TLF

02 I Note from the Editor-in-Chief

We are very happy with the overwhelming response to our new sections. The food and travel stories have found a lot of readers!

With each issue, we shall bring unique destinations, hotels and interviews with the cream of the society.

Let us be your guide to intelligent travel and living. Keep reading!

Cheers Shweta joon Editor , TLF magazine.

Editor-in-Chief Shweta Joon

Editor Natascha Shah

CEO Shivani Joon

Head Of Distribution Siddharth Joon

Fashion Features Head Esha Narayanan

UK Team Joe Paul Supriya Davda

Correspondents Moin Panwar Natalie James Jyotika Sanat

GM Marketing Karandeep Sodhi Khera

Director Sales and Marketing Varun Malhotra Head of Marketing (West and South) Hiten Rajput

Contributing writers Ashanti OMkar Reema Moudgil, Writer, Film enthusiast, Artist, Author- Perfect Eight.

Unboxed writers

(www.unboxedwriters.com)

Layout and Design Billantoo Design

Sangeeta Kapur

Published and owned by

Cover Image‘’Molecule Man’’ sculpture

by Jonathan Borofsky in the river Spree in Friedrichshain, at dusk.

Photographed by Fotografie Fischer, J. A

SHIVANI JOON 184, Plot No: 7C,Sec-23, Green Towers Dwarka, New Delhi

For Ads contactadvertise@tlfmagazine.com Phone no +91 9999946478

08 08

Travel 20

45

16

German Wonder Berlin is the city that enthralls all with its sights and sounds.

India.

Yoko Ono The artist visits and exhibits in

62

Celebrate Love with these wonderful dressing, eating out and gifting ideas.

38

Two to Tango These couples know how to make the better of their relationship both at home and work.

24

Scotch 101 Drink like a pro with this dummy’s guide to single malt.

Regulars Editor’s Letter Teasers Buzz Tarot Last Page

Food Lover’s Guide to Pune the city with endless gastronomic possibilities.

Visit Osaka for magical cherry blossoms and sushi that will satiate all your senses.

22

Mahabalipuram is India’s treasure trove of history, culture and beautiful artefacts.

Palate Pleaser 26

A Chef’s life Chef Sanjay Tyagi talks about his passion for all things food.

28 town.

Dine in style this valentine’s day at one of the swanky eateries in

30 Beau Monde 42 46

Lounge in Shiros in New Delhi doesn’t fail to impress.

Mother’s Plight how easy or difficult is it being a working mom?

Hot Wheels The most stylish cars at the auto expo 2012.

Second Homes 34 36 Fashion and Entertainment 56 50 52 48 54 68 72 Suvaasa The Spa resort with a spin is a must stay at.

In focus Anantara’s brand new property.

Ramp Scorchers The best dresses off ramp for spring 2012.

Style Patrol The Indian beauties strut in style at the various events.

Fashion Police Golden Globes 2012 has many stars pimp up the red carpet.

Timeless Elegance Luxury watches bring fashion to your wrist.

Chain statement These chunky pieces will be big the coming season.

Director’s Cut Mustan Burmawalla on Players and the star cast.

Soul to Soul Attracting the right partner.

04 I Note from the Editor

45 16 72

Travel and Tourism seem to be the key words of 2o12. Everyone wants to explore new places, go back to the ones where happy memories lie and pretty much map the globe. Travel as far as you can, as much as you can, for it only gets more delightful with each place one discovers. Be it the foodie’s paradise Pune or the picturesque Osaka, the culturally enriched Mahabalipuram or the beautiful German city called Berlin-each place has something unique to offer.

February is the month of hyper active cupids-Valentines day is upon us and yes, everyday day is a day of love but who wants to miss a chance of feeling extra special? We try and make it easier and fun for you with a list of packages, gifting ideas, dressing tips, perfect places for a date and even finding your soul mate!

This issue also focuses on couples who celebrate their relationship each day and have been truly each other’s better halves-be it at work or at home.

And lastly, we have all exhausted our will to purchase anything woolen or furry!

Fret not, the mad sales will soon end and the Spring collections are ready to hit the stores. Flip through the lookbooks to find out what to buy and how to wear it.

Enjoy what is left of the blissful winter season and keep tripping on life irrespective of the weather!

Cheers Natascha Shah Write to me at editor@tlfmagazine.com

06 I Teasers

Ice Ice Baby!

The Ice Lounge launches Delhi’s first ever lounge with water flooring, The Ice Lounge Nightout and More. Co-owned by Gurdeep Singh and Sukhdeep Singh, the new lounge unveils the ultimate experience of clubbing to brighten the hours of darkness.

The lounge area has a thrilling ambience with LED light, a spine chilling dance floor, an exclusive VIP section, an all day wine lounge and wide open gallery.

With breath taking water flooring that exudes a surreal vibe, the electrifying music played by renowned DJs of Delhi and a boulevard of finely assorted cuisines complimented by bespoke interiors; the property is known to offer a veritable nimbus to its audience.

Located in the culinary hub of South-Central Delhi, the property is an assorted abode of distinctive flavour embedded with excellence in entertainment, food and ambience for all night crawlers.

Candle-lit Romance

Love is in the air, the table is set, candles are lit—this Valentine’s, treat your loved ones with special week long celebrations at The Claridges, New Delhi. Sevilla, the Mediterranean restaurant with its magical indooroutdoor ambience creates the mood with an exquisite candle light Valentine’s dinner for one week—7th to 14th February 2012 between 07:30 pm to 12:30 am. This is not all, Ye Old Bakery, the patisserie at The Claridges, New Delhi has some absolutely divine cakes, pastries and exotic goodies to fall in love with. A perfect gift, the goodies are available all through the Valentine’s fortnight—1st to 14th Feb. Time: 10:00 am to 09:00 pm.

For more information and table reservations please call: 011 3955 5082 / 99717 18208.

Address: 12 Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi

A Decade of Stellar Service

Commemorating the 10th anniversary, guests will be treated to a thrilling month of celebrations with an attractive array of new services and offers. In this milestone year, leveraging their culinary expertise, JW Marriott Mumbai is also proud to present a pioneering concept to the city of Mumbai that is sure to be welcomed by all—their very own Food and Beverage dining web site (www.jwdining. com). The first-of-its-kind website will provide guests with their favourite recipes, allow greater interaction with chefs and the Food & Beverage team and facilitate guests to make online dining reservations. In their inimitable style, each specialty restaurant at JW Marriott Mumbai will play an important role in the celebrations. In line with the importance of having completed 10 fabulous years in Mumbai, guests at Spices can indulge in a 10-course Chinese menu on the theme of “Year of the Dragon”. Mezzo Mezzo raises the bar with a 10-course degustation

pasta menu. Saffron celebrates with 10 classic and innovative kebabs. With a strong belief in giving back to the society in which one functions, JW Marriott Mumbai will undertake special community initiatives with the underprivileged in the city as part of the deeply ingrained Spirit To Serve philosophy that the group strongly practices.

Lovers Day Menu

Jolly Rogers has it all, to make your Valentine’s day special with some Love in the air and a Lover’s menu at your table spread all through the month at the roof top. Enjoy a special a la carte brunch menu while savouring the Valentine’s Day-themed music and order your favourites at the Valentine Day brunch at Jolly Rogers. The special meny by executive chef, Dhiraj Kumar starts with “An Indian kiss” (Indian water chestnut soup with papadums), to get a relief from the chills following with a Sweetheart Salad with Baby Greens, Old English style fish N chips, LOVE TART with kiwi nage & hearts of almond/ Raspberry Almond sauce (dessert). Food for love!

Where: Jolly Rogers 1002, 10th floor, Time Tower, opposite Gurgaon Central Mall, M.G. Road, Gurgaon Tel: 0124-4333555 Meal for two: Rs.1500/Timings: 12 noon-12 midnight

08 I Cover story

A major city right in the heart of continental Europe, creative and vibrant as never before and attracting millions of visitorsThe capital city of an open, international and welcoming country, Berlin today represents a completely new image of Germany to the world. Happy, exuberant, a little bit cheeky at times, tolerant, laid back and easygoing, “Berlin is not so much a city as the world in miniature”, as the German writer Jean Paul very aptly observed as long ago as 1800.

The creative capital of Europe: from classical to cool. Rulers and regimes have come and gone, but Berlin has remained, and today, 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, is more thrilling and vibrant than ever. It’s a creative capital, a mecca for artists from around the world, hip and trendy, a city of fashion, design and music – and much more besides. Although these changes are perhaps most evident in the city’s architecture, for example on Potsdamer Platz, a bold, imposing monument to postmodernism, it is the creative climate, the artistic drive, the restless, unceasing desire to shape something new that best characterises the new Berlin. Berlin has always been creative, whether at the time of the Prussian kings or during the Roaring Twenties. From drama, dance and literature to cabaret, music and painting – every art form, and every form of art, has shaped the capital for decades and centuries.

With impressive museums almost too numerous to mention, many in the eastern part of the city close to the famous boulevard Unter den Linden, Berlin can boast a

remarkable legacy of art and culture from different periods. But now everything has changed yet again. Art is everywhere, created by more than 20,000 visual artists whose works are on display in public spaces, in innumerable courtyards of hip and trendy districts such as Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg, in über-stylish galleries and at alternative art centres, or simply on the walls of buildings. But Berlin’s independent art scene is only one aspect of one of the most exciting and energetic centres for art in the world: leading international conventions and trade fairs are held in Berlin and attract huge audiences. Whatever you are planning, in Berlin you will get your money’s worth. Not least because it has remained a very affordable destination, an honest city with honest prices. This extends to the famous currywurst, Berlin’s signature dish served at countless food stalls around the city: Berlin and its people are genuine, direct and uncomplicated. You are bound to fall for them – and return time after time.

The other face of Berlin: rivers, lakes, beaches and forests You may not realise it, but

With impressive museums almost too numerous to mention, many in the eastern part of the city close to the famous boulevard Unter den Linden, Berlin can boast a remarkable legacy of art and culture from different periods.

Berlin can also be a peaceful place to relax and unwind. That doesn’t just go for the parks in the central districts, such as the Tiergarten and Charlottenburg Palace Park.

In addition, Germany’s largest municipal forest is ideal for leisurely walks with 29,000 hectares of woodland. Thirteen lakes and five rivers within the city boundary offer a total of 360 kilometres of waterside paths that allow visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The natural beauty of the lakes and their surrounding meadows is particularly enchanting – from Krumme Lanke and Lake Wannsee, a particularly wide section of the river Havel, to Berlin’s largest lake, Müggelsee, in the south-eastern part of the city.

Berlin is renowned for its exceptional variety

of attractions, its flourishing cultural scene and a way of life that’s both fast-paced and relaxed.

Contrasts between historical buildings and modern architecture, between the traditional and the modern are what set the city apart from the rest. The sights of Berlin – from the Brandenburg Gate to the Federal Chancellery – tell the story of an entire nation. Germany’s capital is home to all the major goverment buildings, most notably the historic Reichstag, seat of the German parliament.

Berlin is a city of art, artists and museums.

More than 170 museums, including those on the famous museum island, put the treasures of the world on public display. CulEast Side Gallery, mural by Schamil Gimajew ‘Wir sind ein Volk’ Photographed by Fenske, Norbert

turally minded visitors from all corners of the globe come to Berlin to see performances by leading orchestras – such as the internationally celebrated Berlin Philharmonic – and to attend ballets and operas at the three major opera houses. A multitude of theatres specialising in plays, variety, revue and cabaret offer stage entertainment in all its forms.

The famous Kurfürstendamm, grand old Friedrichstrasse and the independent boutiques in and around the Hackesche Höfe offer endless scope for shopping.

Nowadays, people look to Berlin for the latest trends in lifestyle, music and art. Inspired by this outpouring of creativity, growing numbers of artists are arriving in the city from around the world, making it one of Europe’s most exciting destinations.

A feature of Berlin, aside from its exuberance, is the way it continuously reinvents itself.

But Berlin also has a relaxed vibe and lots of open spaces for a breath of fresh air.

No city in Germany is greener than Berlin with its forests, lakes and sprawling parks.

When the weather gets warmer, life in Berlin moves outdoors to the beach bars, pavement cafés and open-air cinemas and theatres – perfect for enjoying the sunshine and the balmy summer nights.

Some Highlights

A passageway to history : Brandenburg Gate No other monument in Berlin is as famous around the world as Brandenburg Gate, built between 1789 and 1791 to plans by C. G. Langhans on Pariser Platz in the heart of the city. After the Berlin Wall was built in 1961, Brandenburg Gate became impassable for 28 years. As a signature attraction and symbol of German reunification, it now represents the past and present of the German capital in exemplary fashion. The gate is supported by six Doric columns, forming five passageways with pedestrian-only access. The famous quadriga depicting the goddess of victory, Victoria, riding a fourhorse chariot was added in 1794.

A treasure trove of human history: Berlin’s Museum Island A UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of the city, Berlin’s Museum Island is a hugely popular attraction both with locals and

Detail on the Bode Museum, Berlin Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site Photographed by: Messerschmidt, Joachim

international tourists. One of the world’s most important museum complexes, it is home to priceless cultural treasures. Collections at the Museum of the Ancient World, New Museum, Old National Gallery, Bode Museum and Pergamon Museum take visitors on a fascinating journey through art and culture from the cradle of civilisation in Mesopotamia through Egypt, Classical Greece and Rome, Byzantium, the Islamic World and the Middle Ages right up to the modern age and 19th century Romanticism The memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe The memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe at the northern end of Wilhelmstrasse close to Brandenburg Gate testifies to the fact that these unspeakable crimes had their origins in Berlin. Covering approx.

