Taxi - The Lifestyle Magazine

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

VOL 3, ISSUE 2, SEPTEMBER 2011

CHENNAI I BENGALURU I HYDERABAD

THE SCIENCE

OF COUTURE

Designer Ganesh Nallari talks about his passion for fashion

OF ARTISTIC FREEDOMS

What does censorship mean for the freedom of expression

BEERY eyed A peek into the country’s first microbrewery in Bengaluru

Memories and food

GAME OF LIFE

Football season is on as fans gear up to catch the games live 1 TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

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TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

September 2011

Contents TAXI EVENTS

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Hot and Happening Snapshots of the month gone by 06 Editor’s Note 08 Beery Eyed Taxi stops at The Biere club, India’s first microbrewery 12 Rare and Precious A few Platinum goodies just for you

13 The Gaze of Graciela Garicela Iturbide’s exhibition comes to Bengaluru 14 Edge of Design 16 Memories and Food Some memories are better because of food...

20 Being Vegetarian 24 Game of Life Football fans chant their joy at the football season

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Yours truly Cover Look

Old Manali

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Model Apoorva Elizabeth Mittra Photographed by KUNAL DASWANI Styled by PRAJANYA ANAND Hair & Make-up PAGE3

28 Cover Spread 34 On Artistic Freedoms 36 A Sip of My Cosmo 42 The Science of Couture 46 TAXI Calendar 51 A Musical Journey 52 Tarot 54 Viral Fever

TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

Editor’s Note

F

un fact – Murphy is the man! The sooner we bow down to the forces of the universe, the better off we’ll all be in dealing with the day-to-day nitty-gritty that is life. It is these unexpected twists in the tale that throw up the most fun surprises. And it was one of those twists that reshaped this entire issue.

Taxi presents a look at two iconic urban staples – beer and football. Individually they’re fantastic, but together, now that’s a match made in heaven complete with divine approval. Come with us as we hiccup at Bengaluru’s first microbrewery and trawl through the three cities to meet hyper-enthusiastic Football fans.

Come with us as we hiccup at Bengaluru’s first microbrewery and trawl through the three cities to meet hyper-enthusiastic Football fans

There’s a little bit of the literati and the glitterati, a little bit of the scientifically supported diet regime to the mind-bogglingly beautiful Mediterranean cuisine in our pages.

The buzzword this past month has been freedom – freedom from something and the freedom to be. We look at artistic freedom and censorship. Why is there so much controversy generated when a film tackling social issues is released? Why do artists have to sometimes leave the country in exile? What is it about free expression that ruffles so many feathers?

It’s something to think about.

I hope the mixture we’ve concocted this month is fun and exciting, we sure had a lot of fun putting it together for you…

MANAGING EDITOR Lenin Paul EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shruthi Padmanabhan CREATIVE HEAD Hariharan M MARKETING HEAD Siddharth Padmanabhan ADMINISTRATION Jerald W CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kunal Daswani, Abhay Kumar, P Ravi Kumar, Elizabeth S CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nikhil Moturi, Bhargavii Mani, Yuvraj Gurung, Shuchi Kapoor, Elizabeth S, Harpreet Kaur, Indranil Mukherjee, Sharanya Manivannan, RG Vignesh, Dr.S. Bhuvaneshwari

www.thetaximag.com Office #7A, Skylark Apartments, 5th Street, Rutland Gate, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600006 P 044-43084447/8 PRINTER Srikals Graphics Pvt Ltd, Chennai PRODUCTION Iron Quill Publishing Services, Chennai TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE EMAIL marketing@thetaximag.com FOR QUERIES ON PRODUCTS FEATURED HERE EMAIL queries@thetaximag.com

Shruthi Padmanabhan Editor-in-Chief

Write to me at editor@thetaximag.com

Calendar. September promises to be a packed month...

Game of Life. An exclusive with some manic football fans...

Travel. Manali’s charms, not the touristy way...

Bengaluru

beery eyed Taxi downs a pint or two at Bengaluru’s first microbrewery, The Biere Club, and finds how little we actually know about the frothy, amber brew we all love

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f a polite voice ever overpowers the roof-pelting din created by any British pop band record or live music in a dingy Bangalore pub and asks you what kind of draught beer you’d like, what would you say? If you’re the typical genre of seasoned Indian beer connoisseur who has been nurtured

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and nourished by the pitchers of uniform lager (the sort that’s the King of good and great times), you’d probably just been baffled. If it persisted you’d probably say “make it chilled, if that’s not asking for too much!” and “please don’t diminish its body with addition of excess water”. The other specifications your expertise will probably lend may include stringent and discerning food pairing – “Make it the kind that’s accompanied with a plate of spiced peanuts or chilli pork,” you’ll yell out. But that’s about it.

TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

PICS ELIZABETH S

Make it the kind that’s accompanied with a plate of spiced peanuts or chilli pork”

We wanted to elevate the status of beer and educate people about this drink

TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

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Meenakshi Raju and her brother Arvind Raju were a tad bit upset with how beer had always been perceived in India to start with. In a somewhat meticulously worded and no-nonsense mission statement of sorts she explains what might as well have been a mandate for world peace: “We wanted to elevate the status of beer and educate people about this drink.” From this noble motive that was shaped by the duo’s trips and beertasting around the world was born the idea of the The Biere Club, the pub city’s first microbrewery — that freshly brews the beer it serves. Meenakshi who’s a beer convert from being primarily a vodka drinker herself says the ignorance around beer in the country is simply dispiriting. Beer isn’t just a football drink guzzled by burly men, she insists, “it’s a great lady’s drink too,” she continues her campaign. At what was a turning point in their lives, she narrates, “There were 450 styles of beer at a beer fest we went to in Singapore. Apart from the regular styles beer can be flavoured - mango, orange, coriander, coffee, etc.”

are dragging men into the pubs,” he says following it up with a generous smile.

He also feels that since many Indians are well-travelled, they already have an idea about the kinds of beers and this makes Indians open to drinking experimentations. “They will pay a premium for good beer,” he adds.

The brew-master then explains the basics of brewing. At the Biere Club, the brewery that can be seen across the room has been manufactured by the reputed ‘Zip Technologies’ and is equipped with fermentation tanks, mashing units and conditioning units. In a concise explanation of the journey of beer he says the requisites are barley, hops, yeasts and water. As a brew-master, Wambua chooses the water profile, the beer type, malt type, yeast type, schedule of brewing, and finally the crucial ‘time to ferment’ and these decisions determine

The Biere Club serves four “Year long brews” that’ll arrive in dwarf glasses to taste and choose – the dark hued Stout, the light amber Wheat, the flavourful Ale and the world’s most commonly tripped-on beer, Lager. Then there are occasional beers brewed according to the brew-masters discretion and seasonal beers that includes fruit, herb and spice flavours, some include raisin, honey ales and coffee.

At the three-storey microbrewery, 4,500 litres of beer are brewed each month and the man in charge of this virtuous labour is brew-master Daniel Wambua. With a BSc (Honours) in brewing from Heriot Watt University, Scotland, Wambua has 12 years’ experience as a brewer around the world.

Having worked in various geographical zones such as Bermuda, the South Pacific, Africa and Istanbul in Asia he says every country downs its pint a bit differently. “In Africa, they want the best flavour, but want a cheaper beer; in Bermuda, which is a touristy place, people just want to get drunk, so they don’t want to experiment with their beers; in Istanbul people prefer lagers.” As for his observations on Indians, Wambua says “In India it’s the women who drink beers, I’ve noticed it’s the women who

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the type of beer that will flow from the taps. At the brewery it takes about 15 to 30 days for the beer to be ready.

In the last few months of its existence, the Biere Club has received a cacophony of reviews that are as varied as the kinds of beer that exist. The music and decor here is anything but what Bangaloreans associate with beer. In the early afternoon with ample sunshine lighting up the spacious pub, the eyecatching mural, the mellow music and the Mediterranean menu, the Club does challenge our very idea of what

beer pubs must be. The lager-laden public and college kids do drop in to ‘check out the place’. While the globetrotted inebriated connoisseur spends a leisurely Sunday at the counter rattling out tasting notes with verdicts on how the Stout isn’t there yet, while the Wheat is full-bodied and just as it should be and the Strong Ale seems right. For others, the fact that choices in beer exist is reason enough. But Meenakshi assures us that every batch of beer brewed so far has run out in no time and as long as there’s enough for another pint, all’s well with the world.

“In the last few months of its existence, the Biere Club has received a cacophony of reviews” BEER BASICS

Pints to taste at the Biere Club and what they go with

Almond crusted ricotta and olive shish Tunisian fish Chermoulah

ALE

WHEAT

Ales are beers that are brewed with “top-fermenting” yeasts at 1020 degrees Celsius. The yeast is called top fermenting because of its tendency to gather at the surface of the brew during the first few days of the process before settling to the bottom. For ales, the fermentation should happen in warmer temperatures for the yeast to multiply and do its magic. Ales are usually higher in alcohol and will be noticeably fuller and more complex. Top fermented beers may include brown ale, red ale, amber ale, mild ale, pale ale, stout, Kolsch and golden ale.

