Brew September'15

CONTEMPLATE. CREATE. LIVE.

SEP 2015 `40

ENTERTAINMENT

OLD WORLDLY CHARM Re- constructing Chennai with Laurie Baker

THE ANUJA FACTOR The quirks of writer Anuja Chauhan

EAT. BREATE. LOVE. Let yoga take you around the world

PANKAJ ADVANI

QUIPS ABOUT HIS GAME, LIFE & PASSION

The Brew magazine is based on the Entertainment

genre and has seen stupendous growth in the past fIve years of its existence. Based on its tagline ‘Contemplate. Create.

Live’, the Brew magazine urges readers to contemplate, create and live- in that order.

Featuring human interest stories, articles about the most famed artists and elite lifestyle stories, we are immaculately selective about our content. With the support of the advisory and contributory board comprising of a team of great individuals, we host a minimum of eight events a year as well.

SAMEER BHARAT RAM PUBLISHER & CEO Calm and composed, Pankaj Advani is a force of nature to reckon with. As the cover star of the September issue of the Brew magazine he speaks with zest about his passion for Billiards, the passion that singularly drove him towards becoming the champion that he is.

The inside stories of four people from different NGOs’ across the country will make you ponder upon the greater good.

On the other hand, the lone crusader quadriplegic Preethi Srinivasan is a bottomless source of inspiration to many.

Full of energy, she says attitude makes or breaks a person.

Plentiful stories on healthy three course

“Based on its tagline ‘Contemplate.

Create.

Live’, the Brew magazine urges readers to contemplate, create and live- in that order”

meals, comfort clothes, global yoga retreats will satiate your need to destress without guilt. Go on, there is lots to read.

VILANI SENTHAMIL EDITOR

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 5

CONTRIBUTORS & ADVISORY BOARD Thota Tharani A senior Indian film art director and production designer who has worked in Tamil cinema, Telugu cinema, Malayalam cinema and Bollywood. He has won two National Film Awards, two Filmfare Awards South and four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. His work consists of paintings, murals, paper collages, wooden montages, installations and so on

G Venket Ram A leading Indian fashion photographer, who has shot principal photography stills for several notable films as well as portfolios. He quit his engineering studies to work with cinematographers for a while, after which he joined a course in Visual Communication at Loyola College. He then worked with photographer Sharad Haksar and in 1993, he started his own studio

Mallika Sarabhai Educated as an economist and business manager, she is one of India’s best-known classical dancers. She has taken her work and her company ‘Darpana’ to not only over 90 countries around the world, but also to the most remote parts of India

Neeru Nanda A graduate from Delhi University, she’s passionate about writing.

She freelanced as a feature writer for ten years before switching to publishing.

Author of a collection of short stories titled ‘IF’, she has also worked on novels and short stories for children

Ashok Verghese One of the youngest education entrepreneurs who is making a great difference in this field in the country. He is the Director of the Hindustan group of Institutions, one of the pioneering educational groups in the country. He supports the cause of promoting young talent in art and music

Veejay Sai An award-winning writer, editor and a culture critic. He has written and published extensively on Indian classical music, fashion, theatre, food and art, and loves traveling, researching literary and cultural history. He is an editorial consultant with over 40 brands and designers in and outside India and is on the jury for several prestigious awards in the arts sector across the country

COVER CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHER Kiran Koushik

INTERNAL TEAM SUB- EDITOR Sanjana Ganesh FEATURES WRITER Prerna Kalbag DESIGN AJ Durai Adaikkalam CIRCULATION Ashok Kumar Sasi Kumar

Mail to editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com for advertisement queries/feedback

SEPTEMBER 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 7

35

22

40 SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 8

CONTENTS CONTEMPLATE

10

YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO NGOs’ all over the country partake in making the world a better place

15

BEING UNSTOPPABLE

46

Quadriplegic Preethi Sreenivasan survives all odds by aiding others alike

CREATE

17

THE ANUJA FACTOR On the perks & perils of being a chic-lit writer

18

ART FOR ART’S SAKE Asma Menon takes us through her journey of strokes & canvases

51

19

BEING BLINDED On the longevity of blindness & the strength of blind chess

by Ian McDonald

22

ON HIS CUE Pankaj Advani adorns humility along with his several gold medals

29

ALL ABOUT BROWNTREE The woods are not as dark when you step into Browntree

30 IN2015

This CEO is making the most out of reaching out socially

LIVE

31

WHERE COMFORT MEETS CHIC Sweat pants are not the only form of comfort!

35

40

OLD WORLDLY CHARM Ponder upon architecture through Laurie Baker’s housing model

42

DEFENCE AGAINST DARK ARTS Go the Indian way & defend yourself with Kalari

45

FALLING ALL OVER AGAIN Tada falls is close to home & lots of fun

46

EAT. BREATHE. LOVE. Be lost in the transience that yoga has to offer from around the world

HIKING UP HEALTH

51

Eating a completely healthy meal doesn’t come at a cost

Brew picks out its choices for the month

WHAT’S NEW?

38

53

Try out the recipe for the month & be spellbound

Let’s uncover the happening grooves of the city

PENNE PESTO PASTA

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 9

SOCIAL SPREE

CONTEMPLATE | Changemakers

YOU Are

What

YOU DO

There is a lot of work to be done and there are people doing it. Ajay Srikanth talks to four such individuals who are slowly but surely making a difference

U

ndoubtedly, a large part of the country suffers from a variety of problems.

With poverty, hunger, famine, discrimination… the list is bottomless. Driven, likeminded people are getting together and doing a lot to help out. The country is seeing a huge growth in the number of NGOs’, and this points to a brighter future. A conservative estimate points to 1 NGO for 600 people. Lakshmi Narasimhan, Sanjit Bunker Roy, Manjira Khurana and Shompa Mohanty work in four different NGOs’ across the country. They attest that however bleak the scenario is, it can be resolved one step at a time.

Lakshmi Narasimhan Head (Mental Health Social Action Laboratory) at The Banyan

The Banyan is a mental health NGO that aims to rehabilitate and help people with mental illnesses in the country. The organization was started in 1993, initially as a place of care for mentally ill homeless women. It has since grown into a winged organization.

She says, “I joined The Banyan soon after receiving my MA degree in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences. I look over prospective research at The Banyan, which consists of implementing real time projects and studying their effects on quality of life of the people. We have won two grants from Grand Challenges Canada, one for NALAM and the other for a project involving alternate living schemes for mentally affected persons with long-term needs. The latter seeks to train village women to understand problems faced by people of their own community. They are trained to give comfort, alleviate distress and help in getting Government entitlements among others. As of now, 27 women have been trained. NALAM provides supported housing for women with moderate to severe mental illnesses.

This is a viable alternative to institutionalizing, which is typically the only way to get treated. However, the lack of good infrastructure means that needs are not met and proper care is not given in the long run. Our project actively seeks to prevent this from happening”.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 10

Sanjit ‘Bunker’ Roy Founder, Barefoot College

While not a college in the traditional sense, Barefoot College encourages hands-on learning and disregards paper certificates.

Barefoot College works at empowering rural women and increasing the use of solar energy in villages with certain economic programmes.

He says, “I started Barefoot College based on the experiences I had while volunteering during the terrible Bihar famines of 196566. The experience changed me and I quit my regular lifestyle to work as an unskilled labourer. The people I met, their stories, trials and lives lay the foundation of Barefoot College. The training we impart has led to an entire village in Afghanistan being lit up by ‘grandmother’ solarpower, named so because the engineers involved in setting up and running the plants are typically women above the age of 50. The chief solar engineers at these villages are women trained by us. The best engineer we had was a 55-year-old woman who is now training other women. The New Campus (built in 1977) is the first fully electrified solar campus in the country.