19,000m², the site is adorned with 2,711 rectangular concrete blocks designed by New York architect Peter Eisenman. The information centre underneath the waveshaped ‘field of stelae’ has an exhibition documenting the persecution and murder of European Jews. A place for mourning, reconciliation and perhaps forgiveness, but not a place for forgetting

Museum Island, Ishtar Gate in the Pergamon Museum Photographed by : Merten, Hans Peter

A taste of Old Berlin: the Hackesche Höfe The Hackesche Höfe is a magnificent retail complex that embodies the history and characteristic buzz of Berlin’s Mitte district.

Germany’s largest interconnected series of courtyards, the site has been under a historical preservation order since 1977. This extremely popular ensemble has brought back to life a genuine slice of Old Berlin. Exuding all the distinctive charm of the city’s traditional courtyards, it is home to a vibrant mix of art galleries, cinemas, theatres, variety venues, restaurants and bars, not to mention all the charming boutiques and big-name flagship stores.

The show must go on: Friedrichstadt-Palast No other German theatre has dedicated itself with such vigour to upholding the great revue traditions of the 1920s. Visitors can expect glitter and glamour, lavish revues and a spectacular show of light and colour, dance and acrobatics – along with star performers from all over the world who have trod the boards at this site of cultural and historical interest. This ‘palace on Frie-

drichstrasse’ is often also used as a venue for media events of all sizes, and can accommodate just under 1,900 visitors.

For those with expensive tastes: Quartier 206 Luxury fashion, cosmetics and interior design: Quartier 206 features DKNY, Etro, Strenesse, Gabriele Strehle and Gucci concessions, glasses from B54 and the Out of Asia furniture store. The architecture with its glass prisms, mediterranean-style atrium and Venetian mosaics is an attraction in itself. A consumer temple par excellence, Quartier 206 offers an exclusive selection of the most beautiful (and most expensive) items in the world, collections and confections the like of which you won’t find anywhere else in Germany.

A water sports paradise in the leafy suburbs: Lake Wannsee On sunny days, Berliners flock to Lake Wannsee. As well as providing the perfect backdrop for scenic walks far from the buzz of the city, it is also a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Just a few minutes from Wannsee train station, it’s the ideal place for swimming, diving, canoeing, rowing and sailing – or simply enjoying a great day out. Boat trips on the lake offer spectacular views of the huge gardens belonging to the lakeside residences and there are many small bays where you can moor up and enjoy a picnic. The shady beer gardens are the ideal settings in which to enjoy a Berliner Weisse beer. © Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH Information courtesy: The German National Tourist Office, India. For further information please visit www.germany.travel

With impressive museums almost too numerous to mention, many in the eastern part of the city close to the famous boulevard Unter den Linden, Berlin can boast a remarkable legacy of art and culture from different periods.

The Berlin cathedral beside the Spree Photographed by: Eichberger, Eric

Tourists with map in front of the Brandenburg Gate Photographed by Merten, Hans Peter

16 I Travel

A look into the food, people, fashion and culture of this beautiful Japanese city

T

he eye eats first and how.

The food in the display window looked fresh, tempting and attractive. It was calling out to me saying, “Come.

Eat me.” I felt obliged only to find the entire presentation authentic looking plastic. Welcome to Osaka, Japan which was named the “Kitchen of the nation” in the 17th century due to its pivotal role in managing Japan’s economy and distribution of goods.

Osaka’s food culture is lavish. Its close proximity to the sea and mountains on three sides ensures that all kinds of ingredients are easily available. Don’t be let down by the plastic display that is a part of the set menu concept.

The real version comprising of a combination of rice accompanied by vegetarian or non-vegetarian portions of either shrimp or chicken tempura is delicious.

Traditional miso soup made from soya and mince dicon (radish) salad completes the set menu and once consumed I happily

patted my satiated tummy, the plastic display long forgotten.

Osaka is the second most populous prefecture after Tokyo and almost 16 per cent of all foreigners registered in Japan reside here. Our guide informed us that the first capital of Japan was established in Osaka way back in the 7th century. Later, though the capital was subsequently shifted, the city continued to serve as the gateway of culture and trade.

I was fascinated with the huge number of anime shops dedicated to selling kits, paint, materials and accessories for anime hobbyists. Another penchant of Osakans is pachinko stores that house gambling slot machines.

We were told that early morning even before the pachinko slots open, Osakans of all ages queue outside and if a new pachinko store is about to open, the queue is seen to be believed.

Briefly we were reminded of our own passion for cricket in India.

This time for lunch we sampled

The Osaka Castle

Japanese Cherry Blossom

soups that contained noodles accompanied by a slice or two of pork (pork is a common food ingredient in Osaka). We also enjoyed Edamame, a common Japanese starter. It is green soybean in its pod served unshelled, boiled along with salt. In Osaka making slurping sounds while eating noodles is not just ok, it means that you are enjoying your food. There is no tipping here be it in restaurants, hotels or cabs. In fact the Japanese find tipping insulting as the services offered by them are already included in the prices charged. It is not just the meal but the entire dining experience that leaves you with a feeling of fullness and contentment.

Once done we headed to Den Den Town for some electronic gadget shopping. Our idea of some shopping turned into “Wow! This is also available. Let’s buy it”. We felt like a chocoholic who had been given full access to a chocolate factory’s chocolates and happily awed, sighed and admired the variety.

After all, Den Den Town is Osaka’s biggest and most popular electronics/computer shopping area, similar to Akihabara of Tokyo. It was a world in a world.

Our guide seeing our child like excitement mentioned that he had spent three days just looking around and getting to know Den Den Town. The amazement came later. Mind you, he was a local Osakan.

An eco-friendly and healthy habit of Osakans is the use of cycles for their domestic transport specially for short distance travelling.

The massive shopping district is jam-packed with more than a thousand electrical stores who compete for business along the kilometre-long stretch of road and its surrounding area. With our bags loaded to the brim we decided to take in the local street flavour and ambience.

An eco-friendly and healthy habit of Osakans is the use of cycles for their domestic transport specially for short distance travelling. We saw men and children merrily cycling on the foot path, never on the main road.

The women even picked up and dropped off their kids to school, went grocery shopping or visited nearby pachinko parlours on bicycles.

Typical working Japanese men wear suits while working women wear formal pants and shirts.

When not at work, be it any season, skirts and high heel shoes are very common. Youngsters who don’t have a steady job are normally dressed in jeans and trendy shirts. Many youngsters sporting the punk look have on two shirts or a sweatshirt, chunky chains around their neck, monkey caps with coloured (red, pink, purple, blonde) hair either as a Mohawk or the spiked look that Aamir Khan had in Taare Zameen Par. Seeing this look got us nostalgic about India.

A convenience boon for tourists in Osaka are the 24-hour shops with their English signs selling food, stationery and other daily use items. We hassle free enjoyed our nocturnal walks as we knew that our meal was close by. In addition there are vending machines for cigarettes, canned and tetra-packed juices, tea and coffee. Osaka’s night life is lively and most of the Japanese working professionals enjoy a drink after work. Just like they love pachinko, they love karaoke and we found many karaoke bars where one can book a karaoke room and order food and drinks. Street performers, mainly musicians, also come out at night specially on the weekends.

The next day we headed for Mount Koya also known as

Inside the Osaka Castle

Den Den Twon

Display of plastic sea food

Den Den Town is Osaka’s biggest and most popular electronics/computer shopping area, similar to Akihabara of Tokyo.

Koyasan. Mount Koya was silent with snow all around. It has symmetrically arranged tombs of warriors and spiritual Osakans. The cemetery stretches for kilometres and bifurcates into lanes further inside. Daimon gate guards the entrance to the mount which is also the center of Shingon Buddhism. This sect was introduced by Kobo Daishi, a significant personality of Japan’s religious history.

We then entered Osakajo or Osaka castle and found it to be well furnished and air conditioned with polished wooden flooring. Who would expect a castle to be air conditioned?

However the castle, a symbol of opulence and power has been veiled in history and has had its share of turbulences. It was built on a small temple site that was burnt down during a war. In 1583 Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a great warlord of medieval Japan, gave an order to begin construction of the castle. He intended it to become the center of his unified Japan. After his death, the rebuilt castle was destroyed by fire caused by lightning. The present ferro-concrete reconstruction of the castle tower was rebuilt in 1931. An elevator for easier accessibility is beneficial for senior citizens.

I enjoyed the lush parks with footpaths, citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls and moats to reach the central buildings.

From the observation deck the view of Osaka was awesome.

Osakajo’s Nishinomaru Garden, tea house, multi-purpose arena and Hokoku Shrine, dedicated to Hideyoshi Toyotomi are the other attractions of the castle. A local Osakan told us that in early April when it is the cherry blossom season, each of the 600 cherry trees of Nishinomaru Garden are a sight to behold. It seemed a sight to come back to, a reason to revisit Osaka and we couldn’t wait to do so.

20 I Travel

A mouth-watering account of the various bites and sounds of the food lovers’ paradise in Maharashtra.

A few weekends ago I packed my bags and prepared myself for a journey through time. I was headed to a city which had acted as the backdrop for one of the liveliest and most exuberant phases of my life. Pune has always been my favourite city, second only to Bhopal which also brings back truckloads of memories. Omnipresent groups of college kids hovering around timeless neighbourhoods and streets are reminiscent of times when I was one of them—hard-pressed for money but with a rich cache of time.

Zipping past various familiar landmarks in Pune, the exhaustion owing to an unexpectedly long flight slowly vapourising as I was transported back to simpler times of studenthood. The rundown Gunjan Talkies, Yerwada bridge—still standing tall over a dried up Mula Mutha River, Koregaon Park teeming with dreadlocked hippies, was just the beginning. The next 48 hours were to bring me face-to-face with many more old haunts.

The first stop was Vohuman Café— a typical Parsi all day breakfast joint which used to be our favourite as it

served delectable cheese omelettes and fresh, homemade buns slathered with oodles of delicious butter at very affordable prices. I found the tiny café parked just where it used to be, amidst buildings soaring heavenwards. The old marble top round tables and the brown wrought iron chairs were the same, the cat which we suspected slept in between the warm of bread was still there albeit a little fatter and the board with the menu neatly stenciled on it was still hung proudly on the wall.

What surprised me the most were the prices, which were still the same as they used to be 13 years ago. Recently acquired ‘Burrrp’ certificates declaring the cheese omelettes as the best, shared the wall space. However, the old Parsi uncle who used to man the billing counter seemed to have been replaced by his young son. Reading the dismay writ large on my face the son quickly reassured me that his father was still alive and kicking.

How many Sunday mornings had I spent here with long lost friends, laughing at uncle’s hilarious versions of Hindi expletives? How many classes had I bunked to sit here and relish cups of sweet, milky

chai with equally jobless classmates?

How many times had we landed here in the wee hours of the morning, after having sneaked out of the hostel for an all night party? The vows of eternal friendship that were taken over cream plate and toast and the dreams shared over masala bhurji and Bournvita came rushing back as I devoured my regular order of single cheese omelette and bun butter with chai.

Tearing myself from the coziness that had engulfed me, I bade farewell to Vohuman Café and caught up with a dear friend who was willing to relive old memories with me. We drove through the cantonment, catching glimpses of our hostel and the rundown eateries which were once our source for many unhygienic, yet tasty quick bites. As we hit Koregaon Park, we encountered street vendors selling Osho chappals— jute slippers in a multitude of colours and styles. The original velvet strap now accentuated with beads, sequins and similar fancy add ons.

A vacant spot where the two decade old German Bakery once stood scared me as it emphasised the vulnerability of

Indian cities as well as life’s uncertainty.

Images of the wooden benches which lined the edges of the erstwhile edifice, thick slices of chocolate cake priced at what seemed to be an exorbitant `40 and the eclectic mix of people from all over the world who crowded the bakery all-day long played in front of me like a slideshow.

Pune is the city for food lovers. Chocolate cheese sandwiches at A1 Sandwich cart, Kapila’s double chicken kathi rolls, paranthas at Nandu’s and Chaitanya, custard apple milk shake at Fantasy Juice Bar, Special chicken biryani at Blue Nile, a dessert called Fruit Funny at Good Luck Café followed by a tall glass of cold coffee at the road side ‘tapri’ in Deep Bangla Chowk—you can take a pick from a variety of options.

So, if you are a foodie and plan to visit Pune, it would be a good idea to start fasting a few days in advance to brace your stomach for all the action that it will inadvertently face. A good appetite and guts of steel are all you need and Pune would metamorphose into heaven right in front of your eyes.

Pune is the city for food lovers. From chocolate cheese sandwiches at A1 Sandwich cart and Kapila’s double chicken kathi rolls, paranthas at Nandu’s and Chaitanya, Custard Apple milk shake at Fantasy juice bar..you can take a pick from the variety of options.

22 I Travel

Few years ago I heard a story- Once the Pallava king Mahendraverman ruled the vast empire of Kancheepuram. He was a great admirer of art and was immensely fond of the ancient tale of Mahabharata. The epic’s contents captivated him such that he thought of portraying the complete story of the Mahabharata on stones. He asked his architect, rajshilpi Bhavaverma, to build a temple city on the epics’ lines.

Bhavaverma, famed for several other temples that he built in Kancheepuram, started working meditatively to transcribe his mental conception into the visual world. Several artisans worked day and night under his supervision to make the stones talk but then something happened—Bhavaverma died, leaving his tryst with the past incomplete for the future to see.