Wheat beers are brewed with a large proportion of wheat and usually contain a significant portion of malted barley. Made with flocculent yeast the beers have a spicy and clove-like character. Herbs and spices are often used and served unfiltered they retain their full flavour. The main varieties are weissbier, witbier, and the sour varieties, such as lambic

Chef recommends

Hummus falafel and crispy lavosh chips Prawn skewers, olive and caper dip Crusted fish dipper with roasted garlic mayo Chef recommends Crisp fried stuffed jumbo chillies and Moorish prawns Char grilled spicy Mediterranean herb yogurt dip vegetables Crunchy fried chicken wings doused in Moroccan spices STOUT Mini lamb Kibbeh burgers and Stout is a dark beer made using minted yoghurt relish roasted malt or barley, hops, water, Moroccan Chicken and yeast. Stouts were traditionally the generic term for the strongest or LAGER stoutest porters, typically 7% or 8%, The most commonly downed beer in the world, this category of beer needs produced by a brewery. There are a number of variations including Baltic a bottom fermenting yeast. They are porter, dry stout, and imperial stout. brewed at colder temperatures of 2 The name “porter”was first used in to 10 degrees Celsius during a long 1721 to describe a dark beer popular period of time and this process is labelled as ‘lagering’. Different kinds of with street and river porters of London that had been made with roasted lagers include bocks, doppelbocks, Munich, Vienna, Märzen and Pilsners. malts. This same beer later also The pale lagers or Pilsners come from became known as stout, though the word stout had been used as early as a town called Pilsen in the Czech 1677.

Republic and are very popular all over the world.

Chef recommends

Chef recommends

Assorted fries and Harrisa Mayo Tomato, Olive and pickled chilli crostini Crispy fried squid and bacon

Marinated olive Arabian lamb kefta Mushrooms roasted with feta and sun-dried tomato paste

For more information on the Biere Club, send an email to queries@thetaximag.com TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

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On The Shelves

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For Him Price – `10,000 onwards Available at – all Platinum retailers

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Dream Trousseau (wedding collection) `2 lakh onwards (for elaborate necklaces) Available at – all Platinum retailers

Dream Trousseau (wedding collection) Price – `30,000 onwards (for simple chains and pendants)

Rare and precious

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That’s Platinum for you. It signifies a discerning taste and is meant for those who understand value. A new line of jewellery for a new kind of customer, this month it’s all about Platinum…

Love bands Price – `30,000 onwards Available at – all Platinum retailers

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Time keepers Price on request Available at – all Platinum retailers

For Her Price – `8,000 onwards Available at – all Platinum retailers

Tlaxcala, México, 1974 © Graciela Iturbide / Tasveer

Bengaluru

THE GAZE OF

Graciela Tasveer Art Gallery brings to Bangalore works of one of the most important Latin American photographers – Graciela Iturbide.

Elizabeth S finds out more

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he Eye of Graciela Iturbide is a gifted gaze. It sees the world in frames we seldom notice, it gently roves and pauses in corners that no one would.

It drains away colour, noise, stereotype and every kind of excess to show Mexico’s mystique in monochromes that are both reverent and not. Tasveer Art Gallery’s latest exhibition in Bangalore ‘The Eye of Graciela Iturbide’ is an impressive collection of work by one of the most important and influential Latin American photographers of the past four decades.

Graciela Iturbide photographs everyday life, almost entirely in blackand-white. She was inspired by the photography of Josef Koudelka, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sebastiao Salgado and Álvarez Bravo. While the exhibition does display Iturbide’s snapshots of India, the majority of her work on display is her personal commentary on Mexico’s indigenous cultures and life in Mexico City, Juchitán, Oaxaca, and on the Mexican/American frontier (La Frontera).

In her famous Nuestra Señora de las iguanas or ‘Our lady of Iguanas’, a lady iguana seller stands casually with iguanas on her head. In the Jardín Botánico or botanical gardens in Oaxaca, Ituribe decided to capture different kinds of cactaii in the desert and the result is a series of pictures that are all but a thorny plant in the desert, yet anything but mundane. Mexican traditions are not exoticised and packed in postcards, instead like a poet (Iturbide apparently was a writer before picking up the camera) she roams in the same places – houses, streets, marketplaces, but she stops where others would not.

Her eye picks up a story and not just a mere moment, an ignored shop display, two roosters doomed to death, a rock python slithering on the Mexican floor, a shirt fluttering in the wind, all become stories told in a blink.

In the exhibition’s section of pictures of India, Iturbide’s frames from Pushkar, Lucknow, Jaipur, Delhi, Khajuraho and Mumbai are included. Again she has captured India as she captures places – with love and patience. The portrait of a woman from Pushkar shows a woman’s almost bold gaze confronting the photographer, except that her face is veiled, the image of Mumbai is a screen of fish being dried in the sun.

Almost everywhere that her eyes stops Iturbide captures the mundane lyrically.

Browsing through this exhibition can’t be a quick screening. Instead, the works persuade one to walk slower, thinks harder and stare at one single moment a whole lot longer.

EVENT DETAILS What Photo-exhibition - The Eye of Graciela Iturbide When 10am to 7pm, On till September 10 Where Tasveer Art Gallery, SUA House,# 26/1 Kasturba Cross Road, Bangalore Phone 9886451705

About the photographer Graciela Iturbide has won the W. Eugene Smith prize for photography (1987), a first prize award from France’s Mois de la Photo, and a Guggenheim Fellowship (1988). In 2008 she received the Hasselblad Foundation Photography Award. Born in 1942 in Mexico city, she lives and works in Coyoacán, Mexico.

TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

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Interiors

A Edge OF

Design What is contemporary? How are design trends arrived at? How should you be designing your space to keep it with the times? This month Bhargavii Mani relooks contemporary design…

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s a practicing designer, I get to meet potential clients every other day. Most of these meetings tend to leave me with a dozen questions, observations and thoughts. “I want contemporary interiors, so do you specialise in that?” is a common requirement that pops up even before I meet a client and it has always made me wonder what they really mean. In reality, there is no such style of design called “Contemporary Design”.

DEFINITIONS

Considering the fact that most design styles are related to art periods in history, the only connection I could make with the word contemporary was with the Contemporary Art era, which specialised in promoting fine art and was also misconceived as lackluster art. Pablo Picasso was the frontrunner of this movement, famous for its experimental approach. The concept behind the art was given more importance than the final finished form, leaving the interpretation open to the viewer.

Contemporary literally means current and here is the deal; styles and trends change every year, just like technology changes by the day. The European market sets the trend for design every year.

Their approach tends to affect the attitude towards all aspects of designing considering the fundamental elements of colour, space, line, form, and texture, which are consistent for all genres of design.

There are committees that decide on the trends, which in turn set the mood for the other elements to follow. For instance, Pantone, a US-based company that has led the world with its specialisation on colours, announced that Turquoise was the colour of the year in 2010. The company recently announced that Honeysuckle is the colour of the year 2011. Based on colour theory, this vibrant reddish pink hue will create an encouraging and uplifting feeling.

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating colour that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. Starting from fashion apparel to sportswear to linens to makeup to appliances and accessories, one would slowly start seeing many leading fashion and design brands using this hue for their latest collection.

TRENDING NOW

If we take a step back and ask ourselves “why these design trends?” The logical conclusion is of course – change of lifestyle, the recession and an increasing ecological awareness. Minimalism is back in vogue! The realisation of the need to build and keep healthy relationships has re-defined the concept of work-life balance. Open plans are back in style. It is reiterated that in 2011, the kitchen is “the place to be in”. With the advent of designer kitchens in the last decade, kitchens no longer need to be hidden behind closed doors and partition walls. It is the place to eat, meet, and bond.

Recession has shifted popular mindset from “wants” to “needs”. Ecological awareness has paved the way for environment-friendly, recycled and recy-

“Energy conservation is another area that has gained importance both from an awareness and aesthetics point of view” clable, sustainable designs and finishes.

Comfort and ergonomics using simple geometric forms is the trend for furniture and spaces. Basic materials such as various kinds of cement and easily replaceable woods are.

Bamboo is one of the most prominent sustainable finishes because it grows very quickly and can be easily treated for various applications. Energy conservation is another area that has gained importance both from an awareness and aesthetics point of view. Many new materials and finishes, including accessories operating on solar energy, have come into the market.

Lighting design has become increasingly prominent in architecture and interiors.

Architecturally, the trend is towards large windows, which become the prime source of daylight. With interior design, lighting will be recessed and hidden.

LED lights have replaced or are replacing the traditional incandescent and halogen lights worldwide for the last decade. With the continuing product and technology development, LED lights are an energy-saving option.

In terms of décor, the influences are a mix of global and ancestral. The style of old accent pieces will dominate an otherwise clean, minimal look and finish in everything from materials to lighting. Lush velvets and brocades, inspired from the Elizabethan period to the 1940s will contrast with the cool pastels of 2011 to add character to a space. A broader view of the world has invited different cultures into our homes, particularly indigenous cultures such as Asian, African and South American. The geometrical shapes and naturally dyed fabrics add a global feel to our living spaces.

It is not possible for people to keep with current trends because a living space is also a reflection of one’s personality. In 2011, contemporary is a mixture of the minimalist with strong antique and ethnic accents.

TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

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TAXI Foodie Says

Memories and food

PICS ABHAY KUMAR

When you look back on life and the past, one of the mose vivid memories you have are those of the food you’ve enjoyed. Nikhil Moturi’s journeys have given himmuch to mull over, he talks to visiting chef Achmed about one such food memory...

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My first experience of Mediterranean food was in 2001. I was naïve and in college, living on a student’s budget. My new friends who were Turkish, Egyptian, French and Moroccan in nature took me to a local eatery serving Greek food.

It was love at first sight. The aromas, the flavor, the subtle use of spices, the yogurt dip captured my taste buds and since then Mediterranean food became part of my regular diet.

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spent most of my early life living outside of India, studying, working and becoming what the British call a “young Turk” which basically means, doing what ever possible to climb the corporate ladder.

After a few years of corporate life with a fortune 500 company, I had a change of heart and decided life back home with family was more important so I packed my bags and decided to travel on a culinary adventure. My experiences told me that food is my passion and as any passion dictates, it became my first love (after my wife fo course). The culinary adventures I had resulted in creating many memories that have been seared in my mind and heart with many a friend who has shared food with me.

When eating with my friends in college, I observed that their eating was more communal. Everything was shared and split unlike the hedonistic nature of American food. The food and culture was steeped in tradition with its wines, breads and desserts. I learnt that a normal meal with the family would require food be spread across a long table with the patriarch of the family sitting at the head of the table and the matriarch serving the food to the entire family.

