TGS Life 02/07/2016

PUNE, JULY 2, 2016 | www.thegoldensparrow.com

HOW ECO-FRIENDLY IS YOUR LIFESTYLE?

Understanding the implications of climate change and a carefree urban lifestyle, these families are moulding their lives to save the environment

SG

TGS LIFE JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

STAGE

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF A RELATIONSHIP

2

Watch the stories of seven marriages unfold through a play about couples from different cultures and backgrounds

By Abha Pandit @abha_pandit

M

arriage is considered to be a sacred institution, especially in a country like India. Most representations of it in popular art forms are largely two dimensional.

Here’s a play that promises to offer different notions about the idea of marriage. Marriage-ology, ‘a play about the art and science of mating’, has been directed by Sunil Shanbag and Sapan Saran. In a mix of English and Hindi, it comprises of seven scenes from different marriages, offering varying insights into an important social norm.

Each scene depicts a different storyline, from various cultures, emotions and situations. “The themes for each scene are derived from numerous sources. Some are from popular literature, some from regional folklore and others have been written specifically for the play,” explains Sunil, one of the directors. For instance, one of the scenes is from the Hyderabadi comedy form of Nok Jhok. A piece of performance poetry, it depicts everyday quarrels between a husband and wife in a painfully funny manner all the while giving a glimpse into their culture.

All of the couples represent different places in their marriage. On one hand, there is a story about a young couple in Mumbai that can only find privacy in the crowded Churchgate area, grappling with living in the city of dreams. On the other, an old couple tries to explore the idea of an open marriage. Each of the stories portrays something for the audience to relate to.

Since each piece isn’t more than 20 minutes long, it is a quick and entertaining watch, as opposed to the traditional method of using just one narrative throughout the play.

When asked about the motivation for choosing this as a

subject, Sunil has a fitting response. “We wanted to explore a theme through short pieces, depicting different angles and stories. Marriage is a concept which is multidimensional and offered us a lot of scope to experiment,” he explains. A huge institution in India, Marriage-ology provides a bird’s eye perspective of the different elements that make up a marriage.

Although each of the seven pieces has its own storyline, they come together by way of a common theme.

Marriage-ology was conceptualised and put together two years ago and has proved to be very popular among audiences from metro cities. This is the first time they are performing in Pune, and the team hopes for a great response from the people here as well.

When: July 10, 7 pm onward Where: Nehru Memorial Hall, Dr Ambedkar Road abha.pandit@goldensparrow.com

Life of the third gender The play Hijada aims to empower the transgender community and questions the boundaries of gender and sexuality

By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab

C

ity based group Aakanksha Rangbhoomi are all set to perform their Zee Gaurav and Rajya Natya award winning Marathi play Hijada this weekend. The play, written and directed by Saggherr Loadhii, deals with the rarely discussed subject of gender, identity and individuality and questions the social norms associated with them.

The issue caught his mind after he ran into his long lost friend after graduating from a drama school.

He told Saggherr that he was a transgender and spoke about him undergoing a sex-change surgery to become a transformed person. This gave him a peek into the difficult world the transgender live in and inspired him to write a play about his

friend and many others like him.

The play revolves around the lives of the protagonists, Kiran and Dimple who are curious about their sexual identity that is considered a taboo by the society. In their search for the same, they get talking to the hijra community and meet Farida, the hijada community guru, who guides them through their dilemmas.

The 135-minute play features 15 actors on stage and none of them

are transgender. To get into the skin of the character, they interacted with members of the community and observed their mannerisms.

“The biggest challenge for me was to make the actors understand the characters and make them feel what goes on in the mind of a transgender.

We had to work a lot on the cast’s body language, voice, movement and dance,” says Saggherr. The play focuses on Kiran and Dimple’s search

for their sexual identity. Kiran has sexual and emotional feelings for his male friend Bunty whereas Dimple nurtures a woman’s soul trapped in a male body. They meet, become best friends, and eventually start accepting their sexuality and selfexploration through various incidents and emotions.

Making and performing the play was not an easy task, says Saggherr. He faced many threats and disapproval from the transgender community. He was also pressurised to delete scenes that show them using abusive language as well as some of their rituals and ceremonies.

“During the first show, there were a few Hijada’s who had come to protest. After the show, they began cursing us. An old lady from the audience went up to them and said that she liked the play a lot and has great respect for them after which they smiled and offered her a cup of tea. We just witnessed this from far and smiled,” he adds.

He hopes the play will open the audience’s mind and change their perception about sexuality and transgenders. “Do we need a gender

label to live this life? I hope that when they become a part of Kiran and Dimple’s journey, the audience will learn to be more sensitive,” he says.

When: July 2 Where: Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Sanskrutik Bhavan, Ghole Road zainab.kantawala @goldensparrow.com

3

TGS LIFE

Exploring the importance of taking a stand even against insurmountable odds, Agneya Singh’s debut feature film M Cream hopes to inspire the audience

JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

ENTERTAINMENT

Agneya Singh

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

I

t is about 30 film-festivals-old and has bagged awards at 10 of the fests. It belongs to the new generation that believes in protesting against the rising tide of conformity.

Directed by Agneya Singh and his team, M Cream is India’s first stoner film and sets the bar for independent debut directors quite high. Unusual in a way that the subtext is incredibly important to the plot, M Cream is a story of four friends who undertake a road trip to the Himalayas in search of a mythic drug that is guaranteed to deliver the ultimate high.

Through the journey the film attempts to explore the countless realities of rebellion indicative of the youth culture today. M Cream is a stoner film but it does not in any way promote the use of drugs, rather it mirrors the reality of the youth of today, the director clarifies.

In search of a mythic drug The ideology of the film, Agneya believes, is to find the courage to carve out your own path and to take a stand for what you believe in. It was his contemporaries and peers, the radicals and mavericks, who inspired him to write the story. The film is shot in the lush locales of Parvati Valley over a period of two months.

“Making an independent film takes a lot of courage. At a certain point, you just have to take the plunge and hope that you don’t drown in the process. I think the hardest part has been for us to work through the mire of distribution in order to bring the film to the public,” says the young director, proud of what the film has achieved. M Cream won the best feature film at the Rhode Island

International Film Festival, the Even though the film deals with a best foreign feature film at the India controversial subject and highlights Spirit Film Festival, the cult feature an important cultural shift among at the Queen City Film Festival the youth of the country, it ends and was also the platinum remi at with a positive message. “There was the Worldfest a longer cut Houston, that featured among many additional other official In the wake of the Udta Punjab sex scenes selections and drug controversy, they decided to and awards. references but release the shorter version of the we decided Naturally the team had a few film as it had already been passed to release the trepidations shorter version before the film as it had already was reviewed been passed. by the censor board. However, the In the wake of the Udta Punjab officials really enjoyed the film and controversy, we weren’t willing to hoped that more such films would take any risks,” shares Agneya, for be made in the future, we were told. whom this is his first feature film.

This wonder boy is making it big Living in a slum pocket was not going to hold Mayur Patole back. Watch out for him as Budhia Singh in an upcoming biopic

By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab

I

t was a moment of surprise and excitement for 10-year-old Mayur Patole, when he was selected to play the title role in the upcoming biopic Budhia Singh - Born to Run. Director Soumendra Padhi had auditioned over 1,200 kids for the role from different states including Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, before he finalised Mayur for the role.

The youngster is studying at Samaj Bhushan Baburao Phule Madhyamik Vidyalay, and lives with his sister, mother and maternal aunt at a slum in Parvati. “I love watching movies and

Mayur Patole plays Budhia Singh in the upcoming biopic on the runner

Salman Khan is my favourite actor.

I am very excited for the film and my mother is also proud of me,” says Mayur.

The film is based on the relationship between Budhia and his judo coach Biran­chi Das, played by Manoj Bajpayee. Das rescued the

little boy from one of Bhubaneswar’s notorious slums, discovered his talent and helped him achieve incredible heights. Unfortunately, Das was shot dead in Bhubaneshwar in April 2008. “We shot the film in the slums of Bhubaneswar.

