The Brew magazine is based on the Entertainment genre has seen stupendous growth in the past five years of its existence. Based on its tagline ‘Contemplate. Create. Live’, the Brew magazine urges readers to contemplate, create and live- in that order. Featuring human interest stories, articles about the most famed artists and elite lifestyle stories, we are immaculately selective about our content. With the support of the advisory and contributory board comprising of a team of great individuals, we host a minimum of eight events a year as well. Sameer Bharat Ram Publisher & CEO
The fact that the Brew office raves with diehard fans of Julia Roberts is undeniable. Which is why, it should come as no surprise that we are exhilarated to feature her on the cover. Confident, dauntless and versatile, Roberts is a woman of inspiration for millions. Often referred to as Hollywood’s Pretty Woman, she is an alluring powerhouse, living a life that is few and far between. Continuing her journey as one of the best actors the industry has ever witnessed, she is all set for the release of her upcoming feature Money Monster, releasing this May. Dive in and take a read as Roberts talks about co-stars George Clooney, Jack O’Connell and Director Jodie Foster. With a compelling person such as Roberts on the cover, this month, Brew focuses on the power of the creative impulses and processes that very much define her. On those lines, the Contemplate section consists of an interview with Arun Krishnamurthy of Environmentalist Foundation of India – an NGO with innovative, creative solutions to various environmental issues. The Create section on a lighter note includes an edgy illustration of Superstar Rajinikanth and it is sure to leave you elated. Chennaibased techie Manoj Annadurai’s interview on his debut feature film Get Happy will leave you with yet another creative revelation. As you read further, the Live section gives an insight on keeping up with the summer heat and then some. With carefully chosen travel stories to quench your wanderlust, skincare inputs from a French expert and learning to beat the heat in style, there is plenty to read. Enjoy!
VIDHYA ANAND
“Based on its tagline ‘Contemplate. Create. Live’, the Brew magazine urges readers to contemplate, create and live- in that order. Featuring human interest stories, articles about the most famed artists and elite lifestyle stories, we are immaculately selective about our content. ”
CONTRIBUTORS & ADVISORY BOARD Thota Tharrani A senior Indian film art director and production designer who has worked in Tamil cinema, Telugu cinema, Malayalam cinema and Bollywood. He has won two National Film Awards, two Filmfare Awards South and four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. His work consists of paintings, murals, paper collages, wooden montages, installations and so on
G Venket Ram A leading Indian fashion photographer, who has shot principal photography stills for several notable films as well as portfolios. He quit his engineering studies to work with cinematographers for a while, after which he joined a course in Visual Communication at Loyola College. He then worked with photographer Sharad Haksar and in 1993, he started his own studio
Mallika Sarabhai Educated as an economist and business manager, she is one of India’s best-known classical dancers. She has taken her work and her company ‘Darpana’ to not only over 90 countries around the world, but also to the most remote parts of India
Neeru Nanda A graduate from Delhi University, she’s passionate about writing. She freelanced as a feature writer for ten years before switching to publishing. Author of a collection of short stories titled ‘IF’, she has also worked on novels and short stories for children
Ashok Verghese One of the youngest education entrepreneurs who is making a great difference in this field in the country. He is the Director of the Hindustan group of Institutions, one of the pioneering educational groups in the country. He supports the cause of promoting young talent in art and music
Veejay Sai An award-winning writer, editor and a culture critic. He has written and published extensively on Indian classical music, fashion, theatre, food and art, and loves traveling, researching literary and cultural history. He is an editorial consultant with over 40 brands and designers in and outside India and is on the jury for several prestigious awards in the arts sector across the country
| Brew entertainment |5 | Brew |5 2016entertainment MAY 2016APR
INTERNAL TEAM EDITOR Vidhya Anand SUB- EDITOR Sanjana Ganesh CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ajay Srikanth P Preethi Padma Murughappun MARKETING MANAGER Reesha N MARKETING EXECUTIVE Prashant Balaji COVER CREDITS
DESIGN Sriram B
SONY PICTURES
CIRCULATION K.Sathish kumar
S T R A T E G Y
&
D E S I G N
Published by Sameer Bharat Ram, and owned by SM BrandMuni Consulting Pvt. Ltd, Published from New No. 68 / Old No. 63, Cathedral Road, Chennai - 600 086. Tel.: +91 44 4208 9392.
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Published from New No. 68 / Old No. 63, Cathedral Road, Chennai - 600 086. Tel.: +91 44 4208 9392.
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CONTENTS 36
CONTEMPLATE
10
34
THITHI
CLEANING UP ANTHROPOGENIC CATASTROPHES
In conversation with filmmaker Raam Reddy
Rendezvous with Arun Krishnamurthy of the EFI
24
14
STRINGING A SCINTILLATING TUNE Read about Kalaimamani Ramani Narayanan
CREATE
18
GET HAPPY Tête-à- tête with filmmaker Manoj Annadurai
21
CELEBRATING KABALI
18
22
Take a peek at Doodle Monk’s illustration of the Superstar
AMERICA’S SWEETHEART JULIA ROBERTS ON THE MAKING OF HER NEW FILM MONEY MONSTER
LIVE
33
BEAT THE HEAT IN STYLE Check out this season’s latest trends
TECHIE TURNED ADVENTURER Meet ultra-marathon runner Naresh Kumar
40
DISCOVERING THE NEW NORTH EAST A travelogue on Gangtok, for a quick summer getaway
43
FRENCH POLYNESIA Of oceans, islands and exotic escapes
34
53
Skincare inputs from a French beauty expert
Wills Lifestyle’s Summer 2016 collection
PHILOSOPHICAL BEAUTY
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BREW’S PICK OF THE MONTH
CONTEMPLATE|Lone Crusaders
CLEANING UP ANTHROPOGENIC CATASTROPHES Passion, zeal, focus and the love for his country and its environment has made Arun Krishnamurthy what he is. With 212 volunteers, 39 lakes cleaned-up in 4 cities, his NGO, The Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI) is definitely making his dream come true. Selfless and soulful, his level of dedication towards the cause is unsurpassable. With many more projects lined up in their agenda, Arun and EFI are not resting until they instil greater compassion towards the environment in the minds of the people.
BY PADMA MURUGHAPPUN
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The work your organisation EFI is doing is very dynamic. How did you come up with the Idea for it? I grew up in suburban Chennai in a pristine environment. Over the years, increased urbanization led to depletion of environmental standards. This led to me volunteering for environmental projects. No society is entirely perfect. When there are many other pressing issues to turn our attention to, why environment? Environment is the most pressing of them all. That is why. Floods and summer droughts are no longer natural phenomena. Today, these are man-made disasters unfolding in front of us. Environment conservation is neither a compulsion nor a choice, it is common sense. I notice that your organisation is primarily focused on lake restorations and clean ups. Why lakes? And what is the biggest challenge you have faced so far while doing this? Water bodies are habitats for all life forms. It is thus imperative that we clean up and maintain our water habitats for ecological conservation. Which was the biggest project that you have undertaken till now and tell us your experience about it? The lake restoration projects in Chennai and Coimbatore are the longest and biggest projects that we have undertaken. It is tough to change people’s mind-set in favour of the environment. Once that challenge is tackled, this conservation project is no longer just ours. We are working towards making this a social movement where a large section of the society participates.
