January 2017

2017 - THE YEAR OF POSITIVITY With over two decades of picturesque chronicles to his credit, G Venket ram is a neoteric colonist in the hyper-dynamic society of photography today. Brew takes immensepleasure and is extremely elated to have this Kodak veteran as our Guest Editor for the first issue for the year 2017. Here’s to a great start with the Guest Editor’s note. field. Where something is really good it’s good for that day and the next day you need to come out with something different.

I am a Creative person, trying to redraw my boundaries as much as I can. We’re always reworking on our creative boundaries because there’s nothing called a formula that exists in a creative field. I believe 2017 is the year of positivity. New Year is nothing special to me because I don’t have resolutions as such for it. My calendar for work doesn’t start on the first. My resolution happens every time something goes wrong and then I see how to resolve it. For me you need to work every now and then, work doesn’t wait for the New Year nor does the New Year wait for it.

As Brew Lifestyle steps into a new year of new beginnings, Shvetha Jaishankar, model, writer and Vivek Karunakaran, Fashion Designer make the cover for the month of January. I have known both of them for about 10 to 15 years now. Shvetha hasmodelled for me right from her college days.Vivek too has been growing pretty fast and I have seen him right from his college days. I’ve worked with him on a number of projects and on films. It’s very nice to see people evolving.

And it’s nice to see them on this cover.

Along with this scintillating cover, there are many more beautiful stories to help you kick start the New Year on a positive note. And on that note, I wish you all a good read and a Happy New Year ahead!

G VENKET RAM

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 4

“Based on its tagline ‘Think.

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. ”

CONTRIBUTORS & ADVISORY BOARD Thota Tharrani Re-branding is in a sense the rebirth of personality. This year Brew enters a bigger dimension, panning across a wider reader base. And who better to stand by us igniting this big step forward, but the one and only Thota Tharrani. With a logo designed by a legend such as him, it brings to light this indescribable honour to carry this year. This is a heart-warming thank you note to the legend for his interest and contribution to Brew Lifestyle.

Anil Jain An Intensive desire to succeed and redefine the parameters of success, Anil Jain was always cut out to be an Entrepreneur, taking active interest in Bussiness right from an early age. Aged 40, he is the promoter of Refex Industires Ltd; Refex Trading(s) Pvt. Ltd, and Anil Jain Investments.

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

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 5

INTERNAL TEAM PUBLISHER & CEO Sameer Bharat Ram FEATURES WRITERS Padma Murughappun Nanditha Vijayaraghavan Aasha Sriram MARKETING MANAGER Reesha N DESIGN Aashbir Kaur Ramkumarnagarasan P CIRCULATION K.Sathish kumar

S T R A T E G Y

&

D E S I G N

Published and Edited by Sameer Bharat Ram, and owned by SM BrandMuni Consulting Pvt. Ltd, Published from New No. 68 / Old No. 63, Cathedral Road, Chennai - 600 086.

Tel.: +91 44 4208 9392.

Follow us http://www.facebook.com/ thebrewmagazine

Write to editor.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com for editorial queries/feedback marketing.thebrewmagazine@gmail.com for advertisement queries/feedback

Published from New No. 68 / Old No. 63, Cathedral Road, Chennai - 600 086.

Tel.: +91 44 4208 9392.

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 6

CONTENTS

ISSUE 07

THINK INDIVIDUALISM A thought piece about the how and why of being an individual

CREATE Music Varun Parandhaman

22

10

COVER STORY the designer and the muse pOORVAA A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME

10

16 22 32

32 JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 8

LIVE SVATMA - TANJORE Reviving culture in ways unimaginable BALI Breathtaking. Bliss. Blessing.

36 40

40

36 JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 9

THINK|Musing

INDIVIDUALISM It was a pleasant Sunday evening as I was sitting by the greens, sipping a hot cup of my favorite ginger tea all by myself with so many thoughts and questions lingering in my mind, nanswered and debatable, I ask myself – amidst the hue and cry around my busy life, have I lost my identity? By trying to satisfy everyone important to me have I lost my individualism? Pondering over the thought is Lata Prakash and her take on individualism.

