ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
PUNE, OCTOBER 17, 2015 | www.thegoldensparrow.com
Dais Plot’s got talent! Tucked away into the folds of Salisbury Park, it’s easy to ignore Dais Plot as just another slum pocket. The youngsters living here, however, insist that you stop a while to observe the goings-on. How else would you meet a gifted gymnast, cricketer, belly dancer and a biker with impressive skills, all waiting to blow your mind?
Determined actor
Mastering the art of self-defence
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Remember Deepa from Dil Chahta Hai?
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OCTOBER 17 , 2015 PUNE
STAGE
Get high on bass
Akshay Johar will launch his debut Global Bass album, Shots Fired at High Spirits next week By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab
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mong the few Bass-heavy, Electronic music producers in the country, Akshay Johar, aka Mojojojo, has been gathering a steady momentum over the years. Akshay is known for his work as a bassist with bands like Gravy Train, Barefaced Liar and the Doppler Effect. From playing with a multitude of bands as a bassist, to meriting a debut album, the musician has had an interesting career graph. Now he is set to release his debut album, titled Shots Fired. “The album is a product of the conscious and subconscious influences over the last 16 years, which have shaped me as an artist and a person. I have been working on it since September last year. It captures everything that has influenced me all these years. The album is a blend of Funk, Blues and heavy music like Dubstep. Also, it features four vocalists and a rapper,” shares Akshay. Shots Fired is mainly a bass-rich Electronica album, which fuses some Indian elements and is also bilingual. The nine tracks span across a range of emotions, moods and sub-genres with two tracks featuring strong Indian influences, including language and style. The album falls under the umbrella genre of Bass Music, as the driving rhythm sections are the most defining features of the tracks. The music can be described as driven, infectious, and danceable.
“I wanted to create an album, which is musically accessible to a wide demographic. Despite being in the dance music paradigm, the album features some deep, emotionally moving tracks and on the other hand there are tracks that are extremely energetic, uplifting and danceable and are directed for a music festival audience,” says Akshay. In October 2014, Akshay had released an EP, titled Bass Bahar, which featured cult classic Bollywood tracks from the 90s. He re-imagined the melodies with bass heavy rhythms, making them groovier. Akshay also released five bootlegs of popular tracks such as DJ Snake’s Lean On and the popular Bollywood track Chaiyya Chaiyya, which gained immense popularity, in the same year. He started playing the piano at the age of 10 but later switched to Electric Bass and hasn’t looked back since. He was soon introduced to EDM and immediately took to its bass heavy division. “I started learning the piano in the fifth standard and then took up the guitar. I pursued engineering because of my dad wanted me to. At the time, I didn’t have the conviction I have now so I went ahead with it. In those years, I realised what my true calling was and decided to pursue music full time,” he adds. Ever since, he has been storming the decks across the nation and has play widely at all music festivals. He has shared the stage with the likes of Dualist Inquiry, Nucleya, Sound Avatar, Alter State and other big Indie bands. “I was really inspired by Chemical Brothers’ music, and in 2008 Dubstep and Bass started picking up. I started experimenting and it caught my fancy,” he says. When: October 23, 8pm onwards Where: The High Spirits, Koregaon Park zainab.kantawala@goldensparrow.com
YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF EVENTS lifts up the spirits along with grooving to the beats of ‘Vernon & Abji’. When: October 17 Where: The Beer Cafe, Koregaon Park
Tribute to the 80’s Hard Rock Cafe is all set to lighten up your Thursday with a tribute to the 80’s by Strange Brew. More than 1200 gigs since its inception they are one of the most versatile bands. Coming from different musical backgrounds they have spent over 19 years
‘Abji and Vernon’ live This Saturday, The Beer Cafe brings you ‘Abji and Vernon’ a Pune based band with the ongoing Oktobrewfest celebrations. The band consists of Vernon Besterwicth is one of the city’s own guitar maestros and Abji George is a versatile singer and guitarist who has been performing since childhood. Together, they have the perfect blend of rock, pop, electro, retro and even originals. With over a decade of experience in the music scene and a keen sense of the audience’s taste, they can tailor the set to create an unforgettable event. What better way to celebrate your weekend with beer from the Bavarian land that
in the music business. The band has played all over the country as session artists with line ups such as Agnee, Colonial Cousins, Gary Lawyer, Fusion Ensemble, Mystic Frost, Karma and many other renowned artists. When: October 22 Where: Hard Rock Cafe, Koregaon Park
Sherrin Varghese Live Complete your Saturday with some well-curated music of dubstep, techhouse and commercial EDM as Sherrin Varghese dishes out some of his best work. The brain-child behind the Liquid Bass Project, he has had an illustrious career in the music industry. He is also known for his contribution as a playback singer, music producer and song-writer for several Bollywood projects. A well-known name in the Indian Electronica circuit, Sherrin is all set to play for Pune some of his best numbers in English and Hindi. When: October 17 Where: The Flying Saucer, Viman Nagar
3 TGS LIFE
The determined Aurangabad girl Rajshri Deshpande will be seen in India’s first, all-out female buddy movie project by internationally-acclaimed director Pan Nalin By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM
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he came to Pune to study law against her parents’ wishes and even ran an advertising agency here for a few years before the acting bug bit her. While most actresses prefer staying single, at least at the beginning of their career, Rajshri Deshpande began her stint as an actor after marrying her childhood friend. In fact it was her husband who saw the ‘fire’ in her and encouraged her to join an acting school in Mumbai. Recalling her early days when she first came to the city, Rajshri talks about how difficult it was for her to convince her over-protective parents to let their daughter to begin a life of her own in a strange city. “I still remember the first day of my college. As soon as we entered the gate, there was a sea of students from different cities and backgrounds. Some wearing clothes shorter than my mother could even imagine, walking freely and talking to girls and boys alike. It was a cultural shock for her, but I somehow managed to comfort my mother by saying that everything is going to be just fine. Surprisingly, it was my mother who
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
actor wanted me to do something different from the usual. She has been a government official and led a rather monotonous life. She wanted me to do something different, but my father, like most middle-class parents, wanted to me to become either a doctor, engineer or a lawyer.� Always drawn towards the creative field, Rajshri started working as a media planner in an advertising agency to earn some extra pocket money so she could fund her extensive travels. She also participated in theatre in the city and eventually started her own advertisement agency. By this time, her family had started pressurising her to get married and settle down like her other siblings. “I was not prepared to get married so early, but my father wouldn’t hear any excuses and that’s when I decided if at all I had to marry, it would be to someone I knew well. After marriage, I moved to Mumbai and seeing my passion for acting and the performing arts, my husband pushed me to join an acting school. I joined Whistling Woods International, which changed my life forever. It was a different world out there, where every day was a new chapter and there was so much to learn. I have always been an ardent learner, be it any field. So even after finishing my course at the institute, I joined Naseeruddin Shah’s Method School, which was a great experience altogether.� While Naseer may look a bit sombre, he is a great mentor and brings
PrE WEDDInG BonAnZA
ENTERTAINMENT
out the best in you, says Rajshri, who has also handled production work for the senior actor’s theatre group ‘Motley’ for over a year. But, like every budding actor, Rajshri too, had to go through testing times and struggle hard to get a break. “I would audition at multiple places to get a chance, and if things wouldn’t show up, I would just pack my bags and head out. I love travelling and consider myself a gypsie. It was also because I travelled extensively across the country that I met interesting people and learned different art forms apart from languages. In Kerala, I trained in Kathakali and Kalaripayattu.� Apparently, that’s one of the reasons that got her a prominent role in the upcoming film The Angry Indian Goddesses. “When the casting director, Dilip Shankar (Life of Pi), called me to come
for an audition, I was thrilled. At the meeting they asked me several questions about how and why I started acting, what are my hobbies, etc., and when I told them about my interests in dance, travels and social work, they looked at me quite thoughtfully, as if they were trying to gauge something. I instantly knew that they didn’t just wanted someone who likes acting, but someone more substantial. Luckily, I was amongst one of the 200 girls who were auditioned to play the role of Lakshmi.� Rajshri’s role, as a housemaid, is a very challenging one in the film, the actor says. “I play Sarah Jane Dias’ domestic help, whose family has been serving in the house for generations. She is not just a regular maid, but a prominent part of Sarah’s life — more like a sister, friend and companion. Almost every day, I would reach the set and make tea for everyone to get into the skin of my character.� Rajshri will be seen sharing the screen with Anushka Manchanda, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Sandhya Mridul and award-winning actor, Adil Hussain, besides others. The film was recently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it finished second for the People’s Choice Award. Being billed as the first Indian female buddy film, it also marks Pan Nalin’s debut in mainstream cinema. Rajshri has also appeared in a couple of television shows before getting into films. She was last seen in a Malayalam film called Haram and will soon be seen in a Bengali film too.
