion, theatre, food development and art.

He is the ASHOK directorVERGHESE of Hindustan group ASHOK VERGHESE ASHOK VERGHESE He institutions, is the director ofof Hindustan group ASHOK VERGHESE of one the pioneering He is the director of Hindustan group of ASHOK VERGHESE He is is the director of Hindustan group of institutions, one of the pioneering He the director of Hindustan group of educational groups in the country.

He is of institutions, instituions,one of the pioneering educational groups educational groups incause the country.

He educational is one ofand the pioneering educational groups in a big supporter for promoting instituions,one of the pioneering groups in the country.

He is a big supporter and cause for He is the director of Hindustan group a big supporter and cause promoting the country.

He is isfor a of big supporter and cause for young talent in art and music. in the country.

He a big supporter and cause for He is the director Hindustan group of institutions, one of the pioneering promoting young talent in in art art and and music. music. young talent in art and music. promoting young talent

Passionate about grass roots development development of of sport in Passionate about grassroots sport in India.

Sheco-owns co-owns Chennayin FC,Chennai’s Chennai’sfootball football VITA DANI India.

She Chennayin FC, India.

She co-owns Chennayin FC, Chennai’s football VITA DANI team in the ISL and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), team in the and Table Tennis (UTT), team infirst-ever the ISL ISL professional and Ultimate Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), India’s table tennis league.

Passionate grassroots development India’s first-ever professional table league.

India’s first-ever about professional table tennis tennis league.

ofpromoting institutions, one the pioneering young talent in art and music. educational groups in of the country.

He is educational groups the country.

He is a big supporter andincause for promoting a big supporter and cause for promoting young talent in art and music. young talent in art and music.

Passionate about development VITAinDANI of sport India. grassroots She co-owns Chennayin VITA of inDANI India.

She co-owns Chennayin FC,sport Chennai’s football team in the ISL and FC, Chennai’s team in the ISL firstand Ultimate Tablefootball Tennis (UTT), India’s Passionate about grassroots development GUltimate VENKET RAM Table Tennis (UTT), India’s firstPassionate grassroots development ever table tennis league.

G VENKET RAM ofprofessional sport inabout India.

She co-owns Chennayin GA ever VENKET RAM professional table tennis leading Indian fashion photographer whoand has of sport in India.

She co-owns Chennayin FC, Chennai’s football teamleague. in the ISL

ANIL JAIN JAIN ANIL JAIN ANIL ANIL JAIN design to succeed and redefine the ANIL JAIN An intensive An intensive design to succeed and re-define the

A leading Indian fashion who has Ashot leading Indian fashion photographer photographer who has FC, Chennai’s team the ISL and principle photography stills forinseveral several notable Ultimate Tablefootball Tennis (UTT), India’s firstshot principle photography stills for notable shot principle photography stills for several notable Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), India’s firstever professional table tennis league. firms. He He quit his his engineeringstudies studiesto to workwith with firms. ever professional table tennis league. firms.

He quit quit his engineering engineering studies to work work with cinematographers foraawhile, while,after afterwhich which hejoined joined cinematographers for he cinematographers forRAM a while, afterat which heCollege. joined G VENKET course in visual visual communication communicationa Loyola aaacourse course in at College.

Gthen VENKET RAM in visual communicationa at Loyola Loyola College.

He worked with photographer Sharada Haskar He then worked with photographer Sharada He then worked withhis photographer Sharada Haskar Haskar A leading Indian fashion photographer who and in 1993, started own studio.

G VENKET RAM and in 1993, started his own studio.

A Indian fashion photographer and inleading 1993, started his own studio. has shot principle photography stillswho for G VENKET RAM

An intensiveofdesign succeed and redefine parameters success.toAnil Anil Jain was was always cut to tothe be parameters of success.

Jain always cut be parameters of success.

Anil Jain was always cut to be ANIL JAIN an Entrepreneur taking an active interest in Business An Intensive desire to succeed and redefine an Entrepreneur taking an active interest in ANIL JAIN andesire Entrepreneur taking an active interest in Business Business An Intensive and redefine the parameters of to success, Anil was right from ansucceed early age.

HeJain is the the promoter of Refex Refex right from an early age.

He is promoter of the parameters of success, Anil Jain was right from an early age.

He is the promoter of Refex always cut industries out to be Ltd; an Entrepreneur, taking RefextoTrading(s) Trading(s) Pvt. Ltd, Ltd, and and Anil Anil Jain industries Ltd; Refex Pvt. An Intensive desire succeed and redefine always cut out to be an Entrepreneur, taking industries Ltd; RefextoTrading(s) Pvt. Ltd, and Anil Jain Jain an active An interest in Business right and from Intensive desire succeed redefine investments. the parameters of success, Anil Jain was an active interest in Business right from investments. an early age.

He is the promoter orAnil Refex investments. the parameters of success, Jain was always cut topromoter be an Entrepreneur, taking an early age. is out theTrading(s) or Refex industries Ltd;HeRefex Pvt. Ltd, taking always cut out to bein an Business Entrepreneur, an active interest right from industries Ltd; Refex Trading(s) Pvt. Ltd, and Anil Jain Investments. an early active interest right from an age.

He is in theBusiness promoter or Refex and Anil Jain Investments. an early age. He is the promoter or Refex

has shot principle photography stills for several notable films.

He quit his engineering A leading Indian fashion photographer who several notable films.

He quit his engineering studies to work with cinematographers for A leading Indian fashion photographer ARUNA SAIRAM hasSAIRAM shot principle photography stillswho for ARUNA studies to work with cinematographers for ARUNA SAIRAM has shot principle photography stills for a while, after which he joined a course in several notable films.

He quit his engineering A winner of the prestigious Padma Shri award.

She a while, after which he joined a course in Winner of the prestigious Padma Shri award.

She several notable films.

He quit his engineering visual communications at Loyola College.

A winner of thetoprestigious Padma Shri award. She studies work with cinematographers for is visual the vice-chairman vice-chairman ofwith theSangeet Sangeet Natak Akademi communications at Loyola College. is of the Natak Akademi studies toafter work cinematographers forin He vice-chairman then worked with Sharad a while, which he joined a course is the the of thephotographer Sangeet Natak Akademi He then worked with photographer Sharad which iswhile, India’s premier national institution for avisual after which he joined a course in which is India’s premier national institution for Haskar and in 1993, started his own studio. communications at Loyola College. which is India’s premier national institution for Haskar and in 1993, started own studio. visual communications Loyola College. music andthen dance.

Ms. Sairam isathis one of India’s most He worked with photographer Sharad

industries Ltd; Refex Trading(s) Pvt. Ltd, NEERU NANDA NANDA NEERU industries Ltd; Refex Trading(s) Pvt. Ltd, NEERU NANDA and Anil Jain Investments.

A graduate graduate of Delhi university and passionate A Delhiuniversity University and and aaa passionate and Anil Jain Investments.

A graduate from of Delhi passionate

NEERU writer.

NANDA She was was a free-lanced feature writer for She feature writer for ten NEERU writer.

NANDA writer.

She wasa afree-lanced free-lanced feature writer for ten years before switching to publishing. Author of

years before switching totopublishing. ten years before switching publishing.Author Author of of NEERU NANDA collection of short short stories titled titled ‘IF,’ she she has also also NEERU NANDA aaa collection of collection of short stories stories titled ‘IF,’ ‘IF,’ she has has also

music and dance.

Ms. is most music He andthen dance.

Ms. Sairam Sairam is one one of of India’s India’s most worked with photographer Sharad renowned ambassdor’s forstarted music successfully taking Haskar and in 1993, his own studio. renowned ambassador’s for music successfully renowned ambassdor’s forstarted music successfully taking Haskar and in 1993, his own studio.

ARUNA SAIRAM Indian music music toSAIRAM the International arena.

ARUNA taking Indian the International Indian music to the to International arena. arena.

A graduate of Delhi University and a for childreen.

A graduate of on Delhi University and afor worked novels and stories passionate writer.

She was free-lanced worked on novels anda short short stories for children. childreen. passionate She a free-lanced A writer. graduate ofwas Delhi University and a feature writer for ten years before switching A graduate of Delhi University and a feature writer for ten writer. years before switching passionate She was free-lanced to publishing.

Author of a collection ofashort passionate writer.

She was free-lanced to publishing.

Author offor a collection ofashort feature writer ten years before switching stories titled “IF”, she for hasten also worked on feature writer years before on switching to publishing. of aworked collection of short stories titled “IF”, she Author has also novels andtoshort storiesAuthor for children. publishing. ofhas a collection of short “IF”, also worked on novels andstories short titled stories for she children.

ARUNA SAIRAM A winner of SAIRAM the prestigious Padma Shri ARUNA A winner of the prestigious Padma Shri award. She is the vice-chairman of the award.

She isof the of the A winner the vice-chairman prestigious Padma Shri Sangeet Natak Akademi which is India’s A winner of is the prestigious award.

She the vice-chairman of Shri the Sangeet Natak Akademi whichPadma is India’s premier national institution for music award.

She is the vice-chairmanis ofIndia’s the Sangeet Natak Akademi premier national institutionwhich for music dance.JEGANATHAN Ms. Sairam is which one for of Sangeet Natak Akademi is India’s India’s Dr.and RAJESH DR. RAJESH JEGANATHAN premier national institution music dance.JEGANATHAN Ms. Sairam is one for of India’s Dr.and RAJESH premier national institution music most renowned ambassador’s for music, Ayoung young and dynamic medico.

Heruns runs the prestigious and dance.

Ms. Sairam is one of India’s A and dynamic medico.

He the prestigious most renowned ambassador’s for music, A young and dynamic medico.

He runs the prestigious and dance.

Ms. Sairam is music one of India’s successfully taking Indian to the most renowned ambassador’s forto music, Billroth Hospitals basedinambassador’s in Chennai.

Billroth Hospitals based Chennai. successfully taking musicfor the most renowned music, Billroth Hospitals based in Indian Chennai. international arena. successfully taking Indian music to the international arena. successfully taking Indian music to the

stories and titled “IF”,stories she has worked on novels short for also children. novels and short stories for children.

INTERNAL TEAM TEAM INTERNAL TEAM TEAM INTERNAL TEAM INTERNAL INTERNAL TEAM INTERNAL TEAM

INTERNALTEAM TEAM INTERNAL TEAM INTERNAL

EDITOR & EDITOR & CEO EDITOR & CEO CEO EDITOR & CEO EDITOR & CEO EDITOR & CEO

EDITOR & CEO CEO PUBLISHER & CEO EDITOR EDITOR &

Sameer Bharat Ram Sameer Bharat Ram Sameer Bharat Ram Sameer Bharat Ram Sameer Bharat Ram Sameer Bharat Ram Sameer Bharat Ram Sameer Bharat RamRam Sameer Bharat

international arena. international arena.

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITORIAL TEAM TEAM EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITORIAL TEAM EDITORIAL TEAM EDITORIAL SUB EDITOR SUB EDITOR TEAM EDITORIAL TEAM SUB EDITOR

DESIGN

Akshaya G Aishwarya Sridharan Akshaya GVijayaraghavan Aishwarya Sridharan Yoheswari Devaraj Akshaya G Aishwarya Sridharan Nanditha Sheeba Grace Akshaya G Aishwarya Sridharan Akshaya G Aishwarya Sridharan Yoheswari Devaraj Akshaya G Aishwarya Sridharan Yoheswari Devaraj Sheeba Grace Maheen Afshan.