Our organization runs on four main ideas: alternative education, valuing traditional knowledge and skills, learning for self-reliance and dissemination of knowledge”.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 11

CONTEMPLATE | Changemakers

Kaushik Mitra Head of Marketing & Communication at CARE India

CARE India is an NGO that works on ending poverty and social injustice. They focus on women and girls because they are the ones most affected by the outlined causes. Further, their experience has showed them that when given the right tools and provided with the right kind of environment, women can aid families if not entire communities.

He says, “I joined CARE India in 2011. Prior to CARE I was already working with the not-for-profit sector with an elder charity. I joined the sector to give back to the society and the community. CARE has been working in India for over 65 years, helping alleviate poverty and social exclusion by facilitating empowerment of women and girls from poor, marginalised communities. Our focus is on enhancing the potential of women and girls to drive lasting and equitable changes. The key challenges faced by marginalised women, especially Dalits and Tribals are unequal power relations within the household and communities, failure of governance to hold duty bearers accountable and failure of markets to be inclusive and fair. We plan to become a more impactful organisation by being a partner of choice in the Indian humanitarian and development space and a stronger partner of choice for the growing private sector and government at various levels to collectively address poverty and social injustice in India�.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 12

Dr. Prahalathan KK Cofounder, Bhumi

Bhumi is one of the country’s largest independent youth volunteer organizations. With geographical presence in different states across the country, they enable volunteers in different fields like education, environment, animal protection, community welfare and more. The volunteers also mentor and educate children from orphanages and slums via village community centres.

He says, “I was a coordinator of the blood donors’ club in my college from the first week of my joining. The very next year, I was selected as an assistant secretary and held a leadership position for another year. I am one of three cofounders of Bhumi. Bhumi has two core areas of work - Education and Civic Projects. ‘Ignite’ is Bhumi’s supplementary education programme for under-privileged children. Over 10,000 children are benefiting from the programme in 2015 across 12 Indian cities. ‘Catalyse’ consists of Bhumi’s civic initiatives that engage volunteers in different causes like animal welfare, community welfare, disability, environment, health and more. The rewards would certainly be the change we see every day: in volunteers – we eventually seek to create leaders who will go on to take up the challenge of bridging gaps in every sector, not just education. In five years we want to reach out to more than 50,000 underprivileged children across the country in at least 50 cities; and a few years down, establish schools that will offer high quality education at minimal or no cost”.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 13

CONTEMPLATE | Lone Crusaders

P

reethi Srinivasan is a testimony to human fortitude.

When the sun was shining down on her life and all was well, a tragic occurrence left her limbs paralyzed. The effect on her self-confidence however, was threefold.

She was knocked right down. So what did she do? Dusted herself off, tended to her bruises and kept going. Now, Preethi has founded her own trust ‘Soulfree’ to help others like her. The spectacular woman looks back at her own life and cheerfully talks about what she is up to.

THE ACCIDENT An only child hailing from Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, she was one of those students who did well at almost everything. Sports were her chosen forte.

At the age of eighteen she knew exactly what she wanted and was well on her way to glory. She represented Tamil Nadu at the national level in swimming. She was the captain of the state cricket team and was celebrated for winning the first under-nineteen cricket tournament for the state.

However, the tragedy struck her soon after.

NEVER SAY

NEVER Quadriplegic Preethi Srinivasan is at all advocacies, a conqueror. She admonished her insecurities to face the life she was about to lead, changed her life goals to become self-reliant and fought for the society by going against it. In conversation with Vilani Senthamil

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 15

A freak accident occurred, turning her whole world upside down. While on an excursion with her schoolmates, a wave knocked her over while she was playing in the water. In a split second her spinal cord was left drastically injured, leaving her hands and legs paralyzed forever. 17 years later, she recalls, “It took me over two years to accept the fact that my entire life would have to change because of a single moment. Completely shattered, I stayed hidden at home too ashamed by the way my body had transformed. I was so afraid of facing the outside world that I would have panic attacks whenever I met another human being. But then, time heals everything. I came out of my shell with the tremendous support of my parents. I tried to make the best of what was given to me and I did. I still do”.

‘Soulfree’ that aims to spread awareness about this injury that lots of people don’t have any clue about, particularly the privileged. Also, Soulfree financially as well as socially backs those affected to help them lead their lives with self-respect, something that they seem to think they have lost along with the use of their hands and legs. This

THE HURDLE Recovering from her trauma, she made headway for intellectual prowess. “I wanted to pursue B.Sc. Psychology as my mind and my voice was all that I had left of me.

I wanted to be at my best in order to help others. I approached an educational Institution to join the course but they refused to take me in since the course required students to attend compulsory classes for fifteen days that were conducted in the third floor of their building. Since there weren’t ramps or elevator facilities at that time I could not join that course. Though after the story came out in the media, ramps and elevators were constructed immediately.

That is one thing I’m happy to have played a part in! Even then, I did not lose hope. I joined a B.Sc. Medical Sociology course and gave it my best. Wanting more, I decided to apply for a degree in M.Sc. Medical Counselling. Once again, I approached the same Educational Institution

couldn’t be farther from the truth, because here I am as standing evidence. The body is just a house, we have to learn that even if the house breaks, we can continue to live, and to live proudly”, she beams.

Managing to shine in her academics, earn sufficiently, support her parents and start a Trust to help others with the same injury, she makes us realize a person can cross any hurdle if they are game enough to take it on.

and yet again, they refused. They claimed that in order to pursue this course, I had to have a degree in B.Sc. Psychology- the very course that they initially wouldn’t accept me into! It’s absurd how a society could treat you with such apathy, not valuing human lives in the least.

Once the story became public, they got in touch with me that they might work something out in due time”. Wanting to be a positive precedent to other people who have gone through what she has, all she wants is for educational Institutions to consider individual cases and to show some empathy. After all, that small effort could change countless lives for the better.

THE PURPOSE It’s been two years since she launched ‘Soulfree’ to support quadriplegics. She speaks up, “I have founded a Trust called

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 16

“The body is just a house, we have to learn that even if the house breaks, we can continue to live, and to live proudly”

CREATE | Arts Galore

She remade desi women to fit contemporary life through her chick-lit books. The formula worked to create uproarious laughter.

Catch author Anuja Chauhan in conversation with Sanjana Ganesh

THE ANUJA

FACTOR I

suggest you put your work away for a while. Distract your mind by knitting a pair of socks or painting. Then, sit down to write. Words automatically flow.

Which book are you currently reading?

I just finished reading ‘The Girl on the Train’ (By Paula Hawkins). It is pretty cool. It was quite riveting.

What do you think of the concept of lingua france i.e.

Tanglish or Hinglish? Are you comfortable with transliteration?

My natural instinct is to write in dialogue and this sounds normal only when the regional language is spoken. If you base a character in the north of India, it is highly unlikely to find them speaking in chaste English. It will be mixed speech.

If this doesn’t happen, it would sound very artificial and wrong. I try to cheat the blatant translation by adding a few hints about the subject (in the following line) for those who do not understand the language.

Do you have any particular writing quirks?

I have snack food that I love to munch on while writing. Try putting an entire spoon into a packet of Bikaner Bhujia and pull it out. It is lots of fun. Did you know that there are tubes of milkmaid?

It is fantastic to lie flat on your back with the laptop on your stomach as you suck on your milkmaid tube.