My foray into the world of the Mediterranean started with Greek cuisine when I was studying in California with a dish so close to my local Indian favorite. The “Sambussa”, a Greek appetiser filled with meat stuffing, usually a beef or a chicken stuffing.

For the novice eater, the “Sambussa” is similar to a patty for the French,

One such memory, my love for Mediterranean food, came back to me when I sat down with Chef Achemd at Azulia at GRT. The Chef, a Turkish gentleman has re-engineered the menu and is showcasing dishes from ten countries across the Mediterranean belt.

Sitting down with him and sampling a few dishes left me in state of trance as memories of friends, good times and bad times came flooding back to me at the mere sight, smell and flavour of the food served.

If you are trying Mediterranean food for the first time, you will need know that Mediterranean food is a cross amalgamation of dishes from various countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Armenia, Greece, Turkey, Cypress, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia and Morocco, not including several other smaller and island nations. The food influences, spices and tastes are heavily borrowed from each other due to their geographical proximities thus creating a diverse world cuisine.

“If you are trying Mediterranean food for the first time, you will need know that Mediterranean food is a cross amalgamation of dishes from various countries” TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

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In any Asian, African, Greek or Middle Eastern country, eating together as a family is the fundamental core

The gyro sandwich is made of Pork, Lamb or chicken and is filled with onions and tomatoes followed with a yogurt dip sauce

dumplings for the Chinese, and as “Samosa” for Indians. The staple dish within Mediterranean food is the fluffy circular bread called “Pita”. Pita bread can be described as soft, with no after taste, it can be used as a utensil to soak up the meat or stuffed with a filling inside it. Pita bread is common in Arabic and Mediterranean cuisine and it is similar to the “Naan” that is served within the Indian subcontinent.

Another popular dish from the Greece is the gyro sandwich. This dish is widely considered to be the street man’s food.

Not too expensive, and loaded with meat, it gained popularity and soon became a staple of all Mediterranean restaurants. The gyro sandwich is made of Pork, Lamb or chicken and is filled with onions and tomatoes followed with a yogurt dip sauce. The meat is placed on vertical turning spit and roasted slowly.

The gyro is similar to the Mexican “taco” and the Middle Eastern “shawarma”.

I remember eating this dish with a hot sauce made exclusively at a local eatery in California where the owners would add extra portions just because I was such a regular customer.

Kleftiko is a popular lamb dish I favoured, (perhaps more so for the origins of how it came about) which is slow baked and cooked in a pit oven with the meat marinated in garlic and lemon juice. It is said that the dish emerged from the country side bandits who did not have livestock of their own, so would steal lambs or goats and cook the meat in a sealed pit to avoid the smoke being seen.

In any Asian, African, Greek or Middle Eastern country, eating together as a family is the fundamental core of being a family. Some cultures in the Middle East even eat out of the same pot dipping their bread and soaking the meat and juice of the dish. Eating at a Moroccan restaurant, I found myself lying down on comfortable Persian carpets surrounded by belly dancers and eating out of one huge pot filled with a chicken and eggplant stew.

Despite being known more popularly as a Greek dish, Moussaka actually has Arabic origins. It is an oven-baked layer dish with ground meat and eggplant casserole. There are other variations besides eggplant, such as zucchini or rice, but the eggplant version — melitzanes moussaka is by far the most popular.

Not to be outdone by my Arabic friends, my Spanish friends introduced me to a dish named “Paella”. This dish made of rice, beans, and seafood, has its origins in the eighteen century and the fact remains

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that the name “Paella” emerged because the Spanish did not have a proper name for the dish so named it Paella because it was made in a pan. Today, Spanish cooking is known for its chorizo’s (pork sausage), rich seafood stews and their cilantro-flavoured tacos is in fashion thanks in part to celebrity chef Ferran Adria, whose now-closed Michelin starred restaurant El Bulli has been rated as the top restaurant consistently.

Unfortunately, Ferran recently closed his restaurant down as he feels the need to re-invent his gastronomically and molecularly designed food.

Finally, after eating so much great food, my Persian friends introduced me to the richest dessert I have ever eaten. Baklava, found through the regions of Israel, Turkey, Iran, Palestine and Lebanon. It is a sweet dish made of dough, honey, nuts and fruits. The Persian version has Pistachios filling and is flavored with rose water. The closest representation to the desert within Indian cuisine is the Halwa dish.

Moving back to India and taking culinary adventures to Asian subcontinent, I sometimes feel nostalgic. I understood that Indian, Arabic, Greek food are similar in taste and in visual design with substitutions for local ingredients from the host country. I do attribute the similarities to trade travel in the early Byzantine / Mughal eras of history. A lot of Africans, Indians, Greeks and Persians all traveling in search of wealth, and spices along the famous Silk Route which was the legendary road that connected India, old Persia, Greece and Africa, probably brought their cooking styles with them.

Now in Chennai, eating Dessert at Azulia with the Chef, I know for a fact that this gentleman brought back his cooking style from the Mediterranean’s for those who are yet to travel on their culinary adventures.

TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

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The Nutri Files

Being

Vegetarian

How often have you heard some meat-eater, give you the spiel about “missing out�? Our wellness and nutrition expert, Dr.S.Bhuvaneshwari, breaks down the science behind vegetarianism and analyses its impact on our health and life

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n ancinet times, there was a commonly held belief that a non-vegetarian diet was superior to a vegetarian diet. People assumed that a non-vegetarian diet provided more power because it was full of energetic ingredients. This theory gained prominence and soon enough, non-vegetarianism became the diet of choice across the world. Now, however, that attitude is slowly changing.

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sustenance can be found in vegetables, grains nuts, soymilk. Dairy vegetarian diets offer lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol and animal protein, and higher levels of carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, potassium, folate, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. These characteristics and other lifestyle factors associated with a vegetarian diet contribute to the better health of vegetarians.

A pescetarian diet, for example, includes “fish but no meat”.

According to the latest studies and developments in medical sciences, it has been found that a vegetarian diet is closer to, and is more useful for, human beings as it is more compatible with the human body. Vegetarianism can be defined simply as the practice of incorporating plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, etc), with or without the inclusion of dairy products or eggs, and with the complete exclusion of meat (red meat, poultry and seafood) in our daily diet. Avoiding animal-derived rennet and gelatin is also be practised.

Vegetarianism also excludes animal products like milk, honey and eggs, and

Varieties of vegetarianism Ovo vegetarianism – eggs but not dairy products.

Lacto vegetarianism – includes dairy products but not eggs.

Ovo-lacto vegetarianism (or lacto-ovo vegetarianism) – includes animal/dairy products such as eggs, milk, and honey.

Buddhist vegetarianism (also known as su vegetarianism) excludes all animal products as well as vegetables in the allium family (which have the characteristic aroma of onion and garlic): onion, garlic, scallions, leeks or shallots.

Jain vegetarianism includes dairy but excludes eggs and honey, as well as root vegetables.

also excludes any products tested on animals, even clothing.

Various processed foods such as chocolate, chips, marshmallows and gummy candies, often contain unfamiliar animal ingredients and are a concern for vegetarians. Often, animal-derived products, such as certain cheeses, gelatin or other animal-derived ingredients, are scrutinised prior to purchase or consumption. While the percentage of these ingredients is low, their presence in the food item often sees many vegetarians refraing from consuming these foods. While some vegetarians are unaware of animal-derived rennet’s role in the usual production of cheese and may therefore unknowingly consume the product, others are not perturbed by the same.

Semi-vegetarian diets consist largely of vegetarian foods, but may include fish, poultry or other meats on an infrequent basis. Those with diets containing fish or poultry may define “meat” only as mammalian meat (like mutton and beef). An instance of this is a pescetarian diet that includes “fish but no meat”.

HEALTH BENEFITS AND CONCERNS The American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada have stated that at all stages of life, a properly planned vegetarian diet is “healthful, nutritionally adequate, and provides health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases”. Necessary nutrients, proteins and amino acids for the body’s

Vegetarians also have a lower body mass index (BMI), lower levels of cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer incidences of heart disease, hypertension, type-2 diabetes and osteoporosis. Non-lean red meat, in particular, has been found to be directly associated with increased risk of cancers of the esophagus, liver, colon, and the lungs.

Another significantly important difference between a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian diet is that the former contains dietary fibers. These dietary fibers are very useful for the human body because it has been observed that the people who eat a diet rich in these dietary fibers have lower incidences of diseases like coronary heart disease, cancer of the intestinal tract, piles, obesity, diabetes, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, to name a few. The food stuffs rich in these dietary fibers are cereals and whole grains, legumes, fruits, green leafy vegetables, etc.

Proteins It is often argued that vegetarians get lesser proteins that non-vegetarians.

While it is true that plant proteins contain limited amounts of essential amino acids (the type the body cannot make) when compared to animal proteins, it is not true that vegetarians do not have ample sources of proteins.

To compensate for this difference, the simplest solution is to combine a grain and legume in the same meal to get all the amino acids the body needs.

Iron Vegetarian diets typically contain similar levels of iron to non-vegetarian diets, but this has lower bioavailability than iron from meat sources, and its absorption can sometimes be inhibited by other dietary constituents. Vegetarian

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Vitamin B12 is needed by the body to help in the production of red blood cells.

Although the daily requirement is very small, this vitamin is also essential for our brain, spinal cord and nerve functions

foods rich in iron include black beans, cashews, kidney beans, all pulses, oats, raisins, peas, soybeans, sunflower seeds, chickpeas and whole-wheat.

Omega-3 fatty acids include soy, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, canola oil, kiwifruit, and especially, flaxseed.