BY LATHA PRAKASH I end up having so many conclusions over this thought. Some are illogical, some rational and others biased. Or maybe is it all in our mind? That is when revelation will find its face, and you will discover our inner strength, and find divine contentment and a sense of satisfaction.

Imaginative illustration, intricately impassioned, impeccable individualism is important. I have always believed that individuality is in the mind. It starts from our inner thinking and approach towards our surroundings and situations.

Some challenging and some disappointing! There’s so much to look forward in life.

Whilst the Indian society is collectivistic and does provide social interdependence, our tradition, culture and values are all imbibed in us by our elders in the family, despite which we are seeing more of nuclear families today. A newly married couple decides to stay away from joint families and believes in space and personal independence. However, they still follow rituals and tradition. There are eyebrows raised when the girls today do not change their maiden name post marriage. They want to be independent in their thoughts. Now does that say that such woman for not rooted to Indian culture? Well, this is indeed debatable. Today’s generation are far more extrovert in their thinking and action.

They are rational and realistic.

Such cultural differences mean that people in different cultures will also be fundamentally different. For more collectivistic societies like ours, the self is concerned with belongingness, dependency, empathy, and reciprocity. Relationships with others are emphasized, while space and privacy are considered secondary. Strange but true!

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 10

Indian culture has always seen women accepting a position seemingly subservient to males, and to compromise on their personal preferences to the choice of others while men are expected to take on responsibility for meeting the needs of others; men are expected to take care of their aged parents, take on the responsibility of their wife and children and other dependents in the family. Today whilst we speak about diversity and equality, the Indian society has been welcoming and is accepting women take on the equal share of recognition and responsibility; thus breaking the unsaid myth that men are superior.

Indian families are capable of fulfilling the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of its members; and be a source of support, security and encouragement. These fundamental characteristics of the Indian family remain intact despite the changes in the social scenario. It is our mind which is the culprit always.

My experiences of life has been extremely enriching with the fact that I have had an independent childhood, created my own identity and embarked into a career of sales and human resources. Living in a joint family has only taught me lessons to be wiser and more matured, without losing my own identity and individuality. My social activities and my extrovert attitude has not made me compro mise on my upbringing, values or culture!

Does our Indian roots and tradition affect our individualism? Is it a myth or a mindset? Is it acceptable or debatable? I leave you all at that note whilst I ponder on these thoughts to find my answers to these questions.

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 11

CREATE|Music

THE SOLOIST AND HIS STRINGS

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 16

Anybody can do anything if one has the passion for the thing he or she is doing. If driven by passion, winning or losing is immaterial, it paves the way for the pathway towards success.Without passion there’s no fame, legacy, fire or force to drive the human spirit towards the pinnacle that everybody is climbing to reach.

Embracing the energy created by passion is an art in itself and embracing it young is truly a gift of the supernatural. Meet Varun Parandhaman, the young singer and musician as he tells us his story of embracement.

BY PADMA MURUGHAPPUN

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 17

CREATE|Music

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 18

1.Tell us about how you started making music. ”It all started when I was alone at home for a while during my college days. I was already making a little music, and because I was alone, I wanted to make the rest of engineering as much fun for me. I wasn’t looking for an affirmation, just not sleep at home. I went to Anna University for my first ever culturals, there were 200 contestants, and they were going to shortlist 12, and I wasn’t there to win. The 11th name called out was mine, and I sang, and amidst Airtel Super singer contenders, I won. I went to every single cultural after that. That was one phase where I was thinking about Music, but not as a career, just as winning something every day.”

2. Were you professionally trained for singing? Enlighten us a little more about your early days making music.

“I was still in college, I was very interested in computers and the idea of making music on my computer was mind blowing. I couldn’t play any instruments but still I could make music in my computer and that fascinated me. I was making a name for myself. I never had a band, I just did not know there was so much more to explore. I’m not a trained singer, I didn’t play any instrument, I didn’t grow up listening to music, and I didn’t know what I could do. I was just a random a guy who decided to sing at a few culturals and had a name for himself. But winning all of this didn’t do anything. At that point I worked with a few bands. I started getting into music production. I was very intrigued by all this” 3. On moments of realisation that led him to be who he is now.

