TGS Life 09/01/2016

TEJAS GAIKWAD

PUNE, JANUARY 9, 2016 | www.thegoldensparrow.com

They are here to serve

The city is gradually becoming home to international chefs of enviable repute. While they bring exotic flavours to local neighbourhoods, the nooks and corners work their charm and inspire the food wizards to stay put a while longer

USE CODE TGS100

*T&Cs apply. Offer valid on ďŹ rst ever Swiggy order only.

to get Rs.100 off on a bill above Rs.300

NO MINIMUM ORDER

LIGHTNING FAST DELIVERIES

LIVE TRACKING

Classically

TGS LIFE

YOURS

JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

STAGE

By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab

T

he world of classical dance has seen many eminent male dancers such as Birju Maharaj, Kelucharan Mohapatra and Uday Shankar. Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva, is in fact the most evident symbol of the classical male dancer. To celebrate this talent, Lalit Kala Kendra, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Nrutyasmi Institute of dance have organised Nayak, an all-male classical dance festival. The highlight of the event will be performances

by Kathak exponent Anuj Mishra, Rakesh Sai Babu performing Chau dance and Pune’s own Bharatnatyam dancer Parimal Phadke. TGS caught up with the artists to get an insight into their performances.

RAKESH SAI BABU: CHAU DANCE Rakesh Sai Babu will present a solo, a duet, a trio and a group performance. “I will perform four acts. Nataraj will depict Lord Shiva’s dance in three moods — creation, preservation, and destruction. The second act, called Dandi, is based on the life of a sanyasi who steps in to the world of celibacy, leaving all material possessions to search for the immortal self. The third act Geeta talks about how Lord Krishna reveals his divine identity and instructs Arjun to fulfi ll his duty as a warrior even if he has to fight his own kin. The last act, Yoddha, is a dance of a warrior. The performance will include martial movements displaying the heroic array of attack and defense movements,” he says. He will display the elements of traditional dance, moulding them with innovative and creative compositions.

Coming from a family of Chau dancers, he considers it as his responsibility to spread his rich culture among a younger audience. “Chau dance is a glorious heritage of Mayurbhanj, a region of Orissa. It is a blend of folk, tribal, martial, and traditional classical dance. It is beautiful yet virile dance form, known for its beauty, vigour and marvel of the art. The dance is set in a style that is free, intense, stormy, dynamic, yet lyrical,” he explains. The fame of Mayurbhanj Chhau has crossed geographical limitations and has claimed worldwide

Book tickets for Nayak, a festival that brings together renowned male dancers from across the country

fans. It has become popular as a medium of choreography, with its wide range of postures and movements that adapt well to modern as well as traditional steps.

ANUJ MISHRA: KATHAK Anuj is the thirteenth generation of artists in his traditional musical family, gharana of Varanasi. His training started at the age of 17 under the guidance of his father Pt Arjun Mishra, who is a renowned kathak guru. He has performed at all major dance festivals and events held in India and abroad and he is equally excited about this upcoming dance festival. “My performance is called Shivay, which will be a

2 Shiv Vandana. It will portray gestures, movements, expression and poses to reflect the images of Lord Shiva,” says Anuj.

He has worked with many dance choreographers, including Karine Saporta, Mallika Sarabhai, Kumudini Lakhia, Rukmini Chaterjee. Anuj is also a national gold medalist and has received the prestigious title of Shringarmani and Nritya Kawomudhi. He believes that kathak is not just a dance form, but it is about engaging the mind in challenging ways. “Kathak is all about the right ‘ang’ and ‘bhav’. The correct postures and right expressions serve a very important role in dance.

Also, reaching out to the audience with a blend of music and abhinaya with correct emotion to keep them mesmerised is a difficult art,” he adds.

Anuj has received one of the biggest awards, the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from Sangeet Natak Academy and has performed at Sawai Gandharva festival, Lucknow Mohatsava, Taj Mohatsava. His performance has also travelled to several countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, and Belgium.

PARIMAL PHADKE: BHARATNATYAM Parimal Phadke was initiated into Bharatnatyam at the age of four by Guru Rema Shrikant from Baroda. He has produced and choreographed Nayaka in Bharatnatyam Margam, as an outcome of his research on the concept of the male protagonist and its refl ection in the ancient texts on dramaturgy. He is also honoured with the National title Singarmani and was awarded with Pt Digambar Paluskar Puraskar. His performance will comprise of a four piece Mallari that will be played on a winged instrument. “My fi rst act is about Nageshwaram. It symbolises carrying an idol from the temple and taking it to every corner of the village for everyone to worship. The second act is called Snake that entwines Lord Shiva. The devotee praising it, for it is chosen by Shiva to adorn his neck. I have sung the song myself for the performance and extracted compositions from my research on Nayaka,” Parimal says. His last act Aparthiyanayak is based on a woman who is not his even so love binds them. He has also composed music for this act.

He has performed at all major festivals in India.He also choreographed for the movie Devi Ahilya Bai, starring Shabana Azmi and a commercial Marathi fi lm Restaurant, starring Sonali Kulkarni. The list does not end here. He has also performed for the Grand Festival in Chennai, Natyanjali festival, Houstan International Festival and Texas and Asian Festival. “I have always focused on my dance and I wanted to come out with new, innovative themes and not just present a mythology-based performance,” he says.

When: January 17, 10 am onwards Where: Tilak Smarak Mandir, Tilak Road zainab.kantawalagoldensparrow.com

A decade later, Rangya Rangila Re is back on stage

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

B

ringing back giggles, the famous play that was originally written and directed

by Yogesh Soman, has been remade after eight years with a fresh star cast. Digpal Lanjekar has directed Rangya Rangila Re and he brings a fresh perspective to the performance where Paresh Devalankar plays the lead role.

The situational comedy drama is based on a budding actor Rangya, whose struggle begins when he comes to secretively stay in a bungalow owned by someone else. His girlfriend runs away from her home and comes to stay with him. The drama unfolds when four unknown guests come to stay in the bungalow. To keep his secret, Rangya must become an impostor.

Sometimes he plays Rangya, the servant, on other occasions, he is Rangoji, the caretaker and in some scenes, he appears as Inspector Rangarao.

Talking about the new avatar of the play, Digpal says, “It’s always challenging to work on something that is already so famous. When

I started working on my version of the play, I was quite nervous but in due course of time we started having fun. I’d thought of many ideas to give the play my own little twist yet maintain its originality.

On how he feels about the new adaptation, Yogesh says, “Digpal is a very talented director and I have full faith in what he has done.

Throughout the process of making the play, he asked me for suggestions many a times but I didn’t feel the need to add any of my inputs.

Every director has his own style and that is what should and will reflect in his work. Though I have not seen the play yet, I am positive that it will get the same or even better acceptance by the audience.”

Paresh, on the other hand is sufficiently nervous since this is big break on stage. “While the original play which had actor Sanjay Narvekar portraying the lead was immensely famous, I was under tremendous pressure thinking about how I would do justice to the role. I am still very anxious on how the audience will react to my performance,” he says. Paresh juggles quite a few characters in the play but it was the character of the cop that Paresh found the most challenging.

Among the other actors is Madhuri Joshi, who is a bronze medal winner for best theatre actress by the state government. Popular comedian Ashutosh Wadekar, theatre artists Rashmi Dev, Suraj Satav, Sandeep Soman and Arati Pathak are also a part of the new team. The act is produced by Professor Pradeep Godase of Priyanaka Godase Creations. The music has been composed by Kedar Diwekar. Avdhut Gandhi has sung the songs and Valay Mulagund has written the lyrics for the performance.

When: January 9, 5 pm onwards Where: Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha, Kothrud

3

‘I have never been to a club’

TGS LIFE JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

Tall, dark, handsome and single Vaibbhav Tatwawdi has time and again proven that he is more than just his looks

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

W

hen it comes to playing the boy next door, Vaibbhav Tatwawdi beats almost everyone. Down to earth, an introvert and a talented actor, he plays almost any role with utmost ease. Seen most recently in the blockbuster Bajirao Mastani as Chimaji Peshwa, he has once again won hearts. Sharing his experience of working on the sets of the film, his journey as an actor, and his take on awards, he spoke to TGS and was as modest and humble as one could be.

Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ranvir Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra was a great experience Vaibbhav tells us. “Sanjay sir is a child on the sets but he is also a taskmaster. Ranvir has this crazy energy that is extremely contagious and brightens up the set. Deepika is the epitome of effortless grace and portrays her character with so much ease. All of them were simply delightful to work with,” he says. Aiming to strike a balance between being the director’s actor and doing what he feels the character needs, Vaibbhav believes that finding a space somewhere in between, which pleases the viewer, is important. The role shouldn’t look too technical and over thought and neither should it be too casual, he points out.