Being young and keeping your goals in focus seems like a herculean task. Yet here you are running an NGO and a digital marketing company. Where do you find the driving force to keep you on track and focused? What keeps you motivated and running? The selfless individuals who volunteer with EFI motivate me, the trust and passion with which they strengthen the cause keeps me and the effort going. Speaking of motivation, what or who inspired you to start EFI in the first place? India as a nation inspired me to start EFI. I am in love with my nation, in a Beautiful India I did not want to be a Dirty Indian. With many other NGOs working towards the same cause and many more springing up, what makes EFI stand out among them all? How do you think EFI is going to make a difference amongst all their work? We are not in a competition. We wish to work with all like-minded individuals/groups who share the thought that we need to show in action and not just by words. We believe in result oriented, real time environment conservation. In light with your eco bags introduction campaign, what is the reason you think complete plastic ban is not being implemented in its full sense? The commercial value that it has and the crude oil mafia is the primary reason why we have the spread of polythene to every corner of our globe. On a concluding note, what is in store for EFI ten years from now? Do you mean to diversify your purpose of existence anytime in the future? We will continue to volunteer for India and its environment until the day we are physically present on this planet. We shall complete the works undertaken and innovate for better results. We have also taken on additional projects to get a larger community involved.
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CREATE | Arts Galore
STRINGING A SCINTILLATING TUNE An eternal glow of happiness reflecting on her face as she plays the Veena, Kalaimamani Ramani Narayanan is humility in human form. A teacher, singer, performer, guide and Guru for many students across the globe, she is an embodiment of soulful music in its purest form. Being a senior professor of Music and Veena at The Music Academy of Madras for more than four decades, her passion for teaching and music are still alive in her blood and soul. With the same enthusiasm that she had when she was a two year-old, Ramani Narayanan speaks about her reverie with the instrument of the Gods. BY PADMA MURUGHAPPUN PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIVYASHRUTHIE KRISHNAMOORTHY
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THE BEGINNING “I was around two years old, when my aunt made me sit beside her in her concert. I put the ‘thala’ for the entire concert without missing even one beat on my own. This made a great Vidwan, who was present in the show that day, extremely joyful and he appreciated my focus and ‘Thala Gnana.’ He gifted me a silver cup as a token of appreciation and music has been in my life since then.” Growing up in a humble household with music resonating all over, playing the veena and singing was child’s play. Even at the young age of five, tugging at the veena strings was her favourite pass time. Under the tutelage of her aunt, who was her namesake too, Ramani Narayanan reached a respectable level of knowledge in the field of music. Her talent was never wasted even during her early days. “I studied in Lady Siva Swami Iyer Girls School in Mylapore which was a very good institution that groomed us in all ways required.” No single annual day, sports day or any other event for the matter would be complete without her performance. Though involved in music a lot, she never ceased from completing her education. “In spite of my family being very culturally-oriented, they were open-minded too. My aunt as well as my parents made sure all of their daughters at least did under-graduation.” She completed her B.A. in Music from the Queen Mary’s College and graduated with a gold medal. However, this wasn’t enough. “My aunt wanted to make me learn music and veena exclusively. So she put me under the tutelage of Ranganayaki Rajagopalan, the daughter of the very famous Karaikudi Samba Siva Iyer for veena and Sangeetha Kalanithi Vedavalli for music.” Training in music and veena, she never favoured one over the other. Instead she gave her full potential and dedication towards both. After attaining great skill in both these domains, she joined The Music Academy for a one-year teacher’s training course to pursue her dream of being a teacher. For a person with energy flowing at the speed of the Ganges, Ramani Narayanan did not stop at that. She went on to do her post-graduation in music from Queen Mary’s and was ranked the number one student. “I studied a little later in life because it’s always better to understand and then learn something and understanding of music will only come with years of experience and practice.”
DAYS ON AIR “When Mr. Ramanan, a renowned music professor saw my post-graduation final exam paper he insisted that I join All India Radio as a performing artist there.” For a period of over twenty years, she was dynamically involved in doing programs and shows relating to Carnatic music. “The years in AIR were the best because I was involved in music all the time and there was music all over. I could fully concentrate on what I loved and also met so many musicians and stalwarts from the field.” Her contagious fervour and her passion towards work led her to make many shows that are being aired till date. “My flagship project was the 72 Mela Kartha Raga program where various famous musicians were called and each person was given 6 Ragas and they were told to make unique combinations which were recorded and is being aired even today on special occasions.” When asked the infamous ‘secret of success’ question, with absolutely no hesitation she explains, “I will take up a job only if I know that I will do it with my full heart. Otherwise I wouldn’t take it up let alone do it.” Speaking about her experience at All India Radio, she adds, “There was one very interesting interview that I did of Subbudu. I was very hesitant, I mean, he was ruling the art world with his criticisms and reviews. So when I met him I asked him, as a critic you either put somebody on top of the world or push them down the ditches, how is that fair coming from a person who I’m sure wouldn’t be able to sing a raga if asked to. Subbudu then told my senior that your staff is too intelligent and is asking questions for which I do not have answers. He answered saying, ‘See my sisters can sing but I can’t. But that listening has given me undoubted knowledge in music which makes me like Vasishtar, I can tell when someone isn’t singing right.’”
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CREATE | Arts Galore
THE KALAIMAMANI FACTOR Music is an ocean so deep considering that its explorations are endless. On that note, in her progressive journey of digging deeper, Ramani Narayanan is still a toddler for she believes one will always find treasures that are richer than the ones previously found. In addition to that, she adds “There is this one important event that happened in my life which showed how far and deep I am in the process of exploring. I received the Kalaimamani in 2002. It was an extremely unexpected turn of events because I wasn’t aware I was receiving it. It seems it was announced on the radio and my own Guru Vedavalli Amma called me and informed me about it. The award made me realise that there are many more things that I have to do and what I was doing wasn’t enough.” AROUND THE WORLD IN 7 STRINGS Our understanding of things grows better when we share it with others. In line with that, Ramani Narayanan has also taken Carnatic Music to lands that don’t have the privilege of possessing this art. Paris, Kyoto, San Francisco and New York were a shade brighter during the winter of ’94 and it’s surely because of the divine reverberation of the Veena. CONCLUSION – OR IS IT? Veena has given her happiness beyond measure but this humble soul is still trying to give back her share to music which makes her joyful till date. Is she contented with what she got or is there more? “My parents fed me music along with food while growing up. Though I wasn’t shining as a star in the music field as such, I had considerable amount of love and passion for it that it made sure never to leave me. Otherwise also, teaching has always been my passion. So I never really felt I was losing out on something” and smiles, satisfied.
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CREATE | Artscape
ILLUSTRATION BY ARTIST S SRIRAMA SANTHOSH
Create | Cine Binge
“INSPIRING OTHERS DRIVES ME” With each of us living lives that quite unnoticeably revolve around the yin and yang of Taoism; it takes a keen eye to appreciate the sunshine in the looming dark. Chennai-based techie Manoj Annadurai’s debut feature film shines some light on that very truth. Get Happy is an interesting story about life’s ups and downs, and how you will never fully appreciate the ups, unless you have some downs.
