AbraxasLifestyle by Abraxas Lifestyle

DEUD[DV LIVING THE GOOD LIFE !

C 100

December 2012 | Vol 1 | Issue 2

Neeta Lullaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fashion Revelations Pullman Hotel

SARBJIT SINGH Goan Holiday Rita Mody Joshi

7+( %2/' $1'

%($87,)8/ 0DOOLND 6KHUDZDW

Felix Bendish London Fashion Week

E D ITO R’S VI EW

)URP WKH (',725 ,1 &+,()·V GHVN

t gives me immense pleasure to say that ‘Abraxas’ has been accepted well by the public at large! We are the first Indian lifestyle magazine to have a readership of all ages, as we cater to all segments of society! A difficult task accomplished by a dedicated team! Being in the midst of the festive season, we have focused on festive shopping great destinations and festive cuisine! Our special section on Talent Search by way of competitions makes us a very interactive and pro-active group endeavouring to build our youth into ‘confident citizens’ in the near future! Welcome to a new dawn of innovative designers who will redefine life and lifestyles! Make the most of the upcoming fun-filled celebrations. We hope to create a magical balance for all our readers, by creating different experiences in the issues to come! This issue highlights all the happening events that makes Goa, an attractive destination for all! I look forward to suggestions and feedback about our magazine at feedback@abraxaslifestyle.com

Rita Mody Joshi EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LIVING THE GOOD LIFE ! DEC. 2012 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 2

Contents

C OVE R

CONTRIBUTERS O O O O O O O O O O

Neeta Lulla Sangeeta Narula Mallika Sherawat Felix Bendish Vandana Sethi Aaron Fernandes Kristal Chater Gautam Karkal Asaboy Kazingmei Whitney Bedi

O O O O O O O O O O

Rupesh Naik Sarbjit Singh Rita Mody Joshi Alex Davis Gerard Da Cunha Heleen Van Gent Sanjana Sud Chef Nicole Illa Chef Mark Hagan Remo Fernandes

O O O O O O O O O O

Alexyz FishEye Dr. Samir Parikh Ajay Sood Kristna Saikia Dipit Anand Palak Gupta Dr. Salim Mohammed David Abraham Dadhichi Toth

M O D E L: Mallika Sherawat P H OTO G RAP HY: Ash Gupta

FASHION 12

DESIGNER SHOWCASE Neeta Lulla remembers her days starting out as an aspiring designer

ALWAYS A DIVA India’s Jalebi girl Mallika Sherawat gets serious in a candid interview with Sangeeta Narula about her journey to stardom

THE EXPERIMENTALIST One- on-one with the eclectic Felix Bendish about his trip to the London Fashion Week Spring Summer 2013

DRESSED FOR THE OCCASION Vandana Sethi’s ethnic collection has something for every woman

REDEFINING THE GARMENT Traditional styles in a new avatar

NIGHT OUT Metallic fashion favourites for the New Year

SAY IT ON YOUR TEE The best way to make a fashion statement

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Modern interpretation of ancient fairy tales

CALENDAR GIRL Find out who’s our Issue 2 Bikini gal

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH Keep an eye out for Gautam Karkal

DESIGNER OF THE MONTH Asaboy Kazingmei draws inspiration from tribal art

CORRIGENDUM The name of our Cover Story Celebrity of our November, 2012 Issue is spelt as “Gauahar Khan” - the error is regretted.

C O NTE NTS

Contents 46

FEMALE MODEL OF THE MONTH Whitney strikes a pose

MALE MODEL OF THE MONTH Rupesh lights up

DESIGN 48

PULLMAN HOTEL Contemporary Luxury

by Interior Designer Sarbjit Singh 56

Thakore’s Portuguese styled holiday home 62

88 90

COLOUR FUTURES 2013 Colour trend DECORATING WITH MURALS Add UNDER THE SHADE Decorative lamp

MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL

CUSHION COMFORTS Colourful

98 100 102

MIND ON THE MATTER ThinkFest Goathe hub for all things innovative and interesting

CHRISTMAS CRUNCHIES Chef Nicole

104

Illa gives you the perfect reason to indulge in Christmas goodies

105

FITTING INTO YOUR GENES DNA testing- the solution for a healthy life

EVENTS What you cannot miss out on this month

WHAT’S COOKING, MARK? Chef Mark Hagen of Grand Hyatt Goa is cooking up a feast this Christmas

106

SANTA’S SPECIAL Gifting essentials for

110

this holiday season

WHAT’S THE (T)ISSUE Realise the importance of Indian beauty

CHRISTMAS

NUDITY IS A MYSTERY IN DISGUISE Kristna Sakia explores the nude form

additions to your personal cosy spaces

ORCHHA-THE HIDDEN GEM Charismatic Bundela architecture

Which is the most beautiful of them all? 76

LOVE IN THE CITY Tips for a healthy relationship

shades for your home 75

POTTERING AROUND THE PLANET Discover German precision and humour with FishEye

character to spaces with wall murals 74

ALEXYZ Sossegado living through Goa’s renowned cartoonist Alexyz’s eyes

forecasting by Heleen Van Gant 72

THE GOA THAT WAS Remo Fernandes recalls the Goa of yesteryears

SURRENDER TO THE SERENE Gerard da Cunha’s classical architecture

THE ELI COLLECTION Contemporary furniture range by Alex Davis

LIVING

A CONFLUENCE OF CULTURES Kiran

TAKING INDIE FORWARD David Abraham’s takes his Indie music online

ASTRO WATCH Predictions by Dadhichi Toth A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

MANAGING EDITOR AND PUBLISHER CREATIVE HEAD BUSINESS HEAD

Hemant Sud Datta Gawade Dhaval Gupta

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Rita Mody Joshi Nicole Suares Seema Crispino Nunes Cassandra D’Roza

EDITOR (GOA) DEPUTY EDITOR (DELHI) DEPUTY EDITOR (GOA) FEATURE WRITER (GOA) SALES AND MARKETING

Kamya Setia Christelle Faucon

MANAGER MARKETING ASST. MANAGER MARKETING CREATIVE AND PRODUCTION

Monica Badhwar Amitabh Singh Shilpi Bhargava Ritesh Biswas Denwy Fernandes Aditya Das Mahesh Pednekar

VP OPERATIONS SR. MANAGER PROJECTS MANAGER DESIGN GRAPHIC DESIGNER (DELHI) GRAPHIC DESIGNER (GOA) PHOTOGRAPHER (DELHI) PHOTOGRAPHER (GOA) PRINT AND CIRCULATION

Manish Verma T. Srirengan Sudhir Arora Sarita Shridhar

ASSOCIATE VP GM PRINT SERVICES SR. MANAGER CIRCULATION MANAGER AUDIENCE SERVICE CORPORATE OFFICE HARYANA

Cyber House, B-35, Sector 32, Gurgaon, Haryana - 122 001, Tel: +91-124-4822222, Fax: +91-124-2381683 EDITORIAL OFFICE DELHI

GOA

W-26, Greater Kailash-II, New Delhi 110048 Tel. : +91.11.4143.7519 Email: delhi@ abraxaslifestyle.com

1st Flr., F2, Vijay Laxmi Apt. Coqueiro Circle, Nh-17, Porvorim, Goa - 403501, India. Tel. : +01.832.645.8777 Email: goa@ abraxaslifestyle.com

REGIONAL OFFICES BENGALURU 401, 4th Floor, MBC Building, 134 Infantry Road, Bangalore - 560 001 Tel: 080-43412000 Fax: 080-22862971 CHENNAI 5-B, 6th Floor, Gemini Parsn Apartments, 599 Mount Road, Chennai - 600 006 Tel: 044-28221712, 28220360, 28229116 Fax: 044-28222092 KOLKATA 23/54, Gariahat Road, Ground Floor, Near South City College, Kolkata - 700 029 Tel: 033-65250117, 65250118, 40011506

MUMBAI 501/502 5th ﬂoor Acropolis, Military Road, Marol, Andheri (East), Mumbai 400 059 Tel: 022-29204142/3/4 Fax: 022-29203964 PUNE Flat No. 9, Popular Heights 3, F Block, North Main Road Koregaon Park, Pune - 411 001 Tel: 020-66203378, 66203379 Fax: 020 – 66203377 SECUNDERABAD Room No. 5 & 6, Srinath Commercial Complex, SD Road, Secunderabad - 600 003 Tel: 040-27841970, 27841665 Fax: 040-27808134

INTERNATIONAL OFFICES SINGAPORE Cyber Media (Singapore) Pte Ltd #14-03, High Street Centre, 1 North Bridge Road, Singapore - 179 094 Tel: +65-63369142, Fax: +65-63369145

CALIFORNIA Huson International Media President, 1999, South Bascom Avenue, Suit 1000,Campbell, Ca95008, USA Tel: +1-408-879 6666 Fax: +1-408-879 6669

The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct. Abraxas Lifestyle cannot be responsible for unsolicited material unless accompanied by adequate return postage. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Owned and published by Hemant Sud (W-26, Greater Kailash-II, New Delhi-110048) on behalf of Abraxas Communications Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Pearl Printer, C-105 Okhla Industrial Area Phase I, New Delhi 110020 Printed, marketed and distributed by Cyber Media (India) Ltd.

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

ADVISORY BOARD 1. AKASH DAS Akash is an award winning photographer and a pioneer in the ﬁeld of visual communication and photography. A socially conscious person, he has also been part of social awareness and wildlife conservation campaigns in India.

6. REMO FERNANDES Padmashri award recipient singer/ songwriter Remo is one of India’s renowned pop/rock/Indian fusion music icons. His noted compositions like O Meri Munni, ﬂute song, Maria Pita Che are some of his all time hits. He is also a social activist.

2. ALEX DAVIS Internationally acclaimed product designer Alex, known for his sleek and avant-garde metal designs, has showcased his works at international art events at the Salone del Mobile - Milano, Maison & Objet - Paris, Visual Arts Gallery and India Habitat Centre, New Delhi to mention a few.

7. RITU KUMAR Ritu, one of India’s leading fashion designers, has carved a niche for herself in the fashion industry for her distinct style that involves intricate weaves and embroidery using traditional Indian craftsmanship.

3. ATUL CHURAMANI Having spent 24 years in the Indian music industry, Atul has been a key player, credited with many ﬁrsts including launching the careers of many of today’s stars. Today, he is the Head of Content for OnMobile Global Limited, India’s largest VAS company.

8. SANJIB CHATTERJEE Sanjib’s practice and search in the domain has helped him create a contemporary language ﬁrmly rooted in India that connects art, architecture, craft and design to produce high-end artifacts. His design ﬁrm Kaaru’s critically acclaimed work has been exhibited in London, Delhi and all over the world.

4. CONRAD GONSALVES Conrad is a mumbai-based reputed architect and interior designer and is the past National President of the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), the apex all-India body for interior design.

9. SARBJIT SINGH Sarbjit is India’s foremost Hospitality Interior Designer. His design ﬁrm Fab Interiors having designed hotels, resorts, spas and restaurants for almost every international and domestic ﬁve-star hotel chain, in India and all over the world. He is also on the Advisory Board of Institute of Indian Interior Designers - Delhi (IIID-DRC ).

5. PRADEEP GUPTA Pradeep is the chairman and managing director of CyberMedia, India’s leading specialty media house. He has received national awards for his championship of the disabled, and alumni awards for entrepreneurship. He is also an angel investor and a mentor to a number of entrepreneurs.

10. SHANKAR SAHNEY Nicknamed the ‘King of Punjabi pop’, Shankar is an award winning pop singer, bhangra king, Bollywood playback, suﬁ and spiritual singer. He has also turned music director and recently released an album, singing ghazals along with the legend Asha Bhonsle. A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

FAS H I O N

Showcase

, ZDV D FRPSOHWHO\

FOXHOHVV JLUO Says veteran designer Neeta Lulla about her initial years. Her feminine touch creates garments that are sensuous and unique. The ‘Czarina of Indian Fashion’ in conversation with SANGEETA NARULA

ational Award winning designer Neeta Lulla whirled into the fashion scene more than two decades ago. From the blockbuster ‘Hum Aapke Hain Kaun’ and then a gangster ﬂick ‘Khalnayak’ to period dramas like ‘Devdas’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar,’ her costume creations are eclectic. Her designs have not only been recognised in India, but have also acquired great acclaim globally.

D E S I G N E R N E ETA LU LLA

When did you realise that you ought to be a fashion designer? How did it happen? It was the need to do a vocation in life post marriage. I was a complete clueless young girl who just wanted to enjoy life but my in-laws asked me to pursue a hobby be it cooking or tailoring. So, with the incentive of being able to explain new designs to the tailor I took up a career which I didn’t realise would do wonders in my life. From where do you draw inspiration? My inspirations often are based on life’s philosophies...my cuts are feminine sensuous and opulent. In what way has your work evolved over the years? Over the years designs change to fashion statements. Over time I have seen and studied the

changes and this has enabled me to understand the diversity of the styles that are possible when the fashion cycle takes its revolve and is back using them as an inspiration to further a new style. This only happens with experience and going with the flow of your creative instincts, thus making them evolve into something new and different over the years. What makes Neeta Lulla so different and special? As a designer my forte lies in clever blending of colours and creating a fusion of looks with Indian and European sensibilities mainly inspired from bygone eras. In the film segment, understanding and researching projects leads me to getting a lot of period films. In the bridal segment it is creating unusual bridal attire achieved out of careful consultation with the bride and her family to achieve a look that is unique practical and one of a kind. What are India’s young people looking for in their clothes? According to me prima facie comfort, a style that becomes them and is easy to co-ordinate, a fashion statement that they can relate to and is available to them in a budget that is easily affordable. A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

FAS H I O N

Beige and gold lace blouse with kalamkari patchwork with a tiered trail in rust net and sheer rust sharara with brasso patchwork and kalamkari with gold borders

FAS H I O N

A QUICK TAKE THE FIVE ESSENTIALS IN YOUR CLOSET

Asymmetric kurtas, a gold blouse, a vintage purse, Indian ﬂare pants, chiffon sarees. YOUR STYLE STATEMENT

I love power dressing, clean lines and neutral colours. For formal wear- Indian it is always a sari I love accessories like shoes, sunglasses, ﬁnger rings. The rest of it is merely accessories for the outﬁts I wear. ON ANY CASUAL DAY

Blue jeans and a white shirt keep me looking and feeling cool. HOBBIES INCLUDE

Designing and painting oil on canvas. WHAT TURNS YOU ON

Well, looks, dressing, and height has never been a criteria. There’s a classic elegance in dressing. Clean shoes and a man who is intelligent, knows how to conduct a conversation, patient and has what they say is not common - the common sense! WHAT TURNS YOU OFF?