F Jp Studios Edz Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Sheeba Grace Akshaya G Aishwarya Sridharan Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Sheeba Grace Akshaya G Aishwarya Sridharan Yoheswari Devaraj Sheeba Grace

Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Sheeba Grace Sameer Bharat Ram DESIGNER FEATURE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS WRITERS DESIGNER FEATURE / CONTRIBUTING CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DESIGNER FEATURE // CONTRIBUTING FEATURE /FEATURE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DESIGNER CIRCULATION CIRCULATION FEATURE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DESIGNERS FEATURE // CONTRIBUTING CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DESIGNER FEATURE / WRITERS DESIGNER FEATURE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CIRCULATION DESIGNER CIRCULATION CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DESIGNERS FEATURE / CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DESIGNER CIRCULATION CIRCULATION FEATURE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DESIGNERS FEATURE / CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CIRCULATION FEATURE / WRITERS DESIGNER FEATURE // CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DESIGNER CIRCULATION CIRCULATION FEATURE // CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DESIGNERS Dhinesh Babu S Aarathi Arun Nandita Vijayaraghavan Divya K Purushotham Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Janani Suri Aishwarya Kanchi Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Janani Suri Vidhya Anand Sanjana Ganesh Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Dhinesh Babu S Dhinesh Babu S Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Janani SuriGanesh Aishwarya Kanchi Dhinesh Babu S Nanditha Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Janani Suri Vidhya Anand Sanjana Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Aarathi Janani Arun Nandita Vijayaraghavan Divya K Purushotham Vijayaraghavan Suri Aishwarya Kanchi Dhinesh S Dhinesh Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Janani Suri Vidhya Anand Sanjana Ganesh Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Dhinesh Babu S Babu Dhinesh Babu S Babu Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Janani Suri Aishwarya Kanchi Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Janani Suri Anand Sanjana Ganesh Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Dhinesh Babu S FS Dhinesh Babu S Elumalai V Aparna P P Kochumon Anagha Natraj Natraj Pranav Radee Maheen Afshan.

Fayaz Q Vidhya Aparna Purushothaman Appu Nagaraj DRadee Elumalai V Kochumon Anagha Pranav Elumalai V Elumalai V Sadakshi Kalyanraman Karthik Keramalu Akila Sridhar Aishwarya Kanchi Sadakshi Kalyanaraman Aishwarya Kanchi Aarathi Arun Veejay SaiSai Silambarasan Silambarasan Elumalai V V Sadakshi Kalyanraman Karthik Keramalu Akila Sridhar Aishwarya Kanchi Sadakshi Kalyanaraman Aishwarya Kanchi Aarathi Arun Veejay Silambarasan Silambarasan John Elumalai V Elumalai Elumalai VPaul Abinaya Subramanian Aishwarya Kanchi Sadakshi Kalyanraman Karthik Keramalu Akila Sridhar Debjeet Dey Akila Sridhar Shaistha Shabnum Aishwarya Kanchi Sadakshi Kalyanaraman Aishwarya Kanchi Aarathi Arun Veejay Sai Silambarasan Silambarasan Elumalai VS Elumalai Sadakshi Kalyanraman Karthik Keramalu Akila Sridhar Aishwarya Kanchi Sadakshi Kalyanaraman Aishwarya Kanchi Aarathi Arun Veejay Sai Silambarasan Silambarasan John Paul S V Abinaya Subramanian Aishwarya Kanchi John Paul S John Paul S John Paul S John Paul S Roshan Siddharth Anju Asokan Ridhi Suri Aarathi Arun Padma Murugahappun Aarathi Arun Padma Murugahappun Pavithra Babu Akshay Ramesh Aarti Aney Aasha Sriram Vilani Senthamil Pavithra Babu Akshay Ramesh Vilani Aarti Aney Aasha Sriram Vilani Senthamil John PaulJohn S John John Paul S Paul Paul S S Aarathi Arun Padma Murugahappun Aarathi Arun Padma Murugahappun Pavithra Babu Akshay Ramesh Aarti Aney Aasha Sriram Senthamil Pavithra Babu Akshay Ramesh Aarti Aney Aasha Sriram Vilani Senthamil

SS TTTG R A G & D GG NN A TT EEE& Y D E SSSS II II G GN N SSSSTTTTRRRRA SS& N Y SS II II G RR GG YD DG E RY GY YD & DE AA GG YA && D G NEN ATTTTSEESEETG YA TT E& D EEE E& G N Published by Sameer Bharat Ram

Write to Write to WriteWrite to to Write to WriteWrite to to editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com for for editorial editorial queries/feedback queries/feedback for editorial queries/feedback for editorial queries/feedback foreditorial editorial queries/feedback for queries/feedback advertisement queries/feedback for for editorial queries/feedback for advertisement queries/feedback for advertisement queries/feedback foradvertisement advertisement queries/feedback for advertisement queries/feedback for queries/feedback for advertisement queries/feedback

Write to

Published Publishedby bySameer SameerBharat BharatRam Ram Writetoto Write Published by Sameer Bharat Ram Published by Bharat Published bySameer Sameer BharatRam Ram Published Sameer Bharat Ram Publishedby byand Sameer Bharat Ram editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com Write to owned by Sameer Ventures and owned by Brandmuni Consulting and owned bySM SM Brandmuni ConsultingPvt. Pvt.Ltd. Ltd. Published Sameer Bharat Ram Publishedby by Sameer Bharat Ram editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com and owned by Sameer Ventures and owned by Consulting and owned bySM SMBrandmuni Brandmuni Consulting Pvt.Ltd. Ltd. and SM Brandmuni Consulting Pvt. andowned ownedby by SM Brandmuni Consulting Pvt.Ltd. Ltd. Pvt. for editorial queries/feedback editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com Printed by Vivek Sachdev Printed by Vivek Sachdev Printed by Vivek Sachdev and SM Consulting Pvt. andowned ownedby by SMBrandmuni Brandmuni Consulting Pvt.Ltd. Ltd. Published by Sameer Bharat Ram editorial queries/feedback Printed by Vivek Sachdev forfor editorial queries/feedback Printed by Sachdev Printed byVivek Vivek Sachdev Printed Sachdev Printedby byVivek Vivek Sachdev for advertisement queries/feedback for editorial queries/feedback at NPT OFFSET PRESS Pvt. Ltd. at OFFSET Ltd. atNPT NPT OFFSET PRESSPvt. Pvt. Ltd. and owned

by PRESS Sameer Ventures Printed Sachdev Printedby byVivek Vivek Sachdev for advertisement queries/feedback at NPT OFFSET PRESS Pvt. Ltd. for advertisement queries/feedback at NPT OFFSET PRESS Pvt. Ltd. at NPT OFFSET PRESS Pvt. Ltd. atatNPT PRESS Ltd. NPTOFFSET OFFSET PRESS Pvt. Ltd. for advertisement queries/feedback Published from New No. 68/Old No. 63, Published from New No. Published from New No.68/Old 68/OldNo. No.63, 63, Printed byPvt. Vivek Sachdev atatNPT PRESS Pvt. Ltd. NPTOFFSET OFFSET PRESS Pvt. Ltd. Published from New No. 68/Old No. 63, Published from New No. 68/Old Published from New No.63, 68/OldNo. No.63, 63, Published New No. 68/Old No. Publishedfrom from New No. 68/Old No. 63, Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086 Cathedral Road, Chennai ---63, 086 Cathedral Road, Chennai -600 600 086 at NPT OFFSET PRESS Pvt. Ltd. Registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India RNI No.TNENG/2016/68719.

Published New No. 68/Old No. 63, Publishedfrom from New No. 68/Old No. Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086 Cathedral Road, Chennai - -600 Cathedral Road, Chennai 600086 086 Registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India RNI No.TNENG/2016/68719.

Cathedral Chennai - -600 086 CathedralRoad, Road, Chennai 600 086 Tel: +91 44 4208 9392 Tel: 44 9392 Tel:+91 +91 444208 4208 9392 Registered with the Registrar Registrar of Newspapers Newspapers for India India RNI RNI No.TNENG/2016/68719.

No.TNENG/2016/68719.

Published from New No. 68/Old No. 63, Date of Publication: 15th of every month Cathedral Chennai - -600 086 CathedralRoad, Road, Chennai 600 086 Tel: +91 44 4208 9392 Tel: 44 9392 Tel:+91 +91 444208 4208 9392 Registered with the of for BREW LIFESTYLE QR CODE Date of Publication: 15th of every month Tel: +91 44 4208 9392 Tel: +91 44 4208 9392 BREW LIFESTYLE QR CODE Cathedral Date of of Publication: Publication: 15th 15th of of every every month month Tel: 9392 Tel:+91 +9144 444208 4208 9392 Road, Chennai - 600 086 Date BREWLIFESTYLE LIFESTYLEQR QRCODE CODE BREW

33

33

+91 44 4208 9392 33Tel: 3 3

DECEMBER 3 I BREW LIFESTYLE2017 I MARCH 2018 BREW LIFESTYLE ERLIFESTYLE 2017 DECEMBER 2017 3 I BREW LIFESTYLE I MARCH 2018 BREW BREW LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 2017 ER 2017 BREW LIFESTYLE 2017 DECEMBER 2017 3 I BREW LIFESTYLE I MARCH 2018 BREW LIFESTYLE ER 2017 DECEMBER 2017 3 I BREW LIFESTYLE I MARCH 2018 BREW LIFESTYLE BREW LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2017 ER 2017 BREW LIFESTYLE NOVEMBER 2017

CONTENTS COVER STORY

ISSUE-02

26

COVER STORY

32

26 Rowing the Snake

THINK

06

32

Is That Poster? Is That A Painting?

No... It’s Kalakkii!

CREATE

06 12 18 22

38

Turning The Pages Of Avm A Frozen Era Social Media- Self Made Guantanamo The Zoroastrian Affair

LIVE

56

38 42 46 50

56 60 64

Bagging The Emmy Ode To The Knight Of Gotham 31 Days Of Art India’s Sporting Transformation

A Jaw-Dropper On Stage; A Pensive Soul Off Stage A Dose Of Vishal Khurana Guzzle Down Oktober

COVER THINK CREATE LIVE

65 61

BREW LIFESTYLE

JANUARY 2018

5

BREW BREW LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLEAUGUST JULY 2017 2017

THINK

T U R N I N G THE PAGES OF

AVM

6

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Debjeet Dey

The rich and phenomenal journey of director and producer A.V Meiyappan is not only inspiring for aspiring filmmakers but also a motivation for every human being who crave to achieve great heights in their lives. The rich legacy of A.V. Meiyappan is adored by people of different echelons of society and emulated by auteur across pan India. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Tamil cinema and one of the movie moguls of the South Indian film Industry along with S.S Vasan and L.V. Prasad.

A.V Meiyappan was born to Avichi Chettiar and his wife Lakshmi Achi on 28 July 1907, and he received a loving but disciplined upbringing. He was known as “Appachi� by his well-wishers and was the founder of the historic AVM studios in Chennai. Appachi introduced several novel innovations and inventions in the film industry.

7

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Appachi studied in Meenakshi Sundareswaran High school in Karaikudi and assisted his father in their stores AV and Sons. When Appachi was in eighth standard his father had to undergo a surgery and entire responsibility of running AV and Sons fell on him. However, Appachi had different ideas as he broke down the store and constructed a new building in 1930. AV and Sons held the marketing rights of HMV Columbia, the most famous manufacturers of gramophone records at that time in Tamil Nadu and on 9th September 1932, he started a new firm named as Saraswathi stores on Mount road with the help of his friends Narayanan Iyengar and Sivan Chettiar.

All the while, Appachi had a strong desire to enter Tamil film Industry. In 1934, he formed a film production company - Saraswathi sound production to make movies. His first film was Alli Arjuna. Since during that time, Madras had no studio to shoot a movie he travelled to New Theatres studio in Calcutta where he completed the movie. The production cost for the movie was 80,000 Rupees and sadly it went sinking because the film didn’t do well at the box office. His bad luck followed him to his second movie too, Ratnavali.

Although, his third movie Nandakumar too suffered a loss, it made history as playback singing was introduced for the first time in India. Unable to withstanding the movie failures A.V Meiyappan set up Pragathi Pictures Pvt Ltd in Bangalore. In the meantime, his partnership with Narayanan Iyengar for Saraswathi stores came to an end. Reluctant to abandon Saraswathi stores and settle in Bangalore, Meiyappan decided to shift the studio close to Adyar in Madras and chose Vijayanagar Fort as the new site. He named it as Pragati Studios in 1940 with a meagre sum of Rs 100,000. Bhoo Kailas was the first movie to be made at Pragati studio. In the next five years Appachi produced films like Vasantha Sena, Harischandra, Vaayadi, Poli Paanchali, Sabapathi and En Manaivi, all of which were great success.