BY VIDHYA ANAND & P PREETHI
MAY 2016 | Brew entertainment | 18
G
et Happy has premiered in many film festivals across the United States and has won prestigious awards such as the Gold Remi at the 49th WorldFest Houston International Film Festival. It also won the Best Romantic Comedy at the Manhattan Film Festival. Directed by Manoj Annadurai, a NYFA graduate and software engineer turned filmmaker, Get Happy celebrates the very essence of life - happiness. Read on as he opens up about what makes his creative clocks tick. Tell us a little about yourself, what were you doing before making films? I started a software company in 1996. Back then, most of the companies were service oriented companies. However, we had a product. We were into language computing for Indian languages. However, I always wanted to make films. A recent opportunity arose to make a film and I jumped at that opportunity. As a student I hail from MCC school following which I did my engineering in Bangalore. Why did you choose this script? There were multiple reasons to make the film. The emotional reason was that, this story resonated with what I wanted. I wanted to feel happy, the script spoke to me. The prudent reason was that the film was within the budget. The film also offered me the scope as a director to explore many avenues – initially it started as a romantic comedy, but it had the capacity to develop into a drama with emphasis on philosophy as well. You mentioned that you loved films as a child. Did you have a moment of revelation when you decided that this is what you wanted to do in life? I wanted to tell stories that I wanted people to know. I wanted to inspire people and make them emote. I wanted to elicit reactions from people. Inspiring others drives me. And, that is why I’m where I am today.
What about everyday life inspires you to make films? Humans are unique by only one thing. We are driven by irrational emotions. Emotions have the capacity to affect us a lot. Stories make you emote in a particular way. Sometimes we do things because we want to feel, sometimes things that happen to us makes us feel. In this day and age I feel that films are the best medium to communicate content to people. A very short attention span and the wide reach of films make it an excellent medium of communication. He feels that creativity comes into the picture when trying to get people to emote in a particular way. It is the ability of the filmmaker to elicit the reactions from his audience. Was it a conscious decision to make the film in English? It was a conscious decision to make the film in English. Unless you are an A- lister, getting your films theatrically released in India is very difficult. Then the revenue collection suffers. There aren’t many avenues for an indie film in India to be released. When you make films abroad you have a wider market. You can sell to Google play, Netflix, iTunes, Amazon and the international movie market. There is also more recognition in film festivals. Also, the recognition that it gives you as a director will makes it easier for you to make films in India later as well. What are your plans after this? Are you working on another film? My next film is going to be an action thriller. It is going to be shot very soon. It is currently in the Pre-production stage and is expected release in 2017 summer. Do you have other creative interests? I’m interested in exploring different mediums – glass blowing, writing stories, novels, learning music, graphic novels. However, sketching is not my forte.
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Create | Cine Binge
Do you have any interesting stories from your experience as a filmmaker? Get Happy was shot in the coldest part of the polar vortex. With indie films, the concept is thinking on your feet. During the first day of shoot, my car got stolen. So, at that point, having a great team really helped. Sania Jhanker, my producer was fantastic and took care of everything that was not set related. She is from Maharashtra and she made a film the year before I did, therefore she had experience on how the industry works. How was working in New York different from working here? New York lends itself to indie filmmaking. It is very affordable, has great locations and is cheaper than shooting in India. People also work for less, the system is very professional, disciplined and over there the script becomes very important, it is absolutely necessary to work with a pre written script. I also have to say assistant directors are not assistants to the directors they are ‘assistant directors.’ New Yorkers have a work ethic that I really respect and find it easy to work with them. I feel that they don’t shy away from work, long hours don’t daunt them, their discipline and culture really made it easier to work there as well.
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Create | Cine Binge
In Conversation with Filmmaker Raam Reddy: On Thithi and More
Amongst the films every MAMI Film Festival attendee is gushing about this year is Thithi that won the Jury Grand Prize in the International Competition section. A story about three generations of a family in the Mandya district of Karnataka and how they react when the great-grandfather passes away. It features what has to be the most interesting dead character in a movie since Satish Shah in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron.
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relationship with these people and that is what we worked on. But they all had inherent talent and that is what was important. After shooting two scenes we knew what made them tick and which way we needed to go with each one of them. How were duties split between you and Eregowda? Did you write separately or did you have a joint session where you would brainstorm ideas? The film was written together in a room. The macro structure was more of my responsibility and the micro detailing is what he took care of. Of course things merged and we both got involved in both jobs and by the end we were one complete mind. If you are writing, you need to show your writing to someone else but we had one another. The locations you used in the film look completely authentic. Were they actually shot on location or did you have sets built? You come from a non-film background. How easy or difficult was it for you to make your first feature? I got into art quite early and was building my portfolio in various art forms – poetry, photography, music and then I also wrote a novel. I was building a stage from where I could prove that I could handle a larger project. After this my father and I started a Company together, Prspctvs Productions. Thithi is its first feature production along with Maxmedia.
No it was completely authentic. We did not have a large budget and when I visited the place I saw a cinematic world there. When I set out to be a filmmaker, I decided I want my early work to capture realism. India is a fascinating place and there are a thousand different stories that can be made here in Dogme style. So many films by non-professionals are coming up which are so exciting to see.
How did you go about getting Maxmedia on board? They came aboard at Film Bazaar where it was at a rough cut stage. They liked it very much and they were keen to work on this film and future projects as well. What was the inspiration behind the story? Some of the characters look as if they are based on real life people. The seeds of the characters are real life people. Most of them play themselves. Some were cast even before we started writing! They are not just non-professionals, they are not even acting aspirants. To make them essay complex roles, it was necessary to write something they could relate to. The whole story was constructed piece by piece based on a creative exploratory period that we did before we wrote. We went in without a plan and interacted with the place on multiple levels. Anything we found interesting was put into a larger brainstorm. That became the clay for the larger story. Since you have been working with non-professional actors, how did you go about training them? Were any workshops conducted to get them into the groove? Not really, because as soon as you train somebody they start moving into their actor form of psychology. Eregowda who wrote with me is from the village the film is set in so he had a special
A few scenes look spontaneous, as if they happened at the spur of the moment. Something that wasn’t part of the script. Is this true? Everything was scripted and we stuck to it, quite stubbornly so. I wanted to create a suspension of disbelief. The audience should not feel he is watching a film, they should feel as if they are entering a world; it’s an experience. I try to find the truth in every shot and until I don’t I won’t move on. Amongst all the myriad characters you have, Century Gowda stands out. He has just one scene, yet impacts the entire film. Did you ever consider increasing the length of his role? No, it was entirely script dependent. CG was the most talented actor we had on our set. He WAS the character he was playing and he inhabited it beautifully. Once in a while something magical happens and you sit back and let it happen. He is 97 today and really strong. We had a scene with him without his shirt on but we had to cut it because he was too muscular! - www.madaboutmoviez.com
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CREATE | Zeroed In
MONEY MONSTER
JULIA ROBERTS INTERVIEW Steven Goldman
I
n Money Monster Julia Roberts stars as a woman caught in the crossfire of chaos. Directed by Jodie Foster, the real-time high stakes thriller, which premieres at Cannes in May 12, features Roberts and costar George Clooney as television producer Patty Fenn and financial TV host Lee Gates – two colleagues who get more than they bargain for when irate investor Kyle Budwell (Jack O’Connell) forcefully takes over their television studio, demanding answers and restitution when a market anomaly destroys his life savings. During a tense standoff broadcast live to millions of viewers, it’s down to Fenn and Gates, working against the clock, to unravel the high-tech conspiracy lurking behind Budwell’s undoing and within the heart of the system itself.
Following her breakout role in Steel Magnolias in 1989, Julia Roberts has received three Golden Globe Awards (from eight nominations), and one Oscar (from four nominations) for her performance in Erin Brockovich in 2000. A frequent collaborator with George Clooney (the Oceans film series; Confessions of a Dangerous Mind), Money Monster marks Roberts first pairing with Jodie Foster and rising star, Jack O’Connell (Unbroken). She discussed the making of her new film from her home in Los Angeles.