People who came to watched the shoot, hugged him and got nostalgic while they also showed the unit Budhia’s home and recalled stories about how he had really thin legs but never got tired of running,” says director Soumendra Padhi.

In some ways, Mayur’s life bears resemblance to Budhia’s. He has had a similar upbringing and lost his father just a few months ago. Like Budhia, Mayur is also not quite talkative and is very close to his mother. He was asked to stay in the same chawl and slum area in Orissa where Budhia lives to get into the skin of his character. “I was very happy after they informed me that I was selected for the role. My mother was very proud of me and my

The cast had to be actors who would be unafraid to really delve into the nitty-gritty of the story and thereby bring a certain gravitas to the subtleties of the script. Barry John, whose students include Shah Rukh Khan and Frida Pinto, was the first to be cast, shares Agneya.

Imaad Shah and Ira Dubey play the lead characters in the film. Imaad has won the best lead actor award at the St Tropez International Film Festival. Raaghav Chanana and Auritra Ghosh were the co-leads.

Veteran Bollywood actor Tom Alter, thespian Lushin Dubey and French actress Beatrice Ordeix are also part of the film. M Cream hits theatres on July 22. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

friends were excited though they didn’t believe it when I first told them. I was nervous about working with Manoj sir. I was very nervous but he made me comfortable,” smiles Mayur.

Enthusiastic for his first film, Mayur ran just like Budhia, completing 10-12 rounds of a big ground. He attended many workshops to get into the skin of the character.

“We needed Mayur to look the same throughout the film so we asked him to not eat chocolates. We thought he would cheat but he was keener to look like the TV images of Budhia. He wanted to be him more than anything else,” Soumendra recollects.

Away from his family, Mayur often travels to Mumbai and stays there for extended periods. But he is not complaining. “There is a lot of running in the film and since I loved running it was fun,” adds Mayur, who wants to grow up to be a doctor. The film is slated to release on August 5. zainab.kantawala@goldensparrow.com

4

TGS LIFE JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

N

o matter what book lulled you to sleep as you grew up, as a child Jungle Book was perhaps a constant on the bedside table. Everyone wanted to be Mowgli, run around, swinging from tree to tree and have Bagheera and Baloo as best friends. Reliving just those memories, take a sneak peek into the life of Mowgli and his jungle friends, then dive deep into yet another adventure as he grows up and returns to the jungle in this musical adaptation.

It’s all part of an evil plan laid out by Sher Khan and Tabaqui to turn his best friends into his foes.

Will the friendship end or stand strong against the tide of deceit?

With a script that entertains both adults and children, this is not just another children’s play – this is the most satisfying and reassuring compliment that the team has received till date, we are told. It was after a very successful run with their first children’s production Jungle Book and another play called James Aur Ek Giant Peach based on Roald Dahl’s book that the team decided to work on a sequel peoduction. The 90-minute play is in Hindi and English and has everything from actors singing on stage, aerial acrobats, rope malkhamb, even a lavish set.

“Our challenges started with gathering funds to produce a play of this magnitude. We had to raise enough money to ensure that we wouldn’t have to compromise on anything. Then we gathered a suitable cast,” tells us Lokesh Rai, one of the directors and scriptwriters of the play.

Casting was difficult since they had to find people who fit the charismatic characters from the book, sang live on stage, were good at movement and improvisations and some who even needed to know malkhamb for the aerial stunts.

Every performance was met by anxiousness and excitement from every team member. The

Illusionist Preveen Pandita can tell what you’re thinking. If only he could jump into your bag and whisper along everyone’s secrets!

By Abha Pandit @abha_pandit

M

agic fascinates everyone, right from an innocent child, who believes it is true, to a sceptical adult, who wonders how it’s done. Usually magic tricks your eyes by using sleight of hand, but magician Preveen Pandita uses sleight of mind to trick the viewer. Calling himself a psychological illusionist, the man’s art is termed ‘mentalism’. His form of magic is interactive so the audience plays an important role in all of his acts.

Hailing from Kashmir, Preveen has been drawn towards magic in some form or another since he was a child. “When I was young, I used to pick up small tricks and began performing them for my family and friends. I had seen a magician perform and I was completely amazed with his skill. I have been hooked ever since,” he recalls.

Preveen was really passionate about magic and he had to take a break from the art to complete his education and begin his career in Information

Mowgli and his jungle friends come to town After nine successful plays, Mumbai-based theatre group Rangbaaz is back with a bang. Book you tickets for Jungle Book 2- The Beast’s Attack fact that the book has been made into a television show, an international film and a cartoon series, comparison was a given, since the characters are deeply etched in everyones’ minds. Since it is a sequel to the first production, the story has been tweaked immensely. It shows the latter half of Mowglis’ life after he goes back to the village.

The use of original songs in English and Hindi, live instruments – guitar and percussion, a different story line which makes the audience sit on the edge of their seats and the comic timing of many characters to be experienced live is what sets the musical apart.

“With such a play, it is quite a task to keep

the audience hooked, through different twists and turns in the plot. We have to make them laugh, try to make them empathise with the characters and their situations while taking them on a different journey than the one already seen in the book and film, with the same lovable characters. This is a huge feat to achieve,” feels Pawan Uttam, who has written the play along with Lokesh Rai and Gagan Riar. This is the very first time that the play will be staged in the city and the team hopes that Pune loves it as much as Mumbai has.

Pawan, Lokesh and Gagan have also written songs for the play. While it has been

MASTER MIND Technology. Until five years ago, he was a corporate professional and then he decided it was time to concentrate on his passion and dived back into the world of magic.

Psychological illusion hasn’t received as much popularity in India as it has elsewhere, but Preveen thinks it is because there aren’t enough masters here to bring it to the public on a large scale. He has been trained under international illusionists and is now focussed on entertaining audiences back home.

With a master’s degree in psychology, Preveen has constantly been trying to improve his knowledge of the human mind. “The mind is a fascinating thing and the learning never ends.

The focus is not on what is happening in front of you but on what is happening inside your own head. The audience is completely engaged and, for a while, the illusionist has control over their thinking,” says the artist.

To Preveen, the difference is between him and a traditional magician lies in the kind of magic he includes in his acts. There is something for

everyone, be it conjuring tricks, illusions or even reading the audience’s mind. “It is human nature to want to be fooled,” says the illusionist. “Everyone enjoys that lingering feeling of wonderment after watching something which they cannot figure out,” he adds. His work involves creating an environment where people can forget their worries and stress during his performances and he is doing just that with his show Mind Control – A Night of Illusions.

Well known in the corporate sector, Preveen travels all over the world for private shows and has recently started with public shows too. He has performed on the popular television show India’s Got Talent and received ample recognition for his skills.

From techies to Bollywood stars, his fans are everywhere.

When: July 3, 7 pm onward Where: Nehru Memorial Hall, Dr Ambedkar Road abha.pandit@ goldensparrow.com

directed by malkhamb expert Lokesh Rai and Rangbaaz’s production head Swapnil Shrirao.

Well known film and television actors such as Kavin Dave and Anjum Sharma play Baloo and Sher Khan respectively, while Mowgli is played

by Mohit Agarwal.

When: July 17, 5 pm onwards Where: Nehru Memorial Hall, Ambedkar Road salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

TEJAS GAIKWAD

5

TGS LIFE JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

A FARMHOUSE Kunal Mhaske

IN THE CITY With huge windows, a pool, gym, stable, a small garden that grows the basic kitchen necessities and a huge lawn with ample greenery around, this house fulfils all the requirements of being an ideal holiday home and more

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

T

he Mhaske family has always believed in staying grounded and as close to nature as possible. This remained the central idea even when they decided to build a house in the city. Kunal Mhaske, the owner of restaurants like Pesto Pesto, Shantai, Raasta Bistro, Penthouze Nightlife and Raasta Cafe, is very well known across the city. One would only assume that this house would be posh and reflect a five star hotel, but you would be far from right.