How do you get over your writer’s block?

My theory of writer’s block is a function of not admitting that you have screwed up and consequently, you delay consistently. If you are writing a book of about one lakh words, deleting close to twenty thousand words becomes painful. The unwillingness to admit that you’ve made a mistake will ruin you. I

Has the jump from advertising given you a perspective of what the young generation likes to read?

No one in advertising has ‘cracked’ what people want. That is a mystery to all of us.

Some are luckier than others. I write what makes me happy. I don’t write with my audience in mind. I just pray that there are enough people who think like me.

ndian literature witnessed an alltime low when commercial 100 pagers were advocated as best-sellers in newspaper columns.

The scene toiled to see a skip in the beat.

Enter Zoya- Anuja’s first protagonist and game changer. Since then, the author has written three books- all witty, and all filled with plot-twisted love. Read on to find out more about the brain behind these perky novels.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 17

Your characters have certain panache to them. They are strong, independent people, working towards getting over a certain hurdle. Are you showcasing India’s new woman?

I’m not really doing any of these things.

They are just deductions.

Have you evolved creatively after authoring four books?

I don’t know. I certainly hope so!

CREATE | Arts Galore

S

uffused with bright colours and vivid patterns, Asma Menon’s paintings are synonymous with her warm personality. Busting the myth that artists are by nature introverts, this artist exudes a cheerful vibe that draws you instantly.

HER CALLING

So when did she realize that art was her calling? Asma opens up, “As a child, I remember having two passions- drawing and my dolls. I did my schooling in Bangalore and there I remember taking art lessons as a child”. So as far as she can remember, art was her passion, it was what she wanted to do.“After my schooling we returned to Chennai. In those days we had a five year Bachelor’s degree. During the first two years we were given a solid foundation in the techniques of drawing”. Needless to say, those two years of rigorous training made her an artist. Back then the art scene was constantly growing. “We had some of the best teachers- Alphonso, Bhaskaran; my years in college were very interactive and teachers back then weren’t as formal as they are today! I can still recall just walking in on some of them when doubts plagued us, sitting at a common table discussing aesthetics, techniques and just about anything.”

HER TRADEMARK

Art

Chat Exuberant and warm, gregarious and insightful, city artist Asma Menon is much like her paintings discovers Prerna Kalbag

Does she find any changes in her art today? “We all evolve with time, because what’s life without constant evolution?” Asma continues, “So, if you see my early and latest work, you will definitely see some changes- it’s inevitable”. And yet, there is a thread that’s unmistakably her own. “You’ll always be able to figure out my artwork. My identity remains my own”. As you glance at her paintings- bright with bold strokes, imbued with colour and symbolism, you can’t help but agree with her. Her art certainly stands out. Is this a reflection of her personality?

“I love bright colours”, beams Asma. “Maybe it’s got to do with my genes. My ancestors came from Gujarat and I believe that at some point in time there was a community of women working on trousseaus at home, making entire bedspreads with ornate embroidery and beautiful designs. I come from an artistic family myself so it definitely has had an impact on me”.

HER PICK

Etching is a process whereby strong acids are used to cut into the exposed parts of a metal surface in order to create designs in the intaglio of the metal. Asma states that etching remains her favourite medium till date. “We don’t have many collectors for printmaking in India and it’s a very expensive medium. So when I do it, I do it mainly for passion because I can hardly expect to earn a great deal from it”. Passion for her work is evidently an intricate part of this gregarious artist’s life. “I love having people over. Meeting with friends is something I do often, but when I begin working, I need to do it with minimal distraction”. She concludes, “It’s a tough field, so you need to have the passion for it- you need to keep working hard. Of course, you can support yourself by taking up any job just like how I started out making illustrations for children’s books. But never give up on your passion. Slowly but surely you’ll make your way up”.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 18

CREATE | Cine Binge

SOMETIMES SIGHT BECAME A DISABILITY FOR ME: FILMMAKER IAN MCDONALD ON FILMING ALGORITHMS, AN AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY ON BLIND CHESS It was through a tiny report in the newspaper that sports sociologist and documentary filmmaker Ian McDonald found the main theme for his film ‘Algorithms’. The filmmaker joins Monty Majeed for an insightful chat on his journey of making the film, filming in low light with a two-member crew and the lessons he learnt about sight from his blind subjects

S

creened at festivals around the world, having won multiple awards at film festivals in Moscow, Paris, Durban and Edinburgh, to even being longlisted for the Academy Award, the journey of Algorithms from being that single column report to a 96-minute film is definitely praiseworthy.

The film takes us through the lives of three young blind chess champions and introduces us to the thriving yet little known sport. Thanks to one man’s passion for telling unusual stories and the perseverance of producer Geetha J of Akam Puram films, what we have today is a compelling film about sport, disability, sight, vision and a lot more.

How did you stumble upon the idea of blind chess?

I was shooting in India for a film called Inside The Kalari and I came across a newspaper report about a chess tournament for blind children. Being a sports sociologist, it got me really curious.

It was a sport with a difference and I spoke to my crew and other friends about it and found out that no one had heard anything about such a sport. We looked into it further and we found Charudatta Jadhav from Mumbai, he is like a pioneer of this game in India and he trains these children. He invited us to a tournament that was happening in Mumbai. When we got there, we were amazed to see that hundreds and hundreds of blind people were playing there. So in a way the initial

curiosity turned into amazement and we decided that a film on this subject was possible and to an extent essential.

Did you have to undergo any kind of research before starting, considering it is more of an observational documentary?

Yes, my style is more observational. I think for such a style it is not wise to do a lot of research. I just wait and watch the characters evolving. For me, it was about arriving at the right visual style and the ethics of filming blind people. I wanted to create a unique visual language most suited for the subject. So we made a short film about four blind kids and that film became a strong foundation for us to understand the subject better. The bigger challenge was to plan the shoot, the logistics etc, because we had just two members on the team during most of the production process.

You spoke about the ethics of filming blind people. How did you finally reconcile that and gain their trust?

For any documentary filmmaker consent and truthful representation are two important things they seek. Spending time with the boys, discussing stuff with them and making the short film were big steps in gaining their trust. We spent almost three years with them and they were quite relaxed with us being around.

So during the editing process, our guiding SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 19

principle was to strike a balance. We neither wanted to patronise them nor celebrate their lives nor seek sympathy from the viewer.

But disability is a highly tricky space. How did you deliberately try to achieve such a balance?

One thing that helped was our decision to stay within the blind community itself while we were filming. After spending so much time with them in their own surroundings, the fact that they are blind ceases to be a defining characteristic. You start looking at other things beyond their blindness and start to relate to them as individuals. So at the editing table we had to remind ourselves that this was, indeed, a film about blind chess. We as filmmakers did not want to reduce their blindness into a story device or celebrate it. We just made sure we shot with that in mind.

How did you choose these three boys and decide to tail them?

Fortunately for us, we didn’t have to spend a lot of time looking for them because all three of them

CREATE | Cine Binge just presented themselves to us. Of course, Charu guided us to these boys saying that they were the most promising ones. For instance, Darpan had a huge reputation in the blind chess circuit. Everyone was talking about him. Sai Krishna was like a rising star, he was very lively and engaging. And, Anant, he was a raw talent. He was new to the game and people had high expectations of him. So we got lucky in a way that we got three boys at three different levels of expertise in the game, from three different income backgrounds, from three different geographic areas.

They also had three varying levels of blindness. One of them were blind at birth, one has some visual memory and the other was becoming fully blind with time. So all this just fell into place and it was not by design.