Turn off is a guy who has an exaggerated sense of dressing (a fashion victim) over the place messed up and talks too much without giving someone else a chance to express. WHAT PUTS YOU OFF ABOUT FASHION

When people try to look what they are not in a style statement or age discomfort in clothing is the core essence of looking dowdy. Trying to look younger than your age also makes you create fashion faux pas. IF NOT A FASHION DESIGNER

Racing cars maybe cross country or rallies. SOME FASHION TIPS FOR OUR READERS

Lemon yellow sequin sheet halter blouse with yellow lace patchwork and lemone yellow net saree with chantelli lace with pleats portion in frilled lace and net

Always splurge on jewellery or silk sarees or any garments that have a classic appeal. Save on fads or one time wear, over the top garments or accessories that draw instant attention. Add a dash of western attire to a vintage piece and dressing it up with a stylish hair-do.

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

FAS H I O N

White lace patchwork bodice with net anarkali assymetric top having lots of ďŹ&#x201A;are teamed with a sheer lace skirt and satin churidaar

FAS H I O N

<PM 1VLQIV .I[PQWV 1VL][\Za ]ZOMV\Ta ZMY]QZM[ \W ]VLMZ[\IVL \PM [MZQW][VM[[ WN \PQ[ J]Q[VM[[ IVL ZMITQ[M \PI\ Q\ Q[ VW\ WVTa ZMTI\ML \W OTIUW]Z ) ) ) ) ) )

Beige Matt Sequin corset jacket with zardosi embroidered ghaghra 16

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

FAS H I O N

Maroon and gold bridal wear paired with heavy kundan and zardosi embroidery One change that the Indian fashion industry urgently requires today? Surely to understand the seriousness of this business, and realising that it is not only related to glamour and guiding the students who are the future of a fashionable India, but to understanding the requirement of focusing on the area they are good at, following it and pursuing it will diligence, sincerity and commitment till it becomes a brand that people relate to. Which has been your most satisfying assignment? Difficult to say which one as each one has a special philosophy to itbe it my collection on female foeticide, immortal love, Jodha Akbar or Devdas which have created a statement. Which designer/designers do you admire and why? Chanel Gucci, Vivenne, Westwood, Chanel for the LBD innovations. Gucci’s timeless styles and line VW for her classic corset cuts. What’s more challenging - designing clothes for men or for women? I would say neither as there are many options today for the metro man be it in styles, fabric, embellishment, accessories or jewellery. Does a fashion designer transform the screen image of a star? Yes, they do through a careful attention on detailing of a character that the actor plays. This is what the audience relates to. Thus, one cannot say we transform their looks but definitely make them look in character. Your favourite era in fashion 18th century renaissance for its ostentatious use of embellishment and colour and romantic era for its soft feminine use of detailing. Tell us something about the new projects you’re working on Working on opening more flagship stores, a few films, my teaching stints at Hamstech Fashion Institute, designing for the Sahara polo team, my new bridal line and life goes on…( smiles) How do you strike a balance between your personal and professional life? I never make an effort to do this. I go with the flow and organise my day. God has been kind to me in that sense considering I am a workaholic and work is my hobby... passion drives you to do your best and let things fall into place I guess that is the magic of life. 17

P H OTO G RAP HY 18

AS H G U PTA A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

DOZD\V D Cover Story

'LYD 0DOOLND 6KHUDZDW Controversies may follow actress Mallika Sherwat but she considers her life pretty boring. In an interview with SANGEETA NARULA she doesn’t hold back on her views about her career and herself From Khwahish to now, what would you say about your route to stardom? How would you review your performance in Bollywood and Hollywood? I had a relatively easy and rapid rise to stardom as both Khwahish and Murder attracted a huge amount of media and public interest and were box office hits. But maintaining that position has been hard work, and I’m still working at it. I have a lot to be grateful for, but I have a long way to go before I’m satisﬁed with my performances. It all depends on the quality of scripts I’m able to ﬁnd. Are you affected by the box office results? How do you feel if the movie doesn’t go well? Anybody working in commercial cinema who says they’re not affected by the box office is either an idiot or a liar. Who won’t feel terrible if something they’ve worked on for a year fails. What about your achievements? For a girl from Haryana, one of the most misogynistic and backward

places in the world, even being a self-sufficient, independent woman is a huge achievement. Haryana being the ﬂag bearer for female foeticide, infanticide, underage marriage, dowry deaths, honour killings, rape and domestic violence, it’s a miracle I even exist. What about the growing expectations from audiences and critics? The audience and media expectations are far lower than my own expectations of myself. I’m my biggest critic and I’m more afraid of my own criticisms than the media’s and the audiences’, who have been very kind to me compared to Mallika Sherawat. How do you react to the controversies related to your professional and personal life…Do you get hurt? I don’t think I’m very controversial – it’s some of the characters I have played that have been labelled controversial. I’m a vegan, I don’t drink, smoke or gamble and I’ve had no affairs with any ﬁlmstars – My life’s been pretty boring compared to my contemporaries.

Being a celeb, you are always in the media glare. Does it irritate you? Everyone knows it’s part of the job, if it irritates you, you should quit. In fact you should only be worried if there is no media interest. How do you handle success? I treat myself to a spa vacation. Any dream role for which you crave and why? I’d like to do a biopic sometime - a real life historical figure. That would be fun and challenging. How do you deal with your obsessed fans and stalkers? Inform my 6 ft tall muscle-head brother. Ha, ha, ha…. Your comments on the upcoming actresses? Some of them are very pretty and fitter than their predecessors and one or two can dance pretty well. The buzz is that you have been approached by a publishing house to pen down your memoirs...your comments? If so, then will it be an honest account of your life? If I get down to it, it will have to be brutally honest. I’ll do it when I’m ready to permanently move out of India as we are not very tolerant of honesty. The unknown facts about Mallika? I have a BA degree in philosophy from Miranda House in Delhi, and after having read a range of philosophers from Plato to Nietzhe and Krishnamurthy, I’d like to quote the great Billy Wilder - “Always believe that tomorrow is the day!” Tell something about your next ventures? I’m doing an interesting project in the US and the K.C. Bokadia film based on Bhanwari Devi. Five years from now, where do you see yourself ? On a film set – Hopefully I’ll die on one. There’s no place I love more would rather be. Are you affected by stardom? Sometimes! Down the memory, do you miss something? Since I grew up in what is hell for women, I miss nothing – just grateful I escaped from Haryana. In the family, with whom are you closest to? My brother. 20

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

1¼U I ^MOIV 1 LWV¼\ LZQVS [UWSM WZ OIUJTM IVL 1¼^M PIL VW INNIQZ[ _Q\P IVa ÅTU[\IZ[ ) ) ) ) ) )

THE BEAUTIFUL MALLIKA... THE BEAUTY PRODUCTS YOU USE

I love products that help the skin stay radiant and luminescent. The brands I like are Tatcha - a skin care line based on the wisdom of the Geisha. The line is clean and has simple ingredients like camellia ﬂowers and rice bran oil. YSL is my foundation, the touché éclat foundation melts into my skin with accurate colour matching YOUR BEAUTY REGIME FROM MORNING TILL NIGHT

Steam for the skin, adding moisture and releasing impurities from the skin. Very gentle skin exfoliation. Secret tip…. In colder climates, I might use Xvirgin coconut oil on my skin at night. ESSENTIALS YOU NEVER MISS TO ENSURE THAT YOUR SKIN REMAINS HEALTHY AND GLOWING

Diet is ﬁrst

Dairy is hard for the body to break down and digest, so, I have alternatives like almond milk and hemp milk.

Meat is a no no...not only is it hard to digest, but also creates acidic blood that deﬁnitely ages you, plus I’m against the cruelty to animals.

Healthy supplements and beneﬁcial herbs like turmeric, ginger and other Ayurvedic herbs.

Keeping my skin clean and hydrated.

I love to have a hydrating mist, it could be just 100% pure water that I add some rose essential oil to and mist in morning and night.

THE VISIT TO BEAUTY SALONS

I don’t frequent the salon, for haircuts – yes, because I find that with all of the healthy eating my hair grows fast. I find what I can do at home is far beneficial for my skin and health, plus, I have close friends that come over when needed. BEAUTY TREATMENTS THAT COME STRAIGHT FROM THE KITCHEN

Cold Xvirgin coconut oil in the morning and eggs in the hair. BEAUTY FOOD

Goji berries and granola made from quinoa, oats, millet, buckwheat and fresh fruit.

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

7KH H[SHULPHQWDOLVW

Interview Fashion and accessory designer Felix Bendish’s work is a tapestry of rich Asian inﬂuence. This innovative designer works with ﬁne embroideries to create one of-a-kind pieces

e is the creator; the experimentalist. For fashion and accessory designer, Felix Bendish, innovation is key to his design philosophy and he dares to create new patterns every time he picks a pencil to sketch. Besides participating in the London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 he has had his hands full in participating in fashion shows in India, Hong Kong and London to mention a few. Since he started his label in 2001, he has designed clothing and accessories for Bollywood movies and fashion houses abroad. He chats about his recent participation at the London Fashion Week and more. Here are excerpts from our interview with him.

Hyderabadi wedding outﬁt by Felix Bendish

How was your experience at the London Fashion Week? I was involved with embroideries and accessories for British designers. I got the opportunity to see backstage work, press involvement; an entire system involved at A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

FAS H I O N

FAS H I O N AN D AC C E S S O RY D E S I G N E R F E LI X B E N D I S H

the fashion week and met some important people there like installation glass artistAndrew Logan. He has been invited by the Indian government to do an installation at our new Mumbai international airport. I also met millinery designer- Pier Atkison who has been involved with the Royal Family and of course legendary designer – Zandra Rhodes. I went to her studio in central London which was amazing in art and design. She was totally amazed with the technique of embroidery which I had taken with me. She loved my lizard brooches and called it quite unique fashion product. ‘The Hallmark of my design philosophy lies in not being afraid to experiment.’ What are some of the experiments you have tried and what have they made you realise? My current collection is a tribute to Alexander McQueen. I’ve used and created 25

FAS H I O N

a technique called as ‘Lenticuler lens’ in accessories. This technique has still not been touched in fashion products in India. This is a new experiment. I dare to create visual impacts in my stall presentation. Hence my stall presentation was a coffin, at Wills India Fashion Week, Spring/ Summer 2013. How did you come to develop your signature style (that’s simple, with a major inﬂuence of Asia, a mixture of really classic, traditional, historical design blending with real fashion)?

What about Asia do you imbibe in your collections? My forte lies in creating beautiful hand embroideries. From this medium, I get inspired from architecture, nature, people and different cultures. Asia has a lot of history behind it and places like India, China, and Korea have so much of design inspirations. As a designer I try not to use too many design elements. For me less is more. Why do you describe yourself as a ffashion ashi hion entrepreneur e trepreneur instead en ins of a

fashion designer? What is the difference between both? As a fashion entrepreneur I totally get involved in designing clothing and accessories; managerial skills, ﬁnance and logistics towards my business. I run a fashion school called BIF. So I am more like a business person. Did you always want to get into fashion? Why did you choose to do so? I had an inclination for creative design right from school. I was very sure

that my career would be design. If not fashion designing then my second option would be jewellery designing. Apart from this I also give credit to my grand uncle who was a costume designer, for the then epic movie ‘Mughal- E- Azam’. I guess I got it from him. I started my studio as a costume designer for Bollywood movies and stars. When did you get into accessory design? My ﬁrst accessory collection was showcased at Wills India Fashion Week Autum/Winter 2010. From there it was no looking back .I have now done London Fashion Week, Hong Kong Fashion Week and recently Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.

Statement neckpieces and clutches by the designer Giving the traditional sari a whole new meaning

Designing clothes and accessories are two different areas, which do you prefer and describe the process of both As a designer one has to enjoy creativity. I create embroideries which can ﬁt in both, clothing and accessory. Clothing has technicalities like sizes and consumption, so a lot of things have to be kept in mind before delivering a ﬁnished product. In accessory, sizes can be avoided. Any particular designer you look up to? As of now I am totally inspired by the work of Alexander McQueen.The reason being that he created something so beautiful and creative from an ugly object. His work speaks and this is what I am looking forward to do in all my future projects. With every collection, you try to… As a designer it’s important to innovate and give the buyer a new product. I love working on thematic ideas and concepts every season. And this has been highly acknowledged by the press, media and most importantly, buyers. So with every collection I dare to create new designs, techniques and concepts... 27

FAS H I O N Kundan work done on a traditional lehenga with a short bodice choli

Featured Designer

'UHVVHG IRU WKH 2FFDVLRQ Designer Vandana Sethi’s reﬁned ethic collection sets you apart from the rest

elhi’s ace designer Vandana Sethi specialising in Indian ethnic wear says that it’s very important for the designer to understand the customer, her taste and what she can carry the best. The cuts and colours need to be identified before finalising the outfit. If you are thinking of dressing up in an Indian attire, the designer has a few tips to help you choose the right look:

Hues: Bright colours like red, fuchsia, burnt orange, cobalt blue, and dark spring green. Cuts: Long anarkalis with lots of ghera, length very long, just 2 inches of the churidar showing. Anarkalis calf length with straight pants look very formal. Shararas and gararas look awesome for formal wear worn with knee length, A - line shirts and saree blouses - Brocade blouses with wasli work look very beautiful. Fabric: The use of brocades and velvet together impart a very formal look to the garment. Georgettes and chiffons can be used to give a ﬂowy effect to the whole garment. Embellishments: Zardozi cum zurcon work on velvet looks stunning.

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

Earthy pink sharara with chandilace work

Three-piece jacket styled red and green lehenga with zardozi work

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

FAS H I O N

Trends

5(GHILQLQJ 7KH JDUPHQW

Few designers at the Wills Lifestyle Fashion n Week Spring Summer 2013 gave new meaning to some timeless classic styles ARJUN SALUJA Arjun continues to explore androgyny in his latest collection ‘Rishta’. Experimenting mentting with structure and drape, he masterfully combined both the masculine and feminine eminine to bring the paradoxical or compatible union of both. Over-sized collars was the running e ru nning theme of the collection. Here he used the collar on a shirt type sari choli with h a palu.