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CREATE | Zeroed In How did your casting in Money Monster come about? George [Clooney] reached out to me about it and I thought it sounded interesting and intriguing. And of course there was the element of Jodie Foster… I told him, of course, send it to me - I’d love to read the script. And I have to say I do read a lot of them. But this was one of those things that I just sat down and read in one fell swoop; it was just so terrific. I remember when I was done reading it I just felt super-energized. I just was so excited about it. It was such a great part for George and I thought, god, what an interesting story... I just got really excited. Not even so much about the idea of hoping to be a part of it, but just the idea of it as a potential movie. I just thought, ‘Wow, this is really dynamite’. What was it about your character, Patty Fenn, which ultimately caught your attention? For me, it was the stuff that will probably go unnoticed, not so much the foreground of the character. It was her background which I thought was really interesting. I just thought of her as very much a New Yorker, third-generation in television – you know, that her dad was probably in television, her grandfather was probably in television. And that this is her world - that control room. Also the relationship and rapport that my character has with George’s... Of how different they are and yet how they have an appreciation for each other, which I think is getting a little bit exhausted at times. All of that is fun to play. What was your first meeting with Jodie Foster like? I was somewhat surprised to learn that you two had never actually worked together before. We never had. In fact, as many times as we’ve crossed paths over the years, I think I’ve actually maybe only ever spoken to her, ever so briefly, a couple of times, ever. And yet it seems so natural that you’re working together now. I remember going to my first ever Independent Spirit Awards for Mystic Pizza (in 1989) and she was there for Four Corners. And I just remember thinking, “I’m just a table away from Jodie Foster!” If I was a fly on that wall for that first Money Monster meeting, what would I have seen? Well, we were on the phone (laughs)… But she was just so funny and entertaining. She was just so fired up about the project and it was really infectious - how excited and enthusiastic she was. All these ideas that she had and these thoughts that she had about it... I mean it’s so great… She’s such a consummate actor that to get her incredible intellect as a director intertwined with the deliciousness of her acting, as her point of view, I mean what more could anybody ask for?
“George [Clooney] reached out to me about it and I thought it sounded interesting and intriguing. And of course there was the element of Jodie Foster… I told him, of course, send it to me - I’d love to read the script. And I have to say I do read a lot of them. But this was one of those things that I just sat down and read in one fell swoop; it was just so terrific. I remember when I was done reading it I just felt super-energized”
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Igormk Design Co. MAY 2016 | Brew entertainment | 28
CREATE | Zeroed In I understand it took her some time to get the film off the ground? It wasn’t a long time for me, but I think that they were all working on it for a while. But from the time that we first talked about it to the time we were all on location, it wasn’t that long. A matter of months. Having only seen the trailer, I was curious to know if the film itself is, indirectly, tapping into our anxieties about the state of Wall Street today? Well, you’re not wrong about that. But it’s actually about a lot of different things - from a kind of cultural, global, technical narrative, to really personal narratives of our different fears as individuals... I also think there’s something kind of exceptional about making a movie that takes place in one day, which is something that I’ve never done. Of course Jodie was like, “Wait, you’ve never done that!” (Laughs)… It’s really interesting to come to work every day and put on the same clothes and really play every hour of a day. I mean, it becomes quite a surgical examination of everything that goes on. In that regard it makes it really personal even though some of the bigger ideas of the movie are about [broader] things. Did you have time to rehearse before you started, or did you just jump right in? You never really just jump right in. We had a read through with everyone, which was great. And then we’d rehearse on the day. We’d go over things. But for the most part I think Jodie was really clear about her intentions with each scene and it was a great collaboration. What was it like when you were finally working with her on set? Well, just everything I could have hoped for, really. It’s funny too because she’s incredibly encouraging almost to the point where I was like… “Come on, tear it apart! Tear my performance apart!” You know, “Fix it for me! Jodie-Foster it!” And she was like, “No, you’ve got it. You’re exactly right. You’ve got it.” And I’m thinking, “I just want to be Jodie Foster.” (Laughs)… She’s said that your scenes, from a technical standpoint, were the most challenging to film. Well, we were in a real studio control room and we had the great fortune of having a real television technician – a guy who works in a control room – with us. That was a godsend to me because he would always let me know if anything was less than 100% authentic. So that was really a gift. But we were up against a lot in this room because it was a practical location, which means you’re trying to fit a lot of people and a lot of equipment in a space that doesn’t shift around very much at your will. Also there were a vast number of monitors, a lot of them playing different things, representing different cameras on the soundstage. I was calling cues that had to be timed perfectly with them. So I would practice in my room on a computer with the playback, calling out the cues and getting times down for things that I had to tell George… In the end, it just required a lot of patience, which Jodie has infinitely… I think she said it best when she said, my next movie is going to be about Amish people (laugh)... You don’t have to plug anything in. Nothing is electrical. Nothing has to be re-routed, nothing has to be lit up, synchronized…Because it does get complicated.
“Well, just everything I could have hoped for, really. It’s funny too because she’s incredibly encouraging almost to the point where I was like… “Come on, tear it apart! Tear my performance apart!” You know, “Fix it for me! Jodie-Foster it!” And she was like, “No, you’ve got it. You’re exactly right. You’ve got it.” And I’m thinking, “I just want to be Jodie Foster”
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CREATE | Zeroed In
What was it like working with George Clooney again? You’ve worked together several times over the years… We have. And it’s my great fortune to have such talented friends, I have to say. I’ve worked with him as an actor (Oceans film series). I’ve worked with him as a director (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind). I’ve worked with him as a producer (August: Osage County). I just think we’re very much alike in our approach to work. We both really enjoy what we do and we put a lot of effort into it and a lot of joy into it. It’s so terrific. And when you get to work with people over and over again, I think it just allows you to kind of fine-tune it just that much more each time, which is a real gift. What was it like working with Jack O’Connell? Jack is a great actor. He’s been in a number of things now and I’m always knocked out by what he brings to these performances. I mean he’s just a very invested actor. He takes it all very seriously. He puts in a lot of energy into what he’s doing, and this was such a challenging part. He’s very much the centerpiece of it. Everything really revolved around him in a way that… You know, it’s a big role that he’s doing and he’s just incredible doing it. I often had that bird’s eye view watching him. Sometimes, when we were shooting on the soundstage, I would just be sitting off in a corner, you know, watching, just going, “Wow – this guy is working his ass off”. It was impressive. When we spoke, he paid you the highest compliment - that you really took the time out to make sure his mother and sister felt welcome when they flew in from the UK to visit the set. Oh, that’s so sweet! It really was so nice when his family came. He was so excited that they were there and they were so excited to be there. I mean, that’s really… That’s how we all rely on each other when we’re away from our families. So when