“There was this one phase in 2013, where everybody is asking what I wanted to do. My mother wanted me to do GRE, and I was interested in Computers. It did not strike me once that I should take up Music. One day I was so broken and I didn’t know my guard was down, and my best friend said “are you crazy? You know what you want to do is music right?” And at that moment, when she said this is what you want, it was very immediate for me and that’s when I started making Music.

In a nutshell, when my best friend told me “this is what you want man, how can you not know this?” It’s the best thing that happened to me, my best friend just handed it to me. I struggled a lot with what I want to do, but somebody said it so surely and there was no thinking twice.

4. What is your perspective when it comes to music as an Art? “Music for me after years of questioning myself, coming not from a musical background, but a music loving family, as an expression of myself. Some people are good with words when they want to express something. When I want to express myself when I talk, it doesn’t come to me. But if I had to express myself I feel like music is the only release.

I feel music is the only way i can express what I feel. I feel grateful it comes to me, and I try to surround myself with good people, more than just musicians; try to get their emotions out. I’m mature enough to say right now that I want to learn music. What music directors want is if you can sing that song, In a nutshell, it is the only medium of understand myself. My understanding of music is very different as I haven’t learnt it. I put in a lot of hours into making music and at the end of all those hours, music always comes to me, because if that didn’t I wouldn’t be able to express myself to anyone at all. It’s very close to me, it’s like my friend, and it’s from the outside.”

5. How did ‘Cosmopolitan Kadhali’ happen?

“Cosmopolitan Kadhali came at the right time, I can’t decide someone to come to me with a hit song, but I knew this song would put me on the map. I wanted Keba to play, and I didn’t have the money. Keba did it for free and said I can pay him when I make it big.”

6.Your experience in hearing your voice on big screen.

“I had just put up a ‘Neram’ cover, and I got calls from big names. All of them wouldn’t be my voice, I’d be a back up and I didn’t mind, I loved working on it. I was a backup singer for five years. Then Takku Takku happened, I was on YouTube, we were on papers, the front page of papers, and the Radio where Takku Takku rolled up to the first place and my song in the movies was in the 15th place. I did not want recognition and when I got it, it was a very important phase for me, it felt great.

On a closing note, “There is this longing that I didn’t come from a TV show. The recognition from a TV show is incredible.

But the best part about being me is that these people have 100 songs, 30 hit songs to their name, but I’ve sung only 13 songs, and all of them have been a hit- enough for you to interview me. The best part about all of this is less is more and the less that I do are quality work.”

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 19

OCT 2016 | BREW LIFESTYLE| 26

CREATE|Zeroed in

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 22

THE DESIGNER & THE MUSE The journey that a garment goes through along with its creator is extraordinary in many ways. It’s conceptualised, designed and dreamt of in numerous ways until the final stitches make the designer’s mind, seen. For all those who think that a garment’s life ends there, are truly in the dark about the process. “Clothes mean nothing unless someone lives in them”, says Marc Jacobs and the models do more than just that. Capturing this unique relationship between the designer and the model is Brew’s cover this month, as Vivek Karunakaran, Fashion Designer and Shvetha Jaishanakar, Model, bring out that surreal bonding as they reminisce their life, careers, food and more.

BY PADMA MURUGHAPPUN AND VIDHYA ANAND

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

MAHESHWAR SINGH

LOCATION COURTESY,

CROWNE PLAZA CHENNAI ADYAR PARK

CLOTHING BY VIVEK KARUNAKARAN

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 23

CREATE|Zeroed In HE CREATES, SHE WEARS IT. HE VISUALISES, SHE WALKS IT. Model, author Shvetha Jaishankar and fashion designer VivekKarunakaran are two highly accomplished Chennaiites with an inspiring edge to everything they do. Starting out their careers almost at the same time, they grew together as two individuals in their respective firlds. “Vivek was one of the new and upcoming designers when had already moved to Bombay,always very unique, different and interesting. He knew a lot about art and culture. He kind of stood out right at the very beginning and somw ways our careers in our respective fields have grown, sort of together. I can see how he has changed over the years. I mean, it’s experience, it’s being open-minded I supppose and I can see that his work has imporoved.