Ask him about the importance of an award for an actor and he says, “Awards aren’t everything. While getting an award or even

BUZZ being nominated pushes an actor to do better and work harder, what actually matters is what the viewers think. If they like you and appreciate your character you can consider it a win.”

His Marathi film Mr and Mrs Sadachaari, which released this Friday, has garnered him a lot of praise for his versatility. Playing an angry young man in the film, it is an extremely different role from his previous performances.

His fans will get to see a whole new side of the actor and Vaibbhav is extremely excited about it. An engineering graduate from The College of Engineering Pune, he was interested in acting right from his school days. He first set foot on stage when he was seven years old and since then he has known that this is what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Acting has been his childhood dream.

He could not be more grateful about the undying support that his parents shower on him, irrespective of what he wished to do. It was only because he felt that having a degree was important as a back-up plan, that he actually pursued engineering. The stage fascinated him since he stepped onto it for the very first time.

When he isn’t busy shooting, he loves going for long drives with his close friends.

“I have never been to a club. I like calm and serene places and some quiet time. This is just how I am,” says the 27-year-old.

His upcoming projects include an untitled Marathi film directed by Ajay Phansekar that is entirely shot in Mauritius and a Bollywood film titled Lipstick Wale Sapne by Prakash Jha. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

“I like calm and serene places and some quiet time. This is just how I am”

Quentin Tarantino gets back on screen, in 70mm

By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab

T

he director, famous for creating action movies like no other, has taken his passion for armed conflict one step further. Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming film The Hateful Eight is a brutal tale of betrayal set in Wyoming.

Though he’s expressed his disappointment over the film’s script being leaked even before they started shooting, he has no qualms about it now “It affected my process. This was one script I wanted differently from the way I’d done it before. I wanted to do three drafts of this one, before I let it out into the world. When the script got out there, it violated this process in my mind of how I was going to do it,” he says.

Known for unpredictability in his films, Quentin’s kitty includes cult classics like Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Inglourious Basterds. His new film features a number of actors regularly seen in his productions, with a few new names like Jennifer Jason Leigh and Demian Bichir. “The actor who

surprised me the most is Jennifer. Part of the thing about Daisy Domergue is that character had to be discovered and fleshed out by the actress. Maybe 15 actresses could have played what I wrote on page and you would have 15 characterisations. She bloomed into this truly amazing character, one of my favourite female characters I have ever written,” he adds.

The film will be screened in the rarely used, but cinematically extravagant 70mm format. This will be his biggest widescreen movie made in 40 years and Quentin wants to remind people why this is real moviemaking. “The proof will be in the pudding, in the look and the feel of the film, but it was just gratifying shooting and then watching our dailies in 70mm, at the end of every day. I hadn’t realised what a lost cause 35mm has proven to be, and how excited people in the industry were going to get about 70mm. I never thought I would be in a world where my movie is leading Star Wars, when it comes to technical equipment,” he smiles. zainab.kantawalagoldensparrow.com

TGS LIFE JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES An admirer of the instrument since he was three years old, Aditya Kalyanpur has come a long way since he first laid hands on the tabla

Creating the world’s first coloured tabla

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

T

he tabla has been a part of India’s musical heritage for time immemorial. When one thinks of the instrument, names like Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Anuradha Pal and Vijay Ghate are bound to pop up. There is one other name which is almost synonymous with the table in India and abroad tabla maestro Aditya Kalyanpur. With the aim of spreading the love he has for the tabla and getting more people to learn the instrument, he started the New England School of Music in Boston.

The 37-year-old has spent the last seven months making the world’s first coloured tabla, which will be out for sale soon. With only a few minutes to spare from his jampacked schedule, he speaks to TGS about his latest invention and his musical journey.

Born and brought up in

Mumbai, the son of an engineer and IT professional, Aditya was intrigued by the tabla and its sounds since the age of three. Drawing inspiration and making his own sounds from what he heard his grandfather’s musician friends play, he knew early on that this is what he wanted to pursue as a career. At the age of 11, he accompanied

Zakir Hussain in the Wah Taj commercial and soon after was also recognised as an ‘A’ grade artist of the All India Radio.

But this was only the beginning. He was also given the title of ‘Taal-Mani’ and was awarded the Vidyasagar and Sangeet Visharad award.

“Tabla is my mode of expression. Being so close to an instrument allows you to live through it. Every performance becomes a new experience and a new journey. I am also blessed to be able to make what I love my profession and I could not ask for anything more,” he says. He was one of the first table players to be invited to Estonia for the Orient Arts Festival.

Ask him about his musical journey and he says, “The journey has been great.

While I started training at the age of seven and I am now teaching others, I believe that I haven’t stopped learning myself.

There is so much inf luence around you and so much that you could incorporate in your music that you will be surprised every single day.” Aditya is well known for his versatility as a performer and has performed innumerable solos for bands like The Rolling Stones and for artists like AR Rahman, John Popper, Tim Ries and Katy Perry.

Check out this green film fest

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

T

he 10th edition of Kirloskar Vasundhara International Film Festival kickstarted in the city last week. It’s an innovative attempt to explore nature and analyse topical issues related to the environment, wildlife, energy, air and water. Combining exclusive national and international film screenings and a number of allied activities, the 10th edition of Kirloskar Vasundhara International Film Festival kickstarts in city.

Talking about this year’s theme — Smart and Sustainable: It’s my city’ — festival convener Arti Kirloskar, chairman Madhav Chandrachud and director Virandra Chitrav, in their address to the media said, “While everyone talks about ‘smart’ cities, we wish to propose intelligent strategies to build cities that are ‘sustainably smart’. Our aim is to inculcate eco-consciousness at all levels to ensure that we do not disturb the environmental balance while harnessing the power of digital technologies that are currently

being used for urban development.

Without this eco-consciousness, a city can become smart, but not sustainably smart.”

Like each year, KVIFF Film Competition has received an overwhelming response from various film and documentary makers from across the country. Besides screenings of award-winning films, the top three winners were also in the city to share their experiences about their journeys with these films.

The documentary that won the first prize in the competition is Window Birding, shot by Thanebased Seema Rajeshirke. Talking about her stint with documentary making that started in 2014, Seema says, “It all began when my husband, Shekhar, brought a new camera for my children. Every time he would teach them how to handle and operate it, I would also listen. Then my children also encouraged me to start clicking and I just happened to capture birds from the window of my room. There is a huge wooded area ahead of our society and a variety of birds visit the trees in front of our house. After everyone would leave

Apart from these collaborations he also currently leads the fusion band Fuzikk and is a part of the well-known music group Bombay Jazz.

In an attempt to attract the younger generation and encourage them to learn the tabla, Aditya decided to tweak the appearance of the instrument and make it more colourful. After a lot of trial and error he is finally happy with the end result. “I had to ensure that the paint in no way changed the tone of the tabla. My main focus was to keep the basic sounds intact and this was my biggest challenge too. This is being attempted for the first time in the world. Everything is being done from scratch and there is no previous work to rely on. This makes it both interesting and challenging at the same time,” he tells us. The thought came to him out of the blue but Aditya believes that it could be very well responsible for changing the way the instrument is perceived and accepted.

Working on innumerable projects at the moment, he has a series of concerts and performances lined up, and will keep travelling to Boston to teach and conduct workshops. He will also continue to work on the coloured tablas and improve them in any way possible, he adds. salonee.mistry@ goldensparrow.com

A still from The Rise and Fall of Ustad

for school and work, I would just experiment with the camera and capture different types of birds. At night, I would sit with my family and research the birds I’d photographed.

This is how I got deeply interested in birds,” After she captured around 30 species of birds, Seema and her husband decided to hold a photo exhibition which got her a lot of appreciation. This finally led her to shoot her first documentary film on birds which she later submitted for the KVIFF film competition. “I am elated that my first effort got me the first prize and all the credit for

4

my success goes to my family. My husband especially learned editing to make this documentary worth its win,” she adds proudly.

The second prize winning film, Rise and Fall of Ustad, is made by Asif Khan, a Delhi-based filmmaker and wild-life enthusiast. It’s a story of Ustad, one of the most photographed male tigers of Ranthambore who was shifted to Sajjangarh Biological Park in Udaipur after he killed four people. “After hearing the way Ustad was being ill-treated as a man killer, I thought his story needs to be told. He is just an animal and can’t be punished for something that is

inherent in his nature,” explains Asif.

