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PUNE, APRIL 2, 2016 | www.thegoldensparrow.com
2 TGS LIFE
A childhood memory bagged ENTERTAINMENT him a National Award APRIL 2, 2016 PUNE
The film Ringan, which revolves around a farmer and his son, is all about second chances and the will to survive By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry
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eople entered temples full of sorrow and despair and left them feeling energized. This is something that 31-year-old Makarand Mane noticed as a child when he was living in Pandharpur. While the Wari festival holds a special place in his heart because of the devotion he feels for the lord, it is also his source of inspiration for his debut film as a director and screenwriter. Working on a single script for nearly four years, he paid utmost attention to every detail and nuance of the film. The National Award for the Best Marathi Feature Film this year stands tall among many achievements the film has bagged since its release. It was also selected to part of the 12th Stuttgart Indian Film Festival 2015, where Makarand got a special mention for the film. Sharing the story of a farmer who only puts off
“My family was initially furious with me but today, they could not be more proud”
A still from the film Ringan- The Quest (left); Makarand Mane (director)
ending his life because of his son’s unconditional love, Ringan (The Quest) is a powerful and emotional journey of their lives. It is about the spirit to fight, the faith in prayer, and power to do the right thing. It is a memory from his childhood when he would often see farmers travel all the way to Pandharpur to pray for rain and a better life for their families. Telling us about the casting, Makarand says, “Right from when I finished the first draft I was absolutely sure that I wanted Shashank Shende to play the role of the father. The rest of the cast eventually fell into place.”
The young boy Sahil Joshi, who hails from Talegoan, was spotted at an audition and something about him immediately clicked. Sahil had to undergo three months of training as he had no previous experience in acting. Shot over 22 days, the biggest challenge that Makarand faced was shooting in natural settings especially during the Wari festival. An assistant director for a long time, Makarand who started off by studying interior designing, but quit after just a year, is a graduate in Performing Arts from the Lalit Kala Kendra
‘I am a director’s actor’ By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry
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n search of happiness and love in his new film, model-turnedactor Ashish Bhist is all set to charm you with his looks and talent in his debut film Shab. A big fan of Onir’s work, he most definitely wouldn’t have missed the chance to work with such an exceptional director, he tells us. It is Onir’s stroytellings skills that he appreciates the most and even his second film is with him only. Playing an aspiring young man who dreams big and struggles to achieve them, he feels that this character is quite similar to him and because of this he is getting to see a different perspective of himself. In real life his phone ringtone is the famous song, Chaand tare tod lau, bus itna sa khwab hai and this is excatly his reel life characters dream too, he tells us laughing. Fulfilling his father’s dream of becoming an actor, this is all that he has wanted to do since he
Even before he forays into the world of films, this cute, blue-eyed boy walks us through his journey into stardom was a child. “My father was largely involved in theatre. He used to tell me stories about his love for acting and the hard work that goes into it. I almost instantly got attracted to it,” he says. For him, even though his journey has just started, he is extremely excited to see where it takes him. Acting allows him to live so many lives and he feels that it is an enriching experience. His dream is only to be appreciated and loved for the work that he does and promises to work hard for it. “I am a director’s actor. I understand what the director feels for the character and try to relate the experience from
my own life. I need to be led into that space, before I am able to relate to it and take it forward,” he adds. He has always wanted to be an actor and the feeling only got stronger everytime he saw his father on stage and with every television ad that he did. Ask Ashish what was the most challenging thing for him while filming for Shab and he says that pretending to be in love with a stranger as effortlessly as possible to ensure that it looks natural was the toughest for him. Love is an intimate and honest experience and I find it difficult to fake it, he adds. With Shab slated to hit the theatres soon and already busy shooting for his next feature film, Veda, it is safe to assume that Ashish is fast creating a space for himself in the industry. Given a chance, he would love to work with Rajat Kapoor, Anand L Rai and Imtiaz Ali. Guru Dutt’s role in Pyaasa is his dream role and he hopes that someday he can be just as good. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com
Academy. While no one from his family has been a part of the film industry, it was one of his friends, whose play he had gone to see that got him interested in theatre. “My family was quite furious with me when I decided to walk down this road. The uncertainty of funds was their biggest concern. Today, they could not be more proud of me,” he smiles, adding that he feels extremely blessed. When asked to pick between script writing and direction, he tells us that while he absolutely loves writing, direction is something that comes from within. His confidence in writing has, however increased two-folds, after the appreciation Ringan (The Quest) received from critics and at film festivals. Makarand is currently working on two other scripts and has his fingers crossed for the best future for them as well. Through the film, not only did Makarand want to highlight the number of farmer suicides but also wanted to put out a message of positivity. The film also stars Suhas Shirsat, Umesh Jagtap, Ketan Pawar, among others. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com
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O! Frida
heads to Egypt
A one-act play outlining a Mexican revolutionary and the most prolific female painter of her times is all set to head to international auditoriums, yet again By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry
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er self-portraits depicting painful emotions became her identity. An excellent painter, there was something absolutely different and inspiring about Magdalena Carmen Frieda or Frida Kahlo as she was later known. In trying to bring her back to life on stage, actor Krutika Deo and playwright-director Abhishek Deshmukh had quite a tough time. Not only were there innumerable challenges along the way but even before they had started working on producing it was becoming increasingly difficult for them to find enough data on Frida to turn into a performance. Previously featured in the International Youth Theatre Festival Vreme 2015 in Bulgaria, O! Frida was well accepted. Most recently selected for the prestigious Alexandria International Festival for Contemporary Theatre, to be held in Egypt, the play is the only entry from India and the group is ecstatic about the opportunity. A Visharad in Indian Classical Dance, Kathak to be specific, Krutika has been active in theatre since she was in school. This young girl has received several awards and has been a part of many national and international festivals. She has stunned the audience with her outstanding performances. “This was my first solo play and I was petrified before the very first performance. It was going to be just me for an hour on the stage and the responsibility was immense,” she recollects. Krutika’s biggest challenge with playing the role was that of looking the correct age. Being just 20 years old, it is difficult for her to play Frida whose age ranges from seven years to 60 in
The one-man show begins This weekend, two solo acts bring an inspiring theatrical experience and showcase the charisma of an actor on stage