The film Sabapathi, which was released in 1942 was a full -length comedy directed by A.V Meiyappan himself.

Appachi was fond of Lord Muruga which led him to make the devotional film Sri Valli and foresaw a record run of fifty-five weeks.

8

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

When Appachi went to Kashmir, his partners decided to quit the business and sold Pragati studio for a price of 7 Lakh Rupees. Appachi had been in the industry for 15 years and did not know of any other profession. So, he decided to kick-off his own studio. During his period, shooting in Madras had been difficult due to the World war – II, which was still intact resulting in constant power cuts.

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Electricity Corporation, a private firm in Karaikudi – in-charge of distributing power, caught Meiyappan’s attention. Appachi built AVM studios in Karaikudi for a monthly rent of 3000 Rupees. The shooting of Vedala Ulagam which began in Madras was then continued in Devakottai where the railway station - Devakottai Rastha had become very busy after the opening of the studios. Naam Iruvar with Bharathiar’s song was the first film under the AVM banner. Vedala Ulagam was released in Aug 1948 and it was directed by A.V Meiyappan himself. A dance sequence with Lalitha and Padmini for this movie was highly appreciated by the audience. In an unfortunate incident the studios in Devakottai caught fire and Appachi decided to shift the studio to Madras.

AVM studios was constructed in Vadapalani, Chennai in a ten-acre plot. The first movie produced in the new studio in Madras was Vaazhkai. It was movie with a social message while offering the first platform for the renowned actress Vyjayanthimala.

Actor K.R Ramaswamy had staged a play called Ore Iravu in Tanjore. This play, which was written by Arignar Annadurai, became popular with the public. Appachi wanted to adapt the play for a film. Arignar Annadurai wrote the script and dialogues for the film for a sum of 10,000 Rupees and it was released on 11th April 1951.

In 1952, AVM’s Tamil film Parasakthi released and was an instant success. With a powerful storyline and fierce dialogues by the then DMK leader, M. Karunanidhi, the film preached social revolution and questioned the authority of Hindu temple priests. Parasakthi was produced in partnership with P.A. Perumal who owned a distributing company called National pictures. It was on his persuasion that a newcomer, Sivaji Ganesan was cast in the lead role. This actor later became a sensation amongst the Tamil audience that he was wanted for every single movie made in Kollywood.

9

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

One important movie made by A. V Meiyappan in 1957, was Hum Panchi Ek Daal Ke. This film laid stress on national integrity and the award for the Best Children’s Movie was presented for the first time to this movie and Appachi received a Gold Medal from the Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru himself, which he considered to be the privilege of a lifetime.

Anbe Vaa was the first Technicolor movie made by AVM and it was released on 14 January 1966. Tirulokachandar, the screenwriter had written the script specially for the legendary actor MGR. Although Appachi didn’t appreciate the idea of making a movie for a specific actor or actress, he was receptive to the idea of MGR starring in the movie. It had turned out to be one of the best decisions since the film was declared a megahit and was played in theatres for 23 straight weeks.

With dawn of 1970’s, production had slowed down considerably, and AVM’s family chose to focus their attention upon social activities rather than filming. In 1973, AVM produced his last film Jaise Ko Taisa starring Jeetendra in the lead role. Appachi died on 12 August 1979, at the age of 72.

Within a career span of over four decades, AVM had produced 167 movies in total. He is credited with having Kollywood’s first playback singers, made India’s first dubbed film and Kollywood’s first film shot on location. On 30 July 2006, in commemoration of AVM’s centenary year, the late CM of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi unveiled a statue of A.V Meiyappan at the campus of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce. The sculpture still stands tall as a motive of inspiration for filmmakers.

10

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

(Near Velachery)

BE THE

1

st

E C N E I R E P X TO E

E M O S E W A LIVING

HANDOVER - JUNE 2020 2 & 3 BHK APTS STARTING FROM

*T & C apply

`75 - `98 LACS* SPECIAL DIWALI OFFER! ALL EXTRA CHARGES WAIVED OFF (VALUE UP TO `6 LACS*)

8144 689 689

Visit : 90 Degrees, Pallavaram Thoraipakkam Road, 11 Kovilambakkam, Chennai - 600 117. (Landmark - Opp. Fortune Tower)

www.drahomes.in BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

RERA: TN/01/Building/0016/2018

ON PALLAVARAM - THORAIPAKKAM ROAD

THINK

A Frozen ERA Shaistha Shabnum

(Head, Assistant Professor, Department of Interior Design and Décor, JBAS College for Women, Chennai.)

Surprise, delight, puzzlement, and contemplation - public sculptures offers ample opportunity for them all. Some sculpture makes a bold statement in places of prominence, while others await discovery in quiet corners off the beaten path.

‘Public sculpture’ is a term that can in its broadest sense be applied to any sculpture designed to be displayed in public open spaces. It has also been used in a more restricted sense to refer to art that is envisaged as part of the life of the community in which it is sited. However public sculptures are also beginning to include other, much more process-driven and action-research based artistic practices as well. The range of its potential is of course endless, ever-changing, and subject to continuous debate and differences of opinion among artists, funders, curators, and commissioning clients.

12

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

13

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Chennai’s life size sculptures are made of metal, mainly bronze while others are made using ferro concrete, marble or fibre glass.

Most of the bronze sculptures are given a coating of Japan black to protect them from oxidisation.

Have you ever wondered that there is something common to all the public sculptures installed along the Chennai roads? They all have a high pedestal on which they are mounted made of granite with inscriptions on them that give valuable information and data about the sculpture including the date of installation, commission given by and very rarely the name of the sculptor. There are many sculptures too which carry the name of the sponsor more predominantly than the sculptor who has exhibited his artistic talents. Sadly, there are many that don’t even mention the sculptor.

When I dug deep, I noticed that often these pedestals are made from brick plaster and concrete while laid with an R.C.C. foundation to take the weight of the metal sculpture. Most of the early public sculptures in Chennai were made by sculptors who had either studied or trained at the Industrial School of Arts and Crafts and invariably followed the 'monumental style'. There was a big market for these sculptors in the earlier days of the twentieth century.

equestrian statue of Munro was sculpted by Sir Francis Chantrey in United Kingdom and shipped to Madras. It was unveiled to public view with all due ceremony, in Madras near the present Gymkhana club close to the port trust. One peculiarity of the statue is the absence of stirrups; hence it is referred to as "The Stirrup less Majesty".

The second oldest public sculpture of Chennai is the Bronze replica of Queen Victoria Empress of India, lost in thick foliage almost invisible seated under a colonial iron canopy. This statue was erected by her faithful subject Rajah Goday Naraen Gujputee Rao of Sree Goday family Vizagapatam, as a token of his loyalty, respect and admiration of Her Majesty’s many virtues. It was unveiled by the Honourable The Lord Connemara Governor of Fort St George on 20th June 1887. Goday Narayana Gajapathi Rao has good reason to be thankful to Queen Victoria. It was she who in 1881, elevated him from being a zamindar to be a Raja. The newly appointed Raja looked around for a fitting gesture of gratitude and decided on a statue in honour of the Queen Empress.

The oldest of the bronze statues in the historical series is the statue of Sir Thomas Munro installed on 23rd October 1839. The

14

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

The sculpture of, his majestic The King George – V is a landmark near flower bazaar police station, in the area named after him; Georgetown. Ironically the king who led such a luxurious life, now stands without a canopy amidst an illegal parking lot where in the mornings, women are found drying washed clothes on the pedestal of the statue of King George V of England. Plants protruding from the cracked portions of the statue complete the picture of neglect. Posters by various trading associations also find a place on the concrete pedestal. The historic statue has neither been fenced, nor regularly maintained. Besides the King’s coronation, the statue also signified the newfound status of Black Town, as it was renamed George Town. The King’s statue was commissioned to M.S. Nagappa, the sculptor through one of the richest and most influential men in Madras, Lord Govindoss, who had a passion for the art. The mold came from England and the casting was done here. Lord Govindoss presented the statue to King George in 1935, the silver jubilee year of his ascension to the throne. Pleased with his bronze image, King George wrote a letter of appreciation that also narrated how unsuccessful a local English artist was in getting the King’s likeness despite many personal sittings. The title of Rao Bahadur was bestowed on the South Indian sculptor M.S. Nagappa.

Chennai, is the home to the oldest racecourse in Guindy and has hosted horse races for around 235 years. In August 1974, came the biggest jolt an ordinance passed by the then Tamil Nadu government that banned horse racing in the state. To commemorate the ban the government erected two equestrian statues on either side of the then, new Anna Flyover. The statues however, have outlived the 'achievement' they were meant to mark. These Equestrian horse statues which are almost exact replicas depicting the horses being led by their trainers were sculpted by the Late Sri M.N. Jayaram Nagappa. Here the sculptor Nagappa has deliberately shown the trainer standing beside the horse which attempts to rear forward perhaps in a bid to gain freedom. This lays emphasis on the fact that the entire sculpture was conceptualised to symbolise the ban on racing and gambling.

Sir Thomas Munro, Bronze, installed on 23rd October 1839, Anna Salai (opp. Gym Khana), Sculpted by Sir Francis Chantrey.

15

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Queen Victoria – Empress of India, Bronze, installed on 20th June 1887, Madras University Campus, Commissioned by Rajah Goday Naraen Gujputee Rao

His Majesty King George V – Emperor of India, Bronze, 1914, George Town, Commissioned by Govindoss Chathoorbhoja Doss, sculpted by M.S. Nagappa.

An interesting story about the making of the statue is that, the horses were made in the studios of Nagappa sculptors in Ritchie street. The sculptor was so involved in the casting process that they did not foresee a simple logical issue of transporting the Arabian horse replica out of their studio. The gates of the studio were shorter than the massive twelve feet tall horses. It was not possible to break the entrance arch to shift the horses out it was neither possible to cut the horse's limbs and weld it back on site which was not technically viable and there was not much time left before the inauguration The master mind of the sculptor thought of an idea to dig a sufficiently deep trench in the floor like a sloping ramp to the road. The horses which weighed several tons were dragged through the trench and pulled out of the studio and taken to the venue.

Apart from the said Public sculptures in Chennai there are about 26 sculpture on the either side of the Marina stretch starting from Light house to the Napiere bridge. Chennai Corporation took up beautification of beaches from Secretariat to war memorial, Napier Bridge to light house and in Elliot’s beach from the 1960s. In Marina the entire stretch of 2.5 km. beach has been beautified with vast stretches of lawns, fourteen 'galleries' for sculptures, walkways and attractive lamps, abundant sitting galleries, beautiful water fountains, ramps walkways, etc.

Sculptures have been installed in important traffic junctions and vantage points to depict the ancient and traditional cultures of Tamil Nadu. There are about 30 sculptures of many eminent personalities starting from kings, judges, freedom fighters, philanthropists and politicians that are molded and cast into eternal memories in the form of metal usually bronze sculptures spread all over the city. Chennai one of the metropolitan cities, has also seen a few contemporary sculptures in the recent years.

16

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Racehorses, Bronze, installed on 14th August 1974, Anna Salai (near Gemini Flyover), Commissioned

by Government of Tamilnadu, Sculpted by Nagappa sculptors.

‘Sculpture’ is an obdurate medium. It inhabits space and demands our attention. It exposes itself, without illusion or sleight-of-hand, in all its materiality and stands bravely before us. Amidst the chaos of lives and even among the profusion of public sculpture itself, the focus and sense of connection that it provides; the way in which you can nearly touch the materials with your eyes or how its forms can trigger a memory make these sculptures increasingly relevant.

Moreover, it is ultimately a reflection of our world: a direct expression of aesthetic, political, and emotional states.

These are images of hope, of despair, of numbers, of ecstasy as well as proof of our culture. Public sculpture is not merely a designed fight against the elements of nature, it is also a fight against people, against rambunctious children, graffiti writers, crow dumps and the homeless. Throughout history, art has played a crucial role in dramatizing and memorializing events and institutions. The common Chennai man may be ignorant about art but the contemporary art scene in Chennai is entering a potentially exciting phase, especially among the younger generation of artists working after independence.