The third winner is a tie between two films, Lion Trackers of Gir and Jal Khet made by Lucknow-based Amitabh Avasthi and Ahmedabadbased Anjali Nayar respectively.

Pune-based social worker Hitendra Somani has won a consolation prize for his documentary called Surakshit Bhavishya. Besides, there are over 100 international short films being screened across eight days at different venues.

Another major highlight of the festival is the first-ever Eco Bazaar, which is an aesthetic mélange of indigenous crafts, organic food, clothing and body care products to encourage a green lifestyle. It features an exquisite range of products that are chic, unique and very Indian. There will be interesting activities such as simple techniques of handmade paper-making and workshop on upcycling, besides others.

When: Till January 13 Where: Bal Gandharv Rang Mandir, Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery & Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium heena.grover@goldensparrow.com

Youngsters are no longer content with channelflipping through one match or another. They’re getting gritty and promoting their beloved sport themselves

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

A

s children, we have all been involved with one sport or the other. While not many of us stick to it enough to pursue it as a career, even fewer go all out for it. It is one thing to work hard and achieve a name for yourself in a sport that you love and a completely different thing to coach others and promote the sport. Changing the sports scene in the city, several girls and boys have made it their responsibility to coach others.

For the love of the game

playing Rugby for eight years now, began assisting his coach in training younger boys and girls about two years ago. Teaching the lesser known game of Roll Ball, Sameer Shaikh is now a full time coach at Indiara National School, Pune.

FROM LEARNING TO COACHING When her father started Diego Juniors Football Coaching Academy, it was just the push that Liyaan needed. Coaching about 80 girls along with Hiba Saquih, she is glad that the future of the game

Atish during one of the football training sessions of Happy Feet F.A.

Liyaan Akkalkotkar has been coaching girls in football for about six months now while she has been playing the sport for eight years.

Atish Ganguly, 26, Ryan Godinho, 27, and Vidur Mehmi, 26, have been playing football since their school days and have been coaching young boys for the last four-and-a-half years. Siddharth Barve, who has been

Atish Ganguly

Ryan Godinho

Vidur Mehmi

is changing. “Especially for girls, the opportunities in the game have changed a lot in the past eight years and the change has been for good. If

this kind of encouragement existed when I started off, the overall outlook of girls towards the game and their achievements would have been so much larger,” says the 20-year-old.

Vidur, Atish and Ryan too went from playing the game to the coaching mode. They played for their school, college and districts, states and even national team. Operating under the name Happy Feet Football Academy, they have leased six grounds across the city and run quarterly training batches there. In addition, they also arrange summer camp which is their biggest annual event.

Sameer went from being a skater to playing Rollball and then took up coaching. After graduating in Computer Engineering, he is now pursuing a degree in Physical Education.

“Rollball means everything to me at this point in time.

I cannot think of a future of myself which does not include the sport. It is relatively not-so-known in the city and I want to change that,” says the 25-year-old.

Just like him, Siddharth too began coaching Rugby so that he could improve its scope in the future.

He got interested in the sport thanks to one of his classmates and then he just held on. Siddharth helps coach Surudh Khare instruct children through Thunder Birds Academy and wants to rope in players from other age groups too. He is currently in his third year at MIT College pursuing a degree in Computer Science.

BUILDING THE SPORT LIKE A TRUSTED BRAND Hoping to bring much-deserved appreciation and acceptance to their beloved game, the sport enthusiasts are giving it their all. “When we started off, our biggest challenge was finding appropriate sports

TGS LIFE JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

TEJAS GAIKWAD

5

Sameer Shaikh coaching the boys of Indira National School in Rollball

grounds. All the grounds that were accessible had a mud and gravel base. Although it helped toughen the children, it wasn’t the most ideal way to teach them. The availability of better quality grounds have given us hope for a better future for the game,” says Vidur.

Siddharth points out that creating facilities for a sport is the most important aspect. Willingness to learn the sport is also something that is a challenge that he faces even now. “Rugby is an extremely physical game. Trying to encourage children to play and their parents to allow them to play is a big task. The chances of injury are really high and this keeps everyone at bay. Teaching the proper technique and field etiquette is most important in the game,” says the 23-year-old.

A RAY OF HOPE AND A BRIGHTER FUTURE The non-mainstream sports, even sports like Kabbadi, Badminton and Wrestling, have slowly but steadily picked up pace. In fact, sports leagues help bring them national recognition.

Vidur and his team hope to keep the RAHUL RAUT

Siddharth Barve training his students in a game of Rugby at the National Society, Aundh ground

Liyaan Akkalkotkar showing her football skills

competitive spirit of Football alive and often hold competitions between the batches. Since each of them coach at two out of the six grounds, competition even takes over the coaches, pushing them to get better at their job.

Sameer is glad that Rollball is being recognised in the city to begin with. Compared to when he started off, Pune and the Pune Municipal Corporation were together one team in the city, now each of them have about 12-13 teams. This, he believes, is a sign of progress. Siddharth is now seeing a willingness to learn the sport amongst children who he coaches.

They follow the games aired on the television and that is one step closer to his dream.

For Liyaan, the fact that the numbers of girls she is coaching is increasing is a start in the right direction. Moreover, since the girls she coaches are winning local tournaments too, the future is much brighter, she believes. salonee.mistrygoldensprrow.com

A treat for all chocolate lovers

TGS LIFE JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

INDULGE

WOODEN LOG Ingredients Marie biscuits 18 to 20 Cocoa powder 1 tbsp Unsalted butter 4 tbsp Powdered sugar 4 tbsp Instant coffee powder ½ tsp Water ¼ cup Method: In a bowl, mix water and coffee powder.

Heat the mixture. In a separate bowl, mix butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder and beat well. Take a biscuit and quickly dip it in the coffee-water and place

it on a plate.

Spread a thin layer of butter-cocoa mixture on it.

Now dip another biscuit in coffee-water and place it onto it. Repeat the process with all the biscuits to make a tall tower. Cover all the sides of the biscuit tower with butter - cocoa mixture. Lift the tower and place it horizontally on the butter paper and wrap it. Keep this in the fridge for two to three hours. Once out of the fridge, place it horizontally on a chopping board and cut diagonally.

You can serve it with smaller pieces of chocolate and other sweets.

Recipe by Mridula Jain

Ingredients Heavy cream 1 ¼ cup Dark chocolate 250grams Eggs 2 Vanilla extract 1 tbsp Salt ¼ tsp Lime juice 1 tsp A few Mint leaves Digestive biscuits, as per your need Melted butter Strawberries, as per your need Castor sugar, depending on how sweet you want it Method: Crush the digestive biscuits and add melted butter. Line the ramekins (small dish used for baking and serving an individual portion of food) with it and bake it at 150 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn light golden brown. Let it cool once baked. Chop the chocolate into small pieces. Simultaneously, boil the cream on a low flame. Add it to the chocolate

and mix it well to form a thick chocolate sauce. Add eggs, vanilla extract and salt. Layer it over the biscuit base in the ramekins. Bake for 15 minutes at 150 - 170 degrees Celsius. Let it cool and then refrigerate. For the strawberry coulis: Add chopped strawberries, castor sugar and a pinch of lime juice. Heat the mixture on a low flame. Bring it to a boil and keep it aside to cool.

Garnish the baked chocolate mousse with a drop of coulis and some mint leaves.

Recipe by Sabah F Poonawala

TEJAS GAIKAWAD

BAKED CHOCOLATE MOUSSE WITH STR AWBERRY COULIS

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

C

hocolate is almost everyone’s weakness. Whether you are in the mood for some celebration or you’re looking for an insta-fix for a bad day, chocolate is always by your side. Lip-smacking choc-chip cookies, gooey chocolate cakes and

THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT Ingredients For the chocolate sphere Chocolate 150 grams Mould Half sphere Piping bag For the filling ganache Chocolate Chocolate 100 grams Milk 50 grams Method: Melt the chocolate on a double boiler. After it cools off a bit just keep it back on the hot water boiler, with the flame off and stir gently. Pour the tempered (melted) chocolate in the mould.

Fill only half of it. Turn the mould in a circular motion so you can spread the chocolate evenly to cover all sides. Let it rest for 10 minutes until it hardens. Turn the mould upside down and gently

YOUR CHOW AROUND TOWN A new food truck in town

Widely known for introducing the global trends in hospitality and food industry, JW Marriott is all set to bring its ‘Food Truck’. This latest offering will bring on the platter the best of street food which is the latest obsession for foodies, from around the world. To start with, the food truck will offer New York Style Street Food for the street food lovers in the city.