RAJESH PRATAP Rajesh Pratap played with tessellations (repetition of a geometric pattern) like the honey comb to create a Gothic drama on the runway. He interpreted the theme through structured dresses, ﬂuid body sliced outﬁts and power shoulders to great effect. He transformed man made materials like silver, gold etc to come up with new textures to play around with.

JAMES FERREIRA Sri Lankan designer James Ferreira’s collection took the Indian kitsch back to one of its origins, the Italian renaissance. He used soft cotton voile, cotton satin, crepe de Chine and silk jersey to give a contemporary touch to the jumpsuit.

TANIYA KHANUJA Taniya used bold felt and acrylic laser cuts, geometrical patterns, ﬂowers, lace cutouts in ﬁne jute, chiff on and organza to create the ‘Flight of the Wingless Soul,’ a collection comprising of structured garments with an armoured look. To give it a futuristic feel, the garments have been accessorised using grunge and edgy elements.

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

FAS H I O N

Jewellery

1LJKW 28W

Out goes boring goe oes the b painter’s painte nter’s overa overalls, in comes com omes the sexy sex jumpsuit. Model wearing an Anaika Model outﬁt Wills Lifestyle tﬁt at a the Wi Spring-Summer Spring-Sum Summe Fashion Week 2013

Be bold by sporting a statement piece on your neck Metallic neckpiece, Dreamscape by Malini Ramani C 9,900

Glam up this party season by adding a dash of silver to your ensemble

If black isn’t your colour,r, mix silver with a softer hue for a glam night out. Model wears Sailexx Ngairangbam, LFW Winter Festive 2012

NOTHING SAYS forward like a metallic embellishment to go with your evening ensemble. Known to be more of a bold statement, the use of these ese colours is now accompanied with clothes that are soft and feminine to give it that appeal. Your ensemble,, be it a short sequined skirt, bold jewellery ery or pumps should be paired with neutral ral or pastel shades,which add sophistication. ation. Wearing ﬁtted and tailored clothess cleans up the look. Remember, keep ep it sleek and minimal and more importantly rtantly have a dazzling night!

Complete the ensemble with a sleek watch Casio Sheen, Price on request

Take a look at these comfy ﬂats Crocs C 2,395

Enhance your look by carrying this intricate silver clutch. Silver Grey, Annika Rucci Perla C 35,500

If accessorising isn’t your style, you can still say it out loud with a ring on your ﬁnger. Silver ring, Sacha’s Shop C33 2,875

FAS H I O N

Trend

C 400

VD\ LW RQ

Paaji t-shirt The Bombay Store

\RXU WHH

Loose the boring tees and nd o opt for a more funkier option

C 499

PROUD TO BE INDIAN (IMAGE 1 & 2)

C 400 Goa stamp t-shirt The Bombay Store

C 400

I LO LOVE (IMAGE 6, 7, 8, 9)

C 499

Om - tee Nirvana

Desi pop motifs are deﬁnitely in. Show your y pride for the great country with these t funky t-shirts. Everything from cu cutting chai glasses to Indian stamps and ri rickshaws have been made important sy symbols representing modern day India.

And then there are t-shirts for everything you love. The choices are endless. Show some love for Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Batman, Paaji, Maaji or whoever and whatever. Whether you’re a peace freak or a green geek, these t-shirts will spell out exactly who you are.

India monuments t-shirt The Bombay Store

GODS WE LOVE (IMAGE 3, 4, 5) G

Arty tee, Nirvana

W Worn not just by Indians, these spirited te tees represent a unique culture and heritage that’s full of life and colour all he at once. It’s a little of everything that you want from life!

5 7 6

C 799 Oh God, No Nasties

C 799 Mulga mulgi No Nasties

C 499 Love for peace One Life Tees

C 499 Mahadev t-shirt One Life Tees

MODEL

Dawn Mortimer B O DY PAI NTI N G ARTI ST

Aaron Fernandes P H OTO G RAP HY AN D P O ST P R O C E S S I N G

Abraxas Photography 36

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

FAS H I O N

Inked

/LWWOH 5HG

5LGLQJ +RRG Through this series, body painter AARON FERNANDES takes us through an enchanting journey of Grimm’s fairy tales

THIS SERIES of conceptual photography is an attempt to mix photography and art to give a model interpretation to ancient fairytales. Last month, in our first attempt, we had featured our version of Alice in Wonderland.

Continuing with the fairytale theme, this month body painting artist Aaron Fernandes turns model Dawn Mortimer into the innocent character of Little Red Riding Hood. With a combination of story-telling, art and photography, the fairytale is translated into a modern day story of a strong woman who is able to free herself from the darkness. The character who wanders through the depths of the forest and into dread, comes out of it as a survivior. Therefore, the entire story can be interpreted through this composition of dark and light - of good and evil. Aaron’s body art turns a coy and frightened Little Red Riding Hood into a modern day beautiful and independent woman while Dawn brings life to this character. The wolf, emerging from the bushes behind the model, depicts the dangers and negativity of society that we face everyday.

AARON FERNANDES ERASES THE LIMITS OF ART ON A CANVAS. AS A STUDENT OF THE ARTS, HE HAS EXPERIMENTED WITH GRAFFITI AND DESIGN. NOW HE HAS CHOSEN A LARGER CANVAS TO EXPRESS HIS CREATIVITY - THE HUMAN BODY.

FDOHQGDU JLUO 38

Swimwear M O D E L: Kristal Chater MAK E U P & HAI R: Blossom Pinto LO CATI O N: Hotel Dona Sylvia, Goa P H OTO G RAP HY: Abraxas Photography

Shot Exclusively for the 2012-13 Annual Abraxas Calendar A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

'2 \RX ZDQW WR EH WKH QH[W

Email your photographs to: models@abraxasphotography.com

FAS H I O N

Photography HPHUJLQJ IDVKLRQ

SKRWRJUDSKHU

RI WKH PRQWK

GAUTAM KARKAL

MAK E U P AN D M O D E L

Gautam is a Human Resources and Industrial Relations professional with around two decades of experience. When not behind the desk, photography, cross country cruises are his passion. He has a strong liking and to candids, portraits and fashion photography. His work has been published in local magazine over the past two years

Sparsha Deshpande P H OTO G RAP HY

Gautam Karkal LO CATI O N

Goa A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

FAS H I O N

Upcoming Designer HPHUJLQJ

IDVKLRQ 'HVLJQHU

RI WKH PRQWK THE EXPERIMENTAL, edgy designer, had discovered his passion for fashion at a very early age. Designer Asaboy Kazingmei began designing for his friends and family, and is now working with successful designers of the industry. The debutant came out with his ﬁrst collection recently titled ‘Immortal’ which was dedicated to the never dying artform of hand woven textiles of Tangkhul (a Naga tribe) in his native state of Manipur. His inspiration? Asaboy says, “Each thread of history of extraordinary strength, resilience with colours of love and passion woven into each other painstakingly by hands to create magic which represent the essence of this brave tribe.” Asaboy believes that Immortal is the ideal name for his collection because it is the art which could never fade in India, due to its rich culture and tradition. The exhuberant designer incorporated traditional colours and designs into modern chic evening wear for women. The lines are simple, yet well constructed with traditional colours like red, green, maroon and black keeping it as authentic as possible.

ASABOY KAZINGMEI FROM UKHRUL, MANIPUR IS AN INIFD GRADUATE AND PARTICIPATED IN HIS FIRST FASHION WEEK AT THE LAKME FASHION WEEK WINTER/FESTIVE 2012 AS A GENNEXT DESIGNER.

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

FAS H I O N

Contest HPHUJLQJ

IHPDOH PRGHO RI WKH PRQWK WHITNEY BEDI

VITAL STATS C H E ST WAI ST HIPS H E I G HT

33” 26” 34” 5’6”

Whitney is a Delhi based emerging model who has gathjered reasonable experience on ramp shows, ﬁrst at the collegiate level and later for some professional shows too. She has done a few print shoots for some fashion designers and for stock photography. She has been adjudged Best Model for several fashion competions.

MODEL

Whitney Bedi MAK E U P AN D HAI R

Deepika Khurana P H OTO G RAP HY

Abraxas Photography LO CATI O N

Delhi

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

FAS H I O N

Contest HPHUJLQJ

PDOH PRGHO RI WKH PRQWK MODEL

VITAL STATS C H E ST

Rupesh Naik MAK E U P

WAI ST

Dawn Mortimer P H OTO G RAP HY

HIPS

Abraxas Photography LO CATI O N

Uttorda Beach, Goa

H E I G HT

42” 29” 34” 6’0”

RUPESH NAIK

Hailing from Goa, Rupesh is an emerging model with good features and a strong physicue - which has landed him assignments with some leading fashion designers. He has walked the ramp for Goa Fashion Week, INIFD-Goa, INIFD-Pune and has been a part of the Live-in campaigns. Appearing in a number of calendar shoots, Rupesh has also very recently shot for Levis.

DESIGN

Interiors

)XQFWLRQDOLW\

VW\OH SARBJIT SINGH’S designs and décor give Pullman

Hotel’s guests the best of style, technological convenience and elegant indulgence

otel interiors are now an art form unto themselves – best exempliﬁed by the lavish, elegant and environmentally conscious design elements incorporated in the interiors of the newly opened Pullman Gurgaon Central Park Hotel in Delhi NCR by India’s leading Interior Designer Sarbjit Singh. An upscale business hotel, with contemporary architecture that is highlighted with natural lighting, Pullman Gurgaon Central Park offers the all-encompassing package of Service, Technology and Comfort. It offers both the delight of having a home away from home, as well as efficient workspaces for the business traveller. Designing the interiors of luxury hotel is all about creating environments where both resident and visiting guests can be made to feel welcome and be provided with facilities for rest, relaxation and indulgence. While the interior design of luxury hotels – specially the guest-rooms and guest areas - is a ﬂuid and constantly evolving industry, current trends and forecasts indicate that while luxury and opulence will always be in high demand, an understated elegance and a tilt towards nature are also being appreciated by both hoteliers and guests. And this is the very design philosophy that ace designer Sarbjit Singh has used while designing the spectacular interiors of this hotel. The Pullman’s interiors are bold and beautiful – spectacular, spacious and sophisticated - while providing the ultimate in luxury accommodation.

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

DESIGN

From the imposing building exterior façade to the entrance and lobby areas – the interiors are bold and dramatic. Sarbjit’s interiors make a statement - with the bright colour palettes, striking architecture, contemporary forms, straight-lined furniture designs and luxurious furnishings and artwork. The hotel reception and lobby, with it’s eye-catching chandelier, colourful large wall-art and the geometric-designed carpet is the ﬁrst sign of greater things to come – powered by Pullman Art – which takes guests on a journey through the gallery of life expressed in the form of digital paintings, glass work, sculptures, ceramics, steel artwork and pottery, both, by renowned artists and upcoming talent. The Bar Lounge, with it’s colourful LED lights, custom-designed furniture and wooden ﬂooring is designed as a warm and inviting

place to relax and chill out. The clever marriage of design elements in “Senses” the All-Day Dining – presenting a sensory world cuisine experience, visual delights, bespoke music and the personal touch of the Pullman Person. Sarbjit’s focus on spaciousness has become a highlight of this area – the busiest in the entire hotel - resulting in a design that is relaxed and unpretentious, yet revitalising, rejuvenating and exciting. La Riviera - the ﬁne-dining concept serving Southern FrenchItalian coastal cuisine - caters to the more discerning traveller with stunning expansive views of the surrounding Aravalli hills range as well as the Gurgaon cityscape. In keeping with the industry trend of becoming more sustainable

DESIGN

and environmentally responsible, Sarbjit has ensured that the design of the hotel interiors are green – after all, “green is the new black”. Re-ducing, re-using, re-cycling and re-thinking are the new buzz words. Sarabit has integrated “greener” materials and products into the interiors and design - while retaining the look, layout and functionality of the hotel. The focus has been on natural and re-

usable materials - with a preference for local elements and crafts. These innovative design concepts have been exceeding effective – so that even city hotels like the Pullman Gurgaon Central Park, located in an urban jungle, provides guests with atmosphere of privacy, calm and serenity. Bringing together modern and luxury, Sarbjit’s designs and décor give guests the best of style, technological convenience and elegant indulgence.

SARBJIT IS INDIA’S FOREMOST HOSPITALITY INTERIOR DESIGNER. HIS DESIGN FIRM FAB INTERIORS HAVING DESIGNED HOTELS, RESORTS, SPAS AND RESTAURANTS FOR ALMOST EVERY INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC FIVE-STAR HOTEL CHAIN, IN INDIA AND ALL OVER THE WORLD. HE IS ALSO ON THE ADVISORY BOARD OF INSTITUTE OF INDIAN INTERIOR DESIGNERS - DELHI (IIID-DRC).

DESIGN

The revitalised entrance

DESIGN

Interiors

$ FRQIOXHQFH RI

FXOWXUHV The Kiran Thakore Portuguese styled holiday home fuses traditional Goan architecture features with the owner’s passion for travel and love for the arts!

ny prospective buyer staring at this old dilapidated Goan house in Varca with its thick overgrowth all over would think twice before buying it as his future holiday home. However, it took the connoisseur of the arts Kiran Thakore five minutes to foresee it as an ideal getaway. The task of finding a home in the sunny state of Goa extended for more than a year before settling on this property. Moreover, the job of converting this rundown 1,477 sq mt property lay in the expert hands of Architect Rita Mody Joshi. Like Kiran, she too found beauty and peace in this quaint village. This revitalised Portuguese house is poised comfortably in the picturesque village in South Goa. The long winding narrow lane transports you through the sleepy village, filling you with a sense of calm. This feeling of tranquility deepens as you drive up the stone cobbled driveway. Tranquility then transforms into awe at the details of this Portuguese villa. The original plan was modified with additional bathrooms, a renovated entrance, high roofs and patio outside the kitchen. The exteriors and interiors flow into each other spatially, creating a wonderful ambience for luxury and leisure. The four bedroom villa is spacious with each room characterised with its individual features.

Above: The rear patio overlooking the green court Left: Heaven is where the heart is...!