17

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

THINK

SOCIAL

media

SELF MADE GUANTANAMO Silent truth- nobody really talks about the under belly

Akila Sridhar

A huge chunk of our lives, are happening presently, on social media - Online. It started out as an idea which embodied more pictures and lesser forced conversations (unlike others which you just thought of, we all know you did). We didn’t have insecurities publicized or advertised and we didn’t have relatives pulling us out about our social lives, not that I personally had any to start with. Our choice in clothes and prospective better - halves have always been a topic to prod on by onlookers irrespective of our actions. It never seems to get a deserved and appropriate reaction.

18

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

At first, it felt nice to be a newer version of ourselves and to live out our fantasies or to escape our mundane lives online. They played on all our discomforts like a puppet being toyed and kids being shown candies; gradually making us numb to the danger of opening up our lives for strangers. Little did we know that something worse than monotony was being brought into our homes whilst we booted out our privacy and individuality- Disappointment. It started out as a modern-age aka millennial space, where the new generation could breathe without judgement.

Lots of invisible eyes staring but none talking or judging. Sadly, that’s complicated in its own ways.

It all started out rosy (everything always does.) Appropriate to this pickle of a situation would be the saying- “Happy ending? That would depend on where we stop the story.”

Similarly, we, didn’t stop our social lives there; we increased our hours on it, energy and effort in presenting our lives sometimes being better than what is, forgetting to live in the moment and being held up on our perception in others’ minds.

On social media, we could post pictures, write and watch others live their time on Earth. It wasn’t restricted to nearby friends and family, anymore. The doors for newer connections were opened, so wide that one might even forget how ‘silence’ feels anymore.

The need to feel validated and accepted didn’t immediately kicked in and when it did, we were too far along already. However, like everything around us, anything not in moderation turns out harmful- and it did.

Fast forward to today, this has become more of an addiction than an escape. If this is still portrayed as a modern age hiding spot or safe haven, then it is a permanent one to avoid reality and

19

not for the better. Being anxious and depressed have become our standard tag-lines and memes, our therapist. Abuse and pain became normal and alcohol - domesticated. Mind you, not everything that social media portrays is evil but not everything sugar coated becomes our friend. It might be useful in spreading awareness and motivating us, at times- it has its moments. But, mocking everything and everyone is not a way of life not should it stay as one. To have an occasional laugh and to disagree, is inevitable and even encouraged but one must never forget, that it ‘shall not be on someone else’s account’. To be joyous at someone else’s pain, is a joy no one deserves and no one should spread or encourage. It isn’t real joy. It’s an illusion and the thing about illusions is that, one day sooner or later, it all falls apart.

We now believe every smile we see and every success we post.

We, who are from a generation based on ‘survival of the fittest’ and ‘the never-ending race’ have come to believe, everything we see. We have become more naive and more impressionable than the ones we feared. In simple words, we’ve become the prey, we once aimed to hunt.

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

We complicate our own lives and then end of day blame ‘them’. Criticize them. We play pretend and involve ourselves into their lives without an invitation. We think it’s alright to have a say in their live or partner or dress sense or freedom of speech. We think they owe us replies and undivided attention. From fans, we start behaving like obsessed spouses.

The escalation doesn’t take long and neither does failure and insanity.

Also, it is not alright. They do not owe us any explanations and they do not owe us their time. Something so basic, and assumed to be common knowledge has turned out to be ‘unbearably unbeknown’.

We must know the value of social media and limit its control on your day to day life. The day you think you can’t live without your phone, is the day you lose your freedom of thought, say and value.

Tougher the start, maketh more the interesting ending. We have to start somewhere and - say ‘Enough’.

We must, take a break and look up again. See places and people for what they are and not just a picture or post or edited with filters. See the imperfection and grow. Talk to people around you, breathe the fresh air and learn to live in the moment, without any instantaneous updates or opinionated speeches. Not everything has to be publicized and not everything has to be extraordinary. Refrain from seeing from someone else’s view; be your own creator and audience. What could be more important than truly impressing yourself, falling in love with yourself or surprising yourself? Limit others, painting your life and take control again. High time, one might even say.

Peace out, while I make this my new caption and recommend my face wash to my new followers somewhere.

20

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

21

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

THINK

22

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

THE

ZOROASTRIAN A

F

F

A

I

R

Anju Asokan

Back in the early 1800s, when the Parsi Rajah of Coorg sought help from the Britishers to defeat Tippu Sultan and eventually succeeded, he sent a ‘Dobashin’, a translator (derived from the Hindi phrase do basha, meaning two languages), who was well-versed in the two languages of interest to deliver his token of thanks for their timely aid. Ferrying a photograph of The Rajah’s Late uncle, came the first Parsi, to settle an established community along the ports of Chennai.

What is globally considered one of the oldest and archaic monotheistic faiths, originated from Iran, descending the lines of its leader Zarathrustra, who was the Prime Zoraster. However, post the Islamic conquest of Persia in the seventh century A.D, the refugees of this faith broke free from the persecution by discovering their route to life and hope in India. They are said to have sailed the Arabian Sea and arrived at Gujarat seeking to pursue a fresh start by simultaneously preserving their religion.

23

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

The entrance to this city of extended potential was via the Royapuram port and reasonably enough it formed base for their first colony. Unlike the present-day exclusion of Royapuram for it not being part of the ‘city’, it was described as a very happening locality back then. It was the home to the first railway station of the city. The eighteenth century witnessed the migration of the Parsis into Chennai and slowly indulged in the fair-games of industrialization and capitalism. However constricted in number, even less than 90,000, they were of gem value to the Britishers in industrial assistance and thereby grew themselves out remarkably.

Mr. Nowroji, a Parsian, was in a way, the man behind the team that was responsible in getting piped water into Madras. The Nowroji road on Dasspuram, Chetpet, as a token of gratitude was named after him signifying his noble bequest.

The Late Mr. P M Clubwala and his family is said to have been one of the notable partakers of the community in terms of participation, donations and preservations of the community. He came out with flying colours in his entrepreneurial endeavor and tethered the Chennai Parsi community together by way of donations so huge in value such as the Fire Temple itself. His daughter-inlaw, Mrs. Mani Clubwala went on to become an impactful social worker, adding to the familial contributions of the community. They also have a functioning club namely, ‘The Parsi Club’ in close proximity to the Fire temple, that came into existence post the demise of Mr. Clubwala, in his memory, in their favourite back of beyond, Royapuram, where they gather for occasional meetings now.

Zoroastrians, for obvious reasons (since it was an age - old faith), worshipped the element of fire more than the rest. Hence, their place of worship, righteously called a ‘Fire’ temple, is part of their ethnic accessorizing. One of the remarkable Clubwala contributions to the community is the fire temple situated in Royapuram, hence famously and yet commonly known as the Royapuram Fire temple. The managing body of the temple permits only Zoroastrians and Iranians in. The fire that was incepted around a century ago, is still up and alive with priests tending to it five times a day, with virtues of prayers.

24

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

The Madras Parsi Zarthosti Anjuman is an entity that manages their properties in Royapuram, established a century post their entry into Chennai, in 1900 and acts as a central body to its community.

In an interview with Ms. Zarin Mistry, a Parsi by blood and spirit, an elaborate understanding of their ethnographic adaptations into the now southernmost metropolitan city of India is derived. Most of their customs are supposedly acquired from the Hindus.

Parsi weddings happen with extreme cultural symbolizations such as inclusions of Ses, the fire that is implanted in the Afarghaan - the fire container based on a pedestal, made of German silver, with all the rituals happening post the fall of dusk.

“Hardly any Parsi ever marries a Parsi now. The last time I saw one was probably around 2009. Thanks to westernization” says Ms. Mistry.

The ceremonies for the dead and deceased however have changed into burial customs as opposed to their ‘Tower of Silence’ located in other colonies spread across the nation. A ‘Tower of Silence’ is a structure erected to physically do away with the remains of the dead. A tower like tomb that wallows into several slabs on the top of it, is located at a spot that is most susceptible to the sun. The deceased bodies are placed on the slabs and left there dependent on vultures and sunlight for decomposing. In the center, there are little hollow channels to the layout composed of calcium to absorb the bones that are discarded. In Chennai, however, the community resorted to pragmatic measures, mostly burial. This is mainly due to the jolting backflips of logic that vultures are becoming extinct and asking governments for allocation of space for this purpose would not seem pragmatic.

“We’re dwindling at an alarming rate, today. There’s no doubt about it. By 2100, I doubt if our community in Chennai would be existent at all” says Ms. Mistry. According to her observations, people of this generation are mostly marrying into other religions and cultures, which has drastically reduced the significance of their practices. Currently, only a couple hundred or slightly more are remaining in Chennai and with the aftermath of globalization, that is expected to drop as well.

However, on the verge of extinction, the Parsis seem to be, after all these centuries of entrusting a city like such of their existence, they have one little thought to bid adieu with - That little fire is always burning.

COVER

ROWING T H E S N A K E Photography credits : Purushothaman Appu

26

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

It is a replica of heaven adorned with mountains, waterfalls and the greenest trees. Wherever, we look we come across the magnificence of nature. That's why Kerala is called God's own country.

Travel brings out immense excitement not only within Indians but also to the ones from lands far. And as for photographers…

It’s their Oasis; especially when it’s a season of festivities during the visit. There is a tough competition among photographers to capture festivals rich in the culture of the place and carnivals. The Aranmula Boat Race of Kerala is one such fest.

There are many boat races happening across the districts in India, but people getting together as a club and participating in the boat race is the speciality of the Aranmula race. The boat race takes place in Alappuzha – Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. It contains the traditional boats of Kerala, which is 120 meters long resembling the Python snake and 5 meters broad with more than 100 hands cruising the serene water with maximum speed possible bringing out thrilling experience for the spectators.

27

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

The history of the race traces past to four hundred years. In the 17th century, the boat races entertained the Kings and often bets were placed. Sadly, it was a source of back to back defeat for King Chembagachery. King Chembagachery approached the carpenter, Venkata Narayana of the succeeded kingdom and shared the secret of the boat making. He revealed the placement of a small artillery detonation by the edge of the boat to provide the boat more acceleration. However, since the carpenter, Venkat Narayanan couldn’t keep the secret, he was placed under arrest. Nonetheless, the carpenter was granted permission to witness one last race where he further exploited the secret to his advantage, and this could be said as one of those reasons for the failure of King Chembagachery.

28

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

The race made a mark in history post-Independence when in 1952, Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India witnessed the Snake Race on Punnamadam Lake during his visit to Kerala. He was stunned and not a moment passed when he didn’t recall the memory and the adrenal rush he experienced while he was a spectator and going back to Delhi, he dedicated a Golden Trophy to the traditional fest along with a letter which read that the winning club of the race each year would receive the Golden Trophy and rewards. Since then, there hasn’t been a stop to these races and the participants practise all year to come out a champion, much to fans’ delight.

29

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Similar to the participants, the boats too have their moments of glory. Aanjili Wood is used to build the boats; the tree of which is found in Sanjara Palli, Moonar and Tholupuzha.

Before chopping down the trees to make the boats, good omens are sighted, and rituals are followed. There are two types of boats made for the races – Odichikutthi and Valachikutthi.

The boats take nearly 6 months to build with a cost of approximately 50 Lakhs.

The participants dress in white dhotis, turbans and pearls, and hoist a flag on their boat depicting their club all the while singing songs of the 8th-century making it extremely unique compared to any of the other festivals in India. One of the astounding factors of this race is that, if it rains during, it is taken to be auspicious rather than halting the contest.

Due to an increase in participants and new clubs forming every year, there has been a massive increase in the competition and not just the locals, but people from all over the country along with the press with their live coverages travel to Kerala during Onam to be a part of this culture basking in not just the thrill of the sport but also the beautiful climate and mouth-watering food of Kerala.

30

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

31

BREW LIFESTYLE

JANUARY 2018

39

45

BREW LIFESTYLE I APRIL 2018 BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

COVER

32

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Is That Poster?

IS THAT A PAINTING? NO... IT’S KALAKKII! Maheen Afshan. F

By the end of September, an image went viral over the social media. It was a captivating image of the actress, Silk Smitha in her black and white attire standing in the Wheat Field with Cypresses painting of one of the most admired artist Vincent Van Gogh. The contrast presented by the digital image, blending in the best of two worlds was so enticing, that it was applauded by Internet-users over and over again.

