March 2016

Contemplate. Create. Live.

MAR 2016

entertainment

MAKING COLOURS SPEAK RENDEZVOUS WITH ART HISTORIAN ASHRAFI BHAGAT AGAINST INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS MEET NEERJA MALIK, THE IRON LADY

ARCHANA KALPATHI LEADING INTO THE FUTURE

The Brew magazine is based on the Entertainment genre 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

It’s the month of March- the time of the year that glorifies and celebrates women from all walks of life.

While it is thoughtful to cherish the ladies at this juncture, isn’t it equitable to remember the same every day? With that end in mind, we at Brew are here to appreciate and dignify a few selected women achievers by penning down stories of their simple yet extraordinary lives. The Contemplate section boasts a feature on Neerja Malik, a consultant, counsellor and cancer survivor. The Create and Live sections carry more features on other riveting, women achievers. Dr. Ashrafi Bhagat for one is an intriguing art historian who holds commendable credit for her work in the field. Followed by the gorgeous Karishma Tanna, a famed actor and model. Alicia Souza, a vivacious young illustrator speaks to us on her sporadic creative journey. The centre of focus is Archana Kalpathi of AGS cinemas. Being our woman on cover, she is the perfect example of being quintessential. Dive into these pages, and take with you a new perspective on what a woman really is.

By breaking stereotypes, we are not here to merely glorify women of great significance, but to give every woman a reason to soar high. After all, as author Diane Mariechild rightly said ‘A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.’

VIDHYA ANAND EDITOR

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“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. ”

CONTRIBUTORS & ADVISORY BOARD Thota Tharrani 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

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INTERNAL TEAM EDITOR Vidhya Anand SUB- EDITOR Sanjana Ganesh CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ajay Srikanth Prathiba Jayapaul Shreya Anand MARKETING MANAGER Reesha N MARKETING EXECUTIVE Prashant Balaji COVER CREDITS

DESIGN B Sriram

PHOTO COURTESY Shiva Balaswaminathan

S T R A T E G Y

CIRCULATION Pradeep Kumar

&

D E S I G N

Published 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.

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

Tel.: +91 44 4208 9392.

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CONTENTS Contemplate

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AGAINST INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS Meet Neerja Malik, the Iron lady

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CREATE

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ANU AGGARWAL’S ANUSUAL Memoir of a girl who came back from the dead

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MAKING COLOURS SPEAK Rendezvous with art historian Ashrafi Bhagat

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BUILDING A LEGACY Archana Kalpathi, a woman of substance

LIVE

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OF BEAUTY AND BRAINS In conversation with Karishma Tanna

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ASTRO RECIPES PISCEAN DELICACY Piscean delicacy for the month of March

LABOUR OF LOVE

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Filmmaker Aditya Vikram Sengupta on the making of his award winning film

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INTO THE WHIMSICAL WORLD OF ILLUSTRATION Heart-to-heart with illustrator Alicia Souza

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KABINI A serene travel terrain that weaves tales

31 ISTANBUL The jewel of Eurasia

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WHAT’S NEW? Brew’s newest picks for the month

Contemplate |lone crusaders

AGAINST INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS

Warm cups of tea, hearty laughs and summer in a winter struck country are the things Neerja Malik instantly reminds you of. With an aura that will lighten up even the terminally sick, she is everything you can ask for in your pursuit of understanding the power of positivity.

By Vidhya Anand MAR 2016 | Brew entertainment | 10

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s far as stereotypes go, a person who has undergone way too many impediments and surpassed the same is said to have a characteristic that would be defined by grit, courage, composure, and maturity. Neerja fails to fulfil that stereotype in entirety for there is more to what makes her. As she walks into the living room of her well-lit apartment, she comes off as a cheerful woman who has lived life to its fullest. As a cancer survivor, she is among those few who subtly hit you with the reality of what it really feels like to have been there. There is no glory to surviving through the pain, there is no real fight that is put up against what your physical being subjects you to and that is the truth, the rawest of it. But, there is love. Love for family, love for life and love for yourself. Neerja gives a truer perspective to what really lies ahead, when you are bound by hurdles life throws at you.

“That’s when I absorbed all of it, the fact that I had cancer. Of course, I then cried as much as I wanted to.

Consecutively, when I got home and had had a good weep, I had it in me to call up and cancel lunch with another friend myself”

INCITING POINT When asked about life as she has lived it so far, she simply looks up in the air trying to look back in time and starts conversing. This is a conversation about her first encounter with breast cancer back in 1998 followed by another strike of cancer a few years later. Yet, she recounts all of it as if it were a fun holiday she had as a little girl. Perhaps that’s what becomes of people with heart touching stories. Yet, there’s something more to Neerja. “After being diagnosed, I remember we had lunches planned with our friends and my husband Mandeep cancelled one of them on a call immediately. That’s when I absorbed all of it, the fact that I had cancer. Of course, I then cried as much as I wanted to.

Consecutively, when I got home and had had a good weep, I had it in me to call up and cancel lunch with another friend myself,” she laughs. For Neerja, cancer isn’t all that has weighed her down in life. A still born, uterus removal and a few miscarriages did not deter her from getting back up on her feet and moving ahead. Surviving cancer and getting past it was no different to the iron lady.