But even way back when he started, I felt that he had that potential,” says Shvetha talking about the early days.

Modelling and designing are two professions that hold very demanding needs and it is often up to the person in the showbiz to embrace it to his ir her advantage. Undoubtedly, Shvetha and Vivek have gone a long way in building their own empires of success born from the undaunted drive to follow their passion. Their experience speaks volumes when probed about the relationship and the sync that the designer and a model possess.

Talking about how the both of them must almost work as a single person, Shvetha explains,“Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

It depends. You could go into a fashion week where thses girls are doing shows for like ten designers a day and in that sense it is very difficult to engage. Designers will have some muses, muses from society that inspire them. they work together over time and they grow together. So definitely I think some designers have good relationships with models and also vice versa.

And that’s more like an off-the-ramp kind of situation.”

Vivek elaborates, “In that sense they are just looking at it as nothing but a professional. Doing what they do beautifully and in the best way possible. But I think when you get a chance to work with a designer more closely, tht’s when they engage. I think it’s the comfort that you find with a certain person and it’s not just to do with beauty. It’s got to do with how one relates to the other. It could be a word, a thought or an idea that results in their synchronisation” Expounding more on the idea, Vivek add’s If Shvetha is a person who believes in a certain asethetic and a wavelength, the kind of energy that she would be able to bring on a frame would be very different from someone who does not really know it. So that’s why I say it’s beyound just the height, body type or all of that.”

WHEN BEAUTY MEETS BRAINS Primarily based in the city of the Chennai, Shvetha Jaishankar is a former model and a hands-on parent. Vibrant, enigmatic and cheerful, Shvetha still has the glow of a 20-year-old as she poses in her sky-high stilettos and walks like she never got off-the-ramp. As she chats away, sharing her many experiences of life, here is what she has to say about her entrée into the business,“ Modeliing happened just like that. I am very tall and that kind of stood literally and figuratively. I think the big thrust started when Prasad Bidapa from Bangalore saw me somewhere and he was very insistent that I apply for the Miss India, a journey that opened many doors. Because winning the Miss India International Title in ’98 and then Miss International runner up in Tokyo was like a world identity. I think that was a journey that went on with other journeys and I sort of went with the flow”

“The book is a culmination of a personal journey one where I had to fight hard to regain footing as regards to how life changed for me but at the end of the day you are responsible for yourself”

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 24

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 25

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 26

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 27

CREATE|Zeroed in In |Zeroed In

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 28

Being a model can be very challenging, one has to eat right, stay fit and in shape and constantly take care of oneself. And who better than the model herself to give us the secrets to strike the balance. Shvetha has come out with her book titled ‘Gorgeous: Eat Well, Look Great’ that is a compilation of recipes and inspiration from India’s top models. “The book is a culmination of a personal journey onw where I had to fight hard to regain footing as regards to how life changed for me. But at the end of the day you are responsible for yourself. The message of the book is that food is to be enjoyed, food is very central to our lives. So rather than avoiding it or denying yourself food, in the quest to look your best, there are other ways around it,” says Shvetha, about her book.

THE QUINTESSENTIALDESIGNER ICON With a name that is almost synonymous with the South Indian fashion scene,Vivek Karunakaran is aesthetic in the craziest, most intriguing way with a sense of fashion that’s almost unbeatable. Clothes bearing his tag are elegant in an uncomplicated way and honestly eye-catching. “I think for me it’s been like nothing, but a journey. Because I really don’t even know where I was when I began but I knew I wanted something, I wanted to do something. And I think I became more solike ahorse with closed blinders only after my debut at Fashion Week because that’s when it hit me on what the rest of India thought of Madras. Even when I talk about it today I get goose bumps. But that’s what instigated me to work harder. That’s how the brand was formed,” says Vivek, as he talks about his journey into the industry.

IN CONVERSATION Delving deep into the myths about sizes and eating routines of models, the simple designer and the vivacious model get into a spirited conversation.