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TGS LIFE
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
ENTERTAINMENT
She wants to wow the south music industry
With unconditional support from her parents, talent and the perseverance to make a career in music, Akriti has managed to give us some of the best Bollywood hits
YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF EVENTS Stand-up Mondays Tickle your funny bone and drive away the Monday blues with Vipul Goyal. Independence Brewery and The Awkward Fruit bring to you a night when you can laugh off all your worries and begin your week on a high with the best in stand-up comedy in town. So, come and laugh till you drop. They promise you’ll have a great time. When: October 19, 9:30 pm Where: Independence Brewery, Mundhwa
Alien Chutney Mark your calendars for the weekend because Vir Das and his brilliant live comedy band Alien Chutney is coming to the High Spirits Cafe for a night of comic relief the musical way. It will be an evening of insane lyrics, funny songs, rock licks and headbanging comedy rock. Alien Chutney is India’s premiere comedy-rock band consists of Vir Das, Sidd Coutto, Gaurav Gupta, Warren Mendonsa and Kaizad Gherda. Brain child of Comedian Vir Das, the band is a mix of sophisticated original music with insane and retarded lyrics. When: October 17 Where: The High Spirits Cafe, Koregaon Park
By Salonee Mistry @Sal0412
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t is almost near to impossible to get hold of this singing diva. Despite not having a godfather in the music industry, Akriti Kakar packed her bags and moved from Delhi to Mumbai 11 years ago. She knew she would have to struggle, she had just not anticipated how much. In a heart-to-heart conversation with TGS, Akriti reveals why music is so important to her and the people she hopes to work with in the future. In her initial days in Bollywood, Akriti was only being offered remixes; something that she absolutely did not want to do. Taking it up because there was no other option, she unwillingly signed the contract. Today, when hits like Saturday Saturday from Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, Iski Uski from 2 States and the title track of Johnny Gaddaar, sung by Akriti, make it to award nominations and become chartbusters she cannot be more satisfied about the decision she took back then. She does not even think a moment before attributing her to her father. “When I decided to shift to Mumbai for a music career in Bollywood, my dad moved with me. He too struggled as he went from studio to studio trying to help me find something that I would like to work on. He cooked me meals when I returned from a hectic day and was basically my go-to person for everything. I cannot thank him enough,” a grateful Akriti says.She adds, “My mother was, however, the reason I was interested in music in the first place. Beinga music teacher, my sisters and I also turned into her students. Becoming a singer was actually my way of fulfilling her dream.” The remixes gave her material to show before music producers and that’s how work began pouring in.
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Welcome to Goa
Working with musicians like Shankar Mahadevan, Jeet Ganguly among others she says that there is no single trick that can ensure that every composer will be pleased with your work. On one hand, there is Shankarji, who allows some amount of liberty to the singers, on the other Himesh Reshamiya, who she has worked with on several occasions, needs the song to be sung in a particular manner. “Every music composer is different from the other. They all have their own style and comparing one with the other will not do justice to their uniqueness,” says Akriti. For Akriti, every musician, big or small, is an inspiration and everyone has a journey from which she believes others can learn. Someday she wants to be the voice of Madhuri Dixit and work with AR Rehman and Amit Trivedi. Also, after having worked in Bollywood, Akriti has sung a lot of songs in Bengali movies as well. She most definitely wants to sing in the music industry in the south soon. Currently, the singer is working on a few of her own compositions and recording a few other songs for upcoming Bollywood films. She has also been judging Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’L Champs aired on Zee Bangla. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com
Take a trip to Goa without actually having to spend for it. Through the canvas paintings of Amit Dhane, Burhan Nagarwala, Bhargav Kulkarni and Vijay Jadhav experience the rustic beauty of the beautiful city along with the peace and tranquillity of the beaches. The paintings of the old churches and other architectural sights of the city truly bring Goa to you. When: Till October, 22, 10am to 6pm Where: Let Art Work, Baner-Pashan Link Road
Gujarati Raas Dandiya Night For all the Dandiya Lovers and Tarak Mehta ka Oolta Chashma fans a high octane Dandiya Party has been organised at Yash Lawns in the heart of the city. The most loved daily soap star Jethalal (Dilip Joshi) and Babita (Munmun Dutta) will be dancing on the authentic Gujarati beats with all the Punekars and giving out loads of love, clicking selfies and prizes for the best dressed couples and dandiya groups. Live Orchestra will be showcased by Abhishek Chapke MTV Fame, Chhavi Sodhani Fame Gurukul, Sony TV and the highly respected Pragya Sodhani who is also known as the Dandiya Queen. When: October 21 Where: Yash Lawns, Bibwewadi
Celebrate Navratri at Adlabs Imagica
Head to Adlabs Imagica for a unique experience this Navratri with live music, delicious Navratri vrat (fasting) delicacies from all over India and loads of fun. Popular duo Preeti-Pinky will be performing on October 10. Shibani Kashyap, who sang the cult favourite Sajna aa bhi ja, will perform on October 16 & 17. Both the performances will be from 7pm to 10.30pm. Imagica Captial – the buffet restaurant, will be serving Navratri vrat delicacies from all over India during the evenings. This will be in addition to the regular menu at the restaurant. When: Till October 21 Where: Adlabs Imagica, Khopoli
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TGS LIFE
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
FEATURES
Metalheads reunite
Metal fans, get ready to mosh as the city’s own bands, Abraxas, Dark Helm and Halahkuh take the stage after a very long time By Ekta Katti
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he most awaited gig, Harley Rock Riders Season VI Kickoff , begins in the city on October 17, coming at the time when the metal scene in Pune looked like it was in shambles. The event, a brainchild of the event company 6th Element, was essentially started to reunite all the metalheads in the country. The Pune leg of the gig is part of the two-day festival which begins on October 30 at Byculla, Mumbai, which will be headlined by American thrash metal band Megadeth and reggae band The Wailers. Pune bands Abraxas, Dark Helm and Halahkuh will take the stage along with
Mumbai’s Providence and Delhi’s progressive metal band, Passages.
THE ‘METAL’ BOND An infusion of an ethnic character and modern metal, Dark Helm will play in Pune after eight long months. “We share a special bond with the metalheads here. It’s good to be playing again in front of the home crowd,” says bassist, Shubhrayu De. In fact, Shubhrayu hopes that the city gains its momentum and hosts more gigs. “Pune hasn’t seen a good gig in a very long time. The event is more like a fresh start and from here onwards we might have regular gigs,” adds the 22-year-old professional video game tester. Formed in 2008, the band is heavily influenced by Death and Th rash Metal band Eccentric Pendulum (Bengaluru) and Delhi’s Death Metal band, Th ird Sovereign. “We have practically grown up listening to Th ird Sovereign and what we are doing today, these bands had achieved 10 years
ago,” says Shubhrayu. Writing- and style-wise, the band claims to be very honest to their sound. Dark Helm plans to release their second album this December. “We’ve received mixed reviews on our fi rst album and we’re anticipating a good response for our second outing,” he adds. NO WAY BACK A love for Metal glues Death/Th rash band Halahkuh together. Formed in 2011, the band has been through their share of up and downs. There was a time when nothing was working in their favour and the band was on the verge of calling it quits. “Eventually, rough times never last. We kept our cool and played in as many gigs as we could. Later, things got smoother,” says guitarist Subhrajyoti Sarkar. Th rough their rough times, their fans were always there to support the band. “We are what we are because of their support. Th is city played a big role in shaping us into
what we are right now,” says the 27-year-old guitarist. The stepping stone for the band was when they played at the Inferno Metal Festival, Delhi, in 2014 and Big 69 in Mumbai. “Having played alongside Undying Inc was amazing. In spite of the fact that we were playing in Delhi for the fi rst time, the band received a good reception,” he adds. THE TRENDSETTERS Over the past fi ve years, Abraxas has taken pride in supporting upcoming metal bands.In a city where numerous bands are mushrooming, these guys are quite confident as their music speaks volumes about their experience.“The band has been through a lot since its inception. With the help of fellow musicians and audiences, we overcame a lot of difficulties and turmoil,” says vocalist Karan Pote. As of now, Abraxas is psyched as they have just released their merchandise. Like most bands, Abraxas does not have a specific outlook on how their brand of metal should sound. “Every member has a unique choice of music that they prefer listening to. We try not to meddle with that because the collective creation is sometimes overwhelming to us, in a positive manner,” he adds. ektaakatti@gmail.com
Unveil the real authentic Traditional Ayurveda RAHUL RAUT
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US
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
INDULGE
By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM
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ulti-cuisine restaurants and cozy cafes have become an indistinguishable part of the city but it’s the way some of these places serve their patrons that is attracting foodies all the more. From serving cocktails in bongs and test tubes to the popular Kheema Pavs in colourful tiffin boxes or Dal Makhni and butter chicken in shot glasses ‑ restaurants around town have nailed the trick to make sure their customers return again and again.