By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab
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et ready for a special evening this weekend as two performances, Ekpatri and Chakra-view, make their debut. The play Chakra-view, conceptualised and enacted by Prasad Kshirsagar, gives us an insight into Mahabharata and its political strategies, whereas Ekpatri, enacted by Vinod Vanve, talks about the plight of HIV patients. Chakra-view is the story of Abhimanyu who knew how to enter a battle formation called Chakravyuha but he did not know how to get out of it. “Even so, he plunged into war to save his friends and in the process got himself killed. In the same way, this world is full of alluring Chakravyuhas that attract, enchant,
and entrap the ill-prepared Abhimanyu,” Prasad says. The play holds a lesson for youngsters who get themselves entangled in professions due to financial, social or other reasons and realise it after it’s too late. “We increase the probability of victory through overwork. We are afraid to leave the battlefield come back refreshed the next day like the Kauravas and we bravely put ourselves in ill-equipped situations,” he adds. The play revolves around the Chakravyuhas created by this world and the journey to find freedom. This play is completely nonverbal and Prasad has used mediums like contemporary and classical dance to express himself better. The second solo play, Ekpatri, is about the life of a boy who is HIV positive. Actor Vinod Vanve, plays the role of a medical student whose life changes after he has been diagnosed with the disease. “The play is set in the 90s when an HIV patient was considered to bring shame to the family and community. There was no awareness about the disease at the time and people even refused to sit near an HIV positive
person,” says Vinod. The storyline further develops when the character is confined to a dark room and his friends and family treat him as an untouchable. With no one to talk to, he makes imaginary friends with whom he shares his thoughts and feelings. He talks with ants in the room and fancies himself dancing with Bollywood divas. “The play portrays the adverse conditions of HIV patients, who, even today, are treated insensitively. The play urges people to wake up to the fact that HIV is not contagious. These patients need support, reassurance and care from all quarters,” he says. When: April 3, 7 pm Where: Jyotsana Bhole Sabhagruha, Shukrawar Peth
TGS LIFE
APRIL 2, 2016 PUNE
ENTERTAINMENT the play. She also learned Spanish for the play. The young girl, who now resides in Pune, is a budding talent in the Marathi as well as Hindi film industry and was seen in films like Hawaizaade, Happy Journey, Rajwade & Sons and Prime Time. Mentioning the director and the man behind the unique creation is extremely importantly, simply because of the out-of-thebox idea and effort that has gone into the play. Even though he is an architect, Abhishek Deshmukh is at the bottom of his heart an actor and director and loves the medium of theatre. Telling us about his experience of penning the play he says, “Frida Kahlo’s art and her self-portraits excited me and finally they triggered the need to write a play around it. Her paintings gave me the exuberance to craft a performance about her inspiring personality. To top that, it had to be a solo act to embody her true aura and charisma.” The hour-long play defines the journey of an artist that needed to be celebrated and is partly in English, Marathi and Spanish. Saurabh and Rasika Chandekar, founders of the design studio AAIBA in Mumbai, have used their advertising skills to support this team and fund their trip to Egypt. “Appreciation is very important to motivate someone but no one lends a financial hand to let the same artistes chase their dreams with their abilities. Everyone notices your performance, unfortunately, that is where it stops and this is the biggest problem,” Saurabh tells us. At the end of the day though he is happy to see that the younger generation is working hard to keep Marathi theatre and the art form alive across the universe and they doing our bit to help, he adds. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com
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TGS LIFE
APRIL 2, 2016 PUNE
ENTERTAINMENT
FROM PUNE TO KANYAKUMARI,
ON A 4-DECADE OLD JAWA
A traveller at heart, this biker believes that solo trips turn a journey on its head, making you do thing you normally wouldn’t By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry
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e strapped on his rough and tough shoes, put on his leather jacket, adjusted his sunglasses and buckled his helmet. He had been planning this journey for a year now and there was absolutely nothing that was going to stop him. Quitting his job to ensure that he had enough time to travel, Kaustubh Thengodkar recently lived his dream of going on a solo trip that spanned at least half of the country, mainly South India. Covering a distance of almost 4000 kilometers on his 42-year-old Jawa, he promises us that this was one of the best decisions of his life. Not only did he get to meet innumerable other bikers along the way, but he also got to be a part of the India Bike Week which was held in Goa. Starting from Pune he travelled to Hyderabad, Bangalore, Salem, Munnar, Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, Kovalam, Kollam, Kochi, Calicut, Mangalore and Goa.
By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM
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ith international movie and TV series streaming providers making their way onto our home screens and the advent of 4G not a faraway dream, the nation is witnessing a major boom in digital space. It is no doubt then that this is the perfect time to channelise fresh ideas and new opportunities. Taking a leap into the future of digital world, Viacom 18 launched its video on demand (VOD) platform called VOOT earlier this week. In a major move, aimed at curating the largest repository of kids’ characters in the Indian over-the-top content (OTT) space, VOOT will house popular characters from across networks – think Dora, Spongebob, Motu Patlu, Chhota Bheem and Pokemon. In another first, it has launched with the largest repository of original content. Bollywood actors and popular celebrities such as Gulshan Grover, Baba Sehgal, Alok Nath and a host of popular scriptwriters and directors will be frontlining these shows. CELEBRITY ORIGINALS The legendary Badman of Bollywood, Gulshan Grover will make his web debut as a hero. A mad comic caper, this 1.20 min feature film is divided into four episodes and will also have actor Chunky Pandey along with celebrity cameos by actor Rishi Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Farah Khan, among others. “I am extremely kicked about the concept since I have never played a hero before. It’s now time for all the heroes who have beaten and abused me on screen to pay back,” laughs Gulshan. Seeing the online popularity of his music
Kaustubh’s main intention, while on his trip, was to ride through unexplored routes and feel a thrill like never before. Going via Hyderabad also allowed him to meet riders who owned Jawa and Yezdi bikes in other cities. He spent only about a day or two in most places and his
tour lasted about 14 days. On this trip, he also grabbed the opportunity to see a few historical places like the seven tombs, Golconda fort and Charminar. He has witnessed everything from chaotic city roads, to hilly terrains, beaches and the beautiful wildlife sanctuary of Chinar while