Coming from humble beginnings, his ancestors were farmers, and so when his father Prakash Mhaske decided to build this house in 1999, he decided to find a way to bring the farm to the city and did just that. The house and lawn is spread over three acres, tells us Kunal.

With a house like this, there is no need for another farmhouse as it is the perfect place for a stay-cation.

As soon as you enter the Shanti Kunj bungalow, in Mhaske Vasti, your vacation mode shall be turned on by default. You are greeted at the gate by two dog kennels and several chickens walking around. While the house stands tall draped in white to your right, the remainder of the space is brimming with trees and a huge lawn. One section of the lawn is used as a stable for horses and provides enough space for their exercise. The other side comprises of a pool and gym.

The huge house allows for every kind of comfort to find a place within, making the life of those who live here a tad bit easier than the rest of us apartment dwellers.

Inside the house, the ground floor includes two huge seating areas for the entire family to spend some time together and a dining table that accommodates all nine family members living there. The kitchen and a few bedrooms are also on the same floor. A palatial, winding stairway leads you to the first floor where the rest of the rooms are located apart from a huge balcony. Kunal’s room, on the top floor, is what one would describe as peaceful, minimal and classy. The plain white walls and just the right amount of furniture makes it look spacious and super comfortable. “Our house just had to be simple and we knew this from the very beginning. Being in the real estate and land development business, I personally don’t want to come back to a house which looks just like another five star hotel, making me feel that I never left work. Keeping this in mind, and the fact that my

father wanted lots of empty space around the house to stay close to his roots, building something close to a farmhouse was the best possible option,” Kunal tells us.

Throughout the house, you will find long and wide windows that were built to allow for the bungalow to be airy and have enough natural light till the sun sets. A small garden at the back of the kitchen ensures that most of the meals prepared in the house are organic. A shed in the vicinity, also owned by them, brings home fresh milk every single day and the women of the house make their own butter and ghee as well.

As an added bonus, quite often, peacocks take over the lawn outside the house early in the morning.

The Mhaske bungalow has pretty much all the qualities of being a farmhouse. Given that they are a huge family birthdays and gettogethers are a regular affair and when this happens even the house brightens up along with those partying there. More often than not you would find the family in the outdoors, playing with the children in the lawn, swimming in the pool or simply sitting and chatting. Even though the maintenance of the place might be a handful, it is worth the peace and calm that one will find around here. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

VISHAL KALE

TGS LIFE

INDULGE

The new food menu at blueFrog that defines the concept of fusion, innovation and clever cooking is definitely a must try

Fusion at its best

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

I

magine what it would be like if you could find a way to have two of the dishes you love in one. The tanginess and acidity of your street chat with the sophistication and crispiness of grilled chicken or the comfort of your morning khari with cheese and a sweet pineapple compote. Not only is it innovative but beautifully flavoursome and undoubtedly packs a punch. This is exactly what blueFrog’s new menu is like. With fusion and innovation as its central theme Chef Manjit has created some mouth-watering, wholesome dishes. They appeal to your eyes as well as your taste buds.

The Watermelon Mocktail that we started off with was fresh and minty. First up was a Humus and Pita bread platter. There were two different kinds of pita bread, one of which was topped with garlic and coriander. The four dips were each different from the other not only in appearance but it flavour as well. Our favourite was the pesto dip. It was absolutely tangy, creamy and rich in texture. This was followed by the Lamb and Potato Dolmas, which is essentially minced or finely diced lamb pieces with spices, wrapped in traditional Chinese cabbage and fried. It was topped with a dip and a little beetroot. The lamb was well done, the cabbage gave the dish a certain amount of crunch and as a whole the dish it did justice to every single ingredient.

Walking out of the kitchen next was the simple khari and pineapple compote dish, beautifully

plated. A perfect accompaniment was a glass of light, sweet wine.

Next was one of the best dishes of the night, Chicket Chaat.

Laid out to form a small tent, the crispy fried chicken was rested over a bed of chaat made of sprouts, sweet tamarind chutney and spicy coriander one too. Every bite stayed true to the name of the dish and each bite was simply delightful. For the main course, the Chicken Periperi is something we will most definitely recommend. When the dish arrived at the table with some fries and a dip for company it was glistening from being grilled and the taste was to die for. While the chicken in itself was not too spicy the periperi dip that came along with it was every spice lover’s paradise. Although it was spicy, you could not just stop having it. Like every good thing comes to an end, so did this meal. However it ended on a high note with one of the best cheesecakes in the city. With dark chocolate dusted on the side it was a match made in heaven. blueFrog must, however, quickly do something about its mosquito menace. The mosquitoes were busy feasting on us while we tried enjoying the feast laid out on the table.

You could however sit indoors and not be bothered by any of this as you devour the beautiful dishes on the new menu. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

YOUR CHOW AROUND TOWN Taste of Mexico

The world over Mexican cuisine is known for its intense flavours, colourful presentation, spices and, in particular, its beans, chili peppers and tequila!

The new menu offers a taste of Mexico through platefuls of tacos, tortillas, chimichangas, et cetera, loaded with habaneros, jalapeños, pulled meat, queso or spicy cheese sauce, freshly made salsa and refried beans. No Mexican feast is complete without icy Margaritas. They bring you five stunning versions using premium tequila, fresh fruits that are shy of artificial flavors.

When: Till July 10 Where: 212 Café & Bar, Phoenix Marketcity, Viman Nagar

Sunday BBQ

The Bar Stock Exchange introduces a unique and incomparable Sunday of crispy grills like Shahi Tukda Grilled

Apple, scrumptious crunchy barbeques and traditional Indian Tawa foods like the incredible Tawa Omelette accompanied by a wide array of chilled and refreshing mocktails, cocktails, fresh fruit Sangria’s and beer. So surrender yourself to a stress free and cost-effective Sunday.

When: Ongoing Where: Out Of The World building, Koregaon Park Pune

Inspiring Sundays

Enjoy a laidback and indulgent weekend with a delectable spread at the weekly Sunday brunch at the Coriander Kitchen.

Enjoy the expansive views of the lush outdoors that make for the perfect setting to spend a relaxing afternoon, devouring a spread of Indian, Asian, Mediterranean cuisines and locally inspired street food. Choose from various interactive live stations and counters, sampling bites of tapas, tapenades, juices and salads from their vast food library. Pair your food with some great alcoholic drinks, cocktails, mocktails or beverages.

When: July 3 Where: Coriander Kitchen, Koregaon Park

Fun with Fondant

Nim’s Cake n Craft is back with yet another interesting and creative hands on workshop to offer. Learn how to make designer fondant cakes with sharp edges and smooth finish just like a professional. You can learn to create different types of flowers, toppers, frills and bows. The best part about the workshop is you get to craft your own designer cake which you can take back home. The chefs will provide you with baked cakes with their recipes of the cakes and the fondant.

When: July 2 and 3 Where: Nim’s Cake n Craft, JM Road

EK BUN MASKA CHAI PLEASE

TGS LIFE JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

W

hile thinking of a wholesome breakfast, more often than not a cup of Irani chai and bun maska is the first thing that comes to mind.

An ideal way to start your morning irrespective of the weather, it is a dish hardly anyone can refuse. With its history dating back to the 19th century when the Persians migrated to India, the new cafés do their best at keeping the traditional look alive with their own modern touch to it.

TGS visits three recently opened Irani cafés in the city and lets you in on what to look forward to at these new joints.