OF FORTITUDE AND HOPE Without dwelling too much on her diagnosis and life at the threshold of a cancer survivor and a healthy individual, Neerja moves on to talk about spreading the positivity into the lives of other people. “This mother and son came from Oman. He said, ‘My mother is going through a surgery.’ He wanted my help. As a patient she was very depressed and shattered, I figured. She asked me if I can meet her on the day of her surgery. I said ‘Sure, but your surgery is tomorrow.’ She said ‘My surgery is at seven. Can you come before that?’ I agreed. So, at six I was there. She was taken from her room in a stretcher into a special lift to the OT. Just outside the OT the area is a little small. There is this corridor where people come out. I began talking to her. This

corridor where people come out. I began talking to her right there woman had to get her left breast removed completely and she had a pacemaker. So she was lying down on the stretcher and she says to me shut your eyes. She held my hand for ten minutes. She looked serene and then when I found that she was okay I stopped.She opened her eyes and she asked if I were Muslim. I said yes. So according to her Allah had sent a messenger to be with her. She got calmer and at ease right away,” she smiles remembering how good it felt to have comforted a person at emotional brink.

AID FOR THE DESERVING Today, as a woman of great significance, Neerja continues to give a lot to people around her both by lending moral and financial support. Elaborating on the same, she talks about the NGO ‘Sankalp.’ “It was started by an aunt who was a professor in MSSW in April 1991. It focuses on educating the girl child. Why? She figured out that when girls reached the eighth standard, they were made to stay at home and boys needed to study. That is the root to focusing on girl children.

We are connected to a municipal school. So subsequently, she picked out three girls who have been forced to drop out of studies because of lack of emotional and financial support. Following which she spoke to the school, the class teachers and told them ‘Look I want to educate them. I’m going to supply the school uniform and your responsibility is that she goes to school.’ She started with three girls in ’91,” says Neerja Today, they are connected to three municipal schools and are still growing.

With immense interest in Sankalp, she quite obviously is a person thriving for the sole purpose of spreading hope and aiding people in realising the power of faith. Her recently launched book ‘I Inspire,’ is a must read for those seeking the epiphany of true living. As more conversations regarding her children, her childhood and other light experiences unfolded and our peach flavoured teas turned cold, a revelation hit. Neerja Malik’s is an extraordinary life.

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Create | Arts Galore

MEMOIR OF A GIRL WHO CAME BACK FROM THE DEAD Conquering heights that would seem insurmountable to the common man, Anu Aggarwal is undoubtedly resilience personified. With her novel ‘Anusual’ having hit stands, she has a lot to convey to her readers about life, its hurdles and the need to bounce back.

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nu Aggarwal rose to fame after her debut in the musical blockbuster ‘Aashiqui’. While that and her popularity for works such as ‘Thiruda Thiruda’ and ‘The Cloud Door’ are well-known, there is more to her persona. ‘Anusual- Memoir of a Girl who Came Back from the Dead’ recounts that very truth about her. It’s a story about life, death and everything in between.At a recent book reading held at the Amethyst Café in Chennai, Anu spoke about her journey so far, her inspirations and the reasons that gave birth to ‘Anusual.’ She expressed intense happenings of her life which have shaped her, that left the audience, shaken yet uplifted. With an almost soul-stirring story, she stands proud today giving many, a reason to not just live, but thrive.

“I walked into the hospital, trying to do my cat walk as I approached the doctors.

I went to thank them.

They were shocked, because it hasn’t happened before” The occurrence of a near-death accident became the biggest turning points in Anu’s life.

Recounting the same, she talks about that very incident that took her so close to the face of death.

With multiple fractures that cannot even be comprehended by the faint of heart and a coma that followed, Anu as most people would have believed was at the end of her days. Yet, against every possible odd,resurrection became her. It has to be stated out loud, that her coming back to consciousness is miraculous, because of a twenty nine day coma, a time period enough for most people to believe in the eventuality of life. The chain of events that followed has made Anu the woman she is today. Three years of therapy, subsequent urge to motivate her fellow humans and the conception of ‘Anusual’ may sum up her life’s journey, but it would never suffice. They say, some stories will never find satiation through articulation of words, and Anu’s stands testament of the same. Talking briefly about her come after the accident, she light heartedly says “After three years of having recovered from my coma, I walked into the hospital, trying to do my cat walk as I approached the doctors. I went to thank them. They were shocked, because it hasn’t happened before. I couldn’t talk properly, I was slurring. Surprised, the doctors were like, we’ve never seen this. We have patients who give up easily and here you are!” As a memory, she also adds, “My right forearm was broken into a million pieces then. I couldn’t do things with my right arm. I couldn’t move it the way I used to. Not like I can now!”

With a lot more in store, from resilience that stands tall to unlikely grit that pushes one further, Anu holds dear more than just a story that demands re-telling. It’s a life lived, a life that teaches and a life that motivates. Explore more of her, and her life.

Take a read of ‘Anusual.’

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Create | Arts Galore

Making Colours Speak Dr. Ashrafi Bhagat is an Associate Professor of Fine Arts at Stella Maris College. She holds a PhD from Maharaja Sayajirao College in Baroda, and is one of the foremost experts in the Madras school of art.

Ajay Srikanth talks to her about art appreciation, education and experimentation.