on his bike. “When I reached Kanyakumari, I felt like a different person. The journey till there not only made me a better rider but the feeling of accomplishment is quite inexplicable,” he tells us excitedly. He also added that the journey made him realise that everything falls in place as long as you really want to do it. Although this was Kaustubh’s first long solo bike trip, prior to this he has been doing solo trips in and around Pune and Mumbai. He also rode to Hampi on the same motorcycle in October last year and covered all of Bhutan in 2012 on a 1989 Yezdi Roadking with his friends. “My biggest challenge on this trip was my own fear. I had never done anything like this before so, although I had planned a lot, I made it a point to keep my mind open for anything that might happen along the way,” he adds. As far as technical glitches are concerned, Kaustubh was prepared for most of them and was carrying a few spare parts and tools that he might require. For him, the best thing about the trip was that he met some of the most wonderful people along the way. He often stayed at the homes of fellow-riders and this was an out-of-the-world experience, Kaustubh says. Advising other travel enthusiasts, he says don’t head out with preplanned itineraries much. “These trips are all about finding beauty, inspiration and magic even in the smallest of things,” he tells us. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com
BABUJI TO HOST A SEX CHAT SHOW
videos in recent times, actor Baba Seghal has been roped in to act in a comic spin off of Roadies where he will share the screen with veteran actor Anju Mahendroo, who plays his mother. Set in Delhi, Soadies features a family that is so passionate about the Roadies lifestyle that they have forgotten any other way to exist. Baba has sung the title rap track for the show. In his typical Punjabi lingo, he says, “It’s all Wahe Guruji’s blessings that after over two decades of being in the industry, I have got this amazing opportunity of being a part of a new revolution.” While sharing the stage with Raghu and Rajeev
at the launch, Baba also announced that the three are soon going to make a song dedicated to bald people! The producer-director twins Raghu Ram and Rajeev Laxman who will bring actor Alok Nath, aka Babuji, as the sinful host of their celebrity chat show with a twist in Sinskari are equally gung-ho about this project and promised us that the show is something that Indian audiences have never seen before. “To define this show in one line, the concept itself is the differentiator. It’s a sex chat show with host as Alok Nath. The people of our country have always had a problem with the word sex and Alok Nathji has somehow always epitomised that discomfort. And here, we are having fun with that - while not making
a mockery of people’s choices or sanskaars,” says Raghu. Wasn’t getting Alok Nath as the host a task in itself? Rajeev replies, “It’s ironic but he was more excited about the show than us and that gave us the confidence to pull it off. During the first mock rehearsals, our team would crack up just to see him ask those raunchy questions. We hope that the show will be here to stay for a long time.” Commenting on the launch, Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO, Viacom18, says that he always wanted to create a platform which is as children-friendly as it could be for adults. “I have two daughters so I know how children today don’t want to miss out on anything, especially when it’s the favourite comic characters. So we thought why not give them a space where they get the best of everything,” he says. heena.grover@goldensparrow.com
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TGS LIFE
APRIL 2, 2016 PUNE
FEATURES
SHE WANTS TO BE THE BEST AT WHATEVER SHE DOES By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry
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er biking skills are elegant, daring and always about breaking boundaries and pushing her own limits. She only took it up as a challenge when one of her friends said that she would not be able to ride a bike. However, her interest grew after the first few rides and there has been no looking back since. While visiting the Harley Davidson showroom during her meeting in Mumbai, she made an impulsive decision to buy a bike. Till then she hadn’t even learned to ride properly. Today, she has the highest mileage on a Harley Davidson from India. She was also the only woman to attend the HOG Rally of India about five years back and is all set to create a new biking record, come 2017. Over a candid conversation with the endearing, down-toearth and humble Maral Yazarloo, we got a sneak peek into her life and were left awestruck. Coming from a small city in Iran, she was sevenand-a-half years old when she saw a Harley Davidson for the very first time. Little had she thought that it would have such a lasting impression on her that she would achieve what she has today. Even when she went on her
very first ride it was from Mumbai to Pune and the thrill and experience was an amazing one, she recollects. With her first ride itself covering such a huge distance, the benchmark had been set. She then travelled from Pune to Coorg, Pune to Amritsar and so many other places all over India and outside as well. “Every biking experience for me is different, teaches me something new and tells me more about myself too. I like to keep pushing my limits to see what and how much I can do and this is always both challenging and fun,” she says. Riding was never about the kilometres for her till she got to know that she had the highest mileage in India among women riders. Even today, the only reason she keeps a tab on the kilometres is to be able to push her own limit. She prefers and goes for only long distance riding. She has also travelled from Pune to Bhutan, which was the first international HOG rally of India, and is soon planning an around-the-globe trip. Under the banner, One World One Ride, she along with four other riders will travel from Pune to Alaska via the longest route there is. They will be covering most of the globe as they cross 50 countries. She was also the first woman owner from India of a Ducati bike and a BMWGS. “Very often, on some biking trips people that
“On some biking trips people we meet along the way tend to get over-friendly and touchy. Because of all the riding gear they don’t realise that I am a woman”
Long rides are what she loves, fashion is her creative release, marketing is her profession and being the best at all three of them is her ‘thing’
Maral Yazarloo (centre) and her group ‘Lady Riders of India’ at the India Bike Week in Goa
we meet along the way tend to get over-friendly and touchy. Because of all the riding gear they don’t realise that I am a woman since most of the people they have seen going on such long trips are men and this can get embarrassing for them sometimes,” she tells us. While biking is a huge part of Maral’s life, fashion is something else that takes up a lot of her time. Without fail, each collection presents a perfect blend of Iranian, European and Indian designs. Her creations instantly appeal to almost anyone, have a rich aura about them and are classy and tasteful too. We asked her how much her travels helped with her fashion and she tells us that they are a huge source of inspiration for her. “The first hour or so of my ride is spent clearing my mind and relieving me of any and every stress. After that it’s all about keeping my eye open. There are so many stories along the way
that I most definitely always find an inspiration,” she adds. Her collection has been showcased in Rome, Dubai, Paris, London and India, so far. Alongside all of this, Maral is also the head of retail marketing for Panchshil Developers, Pune and loves that part of her life too. For her time dosen’t exist only the clock does. It’s all about prioritising she says when asked how she manages her time with so much to do. Hoping to do her bit to change the future as far as women bikers in the country are concerned, she started the first Super Bike Club of India about five months ago. This group caters to every female rider across the country who owns and rides bikes above 650cc. Her group Lady Riders of India was the only all-woman club to take part in the India Bike Week and she could not be more proud. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com
TGS LIFE
INDULGE
Dig into homemade
jams and sauces
By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM
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ired of buying the same brand of products from super markets? Don’t worry yourself anymore because we have got exactly what you have been looking for. It started out as mere hobbies but these three women have turned their passion into fruitful ventures over the years by making jams, sauces, cheese and dips from freshest as well as regular and off beat ingredients – some vegan even.