EXCERPTS Shvetha: It’s something that tags all of us around. In order to look and feel our best you need to eat right. You really have to eat well also. It’s also embracing life in all its facets. I think models have found a way to find that balance. Where to let go and when to be more disciplined. And it’s something you’re taught very early on as a model.Yes of course, clothes look good in a certain way and there is an industry norm that everybody has to follow through. I suppose designers work with a given set of models. So everybody needs to be a similar size so that you can make a range of clothes in that size. But in reality apart from all of that, people have different body types, people need to understand their bodies. It doesn’t mean that clothes look good in one type of frame. Otherwise it wouldn’t be a fashion industry.

Vivek:: I think the testament to that is the fact that a designer doesn’t make a living by a fashion show. A designer makes a living by making clothes for real people. So what you see is only a projection of one’s creative aesthetic which is a platform for him or her to show the world his or her capabilities are in terms of design and creativity.Yes, a garment looks gorgeous on a body type which makes it look nicer. I’m not going to shy away from saying that. But at the same time I would say that I have immense respect for models because it is a challenge. It’s not easy being a model. And the training that they go through to be able to do that flawlessly, it’s amazing.

“I think the testament to that is the fact that a designer doesn’t make a living by a fashion show. A designer makes a living by making clothes for real people” -VivekKarunakaran

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 29

CREATE |Zeroed in Shvetha: It’s nice to be understood that it is not that simple a job and for a lot of models, we do try to understand a designer, what is he trying to say what emotion is he trying to convey. I remember a good choreographer would take that in purview. So in some sense we are actors also. A good model, a good designer and a good choreographer put together – Vivek: Is magic.

Shvetha: I neither endorse the size zero nor look down upon it because that particular size serves a certain profession.

I think looking good is a goal worth having, it’s not as vacant as it sounds. Because in order to really look your best, you have to exercise and take care of yourself. So actually the means to that end is really good for you. But the way I see a lot of people dong this is by denying themselves the right foof or going after a certain fad or following a certain fitness mantra that someone’s recommended to them. When you’re younger, like 17 or 18, you can do anything to your body and it doesn’t matter. Its only later that you discover what your body’s power is, what feels good for you, what feels right and how much more of an effort it is to remain in balance.”

“I neither endorse the size zero nor look down upon it because that particular size serves a certain profession. I think looking good is a goal worth having, it’s not as vacant as it sounds” -ShvethaJaishankar

“And I love models who eat” -VivekKarunakaran Shvetha: It’s fun to sit at a table with all these creative people and just eat what’s being served Vivek: I’m saying this coz I’m a foodie and I love to have food and I love people who eat. Its great company. I think, you know, you live to eat. Like she said, I agree with the fact that we all have one life and I think during that beautiful time we should make sure that we don’t harm ourselves. It’s just about taking care of yourself.

Shvetha: And I think good food is a very essential part of a beautiful life. The point of it is that.

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 30

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 31

CREATE|Music

A Journey Back in Time

BY AASHA SRIRAM

Inception While modern music excites almost everyone, Poorvaa proves quite strongly that the old is equallycharming, by bringing back the hidden golden age of Tamil literature. Focused on composing tunes for obscure poems written by the infamous saint Arunagirinathar, Poorvaa was the product of four musicians who came together to tell an important story.

“We’ve heard stories about Arunagirinathar’s life, but nobody knows about him extensively. I revisited Thirupugazhs after a long time, and my search began. I started composing tunes for Thirupugazhs, but we didn’t plan to form a band initially; we were pulled into it,” says Pradeep Kumar, singer and guitarist. Poorvaa’s line-up includes artists from diverse musical backgrounds, with Pradeep Kumar on the vocals and guitar, Susha Raja on the vocals, Sean Roldan on the vocals and Ukulele and Praveen Sparsh on percussion.

Formed in 2012, Poorvaa was first known to fans as “Yodhakaa”, a band that composed tunes for Sanskrit shlokas. In its early years,Yodhakaa tasted huge success mainly because of their unique style of presenting music, and Poorvaa, part of the same lineage has only emerged bigger and better.