RAHUL RAUT
TGS LIFE
It’s not just food for the soul
From From serving serving Kheema Kheema Pavs Pavs in in colourful colourful tiffin tiffin boxes boxes or or Dal Dal Makhni Makhni and and butter butter chicken chicken in in shot shot glasses glasses ‑‑ restaurants restaurants around around town town have have nailed nailed the the trick trick to to make make sure sure their their customers customers return return again again and and again again
Raasta Café
Despite being located right in the middle of the busy Camp area, this funky open-air joint is the surprise spot for those living in and around the area but is still tucked away from the hustle and bustle. The first thing that you notice as you enter the café is its quirky bohemian interiors done in fun, vibrant shades of red, white and blue. The graffiti on walls and knick knacks elsewhere make this joint the perfect selfie destination. Raasta Café serves a combination of Indian, continental and Mediterranean finger food, but it’s their exciting serving style that pulls
Bombay Bronx
in customers, especially the younger lot. The Bong cocktail, served in traditional glass inhalers here, is one of their showstopper offerings, slightly expensive but worth a try. Next is the beer cocktail which is served in a big aluminum mug – often used by trekkers while camping - with the beer pint bottle upside down, which looks totally whacky. As for the food, one of their bestsellers is the kheema pav, which is served in a cute, colourful tiffin box containing two pavs and kheema. The French Fries are served right out of the fryer rack container, which looks unique. Where: Shantai Hotel, off Moledina Road, Camp
If the Mumbaiyya in you is getting all nostalgic, this is the place to be. In fact, this is the joint you must visit if you want to get the feel of the local life of Mumbai. Be it the décor with funky local train overhead handles hanging above the seating area, or the engaging messages on the walls written in typical Mumbai jargon will keep you busy until your food arrives. The cool tissue holder on every table is shaped like a double decker bus. Apart from the eccentric interiors, their style of serving food is also inspired by typical Mumbai streets. So, if you are visiting in a big group, you would like to order their wholesome Bombay Dabba which is an assortment of Pakoras, Kothambir Wadi and Dhokla served in multiple tea cups, while the Masala Fries are served wrapped in a newspaper cone. Thirst quenchers, such as Aam Panna, are served as shots in typical iron cutting chai holders. Where: City Point, Dhole Patil Road
The Flying Saucer Sky Bar
One of the most happening rooftop joints, this place needs no introduction. Be it their interesting fusion cuisine, which varies from North Indian, Mediterranean to Continental or the ambience that gives you the perfect view of Pune’s skyline as you enjoy a romantic dinner with your special someone or just visit with your friends for a chilled out late night do. Coming back to the food, did you ever imagine your favourite Dal Makhni or Butter Chicken being served in shot glasses? Well, the Punjabi chef here loves to surprise his customers and this is exactly how you will be brought your Punjabi delicacies on the table. The place also serves some delectable cocktails in large mason or milk jars. Where: Lunkad Sky Vista, Viman Nagar
It takes two to taco By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM AVOCADO AND VEGETABLE TACO Ingredients 1 Large red onion, thinly sliced 1 Cup warm water 6 tbsp Red wine vinegar ½ tsp Salt ½ tsp Sugar 1 Yellow & green pepper, each 2 tsp Chilli powder, or to taste ½ tsp Salt, or to taste ½ tsp Cumin 2 tsp Freshly-squeezed lime juice ½ large Shredded, blanched potato 2 nos Tomatoes, sliced 1 tbsp Grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or cottage cheese) 1 nos Hass avocado, sliced 1 bunch Fresh cilantro, chopped 6-8 nos Gluten-free, hard-shell taco 2bsp Hot chilli sauce (optional) A handful of shredded ice berg leaves GUACAMOLE DIP 2 Avocado seeded and peeled 2 Tomatoes chopped 1 White onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp Freshly-squeezed lime juice ½ bunch Cilantro, chopped ½ tsp Cayenne pepper A pinch Sugar (optional) Salt and crushed pepper, to taste Method Place sliced onions in a medium bowl. Combine warm water, red wine vinegar, half teaspoon salt and half teaspoon sugar in a separate bowl, mix well and pour over sliced onions. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Crumble cottage cheese in a bowl. Add chilli powder, salt, cumin and two teaspoons of lime juice, bell peppers and toss well. Transfer to a non stick skillet and cook over medium heat for five minutes, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool. To assemble the tacos, spoon shredded iceberg at the bottom of each taco and top with marinated onions, sliced tomatoes, potato, avocado and cilantro. Add a slice of lime and top it with mozzarella and hot sauce. Serve with the guacamole dip. Guacamole dip Place avocados in a bowl and mash with a fork. Mix in remaining ingredients; serve immediately. (Chef Sagar Joshi, Olive Bistro, Poona Club)
City chefs give Mexico’s most favourite dish their own twist of flavour. Have fun trying out these lip-smacking taco recipes at home and surprise your friends and family this weekend.
TGS LIFE
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
INDULGE FRIED ICE CREAM TACO Ingredients 4 scoops Vanilla ice cream I cup Bread crumbs 4 Tortilla bowls For topping Caramel sauce Whipped cream 2-3 pinches Cinnamon powder Method Take a scoop of vanilla ice cream and roll on breadcrumbs. Now keep in the freezer to set for eight hours. Fry tortilla bowls using tongs, along with the ice cream till it gets a golden colour. Lay fried ice cream on tortillas bowls and drizzle caramel sauce. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon powder. Chef Sarvajeet, TGI Fridays, Seasons Mall, Magarpatta City
DOUBLE NOPALITOS TACOS Ingredients 1 nos Chopped onions 1 nos Chopped tomatoes 1 nos Diced potatoes 1 nos Chopped jalapenos Half Bell peppers 1 cup Kidney beans ½ tsp Garlic powder ½ tsp Cumin powder ½ tsp Chilli flakes ½ tsp Oregano 2 tbsp Olive oil 4 nos Cone-shaped tortillas (available at gourmet shops) Salt, to taste Method Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté the chopped onions and potatoes on medium heat. Add garlic, bell peppers and jalapenos. Cook for a few minutes. Then add the chopped tomatoes. Continue to cook until all the vegetables are cooked thoroughly. Now, season with salt and pepper and other spices, to taste. Serve in a cone-shaped tortilla with tomato salsa, sour cream and green salad.