GET CHEESY
Born out of her decision to be ethical towards animals, Aishwarya Viswanath started leading a vegan way of life a few years ago. While at it, she realised that unlike foreign countries, very few dairy-free products were available in Pune super markets. Plus, off-the-counter products were usually made of soya. This pushed her to start trying her hand at making dairy-free food products at home and with the help of various online videos and recipes, she mastered the art of making many items such as cheese, mayonnaise, dips and even milk. “I was amazed when I realised that one can use cashews to make cheese and mayonnaise that tastes as good as the ones you get at stores,” she shares. Aishwarya owns the city’s first vegan café and uses these homemade products to make sumptuous dishes and beverages. Several times, her regular
PICS BY VISHAL KALE AND TEJAS GAIKWAD
APRIL 2, 2016 PUNE
Making delicious jams, sauces, dips and cheese from fresh ingredients and selling them out of their homes is what keeps these home chefs busy and happy JAM IT
Six years ago, when Ilka MullerPatham came to Pune for a German academic exchange, little did she know that she will fall in love with it and make the city her second home. She told us that in Germany everyone makes their own jams at homes as they love having fruit preserves with different things for breakfast. “But when I went to many shops, there was not a single brand that made the kind of jams we eat back home and so I started out by making little portions for family and friends,” says Ilka. The major push came when she participated in a flea market some time ago and people fell in love with her products. Unlike commercial brands that use a lot of artificial flavours and high content of sugar, Ilka experiments a lot with different seasonal fruit blends and uses jaggery and organic sugar. “There is so much one can do with jams and it makes me very happy when I try something new every time and people like it. I tried a blend of mulberry and strawberry with hints of cinnamon and ginger that turns out really well. There’s a jam that I call Berry Monkey and it is made of strawberries and banana. It’s a very different take on the usual stuff you get off the shelf.” Apart from selling these products from home through word of mouth, Ilka’s jams are also available at Mahlzeit – Berlin Street Food in Koregaon Park. She also maintains a Facebook page from where one can order.
customers, who aren’t vegans, aren’t able to figure out that the cheese used in their burgers or sandwiches is actually made of cashew. It is something that she takes immense pride in. “After trying my products, a lot of people have found a great interest in dairy-free produce and have become regular customers. We also make fresh Schezuan sauce at our joint,” adds Aishwarya. She takes orders from people for vegan milk, cheese and many other products on regular basis.
SAUCE IT UP
Meenakshi Pandit has been making a variety of sauces, jams and fruit blends for over 18 years now. She wanted to use fresh ingredients that her family and friends would love pairing up with the food. After a short gourmet course, she started trying different kinds of sauces and jams at home. “I live in a locality which has a big Gujarati population who love their khakras. It so happened that I once made some chilli sauce and asked a few of my neighbours to try them out. They absolutely loved the taste and it was from there on that my new journey began,” recalls Meenakshi. Her module is very simple, she takes orders from people who provide her fresh ingredients of their choice and according to their taste preferences, she prepares different kinds of ketchups, red and green chilli sauces, fruit jams and pulps on demand. “This is the mango season so a lot of people bring mangoes from their own farms and I make tasty mango pulp that can be stored for a year in refrigerators.” A dedicated assistant helps
Meenakshi clean and peel fruits and vegetables, while she takes care of the rest. She also conducts cookery classes and helps those who come to her to learn these
jams and sauces at home. Though she keeps ready-made products for sale at home, her USP are the fresh, made-to-order items.
heena.grover@goldensparrow.com
TGS LIFE
APRIL 2, 2016 PUNE
Which beer will turn into your poison?
INDULGE
TJ’S ALE-IN
By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry
A one-of-its-kind, this beer has less but toned flavours of hops. The golden colour ale is well matured with a smooth and rounded finish and brings a feeling of bliss with every sip. Where: TJ’s Brew Works, Amanora Town Centre, Hadapsar
W
hat better way to beat the heat than chill with some specially-crafted beers for the season. After a lot of thought as well as trial and error, a few breweries in the city have come up with some unique mixes and drinks that you must definitely try and we assure you that it will leave you wanting more. They are pocket-friendly, apt for the season, and a great way to experiment with new flavours.
AMARILLO PALE ALE
IXCACAO
Stout brewed with cocoa nibs and bourbon vanilla, this beer has intense bittersweet chocolate and vanilla notes with some roast in the background. The nitro pour makes for a creamy mouthful and adds a rich flavour to the beer, getting you hooked to the taste almost instantly. Where: Independence Brewing Company, Near Passport Seva Kendra, Mundhwa
PICS BY RAHUL RAUT AND VISHAL KALE
This pale ale is the first one in the brewery’s single hop series. It is almost like a match made in heaven as the citrus- and grapefruit-like aroma seamlessly blends into each other, emanating exclusively from Amarillo hops. It has a pleasant bitterness and is well supported by sufficient malt making it a refreshing drink for the summer months. Where: Independence Brewing Company, Near Passport Seva Kendra, Mundhwa
GINGER PEACH LEMON
When you mix mead, a historic drink made with honey, with a fruit, you get a melomel. Add some ginger and peach to the melomel and you have a summer favourite beer. It is the most perfect combination and its reviews stand testimony to the statement. The 100 per cent organic honey, sourced from farms in North India, gives the drink that extra bit of zest. Where: Effingut Brewerkz, Lane no 6, Koregaon Park
TJ’S DEVIL’S DARK
The classic porter’s beer, with its hallmark style of roasted barley flavours used to give the beer a dry and bitter finish, is a great way to beat the heat. Adding Belgian chocolate to the brew gives it the perfect finish with shades of chocolate and coffee making the beer as satiating as it is unforgettable. Where: TJ’s Brew Works, Amanora Town Centre, Hadapsar
GERMAN LAGER
A refreshing beer that is made true to the specifications of the Reinheitsgebot, a German purity law, must be on your ‘to try’ list this summer. Not only is the beer easily likeable, but the biscuity flavours and aroma imparted by the imported malts, make every sip worth your while. It is a lager the way it was intended to be and it does not get better. Where: Effingut Brewerkz, Lane no 6, Koregaon Park
BEER WITH A TWIST AT HOME Blue Flip : Mix 30 ml Le Fruit de MONIN Passion Fruit, 20 ml MONIN Blue Lagoon syrup, 4 lime wedges. Add crushed ice to a glass. Top it up with 275 ml beer, and the rest of the ingredients. Mix well and sip your special brew in the comfort of your house.
TGS LIFE
APRIL 2, 2016 PUNE
FEATURES
Made for each other
in real life too By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry
Hemant Dhome and Kshitee Jog
T
PIC BY VISHAL KALE
Erratic schedules and long working hours might keep these celebrity couples away from their better halves, but the bond they share with each other keeps them constantly connected
he New Year brought along with it a series of break-ups and divorces. Be it Malaika Arora Khan and Arbaaz Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif or even Farhan and Adhuna Akhtar, their troubled relationships have been the talk of town for a while now. Being a celebrity is not easy and one who is in a relationship; even more difficult. Link-ups and rumours come along with the profession and there is no escaping them. They are, however, a few celebrities who are able to look past these rumours and find a peaceful haven for themselves and their partners. For most of these couples, love blossomed on the sets of their shows or during play rehearsals. They fight over petty issues and get mad at each other too, but, at the end of the day, they wouldn’t want to be with anyone else. These five celebrities shared with TGS their love stories, how they spend time together amidst their busy schedules and what keeps their relationship strong. They all told us that possessiveness and insecurity is something that does not factor in their lives at all and that the key to being successfully married, considering their celebrity status, is to believe in the relationship, in themselves, and in their partners.