So what was the biggest learning you took back from your time with them?

That sight and vision are two different things and that sight is not necessarily something that empowers us. I remember I used to go with them to their hotel rooms after their matches. They used to huddle together and take out their chess boards and discuss the match.

I would feel so uncomfortable because there would be no light in the room. They didn’t need light. And it was like the tables had turned. My sight had become a disability then. They would laugh at me. Such moments were aplenty.

I would then introspect on the meaning of sight and vision and how they could be blind and still have a foresight or a vision.

So are you also a chess player?

I do understand the game, I used to play when I was younger. I understand its rhythm and I think it is a beautiful game. When I met these guys, Sai Krishna challenged me to a game of chess. This boy is 12 and I was quite confident about my skills. I was very curious also. So we played and I lost very badly in a simple checkmate. I was crushed and humiliated and then I decided I should stick to filming. I understood what their potential was and it allowed me to empathise with the players better.

Why did you choose to keep the film black and white? Inspired by the chessboard?

Not really. It was a cinematic decision and emerged at the edit table. We were trying to get a sense of intensity, emotion and immersion and we were experimenting with a lot of things. We realised that making it black and white would lend it a new layer of depth, which somehow in colour it lacks. Actually India is a riot of colours. Sometimes I feel it is a bit

too much and that colour gets in the way. The supplementary reason was that black and white would give the images a more abstract look. We could play with thematic notions of sight and in a way it strips sighted people of an opportunity of seeing colour. And probably the last reason would be the inspiration from the chessboard itself.

What camera did you use to film Algorithms?

We went very basic with the shoot. We used a SONY Z1, which we later upgraded to a Z5. We had a huge issue with the sound because we didn’t have any fancy equipment. So we tried to use a wireless mike and a radio mike inventively. We fixed one mike not on character but near the chessboard so that it picks up the sound of the moves.

Could you take us through the timeline of production and post-production?

We filmed over 3 years, in India and 3 countries outside India. We went to 6 or 7 tournaments inside India. We had over 240 hours of footage and editing was an arduous task. We did 12 months of intense editing and 4 more months of fine -tuning it. It was a gruelling task of systematically going through every minute of the shot footage.

What were the major challenges you faced while filming?

First thing was the light. The shoot was difficult because these guys didn’t need light and we were always shooting in bad or low light. Sound was also a challenge but we worked around it like I mentioned. For me, shooting in India was in itself a challenge. I wasn’t used to the heat. We went to Panipat to shoot at a blind school there and the temperature was touching 50 degrees. I thought my camera casing was going to melt. Then we had no entourage, only two people lugging around every piece of equipment we had. There was also the physical challenge of filming blind people. You would think it is easy to film blind people as they don’t play up to the camera. But it is completely wrong to assume that they are not aware of you filming them. They have a sharp sense of awareness, sometimes even more than sighted people of their surroundings.

So it makes it difficult to get candid shots. Also in India, they always walk and move in groups and they bump into things. So there were many times when I was trying to hold a frame and someone would inadvertently bump into me and I would lose the shot. Also in post-production, it was a major challenge as to how to weave in the individual stories to the larger narrative about the blind chess community. That took us a long time to figure out.

What is your advice to aspiring documentary filmmakers?

I feel that they are privileged to be in a country like India where millions of stories present themselves every day. You can get a documentary idea on any given day in India. But that can also work to their disadvantage, because you are part of such a space, you may take things around you for granted and not spot the idea immediately. So be aware that real drama lies in real lives. The most extraordinary stories arise from the most mundane things. They should try not to have any preconceived notions about the subject before going for a shoot. When you try and control the happenings, you tend to miss out on the reality unfolding in front of you. Look for the deeper truth and that I think is the role of the filmmaker. You will learn a lot if you are open-minded. Like while shooting Algorithms I learnt that what really matters is to be able to look beyond what is visible to the eye.

Credits to longlivecinema.com

| BREW | 20 | 20 BREW LIFE STYLE ENTERTAINMENT & ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2015 SEP|2015

| BREW | BREW | 21| 21 LIFELIFE STYLE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT & ENTERTAINMENT SEPTEMBER JUNE 2015 2015

CREATE | Zeroed In

ON HIS

CUE His demeanour is quite the contrast to his fervent spirit on the table. With shots on point and the angles being acute, Pankaj Advani is eons ahead of his competitors and is making a significant mark in Indian sports.

By Sanjana Ganesh Photography by Kiran Koushik

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 23

CREATE | Zeroed In

“Don’t do anything for the awards or the money.

Keep your head in the game and everything will follow”

P

ankaj Advani is a crowd pleaser. His honest and quick-witted speech at the Madras Cricket Club garnered attention, applause and selfie requests. He is a crowd pleaser, without a doubt. That and India’s most successful sportsman in terms of international titles. His fecundity and admirable nature to retain his cool through his game has been commended by several parties involved in the sporting arena. What makes him tick? What has led to this explosive growth? Pankaj Advani answers these questions as he makes himself comfortable.

TO NEW BEGINNINGS

His journey into the world of snooker and billiards was a long and winding one. It took him by storm when he had just turned double digits. “It was at the age of 10 when I followed my elder brother Shree to a snooker parlour in Bangalore at our place. After three weeks of intensely watching, I asked him if I could try a shot. I observed the technique, the rules and everything about the game. After thinking through, I played my first shot and it went in”.

Post the success of his first shot, many more followed. He went on to win his thirteenth world title recently with the same ease, excitement and attention to detail as he had in the beginning. Dabbling about with different sports such as tennis, cricket, badminton and basketball was not uncommon during times when children played on the road and lounged their Sundays unwilling to return home. Things began to make a drastic move for Pankaj when this dabbling turned into fancy and fancy to obsession. “When I began playing billiards and snooker, I got hooked on to it. I didn’t think it was possible to make a career in this arena. After much thought and apprehension, I went ahead with it. In a matter of months, I won my first world title. That changed a lot of things. I went about doing what felt right and didn’t laze around” says the sporting icon. The choice to slack was non-existent. It was not until a significant point in time that Pankaj felt that he could sink his feet deep into the sands of this game. With Cricket, Football and Wrestling still ruling the roost on the Indian Sports viewership statistic board, solace and incubation was crucial. “I belonged to a school that supported me and that was great.

Initially my mother was a bit apprehensive because she felt that my grades would suffer. However, she came around. Family support was immense after a point. I never dreamt that I would achieve so much in the world of cue sport” says Pankaj, looking grateful. Having been blessed with the ability to make conscious choices, he made use of the right opportunities and worked towards his goal.

AT WORK, AT PLAY

When philosophers like Socrates and Faustus regretted their inability to learn even after death, people smirked. Teaching and grasping knowledge took precedence over time. Now, it revolutionizes the way we perceive the world.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 24

“It isn’t all about money and titles”

“After thinking through, I played my first shot and it went in”

CREATE | Zeroed In

Updating oneself is a necessity. This is what Pankaj Advani feels as well. His greatest motivation lies in the fact that there is so much more left to learn. It pushes him every day. “It isn’t all about money and titles. Of course it feels great as you can walk with your head held high. I think it has more to do with continuously being a student of the game and learning every single day. That’s the most exciting part. I partake in a challenge where I play snooker and billiards. People normally specialize in just one of these two”. The ability to handle two challenging forms of the game has come with years of renewed practise and concentration. Pankaj Advani claims that he feels more like an artist than a sportsman. His life dwells around the four corners of the table. The six pockets determine his triumphs and losses. There is intense competition that challenges him to push beyond his abilities. There are some other times when he wants to unwind. “There are days when I’m all geared up to play but there are other times when I do not like touching the board.