Brew Magazine, had a chance for a tete-a-tete with the new age artist, Charles Britto who’s turning tables with his fresh and unconventional Kalakki.

33

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Silk Smitha and Vincent Van Gogh. I know that was your first post but was that your very first piece of art?

I'm not a practicing artist but at times I make things for fun. First and only piece of art so far would be the one I made for my professor for his farewell. It's a conceptual piece of art (That's what my art history professor categorised it to be) made using text. It's called "Deadlines (Times New Roman, 1.5 spacing)". It's basically an image with the text "I'll not accept any late submissions" running from top to bottom with font sizes gradually reducing as they go down. What I'm currently doing are mash-ups, that's how I see them but it feels great when someone consider them to be work of art. Maybe when I accumulate a large body of work, I'll tag them to be appropriation art. Until then, they're either mash-ups or Kalakki Very few people study Van Gogh and other artists in schools or colleges. On your first post, Van Gogh seemed to be the talk of the town. Did you expect it to go viral?

What was your reaction when it did?

I'm not sure if people get study about the works of Van Gogh or other artists unless they are from an art school. But people are

34

familiar with the works of him because he's one of the most popular painters and the one who has been the most romanticized as well. I posted the Silk Smitha’s image on Twitter and immediately people accepted it. Later, I posted them on Instagram and Facebook as well. The image just happened to work as it was aesthetically pleasing. I think it clicked because of the immaculate composure of Silk which blended really well with the painting of Van Gogh. I was really happy that I've made something memorable.

Take us through your story. Why this specific collaboration? What or who influenced you?

I'm quite active on Instagram and there are plenty of art appropriation accounts like Classical Art Memes, Badly Photoshopped Timmy (chalametinart) and tabrezthird.

While the first two are international and very popular, in the Indian context Tabrez made mash-ups on Hindi films and I've been following him for quite a while. So, I thought why not do the same for South Indian films; and that's how it all began.

A post made for fun and later the idea of making mash-ups in the South formed the beginning of Kalakki.

I could see two impressions in your piece.

One is the paintings of period artists and the other is the stills from movies. Which one fascinates you more?

I'm more fascinated about the paintings because I get to revisit my favourites and at the same time discover new painters.

Sometimes, the process is serendipitous because, when I look for a particular painting, I stumble upon glorious paintings that are new to me like the works of FrantiĹĄek Kupka, whom I was unaware of until recently. However, I'm currently working with the fairly famous artworks while simultaneously exploring the lesser known works which I'll be using in the upcoming mash-ups.

You have used a lot of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings including his most famous Starry night. Any specific reason?

One reason is the relatable factor. If the people are aware of the film and the painting at the same time it causes a deeper affect in them. Another would be the rough texture in his paintings that stand out, especially in his landscapes. It's always fascinating to appreciate his works.

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

35

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Would we in the future see you mix up a movie poster with his most talked about self-portrait? (Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear) Should I take that as a special request? I haven't thought about that painting, but now that you've mentioned I'll see if I could use it somewhere.

I understand that most of your work is digital, but are you familiar with the traditional techniques of painting?

Then I did my Master's in Arts and Aesthetics. As of now, I'm figuring out where to head

Theoretically, yes; because it was part of our coursework in JNU but I have close to zero practical experience. If I get a chance to start over again, I'd enrol myself in a fine arts school and learn the techniques.

Have you planned on displaying your works in a gallery?

What’s your favourite piece till date?

Pariyerum Perumal x Wanderer above the Sea of Fog. Someone on Twitter interpreted it beautifully that the image portrays Pariyan visiting Karuppi in Dog heaven. Some images are already mentally prepared and I just have to edit, this is one such mash-up.

36

Apart from Kalakkii, what else do you define yourself with?

If that's possible I'd love to but one has to check various issues with regard to copyright and other stuff. Another difficulty is blowing them up, because some of the images might pixel-late on a larger canvas. As of now I'm content with presenting them on social media.

There are only things that I've done in the past. Like, I've been into filmmaking for several years, worked as an associate director in an independent Tamil feature.

I've written/directed few short plays.

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Apart from Van Gogh, there are many other notable names amongst the various periods of art. (Michelangelo, Picasso, Leonardo Da Vinci) Will we get to see mash-ups of them soon?

Certainly! Renaissance paintings are quite complicated because there's a lot happening in them and also I have to step up my Photoshop skills to manipulate the works of the above mentioned artists. The other artists you'd hopefully get to see will be Renoir, Matisse, Degas, Pollock, Dali, Klimt etc.

Have you had offers from companies to make mash-ups for them?

I've been approached by Pop Cult Media, a famous Malayalam pop-culture account on Instagram for a collaboration.

Currently, I'm working on renowned female characters in Malayalam cinema which will be published by them.

37

Now that you’re done with your studies, do you plan of taking Kalakki further or explore something new?

As of now the plan is to expand to other art forms than just film characters. I've been thinking of mashing up Indian theatre forms with the paintings. I'm also figuring out other methods of appropriation art and how I could incorporate them in Kalakki.

On a concluding note, who’s the one artist; living or dead, you would like to, exhibit your work to?

I'm a huge fan of the surrealist artist René Magritte. I've even made a mash-up with one of his works. Karnan x The Infinite Recognition. His paintings appear to be realistic yet they're surreal and there's a particular charm to whatever he creates. His painting The Lovers (1928) is a personal favourite.

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

CREATE

BAGGING THE EMMY! Fayaz. Q

How did a comedy TV series which was once only a one - woman stand up stage - play went on to win the most coveted award of the Television world: The Emmy?

Fleabag was competing with heavy-weight, already critical hit shows like: Veep, Barry and last year Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series: The marvellous Mrs. Maisel and it still managed to win.

It makes you think – a small BBC show made on shoestring budget about a woman coping through grief and being totally irreverent; captured the imagination of the audience world over. Look no further, than the creator of the Fleabag, the writer and the lead actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge. She was the force behind the extra-ordinary success of the show which nobody saw coming.

38

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

39

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

What most people don’t know is that first season aired on BBC in 2016 itself. It was a critical hit on its debut in British TV but no one knew about it. This is when Phoebe got the opportunity to become the show runner for the BBC America drama Killing Eve and left Fleabag for the bigger and grander show talking of a lady spy and lady assassin facing off. The success of Killing Eve is what put the spotlight on Fleabag and to the surprise of the world, the show was a huge hit – it was quirky, sarcastic, dark and funny; something that you will notice Phoebe’s writing a lot.

Amazon Prime wasted no time – they green lighted the second season of the Fleabag with the creative control wholly under Phoebe. She was to make the show any way she wanted. Any person with this kind of power from the network would obviously think of increased budget, grander sets, megastars and so on. But Phoebe Waller – Bridge remained true to herself and kept the essence of the show making the world go heads over heels for her.

40

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Fleabag in simple words is a show about a woman going through grief and the things she does to cope with her pain. Most female-lead show are about women breaking the stereotype and leading the way – like another Amazon hit series “The marvellous Mrs. Maisel”, which is a about a housewife breaking into 1950’s stand-up comedy scene. But here is where Fleabag goes one step further – not only does it break the stereotypes that women are not all flowers and object of desires but also living, breathing, suffering and grieving human beings – it connects us with pain and the inability to forgive ourselves.

How do we cope with things and live with ourselves when guilt, regrets and our inadequacy haunts us? This is a universal feeling. How do we live while also suffering from within? And largely how do we forgive ourselves knowing forgiveness will not come from outside? The mark of any great story is not in the answers it provides but the question it makes you ask. And Fleabag does this elegantly without being preachy.

But – from what I said above, don’t get the idea that Fleabag is about boring monologues about pain. Remember this show won the Emmy for outstanding comedy and there is a reason why it beat Veep and rest of the shows.

The comedy in the Fleabag is used as self-defence. The show does not try to be funny or sad –it merely is wry and selfdegrading. True comedy is a person trying to solve problems, but in a wrong way. We all know the best way to move on after a heart break is time, patience and lot of self-improvement, but not Fleabag. (P.S. - that is what she is called in the show) She says yes, to the extreme toxic relationships possible. She

41

is so broken inside that she doesn’t care about being broken again.

You will see Fleabag struggle with her business, her family - how she in unable to form any long-lasting relationship with anyone. Moreover, she couldn’t even form a healthy relationship with herself.

While you watch it, you may call her dumb for pushing away from meaningful relationships; for wanting immediate solutions or perhaps the way she’s cold-hearted towards people. Yet, the stand-out from great stories is that you see things from another perspective which is what’s found here.

It uses the classic narrative technique of breaking the fourth wall where a character breaks a scene to talk to the camera like in the movie Deadpool.

Fleabag uses comedy to understand pain. She disregards her will to be happy. She exhibits pain to be not all crying and whining. True pain is silent. There are instance of a very happy looking people who have it all. But the next day, they jump bridge into their icy cold grave. The world never knew how depressed they were nor did they open-up. But if the first season is about depression and coping with depression, the second season is about forgiveness. It’s the perfect contrast to the pain. It shows that if a broken and crushed person like Fleabag could find a way to be happy again – why can’t we?

Find Fleabag on Amazon Prime. It might even heal a few scars of yours.

You can thank me later!

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

CREATE

ODE TO THE

K NIG HT O F

G O T H A M Fayaz Q

42

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

It’s 80 years since the caped crusader made his debut in the monthly Detective Comics on May 1st, 1939. A masked knight with a bat encrusted on an oval yellow background came as a surprise during the era since that was the time when Superman flourished as the most famous comic book hero. Superman’s fame was unparalleled; Comics featuring Superman were found in the hands of every kid. Superman had unopposed popularity among the comic heroes. No comic superhero could challenge his might and supremacy.

43

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

And that’s where the creators of Batman made their grand entrance - Bob Kane and Bill Finger. They wanted to create a superhero who was diametrically opposite to the immortal and invincible Superman.

All said and done, Superman was basically a God among human beings – he was untouchable. And on the other end of the spectrum was the Batman, a mere human with no magical superpowers. He can’t fly; He can’t shoot webs, and he most definitely can’t stop bullets.

Bob and Bill took creative inspiration from the famous double-identity literary characters like Scarlet Pimpernel, Zorro and were highly influenced by The Shadow, Dick Tracy and Sherlock Holmes for their intelligence and smart skills. Thus, when you mix the brains of Sherlock with the wit

44

and deception of Scarlet Pimpernel… Lo! You have Batman!

Of course, one might argue how Superman too has two different personalities but here’s where Batman comes out to be fascinating. Superman is Superman from the moment of his birth. He was born with the ability to fly; super-strength; laser eyes and what not. Whereas, Batman before he could evolve, he was a kid called Bruce Wayne, who watched his parents get shot by a mugger. And that particular event marred his entire life and sent him to a path filled with anger and anguish, ultimately leading him to become Batman.

The billionaire, Bruce Wayne chose to become Batman.

Batman comics became a spectacular hit that it has been adapted into Radio plays,

TV Shows and then its ultimate adaption in movies where Tim Burton, the director of the first two Batman movies, didn’t just give the audience a thrilling movie but a symbol to talk through the years.

As millennials, we are so used to seeing comic superhero movies that we forget that there was a time when comic bookbased superheroes were not received well and was considered a huge financial risk.

The management didn’t believe that adults would be interested in watching comic book superheroes on the silver screen, but Batman cruising in his sleek, shiny Bat-mobile proved them wrong. The kids loved it. The teens loved it. Nonetheless, the adults loved it. And once again Batman became a cultural phenomenon until 1997.

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

For the next ten years, entering the 2000’s, Batman faded out of the picture because of the new and more successful Superheroes movies adaptations like: Spiderman, Hulk, Men in Black, Blade and Hellboy. Nobody knew how to successfully introduce Batman into the 21st century. The film executives believed that they would never be able to adapt Batman into a live action film again as the last Batman movie released in 1997, didn’t score very well with the audience. It made no sense for Batman to exist on live action movies anymore.