Vivian D’Sena and Vahbbiz Dorabjee She met the person she wanted to share the rest of her life with on the sets of her very first television show, Pyaar Kii Yeh Ek Kahani. While Vivian took his time to open up to her, it was their outdoor shooting schedule that actually gave Vahbbiz the chance to know and understand her future husband better. Being her hyper and bubbly self, she did her best to get to know Vivian who was and still is a man of few words. “When I did, however, get to know him, I knew that he was for keeps. He is extremely understanding, a great human being and, most importantly, allows me to be me. This, to a great extent, allows the relationship to be uncomplicated and a happy one,” she says, smiling contently. Home-birds at heart, whenever the two do get some time together they love spending it indoors. They go to the beach, enjoy shopping and love going for massages. “We visit each other one the sets when either of us has a relatively free day and therefore always know each-others’ co-workers. This helps maintain transparency in the relationship which is crucial to its survival,” says Vivian. Vahbbiz adds that apart from transparency, it is important that both of — KSHITEE JOG them stay busy and have a life of their own outside the relationship. It stops the mind from being idol and getting suspicious. This is their secret to being happily married. We asked them about being jealous or possessive about each other and they said that being actors it is a part of their job and both of them know how professional the other is. They are more than happy that both of them have a huge fan following, as that is what they work for.
“We hadn’t seen each other for days and when we did, it was around 3 am. We made a meal and had a memorable conversation”
Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta
From being husband and wife on a television show to now being married for two years, Ravi and Sargun share a strong bond. Right from the moment when he steps outside his house, he is only thinking about when he would get done with his work and meet Sargun again. The first time he saw her, he was attracted to her positive energy and cheerful nature. She is always on his mind and is just the right kind of support he needs. “The most important thing to make a relationship work is to have a strong sense of companionship. If you can be the best of friends, then being the best couple is a cake walk,” he tells us. We also asked Sargun about her first impression of Ravi and she said that before meeting him she had seen a picture of him and had completely dismissed him as someone who did not look good at all. However, when they met in person for the first time, she was — RAVI DUBEY floored by his looks and they soon became extremely close friends. She believes that they are truly made for each other since aspects that would be considered as her flaws are his strengths and vice-versa. About being possessive, she says, “I would get pretty mad at Ravi if he doesn’t have a good chemistry with his co-actor. It’s his job. No one should ever need to compromise in what they do professionally to make their personal life easier.” It’s all about understanding and letting the other be themselves, she assures us. It is important to be happy with yourself to allow your partner and relationship to be a happy one. Since they are foodies, when they’re together eating out is their favourite past-time. They also love talking to each other about their day, shoots, problems that they might be facing and absolutely anything.
“The most important thing to make a relationship work is to have a strong sense of companionship.”
She was a familiar face in the audience while he was staging one of his very first plays. Seeing her seated in the auditorium sent shivers down his spine, he most distinctly remembers. A wellknown, reputed and strictly professional person is the image that he had about her and had always been an admirer of her work too. Hemant was in for a surprise when, after the play, Kshitee stopped by to congratulate him on his performance. “I had heard a lot about her and how strict she was. The first time we met I was not quite sure how to even talk to her. When we worked on the play Savdhan Shubh Mangal was when I actually got to know her,” he says. Later, they became the best of friends and eventually fell in love. During the play rehearsals she spoke to him with a certain sense of authority and this is when Hemant felt an immediate connect. Both of them feel that they are soul mates. They can talk to each other about almost anything under the sun and never feel the need to lie. Being celebrities they don’t get a lot of time with each other and so every minute is precious. “There was this one time when we hadn’t seen each other for days and when we did, it was around 3 am. We quickly whipped up a meal for ourselves and had a memorable conversation before going to bed. We almost always look forward to these moments,” Kshitee says. While they do fight over several petty issues, they were all praises for each other. Hemant feels that barring the little level of impatience that his wife exhibits, she is extremely good at whatever she does and always goes out of the way to do things for others. They feel that transparency is the key to having a successful marriage.
Rutwij Vaidya and Karuna Pandey It was nine years ago, during the shoot of a biscuit advertisement when Rutwij and Karuna met for the first time. They interacted as co-workers and that was that. Their paths crossed once again when Rutwij needed someone to dub for one of his short films and was looking for a female voice. After the dubbing, a cup of coffee and an endless conversation was more than enough to find a connect and stay in touch. They started dating and after just two months decided to tie the knot. Although she was a little sceptical, initially, she now knows that she took the right call. “Being in the same profession makes understanding our hectic schedules easier. Sometimes we don’t see each other for days and still the idea of feeling insecure never even crosses our minds,” says Rutwij. Agreeing with him, Karuna adds that, the fact that we know each other so well and believe in the relationship, it becomes much easier. When away from the other, they are only thinking about when they would get time to spend together and Karuna being the more enthusiastic and energetic one makes all the plans of what they would do. Taking their dogs, Romeo and Barbie, for a walk, cooking, and catching up on new films is what they describe as their ideal time together. For them, having a successful marriage entails, allowing the other to be the way they wish to and finding a mid-way on things that they don’t agree with.
Saurabh Gokhale and Anuja Sathe Her first memory of him is that of his eyes and getting to know the wonderful person that he is. While she does often get annoyed with his casual approach towards almost everything, she assures us that he has a golden heart. When Anuja and Saurabh met for the first time on the sets of their show, there was great chemistry almost instantly. They dated for about 18 months and then decided to get married. Busy with their shoots, the couple hardly ever gets time to spend with each other. However, when they do find the time, they love watching films and spend time talking about almost anything under the sun. There is a technique to finding time to spend with your better half, if both have busy schedules that don’t match, says Saurabh. We asked him about being possessive and he admits, “There was probably a time when we had just begun dating that I could have been a little insecure but, as the relationship grew and we got to know each other better, there was absolutely no reason to be jealous.” His wife tells us that, now possessiveness, jealousy or insecurity does not even exist in their dictionary. Every day is like an exam and understanding along with trust is the answer to them being happily married, they tell us. “Like any other couple we too have our share of fights or friendly arguments as I like to call them, but they last only for a while. They are usually over extremely petty issues like my short-temper or his casual approach,” she says.
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TGS LIFE
APRIL 2, 2016 PUNE
COMING SOON…
THRILL OF DRIVING
DATSUN REDI-GO (MAY 2016) After Datsun GO and GO+, Datsun is all set to launch its Redi-GO hatchback sometime in May, after its global unveil on 14th April. Initially, the concept was displayed at the Delhi Auto Expo 2014. The Redi-
GO is based on the CMF-A platform shared with the Renault Kwid and will be powered by the same 800cc three-cylinder petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A 1.0l engine is also expected.