DESIGN

A glamorous toilet with hand painted designer tiles from Portugal

The living room ﬂows into the dining space cum kitchen

Kiran Thakore – a connoisseur of the arts

Architect, Rita Mody Joshi enjoyed working on this project with Kiran Thakore’s daughter, Ariane Ginwala an interior designer by profession. She has designed select pieces of furniture like the leather armchair in the master bedroom and procured six antique wooden pillars in the verandah from an antique dealer in Ahmedabad. The windows have been only refurbished and repaired. Kiran’s home reflects his passion for collecting antiques as it is filled with curios. It also houses furniture from all over the world, a sign of Kiran’s love for travel. For instance the Bali mirror, table lamps and ceramic tiles from Portugal in the guest bath and other pieces of crockery also find their place in his home. Kiran is also a patron of the arts, and has unique works of art in his home, which include those of Abhijeet Madya and Brambat Hilor, whose painting etched on wood, takes its place on the drawing room wall. Though the architect faced a number of challenges when dealing with the project like irregular labour, lack of knowledge, irregular deadlines and lack of quality in certain areas, she managed to deliver a beautiful cosy Portuguese styled home. This holiday home is definitely where the Thakore family can relax. A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

DESIGN

Bedroom with a serene aura 59

DESIGN

Inﬁnite peace personiﬁed

DESIGN

Above: The dining room overlooking the green court Left: Spacious bedrooms where one can waltz

A GRADUTAE FROM CEPT AHMEDABAD IN 1985, SHE WORKED WITH AR B V DOSHI (AHMEDABAD) AND AR JOSEPH ALLEN STEIN (DELHI), BEFORE MOVING TO GOA IN 1987. A VISITING FACULTY AT GOA COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, SHE TOOK ACTIVE PART IN THE IIA (4 YEARS AS VICE-CHAIRMAN). SHE HAS BEEN THE FOUNDER CHAIRMAN OF IIID GOA CENTRE AND HAS ORGANISED THE IIID NATIONAL CONVENTION IN 2005 AND THE INTERNATIONAL APSDA CONVENTION IN FEBRUARY 2012. SHE HAS HER ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE IN GOA SINCE 1994. SHE IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE LIONS CLUB OF CALANGUTE

DESIGN

Furniture

7KH

(/, &ROOHFWLRQ Elliptical Forms that Inspire

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

DESIGN

he ELI Collection gets its name from the elliptical form that has inspired this entire collection. It is one of the six new collections just introduced at the Indi Store. The furniture is extremely elegant, minimalistic and contemporary and is recommended for both commercial and residential use. The entire collection is handcrafted under direct supervision of the designer and is made using different exotic veneers and Italian PU leather. This furniture collection has been designed by Alex Davis exclusively for Indi Store. The product range is as follows: O Bed with Back panel: Ebony veneer with high gloss Italian PU on top O Centre table: Ebony veneer with high gloss Italian PU on top O Sofa and round chairs: Ebony veneer with high gloss Italian PU on top O Bed in leather with back panel: Burl veneer with high gloss Italian PU on top O Bed side tables: Sukupera Veneer with high gloss Italian PU on top O Bucket Dining table: Brown Ebony veneer with high gloss Italian PU and lacquer O Round Bar: Emboia Veneer with high gloss Italian PU and Lacquer O Eli Half Side Credenza: Mahagony Croch veneer with italian PU and lacquer on top

Eli side credenza cum bar: Brown Ebony veneer with italian PU and lacquer on top.

The ELI Collection can be viewed at INDI Store, 143 ShahpurJat, Opp. Asiad Village Complex, New Delhi- 110049 or at www.alexdavisstudio.com INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCT DESIGNER ALEX, KNOWN FOR HIS SLEEK AND AVANT-GARDE METAL DESIGNS, HAS SHOWCASED HIS WORKS AT INTERNATIONAL ART EVENTS AT THE SALONE DEL MOBILE - MILANO, MAISON & OBJET - PARIS, VISUAL ARTS GALLERY AND INDIA HABITAT CENTRE, NEW DELHI TO MENTION A FEW.

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

DESIGN

Architecture

6XUUHQGHU WR WKH 6HUHQH Gerard da Cunha, the famous Goan architect, is well known for showcasing Goa’s traditional classical architecture at his state-of-the-art museum RITA MODY JOSHI

lassical architecture today, is still considered a work of genius, as it has a way of moving your soul. However, when you look and feel spaces today - there are times when one is awestruck! Is it the effects of advanced technology or the appropriate usage of materials? Either way, the ambience that calms our senses is what one can call architecture with a meaning. Purely functional spaces serve the purpose where form follows function, however spaces that create its own culture beautifully is the need of the hour! Subtle design grows on the end user, creating a therapeutic inﬂuence, making one more productive. When your work demands an absolute sense of mission it takes a special place to partner you to success - a place that senses your needs and recharges you for the day’s challenges! Can an ambience be conducive for work, life and play? Is this a whole new style of architectural design? Design should have a context, an identity of the time and space it belongs to. Several architects have worked on contemporary designs keeping in sync with the local vernacular roots. The spirit of the locality blends in harmony with today’s needs and trends. This style is timeless and the new design incorporated is anchored in timeless universal architecture. What will be the style of tomorrow is anyone’s guess. Gerard da Cunha, an architect hailing from Goa, is well known for showcasing Goa’s traditional classical architecture at his state-

of-the-art museum, Houses of Goa, in Salvador do Mundo. With a unique contemporary organic design, this mini museum looks more like a ship from the outside. Once in, you are greeted to a well documented collection of photographs and designs of Goan houses and its colonial style of architecture. Apart from photographs, the museum also houses French doors, windows, pillars, altars, tiles and furniture of yore belonging to various households. The ground + 2 museum has three galleries in all, with a spiral staircase to lead you to the very top. Apart from his well regarded museum, two other structures designed by him stand tall in close proximity opposite the museum, Shikshaniketan and Nisha’s playschool. With sleek classic looks, both the schools, which are run by Gerard’s wife Nisha, are designed carefully blending in with the natural surroundings. According to Gerard, while building them, he was careful enough, to amalgamate the structures with the natural surroundings so that more breeze could be let it in, as the area is quite humid. Another interesting fact is that waste material was used for construction. You can see how well the glass bottles are used to make walls in the school. Gerard da Cunha advises that one has to explore material, explore new ideas of space and more importantly not be too commercial as it would hamper ones creativity. “Builders nowadays are hasty, creating utter rubbish. One has to create something important like an important landmark, that ﬁts into the environment,” he says. A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

GERARD DA CUNHA IS A RENOWNED ARCHITECT IN GOA. HE IS THE CURATOR OF THE HOUSES OF GOA MUSEUM AND THE ART OF THE LATE GREAT CARTOONIST MARIO MIRANDA. DA CUNHA IS ALSO THE RECIPIENT OF THE COMMENDATION AWARD IN RURAL ARCHITECTURE, DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD AND THE PRIME MINISTER’S NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN.

DESIGN

Trends

&RORXU IXWXUHV

Trend forecasting is a vital and inspiring part of our business, enabling AkzoNobel to be one step ahead of the next big thing

kzoNobel proudly presents its Colour of the year 2013 as part of their colour forecasts for 2013. As the largest colour manufacturer worldwide, it is essential we keep our fingers on the pulse of emerging social and economic trends, as well as the world of design as these often signal the first signs of future colour movements. To create wonderful colours, you need vision. Our knowledge of colour formulas and design principles is collected, researched and interpreted by AkzoNobel’s Aesthetic Center to form Colour Futures each year. These insights are then translated into colour palettes and images, and captured in this annual edition of ColourFutures TM, to inspire our customers. From the 76 trend colours of 2013 we selected ONE colour off the year. Every year, ColourFutures TM presents one dominant influence or idea. This idea influences each and inspires the colour of the year. For 2013 we see communities and individuals embracing possibilities and forming ‘Connections’. “Connections” inspired us to select this beautiful indigo purplish- blue, called “inspired violet”. The colour of communication and trust. Last year, the mood of the moment was ‘Possibilities’, and we selected a orangey-red. And that is precisely what we see happening with trend colours in the last couple of years, they are those beautiful and intriguing “inbetween-colours”. Not straight forward blues and reds but colours you can build a story around, they are a story in them selves. We were inspired to pick it because in fashion and in interior design it plays a very important role. The raw material indigo is very trendy and much used in modern design.

The colour of the year for 2013 acts as a visual band-aid to our hectic lives. A regal, wise and deep blue associated with honesty, it is a striking statement colour which is also easy to live with. Soothing, Honest, Relaxing, Inspiring. Within a colour palette, this blue is a versatile hue. It pairs very well with brights of a similar saturation level, citrus colours, or warmer neutrals, as well as other blues, purples and greens. A very usable colour for interior and exterior use. “Inspired Violet” is a beautiful and usable colour for interior and exterior use, a beautiful, trendy and fashionable “in-between purpleblue” for you to use and enjoy! For more information and ideas on the trends go to www.colourfutures.com. A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

HELEEN VAN GENT Head of Akzonobel Aesthetic Center 71

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

Trend

'HFRUDWLQJ ZLWK

0XUDOV

A blank wall can be quite a daunting sight to look at while decorating the home. A simple addition like a wall mural can do wonders to add character to the space

ost interior spaces tend to lack visual interest. Sometimes we feel that we have chosen the right paint colours, matched the furniture and picked the right fabrics and curtains - but still feel that the room lacks a certain punch ! In such a case, you should do something about the plain walls, because walls are like empty canvases in a room - which can completely change the look and feel of the space. Wall murals are a great addition to your interiors and they can dress up your walls instantly and add a design element to your empty space. A wall mural is painted directly on the walls and the right wall mural design can greatly enhance the interiors of your home. But the trick to create the décor you want with murals, is to choose the right one for your home. In your enthusiasm to pick a mural, don’t go overboard and choose something that is too busy - choose something that will complement the furniture and or the colour scheme of the room. Sometimes we tend to choose designs that look very appealing at first, but become too overbearing if we have to live with them for long. While choosing a wall mural, think of it as a large-scale painting that you “won’t get bored of ”. Today’s murals look professionally designed - they can be printed onto artist-quality canvases. They are easy to apply and can also be reused. Nothing draws attention in a room like a hand painted wall mural — a lush forest scene in a bedroom, bright sunflowers in a hallway, funky symbols and food motifs in the kitchen, a peaceful ocean scene in the powder room, an abstract graphic in the living room can simply enhance the interiors and can bring to life whatever you imagine. The options are endless. Now you must be wondering how to choose a wall mural for your home? Once you have decided that you want to install a wall mural for your home, the first thing is to choose a wall best suited for the

mural. The next step is to decide what kind of mural you should opt for. Remember the wall mural should be the focal point of the room. Firstly, think of scale and proportion - what you need to focus on is not the design but the dimensions of the room. If you have a small space, then instead of having the wall mural painted on all the four walls of the room, just go for a simple design on one of the walls which is most visible. For small spaces, opt for a design that does not have too many colours or a busy pattern. Smaller spaces look better in simple designs with minimal details. The kind of mural you will choose for your kid’s room will be vastly different from one that you will choose for the living room or bedroom. For example, for a kid’s room you can choose their favourite cartoon/superhero as a wall mural while for a larger room, a large wall mural that covers up the whole wall like some abstract art is perfect. For guest bedrooms and study areas, you can select a more sober patterned wall mural. Murals can also be installed in commercial places like restaurants, offices, hotel lobbies, cafes, salons, etc. to give them a personal touch or simply to make the walls look interesting - with different colour schemes or themes. Murals work well in offices, where plain walls can be painted to give them an interesting edge and a refreshing feel from their mundane look. In restaurants, murals can represent the type of cuisine, style of cooking or place of origin. For commercial places, custom wallpaper murals on canvas or ﬂex can be printed to give a speciﬁc theme or feel of the place. Even pictures, cartoons or messages can be printed to make the interiors livelier. So if you are stuck - wondering how to make your space more appealing - go for wall murals ! DRAWING FROM HER FAMILY BACKGROUND OF DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART, SANJANA SPECIALISES IN DESIGN & FASHION COMMUNICATION, USING THE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE GATHERED AT THE PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY (N.I.F.T.) DELHI.

DESIGN

Trends

XQGHU

WKH VKDGH

Lighten up your space with L these lampshades IF YOU feel your living space could use a little more warmth and character, you’ll be glad to know that it is possible without moving an inch of furniture. Lighting makes a world of difference in a room and sets the desired ambiance. From a variety of shapes, sizes and surfaces, you can choose exactly what ﬁts in with your home. Sleek tall lamps work well in smaller spaces, while small or more decorative lamps can be placed in the centre of a table or at prominent focal points of the house for a more dramatic appeal.

1. Table lamp, Fusion Access - Price on request 2. Metal scultpure lamp, Renovation Factory Price on request 3. Aladdin lamp - blue, Turqoise - C 7,200 4. Dali lamp, Light & Living - C 3,800 5. Banker’s Table lamp, Turqoise - C 5,625 6. Egg Shell shaped lamp, Dreamscape by Malini Ramani - C 7,200 7. Wooden lamp, Fab India - C 1,390 8. Terracotta lamp, craftsvilla.com - C 999 9. Statement lamp, Zolijns Collection Price on request 10. Light polished chrome lamp, Light & Living - C 4,700 11. Antique lamp, Fusion Access - Price on request

1 2

DESIGN

Trends

0LUU U 6

0LUURU RQ WKH ZDOO

Mirrors are not just beautiful to look into but also to look at. So which is the most beautiful of them all?

JUST AS any other wall hanging in your home, the mirror too has an aesthetic and mesmerising appeal as it brings light and depth into a room. A large over-sized mirror is dramatic and can adorn your wall as a piece of art just by itself. Using a decorative mirror reďŹ&#x201A;ects the style of your home and with a variety of options, it is easy to pick the right one.

1. Round triangle pattern mirror zansaar.com C 3,250 2. Distressed golden mirror, Chizzle, Price on request 3. Antique mirror, Fusion Access, Price on request 4. Upcycled mirror, Creative Impressions, C 2,500 5. Oval shell embossed mirror, Dreamscape by Malini, Ramani- Price on request 6. Convex nova mirror, zansaar.com C 3,299 7. Geomentric pattern mirror, Dreamscape by Malini Ramani, Price on Request

5 7

DESIGN

Trends

C 1,250 Fish shaped embroidered cushion, Fusion Access

C 649 Kantha Cushion in hand block print, Kingschest.com

XVKLRQ RPIRUWV Go ethnic with these colourful cushions FUNKY CUSHIONS are just the thing you need to add some colour to your living room, bedroom or wherever you choose to have them. From typical Indian motifs on silk to urban Indian prints and cute cotton throw pillows, there are plenty of options to choose from. A few of our favourites that will bring some character to your living space.