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or Dr. Bhagat, art ran in the family. She says that her mother was a hugely influential and creative woman, and seeing her create a lot of craftwork at home is what inspired Ashrafi to go into art. But for someone who studied in Baroda, to delve into the Madras style of art is a little strange. She says “It started with a refresher course that we all had to attend in college. The course had a lot about folk art in Madras. It caught my interest, and I decided to read up a little more on it.” This is when she realised that there was a huge void in this area, with almost no research or documentation. She decided to fill this void herself, and is a pioneer in the field of Madras Art. A lot of her work is condensed into a book she wrote titled “A Critical Survey of the Madras Art Movement [1950s to 2000s]”. When quizzed about the art scene post 2000, she says “Globalisation has made sure that there are no boundaries. Artists from the city are now glocal. They search for new mediums; there is a lot of experimentation. And this is different from how things were in the 60s and 70s. Artists then would establish a niche for themselves. While they wouldn’t stagnate at that field, you will be able to observe a residue from that style hanging in their other works. You don’t see such a residue in today’s artists. They are constantly innovating.” As an art educator, Ashrafi believes that a formal education is highly important for an aspiring artist. “It gives a structure, hones skill and lets the student experiment safely. Moreover, they learn art history, which is extremely important. They also learn concepts of aesthetic theory, which allows them to make sense of the ideas in their head. Art education also exposes you to a lot of new people, ideas and so on.” She goes on to add that formal education isn’t mandatory, as there are a lot of masters who went on to become great with little or no art education. In a similar vein, she says that the environment an artist functions in is what makes their work distinct. “It gives them their artistic fingerprint so to speak.”When asked about the differences in Western and Indian art, she says “Such a comparison can never be made. The two art forms evolved very differently. In essence, Indian art is inward. It is religious, aims to be one with nature. Western art, on the other hand, looks outward.” How does a layman appreciate art? “You just have to look at more art. Keep looking, and then go back and read art history. As you delve into it more, questions start arising. Knowing the story of the artist’s life is also very important. As you read about them, you start getting an idea of their thought process. This will help you appreciate their art better. You’ll be able to look past the face value of the paintings.”

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She goes to give Piet Mondrian and Wassily Kandinsky as examples. Mondrian was a Dutch artist known for making painting with nothing but horizontal and vertical lines. He also used only primary colours. “Both their styles are grounded in theosophy. Mondrian brought in the principles of harmony in his works. He used only horizontals and verticals and used only primary colours as he believed anything else would disrupt the harmony of his paintings.” She also adds that this was not a decision taken on whim. Mondrian dabbled in a lot of styles before settling on his trademark. “It is important to understand that most of these painters were also philosophers.” Kandinsky was influenced by music. “He called his less structured works Improvisations and his thought out, more structured works Compositions.” Along these lines, she says that art, (not just painting; art in general) evolves as a whole. So if music evolves, so does painting. If dance evolves, so does music. And so on. This leads here to believe that art education should be holistic. “A mixture of performing and visual arts would benefit students. Kalakshetra offers such a program, but it doesn’t exist anywhere else.” An artist who knows how to dance, for instance, will be able to represent rhythm better in their paintings. She says that learning more than one art will benefit the practitioner in both those fields.When asked about a few books for a beginnerlooking to get into art, she recommends Art throughout the Ages by Helen Gardner and Arts and Ideas by Fleming. For Indian art, she says that Indian Art by Partha Mitter and Indian Arts: An Overview by Gayathri Mithra are good primers.

Create | Cine Binge

FILMMAKER ADITYA VIKRAM SENGUPTA ON THE MAKING OF HIS NATIONAL-AWARD WINNING FILM LABOUR OF LOVE

How many words do you need to express your love? Not many, proves Aditya Vikram Sengupta’s debut feature Asha Jaoar Majhe (Labour Of Love). The film sans dialogues, which had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, managed to capture the hearts of audiences all around the world, winning ten awards at the 40 international film festivals it was screened at. It also won two National Awards last year–the Indira Gandhi Award for the best debut feature and for sound designing.

Starring Ritwick Chakraborty and Basabdutta Chatterjee in the lead, the film is an exploration of love and life in a world struck by economic crisis. Filmmaker Aditya Sengupta talks to Monty Majeed about sticking to his vision despite the challenges he faced while making his film.

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Tell us a bit about your background.

I was born and brought up in Kolkata. After college, I studied graphic design at NID. For the next three and a half years, I worked as a promo producer with Channel V. I was always interested in visual art, painting and film. So I quit my job at the channel to pursue my other interests. I started writing, painting and reading. And, then films happened.

How did this idea of placing a young couple in the backdrop of recession come about?

When the recession happened, I was in Mumbai. But I knew what was happening in Kolkata. Many family members and friends had lost their jobs. So it became a fictitious setting in which I could place these two characters in. From childhood, I have seen that in our families or among friends, love is expressed in very different ways. Very few people express it verbally or physically. The manifestation of love comes through the little things that they do for each other. So that was what I wanted to explore.

How long did it take to write the story?

Actually, there is no story as such. But we had a strong screenplay. Honestly, it didn’t take long to write that down because I had everything in my head. I knew what I wanted, down to the shots and angles. I write only at the last minute. And, it is a way to sort out the logistics or to make someone who couldn’t catch up on my vision understand what I mean. I wrote the film in a very different style–there were storyboards, illustrations and text. Most of the screenplay was visual.

There are no dialogues in the film. How hard was it to take this decision like that and stick to it Frankly, none of the decisions were that hard to make because we had no producer. We were on our own. When I wrote the film, it did have a dialogue in one of the sequences. But when we started shooting the film, it took on a life of its own. Then, we all felt that it was best for the film that we avoid dialogues altogether. We just let the film be and allowed it to evolve spontaneously and organically.