any of us are lucky enough to have our families come visit, it’s what we do. It’s a boost for everybody I think. Does working with a director like Jodie Foster inspire you to direct something yourself? (Laughs)… No! It in fact inspires me to stay away from directing even more. Come on… It just makes me realize how totally unqualified I am for that job (laughs)… You recently starred in The Normal Heart for HBO. Do you have any desire to do a series? Great movies are so few and far between that… I don’t know, it’s just a medium that I love. But I think, if anything, I would want to go back to theater. Is that a possibility? I would love it… I mean there’s nothing sitting on my desk that I’m being coy about. But I would love it. Money Monster is about to mark its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival… I’m so excited about that. I’m going to be there. We’re all so excited – Jodie and George and I will all be there and, I hope, I think, Jack will be there too. It’s something I’m really looking forward to. I think it will be quite thrilling, actually. What kind of movie are we in store for? It’s just one of those great, thrilling, movies. I think the things about it that are funny are unexpected; the things about it that are suspenseful are unexpected... You kind of bite your nails a little bit through this one. It’s just great. MONEY MONSTER PREMIERES AT THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL, MAY 12
MAY 2016 | Brew entertainment | 30
JULIA ROBERTS, THE JOURNEY It all began in the year 1988 with a film called Mystic Pizza. Julia Roberts marked her entrance in Hollywood with this film, receiving accolades from the critics for her performance. Only a year later, she received the Golden Globes for best supporting actress for her role in Steel Magnolias where she played a diabetic woman trying to save her marriage. She acquired instantaneous transnational fame with her portrayal of Vivian in Pretty Woman (1990) in which she starred opposite Richard Gere. Pretty Woman was a blockbuster worldwide and made her an international sensation overnight. Undoubtedly, her choice of movies cannot be stereotyped for her roles have been so distinct and diverse that she towers high as a versatile actress. However, you cannot deny that all of them have in common her signature smile and the ease in the way she carries herself. For example in 1991, she starred in a psychological thriller about an abusive marriage called Sleeping with the Enemy. She also played Tinker Bell in the film adaptation of Peter Pan– Hook. In 1993, we see her as a young law student exposing assassination conspiracies in the film The Pelican Brief. These films reinforce her versatility. Her next bout of success came in the late 90s. My Best Friend’s Wedding and Conspiracy Theory were both released in 1997 while Notting Hill and Runaway Bride hit the theatres in 1999. Throughout her film history she has acted with heavy weights in the industry and they both have benefitted from it. At the turn of the decade she blessed us with her performance in Erin Brokovich, a film that was based on a true story. Roberts’s portrayal of a single mom was so raw, realistic and relatable that she won a whole slew of awards for this performance. She won her second Golden Globe, an Academy Award, a BAFTA and a Screen Actors Guild Award for best actress. An observation here is that a lot of films that she has starred in have been book adaptations. The first year of the new decade brought along the release of America’s Sweethearts. The audience loved her as Kiki and the film saw great reviews. Releasing the same year was the film Oceans 11. In 2004 she reprised her role in Oceans 12. Roberts also made a few television appearances during this time. Between the years 2004 to 2010 Roberts took a few years off to fulfill her family commitments and ultimately returned to the silver screens with Valentine’s Day in 2010. Eat Pray Love released around the same time. This film, about a woman in her thirties travelling the world to find herself received an unexpected positive response from the audience and critics. She later tried her hand at playing a negative role in the 2012 adaptation of Snow White, Mirror Mirror. As recent as last year Roberts acted in the film Secret In Their Eyes where she plays a rising FBI investigator who loses her daughter. The critics weren’t kind, but the audience was of two minds with their reaction to the film. This year has changed things for the actor. Mother’s Day has fared pretty well at the box office and the audience seems to love the film. She co-stars with Jennifer Aniston and Kate Hudson in this one. Her next big release is Money Monster alongside George Clooney. The film is all set to premiere on May 12, 2016. Catch it in theatres near you.
MAY 2016 | Brew entertainment | 31
CREATE | Zeroed In THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT HOLLYWOOD’S
PRETTY WOMAN Aged 49, the Academy award-winning Hollywood actor Julia Roberts was born in Smyrna, Georgia to parents who were both playwrights Never dreamed of being an actor, Roberts as a child wanted to be a veterinarian. She is the owner of two dogs at her Malibu home now Julia Roberts has two elder siblings, Eric Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillian who were both into the film industry. They were the ones who inspired the young Julia Roberts to pursue acting as a career while doing her degree in journalism While on breaks on movie sets, she likes to knit which is her favourite way to pass time Sandra Bullock, Meg Ryan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Drew Barrymore, Madonna and Kristin Davis are the actors who were considered for the role of Vivian in Pretty Woman, but destiny saved it for Julia Roberts, fetching her the Best Actress award at the Oscars The necklace scene in the movie was planned by Richard Gere (Edward) and that piece of sparkling jewellery costs a fortune in real life Known for her million-watt smile in Hollywood, archaeologists decided to name a 9000-year-old human skeleton after her, as it had perfect teeth like Roberts The biographical hit Erin Brockovich made Julia Roberts the first Hollywood actress to receive a paycheck worth $20 million, for a single movie Aunt of the upcoming Hollywood actress Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts is a practising Hindu Her second husband Daniel Moder and Julia Roberts married at her ranch in Taos, New Mexico for which Bruce Willis was the only celebrity guest Inspired by the posters of Hindu Gurus in India while shooting for Eat Pray Love, she named her three kids after Hindu gods as Laxmi, Ganesh and Krishna Balram In the movie which she played the title character, Erin Brockovich, Julia had to learn to write with her right hand since Erin Brockovich-Ellis is right-handed
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Live | Wardrobe Manifestation
BEAT THE HEAT IN STYLE
THE WHITE SUMMER DRESS
As the temperature rises up day by
For over a considerable period of time, the little white summer dress has always been a popular choice when the heat rises up. A pure white off-theshoulder shift paired with a nude coloured gladiator would be the perfect outfit for a summer’s day out. Pair it up with a golden bracelet and graciously take on the rise in temperature.
DAMSEL IN DISTRESS No wardrobe is complete without a pair of denims and this summer it is in and how! Throw on a pair of distressed denims along with an off-the-shoulder blouse for that cool-girl vibe. To bring out the more street-side of you, pair these with shiny stilettos and an embellished choker, like Kendall Jenner and it would be the perfect summer ensemble for this year.
THE MINI SKIRT FACTOR
day this summer, so do the hem-
lines of skirts and thus, the minis
are back! An A-line abstract print
mini skirt worn below a white sliptank with sneakers screams dashing, cool, fun and fabulous. Put on your best pair of wayfarers with a chic bun and you won’t regret setting your legs free!
WHITE, YELLOW, GREY, MAXIS ALL THE WAY! SUNSHINE, BUTTERMELLOWS AND DENIM DRESSES For all the non-jean-tee types of girls, get your fix of denim with a cute denim dress this summer! Sleeveless denim dresses and bright white sneakers top the summer essentials of 2016. With a classy silver watch and a tanned sling bag, you’re ready to go for a warm summer night’s dinner!
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Spring saw maxis on the ramp. But now with the rise in heat and temperature, one might spot them on the streets with statement gladiators or simple flats. Take on this soaring temperature wearing a yellow maxi dress with black pumps and a thin neck chain. A bracelet and a pretty garland headband would get you ready for a day out on the beach!