On those days, I play for about an hour. I go back and watch a movie, catch up with friends and meet family. I do anything that takes my mind off the game. I think it is important to maintain a balance. Too much of anything will result in an overload”. Sounds like the perfect concoction for success, doesn’t it?

DENOUEMENT

Pankaj Advani is confident about today’s youth. He believes that they have more clarity about matters of importance. There is also a significant rise in the number of distractions. For someone who swears by loving work, Pankaj seems to have an indecisive mind about this in the beginning. “The youth is extremely sorted as they know what they want. They tap the right opportunities. But there are a lot of distractions in today’s world. If your career requires focus, do not be afraid to put everything aside. Work towards your singular goal. I did the same earlier on in my career. I did all the things that college kids would do and had my fair share of social fun but I knew when to take it all in and become serious about my career (Though it was fun!). Don’t do anything for the awards or the money. Keep your head in the game and everything will follow”. This Bangalorian who grew up perfecting his skills has always worked on practise mode. He strongly advises parents against looking for lucrative platforms for sportsmen. It is all about the heart. With a note of hope, perseverance and inspiration by showing youngsters a whole new line in the field of sports, Pankaj Advani’s life bears fruit to Michael Jordon’s quote “You have to expect things from yourself before you can win”.

“The youth is extremely sorted as they know what they want. They tap the right opportunities.

But there are a lot of distractions in today’s world” SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 27

CREATE | Empower Zeroed In

Tell us a little about how the idea for such a store came about? How does Browntree satiate the concerns of the health conscious in our city?

I had been in the retail business for quite some time when I realized that there was a demand in the market for such an enterprise.

We are a premium branded store selling a wide variety of health food products such as dry fruits, cereals, dark chocolates, natural spices like nutmeg, cardamom and turmeric, oil-free snacks, fresh fruits like cranberries, blueberries and cherries, and umpteen number of sugar-free products as well.

Browntree is the store to watch out for notes Prerna Kalbag when in conversation with Dinesh Kumar, Founder, Browntree India.

Established in 2009, Browntree stands apart from regular grocery stores in the city by being the only premium branded store that offers a variety of health food. Today, with 17 stores in all, Browntree is raring to go!

Are there any latest products that you would like to talk about?

We’re coming up with a lot more varieties of dry fruits. As for a strategy, we’re opening stores in some of the prime locations of the city and our target audience is the growing IT sector. We rely a lot more on word-of-mouth publicity.

What do you think sets Browntree apart from other Health Food stores?

No other store has the kind of variety of dryfruits like Browntree does. And we are a premium health food store because we have mainly premium health food products.

Unlike other stores, we’re not a grocery store.

Browntree is a health food store targeted mainly at health conscious consumers.

Where do you see your brand ten years down the line?

We are definitely looking to go national. We have already opened stores in two citiesChennai and Bangalore, but we’d like to take it one step at a time. Within the next ten years we would like to see our store at the top of the market. We should have opened a 100 stores by then, with zero competitors. I’d really like to see that happen.

| 29 | BREW | 29 JUNE 2015 BREW LIFE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT SEP|2015

CREATE | Empower labels, boardrooms with bean bags and even a ‘Bad Words’ area. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Read on to find out more about Bharath’s adventures in his field and his company, IN1947.

IN1947 REVEALED

So why did they name their company IN1947?

“We wanted ‘India’ to be in our name and ‘in’ represents India on the web. 1947 for us represents freedom. The basis of creativity is freedom and the right to express what you feel.

Most western countries are openly patriotic.

In India, our patriotism is more humble”, says Bharath.

THE GIANT LEAP

FREEDOM TO SELL Social media marketing is taking the country by storm. Bharath T Rameash is riding a whirlwind in the process. Read on as he takes Sanjana Ganesh through the world of business communication & technology through the city’s most successful company in the sector, IN1947

T

he concept of touch and feel to buy a product is no longer essential. In a world where everything sells on the Internet, the perfect market needs to be identified and the perfect consumer needs the quintessential. Bharath is looking to do this through his business communication company IN1947. With their Facebook page riddled with quick-witted memes and pictures, the company seems to have found their niche. Walking into their office gives one an insight about their off- handed quirkiness. Beautiful paintings, Chinese door

His days in the food and beverage industry have helped him significantly in his entrepreneurial journey. He says, “I was new to the food and beverage industry when I started out. I had a lot to learn. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, with the chef!” He was more at ease founding IN1947. “I was already familiar with the digital space because I knew the subject as a part of my major. The fundamentals of business are similar when one starts. Both require creativity and client worship. I largely owe the success of IN1947 to F&B as it had been a gruelling experience”. Standing out of a crowd was not difficult for Bharath as he was one among the first few people to start out from the city. Being an establishment that provides end-toend services, this gave them an edge over their competitors as they became a one stop shop for their clientele. Being a customer- friendly company helped them get noticed as they bridged the gap between businessmen and creative houses.

Chennai became Bharath’s but he never forgot his humble Erode roots. This has helped him perform phenomenally in his arena.

FOR IN2015

Bharat owes the success of the company to his friend and CEO Kishan. Their contrasting personalities provide the perfect yin to the yang.

According to Bharath, the Silicon Valley and the great Indian dream is already here. At a day in an age where businesses are looking at short term profits, sustainable development is imperative. As a man with views that delve in an eco-centric fashion, there are miles to go before he sleeps. His diverse interests have taken him far. Bharath, an avid reader and traveller takes time off his schedules to go on treks and be one with nature. “The business finds a refreshing taste after a break”, he says. It would be vain to reiterate the importance of business communication to the world. IN1947 might just be treading on a long path of innovation and victory.

| BREW | 30 || 30 30 BREW LIFE & JULY 2015 BREW LIFE STYLE STYLE ENTERTAINMENT & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2015 SEP||2015

LIVE | Wardrobe Manifestation

Where comfort

MEETS

CHIC Looking fashionable while being comfortable ultimately comes down to loving what you’re wearing. If you feel good about your outfit, your mood is instantly uplifted and you carry yourself with more confidence.

So go ahead and try these different kinds of effortlessly chic ensembles.

There’s a wrong notion that being fashionable means you’ll have to give up on comfort.

This is not true— it’s possible to look amazing while wearing comfortable pieces that don’t stop you from carrying out everyday activities.

Varsha Mohan, the enthusiastic blogger of the ‘M for Moderas’ fashion blog debunks that myth with some easy and fashionable outfit ideas that will make you look and feel like a million bucks

31 | BREW | 31 || 31 JUNE JULY 2015 2015 BREW BREW LIFE LIFE STYLE STYLE & & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT SEP||2015

On the loose What’s the ensemble?

Maxi skirt paired with a simple tee, sandals & bangles to accessorise There are days when wearing pants seems like an ordeal, and for good reason. The weather can play spoilsport, or you just don’t feel like wearing jeans. Enter the maxi skirt— a staple you can wear all year round, and remain both comfortable and fashionable in. By pairing with a tee knotted at the waist, you add definition and a bit of edge. Accessorise with embellished sandals and slim gold bangles, for an outfit that’s laid-back yet puttogether.

One for the roots What’s the ensemble?