You have both edited and co-shot the film with Mahendra Shetty. How was the experience and which role did you enjoy more?

Of course, editing. I just love to edit and I have decided that I will edit all the films I will make in the future. Editing was definitely more of a choice, but cinematography wasn’t. Mahendra Shetty, who shot about 40 per cent of the film, had to leave midway due to some other commitments and I was forced to pick up the camera. I had a very difficult time shooting the film.

I did approach many cinematographers, but they weren’t keen on working in the film. Mahendra had brought in a distinct style into the cinematography that I had to study thoroughly before getting into it. We really understood each other’s work well, so I felt it was better to stay alone and try to complete it, rather than take on someone else and ruin whatever has been done till now.

What camera did you use to shoot the film?

We used a really old one, the first model of RED called RED ONE. This was because we could get it for really cheap rates from the studio. No one uses it these days. We shot the entire film with just two lights–a light bulb and a shooting light.

How did you design the look of the film? Were there visual references you fell back upon?

The look of the film was pre-designed carefully before we actually went on the floor. I knew exactly what I wanted, what the images would look like and how I wanted to portray them. Mahendra did give me some valuable inputs, which only improved it further. As the film doesn’t have dialogues, automatically the stress is on the images. So every frame was planned in advance. We knew what exactly we wanted. For this film, I haven’t used any visual references, but I think it is a great idea. I would love to look at the works of a painter and devise the colour palette for my next film.

How long did you shoot the film and how long did the post-production process take?

We shot it in 21 days, spread throughout the year. As I edited it on my own, initially I wasn’t able to get the rhythm right.

So I took about a year to edit it.

What is your advice to aspiring filmmakers?

I would want to tell them never to get hung up on the equipment you will be using. If you have a clear idea of what you want, you will be able to get it done. So be sure about what you want and find out ways in which it can be accomplished most efficiently. Films need not have to be always made on a big-scale. Nowadays, you can shoot a good film even with a mobile phone. So do not lose hope just because you couldn’t get funding.

- www.longlivecinema.com

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create| Zeroed In

BUILDING A LEGACY With an aura that can effortlessly calm a chaotic mind, Archana Kalpathi is one of those few, blessed woman who cleverly juggle the many hats they wear without difficulty. As the young director of AGS Cinemas, an architecture enthusiast, a happy mother and a loving wife she is sorted beyond impeccability, in her own terms. By Vidhya Anand Photography by Shiva Balaswaminathan

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create| Zeroed In

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alking into her simple yet resplendent office, it’s hard to take your eyes off the multiple posters that adorn the quaint brick walls. The creative vibe can easily consume a person working on the floor, thanks to Archana’s deep intrigue for architecture. She’s driven, focused and sincerely warm-hearted. All of which reflects in her work space.

Dwelling in a conversation about her life is riveting and a thought provoking realisation finds conception. She is everything an ideal woman would be.

FORGING EMPIRES ‘Building a legacy’ is the phrase that best defines what’s happening with AGS Cinemas today. History is being written every moment, one movie and multiplex at a time. With a strong pursuit and its end in mind that is heavily fed by foresight, Archana talks about their recent venture, “The new multiplex is on G N Chetty Road, T Nagar. We have four screens with a thousand seat capacity. Approximately, two hundred and fifty each! We have Dolby Atmos and half of it is silver screens, so the technology used is one of the best in the city. We have the complete installation of automated car parking system for the multiplex where cars go park themselves. We have expanded our menu, as well.” Elaborating on the interiors, she adds, “If you look at the concept of G N Chetty road, it is black and white. You will see lines running across the property right from the façade which has horizontal lines to the carpets and the marbles. Even inside the screens there are lines running on both sides. It’s Light. That’s the central idea.” While much of Archana’s life today might seem like a plan worked upon for years, it’s surprisingly not. “I am not a producer. I have nothing to do with production. I went on to study computer science so I am a computer science engineer. Masters

was in artificial intelligence and data metrics, ollowing which I got a job in IBM. Being the first child of the family, my father wanted me to join the family business. I’ve always liked movies. So, when I came back here after studies, we had just sold our computer business. We got a great valuation for it. That was when IT had sort of peaked and then my father had gotten into real estate and construction as well. We had just produced ‘Thiruttu payale.’ That’s when I joined the business. It was ten years ago.” Recounting more of the past, she says, “My first ever project was in Ooty, a renovation... we also did a seventy acre property in Perambur of flats that had just commenced. Then, the Villivakkam movie theatre too. That’s when I thought why can’t we do a multiplex like in the US, where there could be three or four screens instead of two screens, like earlier. So that way we can sort of maximise the capacity and do multiple content.” It was subsequent to these that the OMR and G N Chetty road projects took place. “This was T Nagar and it was our flagship project. It was not easy at all. It took time. It is the heart of the city and we had to first buy land which took time because there were a lot of houses there and we had to convince people to sell and finally when we got the right amount, getting the approval was a problem and as a policy we don’t construct without approval. Construction then took a good two years.

Every little detail went in because it had to be perfect.

Acoustically, it is a very well-designed theatre because you don’t have a common lobby. Each theatre has its own lobby. There is no issue of noise from one screen travelling to another and that is very unique. Probably first of its kind.”

“That’s when I thought why can’t we do a multiplex like in the US, where there could be three or four screens instead of two screens, like earlier. So that way we can sort of maximise the capacity and do multiple content.”