When: January 10, 5 pm to 9 pm Where: Pune Baking Company at JW Marriott Hotel, SB Road

The Wines of India

Join Peter Csizmadia-Honigh for an evening to discover The Wines of India – A Concise Guide. Peter will speak about what made him write the first comprehensive guide to Indian wines and his journey in bringing the project to

completion. During the evening, you will get to taste a broad selection of Indian wines with Peter’s comments as well as taste delectable Indian foods. You will also be presented with a copy of his book.

When: January 15, 7 pm onwards Where: Evviva Sky Lounge, Courtyard By Marriott Pune City Centre, Bund Garden Road

Cream it up

beyond delicious cupcakes have been around for a long time now. By now, home bakers from the city have been tweaking these recipes with a twist of their own. Sharing with you some of their well kept chocolate secrets, they promise something out of the ordinary. Here are three recipes that are easy to make, do not take much time and taste unbelievingly good.

VISHAL KALE

RAHUL RAUT

If you’ve grown over mundane chocolate preparations, here is your chance. Try these three easy-to- make recipes and give cocoa one more chance

Costa Coffee has launched its new menu with a range of luxuriant hot and cold winter delights to indulge your senses. Topping it all is their international sensation, the Caramel Popcorn Latte, a divine cup of caramel coffee that is as velvety as it is aromatic to the last drop with the smokey flavour of popping popcorns.

When: Till January 20 Where: All Costa Coffee outlets outlets

r e m o v e the sphere.

Pack the filling of your choice in one half of the sphere. To stick one half of the sphere onto another, use melted chocolate. You can also use white chocolate to make the spheres.

To make the filling, mix the chocolate and milk in a bowl and place it on a double boiler. Turn the flame off once chocolate has fully melted. Let it cool. Any filling of your choice, be it fresh seasonal fruits, cream, gems, fruit crush, can be used in this recipe.

Recipe by Amruta Rathi

Give salads a chance

TGS LIFE JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

INDULGE

Health score: 3.5/5 Calories: 248 kcal Protein: 4.5 gm

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

B

ored of the same old meal routine every day? Try these absolutely scrumptious salads at home or at work. These salads are not just fi lling but are packed with a lot of health benefits. So don’t think twice, just toss and polish it all off.

SWEET AND SOUR TOFU CUCUMBER BOATS Ingredients Red bell pepper, cubed 1 Yellow bell pepper, cubed 1 Onion, cubed 1 Pineapple, cubed 1 Pineapple juice 300ml Tofu, cubed 200 gm Rice wine vinegar 20 ml Tomato ketchup 100 ml Cucumbers 2 Ginger, chopped 2 tsp Garlic, chopped 2 tsp A handful of coriander leaves Salt and pepper to taste Method: In a frying pan, sauté ginger and garlic. Add onions and as soon as they turn translucent, add peppers and pineapple followed by pineapple juice. Reduce the juice to about a third of the initial volume.

Add the tofu, tomato ketchup and rice wine vinegar. Cook for about four minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Transfer the sweet and sour tofu preparation to a bowl and rest it in the fridge to cool it to room temperature. Add salt and pepper seasoning just before serving. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise across the core. Deseed the cucumber to make a boat shape and cut at the half mark of the width. Assemble the salad as shown in the picture.

What the expert says: The dish is an excellent entrée Health score: 3/5 for a party.

Calories: 245kcal Most parties Protein: 8gm end up having too many fried items as starters. So this can be a great option to reduce calories. The tofu acts as source of protein and the veggies provide nutrients, fl avour and taste to the dish. A defi nite portion size will control the amount of servings consumed.

GERMAN SAUSAGE AND POTATO SALAD Ingredients Potatoes, boiled, peeled and cubed 4 German sausages/frankfurters, sliced 4 Mayonnaise 2 cups Mustard sauce 1-1/2 tbsp Bacon strips, chopped 4 Onions, fi nely chopped 2 Orange segments and lemon wedges for garnish Salt and pepper to taste Method: Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Add mayonnaise and mix thoroughly taking care to not mash the potatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve cold or at room temperature.

What the expert says: If you add Health score: 2/5 more vegetables Calories: 393 kcal Protein: 9.4 gm

FRESH VEGETABLE PESTO PASTA SALAD Ingredients Pasta 50 gm Sweet corn 1/4 cup Baby tomatoes 1/4 cup Cucumber, diced 1/4 cup Red, yellow, green peppers, diced 1/4 cup each A handful of roasted almonds or walnut, or both For dressing Extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup Black pepper, crushed 1 tbsp Green chillies 2 Garlic 3 pods Roasted walnuts 1/4 cup Fresh lime/lemon juice 2 tsp A handful of minced coriander, basil, mint and fenugreek leaves Salt to taste Method: Boil the pasta to al dente and set

to the salad, like cucumbers, carrots and baby spinach leaves, it can become a wholesome meal. The mayonnaise in the salad can be replaced partly with hung curd to reduce the calories per serving and improve the protein score. The sausages can be replaced with freshly boiled chicken.

By Chef Ganesh Choudhari, AFK, Nyati Unitree, Nagar Road SPICED ARUGULA & FETA SALAD Ingredients Rocket leaves 150 gm Extra virgin olive oil 10 gm Orange segments 15 gm Feta or processed cheese 15 gm Orange dressing 15 gm Candied walnut ¼ cup Red/Green apple 20 gm Salt and pepper to taste For orange dressing Orange juice (Fresh) 500 ml Sugar 1-1/2 cup Kasundi mustard sauce 10 gm Method for orange dressing: Take fresh orange juice in a pan and add sugar, reduce it on a slow fl ame to 30 percent, add kasundi mustard and reduce further to make 200 ml dressing.

Method: Clean and wash rocket leaves under cold running water, drain it properly and pat dry. Melt sugar on a low fl ame in a pan to make caramel, toss the walnuts to coat the aside. Make a coarse paste of garlic, green chillies, walnut, all the leaves and olive oil.

Pour in a bowl and add lemon juice and mix it well. Take the pasta in a salad bowl, add all the veggies, dressing and drizzle some more olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and serve cold.

What the expert says: Th is is a fabulous meal replacement. Increase the quantity of the vegetables in the recipe if you are looking for added value. Choose a whole wheat pasta. You can also make a great non vegetarian version b y adding grilled chicken or fish Health score: 4/5 or simply toss Calories: 278 kcal s h r e d d e d Protein: 6 gm chicken into the salad.

By Ekta Katti, TGS staff writer and food connoisseur

caramel, store in a cool place and cut small pieces.

In a bowl, add rocket leaves, salt, pepper, o l i v e oil, orange dressing and mix it well. Slice green apple and mix it with rocket leaves.

Arrange the salad in a plate and top it with feta crumble, orange segments and candied walnuts. Drizzle some more orange dressing, as desired.

What the expert says: Th is salad can serve as an accompaniment with your meal. You could also have a portion of grilled chicken/ fish/paneer or tofu along with the salad.

There is no need to add carbs to the salad.

The salad, with a portion of protein, is a meal replacement. It can also act like a fi ller in between meals, so one can skip unhealthy snack options.

By Chef Paul Kinny, 212 All day cafe & Bar, Phoenix Marketcity, Viman Nagar It is often taken for granted that all salads are healthy but the health quotient of a salad can only be determined by the quantity and quality of its ingredients.

— Avanti Deshpande is a consultant nutritionist and practices at private clinics across the city Reach her at: www. avantideshpande.com

TGS LIFE JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

THRILL OF DRIVING Mahindra launches Imperio premium pickup at Rs 6.25 lac

M

ahindra continues to be committed to the tiny lifestyle pickup segment with the launch of the new Imperio pickup truck. Mahindra’s recent design experimentation is evident in this vehicle as well. The front of the Imperio appears very SUV-like, belying the utility nature of the pickup. The Mahindra Imperio uses a 2.5 litre DI engine with Common Rail Technology, generating 75 hp, and 220 Nm of torque. Mileage is pegged at 13.55 kmpl. The Mahindra Imperio can carry about 1240kg of payload.

The exterior looks muscular, as a pickup truck should, but the vehicle is clearly going for the lifestyle buyer as well, with a generally more premium feel. The Imperio is equipped with 16 inch radial tyres and brakes with load-sensing proportioning valves that allows greater braking with the least amount of effort, while making sure your cargo stays stable. The pickup has a 5-speed transmission, a tight turning radius, low NVH levels, tiltable power steering and HVAC. Unlike what you’d expect in a utility vehicle, the Imperio comes with conveniences such as central locking and keyless entry. The Mahindra Imperio is available in 4 variants; two single-cabin options (SC, SC-VX) and two double-cabin options (DC, DC-VX) and in 3 metallic colours; Lava Red, Verve Blue and Arctic White. Prices start at Rs 6.25 lacs, ex-showroom Thane, for the single cabin BS3 variant.