Vitamin B12

Calcium is an important nutrient for healthy bones and teeth. We can get enough calcium through eating dairy products, green leafy vegetables and soya beans. Dried fruits and nuts like figs, apricots, almonds are good sources of calcium. Calcium intake in vegetarians is similar to non-vegetarians.

Vitamin B12 is needed by the body to help in the production of red blood cells. Although the daily requirement is very small, this vitamin is also essential for our brain, spinal cord and nerve functions. This vitamin comes from foods of animal origin such as meat, dairy products, seafood and eggs. To include Vitamin B12 in the diet, consume milk and dairy products. If you are an ovo-vegetarian, include eggs.

Fatty acids Plant-based, or vegetarian, sources of

Calcium

Health Benefits of plantbased eating Protection from Heart Disease Lower risk of Diabetes. And Obesity Lower Blood Pressure, Protection from cancer

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Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis, Gallstones and Diverticular diseases.

What is it about plantbased diets that make them so healthy?

Generally a well-balanced plantbased diet features an abundance of wholegrains and cereals, nuts and legumes and a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables. These foods: Provide both soluble and insoluble fibre Are rich in vitamins and minerals Provide many antioxidants and other important phytochemicals Are low in saturated for and cholesterol Are high in plant protein

Preview

Moonwalking the stage

Michael Jackson will never die. That much any reasonable fan will tell you.

Shruthi Padmanabhan talks to Denver Anthony Nicholas about his latest production inspired by the King of Pop

When Grease debuted in Chennai, audiences were treated to an old favourite, in an allnew avatar. Since then, musical productions in the city have proliferated. The man responsible for the beginning of it all, Denver Anthony Nicholas of Nicholas productions talks Broadway, visitations and of course his latest production – I Wanna be MJ. Since Grease, you’ve been producing a number of musicals. How would you say the city has responded to your efforts?

The city is always open to new and innovative ideas. One of the reasons why musicals are always such a big hit is a simple fact that it combines three different forms of performing arts – theatre, music and dance.

For a musical, aside from a cast and crew of interested and talented individuals, what do you think is the infrastructure required?

Money, Money and Money.

Tell us a little about the latest production – I wanna be MJ? What inspired it? How did you go about putting it together?

A friend of mine was in Bahrain, and we were talking about her and one of us said that MJ loved Bahrain and I said ‘who cares’ and then a bulb went off in my head! And I thought to myself a musical, with MJ’s numbers would be

awesome! But there was no way we were going to base it on his life as imitating his characteristics as a person is almost impossible and just not right! So we came up with our own script, inspired entirely by his music. Personally, MJ’s influence on me is revealed in the opening scene of the play.

Tell us a little about your collaboration with Sahaayika?

We always look at associating with NGOs and giving something back. Sahaayika is a cancer NGO that has been seriously involved in treatment and supoprt of cancer patients and spreading awareness. They are currently working towards getting young people involved in this cause and we, being a young eccentric theatre group, are the ideal platform for them to associate with.

For our earlier production, we were associated with Prathyasha – an AIDS NGO.

Tell us about the cast and crew? Any manic MJ fans?

keeping in line with our motto of looking out for young performers. The band features few of the most talented musicians in our city such as Naveen Thomas Joseph, Enoch David, Nelson Samuel, Gerard Joseph, and Balaji under the direction of Shaun Roberts.

As for MJ fans – yes our choir director Nadisha Thomas is definitely the craziest fan from the crew!

What do you think of Chennai’s audiences?

I think they are very nascent and like to experiment with different genres of theatre. But those who attend theatre are very appreciative and supportive.

Will you be taking your musicals to other cities?

We want to! If you know anybody who will sponsor us, please ask them to call me!!

How do you feel right now, this close to the performance.

Any nerves? Jitters?

Broke! Apart from that, jitters and nerves are always there right till I step on-stage!

I Wanna be MJ will be performed at the Museum Theatre on September 3 and 4.

Tickets are available online at www.indiastage. in and are priced at `150, `300 and `500. For details contact – 9840391975.

The cast is a young, talented bunch

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Football Fever

GAME OF

LIFE

Football season is underway and if reports are to be believed then the withdrawal symptoms experienced by garrulous fans are a thing of the past. We scouted Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad to talk to a few football crazies Compiled with inputs from Elizabeth S, Indranil Mukherjee and Siddharth Padmanabhan

The most popular sport in the world draws attention for a number of reasons. It has made religious symbols of some, ask David Beckham’s idol in Thailand, and ignites gossip like you wouldn’t believe. Social media and online news channels are rife with transfer rumours and gaffes and scandals. Surprisingly, in a cricket crazy country like ours football has a manic following. Use the Cricket word around them and they’ll probably throw stale beer at you!

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When the season starts,

I buy a lot of beer.

Luckily for me though I can watch all the matches

work too

at

MEET THE FANS!

SIDDHARTH PILLAI,

Dean Williams, 34, Bangalore

27, 2/3rd, Bangalore

“My interest in football germinated when I was in my mother’s womb and George Best was hoofing it for Manchester United! Seriously, however, I got interested in Football when I was four years old.

I’m a huge football fan. It’s the greatest sport in the world! Cricket? What’s cricket? I have no nonfootball fans in my life!

My favourite club is Liverpool and my favourite player of all time is George Best. There was no one like him. He was the archetypal bad boy genius. A hard-drinking man off the field and a wizard on it.

Right now my favourite player is Mesut Ozil of Real Madrid. My favourite coach is Jose Mourinho.

When the season starts, I buy a lot of beer. Luckily for me though I can watch all the matches at work too. Of course, there will be a few weekends when I call in sick. So I guess you could say I’m saving up my leave.”

“Like most things I bought into, it was a combination of America and television that was responsible for getting me hooked to football. It was 1994 and the World Cup was hosted by the US A for the duration of which nothing else was allowed to play on my TV. I am a modest and regular-sized fan of the sport. The club scene being too manic for the lack of TV in my life with interest piquing during the World Cup and Copa America.

My favourite club is Barcelona FC. They’re resolutely old school and are still playing the beautiful game. And owned, controlled and sustained by the fans instead of on the egos and oversized pockets of oligarchs. More than any other game, football is politics.

Current favorite player - Diego Forlan of Uruguay. A scholar and a gentleman.

Plus dynamite. All time favourite player - Zidane. Forgive my French, but he is indeed Hemingway.

When Football season starts, I play fantasy football in my head and mildly

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obsess on the odds, evens and myriad possibilities on the points table. Since the Copa America just wrapped up, as far as I’m concerned there’s nothing this year that could beat that.”

NISHANT RATNAKAR, 29, PHOTOJOURNALIST, BANGALORE

“My interest in football started when I was in college. I used to be a manic fan of the game. But, work ruined my schedule! My favourite club is Barcelona and Lionel Messi is my current favourite player.

When the season starts, I do two very important things - stock up on beer and switch off the phone! I watch all the games with my friends, and popcorn is also welcome. There are no specific plans for this season or anything new.

It is a tradition that will continue to be followed. If I absolutely must, I will put in my papers and resign and rekindle my love affair with the game. As for the non-football fans in my life? They’re busy watching cricket!”

VIKRAM MENON,

26, OWNER, PHENOMENON SPORTS, CHENNAI “I’m a huge football fan. That’s the only word I can think of to describe it. My favourite club is Manchester United and I have two favourite players – Wayne Rooney and Luis Nani.

When the season starts, I smile!

I mean, what else does one do after enduring three of the most boring months in a year that is the off season. This year, I plan on watching all the big games at the United Bars around the country. I watched a couple of games last season at the Man United bars in Mumbai, Gurgaon and Singapore and completely loved it!

As for the non-football fans in my life, they’ve given up on me.”

ALTHAF HARRIS,

25, DIRECTOR, WITCO, CHENNAI “For me, it’s like this – football, family, work in that order. I think Manchester United is the best club of all time and Paul Scholes, rules!

I use football season as a time to meet equally fanatic football fans and watching the first game of the season together while having some mindnumbing debates on which club is better and which player is faster. A little like kindergarten kids arguing about whose dad is stronger!

Since most games are played on the weekends, it is easy to make a plan and follow what’s happening. Since Football is awesome and short it doesn’t ruin your social life unlike another more “popular” game!”

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ROHAN ABRAHAM,

25, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER, HYDERABAD “I’m the kind of football fan that gets depressed with my team loses and really hyper when they beat Barcelona FC. Which obviously means my favourite team is Real Madrid, it’s the greatest club of all time!

When the seasons starts, I pray real hard that we thrash Barca. And this year my plan is to stay awake even on a Sunday night to watch the matches.

I have a feeling we will win the league this year.

I don’t know any non-football fans! I know that the sport has hope the day cricket dies in India.”

bhishek Man United fan A (Chennai) Bharath Kumar at Trafford paying homage Old

ManU,

Firstly it isn’t please call it

Man United

or Manchester United

VISHESH SACHDEV

25, director Npt offset, chennai “Truth be told the only way to describe my football mania is addiction. I am a football addict. I follow the EPL and championship football (first division).

My favourite club is Leeds United and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) is my favourite footballer. I hope to see Sunil Chettri in the championship soon, with Indian owners in the EPL, I’m sure that football with garner more attention.

When the season starts, I catch up with my friends for a few drinks and watch the season unfold. Thankfully the

games are on the weekends, so I don’t miss a single game. Even if I do, I catch the highlights during the week. Thank god for cable! I’m slowly converting the football non-fans to football fans, it takes some doing but I’m happy with the results so far! ”

TUSHAR SHANWAL,

19, ENGINEERING STUDENT, HYDERABAD “I am a die-hard Manchester United fan. Firstly it isn’t ManU, please call it Man United or Manchester United.

Only those who are against it call it by that name. When the ill-fated plane

crash occurred in 1958 killing most of the team members, the crowd was reportedly chanting the same name right before the team boarded the plane. So it is thought to be unlucky.