“I’ve been learning Thirupugazhs for many years, but only recently the words began attracting me. Even though we spent the initial three months writing and composing, I began the process of this way of song writing about six years ago. I wanted to make it symphonic music, because in symphony, lies a natural balance. The brass, strings and woodwinds are a reflection of sounds that we naturally heard in theenvironment.”

It was not easy to access Arunagirinathar’s poems, or so it seems, for Pradeep spent months travelling and researching about the saint and his works of literature. Pradeep walked to Thiruvannamalai in pursuit of answers, and the answer eventually came in the form of an ancient book; the third printed edition of Thirupugazh.

“My journey to Thiruvannamalai was to discover a lost poem. During my time there, a scholar began explaining one of the poems to me. After two hours he’d only finished explaining the meaning of four lines. That’s when I realized the depth of meaning in each poem. It was at this point my search completely changed, and I decided to find out how so many poems survived through centuries,” he says.

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 32

Going Live

The Perfect Blend Of Old And New It is evident that Poorvaa’s music cannot be easily categorised, and their sound has almost become a genre by itself. Poorvaa has perfectly integrated various genres including Choro, Bossa Nova and Carnatic to produce original sound that is not only distinct but also rooted to history.

“I didn’t want to constrict the composition to a Ragam, or a specific mode. When it comes to Thirupugazhs, one is completely guided by the Thuirupugazh itself, because the santham (rhythm) is a very strong element.

Once taken away, the composition ceases to exist. The reason it’s new is not because I intended it to sound new, but because I knew exactly what I didn’t want it to be. I wanted it to stay undecipherable,” says Pradeep, reflecting on the organic process of constructing each melody.

The idea of performing with a symphony materialised in 2014, when the band travelled to Boston and performed for an international audience, away from home.

“We had three rehearsals with the orchestra that consisted of sixteen American musicians. They felt the writing was new, even though the sound was European.

My wife Kalyani helped integrate the work of all the musicians and conducted the symphony.”

The critically acclaimed performance led Pradeep to ponder over the idea of making a documentary about their musical journey. Crowd funding helped raise the funds for the project, but Pradeep wasn’t entirely sure it would work.

“I’m not a film maker. I didn’t know how to tell the story.

But, the audience perceived my version of Arunagiri’s story well and were very interested in the concept. I was able to hold them in their seats and that’s when I thought we could really make a documentary,”says Pradeep.

Revolving around Poorvaa’s music and their journey to various cities pursuing their search to learn more about the saint’s life, the musical documentary is one of Poorvaa’s magnificent creations. Poorvaa’s thirst to rediscover history, and reinvent it through transcendental original music is worth waiting for.

Reach out: http://www.poorvaa.com/

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 33

CCTV SURVEILLANCE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

Manufacturing

Hospital

Education Building Campus Surveillance (BCS)

Ware House

Shopping Mall

Hotel

POE Switches

Bullet Camera

VMS

NAS

Structure Cabling

Complete E2E Solutions

RENTAL SERVICES CCTV Storage Network switches Routers Blade servers

Toll free - 1-800-4255-329

Help@novizotechnologies.in

1st floor, 35/26, K.N.S Estates, Karpagambal Nagar, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004

LIVE|Travel

HOLISTIC HOSPITALITY HERITAGE

Adding to the grandeur of one of the most culturally rich regions of Tamil Nadu is the heritage flagship hotel - Svatma. Constructed by a visionary hotelier who is well-versed with the classical arts as a concept hotel that was opened during Navratri last year, Svatma is a confluence of culture and luxury just in the right amalgam.

BY SAMEER BHARAT RAM

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 36

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 37

LIVE|Travel

Tamil Nadu is always considered to be culturally, architecturally, religiously and artistically inclined and Tanjore is at the heart of inculcating this rich heritage even today. Literally translating into ‘One’s own Soul’, Svatma is the place where the Tamil’s passion for arts and architecture resonates through each and every restoration in this 100-year-old classic residence restoring it to its former glory. Proving to be a one of a kind hotel that echoes with the characteristic feel that Tanjore wears – from the time the sun hits the pinnacle of the ‘Peria Kovil Gopuram’ to the time the city falls asleep.