Ever since I heard the story, I felt an inner urge to visit this place known as Mahabalipuram, situated on the Coromandal coast nearly 60 kms off Chennai. While travelling in a city bus from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, one can witness the blissful portrayals of southern part of Indian civilization. It is a pleasurable journey presenting our rural vista where velocity of life treads at a pace that the mind and soul find comforting to match. This one and half hour drive

Mahabalipuram is certainly a place worth visiting, not only for its serene beaches sprinkled with golden sands, or its fabulous rocky elevations kissed by the obsessive waves but it is a place to be visited for its obscurity.

had studied many Hindu epics and, to popularise the story of Mahabharata in particular, he wanted it to be depicted in pictures as an open gallery on the rocks bordering the coastline. His rajshilpi, along with other sculptors progressed with the assignment when some arcane tragedy struck—leaving a fragmentary array of an exquisite attempt to vocalise the silent stones amid.

finally ends at a small village cradling a story unfinished.

Mahabalipuram, locally known as Mamallapuram, a rocky locale along the coastline of our southern seas, is a place associated with emotions. The mystery that shrouds its history has spun tales of fantasies in the idyllic world of poets and writers. Visible here are the unfinished icons, half carved rocks lying quietly beside the roaring sea waters as though waiting to be swept along.

Mahabalipuram looks like a weary traveller, tired of its prolonged journey through time.

The works of art here are an excellent exposition of typically southern style of carving that was prevalent during the Pallava period (6th and 7th century).

The Pallava rulers were followers of Jainism but king Mahendraverman was more inclined to the Hindu religion. He

The engravings on rocks include images of Pandavas (legendry characters from the great Indian epic Mahabharata), their chariots, broken prasadas, and a few temples. (A massive flood is said to have struck the area during the construction itself which damaged some of the newly formed structures and prevented further work). These structures are some very fine examples of refined craftsmanship. As I stood admiring a temple having twin structural shrines standing magnificently on the golden sand, it seemed to me like dispersed pieces of a dream surviving the ravages of night, waking up every morning as excruciatingly as it was seen. These fragments of a story could not convey Mahabharata wholly, being strewn randomly amongst finished and unfinished portrayals, but have a chronicle of their own hanging about herein.

Hampi temples Appreciating the remains at Mahabalipuram one can not overlook the scenic locale. Indeed it is a unique seacoast where man seems to try a hand at enhancing its equanimity by adding his creativity to the creator’s effects.

The two works, one complete and the other curtailed, in sync design a harmony which infuse the most blasé hearts with passion. It remains to be gathered though, that whatever role humanity plays in adorning the planet, existence counts it too trivial to sustain. Remains of a majestic temple mounted on a huge rock amidst the sea, resembles an ascetic witnessing natures’ naïve conquest over human creativity with an impassive expression.

Mahabalipuram divulges a history—a history of beauty, of passion, of an end to a quest for eternal survival. It is certainly a place worth visiting not only for its serene beaches sprinkled with golden sands, or its fabulous rocky elevations kissed by the obsessive waves but it is a place to be visited for its obscurity.

The oblivious splendour of the unknown artists’ creations can never be enlightened through words and the romance of its enigma cannot be felt till eyes actually see it.

Getting there : By air, road or railways till Chennai. From there a local bus or a taxi can be arranged.

Best time to go : Any season round the year.

To shop for : Curios related to Mahabharata, the great Indian epic and various other handicraft items can be purchased

locally that are pocket friendly too.

Other things to do ; A stay at Chennai would be comfortable and advisable for tourists. For further information and arrangements, tour operators in the area should be contacted.

Alternatively, Tamil Nadu tourism information centre can be catered to atwww.tamilnadutourism.org

24 I Palate Pleaser

T

he word “whisky” comes from “uisge,” a shortened form of “uisge beatha,” which means “water of life” in Scots Gaelic.

There are two types of whisky (Scotch whisky is spelled without the “e”) distilled in Scotland: grain and malt. Grain whisky is made from malted barley, unmalted barley and other grains, while malt whisky is made from malted barley alone. Blended Scotch is made from blends of up to 50 different kinds of grain and malt whiskies. Ninety-five percent of the Scotch exported from Scotland is of the blended variety, but that’s not because the rest of the world has poor taste; most of the Scotch consumed in Scotland is also blended.

The longer Scotch is aged, the smoother it is. Therefore, you should select the oldest available Scotch of the variety you desire. The age of a Scotch depends on how long it was aged in barrels. Scotch does not continue to age once it has been bottled, so the age of the Scotch is the age marked on the bottle, no matter how long it has been stored after it was bottled.

Not all bottles of Scotch state how long they have been aged, but all the ones worth drinking do. The age marked on a bottle of blended Scotch is the age of the youngest Scotch in the blend. Whatever its age, all Scotch should be stored in a dark, cool location There are some definite do’s and don’ts when it comes to tasting single malt Scotch or a blended Scotch. The first and foremost, step to “tasting” single malt scotch is to drink it from the right glass.

Drink it out of something that has a wide base as possible and as narrow a tip as possible, ideally a whiskey glass, like a glen cairn, or if you don’t have that, a brandy snifter, a sherry copita or even a champagne flute will do. The reason for that is because a narrow tip helps catch the aroma that rises

from the whiskey, and the aroma is a big part of the tasting process, which leads us to the second tip: follow your nose.

Take a good whiff of it first; we can sense hundreds of different smells. As strange as it may sound, a whiskey is tasted primarily with the nose. The aroma indicates the character and strength, and even an untrained nose should be able to identify some very specific scents.”

Don’t immediately put a mixer in it. That’s not a good way to develop your palette. Try it straight. The only thing I suggest you is to add plain fresh water. Just a few drops can “open it up” and heighten the taste.

Also, despite the classic image of a scotch on the rocks, it’s not recommended to use ice, as it numbs your senses – not a good way to develop your palate.

Start with a smooth, light scotch. Focus should be on drinkability.

Recommendations: Cragganmore 12 yr, Glenfiddich 12, Dalwinnie 15 yr Introduce some complexity and richness to your palette.

Recommendations: Macallan 12 yr, Glenfarclas 17 yr A scotch needs to have a light Rich Smoke Flavours.

Recommendations: Oban 14 yr, Highland Park 15 yr Heavier Smokiness for regular malt drinker.

Recommendations: Highland Park 18 yr, Bruichladdich 10 yr Peat strength.

Recommendations: Talisker 10 yr, Talisker 18 yr The final touch of Malt from Islay Recommendations: Lagavulin 16 yr, Laphroaig 10 yr,

26 I Palate Pleaser

An insight into the wonderful life of Master Chef Sanjay Tyagi, the man behind Bengaluru’s gastronomic gems like Jamavaar (The Leela Kempinski), Umerkot and Tattv.

Chef Sanjay Tyagi never uses the garam masala in his cooking.

“Haven’t used it for over 20 years,” he says. The reason? In his food, as in his life, he wants different flavours to speak for themselves.

To stand out. To be heard. The affable, soft spoken Tyagi is as enthusiastic about his food as he was when he began in 1989, as a trainee chef at Jaipur’s Rambagh Palace. All chefs have stories to tell. Chef Tyagi too has many.

As curries and kebabs simmer and fume in the buffet spread at Tattv—the second restaurant he has launched with associates in Bengaluru, this time focusing entirely on kebabs—he recalls that moment decades ago in Delhi when he was assisting a very wellknown chef and a TV crew came calling.

Tyagi was asked to ’prep’ for three chefs who would be facing the camera. Prepping required him to chop and prepare ingredients, cook the multiple “stages” of every dish and the final versions too.

It took him hours to makes sure that the three chefs would need to do only the basic minimum before the camera. The cameras came calling at the end of a long day but his day had not ended.

When the master of ceremonies, the head chef, saw Tyagi before the camera, he shouted and asked him to remove himself from the location.

And because only a few hours were left before dawn, he was asked to stay back at the hotel and not go home. After more than

48 hours, Tyagi reached home, dead tired and slept without talking to anyone in the family. When he woke up, he realised his mother was not around. It was then his wife told him that she had been hospitalised the previous night due to some minor complication and was recuperating.

Tyagi never forgot that morning or the day a few years later, when he was asked to face the camera on a television cooking show.

Alone. What he has learnt is simply this—you can’t hurry food or life.

Both need time to reach a perfect consistency. And that you can’t garnish what is not there. And that everything requires prepping.

In his case, both his life and his work have substance enough to stand the test of time. He has been married for over 21 years and still goes home for every meal that his wife cooks and insists that she cooks better than him. He laughs and shares that there are times though when she comes to his kitchen looking for secrets he won’t share even with her. But there is immense faith and love because in his days of struggle, when he worked days and nights in various hotel kitchens, his wife never called him at work to ask where he was and when he would be coming home.

You can’t hurry food or life. Both need time to reach a perfect consistency.

But then, that is the kind of foundation success stories are built on.

He has travelled and worked all over the world, learning from various food cultures and in various hospitality hubs and five and seven star kitchens. But it was in 2004 when he opened Jamavar, the Indian restaurant at Bangalore’s Leela Palace that the seeds of a dream were sown.

With friends Sajit Chacko and Anand Singh, he decided in 2006, to launch a company called AST Foods and also Umerkot, one of the finest Indian restaurants in Bangalore, today. Umerkot—as we know was the birthplace of emperor Akbar and the restaurant is a treasure-trove of Mughlai Gharana cuisine. Despite the success of Umerkot, Chef Tyagi is as involved in the day-to-day functioning of the kitchen as he was when the first guest walked in. He cooks during lunch hours at Umerkot and during dinner hours at Tattv. Once he dons his chef’s jacket, he does not sit in the restaurants although he owns them and even during off days, sneaks in to see what is cooking in “My kitchen.”

Years of research went into Umerkot‘s cuisine and also in the kebabs that are now served at Tattv based on the five elements of nature, using techniques like tandoor, sigri, kadai, tawa and the simmering of fabulous curries cooked in their own unique gravies.

The rare recipes have been sourced from all across the Indian subcontinent, central Asian regions, Iran and north western frontiers of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Tattv menu also boasts traditional roasts and breads and the Indian selection is influenced by the erstwhile princely states like Punjab, Jaipur, Baroda, Cooch Behar and Hyderabad. There are many regional specialties from the south as well.

Tattv’s decor does not have an overt flamboyance but gentle overtures to both modernity and tradition with plush seating, a show kitchen, private and public spaces, gold leaf on the ceiling,

Years of research went into Umerkot‘s cuisine and also in the kebabs that are now served at Tattv based on the five elements of nature, using techniques like tandoor, sigri, kadai, tawa and the simmering of fabulous curries cooked in their own unique gravies. stone jaalis and understated Rajasthani jharokhas. There is also an extensive wine list .

And even in Umerkot, Chef Tyagi has innovated and created recipes that one can find only there, be it his famous sabz ki jugalbandi (a delectable fusion curry featuring broccoli) or the recent chocolate gujiya that bursts into a liquid sinfulness the moment you cut it open.

A flight of stairs from Tattv, takes us to a lounge called Cloud Bar which is a stucco-walled, Mediterranean, sun and star-dappled space and is a brave new initiative in a city where concept lounges start with a bang and fizzle out in a few years. But going by the track record of the AST team, both Tattv and Cloud Bar have been initiated for the long haul and not for just the lure of instant footfalls and media coverage.

For Tyagi, the biggest reward is the “maza” he gets while working, the passion and the “shauk” he invests in every pinch of mace he adds to a gravy that asks for it and in every kabab he creates like it were a work of art. ”Enjoy your work,” he says, without needing to mention that the rest will come later. Or sooner.

28 I Palate Pleaser Love comes at a cost.

This couldn’t hold more true today than in any other time and place.

With restaurants offering food options at exorbitant prices, you just have to empty your wallet to make your girl feel like a princess.

The Leela Palace- Delhi

Located in the heart of the capital city, The Leela Palace at Chanakyapuri has been the talk of the town, ever since it commenced business in April 2011.

Although a new property, this could be the perfect place to please your partner with a luxurious outing this Valentine’s Day and make them feel a bit spoilt.

The best part is, there isn’t just one but quite a few options to choose from at The Leela Palace, each standing out and promising to make your Valentines Day special.

And your choices are…

Megu- Megu means ‘blessings’ in Japanese and this modern Japanese restaurant at The Leela Palace is a new addition to the luxurious dining facilities that the hotel has to offer. With the best of Japanese cuisine, sushi and sumibiaburiyaki, Megu offers an excellent atmosphere with contemporary interiors.

Add to that fresh organinc edamame with authentic smelts flown in from Japan, you indeed are talking about a delightful outing.

Le Cirque- According to Sangharsh Attri, Team Leader at the bar, “Le Cirque is inspired by the culture of New York City and is a great combination of a sophisticated yet stylish ambience, that offers a luxurious wine & dine experience to its customers. ‘Table For Heaven’ is what the couples can opt for on the eve of V-day that offers the menu decided by the head chef and can be played around by the guests as per their liking. A meal for two can range from `8000 to `25,000 depending on the courses chosen by the customer.” Le Cirque offers over 80 labels of Italian wines and 100 labels of French wine. “The view offered from the 10th floor of the hotel adds to the romance mode of any couple,” he further adds.