MAHINDRA NUVOSPORT (4TH APRIL 2016) Mahindra and Mahindra recently unveiled the name and images of it’s upcoming compact SUV, the ‘NuvoSport’. Based on the same new-generation platform as the Scorpio,the NuvoSport is expected to use the same engine as the Quanto-- a 1.5-litre three-pot diesel engine coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission producing 99 hp and 240Nm of torque. A petrol variant is also expected.
The NuvoSport is designed and developed by Mahindra’s in-house design team and the research and development was carried out at Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai. The compact SUV will play in the same segment as the TUV300, but will be pitched at a premium.
TATA TIAGO (6TH APRIL 2016) Tata Tiago, formerly (and unfortunately) known as the Zica, was revealed at the Delhi Auto Expo 2016 andwill finally be launched on 6th April 2016. The Tata Tiago will be launched in both a diesel and petrol variant. The new Revotron 1.2l petrol engine will churn out 84 bhp and 115 Nm of torque while the Revotroq 1.05l diesel engine will produce 69 bhp and 140 Nm of torque. Both engines will be mated to five-speed manual transmissions.
Mercedes-Benz S 400 launched in India for Rs 1.31 cr
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ercedes’ S class range in India has been updated with the launch of the new S 400, which will be locally produced. The S 400 runs on a 3l V6 petrol engine which is mated to a 7G-TRONIC plus transmission. The engine produces 333hp and 480 Nm of torque. As expected in a car of this class, the S 400 is loaded with a lot of safety features which include 8 airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), PRE-SAFE, Dynamic cornering control system, Adaptive Brake with HOLD Function, Brake Assist, ASR Hill Start Assist, 360 Degree Surround View Camera and an Active Park Assist. The S 400 comes with a comprehensive infotainment system — The COMAND online New Generation Telematics 5 (NTG5) which has animated menus and 3D effects. A built-in HDD is present to store music and videos. Other features include a WLAN hotspot, SMS display, phone contact reader, radio and navigation. Along with the infotainment system, there is a Burmester 3D surround sound
system which comes 24 speakers, nine tweeters integrated in the instrument panels, doors, parcel shelf and roof lining along with the 24 channel amplifier with an output of 1520 watts. Other features include ambient lighting with 7 different colours and 5 dimming levels and the Hot Stone Massage function with six different functions which can be set according to the mood. Passengers can select between low and high intensities and the seat backrest comes with a massage mat with 14 air chambers which can be inflated or deflated via fast responding solenoid valves, developing a wave-like massage effect. The massage function can be operated via remote with durations ranging from 12– 15 minutes. The S 400 is priced at Rs. 1.31cr exshowroom, Hyderabad, making it a rather expensive way to get a hot stone massage. Interestingly, apart from the larger engine and a different sort of interior leather, the S 400 gives your most of the features of the more expensive S 500. The 500 is also currently not listed on the Mercedes India website.
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APRIL 2, 2016 PUNE
FEATURES
Now, a pop-up nightclub to let your hair down Make way for an exclusive nightlife experience as the city gets its first pop-up nightclub By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM
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ith fashion and food pop-ups already trending high in the city, here comes a surprise for the party animals of Pune. A unique concept, FLOAT came into being in August last year by a bunch of enthusiastic people in Mumbai. The idea was to give something more than the already existing nightclubs with an interesting theme, look and feel every time, along with an exclusive guest list. After gaining a lot of popularity in Mumbai, owners of Orion Entertainment, Ritik Bhasin, Sunny Sara and Shashi Thadani in partnership with Aneesha Dhody Mehta and Rishi Acharya decided that the trend should go beyond the
metropolitan and the first destination that popped up in their mind was Pune. Says Sara, director of Orion Entertainment, “Pune is such a young, fun-loving city with a great nightlife so we thought it time to get FLOAT here. We have also got Terttulia’s Imrun Sethi to partner with us as it’s one of the best joints in the city.” The concept of FLOAT was introduced to cater to the elite crowd in metros. Often, places open up and do really well but are over-crowded. This concept will allow people to have a new experience every time they come for a party. Despite there being no dearth of nightclubs in the city, Imrun expects the concept to pick up. “I feel there’s always a place and takers for fun and exciting things especially if they are initiated in the right way. The fact that it’s a popup brings with it the feel of freshness and even with so many nightclubs I think they all tend to co-exist which is the essence of our industry. The organisers of FLOAT are my old friends and they wanted to do something in Pune. They were looking for local support and I felt the city could do with a little bit of spice. So, we are
trying it out and hopefully it will see great success.” Ritik, Sunny and Shashi began their journey by conceptualising and executing parties while they were in college. Their company now offers various services such as hospitality, marketing, communication and events. They also work Glimpses from the last FLOAT party that had actor Lisa Hayden and with companies from various many models who glammed up the night industries and ensure that their brand message is being communicated with a different vibe,” adds Ritik. in the most appropriate manner. FLOAT is The first exclusive FLOAT in the city will one of their IP’s which was launched after a have the crème de la crème of Pune along with lot of brainstorming about the need to offer popular celebrities. DJ Kumar Swamy from something more than just a regular nightlife LIV nightclub in Mumbai will be rocking the experience. “There are a number of different night with his commercial music. So go ahead places, ranging from different cuisines to and join the madness this weekend. lounges and nightclubs in Pune but there is still When: April 2, 10 pm onwards a lot for us to try out. We are definitely not here Where: Ballroom at The Westin, Koregaon to change the way the city parties. All we want Park Annexe heena.grover@goldensparrow.com to do is to give Punekars an exclusive experience
Expressing through art Artist Aarti Buxani has travelled to Nigeria extensively and now portrays her experiences onto the canvas By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab
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rt is Aarti Buxani’s life and identity. Being a self-taught artist, she combines the realism of earth with her imagination. Known for the intensity of her artwork, Aarti exerts her brush to create moody and atmospheric pieces. After spending a decade in Nigeria, researching the art and culture there, she is now all set to exhibit her work at Monalisa Kalagram this weekend. The event, called ‘Serendipity 2016’, will feature exclusive sculptures and paintings that aim to give viewers a feeling of cosmic happiness and bringing out a good vibe. Her artwork includes happy images of monks and Buddha. “The baby Buddha sculptures are so happy that it will immediately invoke amusement. They reflect positivity and contagious laughter,” says Aarti. In some of her sculptures, she has also used mirror work and detailed them with diamonds. She has experimented with mediums like dental