Bookings open for

MV Agusta Brutale 1090 Exotic naked sportbike will go on sale at an introductory price of Rs 19.3 lac

I

f you’re a one-percenter, Pune firm Motoroyale has the bike for you. Motoroyale is a Kinetic initiative and is the Indian representative of MV Agusta motorcycles, a name so hallowed that we could scarcely believe the rumours that they were coming to India. Well, here they are with their flagship naked motorcycle, the Brutale 1090. We’ve ridden the younger brother, the Brutale 800, and found that to be rather intimidating. We dread to think what this one is like, coming in at 1078cc and four cylinders, one more than the 800.

The Brutale 1090 is available in three variants internationally: the 1090, 1090RR and 1090 Corsa. We get the ‘base’ model here which outputs 144hp, 112Nm

of torque in a bike that weighs only 183kg. Top speed is claimed at 265km/h, which on a naked bike would be an exfoliating experience. Fuel tank capacity is a massive 23l, which we suspect is more practical than bombastic. You don’t buy a 144hp motorcycle to fill it, shut it and forget it.

Understandably, there’s a complete electronics package on-board, with 8 levels of traction control and adjustable ABS as well. Cycle parts are top-notch with adjustable 50mm Marzocchi front forks and an adjustable Sachs rear shock. You can have it in matte black or white, at an introductory price of Rs 19.3 lac, ex-showroom, Pune.

Motoroyale promises to deliver the first ten customers their bikes within 20 days and judging by the Indian appetite for exotic motorcycles, we have no doubt they’ll have more than enough response.

This 17-year old science student from Balewadi has a super interesting invention in his kitty

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

W

e met this bright young boy a few weeks ago at a cultural fair, where he was one of the participants from his college. Roshan Shrinivas Chumbalkar displayed his invention – a solar battery-run bicycle. Using his immense interest in solar projects, skills and practical knowledge, the teenager has created the useful bike which can be used to cover small distances in the city without having to worry about getting tired.

It was Roshan’s long-time dream to make something useful out of solar energy which is available in abundance and costs practically nothing. “It was around six months ago that I first thought of converting my bicycle into a battery-run vehicle but that would need to be plugged every time the battery would discharge. That’s when I thought why not try and attach a solar panel onto the cycle which will allow me to charge the batteries anytime

of the day. After a lot of brainstorming, testing, failing and trying again and again, I successfully assembled my bike.”

To finish the project, Roshan invested around Rs 17,000 to buy all the fixtures such as the solar panel, UPS batteries, controller, wires, meter and the motor. “When you are tired of peddling, you can just unlock the key on the handle and switch on the battery mode. As you accelerate the speed, the bike battery automatically starts charging using solar energy through the panel. If you are riding the cycle during the day, it will never stop working. Once the battery is fully charged, which ideally takes six hours, you can ride it throughout the night as well. The speed can go up to 30 km, per hour, and the meter on the handle indicates how much battery is left, so you can get an idea when to charge it again.”

Like the bicycle, Roshan also wishes to convert his e-bike into a solar bike soon, but says that getting the solar panels is an expensive affair. “The panel alone costs around Rs 12,000. If these panels become more economical, one can do so much with them and conserve electricity. I wish to make a lot of other things in the future using

TEJAS GAIKWAD

Riding solar powered dreams

this dynamic resource.”

A lot of credit goes to Roshan’s father, Shrinivas Bharat Chumbalkar for this success, who supported him whole-heartedly to throughout his experimentation. He is

an environment conservation supporter and soon plans to convert their two-storey Balewadi row house into a solar power-run household. heena.grover@goldensparrow.com

TGS LIFE JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

Got dirt?

No problem!

If you have a passion for biking, this is definitely the sport for you. City bikers shares their experience on riding a heavy duty bike through a dirt track

By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab

D

o you remember your first time riding a bicycle? A fear of falling and getting hurt striking your mind? Now multiply that experience a thousand times over. A dirt bike is much heavier, faster, and more complicated to ride. For these passionate youngsters, zooming up in air, negotiating slush and a gravel-laden terrain is a casual affair. They ride their dirt bike over a crazy track, filled with rocks and obstacles, and easily get past them. They jump and fly up in the air, just to get a speed boost to overpower their opponent and win a big championship.

When it comes to winning big, age is just a number. The city is home to youngsters who have won international championships in motocross and dirt bike racing. We give you an insight to what drives these adventure junkies into taking up a thrilling sport.

PASSION FOR SPEED 27-year-old Nikhil Kamthe’s his zeal for bikes that brought him in this sport. He rides an Apache 160 RTR and Hero Impulse, and

Sarthak Chavan

Pinkesh Thakkar

has recently stood third in fifth in Ajmera MRF Championship, and third in Motocross.

“I own a garage, and my father worked as a mechanic for car racing events. So even when I was a child I’d learned about races and speed.

All my friends too are into adventure biking, so it came to me naturally. Riding by myself and taking advice from my friends has got me this far,” he says.

Small wonder Sarthak Shrikant Chavan, who is just eight years old, was inspired by his uncle Snehal Chavan who is a motocross rider. After winning 11 trophies at national and international events, he aims to become an Asian champion. He currently rides a Kawasaki 65. “I started motocross racing when I was just four years old. My fearless attitude towards racing, stunting, and attempting jumps made my father realise my interest in bikes. They have always supported me and guided me to pursue my ambition,” says Sarthak. His parents too want to see their son achieve great heights in the sports and are all praises for him. “Sometimes we are scared, but he wears all the safety gear and is well trained.

If he is confident, we are confident too,” says his father Shrikant. Sarthak won the MRF Supercross National Championship podiums 2013-2014, and is currently riding for the 9T9 racing team.

Another little champ Yuvrajsinh Kondedeshmukh, 11, has been actively participating and winning top honours in motorcross and dirt bike events in the under-15 category nationally. While other kids their age play with motorbike models, these kids perform stunts on the real machines. “When he

required to master this bike is far greater than learning a normal two wheeler. “Riding a dirt bike is hard. It takes months to figure it out and years of practise to master. You should be prepared to crash, fall and run straight into a tree. I have had many injuries too, but was saved because of the safety gear. If it’s an Indian bike it goes three to four foot in the air, but an international bike goes higher, so chances of injury are more,” informs Nikhil.

Perfecting the correct body position is the hardest part of riding a dirt bike. It’s not just about standing or sitting, it’s about figuring out the throttle. “It’s about timing, working on clutch and using them together.

It’s just like learning how to juggle while riding a bike. It sure is difficult, as there are more turns and lots of dirt on the tracks. The Nikhil Kamthe chances of accidents are more too, but passion and excitement drives us,” adds Pinkesh.

Yuvraj’s journey in sport began after was just three year’s old, he showed an interest towards adventurous sports. As he grew up we his parents realised his dream. Thereafter, observed that Yuvraj had an immense liking he has participated in many races where he towards motorbikes, cars and was interested in displayed his motocross skills. He recently motorcross, supercross sports. He began riding won Dubai international championship 2015. “I started riding a an ATV 50cc as a hobby, 50cc KTM motorcycle and slowly this became his monitored by my father. dream and passion. We He soon realized that I just supported him in his needed advance training endeavour,” says Sandeep, which would further his father who was a sharpen my skills. So, motocross rider 30 years my training began under ago, but had to quit due to Brad Ripple from USA in lack of family support.

2011. Now I am training To some, it’s a passion at iLand Sports Academy, and to some an obsession. and I’ve won the title at For Pinkesh Thakkar, the Dubai DMX 2015 65cc 26, the two time national Motocross International champion, it’s his love for Championship by 382 the sport that drove him points with a lead of 48 to take up this challenging points overall in Dubai,” he sport. “There was an says. Yuvraj visits various international dirt bike race cities of Maharashtra held in Pune in 2000, and - NIKHIL KAMTHE where he practices I went there as a spectator. meticulously for his I got hooked to it that national and international very moment and decided to learn this. Initially, my family didn’t races, and follows a strict diet and fitness support me, but they were okay after I won regimen. championships. But they don’t come to watch THRILL OF RIDING the race even now,” says Pinkesh.

Riding on a dirt track that features table tops THE CHALLENGE with the dirt piled up sure sounds adventurous.