Library Bar- `1.25 lakhs! Believe it or not, but that is exactly how much a 30 ml peg of Remy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl would cost you at the Library Bar

at The Leela Palace. And that is the most expensive peg you could buy for your partner there. The Black Pearl is a limited edition cognac and contains a blend of more than 1,200 lots up to a 100-years-old. Only one tiercon (a type of oak barrel) has been used, meaning that only 786 bottles are available for purchase. Apparently in June 2010, a Remy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl 1.5l bottle was sold to a Chinese couple at Vancouver International Airport for $34,000 (about `1,683,340)! But there is more to the famous Library Bar—it has a unique collection of books, which are the first editions of some world famous authors making you feel like a part of history when you sit to enjoy your evening with your partner.

Don’t blame us if your better half insists on visiting any of these divine places.

After all, why look deep into the pocket when actually it is love that has to be deep?

Debailleul- Mumbai

The family-owned and operated Belgian pâtisserie is located at Prabhadevi, Worli. Debailleul’s product range includes specialised creations in four distinct product lines—including: handcrafted pastries including gateaux, tarts and macarons; luxury chocolates such as bonbons and friandises; artisanal ice creams, sorbets and ice-cream cakes; and delectable selection of viennoiseries. These are 100 percent hand-crafted and brought to you directly from Belgium. They are made from only the finest natural ingredients and contain absolutely no preservatives or food additives. Debailleul and the products they create whole-heartedly espouse the values of ‘traditions modernes’ or traditional modernity in which traditional ideas are interpreted with a contemporary eye. This Valentine’s day they bring an array of cakes, chocolates and pastries which may burn your pocket but would melt your girl’s heart.

30 I Palate Pleaser

T

he capital city, New Delhi, has often been accused of possessing way too many nightclubs but running out on steam, when talking about niche luxurious wine and dine places.

ing from rust to rose. The raw smoky interiors with intimate corners to dine or just relax for a bit, serve as a perfect offering that one can ask for in a luxurious outing—be it brunch, lunch or dinner.

However, when you walk into Shiro, at Hotel Samrat, you are bound to say, ‘What exactly is the base of all that talk?

To satisfy the appetite of your taste buds, the menu contains sushi, sashimi, Cantonese dim sum, Korean, Vietnamese and Thai cuisines to go with the variety of alcoholic beverages. Sumptuous pak choi & water chestnut dumplings, vegetable bulgogi bao, Vietnamese spring rolls and tofu in mahtani sauce takes care of those that are vegetarians, while the non-vegetarians can try their hands on yummy chicken bulgogi, Thai chicken barbeque, chicken gyoza and chicken yakitori.

Divided into three sitting levels, namely – Earth, Sky and Heaven, Shiro (meaning castle in Japanese) is an excellent organic blend of cuisines, cultures and services from all over Asia. The first thing that you will notice while occupying a place for yourself, are the three 35-feet tall statues that work as waterfalls and an eye catching interior that is rendered in a unique combination of natural stones, leather, slate and wood with soft furnishings in a colour palate rang-

To bring out the best of the luxury dining, the seafood package offers you

options such as Malaysian-style prawns satay, fish cakes, sui mai and non-vegetarian maki platter. Shiro offers three table packages—Pearl, Sapphire, and Food Only that include a variety of beverages, veg and non-veg appetizers, and main course to be followed by desserts.

The unique concept of ‘modern bar’ in which the DJ console above the bar opens at 12 midnight with a traditional song followed by commercial music.

This is enough to get everyone on the floor. While there is usual lounge music on the weekdays, weekends at Shiro are more fun when DJ’s from other parts of the country are flown in to play. The place will have one more addition to its armoury soon as it is all set to host its first ever ‘Expat Night’ in the first week of February, that will be a monthly affair to start off with.

32 I Second Homes

The Tower Club at Lebua brings to its guests the ‘Lavish Lebua Luxury’ package to ascertain a truly luxurious experience. The exciting package includes accommodation at a plush Tower Club City view Suite which can be upgraded to a Tower Club River view Suite giving you an amazing view of the Chao Phraya River. To celebrate your visit, the hotel offers a bottle of Laurent Perrier along with some scrumptious strawberries and lip smacking chocolates. The package also includes a daily buffet breakfast at Café Mozu, where you can savour delectable culinary treats to pamper your taste buds along with your guest’s. Lebua also provides you with the flexibility of opting for a continental breakfast at Tower Club Executive Lounge instead of the buffet breakfast at Café Mozu.

In order to ensure a comfortable stay for you, the package also includes a host of complimentary services such as nonalcoholic mini-bar, welcome fresh fruits and flowers, in-suite Wi-Fi and wired internet access, video on demand, Nespresso coffee machine and Bvlgari amenities. You also get an access to the Tower Club Lounge privileges such as a light lunch buffet, an afternoon hitea, complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and complimentary wireless internet access at the lounge.

Last but not the least, the guests are free to check out as late as 16:00 hrs, as part of this incredible package.

The lavish package which comes at a price of INR 9000 (+17.70 percent service charge and tax) per room per night is available till October 31, 2012.

Rates are based on single/double occupancy and minimum of two consecutive night stay is required.

For reservations, please call + 66 (2) 624-9555 or mail reservations@lebua.com.

34 I Second Homes

R

anjit’s SVAASA is a warm boutique spa haveli with a family history of over 200 years. It is housed in a restored and stylised red brick colonial manor. It ranks amongst the top spas of India and has received national and international accolades. The spa belongs to the noted Rai Bahadur Lala Rattan Chand Mehra family of Amritsar.

The royal ambience and rich imperial architecture adds to its persona and the spa offers traditional Ayurveda and international therapies directed towards de-stress, beauty, cleansing among many others, for achieving wellbeing. The strength of their spa lies in the use of natural and organic and mostly freshly prepared ingredients. Specialities like the Hibiscus Hair Wash is prepared from leaves of the hibiscus plant twenty minutes before the therapy. You can also opt for the body analysis session that helps you know yourself better inside out. A scientific machine using the meridians, it discovers deficiencies and imbalances in the body identifying the quotient of illness/disease.

The property is a personalised caring hotel of sorts or a luxurious plentiful home stay. But they happily coin it as a Heritage Boutique Spa Haveli. An enjoyable stay is assured in their uniquely designed

boutique rooms and suites. Each opens to the terrace or the central courtyard.

Rai Bahadur Luxury, SVAASA Suite, Ratnavali Suite and Presidential Suite are the categories holding an inventory of seventeen rooms/suites. But for those who wish to have the best of the best in experiencing splendid luxury, they have the Rattan Chand and Kesar Devi Presidential Suites.

The spa haveli epitomises a perfect blend of modernity with the rich heritage and culture nestled within aesthetic beauty and comfort. Not just this, at SVAASA you can savour the special organic cuisines prepared by their chefs. Also you can enjoy the wholesome goodness of a low-fat and lowcholesterol menu which is not just good for your health but is also finger-licking delicious.

It is a perfect getaway for quaint celebrations. It is interesting to share that Ranjit’s SVAASA, has hosted occasions like an American wedding reception, a dinner over Punjabi folk singing, a Russian post wedding gala among a few select more.

Herbs Café Lounge – It is a plush lounge by the North Verandah with old tapestries to settle in. You can play the piano or enjoy a chat over their special organic beverages and

delicious nibbles.

Dining by the Garden – This is a 30–seat eclectic dining area with buffet breakfast in the morning and candle lights with soothing music during dinner.

This spacious spa haveli has impressive indoor and outdoor lounging space for you to rove around and have a peaceful time imbibing the serenity. By the reception is the Empire Lounge offering one-of-a-kind boutique lifestyle products from where you may pick a gift or two for your friends and relatives.

Even when you are preparing for your wedding and need that much required quiet time and a feeling of oneness, head for the SVAASA Spa—Hibiscus Pavilion at Ranjit’s SVAASA. And while there, you may just want to plan a beautiful quaint function for your close ones in their beautiful surrounds.

How to reach there: Train: New Delhi-Amritsar Shatabdi Express operates twice daily.

Air: Daily domestic flights by Kingfisher, Indian Airlines, Jet Airways are available. Frequent direct international flights to Amritsar International Airport are also available.

36 I Second Homes

Capture the richness of Vietnamese heritage. Open a window to the celebrated beach destination of Mui Ne with Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa.

One can balance beautiful beach life with intriguing exploration. A plethora of activities can be performed here like setting out on an exhilarating jeep tour or racing down towering sand dunes on mats.

Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa is located 198 kilometres northeast of Ho Chi Minh City and only 11 kilometres from Phan Thiet train station. This is a place where the sea meets the sand dunes in a paradise of relaxation. Visit to unwind to a symphony of swaying coconut palms, famously long golden beaches and stunning mountains—all blessed by Vietnam’s most ideal beach climate. The average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius, accompanied by a pleasant breeze, creates prime conditions for kite surfing, and surfing and sailing, to name just a few of the many water sports available.

One can balance beautiful beach life with intriguing exploration. A plethora of activities can be performed here like setting out on an exhilarating jeep tour or racing down towering sand dunes on mats. Experience the rhythm of coastal life at Mui Ne village, watching boats set off for their daily fishing voyage and return to unload their haul. Hire a boat and glide across the famous fresh water “Bau Trang”(White Lake), spanning 70 hectares and home to numerous fish, including the 30-kilogramme carp; or simply take in the forest and mountain scenery with a picnic on the banks.

One can take a short speedboat ride to a small island and climb the 184 steps of Ke Ga Light House. Built in 1899, this historic relic of original Binh Thuan architecture is now a major tourist attraction and offers wonderful views. A more

ambitious ascent can be found at Ta Cu Mountain, whose peak reaches 649 metres above sea level. 25,000 hectares of national primeval forest and an average temperature of 18-20 degrees Celsius create an inviting environment for scenic hikes. Small paths wind upwards for 2.4 kilometres and pass historic pagodas en route to the top, accompanied by a cable car for the less energetic, with the ultimate reward of a lofty panorama.

Follow a thrilling adventure with a pampering wellness journey at Anantara Spa, where an indulgent menu inspired by lotus flowers and treatments harnesses the highly-prized nourishment of coconuts. From basking in the sun at the shoreline pool, to invigorating in the gym, spend time enjoying the resort’s wider facilities, including a gift shop and reading lounge complete with books, magazines, CDs and DVDs—the property offers it all. Guests can retreat to one of the 89 rooms, suites and villas, designed to reflect traditional Vietnamese style and set amongst tropical landscaping with views of luscious gardens, the pool, fresh water lagoon or sea. Deluxe Anantara room features include a spacious bathroom with a large stone tub and separate rain shower, and elite entertainment is catered for by a 32-inch plasma television with satellite channels, wireless high-speed internet, as well as an iPod docking station in all

villas.

Indeed guests seeking the ultimate in location, space and imaginative luxury enjoy an impressive choice of six villa types, the pinnacle of which is an Anantara Two Bedroom Beach Front Pool Villa that boasts 128 square metres of living space spread over two storeys, with a master bedroom on each floor providing a wonderful sanctuary for families, or couples and friends travelling together.

Five restaurants and bars present authentic Vietnamese flavours and pay tribute to some of the world’s most celebrated cuisines. Highlights include fresh seafood grilled specialities with ocean views, a signature cocktail served in a local Cham pottery mug in a homely lounge, and cool refreshments at the swim-up bar, evolving into a poolside torch lit terrace with live entertainment by night. Bespoke opportunities abound in the form of a degustation menu in The Wine Cellar, and Dining by Design romance in idyllic resort settings, as well as off-site in the midst of natural and cultural wonders. Banqueting, event and meeting facilities comprise four conference rooms for up to 250 participants, as well as exceptional al fresco reception locations. If its adventure or just lazing on the beach make the most of your holiday in Vietnam at Anantara Mui Ne Resort and Spa.

38 I Beau Monde

J

ust like any other married couple, even the entrepreneur couples go through their grind of ups and downs amid the romance that keeps them bonded together. To kill our curiosity, we decided to chit-chat with few of the leading entrepreneur couples in India to get an insight about their professional and personal relationship.

Here are the excerpts…

Neha and Pradeep Hirani The masterminds behind the country’s leading luxury designer-wear fashion house Kimaya, Pradeep and Neha truly epitomise the term life-partner, in every sense! Passionate about the fashion industry and Kimaya, this dynamic duo talked to us while they were enjoying their holidays at Maldives.

SV- How did you meet Neha and what keeps your relationship going?

PHNeha and I were introduced through a common friend and then we took it up from there. Like any other couple we argue, agree, disagree as both of us have very strong opinions, but we always discuss things out. As it is said, if in a relationship both people agree on everything then one of them is not required. These disagreements help us reach a constructive decision and contemplate both sides of the coin.

Both of us have a unique personality and share our personal space, hence, together we complement each other

like Ying and Yang, bringing radical balance in our life and the business.

SV- What has been Neha’s role in your success, both, as a wife and a professional support?

PH- Neha has been a true life partner on all paths of life. She is a multitasker and handles all fronts quite competently. At home, she is a complete home-maker who loves taking care of the house and the kids. While at work she is a forwardthinking business woman thinking about

the company and the brand. She essays both the roles with such élan, that sometimes it is difficult to believe.

At work, she basically takes care of the present and I take care of the future, like two wheels of a bicycle. As wife, she is a strong anchor in my life that helps me keep my head on the shoulders. In both the roles she is extremely strong to face bad—weather, even a hailstorm— and that is how she supports me in every aspect of life!

Being involved in a business venture with your better half can garner huge rewards. Psychologically, one might assume it to be a perfect excuse for spending some extra quality time together. But is it really all that this package brings on board or there is more to it?