C 675

C 1,250

Blue peacock printed cushion, The Bombay Store

Elephant patchwork cushion case, The Bombay Store

C 1,450 Embroidered butterﬂy shaped cushion, Fusion Access

C 1,000 C 375

Patchwork Cushion, Sacha’s Shop

Hand-woven Cushion from Assam, craftsvilla.com

C 730 Pink sequined silk cushion, Fab India

C 760 C 1,250 Yellow and turquoise patterned cushion, Fusion Access

Fuschia ﬂoral embroidered cushion, Fab India

C H R I STMAS

Recipes

&KULVWPDV

&UXQFKHV Party with CHEF NICOLE ILLA this yuletide as she puts on her baking mits to teach you how to whip up some tasty Christmas goodies

STOLLEN INGREDIENTS

280 gms bread flour 70 gms whole egg 35 gms fresh yeast 140 ml milk Mix all the ingredients into a smooth dough. Place the dough in a bowl dusted with flour. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise to double volume in a warm place. 35 gms castor sugar 8 gms salt 250 gms butter 280 gms bread flour Add the remaining ingredients to the dough and knead. 420 gms raisin 155 gms candied orange peel 105 gms almond flakes PREPARATION

O Lastly, add the dried fruit evenly into the dough and divide it into 4 x 450 gms each and shape round. O Place the dough onto a flour dusted work table and let it rest for 15 – 20 min. O Shape the dough oblong and roll the middle a bit flatter. O Fold the dough over and press the sides a bit down. O Place the stollen onto baking trays lined with baking paper. O Then cover the stollen with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 45 min. O Bake the stollen at 200°C for 35 – 45 min until golden brown in colour. O Brush the stollen with clarified butter and roll in castor sugar. O Dust with icing sugar and your stollen is ready to serve.

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

VANILLA KIPFERL

INGREDIENTS

3 250 gms 145 gms ¼ piece 125 gms 300 gms

egg yolk butter castor sugar vanilla bean almond powder ﬂour

Divide the dough and shape into small crescents. Place the cookies onto a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake at 180°C for 10 min un til golden brown. Dust the cookies with icing sugar once they are cooled down and store them in an airtight container.

PREPARATION O

O O

Cut the vanilla bean length wise in half and remove the seeds. Mix the butter, castor sugar and vanilla seeds together until well combined. Add egg yolk and mix well. Mix ﬂour and almond powder together and add it to the butter mixture. Mix the ingredients until dough is formed. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it into the refrigerator for an hour.

HAZELNUT COOKIE INGREDIENTS

1 65 gms 350 gms 480 gms 2 gms 1gms 290 gms

vanilla bean marzipan (almond paste) hazelnut powder sugar caster salt cinnamon powder egg white

P I CTU R E C O U RTE SY: Grand Hyatt, Goa

PREPARATION O O

Soften the marzipan with some egg white. Add the remaining ingredients into the marzipan and mix well. Place the mixture into a teﬂon coated cooking pot and heat it to 60°C while mixing continually, to avoid burning the mixture. Pipe the mixture onto baking trays lined with baking paper and place one hazelnut onto each cookie. Bake the hazelnut macaroon at 200°C for 15 min until golden brown. You can store the hazelnut cookies in an airtight container to last you for the entire Christmas week.

NICOLE ILLA BRINGS HER EXPERTISE TO GRAND HYATT GOA AS AN EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF AFTER WORKING FOR SOME OF GERMANY’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS HOTELS AND IN METRO CITIES INCLUDING LONDON AND DUBAI. NICOLE NOW INTEGRATES HER GLOBAL EXPOSURE TO THE ART OF PASTRY MAKING, MAKING HER PASTRIES, SOME OF THE BEST IN THE CITY.

C H R I STMAS

Interview

:KDW·V

&RRNLQJ 0DUN"

He is every 5 star hotel’s ideal dream CHEF. MARK HAGAN tells Abraxas Lifestyle about his kitchen chronicles at Christmas CH E F. MAR K HAGAN

5a QLMIT +PZQ[\UI[ _W]TL JM [Q\\QVO QV NZWV\ WN I _IZU ÅZM IVL PI^QVO I OTI[[ WN _QVM IVL [WUM _IZU +PZQ[\UI[ X]LLQVO _Q\P JZIVLa [I]KM

) ) ) ) ) )

I started working in kitchen at the age of 16, my mum was a chef and there was a long history of cooking in our family. I ﬁrst started out as a kitchen porter washing pots and cleaning fridges during my summer holidays. In 1992, I began my career taking up the position of Commis Chef in Ireland. There was always a big food culture in our family. My mum would always cook a big meal every Sunday with my friends spending a lot of time in our house. Meals were always very interesting. I can remember eating tandoor chicken in the early 80s (that was a big deal back then).

ailing from a family of chefs, Irish born Mark Hagan’s tryst with cooking was only but natural. The woman behind his culinary journey, Mark says is his mother. Having worked his way up in the industry with hardwork and utmost dedication to his profession, he began his journey as a Commis Chef at the Kilkea Castle in Dublin in 1992. He then went on to work at the Shelbourne Hotel Dublin, Soho House, London and the Shanahan’s on the Green Hotel, Dublin before joining the Hyatt International in 2004 as a Chef de Cuisine at the Grand Hyatt Dubai followed by a promotion to Executive Sous Chef. In March 2008, Mark went on to work at the Grand Hyatt Doha as an Executive Chef landing in Goa two years later. Having recently completed his stint at the Goa unit of the chain, Mark’s next posting is in Bali. With a career spreading over two decades, the man behind Grand Hyatt’s kitchen, shares with us an insight about his love for cooking and memories at Christmas.

What was Christmas like growing up? Christmas started in September, my mum used to make Christmas cakes for all our relatives and friends. Plum puddings were boiling on the stove in October and cakes were being iced in late November. Cured beef or spiced beef was made in early December and lots of homemade cookies were baked throughout the month.

At what age did you start cooking? Were you inspired by anyone to choose this profession?

Your mum’s favourite recipe? Has to be the spiced beef or plum pudding or Christmas cake or the roast turkey or the A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

P I CTU R E C O U RTE SY: Grand Hyatt, Goa

C H R I STMAS

bread stuffing, so many things to choose from, the list is endless. Your favourite Christmas dish and why? Now I really love to cook goose, it is a fantastic piece of meat and served with foie gras for Christmas, it really makes a great meal. Don’t forget to add the roast potatoes into the baking tray when the goose is cooking, the natural fat from the bird makes it absolutely delicious. Since you have worked all over, has your Christmas meal at home today changed to global inﬂuences or is it still very traditional? I stick to what I know best. However, as I have travelled the world, I have seen many different traditions and I always embrace and include them on my menus. How do you plan on spending Christmas? Your ideal traditional Christmas would be.... I am most of the time at work as it is always a busy time in the kitchens during Christmas. If I was to have time off them I would

Left: An appetising chicken barbeque with potatoes Below: Mark Hagan’s special grilled prawn salad

love to sit in front of a warm ﬁre have a glass of wine and some warm Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Tips for preparing a Christmas meal at home Don’t be afraid to try new things and always start one to two days before. As we say in the kitchen, if you get the mise en plas done then on the day it will make your life a lot easier. Did you pick up any ingredients from traditional Goan Christmas cooking? I love Goan Neurios and Dodol Favourite place you liked eating out in Goa, any food in particular? There are lots of good places in Goa. As long as the food is fresh and it tastes good then I am happy. Future plans? I have been in Goa at the Grand Hyatt Goa for the past two years and I take up my next assignment in another Hyatt in Bali in the next few weeks.

C H R I STMAS

Shopping

6DQWD·V 6SHFLDO

C 30,500 each, Candle Stand Maginoir

Gifting essentials for this holiday season

CHRISTMAS AND New Year has to be the busiest shopping season of the year. With holiday parties going full swing, it is important to shop for the best gifts you can ﬁnd. Something personal, yet sophisticated, and ﬁt for the modern home. Here’s a look at some exclusive silver collectibles by Frazer and Haws, an eclectic mix of classic English design, contemporary design as well as designs inspired by Indian tradition. So pick the style that suits your gifting needs and go for something classy this Christmas.

C 57,300 each, Black Cherub Candle Stand

C 13,200 Candle stand Arch of Love

C 21,200 Bowl Allure

C 30,500 Vase Jazz by the Bay 82

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

abraxas Subscription Offer WANT TO LIVE THE GOOD LIFE?

Yes, I would like to subscribe now.

Issues (Months)

Cover Price

You Pay

You Save

600

300

1200

600

2400

1200

I save 50% on cover price with regular supply by normal post. I want to avail premium services for receiving my subscription. (please add respective charges to your subscription amount)

` 100 for 6 months ` 200 for 12 months ` 400 for 24 months O O O O

Copy through conﬁrmed courier Subscription Beneﬁts Regular delivery on your doorstep Replacement guarantee for missing issue

Total

Please ﬁll the form in CAPITAL LETTERS and courier or fax it to us.

*Name: Organization:

Designation:

*Delivery Address: *City: *Mobile:

*State:

I am paying `

by DD/Cheque No :

Tel:

Or please Charge my

*Card No: *Card holder’s name : *Signature as in card:

Mastercard

*PIN Code: *Email: Dated: Visa

Amex

Expiry Date

Subscription No. (for renewal):

*Mandatory PLEASE NOTE – Send a crossed Cheques in favour of “Cyber Media Services Ltd”. Cheques should be payable at Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai or Pune. For all other cities, please add `50 towards bank charges. In case of payment by credit card, you may fax the completed form to +91-124-2380694 or mail the form with payment (Cheque/DD) to:Sarita Shridhar, ‘Cyber House’,B-35, Sector 32,Gurgaon, NCR Delhi-122001. Tel:+91-124-4822222 Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for your subscription to commence. This subscription is valid in India only. All disputes subject to jurisdiction of Delhi courts only. For any subscription related queries, kindly contact : rseabraxas@cybermedia.co.in. You can also subscribe: Web : www.ciol.com/abraxas.asp/subscribe.asp Call : +91-124-4822222 | 080-43412333 | 044-28221712 | 033 -65250117 | 022-42082222 | 020-65000996

Inaugural Subscription Offer

50 % Discount till

December 31st 2012

Down Memory Lane

WKH JRD 7+$7 :$6 7+$7 ,6 REMO FERNANDES

ost readers will not have known Goa while she was still undiscovered; while she was still a lost-in-time, forgotten and unfashionable pristine paradise. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been born and raised in that Goa, and I wish I could share that experience with you. However, I am at a loss for words to try and make you feel the way time moved at a pace so slow and so relaxed in a place at once so Latin and so Indian. Words to make you see what I saw through the eyes of an eight-year-old child: devout Christian ladies in Portuguese lace gloves and parasols, carrying their high Hindu caste like an invisible armour, hanging on an invisible string from their pale upturned noses; serious learned Hindu gentlemen in Indian dhotis, Nehru cloth caps, socks and shoes, and the latest European jacket (plus a solid black British brolly for good measure) to complete an unintended premature

fusion fashion statement; the smell of sunshine and dry leaves ďŹ&#x201A;oating through a lazy sleepy village summer afternoon so hot, not even a crow could be bothered to ďŹ&#x201A;y out from under the shade of an over laden mango tree; screaming children running to the front verandah to watch the only car which might pass by on a red dusty road in the course of a whole week; people who ordered a carved furniture set and wisely let years go by while the master carpenters calmly went at their craft with an abundance of a precious ingredient unaffordable to todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art: Time. I remember the huge aristocratic mansions, the humble little huts and comfortable homely houses of all sizes in between, the ancient temples and white-washed chapels and a few rare mosques, all safely hidden under millions of coconut treesâ&#x20AC;Ś the allopathic and country and witch doctors, all eying each other with studied suspicionâ&#x20AC;Ś the tamed rice ďŹ elds and wild lush forests and virgin silver beaches

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

spilling one into the other. And above all, Goa’s basically friendly people practicing two main religions, speaking two main languages and abiding by two thousand unwritten social dictates, all co-existing in a harmony which stood ﬁrmly on one unshakable philosophy: live and let live, and while we’re at it, let’s sing a song and share a drink to help the time go by. No, I cannot accurately describe what it felt like growing up in such a place during such an epoch. I can, however, suggest you read Gabriel Garçia Marquez. It doesn’t matter that he writes about South America. The villages, the houses, the people, the states of mind, and above all the ghosts past, present and future he describes to poetically – that could well be the Goa I once knew and loved so well. -----And know and love so well still. Floating gently down to the present, I shall resist all temptation to say that Goa today has ‘gone to the dogs.’ Because she hasn’t. The Goa I spoke about was simply too beautiful and precious to remain undiscovered, unknown and unexploited. Something big was bound to happen. So tremors were felt, signs appeared in the sky, and a boom headed her way. But what was it to be: an industrial boom? A mining boom? An IT boom? A tourist boom? Luckily for her, it was the latter. It was certainly the lesser of all evils. This is of course highly debatable; people say tourism has commercialised and killed her roots and customs. I say it’s just the contrary; it made her dig out her grandma’s recipes, folk dresses, songs and customs from the dusty old attic – alright, she did it to serve it all up to the tourists; but so what? At least tourism made her do it. She was in danger of forgetting that precious old treasure-ﬁlled attic anyway, which itself was in danger of collapsing under the onslaught of industry and mining. Tourism made Goa take another look at herself and rediscover her past. And it made her want to preserve it for the future. And I think we’re really lucky in the kind of tourism

we’ve got. No, it’s not as high-class and exclusive as the one in the Seychelles, but it is down-to-earth and humane. The middle class, middle aged Europeans who come in charter flights are a jolly friendly lot of simple folk looking for a bit of sunshine and an economical seafood meal on the beach, not gambling casinos or shady night clubs or giant malls. And the younger, more adventurous back-packers bring with them new freaky ideas, music, dress codes and hair colours. Yes, they do take in a few drugs, but all they do after taking them is dance. They respect nature, peace and harmony; they keep the beaches clean (it is our local shack owners who dump all their plastic bottles in heaps); and most importantly, they do not go looking for local sex. Our Goan girls – for that matter, our Indian girls – haven’t turned into traders for tourists the way they have in Thailand. Hats off to the poorer women of our once third-world country. And as far as preservation is concerned, we did start late, but we’ve started. Old Latin quarters, majestic colonial buildings, ancient temples and water tanks, are all getting the restoration and face lift they have long yearned for. And together with the old, we also have the new. Together with the bad, we also have the good. There are crowded beaches full of action, full of hotels of all shapes and sizes. And there are empty beaches which are near virginal. There are rice fields ruined by construction, and there are rice fields which – very simply – grow rice. There’s Goa Trance and there’s the Goan Mando. There are concrete abominations, and there are gracious old Goan houses. Yes, Goa today has moved. Very fast, and very far. But the Goa of yesterday is just below the surface. One little scratch, and you see it in all its glory. Look for it, and you shall find. Insist on it, and you shall help preserve. PADMASHRI AWARD RECIPIENT SINGER/ SONGWRITER REMO IS ONE OF INDIA’S RENOWNED POP/ROCK/INDIAN FUSION MUSIC ICONS. HIS NOTED COMPOSITIONS LIKE O MERI MUNNI, FLUTE SONG, MARIA PITA CHE ARE SOME OF HIS ALL TIME HITS. HE IS ALSO A SOCIAL ACTIVIST.