WHERE THE NEW MEETS THE OLD Located in the busy and bustling Viman Nagar, The Irani Cafe hosts patrons from the time the shutter goes up right until it rolls down. Started

by Kasem Noorie and his cousin Mohammed Raeza about two months ago, this joint is a popular hangout for people of all age groups. Kasem and Mohammed have done a great job of maintaining a balance between traditional and modern. A section of the wall pays a tribute to all the old Irani cafés of the city through paintings. The top floor, has wall art depicting what the cafe looks like to someone standing outside. This modern touch along with traditional glass tables and wooden chairs is worth every minute spent there. “Many of the old Irani cafés are losing their customers because the ambience isn’t picture perfect. We wanted to liven up the traditional Irani café to attract more customers,”

RAHUL RAUT AND TEJAS GAIKWAD

Over the past few months the number of Irani Cafés in the city has increased and Punekars are merrily flocking to these hangouts. We talk to owners of three such cafés to find out why they started them and what they are doing different to set themselves apart

shares Kasem. Other than the famous bun-maska-chai, other must try’s at The Irani Cafe include the Chicken Kheema and Cheese Omlet. The bakery items too are a treat. As you enter the café, don’t forget to check the traditional Irani tea making machine which belongs to Karem’s grandmother and is, in fact, older than she is.

Returning to Pune after studying hospitality in the UK, Kasem wasn’t satisfied taking up a job here because of the low wages. It was not long before he decided to start something of his own. Currently, The Irani Cafe serves only breakfast but they will soon be expanding their menu. A must visit, the place will not disappoint you and will, in all probability, leave you wanting more no matter how much you devour.

Where: Turning point Unit 2, Opposite Rosary School, Viman Nagar Timings: 6 am to 11 pm

SERVING A TRADITIONAL MENU IN A MODERN SETTING Opening its doors to the Pune crowd just last week, Café Royal Tea is a venture between two friends who have been DJ’s for the last 15 odd years. Working at several cafés and restaurants throughout the city, the desire to have one of their own was long brewing in their minds.

After discussing it for quite some time, Satish Joans popularly known as DJ Stash and Cawas Daruwala aka DJ Cawas, decided to start Café Royal Tea as partners.

“I am a huge fan of bun maska and Irani chai. Every time I wanted to have it, I had to travel all the way from Mundhwa to Camp. So we decided to open a café in Mundhwa, making it accessible to that side of the city too,” explains Cawas. Bang opposite the Passport Office, the café is a breather for every person waiting in the long queue there.

At the café, Satish and Cawas decided to stick to the traditional Irani café menu. Tea made with just the right quantities of every ingredient and boiled for the appropriate amount of time, is nothing short of bliss at the café. There are also

INDULGE A CAFÉ FOR EVERYONE Following in the footsteps of his grandfather who owns a restaurant in Mumbai, Khalil Sabooni too decided to start one of his own. Deciding to serve the food that he was raised on, he set up an Irani café by the name of Café Cliché in partnership with one of his friends. Nestled in the quiet lanes of Rambaug in Kothrud, the café caters to both the students who live in the area and the senior citizens who frequent the joint for their breakfast get-together. When he was setting up the café, Khalil’s main focus was to ensure that the interiors and the ambience of the place was well-done as it would define the crowd. The better the ambience, the higher the number of customers, he tells us.

While the vendors for most of the products are the same ones that cater to the rest of the Irani cafes in the city, his tea-leaf supplier is completely different. “The different variety of tea leaves coupled with the recipe that has been in my family for generations is what sets our place apart from others. The response has been overwhelming and I could not be happier,” says the young boy. Even though the interiors are not too fancy, they are more in sync with what cafés look like now. One actually has to taste the food here to link it with an Irani café. But once tried, you will keep going back for more. The Nutella bun and the honey sugar bun are must trys when you visit here.

Where: Rambaug Colony, Near MIT College, Kothrud Timings: 6 am to 11 pm

some traditional Hyderabadi delicacies like the Osmani biscuits, Dil Pasand and Dil Khush which are a part of the menu. While the interiors of the place are extremely simple, the fact that there is seating outside the restaurant adds to the joy of having the hot chai and food served there. The chairs and tables here give the café their modern look.

Where: Opposite Passport Office, Mundhwa Road Timings: 6 am to 10 pm

HOW ECO-FRIE IS YOUR LIFESTY

TGS LIFE JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES Synthetic free detergents, dant manjan instead of toothpaste and biodegradable terracotta jewellery are used in Deshpande household

Sustainable living is her style Shailaja Deshpande firmly believes in adopting sustainable living as a principle to live by and is a strong advocate of a toxin-free lifestyle. A former interior designer, Shailaja wound up her business in 2009 to commit full time to her cause. She now conducts presentations and awareness campaigns all over the city in an effort to educate people about the perils of their current lifestyles. Her work for the environment began when she became a part of the Jeevit Nadi project under Sustainable Living Pune, which aims to protect and revive the city’s rivers. “We realised that we had been taking our water resources for granted. A long discussion led us to the harsh realisation that if things stayed the same, the future generation would have no water bodies to depend on,” she says, talking about how she got involved.

While researching, they found that synthetic chemicals like sulphates and parabens caused the maximum level of pollution in grey water, since they were not being treated correctly. Most of these harmful synthetic chemicals are found in products which we use multiple times in a day, in cleaning products and products used to take care of personal hygiene. “Living in urban areas with the latest technology, we think we have advanced a great deal in terms of quality of life. While this may be true, we forget to look at the negative impact of this lifestyle on

the environment,” explains Shailaja. In order to do her bit for sustainable living, she has adopted a toxin-free way of life and is implemented it in her own home.

Since all regular cleaning and hygiene related products have all kinds of chemicals in them, Shailaja has been actively involved in coming up with alternatives for each one of them. In place of a synthetic laundry detergent, she uses a mixture of soap nuts (reetha), shikakai, lemon rind and vinegar. The concoction is just as effective and does not leave any lingering smell, not to mention that it releases absolutely no harmful chemicals into the water.

Similar methods have been adopted to replace dish washing liquid and bathroom cleaning fluids. Instead of toothpaste, she uses dant manjan.

Shailaja has also kept the usage of plastic to a minimum since she wants to curb the increasing non-biodegradable waste.

In fact, she has taken it a step further by switching to terracotta jewellery.

“Apart from the hook at the back of the necklace or on the earrings, everything else is decomposable, including the thread,” she says with pride.

The future generation deserves a clean earth handed over to them, she believes. They mustn’t end up paying for the follies committed by the carelessness of their ancestors. If everyone does their own bit, a change can still be made.

Understanding the implications of climate change and a carefree urban lifestyl their lives to save the environment

By Zainab Kantawala and Abha Pandit

E

ver thought of setting up a cycle in your backyard to help you reuse water or solar panels on the roof top that run all the electric appliances? Shailaja Deshpande and her family have taken it upon themselves to live a toxin-free lifestyle as far as possible. Renuka Vijairaghavan has incorporated sustainable materials even into the basic structure of her house. Just like these families are doing their bit, it doesn’t take us much to help save the environment in any way that we can. You don’t need to build fancy structures that might burn a hole in your pocket, but it’s the little things that count.

Meet four families from the city that could inspire you.

A complete eco-friendly household Another staunch believer in eco-friendly lifestyles, Renuka Vijairaghavan has tried her best to leave no stone unturned to make sure this is reflected in her daily life. She feels that traditional Indian civilisation has perfected the art of sustainable living, much before modern appliances and techniques were introduced. “Since the early ages, rivers and plants have been considered holy. Hindus worship the river Ganges and the Tulsi plant. How is it then, that there has been such a drastic change in our attitudes towards the environment?” she questions.

In Renuka’s Kondhwa home, cement use has been kept to a minimum throughout the entire construction, as it isn’t eco-friendly.

Even inside, some of the doors do not have frames or hinges.

Instead, she has opted for pivot doors, which are secured at one place each at the top and bottom and rotate to open and close.

The importance of adopting such a lifestyle hit Renuka over two decades ago, when she

The house built using minimal cement, runs on renewable energy, has a rainwater harvesting plant and food is cooked in earthenwares

Renuka uses earthenware for her daily cooking

read a few articles about the subject. “In the 1990s, this was a topic that no one spoke much about. So, after accessing a few pieces over a period of time, it struck me how destructive the urban way of living was,” she explains. Ever since, she has been working wholeheartedly towards the cause and has brought up her children with the same values.

