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VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 45 39 • ARPIL SEPTEMBER 2013 2012 • AED • 15 AED 15
TRAVEL YOUR TRAVEL DREAMSYOUR Fairytale Resorts DREAMS
Wine Holidays Fairytale Resorts Wine Holidays Movie Destinations Movie Destinations
DANDY PRINCES Digvijay Singh DANDY PRINCES Jhala Arkesh Singh Digvijay SinghDeo Jhala ArkeshVijay Surya Singh Singh Deo Surya Vijay Varun Rana Singh Varun Rana
FASHION FORECAST WIFW AutumnFORECAST FASHION Winter 2013 WIFW Autumn Winter 2013
YOGA FESTIVAL A Yogini Tells YOGA FESTIVAL A Yogini Tells
ADRIAN SUTIL ADRIAN SUTIL CHITRANGDA SINGH CHITRANGDA SINGH PAUL DI RESTA PAUL DI RESTA When Sahara Force India When Sahara Force India meets Bollywood meets Bollywood
8 908 002 48 3
8 908 002 48 3
OK! In OK! In
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PLOUM sofa. Design: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec. Catalogue: www.ligne-roset.com
APRIL 2013
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DANGEROUS CURVES AHEAD
The classic Indian looks of actor Chitrangda Singh were the perfect foil for the hot-on-wheels Sahara Force India drivers Adrian Sutil and Paul Di Resta, who are all set to take on the F1 racing season. While Chitrangda talked about her personal and professional life, Adrian and Paul gave Hi! Blitz insights into their regular life when they are not burning up the fast lane.
LITTLE BLACK JACKET
EFFORTLESSLY OPULENT
Chanel's Classic Revisited by Karl Lagerfield and Carine Roitfeld
C'EST MOI Offers a sneak preview of Autumn/Winter 2013 Capsule Collection, Exclusively for Bloomingdale's - Dubai
CRAZY, CREATIVE RESORTS
TRAILING THE MOVIES
From the adventurous Giraffe Manor in Kenya to isolated luxury at the Naked Stables Private Reserve in China, Hi! Blitz explores some creative hotel destinations.
Relive the magic of the movies by journeying to the destinations that have been made popular by Hollywood blockbusters. Hi! Blitz introduces you to interesting film locales.
AUTUMN SONATA
LINH-DAN PHAM
TEMPLE OF YOGA
THE ART OF PERFUMERY
Hi! Blitz brings you the 10 hottest designers who showcased at the Autumn Winter 2013 edition of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week.
The International Yoga Festival held every year at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh has become a gathering moment for yoga teachers and seekers from across the globe.
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An exploration of Spanish architect Santiago Calatravas own language, Dina JSR's third collection unfolds through delicate volumes, constructed as a replica of Calatrava's most successful works...
When it comes your scent, are you one of those people that want to be unique?
PRINCELY MOVES Their lineage is royal, but that has not stopped them from venturing into exciting careers beyond their regal domain. Hi! Blitz meets some young, talented, go-getter princes.
Beauty with a French accent since 1863
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Dear Readers, PUBLISHER Awraq Publishing S.A.R.L. Kaline Center, 9’th Flr. Fouad Chehab St., Sin El Fil, Beirut Lebanon
This month we rev into summer on some hot wheels with some really hot people. This month, Hi! Blitz does a racy turn with the Sahara Force India Formula One drivers Adrian Sutil and Paul Di Resta. At the 2013 Australian Grand Prix held last month, Adrian finished 7th and Paul finished 8th to score 10 points for Sahara Force India.
Tel.: +961 1 497910/20
So what happens when hardnosed, tyre-burning drivers encounter a dusky diva like the gorgeous actor Chitrangda Singh? Such was the potent charm of the sultry Chitrangda that even the stern, unyielding men in uniform thawed during the shoot. It was the closest the F1 drivers had ever got to Bollywood and will no doubt have something to tell the folks back home about. For the Hi! Blitz team, it was a fantastic opportunity to get close to some of the ‘fastest’ men in the world and be a part (if only briefly) of the world’s most glamorous and exciting sport.