That’s when a young Brit, freshly rejoicing the success of his previous films; Momento and Insomnia was asked to helm the reboot of Batman, a.k.a Christopher Nolan. Nolan and his fellow screenwriter David Goyer, together, they created a version of Batman which was dark, brooding and most of all real. People connected with this Batman played by Christian Bale like no other. Nolan brought in a depth in character to the Dark Knight trilogy that – he single-handedly made Batman relevant for the new generations.

Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy grossed more than 2.5 billion dollars - a box office collection previously unheard of for a comic superhero.

Before Marvel wet its beak, it was Batman movies that paved the way for superheroes to successfully transition into the 21st century. Practically speaking, Marvel’s most successful superhero Ironman is hugely inspired from Batman. Marvel emulated the success and methodologies from Batman trilogy helmed by Nolan and created their own legacy but not before Batman had walked the path.

Yet, no matter how brilliantly built the movie and comic is, I think part of reason why people loved Batman throughout 80 years and still do, is because – ‘Batman represents the philosophy that you don’t have be born with superpowers to be a hero. To be a hero you need dedication, discipline and a will to make the world better place.’ This core philosophy resonates with its fans making them feel that they can definitely empower themselves and fight the obstacles along their path.

That said, while we wait to watch the previously sparkling Vampire, Robert Pattinson wear the Bat symbol, remember – It’s not who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you.

45

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

CREATE

Art

31 DAYS OF Roshan Siddharth

Globally renowned art challenge making the world more artsy For an artist, consistency is the key. And to be consistent is every artists dream. Not because they are not talented. But owing to factors like work, economic viability of art; most artists work as designers, illustrators and so on for commercial establishments to make things move. But in such a set - up, the freedom of expression is limited by various factors. For an artist, especially one that works visually, the fruit of their work is truly seen only when they control the representation of that they create.

And like a boon from the heavens, too feed the soul of the artist and art for the world, comes the month of October. To the world, October is a month of festivities, Halloween, celebration and what not. But for artists, it’s work. Work that they love doing, but work never the less. During this month, artists are challenged by art hubs, artists themselves, and sometimes even challenge each other to a month - long session of executing art pieces on a daily basis without the pressure of a deadline, brand guidelines and other elements that constitute their regular work. In other words, say hello to Inktober.

the globe to participate and is a pilgrimage for artists. The inception of the idea goes to Jake Parker. Jake is a well renowned illustrator, writer, and teacher based in Utah. Since 1999, he has worked on everything from animated films to comics to picture books. His portfolio includes work with the best studios with the most amazing and talented people in the world.

And to his credit he has films like Rio and Horton hears a Who. The idea behind the challenge is simple. In Jakes own words “I started Inktober as a way of challenging myself to improve my ‘inking skills’, be more consistent and use this as a way of ‘developing positive drawing habits.”

Inktober is this drawing challenge, come every October for artists everywhere to practice their inking skills and improve their ink drawing habits. The challenge is open for people across

46

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Jake Parker started the Inktober challenge in 2009, and more and more artists take part in this challenge every year. And the idea behind it is very simple. The idea is to draw something every day for the whole month of October. And as it says on the Inktober website – they should be able to do something attainable for the artist. It is not to put them in a corner against the world and push them to do something simply because their peers are. For example, if the artist can only manage to create a drawing every other day that is their aim for Inktober. Most artists try to execute one art piece per day, within their limits.

47

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

As said earlier, Inktober is not about challenging the artist in a quantitative way. Rather it is more about the process of metamorphosis that happens to art and the artists as they create. Which is why the Inktober movement has prompts to help artists start somewhere. Prompts are becoming popular in the online space in ensuring that artists of all forms that require a push to start. Thanks to that and global media platforms, back home, Inktober is largely popular. India has a great hub of artists and creative personnel that the world sometimes does not identify in the larger scheme of things. But Inktober is putting them on the map.

Chennai based UX designer and artist, Angeline Bhavya is a regular Inktober participant. With her own podcast called DesignLota, that speaks of design practices in the modern world, she has a great repute in design and art amongst peers.

Speaking of Inktober she says “Inktober is an exciting month for artists because it helps us look at ourselves and our art as more than just commodities for a client or a company. And when something like that is a motivating factor the challenge is enjoyable and the work that comes out will bring out abilities that were possibly buried deep thanks to the regular churn of work.”

Instagram is a blessing in many ways because it helps people put their creativity out for the world to see and judge, without a marketing led bias. And for the people it’s a great space to see different perspectives of art alive without bias. Amongst the amazing creators in that space is Anjali Rani. This Hyderabad based designer/illustrator has been taking part in Inktober for over 5 years.

To her Inktober means “a fun way to challenge yourself to cultivate a daily drawing habit but it's also a great feeling to be part of something that's bigger than yourself”. This year, she has chosen to follow her own theme of fantasy/mythology focused on Indian mythological creatures. And this is to explore the mythology of the subcontinent and learn of it through art. “Apart from the excitement of drawing, Inktober helps you connect with artists of all statures from across the globe. And that is the cherry on top of the cake.”

But there are artists that don’t depend on social media. For them their art is more meditative and personal. Although their profession is with relation to their talents, they believe that their pure art which comes from their minds, is the exposition of it. And sometimes they like to keep it personal. One such creator is Roshinth Sreekumar. He regularly participates in the challenge and toys between prompts own ideas. Sometimes he mashes them up to come up with a cocktail art piece of sorts.

“Most of my work is digital, considering the requirements commercially. But this month is special. It helps me hit the old pen and paper and hone my skills. And with great tech, I’m able to add touches to it digitally too. So, a lot of experimenting goes on this month, that completely refreshes my artillery” he says.

In today’s world, with a lot of things being said and unsaid, the world needs something to look at and draw inspiration from.

And if the inspiration is going to help the world look at themselves, their talents and life differently, then the greater good that is always spoken about, will be reality and not utopic. Inktober is one such step toward that. The challenge is open, there is no pressure, nor is there judgement. Just the opportunity to create something constructive for the world to see. For this, the earth needs to start creating, for without art, the earth is just eh. Let there be art.

48

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

49

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

CREATE

India’s Sporting

Transformation A country is changing the way it looks at sports and along the way, how it looks at itself

Maheen Afshan. F

Once every four years, people across the world tune in to catch a glimpse of the greatest gathering in sports of all time - The Olympics.

Athletes, dancers, marching soldiers, fireworks – the event comes to life as a carnival celebrating sports of 24 different categories with the participation of athletes from nearly 85- 90 countries each year. Little do we however know, what actually happens behind the scenes –from the selection of players to preparing them to face opponents from the other countries to ringing in the loudest cheer of them all during the games; - definitely not a peachy process.

50

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Amidst the various sports committees and organizations, GoSports Foundation is all geared up to for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The foundation was set up in 2008 with a vision to support athletes from lesser known sports and turn them into achievers. It has been over a decade now since GoSports has been working with athletes from Olympic and Paralympic disciplines and have helped many athletes become champions, supporting them in their journey while also having impacted the sporting ecosystem in India.

A few of the names they have worked with include India’s best shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy and Sai Praneeth, and they have also played a part in the rise of Sathiyan Gnanasekaran - a table tennis champ from Chennai, who came through the junior ranks and has now jumped to the World top 25 rankings, making him India’s highest ranked table tennis player ever.

Similar to Gnanasekaran, is another sports prodigy - Bhavani Devi, a daughter of a temple priest from Chennai who has gone on to become one of the best fencers India has ever seen. Her goal to qualify for the Olympics is something towards which GoSports has been providing her full support in since 2017, and Bhavani has been winning medals on the trot ever since; the most recent being her performance in winning a silver medal at the Flemish Open held in Belgium in September.

While the stories are endless and awe-striking, part of the credit extends to GoSports’ brilliant board of advisors composed of some widely recognized sports faces like Abhinav Bindra, Rahul Dravid and Pullela Gopichand - each of whom had been the master of their own game, redefining sports to their own flair. While each of the three, bring to the table their vast and indispensable experience, the foundation also benefits constantly from their unique perspectives. With Abhinav Bindra constantly pushing them to plan initiatives towards long-term athlete development, Gopichand urging them to focus on up skilling the ecosystem and coaches, and Rahul Dravid, sharing his rich insights and personal inputs with the athletes, the team and the athletes have been granted a chance to learn from and be guided by the best.

51

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Hard Work; Passion; Dedication – These factors have helped the foundation flourish since their inception, and 2019 especially has been a spectacular year for them as GoSports was awarded the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar by President Ram Nath Kovind, at the National Sports and Adventure awards function at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

A mind-blowing achievement, especially with less than 10 months left for the Olympic Games in Tokyo had Brew naturally seeking for what had brewed behind the scenes which led GoSports to this honour and fortunately, we got a chance to interact with Deepthi Bopaiah, Executive Director GoSports Foundation.

Deepthi Bopaiah, formerly a wealth advisor and trainer during her 6-year stint with HSBC, joined GoSports Foundation in 2012 after deciding to pursue her long standing interest in sport. A sports woman herself, she has represented her University and Karnataka state in basketball and tennis. Deepthi holds a MBA in Finance and Marketing from Symbiosis, Pune and a master’s degree in Economics from Pune University.

She has presented on the Foundation’s work, the growth of Indian sports, Challenges in Indian Sport Development and CSR in sports across multiple platforms which include the VIP Sports International Delegation in Australia, TOI- Global Sports Show and The India CSR Summit to name a few. LinkedIn featured her on “Professionals of LinkedIn”, a series which recognized notable achievements of domain leaders. She believes in and is working towards building a sustainable athlete-centric sporting ecosystem through the foundation's programs and initiatives, in line with the vision of the foundation's Advisors Rahul Dravid, Abhinav Bindra, and Pullela Gopichand.

52

IN CONVERSATION WITH MAHEEN AFSHAN, Congratulations on winning the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar! How does it feel to be publicly celebrated with such a prestigious honour and how has it affected the foundation as a team?

Thank You! When we got to know that we were receiving the ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’, it was a surreal feeling. The National Award from the President of India is a recognition of the work we do, and it makes us happy that we are in the right direction. However, more than happiness it increases our hunger to achieve more and motivates us to keep working hard with a belief that we can make a more meaningful contribution to Indian sports.

When I look back at the early days, GoSports Foundation was started in 2008 with the vision to support players from lesser known sports, prevent them from dropping out due to lack of support, and make them achievers.

Yes, there were ups and downs, but what stood intact was the passion to support champions at the right time with the right things. It has been a long journey, and we have come a long way from where we started. The award is not where we want to stop. We wish to be catalysts who can bring professionalism and positivity into the Indian sporting environment and help build more champions at the international level for India.

One of the thoughts we believe in is ‘We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit’. We firmly believe in the power of sports excellence and we want to put India on the global sporting map, and we, as a nation are taking steps towards that direction.

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

A win is always applauded and celebrated.

But now that you’ve achieved this honoured title, do you think that the athletes would feel more pressure than there already would be on the field?

I personally do not think that athletes will have any extra pressure when they step on the field to perform. I am glad that our efforts were recognized and appreciated, and I hope that our athletes feel special that they are associated with us, as their achievements have enabled this recognition.

Your journey started off in the banking sector, but what made you change directions and come to sport?

I grew up in a household where sports always played a part in my life. I have loved sports since my childhood and was an athlete (played basketball and tennis) myself. Working in banking might have come with material rewards attached, but I never really felt fulfilled by my work there. In 2012, when I was working in the bank, people around me used to say that we Indians cannot score in the Olympics.

This always annoyed me and drove me towards working in sports. When I got an opportunity post London 2012, to work in sports, I never thought twice. While I'm grateful for the opportunity I had working in the banking sector, the material rewards attached didn't bring a sense of fulfillment to me in terms of the work I was doing.

There was a constant thirst to want to be involved in sports and in a nation of over 1 billion it bothered me when those around me would mention how Indians cannot do well at the Olympics. Thus, when I got the opportunity to work in sports post London 2012, I never thought twice. Sports has been an integral part of my life; we at the Foundation call ourselves athletes who could not make it. I am glad that I am back in it now, pursuing it as a fulltime profession and have not only made a career out of it but am also playing a role in enabling my like-minded team to shape a career for themselves in this area.