In the Vijairaghavan household, most things run smoothly on renewable energy sources. They use solar energy for cooking when the weather is appropriate and Renuka has used it for all sorts

RAHUL RAUT AND VISHAL KALE

ENDLY YLE?

TGS LIFE JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES Athavales work out every morning on a specially designed cycle pump that transfers the water in the bathroom and kitchen to water plants in his garden

le, these families are moulding

A cycle to recycle

of dishes, right from roasting peanuts to making ice cream! The building has its own rainwater harvesting plant, which collects rainwater from all three balconies, passes it through the purification chambers and deposits it in the bore well to be used for domestic purpose. Renuka uses earthenware for cooking and has plans of creating a refrigerator-like apparatus by burying an earthen pot in mud.

Apart from the large scale impact of a lifestyle change, Renuka loves the satisfactory feeling one gets after making a change even at a macro level.

For Sanjay Athavale and his family, cycling in the morning is not just a way to stay fit, but they do it to save water. They work out every morning on a specially designed cycle pump that transfers the water in the bathroom and kitchen to water plants in his garden. They’ve been doing this for the last four years.

Sanjay, who is also a member of the city-based Green Hills Group, designed a cycle that powers a pump when pedalled. Each minute of cycling provides around 30-40 litre of water to the garden and his family recycles over 600 litres of water every day. “I have been with this group for more than eight years now. One day we wanted to pump water up the hill and that initiative put me in touch with Chandrakant Pathak who made this bicycle project,” he recalls. Although the project didn’t work out then because of maintenance issues, it remained with him for a long time.

He planned on innovating the cycle and, with help of his friend, he was successful. “It was a trial and error project. The idea came to my mind

Going the solar way In the last ten years or so Mukund Mavalankar, the technical director of Bharat Forge has become acutely aware of the changing environment and its degradation.

He travelled to Germany a number of times and during every trip he saw more and more solar panel installations on roof tops. He enquired about roof top solar installations there and collected some information. Charged with this fresh input, he started enquiring about various options available in India and also started acquiring knowledge about solar photo voltaic systems. He bought a few books and

downloaded many articles from the internet.

In 2010, he installed a solar water heater in his house and succeeded in reducing his conventional energy use to 50 per cent. “I also switched over to using CFLs. I wanted to completely switch to solar energy but the quotes by various established companies were very high. So I decided to install the system myself,” says Mukund.

He toyed with idea of building a tracking system for solar panels. However, after some experiments, he decided to go for fi xed panels to make the system maintenance free and economical. “The solar converters have no moving parts.

When we install solar panels on roof tops

during summer, as the city faces shortage of water every year. We started the process by diverting the water from the bathroom pipe to the water tank. The cleansing mechanism includes sand, stones and coconut waste,” he explains. This water is purified twice, and stored in the next pit that contains guppy fish that feeds on mosquitoes. “This is to make sure that the water does not stink. Also Kardal trees have been planted inside the tank as its roots purify water. Later, the recycled water is pumped into the garden through the drip irrigation system,” he says.

At first, he tried recycling the water let out from the washing machines but the high soap concentration wasn’t good for the fish. I stopped using that water and cleaned the tanks again, that was the only time he required maintenance.

Now, cycling has become a routine for the Athavale family. They wake up early morning, cycle, and then head to work. “We don’t need a gym to keep ourselves fit. We cycle to stay fit,” says Aparna, his wife.

All of them collectively try to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle. They even use their household waste to create vermicompost for their garden.

“I do not use any energy from the grid for about 340 days in a year.

All electrical appliances in my house run on solar energy” the building is in shade and hence remains cooler,” he adds. The solar PV system was installed in his house in 2013. It has generated more than 6MW energy, till date. “I do not use any energy from the grid for about 340 days in a year. All electrical appliances in my house run on solar energy.

All fans, lights, geysers, washing machine, refrigerator and everything else runs on solar energy,” he adds. Trees do two wonderful things, he believes. They absorb

solar energy and seize the carbon from the atmosphere. So why not be like trees.

Absorb the solar energy and convert it in to useful energy, he says.

Besides going completely solar, the family has also adopted means for rain water harvesting. They have placed a rain barrel under the downspout of his garden to collect rainwater for irrigation. “We try to lead our lives as green as possible. Th is is just a start,” says Mukund.

TGS LIFE JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

THRILL OF DRIVING

COMING SOON...

Porsche Panamera

S

oon after the release of the new Porsche 911 models in the Indian market, Porsche is reading the Panamera, their luxury sports saloon. The dates of the launch and prices are yet to be announced. The Panamera runs on a V8 biturbo petrol engine with a new eightspeed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK). The engine generates 550 hp and 770 Nm which is 30 hp and 70 Nm more in comparison to its predecessor. The car accelerates to 100 kmph in 3.8 seconds, while the Sport Chrono Package cuts down the timing to 3.6 seconds. The top speed is 306 Kmph.

Porsche 911 range launched, starting at Rs 1.42 cr

G

erman luxury car maker Porsche has launched the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera and Turbo range in India. The Carrera variant has a new 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged flat-six engine which generates 370 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The Carrera S on the other hand generates 420 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The Turbo variant is equipped with 3.8 litre twinturbo flat-six engine which produces 540 hp -- 20 hp higher than it’s predecessor and 709 Nm of torque. The Turbo S generates 580 hp and 750 Nm of torque. All the variants come mated to Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch gearbox as standard.

There are a few minor changes on the exterior in comparison with the predecessors.

There are new bumpers, active air ducts, new four point LED DRLs, optional full-LED headlamps, new three-dimensional tail-lamp clusters and new 20-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels.

The 911 Turbo S comes with an optional Sport Chrono Package. Inspired by 918 Spyder, the modes can be switched from steering wheel.

There are four driving modes to choose from — Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Individual.

It comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system which can also be used with voice commands. There is also an option to pair your android phone or iPhone with Apple CarPlay with the PCM.

The prices ex-showroom, Delhi are as follows

Model

Price

911 Carrera

1.42 Crore

911 Carrera Cabriolet

1.55 Crore

911 Carrera S

1.63 Crore

911 Carrera S Cabriolet

1.76 Crore

911 Turbo

2.25 Crore

911 Turbo Cabriolet

2.39 Crore

911 Turbo S

2.66 Crore

911 Turbo S Cabriolet

2.81 Crore

Rolls-Royce Dawn launched in India at Rs 6.25 cr I

nitially displayed at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, the 2016 Dawn Convertible has made it to Indian market. The Dawn runs on a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 563bhp and 780Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Dawn can reach 100 kmph in less than 5 seconds and the top speed is 250 kmph, which is electronically limited.

The Dawn is based on its ancestor the Wraith and Rolls-Royce claims that the 2+2 convertible is made up of 80 percent new parts. The car shows off with a 2:1 wheel height to body height, a long bonnet, short front overhangs; a long rear overhang and a high shoulder line. On the exterior, there are the signature Spirit of Ecstasy badge, Rolls-Royce signature chrome grille, headlamps with projector lights, smart daytime running lights (DRLs), and LED lights just below the headlamp cluster.

Inside, the Dawn holds features like four-

zone automatic climate control, bespoke premium audio system with 16 individually-tuned speakers, 10.25-inch touch-screen HD navigation display, Multimedia navigation system and Spirit of Ecstasy rotary controller with gesture-sensitive touchpad. The manufacturer additionally claims that the cabin of the Dawn is so quiet, that they needed to name it ‘Silent Ballet.’

T h e R o l l s R o y c e Dawn is priced at Rs 6.25 cr ex-showroom Mumbai.

CATCH A GLIMPSE OF CELESTIAL ART

City artist Gangadas Machcha aims to bring inner peace to those viewing his paintings

By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab

A

One of the last hand-sculpted glass workshops in the city is owned by a couple who pour their heart and soul into each one of their pieces

energy that in turn activates our nerves and we feel lively. I have used cool colours like light blue, light ivory to give a soothing effect,” he explains.