SV- Neha, you have been involved with Pradeep in taking Kimaya to a stage where it is today. How different is he when he is at home and at office?

NH- Pradeep is a completely different person at work. While at home he’s loving, caring and very considerate—all the things that you expect out of an ideal husband, but at work he’s very driven, aggressive and a hard-task master.

His attention for details along with an eye for perfection is an enviable asset.

In the 5-km drive from home to work, our relationship completely changes from life partners to business partners.

He doesn’t treat me like his wife at work.

I think, it is our absolute professional approach to work that has taken Kimaya this far. Kimaya is like our third baby that we want to nurture as well as we could.

SV- You are often referred to as ‘the couple’ who is the leader of Indian fashion in retail, especially luxury designerwear retail. What was your vision when you started Kimaya together?

PH- Before us, there were only four to five players in the country and there were two things common between all of them—they had been around for over 15 years and in those 15 years they had seen zero growth! There existed a huge gap between the demand and supply of designer wear in the country.

The disposable income was rising; people had the tastes and the means, but access was limited. Kimaya was started with the intention of filling this gaping void.

The vision for Kimaya was to launch “An exclusive, elusive iconic store guided by style, driven by trends and set in designs created with passion to suit the most refined and sophisticated tastes of fashion’s most celebrated people.”

NH- Luxury is not only about the product but also about the experience of buying it and the pride of owning it. The entire course of indulgence forms the fundamental of luxury retailing. A typical Kimaya patron would be a fashion enthusiast with a taste for the finer things

In the 5-km drive from home to work, our relationship completely changes from life partners to business partners. in life, the potential to afford it, demand impeccable service, attention and ego massage; which Kimaya deservingly provides them.

SV- On a lighter note, how does Pradeep react when you go on a shopping spree?

NH- Interestingly, my profession is all about being a shopaholic; I can’t run away from it. I handle buying and merchandising for Kimaya, hence, I am shopping all 365 days in a year. After so much shopping for my beloved clients, I do not have the energy to shop for myself. Hence, Pradeep does all the shopping for me and my kids, and I must say he’s pretty good at that!

love for everyone to see. What do you think is the USP of your relationship?

PM- I feel very comfortable working with Ankur. Our mutual trust and understanding as a couple transcends into our working and non working spheres. I believe, knowing the fact that we were meant to be together plays a very important role in our life.

SV- What has been the most romantic and memorable moment of your relation? Do you remember your first date?

AM- I think it was during our honeymoon.

We were in New Zealand and Priyanka forced me to go bungee-jumping with her. It was surreal when we both jumped off the ledge together from the highest point in all of New Zealand! Has to be THE most memorable moment of our relationship!

SV- Have you planned anything special for the coming Valentine’s Day?

Priyanka and Ankur Modi A young and dynamic designer couple, who run their label—am:pm—and have propelled it into a serious force in the Indian fashion industry. They believe that they were meant to be together and treat every day of their life as valentine day.

SV- Talk us through the commencement of your label—am:pm.

AM- We met through my cousin who happens to be one of Priyanka’s best friends. I was at that time working with my mother, Anju Modi and Priyanka was working with a fashion house. When we got married, both of us thought it would be exciting to also work together and also have a label of our own.

SV- You two seem to be the perfect couple. Professionally successful, have an aura for shutter-bugs and obvious

PM- Nothing as of yet! We do sometimes get caught up in all the cute craziness that surrounds Valentine’s, but it’s no pressure that we HAVE to celebrate it. But a lovely dinner with some bubbly at an al fresco joint always works well.

SV- If you havee to describe Ankur in one word, what would that be?

PM- Sorted!

Our mutual trust and understanding as a couple transcends into our working and non working spheres.

Deepali and Sanjay Krishnan One of the youngest but prominent faces of the advertising field, Sanjay and Deepali Krishnan run their own advertising firm—Think Inc Studio. Amid their initial professional fights, they soon realized that they actually were in love with each other. Know them more…

SV- Sanjay, tell us a bit about you and Deepali. Apparently you two did not get along well initially as professionals, is that right?

SK- We met while working at JWT in 2004, where she was the Sr. Art Director on some of the brands I was handling.

We had quite the typical creative v/s servicing relationship at work, but somewhere along the line in between all the fights, we realized we really liked each other. We got our parents to meet a year later and in November 2006 we were married.

SV- How is he as a working partner?

Better husband or a better professional person?

DK- I’ve always told Sanjay that he shows more patience and restraint with our clients than he does with me. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great husband but he really goes out of his way for all the clients who put their faith and trust in us. So in a nutshell, I would say—a great husband, but a better professional.

SV- The idea of starting Think Inc Studio came after marriage or was i already in the pipeline?

SK- We toyed with the idea of starting something of our own a year into our marriage. Managing quality time together was becoming a challenge, especially as Deepali had changed her job and we worked for different agencies.

We finally mustered up the courage to quit our regular jobs and start working on our own, in mid 2008. I quit my job in early 2008 to start a wildlife firm. Deepali quit later in the year and we started working from home. It was freelance to start with but slowly we built a loyal list of clients. We worked out of our home for a year but in early 2010 we finally re-

alized that we needed a formal office.

After a lot of scouting, we zeroed in on Hauz Khas Village as it had the right ambience and is really a lively place.

SV- Within two years of its inception, Think Inc has come a long way! What has been your mantra to success?

DK- I believe Think Inc has found a niche where it’s nestled comfortably in the space between the medium to large agencies and the many small design firms. We offer the quality of work that a medium to large agency will give you, but at lower costs. What really works for us is our level of commitment to the client and the service we deliver.

Our clients know that once they have given us a job, they can stop worrying irrespective of how much work there is or how less time we have for it. If we take it up, we make sure we deliver.

SV- At Think Inc Studio, you also look at the production part for the clients. Does

it eases the work process or adds on to the responsibilities?

SK- We take on the production work for the client so that they have the pressure off their shoulders. It means extra work and pressure on us personally, but that’s precisely why our clients trust us. We get the job done end to end, with minimum involvement or headache for the client.

SV – Here is a tough one for both of you.

Who holds the romance part going in your relationship?

DK- Definitely me (laughs). Although he is sweet, thoughtful and brings me flowers once in a while, I don’t think he has one romantic bone in his body.

We had quite the typical creative v/s servicing relationship at work, but somewhere along the line in between all the fights, we realized we really liked each other.

Aarti and Sanjeev Preenja Aarti Preenja is an artist who started Mrigna Group that encourages artists from the remotest and poorest parts of India and provides them a platform to showcase their talent to the world, along with an artist friend Shankar Pratap Singh. Sanjeev Preenja is a renowned garment exporter who plans to expand his business into the hospitality industry soon. They recently celebrated their 25th marriage anniversary and know what it takes to love one another.

For now and forever!

SV- You recently celebrated your 25th anniversary. How do you see the time spent when you look back at those years?

SP- It has been a roller-coaster ride to be honest. From taking care of each other to taking care of the kids, we have done it all. Now that you ask this question, it makes us realise how quickly time flies when you are with someone you want to be with.

SV- What prompted you to start Mrigna group? How difficult is it to promote artists who are financially challenged?

AP- India has got a lot of talent but most of it goes wasted due to poor infrastructure and lack of funds in the remote areas of the country. Being an artist it always gave a pinching feeling and that prompted me to start Mrigna Group with my old friend Shankar Pratap Singh, who is an artist himself. It was extremely difficult to promote upcoming artists because of the efforts we had to put in to convince the buyers to buy the work of a relatively new artist, but that was not all. It is almost impossible to sell everything in any exhibition and making a new artist understand that fact can surely take its toll. Luckily we have been able to serve them well so far and hopefully will continue to do so in the future too.

SV- But you never took any financial help from your husband. Why is that?

AP- I have never considered this step of mine as a commercial work. It was and is meant to be a charity work that helps

the artists who are in need of any guidance and support. The feeling of self contentment is more important to me and that could only come if I worked it out on my own.

SV- Sanjeev, you are in the export business which itself speaks of the volume of time that you have to dedicate to your work. How do you manage the professional and personal life?

SP- It sure is a difficult job, but that’s the best part of our relationship—time management. Things have been running very moothly, as Aarti has worked with me on and off and we have travelled a lot together, thus spending some nice time together without missing out much in life.

SV- How adjusting has Aarti been to your long working hours? Does she travel a lot due to her work?

SP- Not that she is my wife so I am say-

ing this, but I think she is an incredible human being who knows how to channelise all the work-related issues. She doesn’t travel that often and manages her things over the phone. No matter how tight her schedule is, she gives me and the family our due and that keeps everything going strong.

SV- Aarti, would you call Sanjeev a better father or a better husband?

AP- (Smiles) He has never given me an opportunity to complain, so I cannot blackmail him for anything. But I will have to admit that he is definitely a better father! He is very caring and concerned about our children and their upbringing which I think is very essential in keeping the family bonding glued tight.

From taking care of each other to taking care of the kids, we have done it all. Time flies quickly when you are with someone you want to be with.

42 I Beau Monde

Best role to play says Irawati Harshe about being a mother and bringing up her two daughters—six-year-old Devieka and five-year-old Isha. The passionate actor talks to Prerna Jaiswal about juggling time between her children and her work.

Were you working when you had your first child?

I completely stopped working in order to have Devieka. As the pregnancy was a little complicated, I was advised complete bed rest. After she was born and while I was pregnant with Isha I did a film called Mithya. Rajat (Kapoor) really wanted me to do the film. I told him that I was pregnant and it would be difficult. He insisted and said he would wait till the last two days before shooting began. I did the film and it was a really terrific experience and I had to go back to the hospital.

How difficult was it for you to juggle time between work and children after your daughters were born?

After Ishu was born, I started doing primarily films. It was tough when I had

Till age seven are the formative years of a child where maximum amount of impact takes place. So, who they are exposed to is equally important. Even though I had maids, the time that my children spent with the maid was marginally low. to leave my new born kids with my mother. Devieka was very young when Isha was born—there is a gap of only a year and two months between them.

It was difficult and also heartbreaking at times. But I had to do it because I wanted to, and the time was just right for me to get back to work. When they are younger, though they need the mother yet at the same time there is a margin where you can work and come back. It was quite an act of jugglery.

Was there a nanny taking care of them?

No, my mum and my dad have really been there for me. My daughters are really lucky to have such loving grandparents, on both sides. They were with my mum for most of the time, who was my pillar of strength.

So how difficult was it handling both of them alone?

I didn’t keep a nanny but I had day maids. With two children, there is a constant need of attention and the maids have to be supervised but at least the menial household work gets taken care of. With Devieka I handled everything till she was a year old and before Isha was born. I didn’t keep any

full-time help and did everything on my own and thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn’t want any interference, another presence and wanted to do everything for my child. I would bathe her, feed her, and make food for her —everything. It was a very peaceful time.

What are your sentiments about the nanny culture?

The aim should be to get a good nanny, not just a nanny (laughs). It is a choice and not something that I personally subscribe to. I feel that the mother has to be present for everything as the child is emulating a lot of things. Between ages one and five they only learn through imitation. What is in front of them is what they will do. Till age seven are the formative years of a child where maximum amount of impact takes place.

So, who they are exposed to is equally important. Even though I had maids, the time that my children spent with the maid was marginally low.

During your sabbatical were you missing going back to the industry?

A part of me really wanted to. I decided to do only films and not television as it is a daily medium and would give me little time with my daughters. When

you are creative you need that creative satisfaction over and over again.

But then of course a child coming into your life really takes centre stage and that space of creativity is filled with an entirely different process of satisfaction. As they say, a lot of things change when you become a mother, including your body, but even your emotions change because everything becomes child centric.

You are from the entertainment industry. How much does your line of work impact your children?

I am a very different kind of actor. For Devieka I am the best actor there is and she is very proud her mother is an actor. It’s very heartening to hear this.

I have always maintained a very low profile and don’t go out for parties.

The film culture is completely out of my house. The only way they are in touch with films is when I show them good films and we discuss about it.

So your daughters talk movies?

Children like to know a little more than just watching a film. They have their own views about the kind of films they have seen. We watched the Golden Globes recently and they said, “Mom,

Make the most of the time when you get back home and DO NOT carry work home. why don’t you also go there?” and “Why don’t you also get an award like this?” Until now they would only ask if I knew Shahrukh Khan or Katrina Kaif.

Also, they were very thrilled that I had worked in We are Family with Kajal, their favourite actress.

Has any one of them showed interest in entering the film industry?

Too young to say anything. They both have flitting dreams. Sometimes they want to be an actor, sometimes a singer, a dancer, a director, an engineer or a pilot (laughs). Things change. It is a weekly thing. But I must say my children have a very creative bent of mind and I won’t be surprised if they do take up creative arts including acting.

How do you manage your time and schedule?

It has been pretty tough. Unfortunately for me, they went to a school which had an afternoon schedule. So, they would leave at 2 pm and come back at 7 pm. Currently am facing an entirely different schedule—Devieka goes in the morning and Isha goes in the afternoon when Devieka returns. So within that I’ve to find time for myself. I wake up really early in the morning at 5 am and till 6:30—when I have to wake up Devieka—I do my writing and spiritual practises. That’s how my day begins.

You’re into spirituality; how do you inculcate these spiritual values in your children?

I believe, we are all spiritual beings having a human experience. Yes, my children are intuitive and very inherently perceptive about the nature of things, like all children are. They too have imaginary friends and have wonderful visions. I try and nurture that aspect and

it’s very important that all parents do the same. They shouldn’t try and kill that spark. All of us have that spark at some time. We have a very strong connection with our creator, whoever that might be.