powder, plaster of Paris and clay. Her collection speaks of the talent and the adventurous experiences she has had in Nigeria. “I have used Nigerian fabrics which are thicker and different in their textures. Some of my paintings will portray beautiful African women in their traditional attire, which are sure to get people’s attention,” she adds. Aarti will present 25 paintings and sculptures and the proceeds from the exhibition will go to Prashanti Cancer Care Mission. After spending most of the years working with local craftsmen and artists there and she made her way through launching her own gallery, Arth Art, in Nigeria to promote emerging artists. “Since the age of 12, I have dabbled in various art forms. However, I found my truest expression in canvas. I love painting whether it’s a seascape, landscape or portraits,” says Aarti. She was also recently honoured by the Indian embassy in Nigeria for her contribution
to art, and was shortlisted amongst the top 100 Investable Artists featured in the Volume 11 edition of the contemporary Art of Excellence book announced by the Global Press. Aarti is currently working on a series of painting on Ankorwat temples in Cambodia which were built in 12th century to mirror
heaven on earth. She loves to travel to these places and compose her paintings with textures using her fingers, hands, pieces of wood, sand, or stones, exploring myths or ground realities. When: April 3 and 4 Where: Monalisa Kalagram, Koregaon Park. zainab.kantawala@goldensparrow.com
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FEATURES
Born to explore
Braving the cold, windy sea water, getting stranded in a landslide or vehicles breaking down in the middle of nowhere, risking lives for an ultimate adrenalin rush is what these four adventurers are all about
By Heena Grover Menon & Ashish Phadnis
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hile watching various adventure series on television, we all wonder how these people muster the courage to put their lives at risk when they tread on those trips. We recently got a chance to get up, close and personal with four such adventure buffs from the city who shared their incredible experiences – of facing challenges and surviving nature’s fury. FIGHTING ALL ODDS TO RIDE Despite suffering from acute arthritis and having restrained from biking for over 15 years, Retd Lt Col Sohan Roy decided to go on a ride to Khardung La and was the first Indian to have broken the Limca Book of World Records for being the oldest man to ride up the highest motorable road. This was in 2009 and since then he rode to Ladakh for five years at a stretch. He has many tales from his rides where he had to face challenges and hurdles. During one of his biking tours in Leh Ladakh along with his fellow riders, he was stranded at a spot called Whisky Nallah on his way back from Gata Loops, a place only known to those who have travelled extensively on the ManaliLeh highway. “The bridge over the nallah had completely washed away due to heave water force. The locals said nothing could be done and that we have to go back and come the next day. I saw an army man from a different regiment and requested him to ask the construction workers to speed up the work and help — NIDHI SHELAR us cross that nallah at any cost. After a wait of over five hours, they constructed a makeshift bridge and we could ride ahead,” remembers Col Sohan. On many other occasions, there have been times that while riding solo his bike broke down in the middle of nowhere, at an altitude where expecting any sort of help is next to impossible. It happened once in 2010 while he was riding back from Kargil and the chain of his bike broke. He tried to fix it
“On that day, the water was bone-chilling and the wind current was so strong that my support boat was not able to follow me”
Col Sohan Roy during one his victorious bike rides
himself but when nothing worked he waited for a vehicle to rescue him which meant a long wait. A truck eventually lifted his bike and dropped him back to Kargil from where he fixed the bike and restarted his journey. How to survive: Col Sohan suggests that if you want to become a rider, you must first have the knowledge of your vehicle. One must spend some time with mechanics to learn the skills to fix your machine if it breaks down during the journey. On the mountains, never ride on a straight line as it can lead to accidents and most importantly, never try to keep a target to cover a distance at a particular time. A lot of young people make that mistake and tend to ride even when they are either sleepy or tired. This can pose a major threat to life.
civilian expedition from India. However, while climbing towards Camp 3, Bhushan suffered a major accident as a big rock fell down and hit his helmet. The impact was so severe that it broke the helmet and left Bhushan injured. It eventually ended his hopes of reaching
TO REACH THE HIGHEST PEAK Mountaineering in Himalayas is in itself quite a challenging adventure and an attempt to scale the world’s highest peak Mount Everest requires high degree of mental and physical fitness. Pune’s elite climber Bhushan Harshe is the classic example of the same. Bhushan was part of Giripremi’s Everest 2012 expedition, which was the biggest, most successful SWIMMING AGAINST THE TIDE Sea swimming is always considered as the most challenging adventure activity. Changing sea conditions and effect of wind, rips and currents along with cold weather makes it difficult for any regular swimmer to attain the target. But Pune’s long distance swimmer Nidhi Shelar, 19, decided to swim between Robben Islands and Blouberg, an 8-km distance in South Africa in 2009. Though Nidhi had already gone swimming through several creeks and bays in India, it was her first international venture. “Although the distance seems less, this part is considered as the coldest and most challenging. On that particular day, the water was bone-chilling and to make the matter worse, I started facing strong gushing winds. The wind current was so strong that my support boat was not able to follow me. I was losing control and due to proximity to rocks, there was a risk of getting injured. I was really frightened and was almost about to cry,” remembers Nidhi.
Fortunately, she was accompanied by her coach Jitendra Khasnis and he realised the seriousness of the situation and jumped into the water. Both of them swam together for the remaining distance and reached the shore. However, they were stuck as the boat was unable to reach them and both of them stayed there shivering, hungry and tired for the next five hours. “Our support boat was equipped with electronic antishark device. The range of the device is 8m. And as the boat was unable to reach us, we were practically out of the safety zone. It was a tight situation, but fortunately we came out safe,” said Khasnis. How to survive: Khasnis says that before taking up such adventure activities, one must have done basic life-saving course or life guard or crisis management. You should be well versed with the tides, directions and weather. Most importantly you shouldn’t panick and must have decision-making ability with a cool head. That’s the mantra for saving life in such situations.
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FEATURES
Bhushan Harshe’s proud moment at the Evererst
the summit as he was forced to climb down and seek medical treatment at the base camp. It was a major blow for the youth, but he didn’t lose hope and kept practicing. Next year, he tried again and successfully climbed the peak in 2013. “It was disappointing, but we were mentally prepared that during such expedition anything can go wrong at any moment. So, I was not repenting and was happy for my teammates who successfully climbed the peak,” says Harshe. However, next year when he reached the same spot, he was under a little pressure as the incident kept lingering in his mind. “I recalled the entire episode and got a bit scared as I was getting a feeling that something will happen again but I had tremendous curiosity to see what is beyond camp 3, so I kept moving and attained my goal,” he adds. How to survive: Harshe points out that before taking part in such expeditions, one must be mentally and physically fit. It’s all about keeping your morale high and pushing your body to extreme levels. Team bonding also plays a crucial role, as the team motivates, supports and helps you through critical conditions. So having good team buddies always pays off.