Although the World Cup and the Euro Cup takes the cake when it comes to generating a buzz and popularity, the leagues are the heart of quality football.

Excitement for the leagues is present throughout the year. We get to know the players on a personal level as the press keeps reporting everything about them on a daily basis, be it their career moves, health, relationships or controversies. This is exactly why we can’t afford to miss a match, even if it is aired in an ungodly hour with an exam the next day!”

MAITHILI CHAVAN,

22, ADVERTISING AGENCY EMPLOYEE, HYDERABAD “I have grown up playing and watching football. I used to play “goalie0goalie with my cousin when we were young.

Now, Chelsea is my favorite team and Frank Lampard is the best player according to me. I used to have his picture as my desktop wallpaper. I have a Chelsea jersey too. People think that girls in India only like cricket, but I feel football is much more interesting.

Cricket is good too, but it is time consuming and slow whereas football is fast and gripping. I can’t wait to watch the matches this season.”

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Cover Spread

VERSATILE AND COOL Sometimes being fashionable is not just about going over the top just to make a statement. Fashion can be quirky, fun and cool all at the same time.

There are no boundaries or limitations when it comes to how one can interpret trends and runway looks…

I

n the noughties, fashion seems to have come full circle. The clothes accommodate most body types and there is something for everyone. In India, considering the existence of ethnic clothing, the possibilities of interpretation are many. For September, Taxi has thrown together looks that are global, edgy, and uber cool. Photographed with a keen eye by Kunal Daswani and styled with a lot of effort by the team at Page 3. On location at a private beach house in Chennai, the muted brick façade and the sometimes churlish sea bring alive the nuances of the drapes and silhouettes…

PRAJANYA ANAND

For September, Taxi has thrown together looks that are global, edgy, and uber cool

“Fashion to me is never monotonous. The theme For September “Versatility of Fashion” was picked because of that very reason. I wanted to portray a few of fashion’s multifarious faces. It is about being adding that extra something. A person should never hesitate to be excited about life and reflecting that excitement in their wardrobe, just to add an interesting twist to the day! The idea of the theme was also to encourage people out there to be a little more adventurous when it comes to fashion and how they dress everyday.”

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Apoorva Elizabeth Mittra

Our cover girl this month, Chennaibased Apoorva, is a perfect fit for this shoot. She brings to the table a feisty verve that fits perfectly with the concept of this shoot. She photographs like a dream and adds an extra oomph factor to each of the looks.

WARRIOR PRINCESS

Fierce and fabulous, this look’s beauty is in the tribal accents – from the big bangles to the bold motif on the dress. This look is oh so ethnic, oh so cool

Clothes

Shift dress – ELECTRIC JUNGLE

Shoes

Crochet wedges – STYLLIST’S OWN (Prajanya)

Accessories

Neck choker – Prajanya , feather earrings ( Stylist’ own) Around the ankle colourful beads (Stylist’s own)

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ROCK Chic

A rocker doesn’t have to always wear black to be rocking. This combination of blue and pink, combined with some funky accessories, adds a little glam

Clothes

Pink jacket, Blue tube dress – GATSBY Fish net stockings – PRAJANYA

Shoes

Model’s own

Accessories

STYLIST’S OWN Black cross bag with silver chains – BUTTON GREEN

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An evening out

Jumpers are all the rage. This pastel combination brings a retro charm to a fashion-forward ensemble

Clothes

Romper with loral print – FOREVER NEW Denim jacket with crochet back – FOREVER NEW

Shoes

Beige heels – FOREVER NEW

Accessories

Off white gloves – FOREVER NEW Bracelete, Long chain with pearls – FOREVER NEW

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Point of View

On Artistic

Freedoms

T

Censorship in art in order to avoid hurting popular sentiment is not uncommon.

However, when the curb is on one’s freedom of expression, the artist is a frustrated creator.

Is the freedom of expression conditional? Sharanya Manivannan explores the issue.

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he recent controversy over the Hindi film Aarakshan broached, in the eyes of its detractors and those made uncomfortable by it, the nearly oxymoronic question of whether freedom of expression should have its limitations. The states which banned the film did so citing fear of unrest and problems with law and order.

In India, we know all about how cinema inflames passion – be they romantic, aspirational, or yes, even violent. We also know all about righteous ardour, our history books and current newspapers testifying to a range of outraged responses spanning everything from docile letters to editors to dramatic self-immolation.

But does that give governments the right to restrict artistic works?

Some may argue that freedom of artistic expression is a privilege in a country where numerous everyday freedoms – such as a woman’s right to not be subjected to street harassment, a child’s right to education and the right of all people to sanitation and access to healthcare – are under constant threat. But artistic expression doesn’t actually rest on a separate plane from these conditions, only from a positionality that allows a person (say, the artist) to translate the experience, be it witnessed or underwent, onto a creative medium. Artistic expression can certainly be indulgent of the self, patronage and clientele, but it can also be extraordinarily functional, as a means of engendering debate, inspiring development and addressing necessary requitals for the past.

The problems Aarakshan faced are far from new, and neither are these problems localised. The risk of offending the sensitivities of various groups of people (more often than not racial and religious groups) has deterred the creation, or at least the distribution, of various works of art around the world. Add to this anything that critiques government policies. A few recent high-profile examples from this year alone come to mind. In the Philippines, artist Mideo Cruz came under a barrage of attack from

authenticity. The last example was not a government move, but an editorial one; the first one was one of public outcry by niche interests.

These are just a few, fairly sensational foreign examples of the curtailing of free artistic expression at work. In India, freedom of expression is technically protected under Article 19(a) of the Constitution. Religious, communal and caste sensitivities aside, this freedom is most frequently restricted in the name of obscenity. Aarakshan happens to have come under fire because of politics: but numerous films, every single year, face trims at the Censor Board on account of moral policing. A particularly ridiculous manifestation could be observed for a long time by simply following the English subtitles on any English film or sitcom on cable TV. The characters will say one thing, and in the subtitles will appear a different, purportedly synonymous word. “Slut”, for example, would become “jezebel”. “He’s a sex god” would become “he’s a make love god”. More recently, to the chagrin of those amused by this sort of thing, asterisks and lacunae in the sound reels have replaced what could cheekily be called creative liberties.

The instance of censorship in subtitles serves to illustrate one of the key problems with restrictions on the

be exposed to as they could become upset or influenced. This is true of children, of course. If it is true of adults, then we do not deserve democracy.

Censorship, including self-censorship, always comes out of a place of fear, doubt or hatred, disguised as concern and protectionism.

And what if something is offensive to one’s personal sensibilities? Don’t let an official body decide that for you. It’s as simple, and as effective or ineffective, as voting. If you know it’s going to upset you, don’t put your money down on it.

Don’t buy a ticket or a book. Step away from that club.Unsubscribe from that publication. Write a letter to the editor while you’re at it. Employ your freedom of opinion – without encroaching on anyone else’s. And in doing so, remember that you enjoy this freedom because it is

right-wing bodies and others who were offended by the use of religious icons alongside more profane paraphernalia in one of his recent works.In China, the politically dissident artist Ai Wei Wei was taken into custody, a few months after his studio was suddenly demolished by authorities. The United States recently saw a retroactive implementation: the derogatory ‘N’-word was excised from a new edition of the classic novel Huckleberry Finn, prompting argument about historical validity and literary

freedom of artistic expression: it is insulting. It doesn’t pay the least respect to our intelligence as adults with discerning capabilities of our own.

Governments and bodies of authorities who deem for us what is fit for our entertainment, education or even enlightenment are patronising – in essence, not crediting us to know for ourselves what we can stomach, or what we want to see. The underlying mentality is the very same one that parents have when they decide that children must not

the right of each individual to enjoy it too, to make up their own minds about what is and what isn’t right – in their eyes. And the only way they can make up their minds is if they are able to decide for themselves.

And finally, if it bothers you that much, make your own art or support the art of someone who makes the art that speaks to you and your views of the world.

Neither democracy nor creativity can flourish otherwise.

“If you know it’s going to upset you, don’t put your money down on it.

Don’t buy a ticket or a book”

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A SIP OF

My Cosmo People, especially when they are interesting and fun make life that much more interesting. Karun Raman shares with us some observtions about the people he likes and doesn’t

M sneha’s pics by special arrangement

y lovely bubblies, welcome back to this luscious corner. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to write for a glossy magazine, and honestly, I’m having a blast. Telling you everything that’s on my mind is the best feeling!

I just want to put something on the record – I’m getting a little annoyed with this city’s gossip mongers. I think it’s high time that they minded their own business and stopped snooping. If I could, I’d shoo them away because their herd is growing in numbers!

Moving on…

Recently, I visited a friend of mine. She happens to be the dream girl of Tamil cinema, Sneha. One afternoon she called me to come visit her on the sets of her film Rajanna (Telugu) in which she is acting with Telugu superstar Nagarjuna.

Nagarjuna is one of the most humble and stylish men in Indian cinema. It was so much fun to see Sneha at work. Her caring attitude towards her co-stars and 36 TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

technicians is a pleasant sight to take in.

While making public appearences, she is someone who is known to show up in Indian wear, but her closet is something I drool over. She loves her jeans and t-shirts and when she decides to go casual, she looks like a young collegegoing girl!

Sneha always makes a style statement and she took me on a private tour of her closet. I almost fainted in joy! Her stock of brands and accessories is impressive to say the least. She loves her Louis Vitton and Prada bags. Amongst her favourite possessions are her Omega and Tag Heuer watches. Just like me, Sneha indulges in some retail therapy when she is feeling blue. It’s something that I call the feel-good remedy, which explains my manic shopping sprees!

Sneha is an inspiration to me and I love her for the person that she is.