I did a workshop with children between the age of four and ten. This workshop was egged on by my daughter. Devieka really insisted that I should teach her friends what I was teaching her and Isha. That was how this workshop came about.

Could you tell me a little more about this workshop?

Well, it was a fun-filled day and nothing heavy. I spoke to them about universal laws and truths, body awareness, and the importance of water. About our existence and purpose on this planet; a little bit about the environment and earth and how she is the greatest mother and creator. Everything around us is given by her, so we need to respect and nurture that. It was marvellous and they still carry on practising it—simple things like blessing your food before eating. It was done in a playful atmosphere, yet some very important truths were imparted to the children.

Who is the naughtier of the two, Devieka or Isha?

Oh! Both are equally naughty. They take turns in being mischievous. There is a whole week of Devieka being absolutely impish and a week of Isha being absolutely sensitive to what is happening around. And then they switch. They share a very strong bond and can be equally sensitive and very perceptive.

They pick up on my mood, even when I don’t want them to. So one has to be very careful about what you say or do around them.

During your sabbatical and now that you have started working again, how supportive has your husband been?

I have a really supportive family—my parents, my husband and also my inlaws. I feel very blessed to have a family that understands. Even my children have come to understand that their mother also has to go to work but I still spend as much time with them.

How do you manage your odd timings?

Sometimes I do have odd timings but then I normally try and get off early.

During the shooting of Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi we were shooting during the night. I was out for ten nights in a row so I would try and spend time with them during the day. It is just a matter of adjustments.

What works of yours are your daughters favourite?

Oh, they haven’t seen much of my work. I also ensure they do not see inappropriate programs and violent cartoons and cinema. All their friends have seen Ra One but my daughters haven’t. I feel they are too young to see and understand this kind of cinema. As long as I can protect them I will.

Your five tips for working women?

Things that most working women battle is guilt: of leaving the child behind and going to work. I think that can be a real deterrent for them and they should let go of the guilt. They have made a choice and they should stick to it and equally divide their time with the children and make the most of it. Make the most of the time when you get back home and DO NOT carry work home.

45 I Beau Monde

The slight tilt of a cream-coloured hat, a pair of spectacles perched precariously on the tip of her petite nose and a smile that can win over even the biggest cynic—Yoko Ono, Japanese artist, filmmaker and peace activist, is every inch a performer. Being a Beatles widow (she was married to John Lennon) certainly helps—to create an aura that is as exotic as the India she rediscovered as part of her artistic debut in Delhi.

Though this is not her maiden visit to India—she had accompanied Lennon in the early ‘70′s to visit a Sai Baba camp—this is perhaps the first time that the attention is all hers to grab. She provided a multi-media experience of her art – two parallel exhibitions, a performance and public art installations spread over 20 venues in Delhi.

The exhibition Our Beautiful Daughters, the title of which Ono claims was inspired by her visit to India—apart from giving a glimpse into an art practice which speaks of essential universal values of courage, peace and faith, brought into focus the issues of gender.

Ono has always delved into the experiences of women and has created a new installation for India that sheds light on some of the challenges women face today. Apart from this, the show in Delhi recalled some of her legendary instruction based works. My Mommy Is Beautiful, for instance, extends an invitation to viewers to cover empty canvases and walls with messages and photographs of their mother as a dedication to motherhood and love.

“It’s endearing to see that so many Indian women, despite so much suffering, stand up for themselves. And so many women here are involved with the arts,” says the 79-year- old whose own childhood during the Second World War in Japan when the family was forced to beg for food and youth as a woman was far from easy. “If we don’t respect our women, we will destroy everything,” she says, “I believe that if you give freedom, justice and peace to women, you are paving the way for world peace.”

The parallel show titled The Seeds will showcase some of Ono’s earlier works – films, collaborations with other artists, instructions, photographs, along with documentation of her earlier performances.

Her performance piece titled To India With Love that took place on January 15 at India Habitat Centre was the highlight of her art outing. Ono stated only the audience inspires her for impromptu pieces. An example of her earlier performance art is , first performed in 1964 at the Sogetsu Art Center in Tokyo. Ono executed the performance in Tokyo by walking on stage and casually kneeling on the floor in a draped garment. Audience members were asked to come on stage and begin cutting until she was naked.

It’s endearing to see that so many Indian women, despite so much suffering, stand up for themselves. And so many women here are involved with arts.

Cut Piece was Ono’s way to outwardly communicate her internal suffering through her art at the same time making a plea for social unity and love.

In addition, Ono also created her famous Wish Tree which she first made in Japan in 1996 inspired by her childhood experience of visiting a temple in Japan where she would write a wish on a piece of paper and attach it to a tree’s branch. “When I did the Wish Tree project in LA, there wasn’t much of a response but in Spain, it was the working class which came out in huge queues to tie their wish around the tree. I decided then that I would never throw away these and will somehow find a place for them.” The wishes—now totalling over a million—will be sent to Imagine Peace Tower, a memorial Ono created for Lennon in 2007 on the isle of Videy in Iceland.

Wish Tree, however, is only one among the several public art projects Ono put up in Delhi. Since the 60′s, Ono has made artworks using advertising as a medium. In 1969, with Lennon, she launched the iconic anti-war campaign War Is Over (if you want it) across the world. The banners and instructions are often translated into the languages of the countries they are displayed in, making their meaning accessible to the masses. For India in 2012, she has specially chosen four messages—Smile, Touch, Dream and Our Beautiful Daughters. John Lennon once described her as “the world’s most famous unknown artist: everybody knows her name, but nobody knows what she does.” But with this Indian soiree, at least for us this is going to change.

46 I Beau Monde

I

t was hardly a surprise to see long queues, crowded halls, sold out tickets and flashing cameras everywhere in the recently concluded 11th edition of Auto Expo 2012. Though there was a decline in the number of participants; 1500 opposed to 2100 from last season two years back, Auto Expo is fast becoming a much awaited automobile extravaganza in India.

Though the dates overlapped with the North American Auto Expo in Detroit, but the extended two days and the exuberance shown

by over 100,000 visitors every day covered up for that successfully.

There are no assumptions to make that the charismatic ambience and the options available to look at, must have made many a pockets lose weight, but in reality not many would dare to step up and buy if the product cannot be enjoyed; especially on Indian roads.

Considering that, here is a list of few machinery monsters that include – looks, technical specifications and the price tag that is to dent your pocket (but are worth it).

Jaguar XFR

Techinal specifications Engine Type- 5.0 L Supercharged V8 Petrol Displacement- 5000 cc Cylinder/Valves per cylinder- 8/4 Maximum Power- 550 Ps @ 6000-6500 rpm Maximum Torque- 680 Nm @ 2500-5500 rpm Transmission- 6- Speed Automatic Acceleration 0-100kph- 4.4 seconds Top speed kph- 300 Weight (kg)- 1753 GVV (k)- 2145 Overall Height (mm)- 1312 Overall Width (mm)- 1892 Wheelbase (mm)- 2752 Overall length (mm)- 4794 Estimated Price in India (ex-showroom)`90,00,000.

Audi R8 Spyder (5.2 FSI) Technical Specifications

Engine Type- 5.2 FSI Quattro Maximum Torque-530 Nm @ 3500-7500 rpm Transmission- 6- Speed Gearbox with shift by wire technology Acceleration 0-100kph- 4.1 seconds Top speed kph- 313 Weight (kg)- 1753 Overall Height (mm)- 1244 Overall Width (mm)- 1904 Wheelbase (mm)- 2650 Overall length (mm)- 4434 Estimated price in India (ex-showroom)`1,50,00,000 ex showroom.

Mahindra & Mahindra Limited - Ssangyong Rexton Technical specifications

Engine type- 2.7-litre Turbo charged Diesel Engine with VGT Turbo Charger Cylinder/Valves per cylinderMaximum Power- 165 bhp @ 4000 rpm Maximum Torque- 340 Nm @1800-3250 rpm Transmission- 5-speed T-tronic automatic transmission mechanism Acceleration 0-100kph- 11.6 seconds Top speed kph- 112 Weight (kg)- 2088 Overall Height (mm)- 1830 Overall Width (mm)- 1870 Wheelbase (mm)- 2820 Overall length (mm)- 4720 Estimated price in India (ex-showroom)`18,00,000 – 22,00,000.

48 I Beau Monde

Famous Italian poet-Durante Degli Alighieri once said “The customs and fashions of men change like leaves on the bough, some of which go and others come.”

While runways have witnessed some admirable and also some catastrophic revolutions; wristwatch fashion for men has grown from strength to strength, since the first ever man’s wrist watch ‘Santos’ was invented by Louis Cartier in the early 90’s for Alberto Santos-Dumont.

Admittedly, we all like getting spoiled by the options available but at times it can result in ringing the bells of confusion in one’s mind. Thereby, the golden rule for the wrist says—whether you are looking for an image change or want a medium to speak about your heavy pockets, a right timepiece can be your perfect fashion arsenal.

A first-rate watch can always spin your wardrobe with class and to contribute to the idea, we decided to make a list of three watches that could be your partner in crime.

Piaget Black Tie

Vacheron Constantin Quai De L’ile

Patek Philippe Patek Philippe gives you not one but

Swiss watchmaker Piaget takes huge pride in its Black Tie collection that per-

If you have some cash and wish to

numerous reasons to buy its watches.

sonifies elegance, precision and per-

spend it on something that would set

First, unlike any other watch manufac-

formance that can bring out the most

some eyes rolling, then this is the per-

turer Patek Philippe is known for manu-

sophisticated movements to your life.

fect product for you. Watches may

facturing its own watch components.

From the world’s thinnest tourbillon to

come and go in your wardrobe, but

Second, in April 2008- Sky Moon Tourbil-

the perpetual calendar, over fourteen

the choice of three metals, two dials

lon, a platinum Patek Philippe tourbillion

different manufacture calibers have

and two different finishes enables you

wrist-watch, made the world record of

been integrated into this collection. An

to customise the look of your watch

most expensive watch and was sold for

exhibition of supreme skills the collec-

that can create world-class intimacy of

1.49 million USD. Third, for the 150th anni-

tion comes in cushion, rectangular-and

fashion on your wrist and give you the

versary in 1989, Patek created a watch

square-shaped cases with plain and

feeling of belongingness. The dial has

with 39 complications including the

diamond versions that can produce

soft vertical satin-finishing in the central

date of Easter, time of sunrise, equation

the ultimate experience of tasteful ex-

zone with an opaline external ring, day

of time, sidereal time and many other

travagance when endured.

and date indication zones and three

indicators.

-bar water resistance.

The brand easily is one of the standouts

Don’t blame us if people stop looking at your clothes and are glued —talking

The name of this collection is a reminder

in the market not simply because of its

to your hand!

of the first headquarters of the brand’s

rich history but durability too. Remem-

Maison in the 19th century in the heart

ber, watches are not a compulsive ac-

of Geneva, Switzerland, where clients

cessory for men anymore, for, style has

placed their orders to the watchmak-

a new synonym now.

ers. This gives you a perfect charm to connect twith history in a timeless form.

72 I Fashion and Entertainment 50

We spot our ladies back at home at events in good and bad outfits. The red carpet events weren’t really embraced with classy sophisticated attires. At Colors screen awards two ladies caught our attention – Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma.

Both carried off their gowns very well and actually looked smashing. While at Arjun Rampal’s perfume launch at Aurus, Mumbai celebs failed to impress us at all.

Daboo Ratnani’s calendar launch was a better received event from attire point of view. While, as usual, Sonam kapoor wore some good ones at various events.

Here are our picks –

Anushka Sharma: Looked pretty in this Bibhu Mohapatra gown.

Her slender, tall canvas embraced the attire with much ease and she carried it off very well. Her accessories and nude make-up with smoky eyes perfected the look.

Deepika Padukone: She burnt the red carpet with her sexy back and well-fitted Gauri-Nainika gown.

The structure at the back moved with Deepika’s perfect body quiet comfortably.

Padma Laxmi : She was a vision!

She looked like a Venetian statue with her marvellous figure standing out in this elegant evening gown. The embellishing around the neck was smooth and sexy.

Accessorising it with her sky high cheek bones, she needn’t use anything else.

Bipasha Basu: She looked rather casual, yet smart. Her recent fetish for Dior trenches was seen here as well. We only wish her hair wasn’t styled like that, a simple sleek high pony would’ve done the trick.

Priyanka Chopra: Its neither bad nor good and it’s not even in the middle. This is conspiracy, we tell you! when all the primary colours enter one ensemble, they look unhappy together.

Natasha Poonawala: This damsel has got every fashion journalist’s head turning but this ensemble was quite a disaster. Thankfully she had those shoes on!! Our eyes were glued to them… smoking shoes Natasha!!

Gauri Khan: Not sure what is happening with that look. It’s just so bad one doesn’t even feel like talking about it. Even Katrina Kaif dresses better!! Whoa! Now you got to take your styling lessons seriously!

Haseena Jaithmalani: Well, she seemed to be reading some old romantic novel and had caught fancy to the male character in it. ‘Prince Haseena’ your ruffled blouse and red blazer look ancient and that denim is simply not in the decorum of your aristocratic retro charm.

James Ferreira: We would be sad had the designer not wooed us with his signature charm. What can we say? The only spicy element at Rampal’s perfume launch!! Kudos James!

Sonam kapoor looked futuristically sexy in this Falguni and Shane Peacock number. The sleeves and the print were refreshing and the overall look was powerful. She did great by not accessorising it at all as the dress is a standalone winner.