Shrimps Tomatillo Ingredients A handful Cherry tomatoes A bunch Asparagus Half cup Peeled orange slices 150 gm Grilled shrimp Half cup Cheese sauce 2 tbsp Olive oil ½ tsp Pepper ½ tsp Oregano Salt, to taste Method Whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Add in shrimp and toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for 1520 minutes to give the flavours a chance to marinate. Grill shrimp on medium heat until pink and cooked through. Sauté orange supreme, cherry tomatoes and asparagus for about a minute in olive oil. Add cheese, oregano, pepper and salt to taste. Plate the mixture and grilled shrimp on double tortilla with a layering of lettuce. Serve with tomato salsa and sour cream. (Chef Rajpal, Bottlerock - Restro & Lounge, Pashan-Sus Road)
YOUR CHOW AROUND TOWN Festival of BHOG Feast on the especially hand-picked treasures of India this Navratri festival. The Temple Cuisine of India is back and is so much more promising this time. The chefs are all prepared to serve to you dishes from the most revered temples of India like Jagannath Puri, Dilwara, Udupi, and Vaishno Devi. The menu consist of Patrail and Adraki bati as starters, Chana Sundal, Chena Poda, Radha Ashtami Arbi, Bejar ki Roti among other things in the main course. Complete your meal with the mouth-watering desserts like Makhan
Mishri, Mathura ke Pedhe and Khaja to name a few. When: October 17 to 22 Where: The Eatery, Four Points by Sheraton, Nagar Road
The Big Fat Punjabi Brunch Sunday calls for some authentic North Indian delicacies. Get ready to visit the Northern terrains through the delicious richly flavoured and spiced up creations of Chef Sagar.Plan the perfect outing with family and friends and feast on the
lavish spread including dishes Fried Fish Amritsari, Malai Broccoli, Delhi Chaat selection, Achari Paneer Tikka, Butter Chicken, Mutton Curry, Pindi Chana amongst others. Complement these with the cocktails, mocktails and juices. When: October 11 Where: Flying Saucer Skybar, Viman Nagar
Oktoberfest Be a part of one of the biggest beer festivals in Pune this weekend. Bring out the Dirndl and Lederhosen and the live the German live right here in your
city. A walk through the lanes of Bavaria via the decor as you dig into special dishes inspired from Germany like Karloffelpuffer, Currywurst, Frankfurter Mac n Cheese, a classic Frikadellen and much more. Drop by on Wednesday’s for the Luck of the Irish, a fun night of trivia and a lucky draw. Up for grabs are vouchers for unlimited beer, all food on the house, free Jagerbombs, free merchandize, 3 litre beer towers among other things. When: Till October 25 Where: The Irish House, Viman Nagar
TGS LIFE
TGS LIFE
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
FEATURES
ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
Bike mechanic, Aashish Naik uses his spare time to follow his passion of doing cycle and bike stunts
By Salonee Mistry and Zainab Kantawala @TGSWeekly
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t is considered to be one of Pune’s largest slum pockets yet it’s not all dark and dingy, with notorious elements sauntering around once night falls. In fact, Dais Plot in Salisbury Park shines brighter than the manicured, high-end streets nearby thanks to the talented youngsters who live here. Poverty does not hold them back from leading a culturally rich life. They’ve learned to treat the lack of funds as only one among the many challenges they’d face in their journey towards achieving fame and, more importantly, earning respect. They aren’t unrealistic though and they do not deny being exposed to crime and unlawful activities but it only shows how strong they are when they decide to walk away from the vices and carve a different niche for themselves. If you ever meet them, look them in the eye, smile, and hang on until they graciously prepare to show off.
Pardeep Vidhate one of Pune’s only professional male belly dancer, recently represnted India in China and has previously been a part of shows like Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega
UNLOCKING TALENT For this 13-year-old resident of Dais Plot, gymnastics was the key to unlocking her potential. Shreya Rajendra Dhole is daughter to a tempo driver, who works with a private firm, and a simple homemaker, whose pride
Dais Plot’s got talent! in their child is oh-so-evident. “We have always supported her and each time she has made us proud. She has won three silvers and a gold medal at state level competitions,” says a beaming Deepali Dhole, her mother. Shreya is currently training at Maharashtra Mandal Trust and practices for about three hours daily. “I was always interested in sports. So, my parents made sure I got all the training and let me pursue my interest. In gymnastics, I am good at the balancing beam and one day I hope to make the country proud,” she says. Innumerable small narrow lanes, with houses marking its tiny breadth and ensuring that it is large enough only to fit one person at a time is where Rohan Patil grew up. After losing his father while he was still very young, Rohan has seen his mother, the only bread winner of the family, struggle, but ensure that she gave her son everything he wished for. To make ends meet, his mother Uma Patil worked at a creche as well as a cook at a few households. Growing up, the only thing Rohan was interested in was cricket. He absolutely loved everything about the game. “Cricket makes me happy. Irrespective of what I am doing on field, just being in the midst of a game gets me excited,” says Rohan, smiling all along. Rohan has played in the Maharashtra Premier League and for the Pune District Cricket Association. Hoping that he could be the next Ajinkya Rahane, Rohan worked hard throughout his childhood, only to face heart-breaking disappointments. There was a time when he represented Maharashtra but, today, he’s busy preparing others for their bright future. A cricket coach at all three Bishops’s schools in the city as well as at the Cricket Next Academy, Rohan is now a responsible adult, who helps his mother feed the family of four. After 15 years of being a professional cycle and bike stuntman, Aashish Arun Naik simply can’t stop talking about the sport. “I came across a video of some guy doing stunts on a cycle on Youtube and it immediately caught my attention. I found a few people who were already doing it in the city and then there was no stopping me,” recalls Aashish, who has undergone rigorous training to perform any stunt on any bike or cycle at any given time. For 16-year-old Vikas Gaikwad, it has been a tough ride convincing his parents to let him pursue his passion. He is a contortionist,
ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
Tucked away into the folds of Salisbury Park, it’s easy to ignore Dais Plot as just another slum pocket. The youngsters living here, however, insist that you stop a while to observe the goings-on. How else would you meet a gifted gymnast, cricketer, belly dancer and a biker with impressive skills, all waiting to blow your mind?
FEATURES
16 year old Vikas Gaikwad, is an execptional contortionist
financial condition didn’t allow me to continue gifted with astonishing body flexibility. He attending the academy,” he says. is now learning acrobatics and hip hop from Rohan Patil, on the other hand, is now another talented dancer Suhas Salunkhe residing encouraging his younger brothers to study and in the same area. “My parents want me to focus is aiming to give them everything that they on education but I am more inclined towards desire. “Even though my younger brothers work bone-breaking and dancing. I have been learning and can fend for themselves, I still feel that it is dance for the past two years now and I want to my responsibility to take care make my parents proud one of them. My mother has done day,” he says, earnestly. as much as she can for us by Pradeep Ramesh Vidhate, working in a daycare centre and 23, was born and brought up going to houses to cook food. in a musical family, where I just have to channelise my his uncle played the tabla energy and resources towards and his grandfather was a the young children that I teach. classical dancer. Dance, then, If they succeed, I succeed,” was an obvious choice for says Rohan who, despite, all the youngster but due to the his troubles manages to smile family’s financial conditions throughout the conversation. he never got the opportunity Living in a house big to learn professionally. “I saw enough to fit a small tempo, the video for the song ‘Hips Aashish runs a small twoDon’t Lie’ by Shakira and that wheeler garage opposite the inspired me to take up belly — VIKAS GAIKWAD Dias Plot area. As a result dancing. I started watching of his love for bike and cycle videos on Youtube and learned stunts, Aashish has had the moves,” he says. At 16, he participated in the reality show innumerable fractures. He also has a ligament Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega’ and was tear on his knee. Losing his parents when he selected for the final round too. “Being on TV was just seven, Aashish started living with his was a different experience. I was the only male aunt. He even worked for a while at a corporate belly dancer. I was nervous about dancing in front office but the salary did not quite help make ends of Farah Khan, Anu Malik, John Abraham and meet. In any case, he always wanted to be selfKatrina Kaif. These are people I could only dream employed. “Even if it’s not a big job, I get to be of meeting. But after my performance, all of them around bikes, which I absolutely love, and be my gave me a standing ovation and this encouraged own boss. Very often, I customise bikes based on me to take up dance as a career,” he adds. what the customer wants and it’s an amazing way not just to put my creativity to test but also my LIFE IS A STRUGGLE knowledge about bikes,” he adds. Dais Plot is an unending stretch of narrow lanes, open sewers and cramped houses. In the morning SENSE OF PRIDE hours, one can see men and women hurriedly Shreya looks like a typical school-going girl, getting ready to go to work. Here, not everyone sporting a bob-cut and a smile that defines her has the luxury of a comfortable restroom or innocence. She has been selected for a state-level running water in their homes. But even in the competition. She is among the 12 shortlisted smallest of rooms, there is a cooking gas stove and from the 300 students who participated. Having constant electricity. Many residents here have a gotten this far, Shreya is confident of bringing TV, with a cable connection, that ensures they home a gold medal. can catch up with their favourite soaps. Some Pradeep recently represented India at the children living here have little or no education. Belly Dancing Championship and World Dance They have to rely on charities and NGOs to help Conference held in China. He was the only one school them. from the country selected for the championship. For Pradeep, the passion for belly dance was “It was three years of hard work that got me so great that he chose dance over education. “I this medal. I borrowed money from friends was walking home one day when I saw a dance and relatives to sign up for the competition. I academy on my way and I decided to join it. But, performed belly dance and fused it with Kathak soon after, my father passed away. My family’s steps. Everyone really liked the choreography