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

Cartoon ALEXYZ

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

Travel

3RWWHULQJ $URXQG 7KH

SODQHW

View of Canton Fair

5 cars, two abreast, lined up at a traffic signal - in Germany they may call emergency services to sort it out!

opened my eyes to the sight of 5 cars, two re Germans formal? Look around abreast, lined up ahead of us at a traffic signal while boarding a flight headed for Munich or Frankfurt-you’ll recog- on a four lane street. In Mumbai we call it 6’ nise the locals from a mile away-for- clock on Sunday morning : in Germany they mal shirts, brown leather shoes, leather bag, may call emergency services to sort it out! Are they efficient? I have stayed in a 28 formal jacket, and a pair of blue jeans to bring room hotel in the suburbs of the city , run by in the casual touch. That’s about as casually dressed as you’ll ever see and average Deutsch- a staff of half a dozen people. They happily lander--it’s the German equivalent of wander- swapped roles, took weekends off, and never looked stressed. And yet, the place worked.... ing around in the buff with a Pom-Pom stuck impeccably. Having got friendly with a Banto the posterior. The Brits are known for their gladeshi who was part of this super six, I stiff upper lip-Rheinlanders, one can safely asked him how he managed. “It’s really simconclude, have a stiff upper body! ple,” he responded, “I work from 9 to 5, five Very little seems to excite them. The only days a week.” At five ‘o clock, I leave, and time I remember seeing one getting highly animated was during a taxi ride in Frankfurt. someone takes over.” I asked him whether he had to wait till his reliever came in before he Dozing peacefully, I awoke on hearing the cab driver muttering excitedly “Mein Gott, left. “No, exactly at five, I leave,” he replied. so much traffic today; what is this city com- “And what happens if your replacement is ing to!” Expecting to see a mile long jam, I late, or doesn’t come?”, I asked. Pat came the A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

response--”Never happens.” Book a cab in Germany, and it invariably arrives two minutes before time. Buses and trains are so punctual that you can set your watch by their arrival. A one minute delay would get people nervous, and two minutes would have them emigrating to Switzerland! Are they law-abiding? The law states how many inches from the pavement your car must be parked, and you can see cars parked with millimetric precision on any road. Legally, if someone slips on snow on the pavement outside your house, he can sue you for not having swept it. Therefore, no surprises, pavements are clear of snow. The flip side is that, within the boundaries of the law, the German is like a tiger that’s broken out of its cage. Cars will meticulously obey traffic lights, stop before zebra crossings, .......and shoot off at a zillion miles an hour a German specialities like Bratwurst, Kartnanosecond after the lights turn green. For offfel Salad and Sauerkraut, which, loosely the uninitiated foreigner stranded on a ze- translated, are, er,...........sausages, potatoes bra crossing when the lights turn green, this and cabbage. On second thoughts, just stick to the beer. can be a hair-raising experience as Helmut, Germans are justifiably proud of the qualKlaus or Franz rips the throttle with the hapless tourist in his crosshairs. “I haff obeyed zie ity of their products. Compromise is a word law, my friend, now I must be allowed to haff not found in their vocabulary, (“but you may find Kompromize, ja?” they will add jokingly, some fun!” The best thing about German cuisine is which of course you need to pronounce as the starter; the many hundreds of beers they yokingly). Their engineering is the standard brew: dark, blonde, red and any other colour the world aspires to. Mercedes, Audi, Volkin between. Wheat beer, strong beer, black la- swagen, (think Veyron!), Porsche, BMW, ger, pilsner beer, draught beer, plain beer, and Zeiss, Leica, Siemens, Bosch and a multitude low-effervescence beer all jostle for a place on of other German companies have been setting standards for the planet for decades, and the table. There are five thousand different brands of in many cases, for several centuries. beer brewed in Germany’s twelve hundred or A friend recalls an incident when he called so breweries, the oldest of which dates back up the chairman of a German luxury car coma thousand years. Just sampling the whole pany because his brand new car had broken lot is a vacation in itself, and the Oktoberfest, down on the very first day. The chairman was an annual beer swigging party, where gallon understandably embarrassed and apologetic. sized mugs of beer are guzzled by the truck- After promising immediate action, he added; load is ample proof that this idea has many “Ten years ago, if you had made this complaint, believers. I would have said ‘sir you are mistaken. Our If you don’t fancy sausages, potatoes and cars are German products made by German cabbage, which pretty much comprise every- workmen. They never break down.’ But today, thing in German food, going on a “beer-only” alas, I can not say that with conviction; these diet is a pretty good idea. Or, you could try days in our factories -too many Italians.”

I LLU STRATI O N BY KAR I S H MA ALVAR E S

LIVI N G

THE AUTHOR IS AN AGEING HIPPIE IN THE GUISE OF A BUSINESS EXECUTIVE. CURRENTLY BASED IN MUMBAI, HE TAKES EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO SLIP HIS LEASH AND DESCEND UPON UNWARY NATIVES IN FOREIGN LANDS. HIS WRITINGS ARE IMMENSELY POPULAR WITH A SELECT ELITE THAT INCLUDE HIS WIFE, CHILDREN, AND HIS TWO PET MYNAHS.

LIVI N G

Relationships

/RYH LQ WKH FLW\

DR. SAMIR PARIKH talks about

relationships in big cities with the emotional and psychological aspects M O D E LS: Arzoo Bhatia and Mayank Rastogi LO CATI O N: The Green House, Delhi

aware of one’s expectations from a partner and running a reality-check et’s face it. India is ever evolving and doing so at a significant on them. Ask yourself ‘am I aware of my expectations?’ and ‘are these rate. Traditions, that once held the society together, especially the family has changed with gender roles being redefined. expectations realistic?’ Awareness about what you expect from your partner also goes a long way in accepting the flaws of the other person. There was a time when relationship and marriage rules were clear and straightforward. Men now are no longer the only bread win- After all, that’s what makes your partner so special and unique. ners of the family, as women have stepped up to the forefront. The economic, social and technological revolution that urban In- BACK TO THE BASICS dia has seen since the earlier times has changed the face of communi- Technology has been responsible for drastically shrinking physical cation, relationships and marriage. Divorce, alimony and pre-nuptial distances. It doesn’t matter how far you are from your partner, you agreements have become a part of our day-to-day vocabulary and can always e-mail, text, call them. However, sometimes this ability marriages are succumbing to the demands of unrealistic expecta- to keep in touch constantly can take away from the natural excitetions, increasing workload, and changing gender-roles. ment of discovering each other in the initial stages of Despite all the complexities that couples face, here a relationship. Spending some quality time with your For a healthy are a few tips should help you navigate through these partner where you can bond over shared activities like relationship: difficulties and ensure that your relationship is happy cooking, watching a movie or going out for a meal is O Know your and healthy. not replaceable by technology. If you have something expectations important to communicate to your partner it is best to O Spend Quality time do so in person. CELEBRATE INDIVIDUALITY with each other In this age of instant gratification with everything avail- O Seek help if the able at the click of a button, we can often forget that huDEALING WITH STRESS situation goes out man-beings cannot be upgraded or constantly replaced If there is one word that defines the lives of urban Inof control like a latest smart phone model. It is a good idea to be dians, it is stress. It is natural to experience work-stress

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

1V \PQ[ IOM WN QV[\IV\ OZI\QÅKI\QWV _M KIV WN\MV NWZOM\ \PI\ P]UIV JMQVO[ KIVVW\ JM ]XOZILML WZ KWV[\IV\Ta ZMXTIKML TQSM I TI\M[\ [UIZ\ XPWVM UWLMT ) ) ) ) ) ) M O D E L: Apurva Motwani

and frustration in the face of performance pressures and deadlines. Recognise the signs of stress and make sure that the emotional do not affect your relationship with your partner. Learning to compartmentalize is an essential skill that can have a signiﬁcant positive impact. Recognise your anger and accept it. You will feel much better if you talk about it with your partner instead of saying or doing something that you will regret.

with the situation in a mature manner. One good way to build patience in a relationship is to have some ‘me’ time to de-stress. Go for a walk, take a break or listen to music. Taking some time to relax will help to replenish your inner resources to deal with the stress that can impact your relationship. Once you have perspective and patience, you will be able to work on your problems constructively.

UNDERSTANDING GENDER-ROLES

Sometimes the challenges and difficulties in a relationship can become too complex to handle on one’s own. Instead of going through dead-ends and playing the blame-game, it is a good idea to seek professional help. An objective, expert opinion can give that important perspective that might have been lacking and give a new lease to a failing relationship. While the modern day challenges to relationships may be many, working on these aspects can help take care of a lot of concerns and ensure overall well-being.

RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING

Perhaps the most important change in the social fabric of the 21st century is the changing role of woman. Her role is no longer limited to the up-keep of the house and family but has spread to the economic sphere as well. She has greater decision making powers in the context of a relationship and marriage. However, this change is still in a process of ﬂux and confusion. It is important to clearly discuss what your expectations are from your partner. If you aren’t clear about this, it can lead to dissatisfaction and resentment in the relationship. TAKING TIME-OUT

No relationship is perfect. At frustrating times, it is important to tap on your reservoir of patience and tolerance to enable you to deal

DR. SAMIR PARIKH, DIRECTOR, MENTAL HEALTH AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES FORTIS MEMORIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, GURGAON

LIVI N G

Travel

2UFKKD 7KH +LGGHQ *HP Charismatic palaces, temples, and buildings reďŹ&#x201A;ecting the Bundela architecture Text & photographs AJAY SOOD

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

ORCHHA, A small town in MP (District Tikamgarh), with a meagre population of 10,000. And, it packed a lot of surprises for us. This quaint little town was founded in early 16th century by Bundela chief, Rudra Pratap Singh, on the banks of Betwa River. There’s an interesting story about how the name ‘Bundela’ came about. Legend has it that the ﬁrst ruler of Orchha used to offer drops of blood to Goddess Kali, and thus the name Bundela - one who offers drops. As a town, it is surprisingly rich in culture and architecture. Few of the notable structures here are the Orchha palace and fort, Chaturbhuj Temple, a cluster of cenotaphs, Raja Ram temple and Lakshmi temple. Orchha palace has two distinct sections Raja Mahal and Jahangir Mahal. While Raja Mahal is modelled on Bundela architecture, Jahangir Mahal is a sterling example of Mughal architecture. This part of the palace was built for Salim (Jahangir), who had fought with Akbar, and had left home. Orchha means ‘hidden’. While passing through Central India, he came across this hidden territory ruled by ﬁerce Rajput tribe 95

LIVI N G

of Bundelas. At that time, the Bundela Chief, Bir Singh Deo, extended tremendous help to him. Subsequently, Salim and Akbar had made up, and Salim went back. This help had earned Orchha unparalleled royal patronage. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when, with their coffers loaded, many chrismatic palaces, temples, and buildings reďŹ&#x201A;ecting Bundela architecture came about. Betwa river is a rocky river (not navigable for half its length), suited for minor rafting for enthusiasts, and is a tributary of Yamuna. During monsoons, it swells and cuts off the other side, as the fragile bridge submerges. The Cenotaphs or Chattris were built to pay homage to the dead ancestors of the Bundela kings, on the banks of Betwa. There are 15 cenotaphs in all. These were built for every Bundela chief who ruled Orchha, till the lineage faded. These cenotaphs demonstrate superlative workmanship. Raja Ram temple is in a palace, and this is 96

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

the only temple where Ram is worshipped as a king, and not as a God. Lakshmi temple here, surprisingly, has no idol of Goddess Lakshmi, but has an altar meant for sacrifices, very similar to the temples of Tantric cult. Interestingly, the temple’s walls resemble a fort’s, replete with slots for canons, to fire at the enemy. For a small town, this place swells with tourists during the season (October-March), with most tourists coming from France and Germany. It is surprisingly geared for tourists, with many hotels and resorts, including one (Bundelakhand Riverside), built recently by the descendants of the Bundela chief. A travel enthusiast will not regret visiting this place at least once, as this place also boasts a minor wildlife sanctuary, is close to Matatila Dam, which is important for migratory water birds, and has another lesser known place of interest, Kranti Sthal, the memorial of freedom fighter, Chandrashekhar Azad.

AJAY SOOD IS AN ACCOMPLISHED TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER AND A TRAVELOGUE WRITER HE HAS A PASSION FOR CAPTURING THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS AND STORIES OF PLACES HE VISITS. HE HAS TRAVELLED ACROSS INDIA EXTENSIVELY, AND TO OVER 20 COUNTRIES ACROSS THE GLOBE. HIS 27 YEARS IN COMMUNICATION INDUSTRY HAS BEEN HIS TRAINING GROUND, LEADING TO HIS DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF VISUAL MEDIUM, REFLECTED IN HIS UNIQUE COMPOSITIONS.