He is a self taught artist and is inspired by divine cosmic energy present in the universe. He feels that his experiments with the techniques, conceptualisation and the different usage of colour tones has motivated him to come up with in his own style. “I have been working on the idea of creating mindscapes since the last five years examining

LABOUR OF LOVE

By Abha Pandit @abha_pandit

I

n a quaint little shop in Kolsa Galli, Camp, sit a middle-aged man and his wife, who consider themselves fortunate enough to be able to earn a livelihood from their art. Sanjiv and Sangeeta Kakade are simple people, who spend their days in their workshop hand sculpting glass articles. With the pieces painstakingly shaped from melted glass, each one is unique. The process is mesmerising to watch, with the glass tubes and rods being skilfully pulled and blown into to create masterpieces.

Sanjiv’s father originally owned the shop,

which earlier used to only manufacture glass scientific apparatus. The name, K & K Scientific Agency is on the board outside the workshop even today. Sanjiv joined his father in the family business and realised that he had a knack for making delicate glass sculptures. After his marriage to Sangeeta in 1992, she joined him too. Eventually, they moved from making scientific apparatus to beautiful show pieces and gift articles. “Only the two of us work here and we make everything by hand, so

JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

colour therapy, vaastu shastra and so on. Just like my artwork cosmic energy too is pretty abstract. I have also tried to project the five elements ‘Pancha Tattva’ with paintings of water bodies, forests and so on,” he says.

When: Till July 16 Where: Bliss Art Gallery, Koregaon Park zainab.kantawala@goldensparrow.com

TEJAS GAIKWAD

cosmic image in circles and triangles, bright clusters of stars, and the divine universe, is what describes the artist Gangadas Machcha’s artwork. He will be showcasing his paintings on the theme of cosmic energy with an aim to spread the feel good factor.

With no formal training in art, Gangadas started with making greeting cards, wall hangings, frames and tiles on Ganesha.

Positivity being his buzzword, Gangadas had to work hard to follow his passion. Apart from a polio-affected right leg and his family’s poor economic background, he had to fight against the views of his father who was against him taking up arts. He took commerce and after doing many odd jobs, he finally decided to follow his heart.

“I used to sit in the corner of the house with my painting kit, hiding from my father,” he recalls.

He extensively researched and read on colour schemes, artists and art works. With this exhibition he wants to introduce the concept of chemical paintings, which he has been researching on for the past 21 years.

The technique involves the artist pouring the chemical on canvas and on a certain stage of drying, the colours are blended into the chemical and as a result, various subjects and new creations take life on the canvas. “This is something that I having been working on for years. I also use many juxtaposed lines, forms and apt colour tones in my work, and have experimented with techniques like smashing, dragging and spraying on canvas and also using dry paint brush and knife,” he adds.

His paintings depict bold colours, crisscrossing fine lines and scattered spheres that make a striking impact on the viewers mind. “I have drawn thousands of lines and circles and when one line strokes over the other they create

TGS LIFE

there is no question of any mass production,” says Sangeeta.

Saily Glass Enterprises, as they go by now, specialises in making perfume bottles, stirrers, glass bells and religious idols among other things.

They also offer an option of customisation to their buyers and are willing to make any article according to your specification. All the articles are made with a high quality transparent glass, which is shaped and coloured. Sanjiv prefers to make

glasses, stirrers and idols, while Sangeeta loves making intricate plants and bells.

As fascinating as the process is, Sangeeta is unhappy with the state in which the art is today.

“Like painters or musicians, we are artists too, just that our medium is different,” she explains, “There are very few people who understand how labour intensive the process is and how it differs from glass items manufactured in bulk.” The Kakade’s consider this a dying art form and don’t see the legacy continuing once they retire. Their children are still studying and have not been taught the skill yet. Sangeeta is open to the idea of them wanting to continue the business but insists that they have a good education to fall back on considering the declining popularity of the art form.

The Kakades are most disturbed by how people react to their art. More often than not, it is looked at as a regular business rather than a well-honed skill and there are countless clients who insist on bargaining for every items. Since the two of them can make only a limited number of products, this puts them in a tight spot. “The mentality is such that the art is not respected. In an attempt to change this, we encourage people to watch the items being made, hoping to arouse their curiosity,” says Sangeeta.

Despite the odds, the couple is content with where they are in their profession. “At the end of the day, we get to use our creativity to the fullest, making something we love and that is what gives us the most satisfaction,” smiles Sangeeta. abha.pandit@goldensparrow.com

JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

Flaunting their toddlers and tiaras

They are blazing through life with successful careers, happy families and adorable babe in arms egging them on. Meet the rising stars of the pageant world

By Zainab Kantawala and Abha Pandit

W

e are no longer living in a time when marriage would mark the crossroad in a woman’s life. Ladies have worked very hard to juggle the many roles they take on and are doing a damn good job of it too. On one hand where there are people who assume that pageants are meant only for young unmarried girls, some believe in breaking this stereotype. They have found a way to balance their work, life and relationships. Pageant organisers too have broken free from traditional rules in a bid to welcome mothers and married women into the fold. Meet these powerhouses of talent, as they walk us through their journey into the world for glitz and glamour.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

A constant achiever, Suja Nair found herself on the podium when she was crowned second runner up in the platinum category of the Mrs India 2016 pageant. With a tremendous amount of self-confidence, she also won the titles of Mrs Catwalk and Mrs Elite Top Model in the same contest. She has been a model for a while now and considers this just the beginning of an exciting journey.

Farha With a successful Anwar career of more than 20 years in logistics, Suja never really gave beauty pageants much thought until last year. “One of my friends convinced me to participate in this competition and enrol at a grooming institute. Initially, I was very hesitant but I gathered the courage and decided to go for it,” she shares. Experience is what mattered to her and soon the opportunity she was looking for knocked on her door.

Farha Anwar, who recently won the crown for first runner up at the Mrs India pageant, realised her dream of modelling much later in life. She moved to Pune from Bhopal to pursue her higher studies and has since settled here. Cheerful and talkative, Farha is all for doing whatever makes her happy.

“When I was studying in college, I used to work part time in the television industry, anchoring shows.

But, later on, I took up a marketing job and even though I wanted to, I never found the time to pursue modelling,” says the 29-year-old.

She is thrilled with her achievements, but feels that she has a long way to go. Winning a spot in the top three position in the Mrs India pageant has boosted her confidence. She can now move

onto bigger events and consider taking up modelling as a parttime career too, she adds.

Pageants judge the contestants on their confidence, physique and beauty, which, in turn, also give them a much-needed morale boost. As she was growing up, Shrreya Shah was often told that she didn’t look good. This stuck with her for a long time even though the spark to prove herself was always alive.

Pageantry changed her from an under-confident and shy girl to a positive, self-reliant woman.

She went on to participate in Mrs India Exquisite 2015 after she got married at the age of 23 and won the crown. “My mother-in-law was initially sceptical about this. Ritika Ramtri, my pageant coach assuaged her doubts and made her understand the competition. After that, she was quite supportive,” she says.

Not only are these women hardworking mothers, but they fulfill all their responsibilities efficiently no matter what the pressure.

Pallavi Kaushik, 42, is a former air hostess and image consultant. She participated in the Mrs India pageant, 2016, and won the title - FARHA ANWAR of Mrs Style Icon in the platinum category, for ages 35 and above.

Married to an army man, Pallavi found it very difficult to pursue her career in aviation due to the constant change in her husband’s postings.

“I decided to look for something else and began working as an image consultant with Frankfinn training academy. Eventually, I started grooming girls who wanted to participate in beauty pageants and pursue a career in modelling,” she says.

Somewhere along the way, Pallavi decided to give herself a chance and experience the thrill for herself. She Suja Nair participated in the Mrs Pune contest in 2015, and that gave her the confidence she needed to register for Mrs India.