My parents want me to focus on education but I am more inclined towards bone-breaking and dancing
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
Shreya Dhole who is just 13 is a state level gymnast
Rohan Patil who was a player in the Maharashtra Premier League is now a cricket coach at all the three Bishop’s School branches in the city as well as at the Cricket Next Academy
and I got an overwhelming response for my performance,” he adds. They all are working hard towards fulfilling their dreams, irrespective of their surroundings and circumstances. Some have applied for loans while others have taken up jobs to fund their passion. All of them believe in never giving up, tackling their problems
positively and being happy in whatever they have. While the world around them sit nestled in the comfort of a well-furnished room, these guys have learned to overcome huge barriers, like they’re brushing a fly off their shoulder, and find happiness in their many achievements. tgs.feedback@goldensparrow.com
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
THRILL OF DRIVING
By Tushar Burman @tburman
W
hen was the last time you arrived somewhere or passed a crowd in your German uber-sedan and received anything more than a passing glance? Call it rampant income disparity or acche din, today’s reality is such that European roundels adorning your bonnet don’t carry the cachet they once did. Maserati too is a European purveyor of luxury motor vehicles, but one that pitches itself a bit more upmarket. By their own admission, they have a cap on their annual production to retain exclusivity. They haven’t reached it yet, but it’s there. Just so you know. The Quattroporte GTS you see here doesn’t have a roundel anywhere on its decadently sculpted coachwork, instead, announcing its arrival with its regal-looking trident brand marque and a menacing hum from its turbo V8. There’s just no way to tiptoe around the question of price and the value proposition of the Quattroporte GTS. At Rs 2.2 crore ex-showroom, the value prop is awful. You can buy the recentlylaunched Maybach S 500 for far less and be far more comfortable at the back. You could pony up another Rs 40 lac and get an S 600 with comforts rivalling a private Learjet. This author could buy every single apartment in his modest residential building, freeing up lots of parking spots. For your two hundred and twenty lac rupees before the government takes its share, you get a very basic bench seat at the back with a simple, folding armrest inbetween with cup holders. Practical storage is scarce overall. There’s massive hump in the centre of
SENSATIONAL You have to be a particular kind of individual to buy this car. Very, very particular
the bench above the transmission tunnel (also massive), leaving the fifth passenger an unfortunate soul. The only personalisation rear passengers have is in their individual climate control, and whether the sun shades should be up or down. However, every surface is covered in so much luxurious leather that occupants may be in danger of being beaten to death by a right-wing mob. There’s carbon fibre and mood lighting across the dash, but generally, every luxury in this luxury sedan is practically pedestrian compared to its peers. Should you buy the Maserati Quattroporte GTS luxury sedan? doors is incidental. The purpose Experts in the office agree, of this Maserati is to evoke the answer is no. feelings of wonder and Verdict Reflect a moment, envy in those outside, + Design, if you will, on the and turgidity in performance name: ‘Quattroporte’, the bloke behind literally, “four doors” the wheel. There - Value in Italian. What an really is no genteel, TGS rating unimaginative and gender-neutral ;;;;Z obvious name for a car, way to describe the you’d think. This is because experience of the GTS. the fact that the car has four Even in this modest metallic brown colour, the Quattroporte attracts so much attention that it’s downright dangerous. Bikers recklessly overtake just to get a look at the badge in the front grille. Cameraphones are fished out hurriedly for photos and videos. Other luxury cars stop in deference and wait while it circumscribes a giant arc to turn against traffic, even when driven by Pune’s notoriously inconsiderate motorists. You could paint it red and slap an equine logo on the grille and all would be well. Turn onto the expressway and punch the precious few buttons enabling sport mode and suspension, and there’s an instant change in the exhaust note. It’s not a raucous AMG-style growl/
roar, but rather a muted sub-bass frequency that gives occupants enough feedback of pace with the occasional crackle on upshifts if you really mash it. The ride is stiff, even in the regular drive mode, not helped by the huge, sporty 20” rims shod in low-profile Pirelli rubber. There’s some road noise but the cabin is remarkably quiet and composed at speed. Threading through late night truck traffic at elevated speed in an 5.2 metre-long sedan was not enough to wake this author’s spouse, fast asleep in the passenger seat. The front two seats are heated and cooled, which is a boon at this time of year. Feedback from the steering is another unique characteristic of the Quattroporte GTS. To begin with, feel is quite heavy compared to the typical electrically-assisted tillers we’re used to. There’s plenty of rumble coming through the wheel from the fat, low-pro tyres, which is not what one expects of a typical luxury sedan. Such is the sensation that one occasionally must fight the wheel as it drags to one side depending on the incline of the road. You may have guessed that
ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
TGS LIFE
this makes it a very entertaining car to drive with the traction control off, circumscribing massive dusty donuts at will. The 3.8-litre V8 makes a surprising amount of power for its modest displacement, generating 530bhp and 650Nm (710Nm with overboost) of torque. Expectedly, power comes on in a rush if you’re in sport mode and pin the throttle, thanks to the small displacement/ big boost combo. Despite the huge 285-section rear tyres and all electronic nannies enabled, it’s common to hear the rubber chirp under hard acceleration. The ubiquitous ZF 8-speed gearbox maintains motivation, and it’s easy to see just why this gearbox is so popular. Whether in regular or sport mode, it handles shifts with such smoothness that it’s imperceptible apart from the changed tone of the motor. It almost feels like a dual-clutch unit in sport, up- and downshifting aggressively to keep things blurry. Once you get past the length, 1900kg weight and fear of scratching a 2.2-crore (exshowroom) car, the Quattroporte GTS is a genuinely fun car to drive while being cossetted in great comfort, at least up front. The large boot makes it quite practical as well, a quality that’s hard to mix with drop-dead exotic looks. Just watch the speed bumps; the car will scrape on the particularly offensive ones. The Maserati Quattroporte GTS is like a finely-crafted, handmade Italian shoes. They fit perfectly and dazzle at the correct occasion, but you don’t wear them everyday, and usually not all day. Should you buy the Quattroporte GTS luxury sedan? At this price, probably not. Should you buy the Quattroporte GTS sport sedan? Sì, sì! tushar@goldensparrow.com
RAHUL RAUT
TGS LIFE
Remember Deepa from
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
Dil Chahta Hai?
FEATURES
By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM
F
ourteen years after Dil Chahta Hai (DCH) released, Samantha Sirohi talks about how she got her first big Bollywood break in Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut, the years before and after If you’ve seen the film Dil Chahta Hai, it’s quite hard to forget the girl who was head over heels for Aamir Khan’s character Akash and her nasal tone when she called out to him. Samantha Sirohi was the girl who also played Vivek Oberoi’s friend in Saathiya a few years later, but it was the popular youth TV show Hip Hip Hurray (1999-2000), that gave the actor her first break, which eventually led to movies, theatre and more. As we catch up with her after almost a decade-and-a-half, she is still the same bubbly self. A doting mother to her seven-yearold daughter Kiara, Samantha now lives in Pune and works as a full-time PR professional. While talking about her pre-Bollywood days in the city, where she grew up and became a model right after her college, she says that it was the best time of her life. “I became a ramp model and enjoyed being a part of the glamour world immensely but that wasn’t enough. As a young girl, I wanted to do more, so I decided to move to Mumbai. I had no plans to become an actor and it all happened in a jiffy. I just heard from a friend that Nupur Asthana, the director of Hip Hip Hurray, was auditioning for an upcoming TV show, which would be based on the lives of a couple of school children. I was lucky to get selected and the show became a major hit amongst the youth.” It was around this time, that Zoya and Farhan Akhtar were also looking for fresh faces for DCH, where the entire Hip Hip Hurray cast went to audition. “It was a fun role and they actually
With daughter Kiara
Fashion for a cause
Audoir de Valter. The event took place at The Flying Saucer Sky Bar and received support from everyone who had come to attend the cause. Some of the prominent names in the guest list included Nick Hawkins, Vidya Tiwari, Parag Anand, Jasvinder Mukar, and Rahul Bhambri. The evening opened with a highoctane performance by popular singer Cynthia Furtado. While everyone enjoyed the foot-tapping beats of DJ Abhishek Mantri, emcee Chaitanya Rathi kept everyone entertained throughout the show. The fashion show was directed by Sandeep Dharma, and well-known models such as Zoya Patel, Laveena Keshwani, Anu Shinde, Mansi Mishra, Pratyachana, Riddhi Kumar, Surabhi Nigam and show stopper Chahat Dalal sashayed down the ramp wearing the special creation by the foundation.