Each of the guest accommodations have been carefully designed to keep in line with the Tamilian style of architecture with spacious family suites opening into verandas and nooks that are shaded and lit with natural lighting at the same time.

Aharam, Palaharam and Nila serving the local vegetarian cuisine proves to be just the perfect way to sum up your stay in this historic town.

A stay at the Svatma will prove to be a holistic, luxurious experiential for the guest taking him on a cultural and culinary journey immersing in the path of discovering the arts and history of this timeless city. The Svatma is a Heritage Residence that comprises of 38 suites, faithfully designed in line with the architectural heritage of this century old building. With ambiance that is utterly historic and décor all around reflecting the glories of the past, Svatma is a soulful visit for every traveller who wishes to touch upon an era of the past.

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 38

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 39

LIVE|Travel

Bali

Breathtaking.

Bliss.

Blessing.

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 40

Smultronställe - Lit. ‘Place of wild strawberries’. A discovered space special to you, treasured and returned to for solace and relaxation; a personal idyll free from stress.

The word has been used since the early 20th century to describe a place that you like to come back to. A favourite spot; a place you relax, a place where you can go and forget about your troubles.

BY NANDITHA VIJAYARAGHAVAN Bali, is my very own Smultronställe. Decades of tourism haven’t dampened Bali’s deep-rooted spirituality and natural charms.Volcanoes rise from the sea, monkeys swing between trees, and there are still dozens of idyllic spots to escape the crowds. And all of this paradoxical magnificence is crammed onto an island less than half the size of greater Tokyo. Famous for its kaleidoscopic sunsets and being Indonesia’s most popular holiday island destination, Bali is enwrapped with great spots to kick back and watch the sun sink into the sea with a sundowner in hand.

In the 1960s, hippies flocked to the coconut groves of Kuta beach for the amazing surf and endless summer.

Since then, Kuta has expanded at an exponential pace, north into gaudy, glittery Seminyak and beyond, where thickets of luxury resorts and private villas have risen in ancient rice fields. Ubud may possess an indestructible charm, with its cultural treasures intact, but tourism is far and away the main business. Seminyak offers gorgeous luxury accommodation with every mod con, and a nightlife ranging from chic to raucous.

Tucked within Indonesia’s ferociously powerful waves, lies a unique surfing experience that will bring milelong smiles to beginners and intermediate surfers alike.

It’s not your typical Balinese wave: no coral reef to stab you through the foot, no riptide to pull you out to sea, and no towering walls of water ready to drag you into a dark abyss. Whether you’re looking for the royal treatment or a quick rub-down, Bali’s spa options are seemingly infinite. Indulgent travellers could easily craft a full itinerary around day spas, and find themselves floating from oiled-up acupressure massages to flower petal baths and mani-pedis.

1. Southern Bali Bali may be known for beaches and cornrows now, but it was the surfers who first discovered this beautiful Indonesian island. Whether it’s the Uluwatu beach for the kinds of wave’s eager surfer’s dream of, or Nusa Dua, Bali spans the best from pillar to post. One can even explore Bali’s spiritual side with a visit to Pura Pura Luhur Uluwatu on the island’s south east. Perched high on a cliff top, the temple has arresting views across the ocean that will leave you gobsmacked. A trip to the Bukit Peninsula isn’t complete without visiting the Jimbaran fish markets.

2. Central Bali Bali is famous for the delicacy of babi guling – suckling pig – and no place does it quite like Ibu Oka in the centre of Ubud. Nothing bonds people like a shared plate of succulently cooked pig skin. While many tourists rely on metered cabs in Ubud, more adventurous souls might like to jump on the back of a scooter and zoom up and down the mountainside. In Central Bali, one can visit the Elephant Safari Park at Desa Taro and marvel at the gentle beauty of rescued Sumatran elephants and also enjoy the awe inspiring sight of Gunung Batur, Bali’s second highest volcano, at Kintamani. Coffee lovers should stop en route to Kintamani at Tampaksiring to try the much-talked about Kopi Luwak.