The journey after that has been fabulous, she vouches.

W h i l e some have to struggle and cope with failures before climbing the ladder of success, Anuja Shinde was lucky to have the right opportunity come her way. She was asked to walk the ramp for a fashion show organised by her gym. “I was a fitness enthusiast and they requested me to be part of the gym’s annual event.

That changed everything for me,” she says.

TEJAS GAIKWAD

TGS LIFE

“The problem is with the mind sets of the women themselves”

Pallavi Kaushik

Renowned fashion choreographer Sandeep Dharma, who judged the show, became her mentor after the show.

She went on to participate in Gladrags Mrs India contest and won the title of Mrs India Best Model 2015. This opened up a lot of avenues. “The journey is nothing short of a dream.

Nothing was planned and so when it all happened it was a huge surprise. I absolutely love to have modelling as my career right now,” says Anuja, who is also mother to a 10-year-old son.

TGS LIFE

MIND OVER MATTER

Pageants help enrich perceptions of beauty and enhance a new strength and energy among participants. After feeling empowered herself Shrreya wants to encourage married women to set an example for young girls to pursue their dreams. “I never had the conventional looks that it took to be a model. I was always made to realise that I was not a good looking woman. This constant nagging made me want to prove myself even more and with the support of my husband and in-laws I took a step closer towards doing just that,” she smiles.

Being a yoga and pilates instructor, fitness was something she religiously followed. She groomed herself for the competition with a thorough disciplined workout routine ensuring that both, her body and mind were fit. “It was only after getting married that I looked at myself and felt that I too was beautiful.

At the pageant, I was judged for my personality not so much on how I looked,” adds Shrreya.

Suja too feels it is a myth that marriage comes between a woman and her dreams, especially in this day and age.

Marriage and children do not limit your potential, she believes. “Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. A woman’s life doesn’t revolve around her husband and it’s about time society encouraged women to follow their dreams,” she states.

A former national level basketball player and fitness trainer, the journey was comparatively easier for Suja. Not wanting to limit her potential, she decided to pick up on a new skill and learned belly dancing for the talent round of the show, which was a mega hit with the judges.

- SHRREYA SHAH As for her family, Suja is grateful

JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

“I was always made to realise that I was not a good looking woman and wanted to prove myself”

Anuja Shinde

for their constant support when she participated in the mind set of society and move forward. Society will pageant. “My husband was probably more excited than I automatically follow, she explains. was when I told him I wanted to participate. He went out “The problem is with the mind sets of the women of his way to ensure that nothing at home was disturbed themselves. They are too concerned about what society me when I was away,” she smiles. will think of them if they pursue modelling,” she says.

Thrilled with their achievements, the women attribute She gives the credit to her husband for letting her take their success to their family. this path. He encouraged her to For them, pageants are not just go back to her passion, which is about looking glamorous, but what brought her this far. have more to do with being Pallavi too is thankful to her women of substance. “If you family for their constant support, have the intelligence, poise and while she was off following her willingness to learn, then no one passion. “My husband has been can stop you,” believes Anuja. incredibly supportive of my She has participated in a lot of dreams, and would manage the fashion shows and has been a house and kids while I was busy,” face for many brands after she she says, adding, “Married or not, won a title at the Mrs India family support plays an important pageant. Something that she role in determining how far you — SUJA NAIR picked up as a hobby gradually will reach.” Marriage shouldn’t turned into a profession for her. be considered a hindrance when “Every girl wants to dress up nice, groom herself and look a woman wants to pursue her dreams, she strongly feels. beautiful in front of the mirror. Modelling gives you a “Realise the importance of your dreams and work feeling of being perfect,” she says. hard to achieve them. Nothing stops you from living your Agreeing with her, Farha believes that stepping out life. In the end, you shouldn’t have any regrets and that’s of one’s comfort zone is the only way to tackle the narrow what matters,” Pallavi points out.

“A woman’s life doesn’t revolve around her husband and it’s about time society encouraged women to follow their dreams”

Shrreya Shah

JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

SHOPPING

PICS BY RAHUL RAUT

SP

TGS LIFE

14

PAINT THE TOWN

RED Call it cherry, ruby or scarlet, red is the colour to wear now. These classy fashion finds by 23-yearold Tanya Pidiha are so stylish that you’d want to own them too

For a formal evening

This is an ideal chic get-up for any formal party. Pair them with black stud earrings, and heels and you are ready to shine through the evening.

Dress: Blush Boutique, Rs 3000 Shoes: Metro, Rs 2999

Go strolling around with friends

Keep it short

Walk through the streets in style with this flared red top.

Team up with white or black shorts for a flawless look.

Shorts: Forever 21, Rs 1,800 Crop top: Zara, Rs 2,495 Shoes: Inch.5: Rs 4,999

This ensemble is sure to get some attention when you go out shopping with your friends. Wear a simple watch and remember to add light lipstick to complete your look.

Jeans: Zara, Rs 4,295 Top: Zara, Rs 2,495

Jacket that makes a statement Go chic

This ensemble is perfect for a casual outing. Pair it with ballet heels and studs and it is sure to give you the confidence to charm anyone in the room.

Top: Forever21, Rs 599 Skirt: Blush, Rs 1,800

All set for the party

Want to make an edgy fashion statement? This simple yet trendy dress will make you shine in the party. Team it with black shoes and minimal jewellery to complete your look.

Dress: Zara, Rs 4,000 Shoes: Metro, Rs 2,999

The classic bred jacket is always in style. Team it with black tube and shorts and rest assured that a style statement is being made.

Jacket: Only, Rs 3,495 Shorts: Boutique; Rs 2,800 Leather Jacket: Zara; Rs 8,500 Tube: Zara; Rs 1,200

— Compiled by Zainab Kantawala

‘Your fitness regime should make you happy’ Soft-spoken, ambitious and dedicated, this young girl believes that being happy and positive is the easiest way to keep your mind and body healthy

SHAURYA SANADHYA Age: 24 Weight: 51 kg Height: 5’ 6

A

JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

M

odel-actor Shaurya Sanadhya’s career demands that she stay fit. She was only 16-years-old when she began acting and taking up runway shows.

Since then, fitness has always been a crucial element in her life. While she was modelling, Shaurya completed her graduation in Commerce and post-graduation in Economics from Symbiosis School of Economics, Pune. She lived the corporate life for a year and is also a qualified officer with the Indian Air Force. Every choice was related to the fact that she thought it most important to remain fit. She is also a YouTuber and blogger in addition to everything else.

Since her father was a part of the Indian Air Force she to follow the right routine, reaching your goal is not difficult, travelled across the country through most of her childhood. she points out. Sleeping late and getting up late ruins your From a young age, she’s followed a disciplined lifestyle. entire workout and meal routine. Running, meditating and She loves to experiment and is versatile in yoga are the exercises that she feels suit her her approach towards life. She’d rather not body. Of course, this could be different from EXPERT SPEAK be seen exercising in closed boundaries but person to person, she explains. would prefer being out in the open enjoying Atul Kurpe DAILY LOG the breeze and music to work out. Staying Focus Five Fitness Club happy and not clinging to the downfalls of life You are following your fitness I usually get up at eight in the morning is something she lives by. “Your fitness regime schedule very neatly. I would and freshen up before heading out for my should make you happy. If your workout is suggest you add some power exercises. After I’m done with my workout forced, your end goal will simply remain your yoga, strength exercises and for the day, I have a glass of hot water with goal,” she tells us. Having a good laugh also maybe even cross fit training honey and lime. My work out is generally helps you stay physically fit, she adds. to your routine. Follow a what I feel like doing that day. I either go for a proper schedule for your run or climb up and down my building stairs HER FITNESS MANTRA meals. Don’t avoid your and sometimes do yoga too. The days that I Since she loves to stay outdoors, Shaurya favourite food for so long. go for a run, I end it with some stretching doesn’t necessary feel the need to hit the gym You can have it and crunches. If I am doing yoga I start with every day. She would rather go for a run after every 15 a few breathing exercises. I make sure that I in the morning, listening to her favourite days. Focus follow my regime regularly and not take any track or do yoga which takes her to a on the intake major breaks in between. calm and peaceful place. A food lover The exercise is followed by a bowl of of proper herself, she knows how difficult it is to p r o t e i n , fruits. These are generally different each stop eating your favourite dishes which vitamins and day to allow for a little bit of variety in my are more often than not going to be first meal of the day. Half an hour after my minerals. unhealthy. “I avoid eating the kind workout, I have my breakfast, which usually Expert of food that I know is extremely consists of sprouts, eggs and coffee. Post this, rating: 8/10 unhealthy and treat myself to I head out for work and have lunch at around those sinful dishes once in a blue 2 pm. I prefer having simple home-cooked meals with less moon. This method not only gives oil. An hour before dinner, I have a bowl of vegetables boiled me the motivation to continue my or cooked. I sometimes supplement this with tomato soup fitness regime since I await my end and usually keep my dinner light. I avoid eating rice as much of the month reward but I also do as possible. My day ends at about 11-11:30 pm, depending not necessarily have to give up on my on my workload. The one thing that I’d recommend doing what I like eating,” says without fail is drink a lot of water. This helps the 24-year-old. my body get rid of all the toxins and tightens If you train yourself my skin too.