Still from Dil Chahta Hai
wanted a girl, who had an unusual voice and personality, to play the role of Deepa. In fact, it was the part of my audition to say Akash in a way that would sound weird and funny. After about a couple of takes, I got what they wanted and that’s how I got the role. Interestingly, I didn’t know who the lead actors would be and when I heard it’s going to be Aamir, Saif and Akshay with whom I would share screen space, I couldn’t believe my stars. I think I was just plain lucky.” Samantha did a couple of more TV shows and also appeared in Marathi films as well as theatre productions until 2005, when she met her future husband Amit. “I have always gone with the flow and never really planned things so when I got married, I wanted to just enjoy being married and acting took a backseat. Then, in 2008, my daughter arrived. That’s when I decided to move back to Pune and stay close to my family. My husband is a pilot so he is always on the go and also, I wanted to bring up my child in this city.” After she moved back to Pune, Samantha had to start her life all over again and a friend suggested she try her hand at handling public relations for his company. “Till then, I had no idea how PR worked. My friend told me that I had the right personality and the fact that I love interacting with people was just the thing that the field needed. I happily agreed and now it’s been over five years that I have been doing this job. It gives me great satisfaction. Even though I am not acting, I meet interesting people from the creative field and stay connected with media, which is a lot of fun.” If given a chance, Samantha says she would love to act again. In fact, she has recently completed shooting for a film alongwith Abhay Deol which is slated to release next year. “I miss my acting days a lot but it’s hard to make a comeback when you have been away from the scene for so long. Whenever I get an opportunity, I would be more than happy to act again.” For now, she is happy being a working mother, which keeps her hands full at all times. Besides, Samantha loves to go out with friends to attend music gigs around the city. heena.grover@goldensparrow.com
The Derby Sunday
WEEK THAT WAS
L
ast weekend saw ‘Hope For The Children Foundation’ coming up with a unique fashion show called ‘Udaan Couture’, that showcased creations by a group of highly-skilled women. This is a part of the ‘Atmanirbharta’ initiative started by the founder of the organization, Caroline
T
he much-awaited Nanoli Stud Pune Derby, the biggest and last race of the Pune monsoon racing season, saw the derby enthusiasts flocking at the Turf Club last weekend. Cooji Katrak-trained Bullrun, the glorious winner of the Nanoli Stud Pune Derby 2015, owned by Jimmy Sarbh, Vandana Desai, Akshay Chudasama and Ashish Kapadia, took home a whopping Rs 34,65,000 prize besides the prestigious trophy valued at Rs 1 lakh. Amidst the cheer, the racing ground also saw the tragic fall of the second contender, Continental missed the stride and collapsed just
50 meters away from the winning post. He broke his left ankle joint that also dislodged jockey Suraj Narredu. Owned by Billionaire Pallon S Mistry, Continental was later euthanised on Humanitarian grounds. Apart from the regular pretty faces spotted wearing their customary feather hats and colourful dresses, another attraction besides the race was the Oktoberfest that was organized by the IndoGerman Chamber of Commerce. There was free flowing beer and live music along the exciting race - all in the day’s work.
SP
TGS LIFE
Blade Sports Shoe
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
Embrace the early morning jog by giving your feet the kind of comfort it has never felt before. The bold orange combined with black is sure to brighten you up even on the dullest morning. Where: New Maxo Shoes, Kolsa Gali, MG Road Price: Rs 1,299
SHOPPING
Dress your feet in style
By Salonee Mistry
Quirky Casuals
A
Banto
Travelling out of station and don’t want to carry multiple shoes, here is the solution. Carry the banto and wear it with both your western and ethnic attires. A stylish look with the well-crafted design and shiny leather is a given. Comfort is the added bonus. Where: Fashion Point, Kolsa Gali, MG Road Price: Rs 600
Be it the Sunday brunch, a happening party or a just any other non-formal occasion, pair these quirky casuals with ripped jeans and a white shirt and look your best. Where: Maxo Shoes, Kolsa Gali, MG Road Price: Rs 800
Flex Experience
PICS BYRAHUL RAUT
s you pick out the most comfortable tracks and t-shirt for your morning jog you most definitely have to have an equally comfortable pair of running shoes. The perfect shirt, trousers and jacket for the evening party coupled with the right pair of shoes makes an even better lasting impression. While the footwear options for girls is never-ending with infinite colour and design options, the guys however have a limited variety to choose from. If you are the kind of guy who is picky about what he wears on his feet, here is a special selection of shoes for you to choose from that will go with almost anything you wear and will give you the chic look.
Loafers
A great set of running shoes for the regular jogger, this black and orange pair, also available in black and green is one of Nike’s latest additions to their range of sports shoes. The specially designed insole acts as a cushion to your feet. Where: Shoe Paradise, JM Road Price: Rs 4695
The camel coloured loafers also available in black and brown have a well colour co-ordinated checks print on the inside and white threading on the outside. Combine them with a pair of jeans and a shirt or t-shirt to add to its style quotient. Where: Fashion Point, Kolsa Gali, MG Road Price: Rs 800
Ankle long Boots
If you are a lover of long bike rides this shoe is everything you have been waiting for. Strap on the boots, and ride on a never-ending road of comfort and style. The well designed sole of the shoes give you the perfect grip. Where: New Maxo Shoes, Kolsa Gali, MG Road Price: Rs 1,499
Rough and tough Casual Shoes Pair up these round toes lace up shoes with a great ensemble for the evening party. The tough rubber outsole with grooves and lugs make the shoes resilient for even the toughest terrains for the weekend hikes. Where: Woodland, all outlets Price: Rs 3,095
Black Slip-on Everyday Grey Sandals
These grey and red sandals are blessed with a high style quotient and ensure a super-cool look. Crafted out of synthetic material, these sandals are comfortable for casual strolls and the neverending evening hangouts with friends. Where: Bata, all outlets Price: Rs 999
The rich textured leather of the shoe with its glossy finish will work everywhere right from the corporate office board meetings to the club outings, with equal style. The contrasting white thread detailing on the outer edges enhances the suave appeal of the shoe and the one wearing it. Where: Tresmode, Phoenix Marketcity, Nagar Road Price: Rs 3,000
TGS LIFE
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
FEATURES
Once upon a time… Sharing stories has never been this innovative. The art is catching on amongst youngsters and children alike By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab
J
ust as the art of storytelling was on the verge of a sad, quiet demise, some people have accepted the challenge to take up storytelling seriously. In fact, storytelling has taken on a new avatar with a lot of clubs and workshops engaging youngsters and children through it. Their tales might be the same but they have managed to make it more interesting by bringing in props and technology to reach a wider audience. The storytellers of yesteryears have surely changed the way we think and shaped our minds positively with stories of heroes, villains, magic and good deeds. Now, social media too is helping revive the trend with web pages like Terribly Tiny Tales which have become popular with youngsters. Changing times There were times when a family would get together to hear stories around a fire. It helped create a bond and build the feeling of oneness. “Times have changed today. Youngsters are more inclined towards electronics. It’s important to involve children with the stories of grandparents,” says Peter Viegas, founder of The Storytellers Club. Every community or culture has a strong background in storytelling, which is crafted by its beliefs and passed on to the younger generation. “The trend is the need of the people to regain community space. They need a place to share, talk, listen and be themselves. A story-telling session provides an opportunity to recollect old memories; every story takes you back in time and reminds you of some emotion or moment,” he adds.