If you are like many who want to get into the These riders have given in hours of practise to sport because you bought a fancy dirt bike, perfect every technique that goes into it. “It’s assuming that it is the same as a mountain been 14 years, but every weekend I practise at bike, think again. The ability and time the 99 racing track in Wakad, that is designed for dirt biking. Stunts like double jump, table tops on 100 feet, etc are challenging, hence before every event I give in more hours to practise them,” adds Pinkesh.

For Sarthak, who is currently ranked second in motocross racing, now aims to compete at FIM Motocross World Junior Championship. He believes that to become a world class rider, he will have to push his limits and develop self discipline. “I like to jump with the bike and do wheelies.

Participating in competitions has made me recognise my weakness and strength. I practise every weekend so that I can work my Yuvrajsinh Kondedeshmukh way to a bigger win,” he says. zainab.kantawalagoldensparrow.com

“You should be prepared to crash, fall and run straight into a tree. I have had many injuries too, but was saved because of the safety gear.”

TGS LIFE JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab

H

ow many times have you pledged to enrol in a gym but backed out in just a week. Many people share the same story. While fitness is important, the usual gym routine and doing the same set of exercises over and over again can get boring. To make being fit more exciting and help you keep the spirit high, we have found some out-of-the-box workout styles that will help you burn those extra calories. From balancing yourself on a rope, to exercising to the tunes of upbeat bhangra songs, here are the new workouts that are gaining popularity this year.

Spice up your work out Forget the treadmill. Giddy-up your fitness regime with these new techniques that promise to whip your body into shape company. Today, he teaches other fitness enthusiast how to slackline and you might also end up doing yoga and meditation after the end of the workshop. “I went to an adventure store and saw slackline there. After a few months, I moved to New Zealand for further studies and saw people slacklining. That’s when I got hooked to it.

It’s a workout that is fun and also helps build core strength,” he points out.

Get in touch: samar@slacklife.co.in MASALA BHANGR A: MIX OF BHANGR A AND ZUMBA

SLACKLINING: A BALANCING ACT

Vinay Hitange involved in Crossfit workout session

Sarina Jain training the other fitness enthusiast

If you love listening to high pitched Punjabi music and gets moving with the beat of dhol, then get ready to tap your feet with this workout. Masala Bhangra is high energy fitness workout based on traditional Punjab bhangra songs. “It is an international form created by US-based Sarina Jain. We incorporate Bollywood rhythm and zumba in a 45-minute nonstop workout. It consists of songs that have high dhol beat,” says Amola Joshi, a masala bhangra trainer.

This is an aerobic zumba workout that focuses on muscle strengthening,

flexibility and stamina building. “There are 30 workout sessions and one cannot stop or quit in between. It helps burn about 500 calories depending on the intensity of the participant. It keeps your metabolic rate high, which, in turn, gives optimum weight loss results. It tones and conditions the entire body,” she says.

The regime allows you to channel your masculine side with Bhangra and gets you introduced to your feminine grace with the steps. “This is a cardiovascular workout that combines dance and exercise. It includes jam sessions and high intensity workouts that work on hands, biceps and triceps,” she adds.

Get in touch: 9769065129 CROSSFIT: NOT FOR THE FAINTHEARTED This comprises of physical exercises and incorporates Olympic weightlifting, power lifting, gymnastics and other exercises.

“Crossfit is a high intensity, interval training programme that includes dynamic exercises like plyometric jumps and Burpees. This involves no machines,” says Vinay Hitange, owner of Crossfit Chakra at Hinjewadi.

Beginners start with basic exercises to analyse fitness level. After a week, a regimen

Samar Farouqui during his slacklining workshop

Slacklining resembles tightrope walking, which consist of balance walking between two anchor points. It is a great way to infuse fun and excitement to the regular fitness routine. “It is a full body workout wherein, from shoulder to ankles, the body muscles are in a movement. It is the best workout to get fit and balancing your body on a slackline trains your core muscles like no other exercise,” says Samar Farouqui, who regularly conducts workshops in the city.

Walking on a slackline helps improve focus. While the two inch wide ribbon wobbles, the body muscles have to constantly shift to maintain balance. “You strengthen your spine, back, stomach, hips legs and ankles. It not only strengthens muscles and hones balancing skills but also helps improve memory and concentration,” he adds.

Samar got introduced to slacklining six years ago while working with an adventure

OxytrimX workout class at Oxyfit gym

is designed to suit your body. “One key point of the routine is the interaction between the group members. This motivates and encourages members to push themselves further. The workout session can last from four minutes to 40, depending from person to person. It is a fitness community, where people exercise together for faster results,” he adds.

A Crossfit workout improves body flexibility, power and stamina, and thus it is highly recommended for sportspersons.

“This was first introduced in America for their armed forces. It slowly caught up with people and sports activity like Ironman took over later. In India, athletes started this high energy workout,” he says.

Get in touch: 9764158903/8605605252 OX YTRIMX WORKOUT: MAN OVER MACHINE Oxyfit is for those who want to get fit without having to lift a muscle. While that may sound impossible, this workout ends in just 17 minutes. Oxyfit uses Milon Strength Endurance Circuit (MSEC) that consists of 12 machines that are designed to give you maximum results in lesser time. “It is an outcome of decades-long research. This circuit is fully automated and uses electrical resistance instead of traditional weights. The best thing about this is that you only have to work out for one minute on each machine,” says Pramod Prabhune, fitness instructor at Oxyfit gym.

The main aim of the workout is to help you gain muscle strength and lose weight faster. It also provides rehabilitation therapy for those with special needs. “For those who are recovering from an accident or a disease, all you require is the right equipment to work out with. We will make sure that your body regains its balance in the shortest possible time,” he says. Here you don’t need an instructor to guide you, all thanks to the equipment settings and preprogrammed workout sequences. “Whether your requirement is to enhance strength, weight loss, weight gain or physiotherapy, this circuit gives a power-packed session and delivers more exercise per breath,” he adds Get in touch: 7350123456 zainab.kantawalagoldensparrow.com

TGS LIFE JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

Travel to inspire Travelling makes you rich in every sense, says the globetrotter modelturned-actor Lisa Ray. Here is an interesting insight of her experiences around the world

I

have jotted down a few of my most favourite places across the globe, hoping for my experiences to inspire a few travelheads to simply pack their bags and set off to explore some great places around the world.

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Siem Reap’s Angkor Wat makes me believe in the limitless potential of all human beings. Monuments like this reinforce the belief that nothing is impossible. Here is this temple that is thousands of years old and still stands strong above a lake. When the sun rises, there is a symmetrical glow hovering amongst the water lilies. This manmade wonder is worth leaving your television sets behind and experiencing the alchemy of the creative process.

FLORENCE, ITALY Words might fall short on how beautiful this gem of a place is.

Florence is an old city where you are surrounded by art, love and beauty.

People cycling on the streets, world class art and museums, and the distinctive Florentine people will make you fall in love with the city. This iconic destination offers something fresh and eye-popping to discover every time you return.

ULPOTHA, SRI LANK A Ulpotha, a traditional eco-village situated in the heart of Sri Lanka is best known for its yoga, spa and ayurveda retreats. The place has been a retreat site for thousands of years and still remains the most tranquil city. It offers a beautiful hide-away from the routine hustle and bustle of the city, with serenity in the air and beautiful landscapes around.

Beside the retreat, the warm, generous and gentle hospitality and the welcoming people of Sri Lanka will win over your heart.

HERMANUS, CAPE TOW N I visited Hermanus recently for the shoot of my upcoming film, Ishq Forever, and instantly fell in love with the place. I snuck out of

shoots to explore everything the city had to offer. Stunning beaches to table top hills and whale watching, coupled with friendly locals, make this city a must visit on every traveller’s list.

EVIAN RESORT, FR ANCE The country that is known for exquisite cuisine, rich history and impeccable fashion is now famous for its bottled water. And Evian Resort is located in the beautiful Evian les Bain, a French city located in the Rhone-alps region and renowned for its natural spring water. It is the original source for bottled water the world over. Across Lake Geneva is Switzerland and ferries transport locals and tourists between the countries every hour. Surrounded by the lush

green, is Evian Resort standing opposite Genéve Lake. Breakfast on the terrace of this beautiful structure is an experience I’d want to live through again and again.

PROVENCE, FR ANCE This is undoubtedly the most scenic city of France. It is filled with lavender fields, salt marshes and Roman ruins, giving it an old world charm. I went boat tripping from the Lyon to Avignon on the Rhone River. Watching the beautiful sunset and an even more beautiful sunrise accompanied with some good food, champagne and hikes into wineries were the highlights of the trip.