LIVE|Grooming
PHILOSOPHY OF
BEAUTY
Sens and Spirit not only promotes its line of amazing skincare and body products, but also promotes a much more interesting, sensible and entirely forgotten approach to beauty and wellness. Nathalie Benesty, a French beauty expert explains why the key to looking your best is relaxation. In modern philosophy, this translates to “loving yourself� before you go out into the world to face challenges with a strong heart. The same way, Nathalie asserts that we need to regularly replenish the spiritual energy in our body by taking the time to relax, clean and protect our body. In a millennial driven world today, as we hustle through the day balancing work, family and friends, we tend to forget to recharge ourselves. This is that deeper reality that Nathalie tries to emphasize through her passion for skin and body care. BY MADHUMITHA KUMAR
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How is the significance of “Sens and Spirit” relevant in the Indian lifestyle? Sens and Spirit is universal. It is used by people to renew energy in the body. All the products are meant to invigorate the senses in the human body and instigate a spirit of rejuvenation. Everyone goes to work, has stress and needs some “me time” for relaxation. This time for relaxation is very important to lead a healthy lifestyle. Thus, Sens and Spirit works for everyone, everywhere. What do you think is a top priority in Indian skincare- purifying, lightening, moisturizing or anti-ageing? Skincare priorities depend on an array of factors entirely different from skin colour. For example, anyone struggling with black spots will require lightening products just like any person passing into adulthood will need to bear anti-ageing practices in mind. Human skin is the same across borders. The only difference lies in the amount of melanin, a pigment that imparts colour to the skin. How important is to feel good than to look good? Many people focus more on looking good and forget about how they feel inside. I think it is very important to feel good first because a typical person wakes up in the morning, cooks, has children to raise, goes to work, runs errands and does many other things. At the end of the day, we need to relax and rejuvenate our senses and spirit to be ready to take on the next day with energy and vitality. How often do you think a person (man or woman) should visit the spa to get beauty or body treatments? It depends. If you’re taking a treatment for a particular concern, you will have to walk in more often, say every week. If you just want to take some time off your schedule to relax, the ideal frequency would be once a month. Sens & Spirit products are all paraben-free, mineral-oil free and silicone-free. What is the biggest benefit from excluding these common ingredients found in other beauty products? Sens & Spirit products are not only free from these harsh ingredients, but are also over 90% natural. The reason why being mostly natural is beneficial for the skin is that the natural ingredients in the products are very similar to the compounds in our skin. Hence the products work well together with the skin to produce better results.
“At the end of the day, we need to relax and rejuvenate our senses and spirit to be ready to take on the next day with energy and vitality” When is it the right time for a woman to start using anti-ageing products? That’s a good question because many women are confused about it. Collagen, a protein that causes skin elasticity starts losing the capacity to replenish itself in the skin. That is when wrinkling and ageing of skin occurs. The typical time when collagen reproduction hits the wall is twenty-five which is when it is ideal to start using anti-ageing products. When it comes to fighting ageing, prevention is always better than cure. Is there a universal skincare routine that everyone should adhere to? Definitely not, as the right skincare routine significantly varies from person to person according to the skin type, skin concerns and age. You’ve had a ton of experience in the field. What are three most important things when it comes to beauty and wellness? Relax, clean and protect. These are the things that I believe we need to focus on the most. Firstly, we need to relax and build spirituality within the body. The next thing is to clean the face and the body regularly, at least every day. Finally we need to protect the face and body with the right natural products. Nathalie has been a beautician for 22 years. She works with different brands. Beauty and wellness is her passion.
MAY 2016 | Brew entertainment | 35
LIVE | Anyone can cook
RECIPE FOR THE MONTH MAY FROM GRT HOTELS & RESORTS
KARAMRITHAM INGREDIENTS 50 gms red bell pepper (smoked and diced) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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50 gms yellow bell pepper (smoked and diced) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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50 gms green bell pepper (smoked and diced) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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50 ml Gingelly oil for dressing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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30 ml Honey ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Salt to taste ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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5 gms of crushed peppercorns ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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10 gms green chilly chopped ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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10 gms Coriander leaves for garnish ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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METHOD n
Mix all the ingredients listed under “dressing� in a bowl
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Toss in the remaining ingredients
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Check the seasoning and serve at room temperature with a garnish of chopped coriander leaves.
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LIVE|Hale and Hearty
MAKING A RUN FOR IT
Technology tied Naresh Kumar to the plains of Silicon Valley. Though his reality entailed engineering degrees and top jobs in the software industry, his dreams sought the rush of the cold mountain air as he ran. Naresh stays true to Tolkien’s saying “Not all those who wander are lost.” This adventurer, ultra-marathon runner and writer, among many other things speaks to the Brew Magazine about his exciting fitness regime that often strays away from set trails.
BY SANJANA GANESH
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lot of time in pitching a tent. Build a fire, eat some instant noodles and cookies for dinner. Read a classic like Homer’s Odyssey or JRR Tolkien by the fire side, drink some tea while fire gazing and contemplating about your day and the days ahead. Which has been your most daunting climb yet? This is a tough one. Winter Ascent of Shasta in US Crossing of Waiau Pass, New Zealand What does your everyday training entail? Do you also focus on diet? I keep a log of my daily miles. Depending on what race/expedition I’m training for, I would run 100-140 km a week I cross train by doing core workouts, cycling and rock climbing. Diet - I eat as healthy and organic as much possible. Red meat/turkey, avocado, nuts, fresh fruits and lots of chocolate milk! Has there been an incident that you now look back and laugh at? Have you been interested in running since you were young? Not until 2009 when it all started as a challenge to run a marathon, just one in my lifetime, and strike off an item from the bucket list. Was long distance running a gradual transition or did you feel drawn to it the moment you knew of it? After watching the preview of “Spirit of the Marathon” movie where it says 42.2 km is a perfect distance to test human physiology and how it will put you to the absolute test, I just wanted to give it a shot. Just once and be done with it. After finishing my first marathon, I was drawn more into long distance running, to push my limits and see how far I could go. Never would have realized back then that, that one decision would change my life. Which adventure sports have you done and which one have you liked most? Train running, long distance cycling, rock climbing, mountaineering, sky diving, scuba and deep sea diving, surfing. Favourite: running.
Too many but the one that stands out was when I got caught in a flash flood and got washed out into gnarly whitewater. Do you believe that New Zealand has the best nature trails? NZ (New Zealand) and all the other countries in Europe and North America as well. What does the future hold for you? “To wander is to live” and “To get somewhere you got to leave somewhere and something behind.” I don’t know what I don’t know. Just live one day at a time, keep myself open to opportunities and above all finish my book. What do you have to say to anyone interested in leading your life? Stay fit and healthy. Take care of commitments and gain that financial freedom. Embrace the uncertainty and use adversities as opportunities to learn, experience, live and grow.
What is a typical day in Naresh Kumar’s life? When on adventures like Te Araroa: 3100 km running the length of NZ. Wake up by the wood fire, make yourself a hot cup of coffee and eat muesli for breakfast straight out of the box and hit the trail. I try to pick my destination for the day depending on the terrain and weather. NZ has this amazing hut system, more so on South Island, in the forests. Basic shelter with bunk bed, rain water tanks and if you are lucky, a built-in wood fire burner. Once you are at the hut, you unpack, rest and relax. Saves a
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LIVE|Glimpses Within
DISCOVERING THE NEW NORTH EAST With swirling and mesmerizing clouds that dip, float and disappear, mountains that loom so high they seem to touch the sky, the river sometimes gushing, sometimes dribbling, its journey endless, Gangtok undoubtedly is every traveller’s dream come true. BY P PREETHI PHOTOGRAPHY BY AISHVARYA TYAGI
G
angtok, literally named “hilltop” in the local tongue is situated at the height of 7200ft in the eastern state of Sikkim. It is beautifully chiseled into the lower Himalayan Shivalik range giving the entire city a layered appearance. This capital city is believed to lie on the historically famous silk route between India and Tibet. This hilltop city is one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities in the country. The culture of its people makes this state very different from other states in India.