Like any growing movement, the youth are the first to embrace change. Storytelling fits perfectly in the modern age as it provides the skills and abilities to make your personal brand stand out. “Stories arouse a lot of interest in a very authentic manner. They help you leave an impression in the minds of your customers, friends as they observe and experience every action. It is more often your story that people use to decide what they think about you, whether they want to befriend you or ignore you,” explains Nancy Katyal, an image consultant, who also holds regular storytelling workshops in the city. Bringing the innovation The Kahani Project brings together storytellers from across the world. They crowdsource audio stories and distribute them either through their website or through MP3 players given to visually impaired children in various
institutes for the blind. Their website features audio stories that are recorded by volunteers, who have a passion for storytelling. “We believe that listening to stories is the fundamental right of every child. When it is captured in digital audio format, stories can be made more accessible and available to children of all age groups and disabilities,” says Ajay Dasgupta, founder. Nancy Katyal facilitates one-on-one sessions on several subjects such as image and personal storytelling, storytelling in business, public speaking and storytelling, and personal branding and storytelling. As an image consultant and founder of
the firm The Perfect You, she always believed that even before one gets the chance to speak, people create a story about us in their head. “I have been very fond of listening to stories, right since childhood. I grew up listening to stories from my parents. The stories were about the triumphs and struggles of different people. Also, when I spoke with corporate storytellers working abroad, they said that they could hold an audience totally engrossed in what was being said. I felt that there was not much that was happening in India despite the fact that the art had vast scope. Hence, I decided to take a plunge,” Nancy adds. Visual stories have also captured youngsters’ attention. Kids find face-to-face storytelling more appealing. “Storytellers have disappeared from our houses yet the nature of visual storytelling is the same. Earlier, grannies told us stories and now we’re making do with our iPads and smart phones,” says Ajay. The Story Station is Aundh’s newest literary centre set up with an intention to make reading stories fun and interesting. Over the last nine years, Vaishali Kulkarni has been working with a number of schools, children’s organisations and centres to get both, children and adults interested in reading books. “It started nine years ago, when the walking plaza became a hit in Pune. After seeking permission from the Pune Cantonment Board, I began storytelling on the streets of MG road for both, children and adults. As a child, it was storytelling that got me hooked to reading and I believed that this path may turn kids and uninitiated readers towards the creative world of books and stories,” says Vaishali. Build positive connections In a world that has become quite busy, storytelling helps you distinguish yourself from the rest. It gives you confidence to speak up. “Human beings are hard wired for stories, the moment we hear the words “let me tell you a story” we are all ears to what is being said. Research has shown that even people with low motivation or students with weak academic skills are more likely to listen and read in the context of storytelling,” explains Nancy. Storytelling has the power to connect with an audience unlike any other medium. It helps create an effective communicator and leader. It also helps listeners connect to the message and retain it for entire lifetimes, possibly. “People are generally scared to speak up, as they think they would make a fool of themselves. Storytelling provides a courageous feeling,” adds Peter. It is a powerful tool to build relations. All of us are born storytellers. Parents too find an alternative medium to engage their children in storytelling activities. “Parents have realised that digital life is a life of isolation. They want their children to engage in storytelling where they can learn to share and communicate,” says Ajay. zainab.kantawala@goldensparrow.com
“It is more often your story that people use to decide what they think about you.”
TGS LIFE
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RAHUL RAUT
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
14
In different corners of the city, lovers of martial arts are conducting classes and, steadily, ensuring the community stays on the rise
Mastering the art of self-defence A
self-defence class in Karate, Taekwondo or Judo is extremely common but there are innumerable other traditional ways of combat that even though are extremely beneficial have been in the dark. Widely popular across the world, these rare martial art forms are catching up in the city as well. With the few coaching institutes that actually do teach these art forms adding extra batches and opening new centres, one can most definitely assume that these rare martial arts are becoming extremely popular. CAPOEIR A A perfect blend of dance, music and acrobatics, Capoeira is a form of martial art from Brazil. An art that teaches defence, without the need of contact, it is suitable for all age groups. With around 1416 capoeiristas across the city, the sport is still quite rare in the city but it is catching up. Brought to Pune by Ana Seastone in 2011, there is currently just one capoeira coaching class in the city. Spreading awareness about the art form has been the most difficult job. “I was always into martial arts as a kid, be it karate or kick-boxing but capoeira is altogether a different
game. The three elements, when put together, have a charm of their own,” says 28-year-old Sagar Kate, who has been practicing capoeira for the past four years and now even coaches others. While the youngest member at the class is just four and a half years old, the oldest is 42. Besides being fun and an eye-catching sport, capoeira helps develop balance, coordination, a better level of fitness, a sense of rhythm, awareness of one’s own body and flexibility. SHITO-RYU Being inspired by innumerable martial art movies, Naresh Sharma, 38, trained in Japan under souke Kuniaki Nobukawa after studying Karate for a few years. Practicing Shito-Ryu for two decades now, Naresh set up classes in Pune with the hope that he could give to the city what karate gave him. “I feel that every individual should reap the benefits of Shito-Ryu and direct their life in a better direction. Being passionate about the art form myself, I decided to dedicate the rest of my life teaching something that I love,” says Naresh. While the response has steadily grown over the years, the biggest challenge is making people understand the amount of time and effort that they would need to
ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
By Salonee Mistry @Sal0412
Students practice Kangleicha a form of Chinese Kung-Fu under the guidance of master Sameer
Master Anoop teaches his students how to defend themselves when attacked just near the face in a lesson in Aikido
invest. Unlike instant coffee, the art form requires time and patience to master, explains Naresh. Having taught lakhs of students from across the country, Naresh, along with his brother, runs classes throughout the city. They cater to over 2,000 people and their students include a four-year-old as well as a 67-year-old. One of the four major styles of Karate, Shito-Ryu was invented by master Kenwa Mabuni. The martial art form develops the balance and harmony of an individual along with his or her spiritual, mental, and physical strength. AIKIDO Taking away from the traditional Japanese martial art forms and combining them with relatively modern forms, Aikido is a way (Do) of harmonising (Ai) with energy (Ki). Instead of using
techniques to kill or disable an attacker, Aikido uses it to resolve the conflict without causing pain to the attacker. The trick is to cause an imbalance in the attacker using his or her energy, which results in a throw or an immobilising joint lock. When Anoop Chengara moved to Pune from the United Sates about a year ago, he could not find a place to continue practicing Aikido so he decided to start his own class. “With the philosophy of not harming the attacker, coupled with an underlying physical principle which allows the philosophy to be practiced effectively, while under attack, is one of the most unique things about the art form,” explains Anoop. In addition, the fact that the art form has not turned into a competitive sport is also one of the things that sets it apart from the others, he adds.
Aikido, just like the other martial arts, requires a great deal of patience and discipline. Not everyone can commit to it and that is the biggest challenge that Anoop is battling with right now. With over 30 people currently enrolled in his class, the age varies from school students to 50-year-olds.
ANIRUDDHA RAJANDEKAR
Master Naresh teaching his students the various stances of Shito-Ryu
Capoeiristas from the city practicing the Braziling form of martial arts
K ANGLEICHA Based on the principles of Chinese Kung Fu, the martial art form of Kangleicha is being practiced in Pune since 1972 at one of the first martial arts coaching classes. Practising Kangleicha for over 25 years now, Sameer Ismail Shaikh, 44, was an avid follower of the art form since childhood. “Kangleicha helps increase one’s thinking ability, speed and physical strength among other things. Technique is the key to mastering the art form,” says Sameer. Training around 2,000 students across the city in Rasta Peth, Kondhwa, Kothrud, Hadapsar and Warje, Sameer and his team could not be happier about the kind of response that the art form has garnered. Patience is the key to learning, understanding and mastering the art form. What sets Kangleicha apart from others is that it’s one of the oldest forms and is about skill and technique. Even mental health, in terms of self-esteem, self-control along with emotional and spiritual well-being is a given with the art form. In fact, Sameer also meditates through Kangleicha techniques quite often. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com
RAHUL RAUT
TGS LIFE
sons to be well-educated. They must not go through what I did simply be- OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE cause we don’t have enough money. I will work three jobs if I have to, but will make sure they get to do whatever it is that they want to,” says the 28 year old. Living in a small one BHK at Warje Malwadi, Laxman studied till the eighth grade till he was forced to quit and migrate to the city in search of a job. Growing up, the only thing Laxman out of that sickness, made Laxman realwanted to do was fight crime. Since ise that life is short and cribbing about joining the police force will always just things that are out of your control is a be a dream for him, he is hoping to send further waste of the short time you have. his sons in that direction. He hopes that This is when he took up the second job. Along with this, Laxman loaned his children will achieve what some more money from his he could not and if the milifriends and bought a bike and tary or the police force is not car for him and his family. “I their chosen part he would be okay with that too. unekar want my wife and children to have all the luxury and comfort Working two jobs, gives that I as a child did not get. BeLaxman only a few hours of sleep and yet he never complains. longing to the Dhangar community, we “People have hobbies like painting and were almost nomads and a luxurious life dancing or even music. My only hobby was out of question. It doesn’t matter if is working. It keeps my mind occupied it takes me a few extra hours every day and puts me in a happier place,” he says to earn the extra money, but my family’s happiness is the secret to my happiness,” with a beaming smile. There was a time when Laxman says Laxman. Full of zest that is highly infectious did not have enough to even have one meal. Falling sick a few years back dug Laxman continues to take everything deep holes in his pocket. He borrowed that life throws at him positively taking money from friends and banks and every day as it comes. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com managed to survive somehow. Coming