Binal Trivedi: Green has been such a rage this season that our eyes were itching to see some body wear it. And along came Binal in her green cocktail dress, well accessorised. She looked pretty smart and sexy.

Sonam was spotted in this super sexy and elegant Victoria Beckham number. Nothing can be said in opposition to this classic sheath dress. It embraced her tall curvaceous figure beautifully. Well done Sonam you keep the fashion alive back home ;)

52 I Fashion and Entertainment

The celebrities strut their stuff in style on the red carpet as two-tones, deep blues, mermaid cuts, pastels and cut-out backs rules this year’s Golden Globe Awards. We catch some of the biggest trendsetters from the lot.

1

Sofia Vergara in a teal curve-hugging strapless mermaid silhouette by Vera Wang and wide Harry Winston jewelled cuffs.

2

Tilda Swinton in a light blue gown and matching fitted jacket with Fred Leighton jewels.

3

Angelina Jolie in a cream satin gown

by Atelier Versace with a one-shoulder folded red accent, accessorised with a striking red clutch, scarlet lips and Lorraine Schwartz earrings.

4

Shailene Woodley in a soft lavender Marchesa gown.

5

6

1

2

Emma Stone in a two-tone Lanvin gown with a wide eagle adorned belt and a Cartier bag.

Freida Pinto in Chopard bib necklace with 145 carats of yellow diamonds and 1,705 micro-pave diamond stones.

Madonna wore a dark green embroidered gown by Reem Acra.

Heidi Klum in turquoise Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

54 I Fashion and Entertainment

We saw a lot of statement jewellery in 2011 and good news is it is here to stay as the spring accessories forecast promises the comeback of all sort of jewellery. The major muse for us has always been statement neckpieces as there are many possibilities of styling them, one just has to have the eye for it. Celebs styled themselves exotically in these iconic style statements. Some styled them eccentrically with casuals, while some added to the simplicity of their ensemble with the oomph of these stunners around their necks. If you have an eye for fashion and can be definite about how you want to carry these glamourous pieces, you are sure to be on a roll this year.

AURELIE BIDERMANN

Sonam Kapoor who has been spotted on several occasions in gorgeous statement neckpieces had a lot of statement making moments for us to be awfully happy!!

MONIQUE PEAN

SERGIO ROSSI

SPRING 2012 AKONG

LIZZIE FURTUNATO

Right: Meryl Streep added oomph to her classy ensemble with this gold statement neckpiece.

Left: Tory Berch was seen adorning an Indian statement neckpiece on casual formals.

DANNIJO

Style icon Olivia Palermo was spotted on several occasion flaunting super exotic precious stones statement neckpieces.

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT KOSLAK: The Himalayan project KOSLAK by Thinles Chosdup & Nirajana Adhya is an interesting fashion label.

Sassy, high-end and conceptual, it is a result of a vast and comprehensive research of traditions and its environs in the Himalayan regions of Ladakh and its amalgamation with contemporary street style. The cross between the traditional and the individualistic fashion from the urban life/street. Inspired by the harsh and rigid mountain life of the northern Himalayan region and its rich and highly practical culture, KOSLAK is an eclectic offering of curated pieces of a highly evolved aesthetic.

56 I Fashion and Entertainment

1 When it comes to this season’s must-have florals, digital prints reign supreme. So we love kaleidoscopic degradé stretchcrepe dress.

Etro’s

4 Masterfully cut to show off the label’s signature sculptural draping,

Vionnet’s

one-shoulder stretch-crepe dress makes for a striking evening look.

2

3

Girlish and glam with just the right amount of country chic,

Just Cavalli’s

white silk-satin and blue silk-chiffon maxi dress is the ultimate in Cruise cool. With a T-shirt overlay and a dramatic pleated train, this fashionforward piece will stand out at daytime events or after-dark soirees.

Miu Miu’s

gingham-print silk-taffeta dress is a wonderful example of the label’s Memphis rockabilly inspiration for Cruise ‘12.

OFF THE RUNWAY TLF brings you top 10 dresses straight off the ramp.

Be the first ones to wear these and make heads turn as Spring will be brighter and sassier than usual.

5 Mulberry

modernizes the timeless prom dress silhouette in shimmering metallic-pink jacquard to eye-catching effect.

6 Graphic patterns punctuated

Diane von Furstenberg’s latest

8

7

collection, and this colour-block dress was one of our favourite takes on the trend. Cut from stretch-crepe and with a cutout back, it’s a fabulousl contemporary evening choice.

Lace is staying firmly on the fashion agenda this season, and

Lela Rose’s floral appliqué on ivory linen makes for a beautiful contrast.

M Missoni’s

cotton-blend crochet-knit maxi dress will lend your look an instant hit of tactile glamour.

In a striking fusion of hothouse hues, this figure-flattering style is the perfect way to turn up the volume after dark—eather wedges and stacked charm bracelets will make the perfect additions.

9 Take a bold approach to fashion’s favourite florals in

Jason Wu’s

10 Vionnet’s

artfully draped and pleated cream crepe dress will take you through the busy social season in style.

Sure to be the star of your party wardrobe, give this elegantly feminine piece new direction for each event with a change of jewellery and shoes.

structured-silk dress. A full skirt and figuredefining waist lend this striking style an ultra feminine silhouette—bare legs and shoulder-skimming earrings are the only accessories you need.

58 I Fashion and Entertainment

TRUE INDIGO DENIM JACKETS

CHECKERED FLANNEL SHIRTS

rs of From the dive ba de the Lower East Si of ks to the boardwal ar’s Brooklyn, this ye is all inaugural trend about vintage America: denim jackets, coloured inted skinny jeans, pr shirts, and slick saddle shoes.

SADDLE SHOES

RALPH LAUREN DENIM JACKET ` 18000/-

ASOS COLOUR BLOCKED SHIRT ` 2400/-

ASOS CHECK SHIRT ` 2400/-

ASOS MUSTARD COAT ` 4500/-

RIVER ISLAND HOLDALL ` 3200/-

WHILLAS AND GUNN TRAVEL BAG ` 6000/-

MARK MCNAIRY SADDLE SHOES `14000/-

RAY BAN WAYFARERS ` 7500/-

RAY BAN ROUND GLASSES ` 5500/-

60 I Advertorial

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62 I Fashion and Entertainment

Valentine’s Day is inching closer and we bring you a list of latest collections to gift your loved ones. These special pieces are the perfect amalgamation of soul-deep love and aesthetic beauty.

Jewels of Love Tara Jewellers have brought their Valentine collection with a chic look to the everlasting heart-shaped pendants studded with sparkling diamonds. With classic designs at affordable prices, this collection will compliment everyday wear and also the perfect little dress on the date.

Price:` 3,000 to ` 7,000 This Valentine’s Day, surprise your love with Tanya Rossi’s dazzling adornments that boast of glamour and are full of style, class and elegance. Tanya Rossi’s breathtaking jewellery designs will leave your lady love in awe and make her fall in love with you all over again!

Available at: MUMBAI: - The Rose International – CR2, Nariman Point & Grand Galleria, High Street, Phoenix - Watches And More - Oberoi Mall Goregaon, Infiniti Mall Andheri (W) & Infiniti Mall Malad (W) DELHI: - Shoppers Stop Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj & Rohini

Popley Eternal has launched an exclusive party wear Cocktail ring collection. The ring has subtle intertwining diamonds and represents modern, over-the-top glamour and can be paired with anything. Versatile and sensational, these Cocktail rings will bring class to your party attire. No matter what you choose to wear, they have a style that is going to be perfect for you.

The Valentine collection, Neelaya by Alpana Gujral encapsulates the multiple facets of the peacock’s proud spirit —beauty, grace, rejuvenation and immortality. Royal blues, iridescent greens, the brilliance of diamonds and the subtle sheen of gold, are transformed into creations as immortal as the very peacock itself. Neelaya showcases fine jewellery with a distinct identity creating sheer poetry with embellished collars, cuffs, earrings, cocktail rings resplendent with the auspicious peacock motif.

Chitih Sparkling Gems brings beautiful gifting options for your loved ones. Spar-

kling rubies and seductive emeralds, pretty sapphires in a flawless duet with diamonds, corals, amethysts in exquisite designs and flawless settings. One can choose from a wide range of necklaces, rings and earrings that are available in a plethora of designs and patterns.

Available at: Chitih Sparkling Gems, 325, Ground Floor, Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, New Delhi – 110065, Tel: 91-1141620009.

A beautiful day that speaks of love and romance, rejoice Valentine’s Day with gifts galore from Bracialeto. A bunch of trinkets in luscious reds and maroons will set the tone for any attire this season of love. Add Bracelets, lariats, rings, earrings, anklets to your jewellery closet and be the ultimate Diva for the love of your life! Price: `2000 onwards Available at: Fuel Khar & Chowpatty, Mumbai, Folio, Bangaluru, Hyatt, Goa, Blue Fire, Pune.

Gifting Ideas have come up with a new collection and these quirky products can be the best gift for this valentine.

Choose from Heart Talk, Cup of Joy, Anti-stress heart-shape, metal keyring, red colour candle, memo clip, mint box dispenser, tin box with candies, bag holder, Instant heat pad in heart shape, pill box and clips.

Express your affection for all the important people in your life with a heartwarming gift from Lladro. These fine pieces of porcelain have been known to translate emotions into their sculptures. Happy AnniversaryIssue:Price : `24,500 (17 pieces available in India), The Happiest day: Price : `31,000 (27 pieces available in India), Cherub Of Love:Price : `130,000 (17 pieces available in India) Time to Love Make your beloved feel special and celebrate the time spent together with the luxurious TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Lady Diamonds. New to the prestigious Carrera range, this luxurious watch proves that “Diamonds are forever.” 13 top Wesselton diamonds are displayed on the delicate mother-of-pearl dial with its spiral effect. The elegant setting of 60 diamonds is divided over bezel

Hari Ram Jewellers Green Park, New Delhi

and polished case. The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Lady Diamonds is a watch that will dazzle people whenever you wear it.

The sparkling TAG Heuer Formula 1 Diamonds exudes incomparable freshness, youth and femininity. This high-fashion sports watch with a polished bezel, luxuriously decorated with 120 Wesselton diamonds, is an irresistible combination of power and beauty, strength and elegance, sportiness and prestige. Once on the wrist, this timepiece is sure not to go unnoticed.

Surprise your man with an exquisite selection from a special Men’s Collection comprising of The Aquaracer Calibre 16 Automatic Chronograph, The Link Calibre 5 Day Date, Monaco V4 cufflinks and the Monaco Belt, luxurious timepieces and accessories from TAG Heuer that they will treasure forever. With a sapphire crystal head, the cufflinks exude luxury, elegance, and refined taste.

La D de Dior 38 mm Opal - Pink is made of Australian White Opal, which is a solid precious Opal distinguished by a white or light background, and is opaque.

Thanks to its fires, it is considered as a lucky charm sensitive to emotions. It is supposed to become paler in front of an enemy and more intense in front of a friend. With a case in white gold bezel and crown set with diamonds, Austrian white opal dial with polished Dauphine hands in white gold, black satin strap with white gold ardillon buckle set with diamonds, Zenith Elite 631 manual-wind ing movement, 50-hour power reserve, 30 meters water resistance amongst other features. Price on request.

66 I Fashion and Entertainment

DIOR’S DIVA

Mila Kunis has been announced the new face of Christian Dior. The actor best known for her role in the movie Black Swan and the cult television series, That ‘70’s Show is thrilled to become an ambassador for Dior. “The brand is iconic in so many ways. It defines fashion, elegance and sophistication,” she said. Kunis has just finished the shooting of her upcoming film with co-star James Franco and will be headlining the label’s Spring/Summer 2012 Miss Dior handbag campaign.

JT GETS ENGAGED

Very sorry for all the ladies who had much believed that the man with marvelous moves was theirs. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Beil have finally admitted to their engagement. After a brief three-month breakup they both realised that the pair was inseparable and patched up. Thinking it the best moment to propose, Timberlake popped the question and Beil said “YES”..

I hear a loud “WHAT THE…..”.

It is so sweet ! Say “AAAW” instead!! Mean girls!

FRAGRANT SPEECH

The Twilight Saga star has been named the new spokeswoman for a fragrance from Balenciaga.

The brand’s creative director, Nicolas Ghesquière, said of the actress: “Kristen embodies the modernity of the new Balenciaga fragrance with her unique sensibility and intelligence.”

Referring to the company as “cool,”(Stewart’s patented adjective) Stewart herself says of the honor: “Balenciaga has always stood out to me. Even when I first began to consider fashion and admittedly rarely knew the brand I was wearing, I always recognized and loved Balenciaga.”

Yes some of the iconic stars have reverted back to hair temptations. The old addiction has worked up again for dear Robert Pattinson, Keisha and Katy Perry .

GOODWILL GONE BAD

TAYLOR’s DATING AGAIN

Miss Taylor Swift was seen giggling with another babe recently who she has been spotted with many times before. The last she giggled was with supremely hot wolf-boy of Twilight series—Taylor Lautner!!

They dated for six months in spite of having the same names! Shocking!

Anyway, now she has been spotted with Zac Efron. Yes, the very good looking one! And Taylor says they were only having lunch together.

Come on girl, at least agree to the date. He drove you to the swanky hotel in his Audi for Christ’s sake!

MOST DESIRABLE HAIRCUTS OF 2011 were Emma Watson’s and Justin Beiber’s.