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UP IN THE AIR Gangtok can be most easily reached via a plane ride to Kolkata. By boarding a connector flight to Bagdogra and taking the bus or a taxi the rest of the way, you are sure to reach Gangtok within eight hours. If you’re feeling a little self-indulgent you can also take the chopper ride from the Bagdogra airport to Gangtok. BED & BREAKFAST Gangtok is spread over 25 square kilometers, due to which, it is fairly easy to make your way through the city and find places to stay at and eat. The Royal Plaza, Tamarind Residency, Club Mahindra Gangtok Royal Demazong, Sikkim Retreat hotel and Suhim Portico are trusted to be the best hotels in the area. Also as a tourist, make it a point to check out the following restaurants - Taste of Tibet, Bakers CafÊ and the Golden Dragon. NAVIGATE There are many things to do while in Gangtok. This city is surrounded by plenty of opportunities to satiate the adventurer in you and to provide peace and tranquility to those who wish a spiritual journey. The city is known for its numerous monasteries, stupas and temples. The Rumtek monastery is one of the important and most respected monasteries in Gangtok. It is a car ride of twenty four kilometers away from the city. The other spiritual destinations include Hanuman Tok and Do-drul Chorten. Tashi view point is another place to add to your itinerary. This place provides a picturesque, panoramic, aerial view of the entire city of Gangtok. The Nathu La pass lies on the Indo-Tibet border. It has a splendid view of the peaks of Mount Kangchenjunga. The mountainous terrain here is truly enchanting. However, prior permission has to be taken from the Indian army to visit this place. The Tsomgo Lake is another popular destination for a tourist. The lake remains frozen for the most part of the year and thaws only between the months of May and August. The landscape around it however is sublime all year round. Once you are past the conventional destination visits and gear up for the adventurer in you, allow yourself to turn undaunted on the Sandakphu trek or the Goech La trek. The Sandakphu trek is supposed to be the tougher of the two. Both these routes however, expose you to the wonders of the north east. The mountains, the air and the clouds hanging so low can let you dream about almost touching them and that would be enough to never let you leave. River rafting is also available in four graded rapids which can be enjoyed on the Teesta River. At the eventuality of a grand journey of Gangtok, you can finally relax in the evening by visiting the local market at MG marg. This place is the one stop shop for all your needs. Apart from a few stand-alone stores, most of the businesses are on this street. This also happens to be the place where the locals gather to ease up after a tiring day. The street is also lined with restaurants that give you plenty of varieties of Tibetian, North Indian and cafe food to indulge in.
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LIVE | Glimpses Beyond
OF OCEANS, ISLANDS AND EXOTIC ECAPES Sound of raindrops on tin roofs with the salty ocean water soothing your soul with its warmth, French Polynesia can transform even the tourist into a traveller. Consisting of 118 islands stretched over 2000 kilometres into the South Pacific, French Polynesia’s beauty is immeasurable by words. By PADMA MURUGHAPPUN
T
ropical but moderate weather with high levels of humidity characterise French Polynesia for a first-time traveller. Lined with pretty turquoise lagoons, coral atolls and moss-coloured peaks, this place is the 9th best destination for adventure travelling. Inhabited by sharks, fish, dolphins, rays, turtles and more, snorkelling or swimming in these lagoons is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The white, pink and black sand beaches are a rare spectacle that have the power to mesmerize every one of its visitors. Being the last place on earth to be occupied by humans, this overseas territory of France is rich in culture too. Topping the list of dream destinations around the world, French Polynesia is a family’s haven, the honeymooner’s paradise, the adventurer’s landing space and a traveller’s dream come true. With over-the-top experiences amidst an atmosphere that naturally calms the vivid mind, French Polynesia is truly a magnificent manifestation of welcoming spirit that brings out the youthful exuberance in oneself.
MAY 2016 | Brew entertainment | 43
THE MARQUESAS ISLANDS – THE LAND OF MEN With a remarkably uniform culture, human biology and language, the Marquesas Islands are a group of volcanic islands in the French Polynesia. Surrounded by a striking cobalt-blue ocean, these islands are dangerously beautiful. Grand-looking canyons with waterfalls taller than skyscrapers are a marvel to behold. The people with their bizarre traditions are fascinating to watch and are as striking as the island itself. Not visited a lot by tourists, this place is famous in the adventure by Robert Lewis Stevenson. With planned inspirational hikes, horseback rides and a rich prehistoric culture to explore, this island is more of an explorer’s sanctuary than a beach-holiday spot.
The not-to-be-missed: Lipona – pulsating, eerie and historic, this place is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in French Polynesia. This is situated on the Pamau Island and has an entry fee of 300 CFP. Nuku Hiva- This is the second largest island after Tahiti in French Polynesia. With lush-green valleys and tall waterfalls this place is a shimmery delight to sightsee. It has a nice collection of archaeological sites, hiking tracks and open air gathering places with almost all the places of forest dotted with rock-pile ruin houses called “pae pae.” Spend a good four days to devour in the beauty of Nuku Hiva in its entirety. Hiva Oapebble-studded beaches with Indigo Ocean water splashing through it with palm trees making it look even more picturesque
than it already is, Hiva Oa is definitely not to be missed while in Marquesas. The petroglyphs leave you wondering what they are for days and the moss covered stone tiki make this place look like an undiscovered treasure trove. While there, do take time and explore the lush jungles along the coast too. The to-be-done: Check out the Polynesian cultural centre to get a live experience of the indigenous dance and music of the Polynesians. Go for a dive in the ocean wearing a SubAtuona with a guide giving a personalised tour of the Marquesan waters. Take a bike and ride through the islands on a Marquises Quad Aventures to bring out the daredevil in you.
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THE MARQUESAS ISLANDS
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BORA BORA ISLAND
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BORA BORA ISLAND - THE LAND OF ROMANCE A palette of indigos, blues, turquoises and greens with a tantalising picture of the sea and the sky meeting with a quiet dreamy resonance to it, Bora Bora is definitely the number one Honeymoon destination. The beauty of the entire island lies not just in its colours but also the picturesque views and the variety of things that a traveller can indulge in. Bora Bora Island attempts to satisfy the tourist who comes to chill with a sun-and-sand holiday and also the action-packed adventurous traveller looking for some nerve-wrecking experiences.
The not-to-be-missed: Matira beach- Turquoise coloured, white-sand beach perfect for a midday swim or for a nice sunbath. This is the only proper beach in Bora Bora Island. This beach graciously merges into the lagoon beyond the Matira point where the beach forks with a beautiful sunset. Vaitape - A tour is never complete without exploring the lifestyle of the natives of the destination you’re touring. In that sense, the only evocative town of Vaitape brings to us alive the culture, tradition and life of the Polynesians. This is also a great place for some shopping and banking services and is liveliest on Sunday mornings.
MAY 2016 | Brew entertainment | 47
The to-be-done: Climb the iconic summits of Bora Bora to explore the interiors of Mt. Pahia and Mt. Otemanu. Check out the Maikai Bora Bora Marina & Yacht Club to be part of the cool culture of the islands. Take a ride in a luxurious boat with a diving instructor to pamper yourself like royalty.
TAHITI ISLANDS – THE LAND OF AITA PEA PEA Cacophonous, dusty, smelly and noisy, the Tahiti Islands are nicknamed the ‘Land of No Worries.’ With its unpretentious mountain peaks, waterfall-laden valleys and translucent lagoons, this is a place that’s not to be missed. The Tahiti Islands form the heart of the Polynesian Islands situated right at the centre of the South Pacific. Being the biggest archipelago of the entire French Polynesian country, Tahiti Islands are one of the most beautiful places on the face of earth. An eight hour travel from the Los Angeles Airport will get you to the land of stunning black-sand beaches. Belonging to the Society Archipelagos, these islands are dotted with lush green patches of land and mountains of volcanic origin with edgy peaks rocketing into the sky. A person who has travelled to the Tahitian Islands would not deny the richness of its culture, tradition and people and the world-renowned iconic beauty that has lured travellers for centuries.