3. North, East and Everywhere Else From crossing over the mountain ridges at Danau Bratan to stopping for some sweet strawberries from one of the many roadside vendors, tourists have plenty abound to see in this section of Bali. On the east coast lies Sanur, a cozy laid back beachside town especially for those who chase oceanic thrills and crave for the drunken revelry of water. Sanur is also one of the best places in Bali to try out the sport of kite-surfing. Strap yourself in and go away with the breeze!

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 41

LIVE|Travel

My Pick Of Must-See Places In Bali: 1. The iconic water temple of Pura Taman Ayun, part of the Mengwi kingdom of Bali, is a Royal abode where the deified ancestors of Mengwi’s Raja Dynasty are honoured. The first courtyard is a large, open, grassy expanse and the inner courtyard has a multitude of meru (multi-tiered shrines). Lotus-blossoms fill the pools; the temple is part of the subak (complex rice-field irrigation system) sites recognised by Unesco in 2012.

2. Bali’s landmark Tanah Lot Temple, famed for its unique offshore setting and sunset backdrops, is an ancient Hindu shrine perched on top of an outcrop amidst constantly crashing waves. The onshore site is dotted with smaller shrines alongside visitors’ leisure facilities that comprise restaurants, shops and a cultural park presenting regular dance performances.

3. Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali’s nine key directional temples. Perched on a steep cliff 70 metres above the roaring Indian Ocean waves, it is a very popular destination among surfing enthusiasts. The famous Kecak Fire Dance at sunset is a must-watch visual treat wherein almost hypnotic, trance-like, thirty or so barechested Indonesian men sway with the rhythmic sounds of the local music. Kecak, an onomatopoeic title for the sound of the chant, is based on a traditional Balinese ritual but was actually created by a German man in the 1930s and based on the famous epic Hindu story of the Ramayana.

4. The Rock Bar Bali at Ayana Resort and Spa wins accolades from travel media the world over, partly thanks to its unique setting on a secluded limestone cliff. This premier sunset venue continues to win the hearts of patrons, some who fly to the island just to experience the signature cocktails, exceptional views, and moods set by its resident music director and a regular line-up of world-class international DJs. The Rock Bar boasts a minimalist design with an open-top platform seamlessly built onto the natural formation. Ambient lighting from around the bar and the shades at sunset, together with traditional fishing boat lanterns that dot the seascape add to the dramatic appeal of the bar.

5. The Ubud Art Market, known locally as ‘Pasar Seni Ubud’, is situated across from the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace and is open every day. The market offers high quality Balinese items, as well as general assortment of goods that will appeal to every taste. Here you will be able to find gorgeous silk scarves, hand-crafted woven bags, figurines, traditional kites, bohemian skirts, casual shirts and accessories. The Market was also featured in the movie Eat Pray Love, with Julia Roberts shown strolling through and perusing its stalls.

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 42

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 43

LIVE|Travel

Some say this island is over-cooked, a paradise that has lost its way. But really it has just evolved, transforming from a low-key hippie haven to a soulful big hitter where you can stay smart but still find a barefoot vibe. Bali is abuzz. It has been for quite a while. Bali’s reputation as a tropical island paradise has its roots in an expatriate artists’ colony in the hills near Ubud which, 80 years ago, attracted Noël Coward and Charlie Chaplin, among others.

Today, it continues to be a powerful magnet for creative people from all over the world, those on a mission to opt out of the rat race and take their chances here.

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 44

Why subscribing to D2D’s weekly farm box is a healthier and more cost effective option ?

`

FREE delivery

Fixed Price round the Year.

Delivered at your door step - saves time, effort and cost of travel.

Sorted and Packed saves on wastage.

IC

Offers

RGAN

100% O

Wide range of vegetables and fruits.

Certified Organic Farmers - Way to Healthy Living.

Special offers for members from our Partners.

We invest so much on our children’s happiness… why not in their health too!!

Call now 9791041411 www.d2dorganics.com

JAN 2017 | Brew lifestyle| 48