Kurti with Palazzo pants for a twist, sandals to go Indian clothing has got to be one of the most comfortable forms of attire. Pure cotton in the form of Kurtis helps skin breathe and remain classic. It’s easy to grow fond of Kurtis - they’re perfect for all weather! Want a twist on a classic pairing? Replace your Patiala with a pair of palazzo pants. The billowing silhouette offers contrast to your Kurti, whether it’s short or long. Printed palazzos are all the rage right now— choose a solid colour Kurti that is present in the print of the palazzo. Add a loose side braid and strappy sandals for an easy outfit that’s college-ready.

Outdoorsy What’s the ensemble?

Unbuttoned plaid shirt over a white tee with trousers, sneakers to add Another combination that nails the undone vibe is a plaid shirt over a white tee. Plaid is a print that never goes out of style and is versatile enough to be dressed up or down. By wearing it unbuttoned over a white tee, it adds interest to the outfit without the weight of an extra layer. To offset the relaxed top, wear a pair of slim-fit black trousers. Top it off with canvas sneakers.

| BREW | 32 | 32 BREW LIFE STYLE ENTERTAINMENT & ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2015 SEP|2015

LIVE | Wardrobe Manifestation

On the same page What’s the ensemble?

Coordinated crop tops with pencil trousers/skirts, ballet flats to walk

On the move

This is a trend that is here to stay.

Co-ordinated or

What’s the ensemble?

matching sets of top

Jumpsuit with a denim vest and open

and bottom. What

toe sandal

once used to be a conventional way to

The return of the one-piece is

wear clothing has

probably one of the best things to

taken on a younger

happen to fashion. Whether it’s a pair

avatar this season,

of overalls or a chic playsuit, one-

with matching sets of

pieces are proving to be increasingly

crop tops and pencil

versatile. They can be worn on their

skirts/trousers.

own, or topped off with a jacket. Wear

Whether a ditzy print

a fun printed jumpsuit with a denim

or solids, you just

vest. Alternatively, short jumpsuits

can’t go wrong with

(also known as playsuits) would work

a co-ord & ballet

here as well. Top off with a hat, or a

flats.

floral headband and open toe sandals.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE LOOKING FOR COMFORTABLE CLOTHING

Look at the fabric.

Try it on. Fit matters

Materials like cotton, linen

so much, and can

& viscose are light and

make or break your

breathable, while polyester,

outfit. Plus, if your

rayon and synthetic fabrics

skirt is too long for

stick to your skin and

you, you’ll trip over it.

wrinkle easily.

Not good.

| BREW | 33 | 33 BREW LIFE STYLE ENTERTAINMENT & ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2015 SEP|2015

AUGUST 2015 | BREW LIFE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT | 34

LIVE | Culinary Gaffers

THE ART

OF

Healthy

FINE DINING

The three course meal is simple, straightforward and gives you all the supplements you need.

Marian Pratiba finds out how

B

rew delves into a controversial territory for most foodies or food connoisseurs as they would like to call themselves- a Healthy threecourse Meal. Healthy food can be tasty too. Explore these multiple options that you can indulge into, as getting the best of both worlds is not simply a myth.

For starters

Apart from stimulating our taste buds, the entree ought to cleanse our palettes for the main course. Salads are a healthy option, but they can get monotonous.

Homemade fresh chip n’ dips, dumplings and light soup can also make for a good appetising experience. Here are a few that can give a good head start.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 35

Vietnamese Spring Rolls The fresh veggies, meat of choice and zest from Vietnamese flavours takes this dish a long way. They are steamed and served with a variety of sauces.

Avacado Shrimp Seviche This is a popular latino Sunday brunch special that can also be a meal in itself. The twist however, is that the shrimp is cooked only by the citric juices that it is infused with and tastes heavenly. It’s abundant in protein and fatty acids, best for the heart.

Authentic Thai tom yum soup This can be referred to as a bowl of goodness. Any meat of choice (traditionally chicken), mushrooms, coriander and basil can be cooked in clear broth, infused with fish oil, chilli paste and lime leaves. It has more than one source of protein and is a phenomenally light appetiser.

LIVE | Culinary Gaffers

Bring on the mains

Take a break from the usual and delve into experimentation. Seafood can be a healthy alternative to meat cravings.

They contain vitamins, minerals and fish oil, which is rich in omega fatty acid. To those with heart problems and cholesterol, there is nothing like it.

Jerk grilled Salmon A healthy boost of omega 3, along with considerable amounts of potassium and sodium rubbed with fresh spices and herbs, served with fresh greens.

Soft Tacos with Spicy Chicken Marinating the chicken breasts with vinegar, spices, and onion adds flavour and creates a tender base for this dish. Top it off with fresh guacamole, or grated vegetables and serve with sweet potato fries.

Vegetarian baked Mac & Cheese Best comfort food of all time, but is it really healthy? With cheddar, low fat cottage cheese, a healthy serving of spinach and whole wheat pasta, it’s more than just that. It’s a scrumptious diet.

And it’s a wrap

Let’s face it; fruits are notorious for their nutrients. For a healthy dose of minerals, vitamins and fibre, experts recommend up to 2 cups of fruit per day. But as a part of the ultimate three course meal, throw in a few culinary

|2015 | 36 | BREW | 36 BREW LIFE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2015 | BREW | 36 ENTERTAINMENT SEP JUNE 2015 LIFE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

twists by caramelising them, poaching them or braising them. Try a few of these delectable desserts for instance: Peach melba with burnt caramel sugar sauce Rich in fibre and vitamin C, peaches are known to combat free radicals that cause cancer.

Poached plums in rosewater syrup Both peaches and plums are high fibre diets to be consumed by diabetics, and they also help control blood sugar levels.

Citrus infused strawberries Strawberries are abundant in antioxidants and they boost immunity.

In addition they fight bad cholesterol.

Fine dining is an art seldom practiced by many. From entrees to desserts, some extreme formal dining scenarios may even include up to 21 courses in a meal. Clearly, what really matters here is the quality, not the quantity. Add a little bit of healthiness to it and it becomes a lifestyle worth a try.

| 37 | BREW | 37 BREW LIFE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2015 ENTERTAINMENT SEP|2015

LIVE | Anyone can cook

RECIPE FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER FROM GRT HOTELS & RESORTS

PENNE PESTO WITH WILD

MUSHROOM METHOD PESTO SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

n Blend all the above ingredients

BASIL PESTO n 30 gm basil leaves n 15 gm garlic chopped n 10 gm pine nuts n 5 gm salt

together in the blender to a fine paste.

PASTA n Heat olive oil in a saucepan, add

n 5 gm pepper n 30 ml olive oil n 20 gm parmesan cheese

shallots, garlic, mushrooms and saute until they release their juice. n Add cream, pesto, salt together.

Bring to boil.

PASTA n 20 gm chopped garlic n 20 gm chopped shallots n 100 gm basil pesto n 50 ml cream n 360 gm boiled penne pasta n 5 gm fresh basil

n Toss the penne pasta into the sauce. n Check the seasoning. n Ensure it is evenly coated with pesto sauce. n Garnish with fresh basil, sundried tomatoes, parmesan, olives.

n 30 gm olive oil n 150 gm sliced assorted wild mushrooms (shiitake, button, oyster, porcini, morels) n Salt to taste GARNISH n 30 gm parmesan cheese, grated n 4 pieces kalamata olives 40 gm sun dried tomatoes n 4 pieces green olives n 2 nos. fried basil leaves

||2015 | BREW | 38 || 38 | BREW 38 | 38 BREW LIFE STYLE ENTERTAINMENT & JULY 2015 SEP JUNE 2015 BREW LIFE LIFE STYLE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT & ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2015

| BREW | 39 || 39 39 BREW LIFE ENTERTAINMENT & JULY 2015 SEP||2015 BREW LIFE STYLE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2015

LIVE | Lifespaces

Old worldly

charm Locally available materials, sustainable techniques and unrivalled aesthetic sensibility go hand in hand whilst building a house. Is that hard to believe? With inputs from Architect Goutam Seetharaman from the Centre of Vernacular Architecture, Vilani Senthamil uncovers the pros of Laurie Baker’s housing model

W

e are all hard wired to rebuff anything

old-fashioned owing to the play of the word ‘old’ in it. The idea of razor-edge

shapes, gleaming surfaces, perky colours and sundry textures appear far more appealing. When the first chords of such modernisation chimed, late Architect Laurie Baker returned to the roots of housing and dug up the concept of ‘Handmade homes’. When simple bricks are arranged faultlessly, he discovered that even the service of plastering a wall could be gleefully turned down. If truth be told, this building takes you right back to your grandmother’s lovely home, right on point with what the Architect wanted to achieve. Read about this highly cost effective concept that provides the most airy and natural buildings.