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Working is his favourite passtime E very time he walks into the bank to serve a hot steaming cup of chai, he smiles like he’s the happiest person alive. Speaking in his broken English, he greets everyone, makes jokes and undoubtedly livens up the atmosphere in the room. A waiter at a restaurant by day and a
security guard by night, Laxman Gore’s favourite pastime is being on the job. Moving to the city when he was just 12, he gave up his dream of joining the police force to take care of his family. Hailing from the lush green region of Konkan, Laxman with the help of his brother, started working
at a restaurant in Shaniwar Peth. As a result of family disputes, Laxman got separated from his brothers and today is the sole bread winner of his family of four. Facing a financial crunch he took up a night job with a security agency alongside working in the restaurant. “I want my
Knot up your midriff
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part from dresses. Kim Kardashian accentuated the clothes the narrowest part of her body (waist) you wear with a thick sash and just like this the one of the best Obi has numerous advantages. ways to flaunt your Originated in Japan, it was worn curves is with the by both men and women on their help of an obi belt kimonos. A type of belt typically tied or sash. It is the together rather than fastened with a perfect solution buckle. There are 11 different types of to getting an hour Jyoti Sachdev Iyer Obi or sashes as it is more commonly glass figure for the known. last minute party Here are a few tips to use the obi plans. It also helps break the long belt to suit your body type the best torso figure that you might have. • If you have a narrow waistline The Obi belt or the sash has it is best to accentuate it with a been in vogue since a long thick sash. On the contrary STYLE time. The size of the belt if you have a thick waistline GURU may vary depending on the a narrow obi belt would be ensemble worn. The Obi can be perfect. worn interestingly with jumpsuits, • If you have a tall body frame your long skirts, short skirts, trousers and obi belt should be thick and vice-versa for those that are elfin • For those that are gifted with a boyish frame very often dressing up or an evening of fun can be quite the task. For such people the obi should be tied larger-than-life. For the curvy one’s a small sleek knot will do the trick. • Using sashes for color blocking also works fabulously. For example if your entire outfit is in black you can offset it with a bright pink or even a brocade sash. • Sashes can be embellished as well with crystals to give it a formal look or classy look. (As told to Salonee Mistry)
City
celeb chat Name: Milind Bhardwaj, model Three words to describe me: Passionate. Dreamer. Confident I love my job because: I’m passionate about it. And I enjoy the glamour around Best advice I’ve received: Is from my mentor “never give up on your dreams.” When buying something, the first thing that catches my eye is: It’s uniqueness What’s your inner animal? Basically it depends on the situation. Sometimes it can be lion wild and ferocious or loving and caring as a dog The first thing you notice about an attractive person: Sense of humour The perfect start to a day is: A jog Your current four-wheeler: Swift Your fitness regimen: Gym, five days a week and mixed martial arts two days a week Your food indulgence: Being into fitness I follow a strict diet but I do have a cheat day. And on that day I have anything and everything possible. Books by your bedside: Mythological Shiva triology is my favourite The first site you visit when you fire up your comp: Google Your favourite city: Of course my home town, Pune Ideal holiday: Wherever I can be in peace and with nature.
(As told to Heena Grover Menon)
TGS LIFE
OCTOBER 17, 2015 PUNE
BUZZ By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab
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n actor, model, singer, photographer and producer, Neil Nitin Mukesh is known for his versatility. He gained widespread critical acclaim with his roles in Johnny Gaddar and New York. His recent crossover into the Tamil film industry with a big-budget action drama, Kaththi, helped the actor establish his appeal as an action star. Now, Neil is all set to hit the big screen in an avatar he enjoys the most – the character with a shade of grey with Rajshri Production’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo featuring Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar, and the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Wazir. “I play Salman Khan’s younger stepbrother in the film who is a rebel with a cause. I essay a very layered and complex character who’s always vying for attention. Well it’s a film that’s going to change the way audiences view me,” he says. Very few people know that Neil essayed his role without a script and the director complimented him for
Among the most coveted bachelors in the country, actor Neil Nitin Mukesh shares his experience of working with Sooraj Barjatya as he talks about following the unconventional route in Bollywood having raised the bar of the character he had originally envisaged for him. “Salman is like an older brother and is a gem of a person. It was my mum, Nishi’s dream to see me work in a Sooraj Barjatya film and I hope I’ve done full justice to her dream. After Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, my film with Bejoy Nambiar and Vidhu Vinod Chopra is coming up next. I feel lucky to be working with an all-time veteran and Mr Bachchan, a role model I have grown up watching. My career would be incomplete if I had not worked with him,” he adds. Neil continues to dabble with various genres of films, appearing in everything from high-concept popcorn flicks to adventurous critic-baits. “I would like to break away from the typecast of a grey character. I think actors make the mistake of finding their niche in the business and once
Neil’s shades of grey
Why Atul wants you to set your loved ones free?
By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM This Friday will see Atul’s much-awaited Marathi film Rajwade and Sons, based on the lives of the closely-knit members of a rich and influential family based in Pune, hit theatres. The story revolves around the younger generation of the Rajwade family, which has their own set of dreams and aspirations. Atul plays a pivotal and a rather complex part in the film. Talking about his character, the actor says that it’s a modern take on relationships in a joint family. “Our tagline says that if you love someone, you must set them free. In most joint families, the older generation somehow tends to bind the younger generation out of love or just due to their protective nature. But, with our film, we want people to understand the aspirations of the newer
they try to do something a little darker, they get slapped across the face for it, so they go back to what they did before. I believe in constantly evolving as an actor and for that some amount of madness is a pre-requisite. Though the audience enjoys it when I essay grey shades, perfection only comes when you embrace the unconventional. That's why I have tried to balance it out with films like New York, Jail, Aa Dekhen Zara , Lafangey Parindey,” he adds. To learn the tricks of the trade, Neil assisted Aditya Chopra on Mujhse Dosti Karoge whilst pursuing his graduation and was an assistant director for five years. Before establishing a successful position in the film industry, he supported himself by choreographing fashion shows. With nothing served on a silver platter and his refusal to exploit his
lot and let them achieve what they want in life. This, in turn, will make the familial relationships even stronger,” says Atul. His character unfolds in an interesting manner in the film and, Atul says, he’s bound to surprise the audience. “I play a character with a dual personality one which he shows to the world and another that he actually is. It’s only half-way through the movie that the audience will connect the dots of my character.” The 50-year-old actor considers various factors before taking on a role. “It’s not the role but the story of the film that has to appeal me to take up any project, as I always visualise and analyse the entire film in advance and how the work would touch the audience. I find being an actor a great responsibility and it should never be about the particular role that I will play but the whole canvas which should touch my audiences.” With back-to-back releases, the actor is once again charting an exciting journey. He recently played a cameo as a prosecution lawyer in Sanjay Gupta’s Jazbaa, which also marked Sanjay and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s comebacks as the director and lead actor. Talking about sharing the screen with Ash and Irrfan Khan, he says, “I have worked with Aishwarya earlier in Khakee and it was a great experience sharing the screen with her after a long time. She is a great actor and a thorough professional. Irrfan, is a master of his art and everything that he does on screen is with utmost elan. I am glad to see that he is finally being paid his due. He is such an impeccable actor.” heena.grover@goldensparrow.com
family’s goodwill as a stepping stone in Bollywood, Neil worked assiduously in his early years to make a substantial mark on his own. He also tried his hands at singing in his films Jail and Aa Dekhe Zara and hat-tipped his grandfather, the late singer Mukesh. “Acting was never an accident for me. It was my childhood dream. The journey started when I was barely four years old. I was a child artist in the film Vijay, directed by Yash Chopra, and Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharani directed by Vimal Kumar. I knew that this was what I wanted to do. As a person, I don’t forego my passion irrespective of the roadblocks. Music is still very alive in my veins and it is part of my family lineage but I don’t think I’d be as committed to it as I am towards acting,” he says. Following a string of not-soappreciated roles, Neil’s character in
the film David cemented his status as a multi-layered actor as opposed to just a pretty face. “Karma brought me to the industry, but handwork and a little bit of luck played an important part in getting the right roles, producers and directors. There are a lot of goodlooking, talented boys out there waiting outside a producer’s office, but they are not lucky enough. It is 60 per cent hard work and 40 per cent luck that has kept me going,” he adds. The actor is busy putting together a national tour, scheduled for next year, as an ode to his grandfather. Neil will debut as a singer on the tour. He is also in the process of signing films down South and in Bollywood. “I have been offered roles on the small screen for a leading television series but I am not too sure about taking that route at this point in time, though I would love to judge a reality show,” he says.