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA Having lived in Canada for years now, the one place I personally favour is Nova Scotia. The lighthouse that stands amidst the

Atlantic Ocean tells a story of the destination’s historical events.

My favourite thing to do is to sip on my cup of hot chocolate right under the iconic light house and read a novel. There is an inner peace I experience every time I come here, and I know I will never give up on this spot.

KOLK ATA, INDIA There truly is no place like home.

Even though I haven’t lived my adult life in Kolkata I often visit my family here and I have a lot of childhood memories to cherish.

Travelling to Kolkata is simply like travelling to the past. The unique architecture of the city, the sweet sound of the language, mouth watering food and not to forget it’s transport system will definitely get you into an artistic and nostalgic state of mind.

(Author Lisa Ray is a renowned model and actress)

SP

TGS LIFE JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

SHOPPING

14

Shop more, spend less

Get the expensive look at an affordable price when you go street shopping on FC Road.

Here are a few options that you can mix and match for a casual yet classy look

Tribal Print Dress

Pair this simple and light coloured top with slim fitting jeans or a pair of shorts.

Price: Rs 300 Where: Akshada Shop

TEJAS GAIKWAD

Sleeveless Jeans Top

With a gold chain in the front, this printed dress is both comfortable and classy. You can pair it up with a long bag and some simple yet chic looking earrings.

Price: Rs 600 Where: Akshada Shop

Cape Top

Latest in trend this jeans Cape Top with a front zip when paired with black leggings looks great for almost any occasion.

Price: Rs 690 Where: Shirole Market

Floral Print Shorts

Best paired with a plain white top, the shorts can be worn to a party with your friends and even for a simple cup of coffee. Add a quirky bag pack or a plain sling bag to enhance the look.

Price: Rs 250 Where: Shirole Market

Carved Bracelet

If you want to make a statement without decking up too much this is a piece of ornament you must have on.

Price: Rs 350 Where: Pavan Novelties

Rustic Kadas

If you are the kind of girl that loves keeping it simple, pair about five of these rustic kadas with any attire.

They give you a sophisticated and fashionable look.

Price: Rs 350 Where: Pavan Novelties

Silver Spikes Ballerina

These spiked flats for women have a charm of their own.

With a comfortable sole and a glamorous look it is an ideal add on with every apparel.

Price: Rs 450 Where: Jalaram Novelties

Bead Earrings

These long chunky earrings are trendy and can work with almost any dress.

Price: Rs 250 Where: Pick Chick

Layered Neckpiece Green Ballerinas

In a colour that easily catches attention, these flats go well with a light coloured top and a dark pair of jeans, shorts or leggings. Don’t forget to match your jewellery to the ballerinas.

Price: Rs 450 Where: Cute Walk

Providing a contrast with the neon orange and gold, the neckpiece should be worn solo.

Price: Rs 350 Where: Pick Chick

H

is life revolves around the sarangi. Suresh Kumar Kattak was just seven, when he learnt playing the iconic musical instrument from his uncle and teacher Chandar Singh Didan. Apart from playing the sarangi, Suresh also learnt to make it. The musical journey of the 53-year-old started from Haryana, playing and selling the instrument. His quest for excellence in his art took him to different parts of the country including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, finally bringing him to Pune.

“Initially, my life was difficult. I was struggling and striving for food but with the sarangi, I slowly started earning a livelihood,” says Kattak. He performed at various venues in Pune but the one which he reminisces the most is when he performed at Khadki Cantonment for disabled army personnel. “I did it for free, although they gave me money. Just seeing their happy faces delighted me.” In 1995, Kattak played sarangi

JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

RAHUL RAUT

‘I have lived with and will die with sarangi’

TGS LIFE

unekar

with the musical maestro and famous composer Laxmikant Pyarelal in Bal Kendriya, Hadapsar.

He also got a chance to play with famous singer

Shabbir Kumar in Pimple Gaon in Nasik.

The trend of sarangi has been declining and there are fewer players now, says Kattak. “I’ve

Go modern with the

taken around 60-70 disciples after coming to Pune but they learn it out of hobby, no one is really passionate about taking it professionally.”

He dedicates four days a week to make sarangis and sells them on other days. His sarangis are priced between Rs 50 and Rs 200.

Some of his favourite songs which he plays on his beloved instrument are Kya milli aise logon se, Tum agar saath dene ka vada karo, Kajra mohabbat wala, Ek pardesi mera dil le gaya and Nagin. He stays in Dapodi with his four daughters, two sons and wife. His wife works as a domestic help and together they provided for their children’s education with whatever savings that they can manage. He wishes to see all his children established in the fields that they choose in life and says that he is grateful for what ‘the almighty has brought him through his music and struggle’. “I have lived with sarangi and I will die with it,” he concludes.

(As told to Romil Kothari)

City

traditional saree

celeb chat

S

aree’s have been a part of the Indian culture for generations. A must have in your wardrobe; they almost never go out of style. Be it a formal function, a wedding or just a gathering the saree fits into all events perfectly. The only thing that changes is either the way to drape them or the kind of blouse that you wear. Almost everyone loves to experiment with the latest trends or set a new trend and inspire others to follow. Here are some tips and tricks to chime in with the latest trend with picks from your old wardrobe.

Your desi attire will compliment a lovely edge with these trends. Adding any of these styles will definitely enhance your saree and complete your look at its best.

Elbow Length Sleeves: An elbow sleeved choli is currently in style and is best suitable for those with fuller arms. They easily camouflage your broader arms giving you a slimmer look.

High Neck (boat neck): High neck cholis add a royal look to the desi attire. When you wear high neck cholis skip wearing necklaces. In this case you can choose heavy earrings like chandelier, big jhumkas or handballs. This style would be perfect for all semiformal occasions and would effortlessly help you stand out from the crowd.

Cape: Adding a sheer, lace or embellished cape to your sari has been a fashion statement that a whole lot of celebrities tried out this year on the ramp and on the red carpet. Capes look fabulous on women of most sizesright from slender frames to broader ones. However, they look much better on taller frames as shorter girls can look even shorter with a cape silhouette.

Crop Top: Yet another favorite trend that goes very well with simple saree drape is a crop top. In a general crop top, sarees look best in monochromatic colors (i.e.: blouse in the same color family as the saree) however if you are wearing a silk saree then a contrast crop top might look better.

Belting up your saree choli: Belting up is not an entirely new thing when it comes to desi wear. Belting up with jewellery such as the ‘Vaddanam’ has in fact been an age-old tradition. However, even when you’d like to keep your desi wear simple, you can still belt

FEATURES

STYLE GURU

Designer Name: Deepti Acharya

them up – this time with less pretentious leather and metallic belts!

Jackets: A style that has been much in vogue lately, adding a jacket to your saree can add a definite élan and class to your desi attire. Experiment with ribbons, embellishments, textures of materials, net and even metallic motifs.

Peplum styles: This style can easily hide the extra fat at your waist. You can also pair with a cool belt.

Velvet love: Velvet and gold make for a regal and exquisite combination and when used on cholis, they can make just about any saree look pretty. Velvet cholis, which have been all the rage about a decade ago, have now made a come-back and this time in a whole lot of amazing designs and with some really gorgeous work done on them.The plus point of the velvet cholis is that, they look rich and go well with a heavy or light or printed saree.

As told to Salonee Mistry

Name: Saurabh Gokhale Profession: Actor Three words to describe me: Dedicated, Passionate, Creative I love my job because: Every project and every day is different Best advice I’ve received: Trust in your instincts rather than trusting someone’s judgment When buying something, the first thing that catches my eye is: When buying food – the nutritional chart, for clothes- the style and for rest - the packaging What’s your inner animal? - A horse - energetic, daring, loyal, powerful The first thing you notice about an attractive person: Manners and their approach towards other people The perfect start to a day is: My pet Muffin sitting on my chest and

licking my face to ask me to get up and play with her Your current four-wheeler: Tata Safari Storme Your fitness regimen: A day should not end without a rigorous 1.5 hr exercise and good healthy diet Your food indulgence: I am a Total foodie. Absolutely love nonvegetarian food and also love to explore various cuisines Books by your bedside: Historical novels and Thrillers The first site you visit when you fire up your comp: www.google. com Your favourite city: Pune Ideal holiday: A week long holiday with Anuja at my favourite place in Goa or somewhere in a thick forest or on a hill station (As told to Salonee Mistry)

They are here to ser

TGS LIFE

JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

The city is gradually becoming home to international chefs of enviable reput bring exotic flavours to local neighbourhoods, the nooks and corners work th inspire the food wizards to stay put a while longer

FEATURES

By Zainab Kantawala & Salonee Mistry @TGSWeekly

P

une is a city rich in diversity, culture, architecture, history and food. Cuisines from across the world can be found on a single street here. Restaurants are jam packed with enthusiastic foodies almost any time of the day. Be it street food from Berlin, Korea’s local cuisine, French pastries or Italian flavours, the city has it all. Not only are restaurants offering dishes that are close to the original, their décor and ambience too replicate the country’s disposition. Setting up something so detailed requires intensive

knowledge of the country and this is w to Pune as part their gastronomic adve up cafes and diners that are comfortabl as popular with locals and expats.