Make up hacks for monsoon heavy rain can ruin your perfect makeup day, but with these makeup techniques by Aakriti Kochar, Beauty and Makeup Expert, Oriflame India you can put your face right back on and fight your way through the rain.

• Use a matte bronzer in monsoons rather than one with shimmer. Go for the sun kissed look neutral tones of eye shadow, and peach tones that reflect healthy and glowing skin.

• Outline your lips first before filling in the lipstick, to prevent bleeding due to humidity. Use creamy lipsticks which are nourishing and avoid using a gloss on top.

• Use a concealer followed by loose powder or compact as a base for the eye shadow.

Use a light weight foundation preferably a

TGS LIFE

BB or CC cream since it is all in one. If you need to cover spots, use a concealer instead.

• One good way to keep it minimal yet look glamorous is by Aakriti Kochar enhancing the lips.

Use a bright tone lip colour to brighten your face. Avoid using any other colour on the face. When one has used a good amount of mascara you can ditch using too much colour on the face.

This brightens your eyes and make it look bigger.

• Use powder blush and eye shadows instead of cream or gel ones in monsoons specially. Powder make up tends to crease

less and stay longer .Lip and cheek tints are a good idea for summers and monsoons as well, since its light weight and gives a natural hint of colour.

• Clean your face with a nice cleanser and makeup remover before going to bed so you don’t carry any bacteria or infection settling on the skin. Your skin pores get easily clogged during monsoons so it becomes absolutely important to cleanse it properly.

• Avoid heavy makeup and dark eyes in monsoons. The smokey eyes is also a strict no! Curl your lashes and use a waterproof mascara instead of a regular one to prevent smudging. Fresh colours of pink, reds, oranges, light browns and nudes are great for the season.

(As told to Zainab Kantawala)

Priyanka says she and Deepika are still friends

TGS LIFE JULY 2, 2016 PUNE

BUZZ

'Never expected Udta Punjab to be my biggest opening' F

or Shahid Kapoor, the success of Udta Punjab is nothing less than a surprise as the actor says he never expected the film to become the biggest opening of his career. "It is very weird that something so dark has turned out to be the biggest opening of my career.

I don't know what to make out of it. I am extremely happy that people understood the film. "This has proved that there is nothing like commercial or non commercial cinema, there is only good content and bad content," Shahid said. The movie, which also stars Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, was caught in an ugly battle with the censor board, which objected to its title and content. The makers eventually got a green signal from the Bombay High Court and were able to release the film on scheduled date.

The 35-year-old Haider star said it is important for movies like Udta Punjab to be made and watched as it addresses the issues which youth should

be aware about.

"I can only thank the audience for liking the film. We made the film with lots of love and honesty and wanted this kind of response. The film's issue is very relevant for this generation, so as many people watch the movie the better it is for them. I was very happy that a lot of people spoke about it. They were curious about the subject and supported it." Shahid will next be seen in Vishal Bhardwaj's Rangoon, which is slated to release on February 24, a day before his birthday.

The film also stars Kangana Ranaut and Saif Ali Khan. "I will be working on my birthday but I am very happy about that. It is my third film with Vishal sir. It is a great cast. I hope you like it."

When soon-to-be father Shahid was asked if it is difficult to leave behind his wife Mira so near her delivery date, he said, "It is always difficult to leave your wife back." — PTI

A

ctress Priyanka Chopra says there is no change in her equation with Deepika Padukone contrary to reports of a fight between them. It was reported that since there is a competition between Priyanka and Deepika - both are trying to make a mark in Hollywood - their friendship has gone kaput.

"You (media) said we are friends. Earlier, you all (media) used to write we are BFF (best friend forever) so how did this change, why and how it changed? I did not say it (equation) has changed, you said it has changed," Priyanka said. "I am clarifying that whatever was earlier it is same today also. Your perspective has changed and that shouldn't have happened," the 33-year-old actress said, dismissing suggestions that their friendship has turned sour.

The Bajirao Mastani co-stars have umpteen times in the past said they are friends. In fact, Deepika had said Priyanka was her first friend when she entered Bollywood nearly a decade ago.

Priyanka has made a name for herself on small screen in the US through her television show Quantico and now

I want to do a dance reality show: Claudia Ciesla S

he made her presence felt in India with celebrity reality show Bigg Boss and now the Polish-German actress says she wants to try her luck next in a dancing talent hunt.

The 29-year-old actress, who already showed her dancing skills in the popular song Balma from Khiladi 786, says she is passionate about dance.

"I have done Bigg Boss, which is the number one reality show in India. I have done Comedy Circus and proved that I can speak Hindi and my comic timings are also good.

I want to do a dance reality show now because dancing is something which I am really passionate about... This is one thing which I would like to do" Claudia told PTI in an

interview. The actress played Shakuntala in Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 and says she has no regrets about her career choices.

"I don't regret anything. I am glad about all the work I have done till now. I have done item numbers like Balma and Patna Wali. If I like something, I will do and if I don't, I won't... I will also do a serious role if I get" The model-actress feels very fortunate to be a part of Bollywood and does not think to get back to her country anytime soon. "I didn't return to my country and that shows how comfortable I am here and how beautiful people I have met here. I cannot say even one bad word. I feel very honoured here," she said.

she will be making her debut in Hollywood with Baywatch.

Apparently, it was reported that the team of Piku actress is trying to get good projects for her. Asked about this, Priyanka said, "Ask her team. My team is not trying. It doesn't make sense for me to answer about someone else...I don't pay attention to what others are doing.

"My career has been very solitary. My career has nothing to do with the success and failure of others." The former Miss World said she is trying to open doors globally for Indian actors. "I am trying to open doors for others (Indian actors) by representing Indian film industry (at the international level). I hope a lot of south Asian actors get entry on global level. Whoever gets good work I will always wish them well.

I would wish them more success than me."

According to gossip mills were abuzz Bajirao Mastani stars apparently declined to to perform on Pinga at the recently concluded IIFA Awards at Madrid. Quiz the "Don" actress on this and she says, "All I know is that it was suppose to happen but then I don't know what happened and why it did not happen. I have no idea." Â

Riteish to host Marathi quiz show A

ctor Riteish Deshmukh will soon be seen hosting a Marathi game show Viktaa Ka Uttar.

It is for the first time that the 37-year-old actor is hosting a Marathi quiz show, which will be telecast on Star Pravah. "It's a quiz show where common people can participate. There will be prize money as well. It is too early to reveal the format of the show but it is not on lines of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'," sources said.

Riteish has earlier judged dance reality show India's Dancing Superstar. The actor is actively promoting Marathi cinema by producing films like Balak Palak, Lai Bhaari.