What range is the excitement level at with less than 300 days to go for the Olympics in Tokyo?

The excitement is obviously increasing day by day as we move closer to the Tokyo Games. We had the chance to visit Tokyo and check the ground realities there.

We saw the athlete villages, the training facilities and how everything is being set 53

up for the Olympics and Paralympics. The whole country is geared up for the event.

I believe we are moving beyond the years where Olympic sport used to feature on most people’s radar only once in 4 years, and today, people take a healthy interest in following the exploits of our badminton players, track athletes, shooters, etc. This Olympics promises to be special, but I am also excited for the Paralympics. Many Indian para-athletes are now counted among the favourites in their respective events and the needle has moved and their achievements are beginning to be celebrated by the larger public. It will be very interesting to follow how the athletes perform and what reactions they manage to elicit back home once they glow at the grandest stage of them all.

What are the different programs you have, for the numerous athletes you support?

At GoSports Foundation we work with athletes across 17 sporting disciplines, through our athlete scholarships and knowledge building programs. We have four programs supporting around 120 athletes in total.

How has GoSports Foundation approached the Olympic games till now, and are there any specific expectations?

One of our primary objectives is to help as many athletes as possible under our programs to seal their qualification spots for the Olympics and Paralympics. After the qualifications are secured, our focus is to get the best performance from the athletes.

We help the athletes optimize and enhance their performance to reach their potential by ensuring that their most pressing needs are taken care of and build an environment where they can thrive and focus on performing their best without the pressure of having to win a medal. Our belief is that increased representation at the Olympic Games is a marker of India’s progress towards becoming a sporting nation, and we are aiming to raise awareness among the masses about not just medal-winning performances, but also the significance of a 4th place in Gymnastics, a 10th place finish in athletics disciplines, a first ever qualification from other sports, and so on.

The GoSports Long Term Athlete Development Programme aims to groom the next generation of elite Indian athletes by providing them with financial aid and sports science assistance from a formative stage of their careers. The Stars of Tomorrow program focuses more on young athletes across specific sports – tennis, squash, golf, sailing, swimming. We have been fortunate to work with the best of athletes through meaningful stages of their careers, namely Devendra Jhajharia (first Indian to win two gold medals at the Paralympics), Dipa Karmakar (first Indian Female Gymnast at the Olympics), Kidambi Srikanth (Former World Number 1 in Badminton), Sai Praneeth (First Indian male to win a medal at the World Championships after Prakash Padukone) and many more.

Under the Rahul Dravid Athlete Mentorship Programme, we focus on elite athletes across Olympic sports that have the potential to be catalysts of change for Indian sport. Through the Para Champions Programme we aim to bring structure, planning and vision to the Indian Paralympic movement and support Indian para athletes on their quest to compete and excel at the Paralympics.

One of the many proud moments for GoSports Foundation was when we saw Kidambi Srikanth, ace Badminton player, come up the ranks and become world No. 1. He has been a part of the foundation since 2012 when he was ranked 338. Not only have we seen him grow as an athlete but have also been part of this journey and evolved with him. There are many stories like these that show us, if support is given at the right time, there can be a different outcome

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

How do you go about identifying athletes who need your support, and how do you select them for your programs?

Our selection procedure has evolved over the last 11 years. We have an application-based format which spans over 90 days, where the foundation solicits applications from coaches, expert, network, athletes' parents, private academies, current athletes, media, sports governing bodies etc. We have an internal research team which assesses the performances of the athletes and then speaks to coaches and experts at the national as well as international level to get feedback on each individual athlete’s performance and potential. After that we have a few rounds of interaction with the athletes where we get to know the athlete and how we can best help them in their sporting journeys, and bring them on board when we have done our due diligence on their requirements and assessed how they will fit into our programs.

What is that one event you are very excited at the Olympics?

(Quips with a laugh) I think I am too greedy; it won’t be one. I will be cheering all the sports in which the Indian contingent is taking part. When we look at the events like Athletics, Swimming and the others, with around 50-70 countries at a single event compared 12-14 at the cricket World Cup. There is ample reason today to celebrate even the performances and journey of the participating athletes who may not necessarily end up on the podium.

Yet, there is one sport which I don’t intend to miss and that is Fencing. I think it is one of the most underrated sports. If in India we can have the best badminton players with the best hand-eye coordination, then I think we can do it in fencing also. Bhavani Devi one of our athletes under the Rahul Dravid Mentorship Programme - has made it to the international platform, inspiring a whole set of junior fencers who are ready to follow and this is what we call the “circle of inspiration” that started with the journey of our athlete Dipa Karmakar as well. Post her finish at the Rio Olympics in 2016, and what was once a no man’s land for India – we now see 2-3 gymnasts who are fantastic potentials for representing India at the Olympics.

54

In 2019, GoSports Foundation was awarded the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar in “Identification and nurturing of budding/ young talent” category at the National Sports and Adventure Awards of 2019. The appreciation by the government is always something special, and we wanted to know what kind of effect the national award had on the foundation.

Let’s talk about Go! How did the idea come up to have a book that tries to capture how Indian Sports is evolving and what do you think the book has to offer the readers?

Go! is a project very close to my team’s heart. The book was conceptualized as a mark of the completion of an important milestone for our team but evolved along the way into something far larger. It all started off when our team at GoSports was ideating on how best to celebrate the completion of 10 years of our existence and as we got to talking and discussing, we realized that we were a small part of something really big, an entire nation’s almost inevitable march towards sporting glory. That’s when the idea widened in scope and became an endeavor to narrate India’s sporting evolution over the years, in multiple different aspects and forms. We had a set of 13 authors, including

the sporting legends Abhinav Bindra, Rahul Dravid and Pullela Gopichand contributing to the book in a unique way and covering a variety of topics, thus giving the book an allrounder feel and shaping it the way you see it, in its completed form.

The book captures the importance of sporting brands, new leagues that have helped sports grow in India, the change in story telling in sports, the appreciation of Para Sports and much more. The book also narrates how Sportswomen have stepped up on the international level, and paved the way for newer generations to follow, and bring sporting glory to the nation.

There has been an evident change in Indian Sports over the last decade. What we can say is that Pre 2008, and post Abhinav Bindra’s gold medal have been two eras for Indian Sports. GoSports Foundation with the help of many experts has attempted to document what Indian Sports has gone through in the book ‘Go! India’s Sporting Transformation’.

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

The Sporting ecosystem has athletes as the center of attraction, but coaches also have an important role to play. What value does a coach hold for you?

Our organization has always maintained that coaches need to be central to our focus if we want to improve the sporting ecosystem in India. We have involved coaches in our work in various formats, whether through our ‘Coaches’ Conclaves’, conducting smaller workshops and preparing educational material for coaches, setting up a Coaches’ Forum for cross learning while involving the coach all the while in the decision making regarding our athletes. Coaches are among the most important stakeholders in the sporting ecosystem and the coach’s feedback and advice has always been a top priority when it comes to an athlete.

What does the GoSports Foundation involve itself in apart from the Olympics?

It is true that we work in Olympic cycles, but what we aim at is making a holistic sporting ecosystem that supports the creation of successful athletes. Our approach was to focus on Olympic and Paralympic sports for the initial years, but we understood the need to direct certain non-financial support towards cricket, which is financially mature in India yet where the players still need resource material on their sport. We work towards enabling sports excellence through our athlete development and knowledge building initiatives, as well as our advocacy related work.

We might’ve not been able to focus on team sports yet, due to financial constraints, but have focused on identifying players who deserved support and raised funds to be able to support their sporting expenses. Over the years, we have realized that we not only want to propagate the message of sports excellence but also in the process, create role models that can inspire younger generations to take up sport. We believe that sport is a fantastic vehicle for social change, especially in a country like India where we sometimes take shortcuts to the top.

55

Cricket has always been ‘the’ sport in India. Do you feel that change would happen, and what would you appeal to the people so that they look at sports in a different way?

I think the way Cricket has cemented its position India is commendable, and there are multiple learnings from the way the sport has grown. We also want other sports to grow as cricket has grown in India. There has certainly been a shift where people have started watching Badminton, Kabaddi, Football and other sports.

When more and more people begin believing that there are careers to be made in sports, things will change at a much faster rate.

On a closing note, having been from a sports background yourself, if things had gone differently, do you think you would have been one among the champions who are preparing to represent our country in Tokyo in 2020?

It’s a question that we should ask all the athletes who drop out of sport for a conventional sure-shot career. I am speaking from my personal experiences, my team’s personal experiences and our athletes’ experiences, of course.

We have observed that many of these young athletes opt for careers other than sports because they do not get the right support at the right moment. We believe that if we encourage athletes to stay in the ecosystem by giving them the right kind of support, then we can produce many more champions.

Speaking of myself, who knows what trajectory my career would have taken if I'd received the right support during my formative years. One can only speculate on this, but the reality is that while I might fall within the bracket of a failed athlete -I am certainly passionate about driving change for Indian sports. The reality is that whatever I am, wherever I am today is because of the lessons I learnt through sport.

In conclusion I would like to quote the words which are echoed in our book as well that – “Sports as a national project is an idea whose time has come.”

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

LIVE

A JAW-DROPPER

ON-STAGE! A PENSIVE SOUL

OFF-STAGE! Maheen Afshan. F

Whenever the word Beatbox is heard, an image pops into our heads of Ranveer Singh from Gully boy rapping to the Beatboxers of Dharavi. It is a term associated with so much energy, action, drama resembling nothing less of a battlefield. Yet, down the South in Chennai, if you get a chance to meet the Multi-Instrumental Beatboxer - Ankush Jain, you will relate to my writing when I say that he is one of the artists who, in the future might Beatbox alongside A. R. Rahman’s songs and surprisingly, is cool as a cucumber.

56

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

India’s only Multi-Instrumental Beatboxer. Where did it all begin?

I’ve been inclined towards music ever since I remember. I’ve had this love for stage because I’ve dreaded a one-on-one conversation since childhood. So, for me being on stage to perform in front of a huge crowd is comparatively easy than having or anticipating such conversations because you have to maintain eye contact or you have to pay attention to the person for too long. Being an introvert, all these factors were difficult.

Yet, being on stage was comparatively easy and music was the medium through which I got on stage and performed. Initially, I was a percussionist. I used to play the percussion instruments which are a supplement to drums. Anything drums cannot cover, percussion covers. I was doing that when I incorporated all the structures and patterns, I learnt with the instruments to Beatboxing. It’s been merry since then.

How many instruments can you play?

Eight.

57

reason was because, rather than having a healthy competition, the battles turned more dominating and sometimes out-straight humiliating. I didn’t want to do so as I knew how much hard work had been put into a person’s routine. Thankfully, around that time I started getting offers to judge those battles and I took up on those offers. So, for around 2 years I’ve been judging the battles of Chennai Beatbox Championship.

You have been titled an opinion leader back in 2017. What is that factor you believe is within you that led to the making of an opinion leader?

Being an opinion leader it gives me a sense of responsibility every time someone addresses me. It means that I am someone people can look up to. I have always been a notorious person everywhere I’ve been and when I’m on stage, it is my obligation to put out a message apart from the music I perform to the audience because they’re going to be doing great things presently or in the future and if I can even be the smallest of hope to them then that’s the responsibility I carry every time I am called an opinion leader.

Which is your most preferred instrument?

The first instrument which I experimented with in Beatboxing is the harmonica and although I’ve experimented with various other instruments, the harmonica remains my favourite because of how beautiful it sounds.

Have you performed for celebrities?

Yes, I have opened for Armaan Malik’s concert in Chennai. I’ve also collaborated with Vishal Chandrasekar, the music director of Shoot the Kuruvi.

Are you familiar with the Chennai Beatbox Championship and have you been a part of it?

Yes, I am familiar, but I’ve not been a part of it as a contestant for a while. I’ve stopped competing in it since the end of 2017. The

Who’s the artist you want to perform with?

(Laughs) It’s not a small list. Obviously, A.R. Rahman. Apart from him Adele, Michael Buble, Shankar Mahadevan and it keeps going.

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

A lot of Millennials seem to pursue unique arts these days.