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create| Zeroed In OF MORALITY AND WORK CULTURE Archana reveals that the next properties are coming up in Alapakkam and Maduravoyal. Cleverly, their property areas won’t have any theatres around as they are in distribution and know which pockets need theatres.

“We do only stand-alone work because that’s what multiplexes are. That’s again a conscious decision that we take. Not to be part of a mall. That is where we make out how to make money because the ticket price is very low. Only one twenty bucks. I also don’t believe in having a very high ticket price. We feel that’s why our occupancies are very high. It’s very affordable, I mean cinema and outing must be affordable,” she says.

Talking more about the quality of service that consumers are offered, she says, “We had to take a lot of effort to match it to the level of quality that has been set by competitors. I never watch movies in AGS. I watch them in Sathyam. Because I get too stressed out keeping up with the flaws and there is always so much to observe. When I go to AGS, you can see me in the uniform, working in the box office, serving food, cleaning or doing something of that sort. That is how we run here. All the managers cut through. Unless we do the work we won’t know what issues our people are facing. I believe there is no point in telling them that we are unsatisfied with their work. You give them a target asking them to ensure they sell so much,, and you try selling it for real, only then will you know what the real issues are. So when I go to the property I am one of our employees.”

“I also don’t believe in having a very high ticket price. We feel that’s why our occupancies are very high. It’s very affordable, I mean cinema and outing must be affordable”

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create| Zeroed In

FLAWLESSLY MULTIFACETED It’s typical that the question of how a women manages work and life arises, especially when she is unbelievably good at her trade. Archana quips about the same, “It is a struggle. I have a seven-year-old son. I grew up in a joint family.

Fortunately, my family is very supportive, which is also a huge help. My mom and aunts step in all the time and my husband is my biggest support. I’ve always been very career-oriented. So even when we met, I made it clear that I will always remain so and I get to focus on what I am doing now. At that time, I was also taking care of Villivakkam.

Everything’s worked out just fine. Also, I sleep just three to four hours a day. Honestly, I’m just used to that cycle from school days, with IIT coaching and all. My husband is an investment banker. Luckily, I’m also blessed with a very nice child. He is always very excited to see me when I’m home. When I get very busy he asks me quite openly as to why I do not spend enough time with him. So, I would just go somewhere with him, hang out in the canteen or do something that will keep him happy,” she aughs. “I should also say that I have absolutely no hobbies. And no social life too,” she adds, evidently satisfied with the way things are. When questioned about how is it that she is so composed and at peace with the fact that she has not much of a social life, she says, “I am very happy without one.

Maybe it’s because I’ve never had one before. So, I’m used to it. I was a geek in school.” Delving more into the life of a businesswoman, Archana talks about life on an everyday basis, “I work on Sundays. It is probably one of the busiest days of the week. It is very difficult doing this because society judges you quite a bit. And you should not let that get to you. However, as long as you know you are doing the best for your child and husband and family, then I think that’s enough. Thank god, for me, my in-laws and my husband have been very supportive. Everything just fell in place. I did masters in wealth management which was part of Singapore University, when I had to do one semester in Yale and another in Singapore University. I had my son at that time which was when my parents helped me a lot. That is the kind of support that I have. That is why I find it easy. For most people it’s not so easy. Something takes a hit somewhere.”

ON A CONCLUDING NOTE The conversation gradually began tapering to a concluding note and looking around her office a little more brought to attention a poster. It said “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The Troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.

Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

When asked about this historical Steve Jobs quote, she says, “I don’t want to fit into a bracket. I was never the topper in my class but I think I never compromised on what I wanted to do. My dad always dared to do something different, try something different. He was a big perfectionist. Attention to detail. I think he was something else, my dad.”

“I don’t want to fit into a

bracket. I was never the topper in my class but I think I never compromised on what I wanted to do. My dad always dared to do something different, try something different. He was a big perfectionist.

Attention to detail. I think he was something else, my dad.”

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Live | Model Living

OF BEAUTY AND BRAINS

Karishma Tanna wears many hats. Being an actress, model and former reality show Big Boss contestant is a fine mélange that most women envy. Read on as she opens up about her journey, experiences and life as she knows it in conversation with Shreya Anand

K

arishma Tanna has juggled several roles in the world of films. She has worked her magic across several segments of her acting career from soaps, films, to acting in reality shows to even hosting them.

When asked about what this bold and beautiful actor likes best, she said she couldn’t really choose one over the other because she wouldn’t then be doing justice. For her every field is independent, has its own essence and she cherishes her career completely. The serial ‘kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ catapulted her to fame. She has worked on various other soap operas, reality shows and films. As a child, she always looked at herself in the mirror, wore her mom’s clothes and often gave herself makeovers. Growing up never altered her idea of ‘glam.’ She knew this was what she wanted to pursue as a profession. Her willingness to be independent and work hard since her early childhood brought her the fame that she now enjoys but certainly makes her miss her childhood and home, that she’d love to go back to and cherish.

What is the best and the worst part about being a celebrity?

The best part is that you’re recognised and you receive unconditional love and immense support. The bad part is definitely not having any privacy with cameras following you literally everywhere that you go.

What are you doing when you aren’t working?

Sleeping! I love sleeping when I’m not working. Other than that, I am either chilling with friends, listening to music or reading a book. Basically anything that relaxes my mind. But, my first priority is definitely sleeping.

Are you open to doing any films in the South Indian film industry?