LIVI N G

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

Fine Art 1XGLW\ LV D

0\VWHU\ LQ 'LVJXLVH ,, Nude Art is all about “being in the moment”

hat’s the interesting aspect of Nude Art - though it’s provocative parts of the lust-ﬁlled body - the energy travelling totally nude, yet you can’t know the entire story. You much deeper and then much higher. “As within - so without need to connect with your soul - to every image a phoAs above - so below” tographer captures - to connect to the moment that the There is a spiritual aspect to it - the narration of sensuality. model lived in that one moment of her life -immortal never to Eroticism in Nude Art takes on a spiritual, high energy. There live again. I have always loved that mystery that Nude Art creates - be- is a hypnotic effect to the whole space and in my eyes, the body cause just 5 minutes before the shoot, I don’t know what I am curls and moves in different shapes and sizes - there is a rhythm going to perform - the routes I am going to travel within myself captured. The energy moves very freely in a nude body – that’s and without - the emotions I am going to feel. It’s about not be- why in many cultures around the world, rituals are performed ing any more in body consciousness - activating the male and fe- in the nude body. I have observed that there is a moment when all on the shoot male energy within and balancing both - travelling much higher and merging with a higher consciousness. Then the channeling go into a trance – silent but listening to the sound of the silence - created out of silence - communicating with the spirit to create happens - and being one with the spirit. That makes both the model and photographer let loose and a beautiful image to be admired. It is better to keep it raw and move out of the lust and physical desires to capture what lies not to be perfect - that’s how this canvas was created. There is always a journey behind the shoot of every Nude Art beyond the skin .It’s like capturing the spirit and the soul within work we do – that’s also something which needs to be left to us - which is entangled in the body. This makes the body too look beautiful - capturing the divine - not to be revealed. So I leave you for now in this moment - not to reveal much spark. The reality of life’s stories, hidden beneath the surface of of my soul again - yet creating a space for you to explore more the skin, is captured in that one moment . As a Model, whenever I have performed in the nude, I have for yourself. always felt the serpent energy getting activated in me. It’s a KRISTNA SAIKIA powerful energy - the wisdom the serpent represents is the unIS AN ACTRESS, MODEL, NUDE ART derworld which lies in our soul - the multiple personalities and MODEL, WRITER, emotions which are yet to be felt and explored - which suddenly TAROT AND ANGEL CARD READER AND come up in that one moment. The aura inside and outside me HOLISTIC THERAPIST BASED IN MUMBAI. creates an intoxicating effect – cheating, at times, the sexually

100

A Cybermedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

Concept

:KDW·V WKH

7 LVVXH Realising the Importance of Indian Beauty Text DIPIT ANAND Poetry PALAK GUPTA

SUNDAY MORNING - sitting in a coffee shop and sipping a cup of cappuccino - seeing the lovely intricate design of the brown espresso and white foamed milk - inspired me to start thinking of this “ebony and ivory” concept. It’s sad, and demeaning, to see the obvious discrimination against dark-skinned models in our fashion industry. Thanks to what is obviously a colonial hangover, even sixty five years after independence, there is clearly a preference for fair models – from not only clients but even many photographers and designers. And without taking away anything from the fair models, I would like to say that the colour of the skin should not be a criterion for selection. So there it was – an age-old discrimination and a cup of modern coffee – and all the pieces fell into place. I started exploring concepts and ideas where a darker skin would not only be a preference – but actually a requirement. Once having conceptualised this concept with tissues, I started looking for a dusky-skinned model who would epitomize Indian beauty – and Palak had it all. To further enhance the contrast – and emphasize the concept – we darkened her lovely dusky complexion with bronze body makeup. Using crisp white tissues against a beautiful dusky-toned Indian model - to not only enhance her beauty but also help make the industry realize the importance of Indian beauty – hopefully! The dark colour defines art - it completes all the forms of a human body Adding a definition to beauty

C O N C E PT, STYLI N G & S ET: Dipit Anand M O D E L: Palak Gupta MAK E U P & HAI R: Madhu Rani P H OTO G RAP HY: Abraxas Photography

Sometimes as long locks or by growing as dark hair from the divine frame It whirls my mind - why is this colour rejected on the skin ? Is it just me - or does the world too feels the same ? Looking in the mirror makes me feel delicate But the image crashes - when I see people reacting in a different way. Acquiring self doubt and insecurity. - my eyes droop down Where ever there was a reference to fairness Couldn’t God have a bit of mercy - and make me a few tones lighter ? But slowly I did realise - the importance of the tone Makes me look aesthetic - differentiates me from the other plastic frames It connects me to my soil - and my soul Thinking about it is a useless effort I’m appreciated the way I am today I m now proud - because water is showered Not by the white - but the dark cloud.

DIPIT ANAND IS A DELHI-BASED FASHION STYLIST WHO OFFERS COMMERCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES LIKE COLOUR AND STYLE ADVICE AS WELL AS SHOPPING TIPS – LEAVING HIS CLIENTS FEELING CONFIDENT IN THEIR OWN BODY AND THE WAY THEY DRESS. HIS EXCELLENT FASHION SENSE HELPS CLIENTS TO IMPROVE THEIR IMAGE THROUGH APPROPRIATE CHANGES IN THEIR CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, FLATTERING HAIR STYLES, MAKEUP DETAIL, JEWELLERY, FACIAL AND HAIR GROOMING AND APPROPRIATE EYEWEAR.

101

LIVI N G

Thinkfest

PLQG RQ WKH PDWWHU

Ausama Monajed is the executive director of the London-based Strategic Research and Communication Center and a member of the newly formed Syrian National Council. He talks on The Troubled Looking Glass: Why You Should Care About Syria

A large group of people from different walks of life. The chemistry is intense. The result is a satiated mind - bursting with thought. The platform - ThinkFest 2012 P I CTU R E S C O U RTE SY: Aliston Dias

Shah Rukh Khan’s emotional heart to heart with Shoma Choudhary was a memorable one as he talked about his father, childhood and how he felt being lonely at the top

102

Bob Geldof on ‘Is That It? A One-Man Army’s War on Poverty.’ His session received a standing ovation by an awe struck audience A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

A candid Rahul Bose

‘The Hour of the Avenger: Between the Idea and the Reality Falls a Shadow? ’ session, passionately discussed by Anna Hazare

THINKFEST HAS become India’s most popular event in just one year, having seen the likes of activists, scientists, philanthropists and so many others from all over the world. Our very own stars from the ﬁlm industry contributed much to the event this year. The Kapoor family was represented by Rishi, Ranbir and Karishma. Javed Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Shah Rukh Khan and several other TV personalities showed up for the event as well. The three day festival was packed with heavy discussion, musical performances- the most memorable one being a most mesmerising performance by rockstar Bob Geldof.

The dynamic father and daughter duo, Javed and Zoya Akhtar engrossed during one of the sessions

Gaurav Kapoor puts his Think face on

Amita Tuti, the unsuspecting hero who is a community correspondent under IndiaUnheard who has given voice to those unheard by traditional media structures. She ﬁlmed the government’s indifference towards Gram Sabhas and their indifference towards the Anganwadi workers as well as the health and basic education of their children. Hailing from Jharkhand she has also fought to safeguard forests and tribal lands

Prahlad Kakar, all smiles at Thinkfest

103

Health

ILWWLQJ LQWR \RXU

*HQHV

Pause the training videos, this unique DNA tester could be just the thing to keep you healthy.

ollowing a diet plan may not be the only ticket to good health. Common lifestyle related ailments caused by social, emotional and commercial influences are often accelerated due to our genetic structure. So finding new ways to reduce such health risks becomes important. Now, thanks to Dr Salim Mohammed of Lifelong Wellness (LW), Chennai, there may be a way to control our hereditary ailD R. SALI M ments. They have devised a unique testM O HAM M E D ing mechanism that takes the help of your saliva in detecting DNA related diseases. So, the control lies in their hands; we act as expert advisors who are available to guide Their genetic assessment gives you insights at any point in their lifelong journey to about your health risk to various diseases and your metabolic profile. Using this in- good health,” he adds. Of the effects of various social changes formation, a nutrition and on our lifestyle, Dr Salim says, “The last defitness plan is prepared, one that is best suited to your genetic makeup. He says, cade has seen an explosion in the number of disorders or diseases that have achieved “Your genes, the very fundamentalists of chronic status. In the march of getting your being, can tell a lot about your health more and achieving more, we have somerisk, your metabolism, your response to drugs, your traits and even behaviour. DNA where started giving less importance to health. Good health is in fact the single facand nutrition go hand in glove. Our body’s tor that will enable us to enjoy our achieveability to metabolize foods is determined ments and advancement. The net effect is a by our DNA.” fast paced life-style, unhealthy food intake The kit containing the testing device is and irregular and erratic social life.” available online and it will take you around He says that common signs which peo4-6 weeks to receive a personalised report. ple ignore are the external indications that After this, LW’s nutritional counsellor will appear quickly and are quite prominent. call and explain the report to you, while also recommending better lifestyle op- “For example, weight gain, giddiness, feeling breathless and fatigue. Internally, the tions to help you live healthy. LW also has a tracking feature, which will allow it to reg- indicators have a more lasting effect. Every time we eat out, smoke or conister your medical readings and track your sume alcohol, our body goes through physiprogress. “This program is focused very ological changes internally that is slow but much on the individual and their openness to make relevant changes to their lifestyle. has severe effects,” he elaborates.

104

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

Events KDSSHQLQJV

WKLV GHFHPEHU DESIGN EXPO 1-2, Mumbai The expo is a platform provided to upcoming talents from the fields of fashion, lifestyle and art to showcase their creativity and find a market for their work. Fellow industry professionals will also get a chance to get to acknowledge the individuals for their creativity. KERALA GEM & JEWELLERY SHOW 1-3 Lulu Centre, Kerala Kerala’s only B2b jewellery show will host nearly 200 of India’s jewellery manufacturers and retailers displaying their latest products and designs. PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY INDIA 2-4, Noida Professional Beauty International comes to India to host India’s largest B2B beauty show brings together several high-end beauty industrialists ranging from salon owners to department store buyers, luxury hoteliers and medical aestheticians. GUNS N ROSES 7, Mumbai 9, Bengaluru 12, Gurgaon The tour dates are set, and rock fans around the country will be pleased to know that GnR will be performing in three cities. FASHIONISTA LIFESTYLE AND FASHION EXHIBITION 7-9, Coimbatore Fashionista brings the best designer lifestyle products for the people of smaller cities. DAVID GUETTA 8, Goa Catch David Guetta performing live at Candolim beach for the first time. BEAUTY MARKET INDIA 12-13, Mumbai Beauty Market India focuses primarily on

the beauty services and cosmetic retail market. The exhibition provides everything from the latest breakthroughs in products, interaction with industry stalwarts, informative seminars to brand activation. CELEBRATING VIVAHA 14-16, Mumbai An annual consumer wedding and lifestyle exhibition, Celebrating Vivaha comprises of various brands related to clothing, precious jewellery, trosseau packaging, cosmetics, honeymoon destinations and various lifestyle refinements all under one roof. WEDDING ASIA 14 -16, Chandigarh The exhibition will have on display products like wedding accessories, jewellery, beauty products and health and fitness products. The exhibitors will be directly interacting with targeted customers. CHAMPAGNE SUNDAY BRUNCH 23 & 30, Grand Hyatt, Goa Soak in the joy of Christmas with the Sunday brunch and live entertainment while your precious little ones enjoy Camp Hyatt. CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER 24, Grand Hyatt, Goa Let the magic of Christmas fill your hearts as Carol Singers bring back beautiful nostalgic melodies. Indulge in a scrumptious buffet of International and European cuisine and of course, the much awaited Christmas desserts. CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH 24, Grand Hyatt, Goa Celebrate this day of love, peace and joy with your close family and friends at The Dining Room. Let the grand buffet compliment your joyous spirit as our chefs lay out the indulgent choices from the Middle Eastern, Italian and Indian cuisine. And enjoy European specialties and the must have desserts.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES 25, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa The Gingerbread House, the Cake Shop and AZ.U.R offer a festive indulgence in a variety of Christmas delights. All this will lead up to a carol-rousing brunch and Christmas dinner on Christmas Day, 25 December. SUNBURN 27, 28, 29 Goa While Sunburn has become a larger franchise, with festivals in Mumbai, Noida and Colombo, there’s nothing like Sunburn Goa where it all began. a three-day music festival with your favourite DJs bringing the best of EDM to the sandy beaches of Goa. NEW YEAR’S EVE 31, Grand Hyatt, Goa With a live band to get you into the groove, DJ in the house to set the tempo blazing, international performers to entertain and ﬁreworks to sparkle the night sky. Amidst all the revelry, don’t forget to enjoy the lavish buffet spread over live counters serving Middle Eastern, Italian, Asian and Indian cuisine; including premium alcoholic beverages. NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH Jan 1, 2013, Grand Hyatt, Goa A very special brunch of sparkling champagne and a rich selection of wine over the most exquisite spread of over ﬁve cuisines. SEAFOOD NIGHT MARKET Every Thursday at Grand Hyatt, Goa Feel the pulse of a Grand Goan Carnival, as live music and fresh catch simmer through the night amidst special stalls with tempting fresh seafood, artefacts, jewellery, clothes, pottery, and a lot more. *For reservations at Grand Hyatt Goa call 0832 301 1125

105

LIVI N G

My Music

7DNLQJ ,QGLH

IRUZDU' DAVI D AB RAHAM

In the age of raging digital music David Abraham’s little known success proves that any artist can make it big!

hat started out as one man’s music project, now with a 5 member band has taken the Indian digital music scene to an all new level. Hailing from Mumbai, David Abraham’s tracks from his album One Last Monsoon which was released in February 2012 has a huge fan following world over, having already gained airplay in the U.S., U.K., France, Morocco, Australia, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Canada, Greece and many other countries. Music from his album has also been chosen to be aired on the Absolut VH1 Liquid TV programme. What does The Koniac Net mean? David tells us that it is an optimistic representation of how life’s plans for you have reason and purpose, and are justified at random points of time in our lives, even though we might not be aware of it. David Abraham, the new face of indie rock and alternative music takes us through his journey What inspired you to create Koniac Net? Can you tell us something more about it? I think the simplest, yet most honest answer I can give you is music in general. I have been (and always will be) a music obsessor … since the age of 8, when I began to comprehend what good music was, and what it could do to your very soul. Everything I have done and continue to do in my life revolves around music. It’s the cardinal reason to how and why I decided to put out my first album One Last Monsoon worldwide, as opposed to exclusively recording demos for friends & family. Your beginnings are somewhat akin to that of Owl City. What made you to transform the one man project to a 5 piece band? For the past 8 years, I had faced the worst possible luck with getting a full fledged band together to promote my music. After almost all of the musicians kept letting me down, I decided to just 106

do it myself, considering all the material was written by me anyway, even the drum progressions. Fortunately (and ironically), I was hit with a terrible case of typhoid last year, and due to forced house rest, I figured this was the best time to work on my album. I spent two months locked in my bedroom (or at Jason D’Souza’s studio) recording every single instrument (except drums, which was played by Aditya Ashok of The Colour Compound). Having the album mixed entirely by Jason, and then mastered by a New Jersey-based company called AVP Audio Engineering, I released the album globally in February of 2012 (iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and many others). Slowly as radio stations worldwide (especially in the U.K., Germany, Australia and the United States) started putting a few of my songs into rotation, the individual radio jockeys started to inquire about when I’d be coming to their respective countries to play live. That was when I realised the potential of giving the band idea one last shot. And so, in June of 2012, I managed to find 4 brilliant musicians (Jason D’Souza, Adil Kurwa, Karun Kannampilly and Ishaan Krishna) whose love and obsession for music rivalled my own. Today, I can’t picture anyone else better than the current musicians that make up the Koniac Net. Your music is fresh, catchy and upbeat, which many can relate to. What genres/influences do you tend to incorporate in your songs? A number of genres actually. I’ve grown up being in love with not only various sub-genres within rock (alternative, grunge, hard rock, shoegaze, psychedelic, indie, indie-electro, etc.), but other genres as well; heavy metal, hip hop, and new funk (Paris house) have played a tremendously crucial role in my musical upbringing, shaping and influence. I concentrate more on melody rather than any other element when writing my music, so if something feels right / sounds beautiful, be it an element influenced by hip hop, hard rock, or indie, I go with it. I don’t believe in sticking with just one sub-genre. In this day A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