After spending a day on set watching the cast and crew deliver their best, I had to head out to a party. It was the

pics p ravi kumar

anniversary party of my good friends Sunil and Urmila and the theme of the party was “Lollipop” (yum!). The who’s who of Chennai were in attendance to wish the lovely couple and to add to the naughty charm of the event were liquorflavoured candy, lollipops, jelly shots, you name it! DJ Rudy was on a roll that night and yours truly was looking his candy best (too vain Karun, behave!)

The guests at the party were dressed in candy colours and amongst them was young actor Bharath. He looked dashing in a salmon-coloured shirt with fitted white trousers. The party went on until the wee hours and everyone had a wonderful time there.

As of this month, Chennai’s nightlife has a wonderful new addition, cruise parties.

It’s lovely to be in such a fabulous ambience with someone you care about.

In the middle of the sea, despite the small disagreements, everything seems so much better. Add to that the gorgeous sea breeze, some fantastic cocktails, scrumptious food, and it doesn’t get any better. The party was held to celebrate the launch of Chennai’s first passenger cruise ship called AMET Majesty. For a change, everyone partied all through the night. Being in the middle of the sea, there was no curfew or last order, more fun to us!

Sometimes, things don’t always turn out pleasant and fun though. There was a very unpleasant altercation because some creepy men were cat-calling and trying to grab my friends. It seems

“Chennai’s nightlife has a wonderful new addition, cruise parties. It’s lovely to be in such a fabulous ambience” like it’s becoming a habit these days.

Someone was following my friend around wherever she went and was acting funny with her. Another friend of mine was following her to make sure she was safe and sure enough this creep tried to grab my friend. Things got a little nasty, but I’m glad it happened.

Hopefully, someone would have learnt to behave around women a little better!

Until the next party, remember to take care, stay stylish and do whatever it take to be happy. The sky is the limit. Catch you next month, XOXO.

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TAXI Events

CUPPA COOL

The second outlet of The Lounge in Chennai was launched on August 17 at GEE GEE Emerald, Valluvarkottam. The launch was coupled with the introduction of The Lounge Journals, “a national initiative by Café Coffee Day”. The Lounge Journals are a “series of tête-à-tête sessions with celebrity experts on hobbies, topics and passions of the youth”.

The opening session was conducted by celebrity photographer G Venket Ram.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

The Hyatt Regency Chennai played host to Melange, an exhibition of clothes and accessories, on August 10. The event was inaugurated by Padmini Ramesh, Director, Pranic Healing Centre and Srilekha Parthasarathy, playback singer.

PICS P ravi kumar

PLATE IT UP!

Tuscan Kryptos Restaurants launched their newest restaurant, Burgundy’s allday dining in MRC Nagar, Chennai on August 20. The launch was attended by prominent personalities and well-wishers. The restaurant is located in Somerset Greenways.

ETHNIC GALA

PICS CRX SPORTS

Karishma, an ethnic clothing label launched their Jashn collection on July 30 at a glittering event in Taj Club house. The showstopper for the fashion show was South Indian actress Sneha. The collection includes a range of festive and wedding wear using a plethora of wearable fabrics.

FOR FITNESS’ SAKE

An overcast morning and the beautiful East Coast Road, set a perfect backdrop to CRX Sports’ second anniversary ride on July 30. The event was marked with a cycle ride starting from Thiruvanmiyur Bus Stand to Radisson Blu Temple Bay Resort.

CRX’s loyal supporters were treated to a lucky draw and the prizes were given out by Dr.D. Raghu Ram and Arun Alagappan of TI Cycles. CRX Sports also lauched their website crxsports.com at the event.

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TAXI Events SONGS OF FREEDOM

Bangalore hooted and sang along as two pioneer bands of the Indian rock music landscape took over the stage at the St John’s Medical College on the eve of August 14.

Mumbai based Pentagram that sometime ago released its fourth studio album ‘Bloodywood’ gave a punch packed performance of electronic rock. Fronted by Vishal Dadlani (one half of the film music producing duo VishalShekhar) with Randolph Correia (also of Shaa’ir + Func) on guitars, Papal Mane on bass and Shiraz Bhattacharya (also of Shkabang) on drums, the foursome got the audience grooving and moving at the St John’s Medical College Lawn, Koramangla. With Mother Jane joining the evenings gig exictment reached a hysterical crescendo of shrieks and other noises. The band from Kochi didn’t disappoint with their progressive rock performance injected with carnatic music, something that has kept them going for fifteen years now.

SPY’S ROUTE

London based journalist Shrabani Basu was in Bangalore for an interesting talk titled ‘Noor Inayat Khan – Remembering the Spy Princess’ on August 4 at the British Council Bangalore. The author of “Spy Princess” Basu through her work has tried to revive the forgotten story of a brave World War II heroine, Noor, a descendent of Tipu Sultan who gave her life for 40 TAXI I SEPTEMBER 2011 I www.thetaximag.com

Britain and France. Basu continues to raise awareness about Noor Inayat Khan in schools, universities and various forums in Britain. In 2010 she set up the Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Trust in her memory and is campaigning to build a permanent memorial for Noor Inayat Khan in London. For those that love to pore over non-fiction brimming with oodles of history, the book will be heady fix.

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Pics Shrey Darungwala

Hyderabad

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The Science of Couture

An elegant designer reinventing Indian brides and grooms through designs that range from classic traditional bridal wear to sassy and upbeat couture. Harpreet Kaur meets Ganesh Nallari

of more 01 Master than one art Ganesh Nallari, a proud A-list designer in Hyderabad city, boasting a growing clientele from around the world is also a dentist, a dancer and a painter. As a child, Ganesh trained in Bharatnatyam and actively indulged in art in his mother’s painting school, but gradually the social pressure of the 90s directed him towards dentistry. After practising it for a few years, his passion for design guided him to register for masters in NIFT which further lead him to join Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, where he developed his individualistic style and learnt the art of “minimalism”. Soliciting inspiration from both science as well as art, he believes “art taught me culture, while science helped me fathom the human body and the techniques of drawing”.

“After only a few years in the industry his career graph boasts impressive achievements including costume designing for four Tollywood films already”

“Art taught me culture while science helped me fathom the human body and the techniques of drawing”

Journey 02 his so far From a small workshop in Secunderabad to a plush studio in Jubilee hills, Ganesh has come a long way and has done it with panache. Today, Ganesh Nallari is an emerging high fashion clothing brand, adorning both people and spaces. After only a few years in the industry, he has achieved plenty, and that includes designing for four Tollywood films. All this garnered only through word-of-mouth with absolutely no investments on any publicity — riding only on his creativity.

Pannu, the actress Wearing his designs, Tapassee the ard for most of the film Miss Perfect won aw glamorous celebrity

feathers to 05 More his hat Not just wedding couture, but his collections also include elegant and trendy western wear, fusion wear, occasional wear and men’s shirting — casual, club and formal wear. wearing his designs, Tapassee Pannu, the actress of the film Miss Perfect won the award for “most glamorous celebrity”.

His designs for the movie are in-sync with the character striking a perfect balance between filmy glamour and edgy youthfulness.

man 03 The behind the looms

driving 06 His mantra

With a wealth of knowledge about Indian handlooms, his forte is Indian bridal wear — bridal trousseau, sherwanis, concept and traditional saris and woven silk ikkats, which have a huge fan base. His intricate work has fetched an exclusive clientele for weddings from city-based and NRI clients. His karigars (craftspeople) and tailors work under his guidance and develop skillfully woven clothes with stunning embroideries, ruffles and bling.

“Enjoy your work, enjoy all the stress that comes with it and most importantly never lose the ‘urge to know’. The day you start believing that you know everything your downfall embarks on,” is his mantra. Advising budding designers, he insists that “they should develop, identify and stick to their individual style and not be repetitive”. As for the wearers of those clothes, “Understand your body type – be acquainted with your strengths as well as your weaknesses.”

04 Designing the dream

07 What’s coming up

Not inclining towards any seasonal fashion forecasts, Ganesh is a trendsetter dressing up brides and grooms for their big day. “Personally, for the wedding day I always suggest that my clients opt for traditional wear,” he says. The reason is simple — the sensibilities of the family. “For the pre-wedding parties, however, they can experiment with contemporary and go crazy with futuristic elegance and dazzling colours,” he adds. Hyderabad may be waking up slowly to fashion but in his words, “it is still a big market especially for bridal wear because Hyderabadis are willing to spend excessively to make their weddings glamorous.”

Recently, Ganesh has been working non-stop on his own label, designing for Tollywood films and judging various beauty pageants (including Miss India South 2011). Though currently Bollywood is not on his agenda, an appearence on one of the couture or fashion weeks is on his wish list.

In the near future, he is coming up with an online store merchandising very affordable and wearable clothes alongside an active Facebook group which showcases his work and helps him reach potential clients from different parts of the world with great ease and personalised assistance.

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Spa Review

A little bit of forgetting

City life has a way of bogging one down. A quick getaway to a spa is the perfect form of escapism.

Pooja Sengupta discovers one such Very few of us can escape our choc-a-bloc schedules for some much needed R and R

The spa has various types of body massages, scrubs, facials and they are all conducted in rooms with specific holistic properties. One can choose from Lavender, Sandalwood, Rose, Cedar Wood, Jasmine Neroli, Tulsi Ginger and Thai massage rooms. The treatments are then carried out using the chosen room’s ingredient.

I’d never heard of the Cedar Wood oil, so I chose that to compliment my massage, the Lomi Lomi Nui Massage. I was told it was their signature massages and would be done with the oil of a burning Cedar Wood candle. I checked to know if it would be oily and messy but was quickly assured it wouldn’t be.

The Lomi Lomi Nui massage is a traditional Hawaiian massage and two therapists worked together to make me feel like I was on the beaches of Maui.

Using medium pressure the therapists worked on my back with their elbows and forearms bringing me a sense of calm and balance.