“There were only two escape routes – one through the ferocious Shyok river into Pakistan and the other, a crazy tough trek bypassing the landslide” — MIHIR MAHAJAN
LANDSLIDE AND NO ESCAPE FROM REALITY While exploring the remotest interiors of Ladakh, a gigantic landslide blocked the route of Mihir Mahajan and his fellow travellers as they were on their way back to Leh and into civilisation. They were blocked in a tiny hamlet called Bogdang, just a few kilometres away from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). The landslide refused to subside, constantly shooting stones and boulders on the road. No bulldozer or JCB could venture anywhere near to clear the debris. Recalling the unforgettable experience Mihir, who owns an adventure and wildlife tourism company in the city, says, “There were only two escape routes – one through the ferocious Shyok river into Pakistan and the other, a crazy tough trek bypassing the landslide. The trek included a few one-foot wide patches where a tiny mistake would land you straight at the bottom of a 1000-feet deep valley and into the waters of the Shyok. With the help of the army, the police and a few brave locals we finally made it. Kudos to all my colleagues for their fortitude and courage.” They all were stuck for nearly 55 hours with almost no food and drinking water, no telephonic connection – almost like a no man’s land. Adding to the challenge was the high altitude. An army unit eventually came to their rescue and provided them with food. “That experience taught me a great lesson. I learned about the beauty of life and that one must enjoy it to the fullest as you never know what is going to happen next? This was kind of a second life for all of us,” adds Mihir. There were 16 people plus a few other trekkers. How to survive: According to Mihir, one must always try to think rationally as there is always a solution to every problem. Trust the mountains and listen to the signals. Seek help from the army and stay by each other’s side.
Mihir Mahajan takes a break along with fellow trekkers inside a landslide somewhere in Ladakh
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Go floral
PUNE
PICS BY RAHUL RAUT
SHOPPING
This funky top is perfect for a fun afternoon with friends. Team it up with shorts, capris, or skinny jeans and you’re doll. Price: Rs 250 Where: Sagar Fashion Zone, FC Road
Keep it simple Get ready to beat the heat with this adorable nature print dress. Team it up with a sleek bracelet and stud earrings to add spunk to your everyday style. Price: Rs 350 Where: Fashion Point, FC Road
SIZZLE IN SUMMER Summer is all about light fabrics and soothing colours. Here are some picks by Zainab Kantawala that will instantly give you a new look
Assymetric is in This high-low dress is perfect for a night-out with friends. Pair it with a long neckpiece and danging earrings and you are good to go. Price: Rs 400 Where: Shirole Bazaar, FC Road
Keep it short Hit the beach this season with this floral print shorts. Pair it with a white t-shirt and minimal accessories. Price: Rs 400 Where: Stall No.5 Hong Kong Lane
Pretty in red Slit kurti in style This cool printed long kurti is perfect for a day out with friends. Team this with orange leggings for a super-fun look. Price: Rs 400 Where: SFZ Store, FC Road
Walk through the streets in style with this simple and elegant dress. Team it with long neckpieces to quirk up the attire. Price: Rs 400 Where: Shirole Bazaar, FC Road
Rock the ikat This skirt is perfect for a casual outing with friends. Pair them with a plain white shirt and you are all set for a semi-formal meeting too. Price: Rs 300 Where: Shraddha Store, Hong Kong lane
TEJAS GAIKWAD
A smile is his solution for everything
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he scorching heat, noisy traffic and the pedestrians passing by are 60-year-old Vasant Krushna Mane’s constant companions. Always dressed in a white kurta, dhoti and Nehru cap, he can be found selling vegetables at Kothrud, a little before Bhusari Colony. Making a mere RS 200 a day he bears the responsibility of paying his bills, managing rent and taking care of his wife and himself. A tiring 10 hour shift with a break for lunch in between, he is the perfect example of how to make things work for yourself when the going gets tough. Living in the city to avoid travelling to and fro from his village and wasting money, he misses his home and hopes to soon retire and get away from the chaos of the city. A son of a farmer from Mulshi Taluka, he dropped out of school when he was in the IX grade because of insufficient funds and began helping his father run the house. After farming for a year or so, he took to driving the auto rickshaw but couldn’t afford the rent or buy one of his own and so left that after a few years as well. It has now been 35 years that he has been selling vegetables on the street and tells us that he has been doing this simply to make ends meet. “I would have loved to do something that gave me much
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APRIL 2, 2016 PUNE
FEATURES more control. I cannot force customers to buy from me nor can I decide how much they need and this leaves me with no option but to make do with how much I earn,” he says disappointment easily visible on his face. The father of four children - three girls and one boy - he is proud that his son is doing something that he likes and is happy that he was able to marry his daughters into good families. His wife Heerabai Vasant Mane who is his pillar of support can often be found sitting behind him assisting him now and then. “She is my friend, life partner, advisor and soul mate. We have seen some tough times but had I not had her by my side, I would have given up a long time ago. Smiling through troubles also help deal with them better,” he says, a small smile brightening up his face. (As told to Salonee Mistry)
unekar
Fun, vibrant and easy to wear jewellery
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STYLE GURU
ewellery designer Shilpa Purii’s Ethereal Collection has been designed specially for women on the go that suits this scorching summer season perfectly. Hand-crafted and intricate these delicately designed pieces have fun elements such as tassels, coloured beads and stones like agates and druzy stones which make them suitable for western functions like brunches and sun-downers. Delicate pearls make Shilpa Purii’s the piece versatile and can be teamed up not just with Indian wear but Indo-western outfits too. A pair of blue denims with a pastel shade kurti and chunky pearl neck piece or danglings look dainty whether at work or a fun outing. Statement chains and rings from our collection can be worn any time of the day. The trick is to match them right. If you are wearing a heavily embroidered outfit, you may want to go easy on neck chains and team up with a statement ring studded with stones in different shades instead. The best thing about druzy stone jewellery is that it’s not high on your pocket and yet look absolutely glamourous. These are popular among all jewellery lovers. The variety of colours make sure you can match them with any kind of outfit. Jewellery made of coloured beads have always stayed in trend. Whether you are a college going girl or a working professional, they fit almost every occasion. If you are heading out for an evening out, beat the heat with a white top and a floral skirt with a multi-layered bead necklace. (As told to Heena Grover Menon)
City celeb chat
Name: Sameer Dharmadhikari, model/actor Three words to describe me: Sincere, honest and loving I love my job because: I am really passionate about it Best advice I’ve received: Give respect to gain respect When buying something, the first thing that catches my eye is: The price tag What’s your inner animal? Has to be the fierce lion The first thing you notice about an attractive person: The eyes of a person speak a thousand words The perfect start to a day is: A good workout session
Your current four-wheeler: Mahindra Scorpio Your fitness regimen: I never skip my workouts and getting good sleep is important Your food indulgence: I love dal, chawal, chicken and beer Books by your bedside: Hanuman Chalisa The first site you visit when you fire up your comp: I always play solitaire first Your favourite city: Pune. I’ve always been in love with this city and with the people here Ideal holiday: Anywhere across the globe with my family and friends (As told to Zainab Kantawala)