Of course, I’d love to work in a Tamil movie! I love Mani Ratnam sir’s films, and actors like Surya, Ajith are all very talented. The South Indian film industry has definitely come a long way in all aspects of film making and I am always open to doing new projects.

How was your experience during the famous reality show ‘Big Boss’? If given a chance, would you do it again?

Big Boss was an important milestone in my career. It gave me a lot of priority since everyday at 9pm, people would tune in to watch big boss and see us. Yes, it was a good experience and I learnt a lot from it, but I wouldn’t do it all over again. In fact, if given a chance I would never really want to do something that I’ve done all over again at all.

What is your strongest and weakest point?

My mother! She is the strongest and weakest part of my life.

Strongest, because she is my pillar of support and weakest simply because I’m weak without her.

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LIVE | Anyone can cook RECIPE FOR THE MONTH MARCH FROM GRT HOTELS & RESORTS

UZHUNDHAMB

PAAL KOZHUKATTAI INGREDIENTS MARINATION n Urad dal 1/4 cup ----------------------------------------------------------------------n Coconut Milk 1 cup ----------------------------------------------------------------------n Palm jaggery/Jaggery 60 gms ----------------------------------------------------------------------n Dried ginger Powder 1/2 tsp ----------------------------------------------------------------------n Water 1 1/2 cup ----------------------------------------------------------------------n Cardamom 3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------n Grated Coconut 2 tbsp -----------------------------------------------------------------------

METHOD n

Dry roast urad dal until it reaches a golden brown colour.

----------------------------------------------------------------------Give it a rinse, add 1 1/2 cups of water and cook for about 45 minutes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------n

n Add coconut milk and stir.

----------------------------------------------------------------------n Add dried ginger powder, cardamom and stir.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

After a minute, reduce the heat and add palm jaggery or jiggery.

----------------------------------------------------------------------n

Stir until dissolved. (Do not raise the heat after adding jaggery, as the milk will curdle.)

Add and stir the grated coconut.

----------------------------------------------------------------------n

Once thick kheer consistency is reached, serve warm.

----------------------------------------------------------------------n

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live | Aesthete Haven

INTO THE WHIMSCIAL WORLD OF

ILLUSTRATION

Being a happy illustrator as she describes herself to be, Alicia Souza finds everything to be a source of inspiration! Be it a man at the airport tying his lungi, or her pet dog, Charlie, Alicia turns them into a piece of illustrated art in the quest of spreading smiles. Read on as she speaks about her journey so far and doing what she loves the most.

By Shreya Anand

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Describe yourself in a couple of words.

A happy illustrator.

What did you want to grow up to be as a child? Tell us about your childhood Well, I think I wanted to be everything except what I am now! I always thought I would become a veterinary doctor because I loved animals. Then thought I would logically become an accountant because I was rather good with numbers and just wanted a simple nine to five job. But here I am.

I was the last of three kids, and have an older brother and sister who are the world to me! We were a bunch of very unseemly naughty creatures and we almost burnt the house down once. We did things that now make our poor mother cringe upon the memory .

Drawing for a living is a decision that a lot of people are apprehensive to make considering that it does not pay you well. What made you still go for it?

Well, I think I fell into it more than I planned to be honest. The only thing that kept me going was the fact that I loved doing it very much. When I started freelancing, I felt the pinch of a beginner’s income but over time that changed. That’s why I tell a lot of beginners to stick to what they like doing and do it for a while.

What are your most important milestones?

How did your drawing and illustrating career start?

I was a good student in school and drew as much as any other kid but the only difference, I believe, is that I didn’t stop drawing. Over time, I got better, which is why I don’t say I’m talented. I just did my share of practice.

The three important milestones, from the top of my head for one probably is the day I realised I had to freelance. It was a hard and swift decision. Not a very pleasant one!although, it turned out to be the best lesson in my life. Secondly, it was doing my first talk, which was a big deal coming from me. I used to be shyest person in a crowded room. Third one was at my first Santé (exhibition), when I put my products out there on a whim, and was humbled by how quickly we ran out of stock and how many people recognised me and said hello. I felt truly blest.

“The only thing that kept me going was the fact that I loved doing it very much. When I started freelancing, I felt the pinch of a beginner’s income but over time that changed”

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live | Aesthete Haven

What is the biggest challenge that you’ve had to face throughout your illustrating career?

Probably explaining what an illustrator does, because it’s still not a completely comprehendible field. I sometimes still have to say ‘designer’ or ‘artist.’

Do you have any OCDs with regards to your work, work desk or a particular work atmosphere that you need to be able to work propely?

Oh yes! I can’t have any noise when I’m ideating or mailing.

What are your future plans? Anything on your bucket list that you want to score off?

What is the best part about being ‘You?’ My future plans keep changing every month! Things are simple on my I’m almost always happy. I don’t know what it is, but sometimes I can bucket list like, ‘Start scheduling to do my blog’, ‘start a new series,’ hardly contain it. I feel like I’ve won the happy lottery. ‘learn about something new,’ ‘bake better bread’ etc. There are unusual ones too like ‘will you stop biting your nails’, ‘watch a movie Do you face any mind blocks? What do you do when this happens? without distraction’, ‘get over your chips obsession already.’

I’ve not for the longest time (thank goodness!). But, I used to when I just started out. So, I think just doing anything other than what you A signing off note for all the people that love you and your work were doing, helps. Like if you have a mind-block on a certain project, I love you more. going for a stroll, or cooking usually helps.

So what are you doing when you are not drawing and illustrating?