Oprah was in india for a week-long trip, apparently for some goodwill project that her network, namely “OWN”, is going to air. She visited the slums in Mumbai—obviously, the fad hasn’t died, and in fact it has become a classic now. She was joined by Gregory David Roberts, author of the book “Shantaram”, as she took in the sights.

Later at night she was spotted inside the Bachchan’s car—WITH THE ENTIRE FAMILY!! Big B driving with his son next to him while Jaya Bachchan, Ash and Oprah were squashed at the back.

How cute! On her travel schedule Agra, Rishikesh, Delhi and Jaipur had also been listed. And she has already decided to wear a Sabysachi sari in Jaipur.

Her good will mission, the humble one, ended up luxuriously pompous.

Careful Oprah many doubt your intentions already!

2

Robert Pattinson created quite a buzz at the People’s Choice Awards.

The actor popped up on stage flaunting a stubble and a crew cut quite contrary to his clean shaven floppy

hair beautiful vampire look. The semi-naked head of Pattinson send a chill down the spine of Twilight lovers as it did indicate that he had officially shaved off Edward Cullen!! The rough Pattinson was refreshing though , speaking without any bias.

1

Keisha took to Twitter and debuted her new hairstyle—which is missing a great deal of actual hair. She tweeted “New year. New album.

New hair, get pumped”, about the Cassie-like look, seen in the pic.

Wonder what music is coming from the studios of Keisha after this.

Perhaps Katy Perry’s hair colour reflects her mood. Laying low in recent weeks, the recently separated singer braved the crowds at the LAX Airport last month as she caught a flight out to Singapore with her entourage. Sporting blue hair again, Katy has undergone yet another couture change since her split with Russell Brand. In recent months, she’s also been a blonde and a ... pink… well, we like it. Whatever the mood be!

3

68 I Fashion and Entertainment

Bollywood correspondent Supriya Davda caught up with Mustan Burmawalla [of the duo Abbas-Mustan], infamous for making fast paced thriller-action films to talk about their recent release Players—the official remake of the 2003 Hollywood blockbuster The Italian Job. S: Why remake The Italian Job? M: We watched the Michael Caine starrer in 1969, which became a cult hit. It was much ahead of its time and a complete entertainer. It was then remade in 2003 and Viacom 18 thought it should be remade again and directed by us, as action and thrillers are our forte.

Paramount Pictures, the sister company of Viacom said we can easily get the rights of this film and wanted us to adapt it for the Indian cine-goers. We thus started working on the script of the 2003 one.

S: What was the thought process behind the casting?

M: We finalised Abhishek [Bachchan] first. After watching every film of his, we realised he hasn’t done anything like this before. His character in Players leads the pack for the heist. Abhishek is an all-rounder and he has done a great

job. Sonam Kapoor is always seen as the sweet girl next door and we wanted to break this image of hers, we wanted her to look hot and sleek in the film. We have worked with Bipasha several times before but the character of Riya is completely different and she is a key part of the film. Bobby [Deol], Neil [Nitin Mukesh], Omi [Vaidya] and Sikandar [Kher], all are extremely crucial to the plot and the reason for casting them is because of the variation their characters bring.

we will be heavily scrutinised by the audiences. Why do something that you are not a hundred percent sure about.

We’d rather stick to what we know and that way audiences will come and see our films. We are now synonymous with making thriller or action films and we are happy with that.

S: Why don’t you ever work with one or two protagonists, you are known for your multi-starrers?

M: The North Pole was the best. Despite the weather conditions we all had a great experience. All the actors had the time of their lives. Even though the rooms were the size of a prison cell, no one complained.

M: With thrillers each character has so many different dimensions you actually require a multi-starrer.

S: Will you ever make a film that isn’t an action or a thriller?

M: If we sway away from what we know,

S: You shot Players at various locations in New Zealand, Russia and North Pole.

What was the experience like?

S: What is the current status on the sequel of Race?

M: We have commenced shooting for Race 2 and finished the first half.

72 I Soul to Soul

We all have soul mates; sometimes more than one. Our freewill lets us choose a soul mate, the one who’s the best for us. When the time is right and we are ready, the right person will also appear in our lives, unexpected. However, before that one has to do a lot of self healing and realize their self blocks, which might be keeping the right person at bay.

Never be in a rush, as attracting the wrong person would lead to emotional trauma and even a fear against anyone else entering your life. Affirm yourself that you will meet the right person soon. Affirmations are something one should incorporate in our daily lives as they heal our thought patterns and transform us into a new being. Here are a few affirmations.

“I have attracted the most compatible soul mate into my life which is for my highest and best purpose.”

“Love is the way of my being and through the energy of love my right soul mate arrives in my life.”

“I am a loving being and love flows through me.”

Repeat these sentences in your head and see good happen. One can also work through various healing modalities to heal present blocks. At times they might be having past life blocks which don’t allow the right soul mate to come into our life. Theta healing, past life regression and crystal healing are some of the ways to heal ourselves and manifest the most wonderful soul mate.

So all you lovely souls get ready and manifest what you truly desire.

Bakkul H K is a clairvoyant and an angel intuitive by Doreen Virtue .

74 I Soul to Soul

Bindu Maira is a renowned tarrot and crystal healer. She belives crystals work wonders with affirmation.

Aries You feel a heightened sensitivity which will enrich your relationship as you discover new depths of understanding and intuition in yourself. Unspoken understanding links you and your partner together spiritually, emotionally and physically. Mutual trust allows you both to merge together without fear or a sense of loss. It offers you both the opportunity to develop the feminine side of your nature and to nurture each other without smothering or controlling.

Key word: Consciousness Crystal: Fluorite Affirmation: I release my personal will in order to purify my awareness.

FLUORITE Taurus You share a strong and enduring partnership but it will be tested. Your relationship is your shared kingdom, so you must join forces, and if necessary admit your fears and vulnerability to each other. This will only strengthen your partnership and deepen your connection. Positive actions reap rewards now. This is no time to hesitate but to gather up courage and strength and go out into the world. Unfinished emotional business held you back in the past, now you are able to tackle the problem and progress. Your speed will astonish you.

Keyword: Conscious action Crystal: Onyx

Affirmation: I am now free and independent.

ONYX Gemini All that is inert and limiting in your life is about to be swept away, a new relationship begins suddenly and with great force. Surging with adrenalin you are both reeling from the impact on each other. A magnetic attraction could shatter an already existent long term alliance. Even though it seems of momentous importance, a life changing event it may be inherently unstable with an unstable future. If you are already in a long standing relationship you will have to deal with upheavalmaybe some shocking revelations and readjustment Keyword: Participation Crystal:Diamond Affirmation: I treat others as I would like to be treated.

DIAMOND

Cancer Allow yourself to receive, allow your partner to give you loving care, and receive without guilt or apologies. Your partner represents a teacher, someone who can awaken you mentally and spiritually, who is wise and stable, patient and calm, and willing to share his

or her knowledge with you. This teaching is not patronising but springs from a heartfelt love of learning and exploring. You are approaching some sort of initiation at this stage of your life; this could take the form of commitment, as in marriage. You are about to make some important and far reaching changes in your life which are carefully planned and skillfully executed.

Keyword: Value systems Crystal: Garnet Affirmation: I affirm my reservoir of inner strength and act with practicality.

GARNET Leo Luck is on your side so make the most of it and step outside your routines.

This is a magical time. Make a wish and enjoy its manifestation. Surprises and coincidences outside your control could proliferate. Such serendipity is deeply meaningful for synchronous events suggest that a larger pattern of fate is unfolding. Connections you form now are likely to be important later on in both work and your personal life. This is not a time to exert yourself too hard in a relationship or push things or try to control. Just go with the flow. Expect the best and enjoy yourself.

Keyword: Movement Crystal: Moss Agate Affirmation: I find the God that is in all of life.

MOSS AGATE Virgo An irresistible attraction that borders on the compulsive and obsessive you meet your shadow side in your partner, and you will not be able to ignore his or her powerful presence. Your values may be very different yet you will be captivated and enraptured and find yourself giving him anything. This relationship will force you to confront your fears or acknowledge your desires.

There is nothing flowery delicate or conventional about this union. You are about to come into contact with power in some shape or form, unbridled physicality and a relationship which promises to change you and your attitudes towards love and sex forever.

Keyword: Duality Crystal: Pink coral Affirmation: I listen to that which is for my highest good and I release all else.

PINK CORAL Libra You are on the verge of making an important choice about your relationship and life. Be assured that you will reach the right decision. Your sense of timing is acute; you are in a state of equilibrium and know exactly when to act and when to wait. You feel a sense of balance and harmony with your partner and in your relationship. The roles within your relationship are clearly defined and well balanced. Each of you understands the other very well and neither demands more than the other can give. You share a good mental compatibility with common interests.

Keyword: Equilibrium Crystal: Labrodorite Affirmation: I am in harmony with my emotional body.

LABRODORITE Scorpio There will be progress in your relationship but preceded by significant trouble. You may have had your differences, there could have been a parting of ways but now you will be reconciled and will be keen to make up for lost

time. Circumstances between you definitely improve, whether your difficulties were due to financial worries, your career problems or uncertainty, they will all be behind you.

There may be no decisions yet for long term commitment or marriage but your relationship is evolving in positive directions. You are now able to look at the past without rancour and recriminations and feel calmly optimistic.

Keyword: Movement Crystal: Emerald Affirmation: I joyfully give thanks for the abundance in my life.

EMERALD

Sagittarius Friendship is the most enduring trait of your relationship at this time. Your shared interests, mutual joy in conversation and outstanding ability to communicate what is in your hearts link you together and form the firmest foundations for the future. You now have a wonderful opportunity to direct your life, make things happen and realise your dreams. If single and have met someone you are interested in, take a risk and get in touch. You are unlikely to be disappointed or rejected, for at this time you have nothing but your inhibitions to lose.

Keyword: Communication Crystal: Sunstone Affirmation: I deserve to receive well in all ways; there is no limit to what I can do.

SUNSTONE

Capricorn You reach an important stage of completion in your relationship. Marriage or moving in together is indicated and that alters your friendship as you reach some kind of a turning point that affects your joint destiny. Travelling together as you explore the world and share all the wonderful knowledge and experience makes your relationship more expansive and mutually fulfilling.

You complete each other and this was fated. There is a tremendous sense of excitement and mystery for you know that whatever you have achieved is just the beginning of a whole new chapter in your life.

Keyword: Synthesis Crystal: Turquoise Affirmation: I am one with the earth and I honour all life with love and respect.

TURQUOISE

Aquarius A year filled with the promise of abundance and fruitfulness in love, joy and fulfillment, long term commitment and lasting love with enduring pleasure. The year is an embodiment of creation-You could start a family. if you choose to remain childless, or circumstances rule this option out another kind of “child� will be born of this partnership. You may go into business together thus creating a successful and flourishing framework for your lives. Harmony of mind body and spirit prevail in this union. Candlelight dinners, wine, silk and velvet are the order of the day.

Keyword: Abundance Crystal: Carnelian Affirmation: I find something positive to enjoy in every aspect of my life.

CARNELIAN

Pisces You will find yourself withdrawing from being too involved or engaged in a relationship this year. It is a time of rest and spiritual healing and wisdom. A meeting with someone who transforms your life is indicated. There are links with therapists, healers, guides and gurus.

Your association may be with someone of this type with whom you will develop a close and loving bond. Your love for this important figure is deep and meaningful indeed the relationship may represent a milestone in your adult life. Your love nourishes you in ways that could surprise you and transforms the quality of your future relationship forever.

Keyword: Wisdom Crystal: Rosequartz Affirmation: I delight in play and pleasure.

ROSEQUARTZ

76 I Last Word

Newcomer Hazel Keech talks about her passion for acting, life in Mumbai and future plans in the Hindi film industry.

From London to Mumbai, and then from your first audition, to signing various endorsements and finally Bodyguard, tell us about your journey?

I came to Mumbai in 2005, on a holiday and happened to meet a music video director who signed me to model and do an item song for an album. Between 2006-2010 I was busy with ad films and a Tamil film. My first shoot was a portfolio shoot and I learnt everything I needed to know about modelling during that shoot. The camera assistants would flick through magazines and hold up pictures of others models for me to copy. I took modelling as an acting exercise-playing the role of a model and letting the camera capture moments.

How were you approached for Bodyguard?

In 2008 I happened to meet Salman Khan by chance.

He said he would help me get a film and keep me in mind if anything came up. Two years later I got a message from Atul Agnihotri saying that he and director Siddique wanted to meet me regarding a role. Siddique had seen my Tamil film Billa, the remake of Don. How different is life in Mumbai from London where you were born and raised?

Mumbai is another world compared to London. In fact it’s so different you can’t compare the two. London is my home, where I was born and Mumbai is my home now, where I have learnt the biggest lessons in life and become an adult.

What was your family’s reaction to your performance?

My family was very impressed by my performance, they’ve seen me prancing and dancing around all my life but when they saw the twist in the film, they said, it was very well done and well acted. However like any English family they are keeping me very grounded and are sometimes nonchalant but secretly proud.

Do you have long-term goals to remain in the industry?

Where would you like to see yourself in the next five years?

I’m not sure, I’ve never really made any plans. I have just gone along with the flow of life. So of course i will be in this industry. In five years time I imagine I will be a well -known actor and hopefully would have some great films and performances under my belt.

Whom do you most desire to work with?

I’d like to work with everyone. Every actor has a different work ethic and I’m excited to work with them and see what we can create on screen. Same goes for directors.

Some are very specific about what they want you to do and some give you the space to create characters.