D

o you often wish you could pack your bags and take off to some exotic destination away from the chaos of our modern lives? Very few of us can escape our choc-a-bloc schedules for some much needed R and R. That’s where spa’s like Ananta Organic Spa step in to give us a brief respite and offer a glimpse of what it might feel to take a break.

I was definitely excited to see for myself how Ananta Organic Spa could make me forget I was in Chennai even for a little while. I went to their R.K. Salai location and was pleasantly surprised. Sometimes spas can be a little intimidating with their overbearing aura, however, Ananta felt very welcoming.

After a refreshing chilled fruit juice it was time to pick my choice of indulgence.

For appointments call: +91 44 28116034/35

It was hard to tell there were two therapists since they were so synchronised. After what I think was 30 minutes of pampering my back they gradually shifted focus to my arms, legs and front. The Cedar Wood oil was warm and didn’t have a strong smell which was a blessing for my sensitive nose. Despite the humid Chennai heat, I didn’t pass up the opportunity to get rid of the toxins in my body in the luxurious seven-seater steam room. A quick shower with only Cedar Wood toiletries and I was wishing I didn’t have to go home.

I also let the Garra Rufa fish nibble at my feet for a few minutes before my little escape from reality had to end. But I wasn’t ready to bid adieu yet, not until I planned my next visit already. I’m definitely going back to try their tempting chocolate facial.

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TAXI Calendar

RETAIL Footsie

ART Showcase

Dora Bag Mall has launched women’s footwear in a range of styles and sizes.

Everything from gladiator sandals to flip-flops are on sale. The shoes have been sourced from across the country as well as from Thailand, Indonesia, etc. The collection is priced at Rs60 to Rs890. Dora Bag Mall is open every day from 10am to 9pm.

Apparao Galleries, Chennai, brings to the city two different art exhibitions.

One is a group show titled “Indulgence” and the other an exhibition by artist Yogesh Kasera. The exhibitons will be on through the month of September.

The gallery is open from 11am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday.

Ongoing 159 A, 7th Avenue, Besant Nagar, Chennai Ph: 044-43511001

All through September Ground Floor, No.7 Wallace Garden 3rd Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai Ph: 28332226 / 28330726

SEMINAR Three’s company

Till 3 Sep, 11am to 7pm; Sundays by appointment; Closed on Tuesdays 2, Berlie Street, Langford Town Ph: 080-65951972 Galleryske is hosting a three-person show, Synesthesia that features works by Andrea Anastasio, Luigi Anastasio and Avinash Veeraraghavan. The three artists have a longstanding friendship spanning almost two decades. This is the first time that the three will be showing their works together.

Art in Action SEMINAR Celebrating excellence

September 9 and 10 Grand Hyatt, Goa CONTACT www.designyarta.com Kyoorius Design Yatra, a “conference that celebrates design excellence, provides insights into the future of brand and visual communications while simultaneously bringing together the design and corporate community in India”, is being held in Goa this year. Speakers at the conference include industry greats such as Irma Boom, a Dutch book designer; Adiran Shaughnessy, a London-based graphic designer and commentator, and many more. The two=day event will see design students and professionals showcasing their work and interacting with industry experts.

All through September (Mondays holiday) DOCENT WALKS 9 Sep LINE DRAWING WORKSHOP 10 Sep DOCUMENTARY FILM ON KK HEBBAR 14 Sep HEBBAR AS A PERSON AND ARTIST BY PRABHAKAR KOLTE Sep 30 WALK SHOP ON SELF PORTRAITS 24 September Manikyavelu Mansion, 49 Palace Road Ph: 080-22342338t All of September the National Gallery of Modern Art will host a series of activities for various age brackets to help people connect with art. An important celebration in the schedule this month will be a retrospective on Kattingeri Krishna Hebbar or KK Hebbar called “An Artist’s Quest”.

The gallery will display 180 paintings and portraits of the well-known artist to celebrate his birth centenary. The various shows have been organised by Hebbar’s daughters Rekha Rao and Rajani Prasanna and include a host of workshops, talks and gallery walks.

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PERFORMANCE Be moved

September 7 Ravindra Kalakshetra, Town Hall, Next To Puttanna Chetty Jayachamaraja Road TICKETS `200, `300, `50 Ph: 080-22123684 www.attakkalari.org Bangalore-based Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts’ latest full length contemporary dance production – MeiDhwani is being performed this month. Derived from Tamil and Sanskrit (Mei meaning Body and Dhwani meaning Echo or Suggestion) the title subtly alludes to `Echoes of the Body`. This dance production was born from the centre’s seminal research into ancient Indian physical and performance traditions. The key collaborators of the production are Jayachandran Palazhy from Attakkalari (Direction and choreography), Thomas Dotzler from Sweden (Light Design) and Patrick Sebag and Yotam Agam from Israel (Sound). The production tours Germany in October.

Playing up

September 3 and 4 Jagiriti Whitefield, (Including Sunday Matinee) September 8 and 11, Rangashankara, JP Nagar (Including Sunday Matinee) Ph: 9886334291 Catch Kirtana Kumar direct a crackling version of The Bald Soprano and perform it opposite the hilarious Ashvin Mathew. A tragic-comedy in the Absurd Theatre tradition, The Bald Soprano is a work of art that has its origins in an English language primer. A unique element of the Bangalore version will be the live sound design performed on stage by veteran guitarist Konarak Reddy.

PERFORMANCE Festival of awesome

September 1 to September 25 Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi CONTACT prakritifoundation1@ gmail.com The fifth edition of The Park’s New Festival is back this year and this time it is going to five cities. The festival this year has acts that range from standup comedy to hip-hop. The artists performing at the festival come from across the country and are showcasing their diverse performances at The Park Hotels in Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi. The full schedule of the festival is available at www.theparksnewfestival.com.

F&B Tapas Treats

Till 15 September 48/1, Ground Floor, The Estate, 121, Dickenson Road Ph: 080-25594567 The chic and elegant Caperberry that’s established a reputation as the place for tapas in the city will be celebrating this divine category of food till September 15. The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation so people are not entirely focussed on eating. So if you want to pair good conversation and scrumptious food, head to Caperberry with friends. You can also choose from exciting and innovative cocktails including cryo margarita, truffle martini and melon freeze which are highlights of this Tapas Lounge.

Be kind rewind

Ongoing UB City, 2nd Floor, Vittal Mallya Road, Bangalore Ph: 080-42773636 It’s time to reach out into the dark dingy dungeon of your past and pull out any retro odd adornments you may possess. If you have no such quirky remnants just bring along your memory and that voice to sing with. When DJ Praful unleashes a flood of retro video tracks you can stumble, slip and wander right into the past effortlessly. And this will go on each Thursday at City Bar giving you ample opportunities to time travel with food, drink and music.

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Travel

Yours truly,

Old Manali

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of the real Manali, tucked away in many interesting nooks and corners. Here is a place that must be explored on foot.

The crisp air is welcoming. Walking in the drizzle is like the annual ‘SALE’ that you’ve long been waiting for; so don’t take cover! Stopping at roadside cafés to sip Honey-Ginger-Lemon is the next thing on my mind.

The Bullet-in!

O

ld – now that’s a qualifier that changes the entire mood of this conversation.

I am no fan of gold and I refrain from using clichés but this one, yes the glittering one, “Old is Gold” seems so appropriate at the moment.

A walk down the rustic. An experience of the quaint. Shuchi Kapoor takes one through a Manali that the tourist, commercial revolution didn’t put out of commission

What is it about old things, old people or old places for that matter that gets us intrigued? What is it about the new or modern that isn’t as alluring? I, for one, found my answers in Manali. The very same commercially-tarnished, crowded and touristy Manali. But then, here’s the difference. We stayed in old Manali, hung out, ate and dreamt in old Manali and just a glimpse of new Manali made us squirm and run back to the old. The Mall Roads have contributed amazing disgust value to many a beautiful place in the world around. Whatever happened to the local? The local moved to cozy nooks and corners in an older, quieter place.

Local flavours, local people, local stories, local shopping – everything that makes a place quintessential.

I really urge these loud, holidaying, mostly Punjabi families to go to Disneyland or the water parks to amuse themselves, rather than create Mall Roads in every hillstation. Families must have their outings, but come on people, learn to enjoy and respect a place as it is. Blaring horns, thumping music – disgraceful.

Do blackberried and ipad’d people even remember the last time they heard the soothing sound of a flowing stream or a local language for that matter? Sigh.

Let it rain! Now that my angst with ‘the tourist is out, let me actually walk you down these narrow undulating lanes, slopes mostly, discovering the pleasures

And as I blissfully sip on the hilly potion, did I just hear the classic sound of the Royal Enfield Bullet? A roar, to be more precise. Another common sight is the fleet of bullets that a lot of people hire over here to move around. Good choice I say, worth it if you have a good rider too.

At around `700 per day, you’re already kick-started. As a pillion rider, what I get is an unforgettable cloud-kissed ride, I get the Bullet pulsating in my veins and I don’t even have to get it on the stand!

And if I’m crazy enough (which I was), I also get to stand on the bike with my arms flung open, letting the fresh air blow my hair and my mind out, as I whiz past the meandering hills like a bird. On a down slope, the bike just drives itself on neutral and is way smoother than what it is when in gear. Remember this even otherwise – save oil and be good to the environment while you have the joyride of your life. Park your cars, get the bikes. And while you’re vrooming, take a detour and experience the thrill of paragliding at Solang Valley and visit the nearby Palace at Naggar.

Picture perfect!

Misty clouds, unwinding roads, the sound of rain, long drags of clean air, the appetising smell of local bakeries, silent musings by the riverside, a walk through the woods, an occasional local musician, running into interesting people – a sumptuous experience is guaranteed in Manali.

“We stayed in old Manali, hung out, ate and dreamt in old Manali and just a glimpse of new...”

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Surprise yourself with some interesting bookshops too that house a lot more than fiction. This is where I splurged. Mind you if you’re an Indian, be prepared to get ignored at the mere sight of the fairskinned. Sad and comtemptfully true.