I have so many hobbies, it’s disturbing. I read, clean (yes!), cook, bake, write letters, postcards, paper cutting, sewing, learning about new topics, painting, yoga, meeting friends and family. Yes and movies, sometimes.

“I’m almost always happy I feel like I’ve won the happy lottery”

What advice do you have for aspiring creative professionals?

Be good with time, be diligent with work and make decisions that make you happy.

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LIVE | Glimpses Within

AS KABINI WEAVES A TALE

When Lord Shiva cut off a lonely elephant’s head to fit Lord Ganesh’s body, its herd is said to have mourned for days, crestfallen and agonized. River Kabini is now populated with the descendants of this clan. With a lodge that is located in the deep forests of interior Karnataka, this weekend getaway promises a trail of elephants, deer, sambas and a fictitious tiger. Lose yourself in the opulent trees of this jungle. By Sanjana Ganesh.

TO EXPERIENCE

TO NAVIGATE

TO DO

A luscious crunch of dried leaves are said to greet one along the quiet banks of river Kabini. As the waves slowly lap against your feet, hazy sights are seen.

Sights that the forlorn Maharaja of Mysore may have witnessed back in the day. This quaint land was once the royalty’s favourite hunting ground.

Several bucks, deer, tigers and elephants were taken back home as prized possessions of the Raja’s convoy.

With the advent of imperialism, the British governors converted this area into a spawling estate. Kabini Lodge lies tucked amidst sun kissed river banks and a sky full of stars.

The resort lies 225 kilo meters from Bangalore in the Karapura district. The rooms at this lodge need to be rented in advance. A friendly group of staff run the lodge and have a line of activities planned for you. You will not be left lost. The package also involves meals to be served along the river-side gazebo area. If you choose to extend your stay, you may be interested in visiting nearby places such as Dubare Elephant Camp, Iruppu falls and Bandipur.

Kabini River Lodge is the perfect concoction of silence and bustle. One is at the liberty to read a book amidst the chirps of crickets and soak in a therapeutic massage. For those seeking the rush of adrenalin, interesting safaris are lined up. Paddling boats, cruising through thick greenery and spotting animals may excite the junkies. The river understands the tone of the body and urges the tourist to ride the tide. Kabini is the clarion call for elephants.

For more information visit: http://www.junglelodges.com/kabini-river-lodge/

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Image Courtesy : www.gitikasaksena.com

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Opened at Mahindra World City, Chennai For memberships please call, 044-

4749 2200

Maximise your Life

Life, dotted together with moments of joy, is what we live for. At MWC Club you find these moments come alive. Located within the Mahindra World City, Chennai on the GST corridor, MWC club is designed thoughtfully with luxurious amenities. Here every member of your family can choose from a host of exciting recreational, social & fitness facilities. At MWC Club discover moments that truly Maximize Life.

Swimming pool I Squash Courts I Indoor Gym I Tennis Courts I Spa and Salon I Sports Bar I Multi-specialty Restaurant I Open air Party Lawns I Spacious Guestrooms For Membership: Call 044 4749 2200 | Email: mwcclub@mahindra.com | mwcclub.mahindraworldcity.com

LIVE | Glimpses Beyond

THE JEWEL OF EURASIA Being the meeting point of continents and cultures, with loving locals providing delectable food in every corner, Istanbul is a refreshing splash of splendour and magnificence. Get ready to take a stroll through the streets of this wonderful city where history unfolds at every corner!

By Padma Murughappun

From being Byzantine to Constantinople and currently renamed Istanbul,this is the city where continents collide. Being the last leg in the Silk Route, Istanbul is home to some of the most famous clothing styles and is considered a fashion hub internationally.

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A

walk on the streets of Istanbul with the minarets of the mosques resonating with the tantalizing sound of the muezzins during sunset would get anyone fascinated and charmed.

As one of the largest cities in all of Europe, Istanbul’s unmissable architectural beauties are tireless story whisperers. Istanbul is straddled between the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea because of which it is unwittingly cold in winter and extremely hot in summer. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to tour around the city with a pleasant weather and festivisty in the air to experience.

A trip to this tantalising place is a once-in-a-lifetime escapade.

HAGIA SOPHIA

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Amidst the mosaic of the Virgin and Christ Child and various other saints, the

Coddle in Holy Wisdom

Ottomans adds a touch of

Aya Sofya is situated on the

Islam to this unique structure

Aya Sofya meydani (square)

Built based on a classic

by building a prayer niche

No. 1 and is easily reachable

Basilican plan, Hagia Sophia is

indicating the direction of

from all places by tram.

an extraordinary piece of

Mecca and a curious library

Entry tickets are available

Byzantine architecture which

and kiosk. As you go up the

right before entering the

centuries old staircases, with

museum.Free entry for kids

built as a church, then became a

the walls depicting artistic

under the age of 12 and

mosque. Now a

convergence of Islam and

adults have to pay 30TL for

Christianity, you come across

entry. During summer the

galleries showing the place

museum is open to all from

where the throne of the

9:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. from

empress once stood and also

April through

remnants of the Last

October and during winter,

Judgement. The highlight of

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from

western door is of particular

the entire structure is seen

October through April.

interest as it has the Christ

when you exit the building

was originally

museum, this particular place is eye-catchingly pretty and innovative with rich religious and historical background.

There are three magnificent doors of which the

above it and is the largest of all.

where the reason for its name is depicted.