The not-to-be-missed: Pape’ete- The capital of Tahiti Island. Don’t miss the beautiful shell necklaces, colourful sarongs, woven hats and local produce sold at the Institution. This place is known for its fish and meat especially the traditional Tahitian food Maa’ Tahiti. Take a stroll through the streets, drinking smoothies made by the natives, during early Sunday morning to get in the feel of Tahiti in its real sense. Pointe Venus & Matavai Bay- Once being Captain Cook’s Observatory assisting him in his attempt to measure the distance between Venus and earth, the Pointe Venus is now a much frequented beach view point. Situated on the Matavai Bay, it has various souvenir shops, an impressive lighthouse and shady trees topped off with cafes viewing the black-sand beach.
The to-be-done: Get mesmerised by the captivating traditional dance by the Polynesian ladies at sunset in Kaanapali. Witness one of the finest of Tahitian cuisines at the Bali-Hai restaurant with the tantalising show of Chile folklore by indigenous people of the Islands. Take a ride in the boats in La Maddelena to discover the best kept secrets on earth.
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TAHITI ISLANDS
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Opened at Mahindra World City, Chennai For memberships please call, 044-
4749 2200
Maximise your Life
Life, dotted together with moments of joy, is what we live for. At MWC Club you find these moments come alive. Located within the Mahindra World City, Chennai on the GST corridor, MWC club is designed thoughtfully with luxurious amenities. Here every member of your family can choose from a host of exciting recreational, social & fitness facilities. At MWC Club discover moments that truly Maximize Life.
Swimming pool I Squash Courts I Indoor Gym I Tennis Courts I Spa and Salon I Sports Bar I Multi-specialty Restaurant I Open air Party Lawns I Spacious Guestrooms For Membership: Call 044 4749 2200 | Email: mwcclub@mahindra.com | mwcclub.mahindraworldcity.com
MICE : 5-5-2015 | A4 size: 210mm x 297mm
LIVE | Review
REVAMPED AND REBOOTED The smell of expensive leather, the glass chandeliers and the wall to wall windows give M’bessy the expensive look it is gunning for. Situated on Besant Road at the Esthell Hotel, this restaurant certainly lives up to one’s expectations. The first thing that catches one’s eye, as you enter are the interiors that have been done up in a classy, modern Victorian style. Recently revamped, the restaurant has two levels - the ground floor is separated into a classic Victorian area dominated by white furniture and a plush leather seating area that overlooks a busy road. You don’t feel the hustle and bustle of the streets when sitting there, it really feels like you are in a world of your own. Its top floor also has a full-fledged bar. On entering you aren’t made to wait long before they usher you to your table and graciously help you to your seat. The menus are handed out and the glasses are filled- usual restaurant hospitality one might say. What is unusual is the size of the menu. They are presented as three framed boards which offer a decent variety to choose from. The waiters are extremely attentive in taking your order and serving you as well. The first dish arrives and you are glad you stepped into this place. The dish is so well-plated that the whole plate appears entirely delectable. Among the starters, the Dynamite prawns are a must have. The batter is light and the prawns are well-cooked and spiced. The dip that accompanies it is what takes the dish to the next level.
Another starter that comes highly recommended is the chicken platter and mushroom stuffed mozzarella cheese balls. The flavors in these dishes will tickle your tongue and leave you satisfied with the appetizer. Arriving shortly after is the main course. There is a lot to choose from, however the chef recommends the fettucine with smoked mushrooms. This dish can come on as very strong and it is a tad extra greasy. But the crunch of the onions and the soft mushrooms truly leave you wanting more. The other dishes that would undoubtedly awaken your senses are the caramelized onion and jalapeno pizza, the paneer and red bell pepper pizza and the prawn pizza. These three pies have a sweetening element that adds a certain texture to the taste that makes it worth your while. Having tried such delightful appetizers and main courses you would expect the desserts to live up to a certain standard. They, however, surpass those expectations. The desserts are the best delicacies on the menu. The chocolate terrain and tiramisu are to die for. The chocolate mousse in the chocolate terrain dessert is so rich, creamy and dense that it seems to be the top voted dessert at M’Bessy. The tiramisu comes with a very unusual plating style. Instead of being presented in the usual layers, it is deconstructed and served as separates. The elements on the plate are very rich that when eaten together, it tastes absolutely divine. Overall the restaurant lives up to its hype. It is definitely worth visiting with your friends and family. M’Bessy promises an unforgettable experience.
MAY 2016 | Brew entertainment | 52
(ACADEMIC YEAR 2016 - 17)
LIVE | What’s New?
WILLS LIFESTYLE SPRING-SUMMER 2016 COLLECTION ONE-STOP FASHION DESTINATION FOR WOMEN Wills Lifestyle celebrates the playful, sporty essence of summer with a modernistic twist. Intense pastels and pop colours jive to the rhythm of bold prints and interesting glimpse of florals. This season, Wills Lifestyle is taking the women’s fashion back to the MOD era with the Retroscopic Pop range. Take your pick from gingham checks, quirky and bold florals, monochromatic drama and psychedelic geo prints to add a splash of bold to your style. Lend your wardrobe an edge with the Tailored Trip collection focused on crafted tailoring deconstructed to suit the modern woman. Ease, comfort, travel inspired functionality with interesting quirks and vibrant colors dominate the collection. The Studio collection is minimalistic, edgy, and distinctive. Experiment with the sculpted silhouettes and rich matt finish to give your style an ingenious touch to rule the party circuit. Accessorize your look and keep summer at bay with colorful scarves and bags in premium leather. Team up your Wills trousers with belts from the new SS’16 collection to add an extra dash of flair to your look. Wills Lifestyle fashion for women is all about oomph, panache and grace in a vibrant style!
BLENDING GLAMOUR AND SOPHISTICATION FOR MEN The suave collection of Wills Lifestyle introduces premium shirts in tropical prints and colorful checks and stripes for men, crafted to immaculate standards. Exhibiting a youthful energy and an explosion of fine colours and contemporary design elements, Wills Classic epitomizes fine detailing and pure finishes ensuring your day is nothing less than remarkable. Team up the shirts with formal slim fit trousers for a smart, professional look, all day long! Formal range this season continues to be Regalia, Luxuria and Presidentia collection. Indulge in the tailor-made perfection of Regalia with soft and mellow tones. Driven by colors and crafted with superior fabrics, this line is all about taking a moment away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life. Team up your trousers with Luxuria shirts for an instant dash of glamour. The Wills casual range brings to you a special, exotic Portofino range, emblematic of holiday spirit on a voyage with precise detailing and a bright color palette. Feel at one with deck chair stripes with a mystic twist of browns to lend you a feeling of the discerning traveler. Wills Clublife features styles that are sharp and distinctively urban. Add a spark of luxury to fashion with elegant detailing, edgy designs and sharp contrasts, giving you the perfect look to add glamour to your night. Define your style by pairing it with accessories, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Accessories include pure silk ties, stylish leather belts and wallets for men.Wills Lifestyle ensembles are priced between Rs. 1,299 – Rs. 14,999 and available exclusively at all leading Wills Lifestyle stores across the country.
MAY 2016 | Brew entertainment | 55