8][PQVO Ua U][QK IJZWIL ITTW_ML Ua UI\MZQIT \W JM PMIZL PMZM QV 1VLQI IVL \PI\ PI[ TML \W [WUM NIV\I[\QK ZM[]T\[ IVL []XXWZ\ ) ) ) ) ) )

107

and age, many people love more than just one type of musical style, and hence, I don’t speciﬁcally compose with a set method in mind. Your music is trending world over and has been well received by the masses. What is your next project? I have been excited about my second album WAY before I even thought about putting together material for One Last Monsoon. A majority of the songs for album #1, as well as the next, were written between 2000 and 2008. I am really looking forward to working on project #2, as I want the current band members to contribute their own “character” towards it, and therefore see where they can take my already written material. Plans to work on this second album will come into fruition once we have properly promoted our current album and hopefully have a world tour. I am also working on a hip hop and electro side project, which has been in hiatus due to the release of One Last Monsoon. I am currently looking for good hip hop lyricists / artists to contribute to this side project. Once that occurs, I will be able to release it publically. When you released your album in February 2012 did you ever think your project would become so popular, that too at such a short span of time? Not at all. I ﬁgured it would take a lot more time, especially considering I was doing all the promotions and marketing myself (two areas I had nil experience in prior to the album release). But then again, I am extremely persistent when it comes to music in general, and pushing my music abroad allowed my material to be heard here in India, and that has led to some fantastic results and support. It has been something amazing to have people from different areas of our country write in and tell me that they like my material. However, with all the positive outcomes that have occurred so far, I still have a LONG way to go, a lot more to learn and experience; and until I somehow land up a world tour (a dream of mine since I was a teenager), I don’t think I’ll be completely elated. How has digital downloads helped artists like you reach out to the masses? 108

The grounds on which I decided to release my album digitally only were because of a reason that most artists face: it’s expensive to mass-produce CDs, especially after having to spend money on the music creation process. Considering I am a new artist, and an indie one at that, I anticipated sales to be below average, and hence figured that releasing the album digitally first, paying attention to the response and keeping an eye on its sales, and then later releasing physical copies, would be a smarter move. Although I have been asked numerous times about possible physical CD releases, digital distribution is plain convenient. With applications for ones’ phones / tabs that are so easy to install and use, fans have been able to easily promote and share my music to their friends. Digitally, through a site called FanDistro, anyone can actually make a 10% profit from any sales they make of my album or individual songs. I thoroughly support digital distribution, especially due to its practicality for musicians like myself who don’t have mounds of money to spend on producing and distributing an album. Can you tell us more about your Absolut experience? So far, the episode of VH1 that features music from my album with visual graphics done by a company called Elephink, has not been aired as yet. But it shall, soon, in the second season of their Absolut VH1 Liquid TV programme. I am particularly excited about this show as their concept is plain fantastic; something that I have always believed in, which is the amalgamation of music and art. It’s why I got a few good and very talented friends of mine to contribute their artwork / photographs towards the album which can be found on our website. Whether it’s the inlay/booklet of a CD that you just bought, or watching a band’s music video, I undoubtedly believe in and encourage the combination of art in its various forms and music. Together, they create a different few for fans and lovers of the arts, which to me, is a remarkable thing. Any message you’d like to give the next generation of Indian artists/musicians? Since I am new at being an artist trying to make it in the outside musical world, I don’t really want to tell people to do what I think is the right thing to do. The only thing I can say is that, in a country where the preferred music is commercial pop and Bollywood, and where songs and ideas are regurgitated until they have been completely drained; be original. Do not be afraid to do things to and for your own music that you want to do, and not what you think the general public wants you to do. Aside from that, most musicians are in this scene simply out of pure unconditional love for music in general, and as long as that love for music is what fuels and drives you, life will be better than good. Nothing anyone else says will change that. A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

December 2012

$VWUR :DW F K C O U RTE SY: Mills and Boon

DADHICHI TOTH

One of the world’s leading astrologers has the ability to draw from complex astrological theory to provide clear, easily understandable advice and insights for people who want to know what their future might hold

(APPY÷"IRTHDAY SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21

110

Fortunately, Saturn has now moved away from your zone of friendship, which also impacts on your romantic affairs. For this reason, you have the opportunity to complete the year with less pressure on your one-on-one relationships. But this does not mean your work has ﬁnished. The new moon in Sagittarius on the 13th promises an interesting new cycle for your self-development and for the ontinual improvement of your relationships in every department of your life.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

Your thinking is big, but your planning may not be in keeping with your capabilities. Dream on if you have to, but be sure to effectively design what you want to do beforehand. This can best be done around the 3rd, the 22nd and the 26th of December. When Mars enters your Sun sign on the 26th, you will feel dynamic and capable of anything. By the 31st, you will feel as if you are back on track.

Legal issues, ethics and spirituality dominate your mental and emotional landscape this month. Sorting through what’s worthwhile and practical— or not, as the case may be—forms the larger part of your inner task. From the 7th until the 15th, spend some quiet time re-evaluating your life’s mission. From the 19th to the 22nd, opportunities to earn more money will be a welcome surprise.

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19

You may not want to work so hard this month, but responsibilities and deadlines may demand it of you. Excellent financial remuneration is the result if you stick to your guns and finish your work on time. By the 23rd, you may realise that you spent way too much money on the holiday season. Try to cut back, and extend the idea of frugality to your emotions as well as your financial expenditure.

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

LIVI N G

ARIES

TAURUS

MARCH 21 – APRIL 19

APRIL 20 – MAY 20

Focus on making signiﬁcant changes to your living quarters this month. Venus and Saturn indicate loans, ﬁnances and other matters of insurance. Friends are instrumental in helping you understand the intricacies of money between the 11th to the 15th.

2013 is a particularly important year for transformative processes. You will be interested in spiritual and meditative activities. Psychology and philosophy will be spotlighted after the 5th. Many of you may make some new decisions regarding the next step in life.

GEMINI

CANCER

MAY 21 – JUNE 20

JUNE 21 – JULY 22

You are focused on your finances throughout the last month of the year. But it’s not until after the 11th or the 12th that some issues, particularly relating to shared finances, come to light. You may need to do some additional research to commence a new line of work or a new interest. Mars and Pluto indicate some events that are outside your control, so it’s not a bad idea to look back over your records to find any pitfalls and remedy them.

You’re passionate but argumentative this month, as Mars gains some power from its retrograde movement. Venus, in your zone of marriage, indicates reconciliation, but probably only after a tussle or two with the one you love. Kiss and make up. The presence of Saturn in your area of creativity and speculation warns that you may need to slow things down, and that you could ﬁnd it a little difficult coming up with new ideas. However, don’t rush into anything.

LEO

VIRGO

JULY 23 – AUGUST 22

AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22

Love affairs are on your mind, and with Mercury prompting you to act as well as think after the 11th, it’s likely a new connection will bring great satisfaction. Venus enhances this transit after the 16th. Your heart could be missing the odd beat here and there. You may need to focus exclusively on work leading up to Christmas. Tidy up loose ends.

This last month of 2012 should be rather creative, but you may have divided loyalties over whether to give yourself some time or ﬁnish off important work at the office. Mars is in the sixth zone of health and office colleagues, so be careful not to work yourself up over a dispute with a co-worker.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22

OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21

Continuing power plays on the home front make this month another one full of tension. There could be disputes over money or others may be leaning upon you, which could make you feel uncomfortable. Lay down the rules of engagement, reassert your power and take back some control.

You’re clever with money, so why not devise a new system to increase your cash ﬂow after the 12th? Toss around some ideas with a friend. Travels are indicated after the 28th, which is perfect and in keeping with your Christmas festivities.

111

SHOPLIST Afsha Aaqil Prasla www.goamakeupartist afsha.com Annika Rucci www.annikarucci.com Arjun Saluja Skylark Export 95B, Sant Nagar East of Kailash New Delhi – 110065 Tel: +91 11 26479430 Art Chamber Castelo Vermelho Art Chamber Gauravaddo 115/a Calangute Goa-403 516 Asaboy Kazingmei kazingmei48@gmail. com Casio watches are available in all leading stores across India Chizzle #107, Galaxy Hotel Shopping Spa Sector- 15, part-II, NH-8, Gurgaon- 122001 Haryana Tel: +91 124 4363679 Crafts Villa www.craftsvilla.com Crocs available at all brand retail outlets across India Dreamscape Dreamscape-Dreamy home accessories By Malini Ramani Shop House No 54 Chogam Road, Barrodvadeo P.O Saligao, Sangolda Bardez-Goa-403511 112

Fab India Braganza Bungalow, C13/390, Opp. Indoor Stadium, Off. D.B. Road Campal, Panaji, GA Tel: +91 832 246 3096 Felix Bendish HWG 19-1-1C, 1st Floor Juhu Ghazdhar Bandh Rd, Govind Buwa Marg Santacruz(W) Mumbai 400 054, India. Tel: +91 22 26 60 50 58 Frazer and Haws Shop No. 11 Main Market Lodhi Colony New Delhi- 110 003 Tel- +91 11 24647818 Fusion Access 13/32, Dias House, Rua-De-Ormuz, Panaji, Goa- 403001 James Ferreira www.jamesferreira.com Kanika Saluja www.anaikka.com Kings Chest www.kingschest.com Light n Living No.1571, Sector-1, HSR Layout, Outer Ring Road, Next to Dominos Pizza Bangalore, Karnataka - 560102 Tel: +91 80 6583 7278 Neeta Lulla www.neetalulla.com Nirvana www.nirvanatshirts.com No Nasties Attic - Santacruz

Bir Sagar, End Of 17th Road, Next To Santacruz Gurudwara, Santacruz (W), Mumbai- 400 054 Tel: +91 22 3216 9292 Either Or 24, Sohrab Hall 21, Sassoon Road Opposite Jehangir Hospital, Pune -411 001 Tel: +91 20 260 50225 Evolv 1st Floor, Express Avenue Mall, Royapetthah Chennai 600 014 Tel: +91 44 2846 4250 O My Goa Shop no 7, block 2, dukle heaven, Next to Yamaha Showroom, St Inez, Panjim, Goa, India 403001 One Life Tees www.onelifetees.com Rajesh Pratap Singh 9 Lodi Colony, Main Market, New Delhi -110 003 Tel: +91 11 24638788 11 -The Courtyard, 41/44 Minoo Desai Marg, Mumbai -400 005 Tel: +91 22 66385480 14 VM Road, Mezzanine Floor, Atmosphere building, 14 Vittal Mallya Road, Bangalore- 560 001 Tel: +91 80 41329314/5 Renovation Factory S & R Retail Lifestyle Private Limited 298 Udyog Vihar, Phase II, Gurgaon,

122016.Haryana Tel: +91 124-2341608 Sacha’s Shop Casa Mendes, e526, Swami Vivekananda Road Panaji, GA 403001 Tel: +91 832 222 2035 Sailex Ngairangbam E mail-sailex@gmail. com / sailexdesigns@ gmail.com Sulakshana Monga SOLTEE Tel: +91 1204255508/09 Mobile: 09811105087 E-mail: soltee2003@ gmail.com B-61, SECTOR-4, Noida-201301 Taniya Khanuja FF-41, West Gate Mall, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi Tel: +91 11 42225519, 09818789996, 09811418318 The Bombay Store E-526,Casa Mendes S.V Road, Opp Old Passport Office, Nr Hotel Fidalgo Panaji, Goa- 403001 Tel: +91 832 2230304 Toniq Accessories A-6, Neelam Centre, S.K.Ahire Marg, Worli,

Mumbai - 400030 Tel : +91 22 2490 1981 | 82 | 83 Fax : +91 22 2490 1984 E mail: sohel.lalvani@ gmail.com # 17 Mount Road, Sai Business Point, 2nd Floor, Little Mount Rd, Chennai 600 015, India Tel: + 91 44421 19060 Fax: + 91 44 223 01019 E mail: lalvani.sonali@ gmail.com Turqoise Shop No. 20, ONGC Colony (near Candies) opp. Lilavati Hospital, Bandra Reclamation Bandra (West) Mumbai- 400 050, India Tel : 91 9820146784, +91 22 26402123 Vandana Sethi F-23 (A), Select Citywalk, 1st ﬂoor saket, near PVR Entrance, Delhi Tel: +91 11-65027593 Zansaar www.zansaar.com Zolijns Collection Nizamuddin, New Delhi: C-19, First Floor, Nizamuddin (West) New Delhi - 110 013 Tel: +91 11 4145 8383

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

113

SIGN OFF

Standing on the verge of these pages of unique journeys, I seem to have a view that looks like a vast stretch of landscape ahead of me. DeďŹ nitely feels like countless stories, further unfolding, over time. Some, perhaps, written in water, and some written by chalk. Each, a reason for the other. I am just an observer. I am privileged to be in this space for that nano second, because of the amazing team at the helm, with glimpses to offer on life and living. I will gently hold my breath, for the new to unfold. Kudos and congratulations to Abraxas!

Sanjib Chatterjee

114

A CyberMedia Publication | December 2012

101