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The Curvaceous Wonder

With six curvy minarets on the outside and grand Iznik tiles adorned on the inside, this picturesque piece of architecture is a marvel to behold. The Iznik tiles are a striking blue colour which gives the mosque its commonly used name.

For religious purposes, the northern door facing the Sultanhmet Park is open only to the worshippers.

The southern entrance is through the Hippodrome and one can best appreciate the complex’s design when entered through this door.

The exterior of the mosque is breathtakingly wonderful and curvaceous with a striking visual.

Comparatively,the Blue Mosque is the largest of all the mosques in the city along with the biggest courtyard.In order to maintain its religious atmosphere, the mosque is open to tourists only from Mondays through Thursdays and on weekends since Fridays are the days of sermon. On other days people can visit all day except the prayer timing.

The Blue mosque is situated in the Hippodrome and is near the Sultanahmet Park and is best reached through tram. The Blue mosque is fringed with many small eateries as well as good restaurants to nibble on while scanning the Sultanahmet area. If the traveller is a meat lover, then this is the place to taste the best of meat in the city.

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BLUE MOSQUE MAR 2016 | Brew entertainment | 43

Shopper’s haven

Stretched over a huge area with 61 covered streets and over 3000 shops attracting a wide range of shopping enthusiasts, the Kapali Carsi is one of the largest covered bazaars in the world. The entire complex has four entrances on the north, east, west and south sides with each side selling particular items.

From Gold bracelets to leather items to carpets and even furniture, the Kapali Carsi is a treat to the voracious shopper.

The Kapali Carsi marks the heart of the city and has been so for many centuries. Built on orders from the Sultanahmet, the Conqueror, the Kapali Carsi is a labyrinth with hidden treasures and curiosities. While here, don’t hesitate to pry into each and every laneway and explore every nook and corner of it.

It is customary for shoppers to drink tea while there and spend a full three hours to discover the entire complex.

Don’t leave any lane unvisited because every lane has a speciality and it’s wondrous to watch the shopkeepers bargain and get their way.

Kapali Carsi can be reached by tram in the Beyazit-Kapali Carsi route and it can be visited anytime between 8:30am and 7pm from Mondays through Saturdays.

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THIRUPATHI TOUR FROM COIMBATORE FOR THE BENEFIT OF PILGRIMS The circuits for Coimbatore departure from Hotel Tamilnadu, Coimbatore Pick Point- Erode, Salem.

Departure Coimbatore at 8.00 PM Proceed to Thirupathi (via) Tirupur, Erode, Salem, Vellore, Chittor and reach Thirupathi at 5.00 AM. Proceed to Thiruchanoor to have darshan of Goddess Alamelu Mangai The tour will be operated on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday Tour Commence on 13th March 2016 at 8.00 PM

S.No

Type of Vehicle

Departure Designation

Pick up Points

Fare Adult Child

1.

2.

3.

A/c coach A/c coach A/c coach

Coimbatore

Coimbatore Erode Salem

Rs.1,950/- Rs.1,550/Rs.1,800/- Rs.1,400/Rs.1,700/- Rs.1,300/-

Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, Tamil Nadu Tourism Complex, No. 2, Wallajah Road, Chennai - 600 002, Tamil Nadu, India Ph: 91-44-2533 3555, Fax: 91-44-2533 3772. Toll Free No. 1800 4253 1111 Website: www.tamilnadutourism.org E-mail: ttdc@vsnl.com For online booking log on to: www.ttdconline.com

LIVE | Review

A ‘HOLY’ VEGETARIAN GRILL, IT IS! Holy Grill, serving some hot all exclusive vegetarian BBQ is one of its kind in Chennai. Opened up in Nungambakkam on 30th December last year, this place has come to be one of the most talked about restaurants.

The concept of a BBQ wasn’t very new, but the fact that it’s an all vegetarian restaurant made it stand out from the rest. When we first heard about Holy Grill, we wondered how an only vegetarian BBQ place would fill up its menu with starters and main course choices to satisfy its customers. But once we saw their menu, we were truly amazed at the variety of dishes they serve.

With around seven starters on and off the BBQ grill, you are bound to be almost full even before starting off with the main course. Even though it’s a buffet, everything except the dessert is served to you on the table. The main course is a typical vegetarian spread and everything that is brought to your table is fresh and hot. When it comes to the desserts, there is an ample variety offered.

Their delicious cupcakes that are a part of the dessert spread is a worthy add-on! Holy Grill looks very classy with the wooden interiors, black glass tables and pretty lights adorning the black ceiling. Over all, it’s a must visit if you are looking for a satisfying experience with vegetarian food.

You are bound to walk out of here with a huge smile and a satiated stomach!

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(ACADEMIC YEAR 2016 - 17)

LIVE | What’s New?

Kalyan Jewellers launches Apoorva Diamond Collections The Apoorva collection comprises of choker, necklaces, quintessential for brides to be, besides celebrating traditional occasions and festivities. The necklaces will be matched with earrings, bracelets and bangles. These necklaces are created using a traditional canvas of organic motifs and a labyrinth of diamonds. The designs have an illusion setting that deliver more brilliance and a bold flourish.

GRT Hotels forays into a new vertical of Smart- Stays in strategic locations GRT Vibe Smart-Stays from the GRT Hotels and Resort offers something fresh and bold to the attitudinally young discerning traveler tired of one size-fits-all hotel experiences and celebrates the individual, where guests can enjoy an exciting and a carefree stay at the right price.

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