By reason of Local materials and local labour are incorporated not only to cut down cost. Raw materials found close to the

||2015 | BREW | 40 || 40 | BREW 40 | 40 BREW LIFE STYLE ENTERTAINMENT & JULY 2015 SEP JUNE 2015 BREW LIFE LIFE STYLE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT & ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2015

natural site give rise to a stronger building according to Laurie Baker. This principle garners employment opportunities for talented local masons as well.

Architect Goutam Seetharaman from the Centre of Vernacular Architecture reinstates “Anyone with the intention of building a house will be prepared to invest a good deal of money in it. So the argument that this model is preferred only because of its affordability is invalid. The benefits of vernacular architecture are ample. Renowned architects worldwide swear by it. In the state of Kerala, most of the Government buildings are built out of this model for its viable principles”.

Less is more The approach Laurie Baker had towards building was straightforward. He tried to keep it as simple and as minimal as possible. Right from the foundation, which is made of basic stone. “Buildings and construction are the major things that contribute to the degradation of the earth. The concept of Laurie Baker however, is to keep it natural and to build along with nature instead of destructing it. The resources used are scarce and the techniques adopted, natural. For instance, when we build on sloping plains we just follow the slope of the

“The resources used are scarce and the techniques adopted, natural”

ground, seamlessly along the cliff. Not make it flat or interfere with the way it is. Since a lot of elements are natural, the space is cooler and removes the necessity of centralised air conditioning” is Architect Goutam’s standpoint.

Collector’s item Age-old things become possessions. There’s no wonder why one collects vases or books of yore. So imagine what it must be like to live inside of a collector’s item.

Another of Laurie Baker’s principles was to buy back old doors and windows rather than make them from scratch, which is lucrative in terms of both cost cutting and aesthetic appeal. Goutam ratifies, “These doors and windows that have been made a long time ago are tested for seasonal changes which is not so common anymore. Thus, they are a lot stronger. They also give homes a very nice rugged look. Most clients opt for this concept because they want to live in a somewhat rustic environment”.

| BREW | 41 || 41 41 BREW LIFE ENTERTAINMENT & JULY 2015 SEP||2015 BREW LIFE STYLE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2015

LIVE | Aesthete Haven

DECODING

KALARIYAPAYATTU With an elaborate history and multiple health benefits, Kalariyapayattu is a martial art unlike any other. By Prerna Kalbag

I

ndian culture runs wide and deep, so deep that parts of it travel thousands of years back in time. There are threads of our culture that together create a sense of holism.

One can spend a lifetime exploring these bunch of veins that never seem to end. Kalariyapayattu is the vena ceva of these veins. Seen as a remnant of another era and way of life, it would help to look deeper at the philosophy behind this incredible matial art to realize that it applies as much to our lives today as it did then, tucked away behind the mysteries of dusty folk tales and astounding battlefields.

FIGHT SCHOOL Fitness and wellness have taken on a new meaning. Our ever-evolving, ever-changing lifestyles have imposed a closed

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 42

meaning to the term fitness.

Back in the day, wellness as a term covered many aspects of human existence. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Mother of all martial arts, Kalariyapayattu was not just a defense method but a way of healing, a way of worship, and most importantly, a way of life. The word ‘Kalari’ basically means ‘school’, while ‘payattu’ refers to ‘fight’- in short, Kalaripayattu can roughly be translated to ‘Fight School’. Yet training in Kalariyapayattu was not restricted to just military personel; there were noted instances where Kathakali performers who trained in Kalariyapayattu were found to be markedly better than those who didn’t. The charm of this martial art lies in its multiple benefits- from flexibility to strength to body training to better expressiveness.

SAGAS OF WAR Mentions of Kalariyapayattu first appear in the Sangam literature, dated approximately around the 3rd to 2nd century B.C. It is generally believed to have been taught by Lord Parashurama to the inhabitants of Kerala for purposes of self-defense and warfare. It is Parashurama and the Tamil saint Agastya who found this exceptional art form. The fighting technique developed further during the 11th and 12th centuries, at a time of constant Chola and Chera rivalry. So renowned were its techniques and tales of efficiency that Kalariyapayattu warriors were banned from practicing its methods by the ruling regime during the British Raj, for fears of mutiny and anti-colonial sentiments.

SELF MASTERY Experts know that martial arts are not just confined to a few self-defense tricks; ‘With great power, comes great responsibility’. Knowing that one can exert a great amount of strength on one’s opponent shouldn’t encourage brutality; rather, such intricate knowledge of one’s strength should act as an impediment to brutality. This is how the spiritual aspect of Kalariyapattu comes into play- it is interesting to note that expert Kalari masters would impart the tricks of ‘Marmashastram’, the defense mechanism whereby learned warriors could kill or maim their opponents by simply touching their ‘marmams’ or ‘vital points’ to only those students who possessed admirable self-control.

WARRIORS & HEALERS Kalariyapayattu warriors were well-versed not only in the techniques of mere fight, but also physical holism. With the instruction of the techniques of Marmashatram comes a detailed understanding of the human body. An ancient Indian surgeon Sushruta even spoke of 107 ‘marmans’ or ‘vital points’ in his treatise Sushruta Samhita. Additionally, the marma treatment is an intricate part of Siddha Vaidhya- an alternate line of medical practice.

This only ascertains that the Kalariyapayattu warriors in our history were hence no less than healers, and this paradox wouldn’t really be considered a paradox if one were to get a glimpse at the philosophy behind the Indian concepts of ‘war’, ‘defense’, even ‘healing’, that so often goes unacknowledged.

Like many other traditions, Kalariyapayattu was the sole domain of brownbacked, red-blooded virile men. Over the years, women have also begin practicing and excelling in this martial art form. As stated earlier, although it is no longer applicable to today’s war methods, Kalariyapayattu continues to be an integral part of the fitness regime of countless enthusiasts and performing artistes. At present, Kalariyapattu is practiced in traditional kalaris and modern institutes.

“So renowned were its techniques and tales of efficiency that Kalariyapayattu warriors were banned from practicing its methods by the ruling regime during the British Raj, for fears of mutiny and anti-colonial sentiments”

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 43

SEPTEMBER 2015 | BREW LIFE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT | 44

LIVE | Glimpses Within

TORRENTS OF JOY

UBBALAMADUGU (OR TADA) FALLS, ANDHRA PRADESH Situated about 95 kms away from Chennai, the paradisal Tada Falls is positioned on the border of Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh.

Also referred to as a Trekker’s Sanctum, the place offers umpteen opportunities to hike, trek and swim. Nature here seems almost wild in her insouciance, providing limitless sights of her immeasurable beauty.