Befriend Manali

A room with a view Manali is easy on your wallet. My recommendation: just take a top floor room to get a permanent view of the hills and that slim waterfall. And don’t forget to open the windows to let the clouds in.

Depending on your budget, there are a range of hotels and homestays to choose from. It is quite easy to find a neat and clean economical room with some finger-licking “world” and local cuisine and of course, a breathtaking view.

And beware, stays often get extended here. Those in the mood for luxury can indulge in some cottage stays with a private butler. Interesting to know – a lot of foreign visitors book some awfully cheap rooms for months and make it their second home.

Hog culture Huddled together are many cozy walkin cafés and shops that make for the most memorable stopovers. Whether it’s Dylan’s Café, where waiting to be seated never meets a grudge, the snug atmosphere of the Lazy Dog, or any roadside shack, their menus offer much more than what’s on the plate. Great company and ambience for instance.

And remember, not all bakeries are authentically German.

“Whether its an egg puff, a crunchy salad, steaming parathas, momos or even your very own Maggi, everything is like what you’ve never tasted before” hookah on the side if you please. Relaxes any cold nerve in your body, is an anytime companion and is sure to take you on another trip right there!

A bargaining act You’ll find not-so-pocket-friendly silver (but some irresistible pieces) every few steps, cool tees with cool prints or messages (`200-800), music shops, bike hiring junctions (where you get to see all the dudes and the wanabe type too), endless clothes’ shops and irresistible woolens.

Whether its an egg puff, a crunchy salad, steaming parathas, momos or even your very own Maggi, everything is like what you’ve never tasted before. Order for a

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Like-minded company in Manali is pretty much served on the menu at no extra charge. This town has a myriad of faces that have many a story to tell or an ear to lend. The smallness of the place, the commonness of purpose (chilling out) creates a good platform for you to join a bunch of strangers at their table or on the road and take it from there. Making friends here is not just the easiest thing to do, but the most ideal one.

Who wants to let go of a cozy hug? Yes, that’s what old Manali feels like. It embraces you with such cozy experiences that you would never want to let go. And that’s a promise. A lot of people from different countries do stay there for long periods, but as an Indian who is always running behind something – that something being work, money, family or just the guilt for having enjoyed yourself too much, even you busy-Indian can’t let go. After a splendid time here, you get greedy and start wondering if you could have a cozy hut of your own here. Well, if any of you do seriously intend to take that plan ahead, I’m ready to be your guest of honour.

Playlist

A MUSICAL JOURNEY The world of music has so much to listen to and explore.

This month, R G Vignesh brings to our ears, Thurisaz, a Belgian metal band who have just released a new album

M

etal is not exactly a genre that one can call popular. Let alone atmospheric/death metal. Thurisaz is one band that has developed a unique sound that is their own. The band was formed in 1997 and their musical journey began in 2004 when they released their first fulllength album “The Scent of a Dream”.

In 2007, their second album “Circadian Rhythm” was released. It was an

interesting melodic package with a combination of clean sounds and metal elements. Musically and lyrically both albums were brilliant. The band has evolved towards a more mature sound and since the release of their last album. Their latest offering is “The Cimmerian Years”. The album is a mix of instrumentals as well as various forms of metal which will take listeners on an interesting journey within the genre itself. One of the more interesting tracks on the album is “Broken”, an

instrumental track that evokes in Indian feel with its clean guitar and keyboard.

The energy picks up in the track called “My Precious Unknown”. From this point forward, the album brings various kinds of experimentaion with growling and instrumentals. The guest collaboration with It’s a surprise track with Paul Kuhr (Novembers Doom) is a great add.

If you like Opeth and bands with a similar sound then Thurisaz is definitely worth a listen. This album is for listeners who are willing to explore new sounds. They have signed up with Unseen Underground, an Indian musical promotion outfit, to help expand their reach in the Asian region.

Current line up of the band Peter Theuwen Grunts, clean vocals Mattias Theuwen Screams, Guitars Pepijn De Raeymaecker Drums Kobe Canniere Keyboard, clean voice Hannes Leroy Bass For more details about Thurisaz visit http://unseenunderground.com/ thurisaz-belgium/

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Tarot

September 2011

by The High Priestess

Aquarius The Emperor

Pisces Three of Cups

Who calls the shots in your town?

This month, give hierarchies of all kinds a little thought. Have you behaved despotically; are you exercising your autonomy enough; and how are things going with the boss lately? Oh, and Aquarius?

Might be time to take another look at those Daddy issues…

Threesomes, triumvirates and three cheers, Pisces! Raise your chalice and clink it often this month. Celebrations are in store, particularly ladies’ night type of ones, and there’s a full moon in your sign coming up that you might want to tap into: can you say party on the beach/rooftop?

Aries Justice The scales are about to be balanced. What are you worth your weight in, Aries? Those who are full of air or just full of “it” will get what’s karmically due. If you’ve been wronged, you can expect a positive turn in your favour. But if you’ve been wrong…

Gemini Four of Cups It’s not like chatty Gemini to go into a sulk, but if that’s where you’re veering toward, retreat gracefully. Give yourself time for introspection, but be cautious not to lose track of the world that continues to turn anyway.

You might miss a few beautiful opportunities if you do.

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Taurus Ace of Cups It’s time for a toast, Taurus.

Something new is beginning – it could be a relationship (or a new stage of one), a creative endeavor or a happy turning point of some sort. I hope you’ll be brimming over with love and all good things! Seek joy. It will come to you.

Cancer Ten of Swords I don’t know how else to break it to you, Cancer, but it isn’t pretty. You have more quills in your back than a porcupine.

If something must come to an end, allow it to – one stab will do, you don’t need ten. You’re only a victim if you want to be one.

Leo Five of Swords It’s a question of integrity this September, Leo, and someone in your midst (maybe even you) doesn’t have it. This person wants more of what isn’t theirs. Are you behaving self-interestedly? If it’s someone else who’s being greedy and needy, slash that cord while you still have a weapon on hand.

Libra Knight of Swords There’s a super new moon coming up at month’s end, and it’s accompanied by a host of heavenly bodies (Sun, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Saturn) – all in Libra. Use that potent energy well, because you’re likely to feel charged up. If you’ve been waiting for a message, it’s coming.

And it’s good!

Sagittarius Ten of Pentacles Oh, Sagittarius, how it all pays off at last! If you’ve secretly been entertaining a vision of peace, plenitude, puppies and many pentacles in the bank (ka-ching!), you’re now closer to it than ever.

Just don’t be too proud to say yes if it all comes knocking at your door.

Virgo Page of Pentacles Opportunities are arriving with the Sun’s recent entry to your sign, Virgo!

Communication usually amps up around birthdays, which offers you a great access point to reconnecting with various people in your network.

Plan ahead, so you actually have something to ask, suggest or tell them about when they get in touch.

Scorpio Five of Cups Cut your losses, dear Scorpio. I know it hurts, but the sooner you stop ruing the setback, the sooner you can move on. Just remember: you can either let more tears trickle over what’s already been spilt or split, or you can shift your focus to what still remains standing.

Capricorn King of Pentacles Natives of your sign are famous for their skills with managing money, and what occurs in September should bode well for your natural aptitude in this department.Whether a windfall is imminent or not (and I can’t promise one), set your sights on something enterprising. You’ve got the Midas touch, Cappy!

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Viral

fever

This month, there’s an eclectic mix of virals on the internet, from the London riots to cinematic masterpieces. Yuvrtaj Gurung has the must-watch list

VIDEO MANIA

CHART TOPPERS

Heineken: The Entrance We don’t find alcohol-related ads on tv, but the internet is full of them!

Why? Because they are super cool.

Just like how this man in this beer ad raises the bar to being the life of the party. Cheers! http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=TLgetLmlggA

This month we look at the Britain’s top five songs.

Source: iTunes

Crazy Marriage Proposal Boy met girl. They fell in love. Boy wanted to marry girl. He wants to pop the question, but he falls four storeys off the building. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=hya9xxn7CA0 Nail Art Animation Animation meets nail art. And it’s a car advert! A good way to get both sexes interested for sure. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9A_TX-rlfvU Fire over North London London was burning. There was anarchy in the UK. This bloke had the eye to capture the beauty amidst the madness. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pc6_ov6GK68 Mayors and Tanks Illegally paked cars creating a problem in your neighborhood?

Fret not, this mayor has the solution.

Bring on the military tanks! http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=V-fWN0FmcIU Harry Potter in 99 Seconds Why read all seven books or pay for the overpriced popcorn at the movies. Let these guys sing the plot to you! http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=y57sYHIDP_Y

1. She Makes Me Wanna (feat. Dev) JLS Foot tapping, beat bopping single from the British boy band JLS. Give this U.K # 1 a listen and I bet the catchy chorus will catch on.

2. Swagger Jagger Cher Lloyd 3. Jar of Hearts Christina Perri Since its debut on “So You Think You Can Dance”, Christina Perry’s debut single hit the top of the charts in the U.K. It made its way into the TV show, “Glee”. Now that’s a good sign, isn’t it?

4. Glad You Came The Wanted 5. The A Team Ed Sheeran

BEYOND HOLLYWOOD Straight from Korea Have you watched “Oldboy?” If not, watch it! If yes, then it’s time to move on to these movies which are highly recommended.

1. The Chaser [Chugyeogja] A former cop turned pimp versus a serial killer who gets away from his clutches. The hunt is on.

2 I Saw the Devil [Akmareul boatda] The hammer wielding anti-hero of “Oldboy” is back as a serial killer. He is hunted down by a vengeful cop who seeks revenge and wants to return the favor “10,000 times more”.

3. Crying Fist [Jumeogi unda] Two boxers who fight not for glory, but to achieve the minimum dignity as a human being.

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