Take a walk around Koregoan Park so many places that serve an exotic cu One visit to these restaurants and you TGS spoke to five expats who have set the city. For many of them, this ventu satisfaction that they are willing to st and spend the rest of their lives here.

MILAN PAL: MAHLZEIT-BERLIN STREET FOOD Part Indian, part German, Milan Pal moved to Pune about five years ago. A marketing manager with British Petrol back home in Berlin, food always excited the 35-year-old.

Experimentation with food was also routine.

Setting up Mahlzeit in April, last year, he only wanted to find a way to fill the void his taste buds felt, whenever he missed food from back home. “Owning a restaurant was never a part of the plan. When I came to Pune, interacting with other German expats here made me realise how much all of us missed food from back home. This is when I realised that it was the right time to start my own Berlin Street Food restaurant,” he says.

The restaurant offers the exact same food that you would find on the streets of Berlin and this Milan has ensured by training his staff to cook everything just how he likes it. The recipes have been sourced from his mother, aunts and friends. “I had to ensure that some spicy sauce was always available in the restaurant. German street food is not spicy at all but Indians like everything spicy. So as long as I have something spicy to give them with the food, they would

keep coming back,” he says.

Explaining the meaning of Mahlzeit, Milan tells us that it is a greeting that people exchange during meal times in Germany. Appreciating the flavours and the cuisine that his restaurant offers, the number of locals frequenting the place has also increased.

Doing everything Berlin style, he has also ensured that the interiors and ambience represent the eateries from there. “In Berlin, when any one sets up a restaurant they make up the chairs and tables from whatever they find. Using old trunks as tables and chairs, the restaurant is small and about 70% of it is open to make you feel like you are eating on the street. There is also an open kitchen to add to the street food feel,” he tells us.

Milan suggests that you try the Donut Kebabs, which are a fusion of German and Turkish food, and German sausages. He is currently shuffling between Berlin and Pune and spends six months in both cities. Milan also runs a relocation service that caters to German expats.

Where: Lane 6, Koregoan Park

“German street food is not spicy at all but Indians like everything spicy”

DARIO DEZIO: DARIO’S

This place was set up with the aim of ensuring that the city had easy access to authentic Italian food. Dario Dezio hails from Sicily and runs two popular restaurants in Pune, Dario’s and Dezio. He has been in the city for 26 years, started out as a consultant chef at Little Italy, which won over patrons with its gorgeous flavours. Later, he worked at a five star hotel in Mumbai, and with over 20 years of professional experience, he started his own place in 2009. Now, Dario’s has opened in Chennai too. “It’s karma that brought me here. When I first came to the city, I couldn’t find a single place that served authentic Italian food. There were many Italian joints but they used Indian spices and served in the Indian way. I thought

this was not right. So, I planned on starting my own restaurant,” says Dario.

Being surrounded by chefs in his family, Dario was always encouraged to take up cooking.

After completing his studies and training, he chose India to pursue his art. “I’m comfortable here. I wanted to establish a place where I was reminded of the beauty and food culture back home. I introduced a lot of traditional Italian recipes to the city and people loved it,” he adds. He is considered a pioneer of Italian cuisine in India. Apart from food, the restaurants’ interior showcases the laidback side of Italy.

His place is best known for Ravioli Kamarina and stuffed pasta.

Where: Lane 1, Koregoan Park

“When I first came to the city, I couldn’t find a single place that served authentic Italian food”

te. While they heir charm and

where expats step in. Moving entures, these expats have set le, easy on the pocket as well

k or Aundh and you will find uisine packed with flavours. are sure to want to go back. t up their own restaurants in ure has given them so much tay away from their families

TEJAS GAIKWAD

rve

BRICE POISSON: LA BOUCHEE D’OR

TGS LIFE

JANUARY 9, 2016 PUNE

La Bouchee D’Or is a French patisserie located in the peaceful setting of Boat Club Road. Hailing from the champagne district of France, Brice Poisson is a trained baker and pastry chef. He moved to Pune five years ago and started exploring the food culture here. “My wife and I were living in Mumbai and we visited her family here regularly. We liked the youthful vibe of the city and we thought it could be a good place to start La Bouchée d’Or. We moved here in December 2010 and I felt the need to start a French-style boulangerie,” says Brice.

He initially planned a small kitchen as not many knew much about French desserts. Within six months, the number of customers doubled. He started the first branch at Boat Club Road and now has another one at Aundh. “It has been a fun journey. It made me learn a lot about the country, the work culture, the way to interact with suppliers and government officials. It’s all very different from what it is in France,” he adds.

The patisserie uses only natural ingredients, no preservatives and no added flavours. The eatery is best known for its pastries, croissants macaroons. “We have been blessed. Pune is a city where people know their breads and I think they like what we do. We only use real fruits, we do not use any fruit crunch or any fruit filling, that is synthetic. First timers should try our baguette sandwiches and teacakes,” he says.

Where: Gera Plaza, Boat Club Road

FEATURES

EMNA TINNARD: FRENCH CREPERIE

Started by French Tunisian Emna Tinnard, the menu at French Creperie includes lip smacking dishes. After shifting base to Pune, Emna was always on the lookout for a place to enjoy French breakfast and crepes but couldn’t find one. This is when she thought of starting a place of her own.

“I shifted here a few years ago when my husband got transferred to Pune. I am a designer by profession but I love cooking too. Initially, I couldn’t find any place that served Parisian bistro meal that comprise of sweet and savoury crepes. So I thought about setting up one myself. After experimenting a lot in the kitchen, I organised a food pop-up for my friends. They loved it and encouraged me to start an eatery,” she says.

Emna thought about starting a small joint as she expected low sales. “We have been getting an overwhelming response.

In the beginning, we targeted expats but what surprises us is that the majority of our clientele is Indian,” she adds. After a lot of tasting and trials, she started French Creperie at the corner of lane 5 of Koregaon Park. They specialise in crepes, Gorgonzola, Lofabu and Belgian Hot Chocolate. “We use only organic ingredients and everything is made from scratch,” she adds.

Where: Lane 5, Koregaon Park

KIM CHANG SOO: CAFÉ MAROO

After travelling throughout India for three years Kim Chang Soo and his wife settled in Pune for better educational opportunities for their son. The couple came to the city in 2001 and could not have been happier with their decision. Although his wife has returned to South Korea to become a teacher and their son is studying in Germany, Kim Chang Soo is extremely happy running his small Korean restaurant in a quiet corner of Aundh. “We get more locals than Koreans and that just goes to prove how much our food is appreciated. We started with a small café that served only coffee, tea and snacks. Gradually, we’ve moved to this restaurant. I could not be more satisfied looking back at our journey,” he says.

A philosopher back home, it has been his lifelong dream to own a restaurant and serve his country’s cuisine in a foreign land. While he tries to cook as often as he can, he has a team of well-trained staff members who takes care of the place in his absence, which is very rare. The restaurant offers a spread of 118 Korean delicacies all of which are made with

authentic sauces, herbs and spices, imported from Korea. Maroo, in Korean, means an open living room and this is exactly what the interiors of the restaurant reflect. Replicating a traditional Korean house, the walls are covered with paintings and various artefacts.

Owning the only all-Korean food restaurant in Maharashtra, getting a constant footfall was a quite the challenge. “Korean food tastes quite different from what the locals are used to eating. Getting regular customers was a challenge initially but now the response is great. Our regular customers are like family now,” he says.

The 56-year-old wants to eventually write a book about his travels and cooking experiences in India.

Talking about Pune, he says, “I absolutely love the weather and people here. The country has so much to offer no matter where you come from,” he adds. When you visit Café Maroo, don’t forget to try the Maroo Bibimbab Special, Maroo Jabchhae Special and the Maroo Kimbab Special.

Where: Westend Plaza, Aundh Gaon