By Prerna Kalbag

EAT

STAY

DO

Local options Tada is one of those rare, unmapped places that hasn’t been bitten by the mercenary bug of commercialization.

However, the place is swamped by canteens and stores where tourists can purchase good eats. Tada is quite close to SriCity, which has a number of restaurants and joints.

Kinnera Grand, Sullurpetta The cloistered falls of Tada hardly offer many choices when it comes to accommodation.

However, there are plenty of cozy hotels to choose from in the surrounding districts. Like this one. Situated in Sullurpetta, this stylish hotel has premium suits and deluxe rooms with a number of facilities.

Trek away Tada Falls offer trekking enthusiasts a unique sanctum. Be prepared to get thrilled out of your senses with stretches of rocky spaces, ginormous rocks and lush countryside.

Eat Stree, SriCity Eat Street in SriCity is your typical food court, with rows of food stalls assembled together under one roof.

Be prepared to encounter various cuisines, with something to gratify every foodie’s taste buds.

MGM Grand, Srikalahasti Another comfy hotel, but one which offers free parking, a multi-cuisine restaurant and a tour section that will gladly help you with your travel plans.

Indulge yourself.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 45

Stream-rupted During your trek you will come across numerous lakes and streams that will beckon you to loosen yourself in their glistening waters, not to forget the exquisite view of the falls.

LIVE | Glimpses Beyond

EAT. BREATHE. LOVE. It’s time to stretch out, flex and add the Ohms to the Shantis as the world is choosing to shake things up with Yoga retreats. Sanjana Ganesh present a list of the best 3 yoga destinations

T

he relaxing sounds of the shores and bird calls are not mere fragments

of a poster that you’ve pinned on your desk. Yoga retreats are the ideal way to combine a fanciful yet fit holiday. With the United Nations acknowledging the importance of this form of worship and exercise, yoga is a must for all those aiming to let the crescendo fall and soothe the mind. Grab your yoga pants and Ohm.

Physical Wellness Amansala resort is riddled with activity. With their signature retreats including bikini boot camps and intense detox regimes that use yoga as a means to attain fitness, ‘calm’ seems to be the buzzword. Amansala’s routine involves power walks by the beach with yoga performed at various intervals of the day. Other activities added to the spice bag include salsa and belly dancing lessons and meditation sittings to pamper yourself. Hear your muscles breathe

Palatal Wellnness

Spiritual Wellness

The spread at Amansala is

The Pacific stretches along

all encompassing. It has the

with yogis as they perform

right dose of nutrients and

different asanas. Amansala

deliciousness. Due to their

uses the beach as the training

proximity to the sea, all

ground for its students. The

produce is fresh and comprises

calm sounds of waves lapping

of a low-fat seafood diet. Their

against the hardened sand

grilled fish, organic chicken,

makes for a wonderful view

and fruits from grove make

and adds positive energy to

for a perfect meal. This strict

the surrounding environment

regime is broken on one night

making it the perfect way to

as the residents are allowed

begin and end your day. Head

to sample some local cuisine.

to Amansala to hear your cells

Try their coconut oil coffee and

resonate with soft sensibilities

mango margaritas.

and have a week-long yoga fiesta.

and knots unwind as their distinct Mayan clay treatment works magic on the bones.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 47

LIVE | Glimpses Beyond

OLE Kaliyoga, Spain

Physical Wellness

Palatal Wellnness

Spiritual Wellness

The spicy scent of Spain is

Kaliyoga offers an interesting

What could be better than

not restricted to its tanned

choice to those who find

the view of mountains, peach

man. Kaliyoga in Spain offers

solace in food. Their Raw Food

trees and soft spas. Kaliyogais

a bunch of interesting yoga

Yoga Cleanse retreat comprises

is the zenith of picturesque

therapy courses. Set amidst

of eating superfoods, steamed

locations- Sierra Nevada. The

hills, it is ideal to choose the

and raw food and detox their

walking trail is certified as

Yoga and hill walk retreat as

body with their raw juice

among the most beautiful ones

it combines the best of the

fasting. All their meals are

by UNESCO. The area unlike

set environment along with

vegetarian and red meat is

the beaches is unaltered by

some great fitness regimes.

strictly avoided to make most

tourists. The deep, lush valleys

The therapy also offers guided

of the weight-loss program.

of Andalucia cast a hypnotic

meditation as a part of their

Their detox therapy is very

spell over the travellers.

package. Other interesting

popular among couples who

courses include the valentine

are trying to conceive and

retreat for couples.

those attempting to quickly shed pounds.

| BREW | 48 | 48 ENTERTAINMENT SEP|2015 BREW LIFE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 2015

GO GOA GONE Lotus Yoga Retreat, Goa

Physical Wellness

Palatal Wellnness

Spiritual Wellness

Simon Low, the principal

A healthy vegetarian diet is

Lotus Yoga Retreat is

founder of The Yoga Academy

prescribed for those who

strategically placed on the

conducts the most enchant-

opt for the yoga session.

Southern end of Patnem

ing of yoga experiences. His

As Simon Low specializes in

Beach as it helps in avoiding

qualifications supersede his

personal growth, the diet is

flaky tourist spots and is

retreats as he conducts yoga

customized for each person.

secluded. Simon Low is known

sessions all over the world. His

The area in and around Goa

for basing his teachings on

centre in Goa focuses on what

is filled with rich and healthy

Chinese medicine, ancient

is referred to as the Ying and Yang

options to eat. India is known

and contemporary philosophy.

Yoga. This form of yoga aims

for its indigenous fruits and

This means of wellness is

at helping the senses ruminate

vegetables. The seasonal fruit

perfect fodder for the mind.

in the depths of an indecisive

is most recommended during

Go to Simon Low’s school to

mind. Clarity can be best

those times.

be enlightened and become

achieved in the midst of Simon

whole.

Low’s chants.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 49

SEPTEMBER 2015 | BREW LIFE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT | 50

SPARKLES

STRINGS OF

LIVE | What’s new?

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 51

LIVE | What’s new?

The bride of today is different. She stands apart from her stiffnecked predecessors in choosing to adorn herself with both contemporary and traditional pieces, to suit the occasion.

Keeping this in mind, SRS Jewellery brings you an entirely new array of bridal jewellery.

SEP 2015 | BREW ENTERTAINMENT | 52

LIVE | Social Spree

A DISTINCT FEST Known today as one of the premier galleries of India, Sakshi Gallery from Mumbai was involved in organizing the Art Fest recently at Chennai’s Park Hyatt, transforming the chic hotel into a temporary art salon. Featuring works by modern masters such as NS Bendre and FN Souza alongside more contemporary names such as Ravinder Reddy and Dhruva Mistry, the fest also went out of its way to feature emerging artists like Lekha Washington and Sachin Tekade.

LIVE | Social Spree

TRANSCENDENCE OF THE BEST The launch of the new Audi A6 Matrix was one glittering event. Actor Pooja Kumar graced the occasion that marked the introduction of the updated version of one of the world’s most successful sedans.

Exceptionally priced with stupendous features, the launch had its share of fun and frolic with a comic performance by Chennai’s very own Evam at the ITC Grand Chola.

Your friendly on-demand laundry & dry-cleaning convenience brand

Download the Wassup App on

Like us: www.facebook.com/WassupJustLaundry

All India toll Free: 1800-3000-9969 | www.wassuplaundry.com SEPTEMBER 2015 | BREW LIFE STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT | 55

Follow Us: @wassuplaundry