Things we didn’t know existed are making their entry into the world. Most of these are influenced by the Western Culture. Do you think that because of this, our tradition, Indian culture, the Indian instruments are being eliminated slowly?

I honestly know that it is inevitable. I don’t think our culture will ever be deplete or extinct because all the Western Culture or patterns. It has been an integral part of our Indian culture as well. Technically, speaking it is a reverse saga. The eastern set of music is migrating to the west and vice versa. I don’t know whether that’s good or bad but personally, not as a musician but as a person who loves to listen to music, this change is fresh and nice and I’m sure it’s the same for the western people as well.

I like it but I don’t think that it would affect the Indian culture in any way as we can always see something unique done with the Indian instruments on the internet like the Tablas banging to cheap thrills and a lot more.

Let’s get into detail about this Gully Boy trend which has been taking the country by storm. It’s not an alien factor that as soon as the movie had released; the scene for Beatboxing and rap has been viable. Everyone wants to do it and it has spread like a wildfire to the majority of the cities. But what about the rest of the places like Assam and Orissa and many such developing areas?

Hip-hop is such to give out a message or light a spark for revolution using the power of words and the power of truth.

Once that’s understood anything you do will be cool. And there is an official Beatboxing society in India. Like you have BCCI with cricket, there is Beatbox India spread across the four zones - North, South, East and West; who are working on bringing in

58

community meets and workshops, getting those gigs wherever possible. They are doing an incredible job in spreading the artform and bringing in new talents, educating the people on the topic etc. It’s only a matter of time till it will spread throughout the country and maybe more powerfully so.

There are people who are or can be musicians and there are people who are sadly incapable of being one. As a millennial to a millennial, what would you tell them?

Being a musician is, in my opinion an elite category of people who were born with that blessing. If everyone was blessed to be a musician, then there wouldn’t be anything extraordinary in the community. So, I’m sure the ones who aren’t, musicians or beatboxers will be good at something else because today alternative careers like doodling, stand-up comedy have worked themselves into the picture. And if you’re not good at something, hopefully you’ll realize soon and will change to do what you actually want to do and not what people think you would/should be able to do. Don’t give in to peer pressure.

Apart from music and Beatboxing, what else does Ankush Jain do?

I am a keen gardener. I have about 70-80 pots in my terrace which I spend a lot of time with. I am also a, let’s say ‘wannabe trekker’. I do trek a couple of times a year but I am currently training myself to be able to scale the Everest base camp.

I read books. I like trying new cuisines but being a vegetarian, the options are pretty limited, but I still have fun.

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

What’s next on your agenda?

A lot of people use the term, “my dreams have come true”. But over the years, what I’ve achieved is stuff which I never dreamt of. I started beatboxing because of a TED Talk I watched on YouTube. To be able to do a TED Talk myself along with a JOSH Talk; performing for big corporates; all these are things which I haven’t dreamt of. What I’ve always wanted to do was do something good for people through this blessing I’ve had. The perfect fit for that I believe is music therapy. It’s for people with Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome or even people in general dealing with stress, depression. I really look forward to studying a proper course in it, graduate and practise music therapy because this is probably the purpose of my life.

From a youth icon to the youth themself... Any words?

It’s extremely simple. Being a millennial, neither do I prefer receiving advice nor giving it as well. Just realize soon that its one life we’ve got and spend it smiling; making other people smile and making it count.

59

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

LIVE

Vishal

A DOSE OF

K h u r a n a Ridhi Suri

Born and brought up in Delhi, he started his journey at the age of seven, when he first composed a tune - Vishal Khurana, an Indian music director and composer, who never had any inclination towards academics and bagged his first project in Bollywood at the age of 19, opens up about his life and goals in an interview saying "Music became the sole purpose of my being. I, then took up formal music education and went on to complete the Grade7 Exam in Digital Keyboard from the Trinity College of London in 2007. I have also been trained in Dagarvani Dhrupad form of music under my Guru, Padma Shree Ustad Wassifuddin Dagar and a couple of years back, I started training under my Guru, Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan of Dilli Gharana. My family has been extremely supportive of my dreams and work. I shifted to Mumbai in 2007 and also bagged my first project in Bollywood at the age of 19yrs, which was the title track for Sir Shyam Benegal’s ‘Well Done Abba’.

60

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to work with the stalwarts of the industry so early on, and then of course to debut as a Music Director in the industry with a film like Neerja. My journey is ongoing and has been great so far.

61

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Let’s talk about your early days of music.

I started making music at the age of 7. I composed a Dance Ballad ‘Kadamb Ka Peyd’ for the Kathak danseuse Padma Shree Shovana Narayan when I was 13, which was also my first stage performance.

And ever since, I have only yearned to become a Music Composer.

There wasn’t really any other option for me as I couldn’t bring myself to stay away from the keyboard for any longer than a couple of hours. I shifted to Mumbai the very next day of our last Class XII Board Exams and never looked back ever since.

What is music to you?

Music, for me, is the most liberating form of expression. It is one of the most powerful form of art, one which can heal and help one grow spiritually and also empower.

To pick one - it was extremely exciting and a surreal experience recording Bombay Jayashri on a song for a film that I did. I am a diehard fan of her voice. Also, listening to my Gurujis sing completely transports me to another space, and I always yearn to come to Delhi to visit & learn from both of them.

How would you define the word "Success"?

Success is when you finish whatever you want to do, however you want to do it, without getting bogged down by any obstacles or even a possible negative outcome. When you strive for it hard and you don’t care about the society or any kind of failure, it is then that your character and success are defined. It’s your own mind that usually is the biggest hindrance between you and your success.

Who are you favourite composers, musicians or band from the past and present?

Your fondest musical memories?

I am the happiest when I am composing or jamming with musicians.

Every jam session with my musician friends is memorable for me.

62

There are countless of them, from India and around the world – Arvo Pärt, Beethoven, Coldplay, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Madan Mohan, A. R. Rahman and Vishal Bhardwaj to name a few.

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Is there a particular song or musical passage that never fails to move you emotionally?

Für Alina, composed by Arvo Pärt. Also, the Laxmikant Pyarelal song from the film Taqdeer(1967), lyrics by Anand Bakshi - ‘saat samundar paar se..gudiyon ke baazaar se..achchhi si gudiyaa laanaa..gudiyaa chaahe naa laana...papa jaldi aa jaanaa’. That’s a favourite.

How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

Mr. Jeremy Ward once told me during a Trinity workshop for students that, ‘If you make a mistake, repeat it twice!’. I can vouch for it.

How would describe your perfect day?

Waking up with a new tune in mind, which is good enough to inspire me to develop it and record it. Jamming on it with friends.

Add to that; rains and great food.

What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?

I really believe that one should only pursue it if you really can’t imagine yourself doing anything else or being somewhere else.

Music is worth doing only if the excitement and passion for it does not let you sleep.

I’d like to quote from Prasoon Joshi’s poem LAKSHYA- ‘Swapn wahi joh neend udhaa de, warna usmein dhaar nahi hai’.

If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose this career or would do something different?

Without a doubt, I’d choose music.

63

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Oktober!

LIVE

GUZZLE

DOWN

THE TIMELESS BAVARIAN FESTIVAL THAT THE WORLD CELEBRATES

Roshan Siddharth

Every year, after everyone has woken up to September ending, the world looks forward to a festival that celebrates October. Although, it has nothing to do with most of the world beyond, the entire world gets excited for this celebration. There is a lot of fun, frolic, music and dancing involved but the biggest reason why the world loves it is because it’s Beer! Who doesn’t love a good glass of barley and hop malted beverage, chilled? It has become common for people to grab a beer after work or on a holiday. And when there is a festival which’s core item of reverie is beer, why wouldn’t the world celebrate it? Welcome to Oktoberfest!

64

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Across the world, Oktoberfest is welcomed with open arms, as if it were a cultural practice in the region or country. Look at brazil. Brazil as a culture is known to lead the world in terms of music, colours, dance and celebration. Carnival is a global spectacle. It is a 5 - day festival of pure fun; unique to brazil. But Oktoberfest is as big there. Almost 700,00 people come to revel in the culture of Oktoberfest literally 10,000 km from the birthplace of the festival. The same can be said of Canada, Australia, America and so on. But the heart of the festival lies where it was born. Munich, Bavaria, Germany.

Precisely 210 years ago, in the year 1810, the Crown Prince Ludwig, (who later was crowned King) got married to Princess

65

Therese of Saxon. And much like the televised royal weddings of today, this royal wedding too was celebrated by everyone far and near in the spread of the Munich.

And the location chosen were vast open fields outside the city gates that could accommodate the quantity of people that came, whilst providing them with food and drinks. These fields later came to be known as Theresienwiese in honor of the newly wed princess. And of course, there was no dearth of enjoyment during the celebration. The event was concluded with horse races in front of the royal family.

The fairground, which was outside the city, had a natural suitability for it. At the location, a grandstand for 40,000 race spectators was erected on Sendlinger Hill

(today Theresienhohe). And the rest of the festival grounds remained undeveloped except for the king's tent. The tastings of "Traiteurs" and the other wine and beer took place above the visitors in the stands on the hill. Before the race started, a performance was held in homage of the bridegroom and the royal family in the form of a train consisting of 16 pairs of children dressed in Wittelsbach costumes, and costumes from the then nine Bavarian townships and other regions. This was followed by the punishing race with 30 horses on an 11,200-foot (3,400 meters) long racetrack, and concluded with the singing of a student choir. The first horse to cross the finish line belonged to Franz Baumgartner (one of the purported festival initiators).

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

Nobody expected the response to be so receptive and the atmosphere jubilant, that they decided to celebrate it the following year. This time however, bigger and better and just to celebrate the culture and glory of Bavaria. Agriculture became a part of the festivities. Farmers and pastoralists came to display their produce and animals. And the horse races were included as a customary showdown. This was accompanied by numerous cook offs, sweetmeat stalls, locally brewed beer and a huge fun fair at the end of the ground.

But like all good things, there was a blockade for this too. Right after it was decided to be a customary event, the Napoleon wars struck the German hinterland. And it barely left an effect on the locals and the festivities involved with Oktoberfest. So much increased over the years that people were awarded for booths, jousting, horse racing and best produce of the year. And as the festivities got bigger so did the crowd, that its visitors became international. And that’s where something interesting happened.

Although it is said that the ancient Greeks did have a grand Olympic sports showdown in the era before Christ, what is considered to be the precursor to the Modern Olympics, as we know it, is the Zappas Olympics conducted from starting from 1859. Sponsored by Greek businessman Evangelis Zappas they were a series of athletic events held in Athens, Greece, in 1859, 1870, and 1875. The games were the first few attempts to revive the ancient Olympic Games in the modern era. Their success provided further inspiration for William Penny Brookes in England, whose games had been running since 1850, and the International Olympic Committee series from 1896. But the inspiration for the games came from the sporting action and the method of organizing competitions at Oktoberfest. In 1832, a delegation from Greece visited the fest with Zappas already a delegate there.

Today Oktoberfest, is as big as Tomorrowland. In 2010, the 200th year anniversary of the festival, over half a million people visited the festival, when the city council only estimated around 300,000 floating guests. It was celebrated as a gala fest with the recreation of the original Oktoberfest, tributes to the wedding and a mega consume party with people dressed traditionally with Bavarian hats and Gamsbart. And as years went by the numbers only went up. Going by recent data, over 6.3 million visitors visit the fest and a staggering 6.3 million litres of beer served.

But, if there should be a reason that makes Oktoberfest, it would be that it’s a work of art on the sands of time. In over 200 years, Oktoberfest has seen it all. The event has been stopped many an occasion, for plague, for war, for weather and even is a victim of bomb blasts. The event has survived two world wars, where in the second, Oktoberfest was the breeding ground for Nazi propaganda. And despite all, it has represented a symbol of togetherness, a celebration of life and an ode to culture. Most importantly it has been a looking glass through time, where for a movement, despite the modern influx of gadgets, we can experience what life was in the past. And for that, and the beer, one should visit the fest. Until then, Prost!

66

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

67

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019

68

BREW LIFESTYLE I OCTOBER 2019