e-mail: info@awraqpublishing.net
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EDITOR Lara Mansour Sawaya lara.m@amedadvertising.com
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SUBSCRIPTIONS & SALES
We know you all are busy planning your summer holidays, so we thought we’d help you along. In this issue are some mouth-watering destinations for families that holiday together. These dreamy spots are definitely on the top of our ‘must visit’ list and they will be on yours as well! Speaking of summer, we have also compiled some of our favourite products available on the shelves this month that will help you lovely Hi! ladies in achieving the perfect beauty, hair and skin for the season! Hi! Blitz takes a tour of some of our subcontinent’s princes and discovers them to be anything but the decadent aristocrats that they were once painted out to be. The blueblooded boys of today are savvy and passionate enough to test their entrepreneurial skills in modern times, even while they respect the advantages that their regal upbringing lends them. One of them even had a brief fling with the movies! Read about that here. Fashion takes a futuristic turn at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 2013; we bring you previews of Autumn-Winter’s 10 best collections. While remaining on the topic of fashion, we also interview French actress, Linh-Dan Pham about her career and her gorgeous shoot in Dina JSR’s SS13 collection that was inspired by architecture. Yoga fiends can check out the International Yoga Festival at Rishikesh through the eyes of sexy yogini Deepika Mehta. This month, Hi! Blitz dives into the art of perfumery. Read more about the art of niche perfumes and discover some of the brands and creations that are taking this industry by storm with their scent trails! Happy Reading The Hi! Blitz Team
+971 4 454 1566 info@amedadvertising.com
Hi! BLITZ 8 APRIL 2013
Hi! NEWS
The Little Black Jacket
CHANEL’S CLASSIC REVISITED BY KARL LAGERFELD AND CARINE ROITFELD Photographic Exhibition in Dubai On April 25th, Chanel’s photographic exhibition dedicated to Karl Lagerfeld’s latest book, The Little Black Jacket: Chanel’s classic revisited by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld* will open in a unique and specially constructed space at The Venue, Downtown Dubai. Following on from Tokyo, New York, London, Paris, Berlin and Milan, this special event in Dubai joins a new stage of the exhibition that underlines Chanel’s values of creativity, modernity and excellence. The public will discover Karl Lagerfeld’s original photographs that illustrate the versatility and timelessness of the iconic Chanel jacket, seen modeled on a range of friends of the House who have each adapted the garment to reflect their own inimitable style. In addition, new photographs featuring such notable personalities as Keira Knightley, Diane Kruger, Carla Bruni and Carole Bouquet, all of whom embody the iconic style of the House, will be unveiled. Running simultaneously with the exhibition, window displays in Chanel’s Dubai Mall and Burjuman boutiques in Dubai, as well as the brand’s boutique at Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, will present a selection of jackets from the 2013 Spring-Summer Ready-to-Wear collection. The exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday April 27th until Saturday May 11th 2013, and admission is free. The Little Black Jacket: Chanel’s classic revisited by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld The Venue, Downtown Dubai Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard
Leila Bekhti
Hi! BLITZ 10 APRIL 2013
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Hi! EVENTS
Effortlessly Opulent C’EST MOI OFFERS A SNEAK PREVIEW OF AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 CAPSULE COLLECTION, EXCLUSIVELY FOR BLOOMINGDALE’S-DUBAI
female form. Out of the 23 looks that were highlighted, 13 looks from the trunk show were created exclusively as a capsule collection for the retailer for the upcoming AW13 season, while the remaining looks captured the very best of her Spring/ Summer 2013 collection all of which dazzled in beautiful embellishments featuring 100 percent crystals and semi-precious stones such as opal and jade. Guests who were unable to attend the event still have an opportunity to preview C’est Moi’s AW13 collection as it will remain on display in Bloomingdale’s-Dubai through till
April 2, 2013, where clients are offered the chance to pre-order and customize their favourite C’est Moi runway look. To discover the latest from C’est Moi and the entire SS13 collection, visit the Women’s Eveningwear Department found on the first floor at Bloomingdale’sDubai, The Dubai Mall. For more fashionable festivities and promotions during the ‘Celebrate the
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Continuing in the spirit of Bloomingdale’sDubai’s ‘Celebrate the World’ campaign, celebrated Dubai-based designer, Rashmi Sahar Ahmad offered a stunning first look at her ‘Opulent’ C’est Moi Autumn/Winter 2013 capsule collection in her first ever trunk show for Bloomingdale’s-Dubai. From delicate bejeweled bodices paired with voluminous satin maxi skirts in rich jewel tones to ethereal, Grecian-inspired silhouettes and floor length kaftans that literally floated down the runway, each look had its own way of celebrating the universal
World’ campaign, be sure to join Bloomingdale’s-Dubai as they highlight the very best of life and style now through April 30, 2013.
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Hi! EVENTS
Studio 8
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENT Varun Bahl and Deepak Perwani showcased their collections on March 23rd An amazing collection by two of the most revered designers from India and Pakistan was held at Studio 8 Beach Road on March 23rd. Gorgeous colour combinations combined with elegantly crafted embroidery reviving the traditional art of handwork, the simply stunning range on display is certainly not to be missed. In the presence of designers Varun Bahl and Deepak Perwani, the high profile clients of Studio 8 interacted with the designers while previewing their latest collections. In addition, Anmol Jewellers showed the exquisite jewellery collection on the same day complimenting the stunning fashion offering from the designers. Anmol Jewellers exhibition continued till March 25th. The great exhibition brought together some of the most celebrated designers and craftsman to showcase their art to a very exclusive audience in Dubai.
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Hi! EVENTS
Sally Hansen PARTNERS WITH FACES Sally Hansen, #1 Nail Brand in the U.S.A, is on its way to stardom in the Middle East. This year Sally Hansen spreads its love from Lebanon, Jordan and the UAE to KSA, Qatar and Kuwait as it makes its partnership with Faces Beauty Stores. As the exclusive complete nail brand in Faces, Sally Hansen offers a solution for all your nail problems. To celebrate the launch, a nail inspired fashion show took place last month at Dubai Mall. One of the looks that we loved is the Strength element in Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nailpolish which features 7-in-1 elements. Strength spoke through a leather biker vest and leather pleated skirt. The model’s nails were a Complete Salon Manicure in the Jungle Jem shade. If you don’t feel like going to a salon for restless hours, you can definitely be your own manicurist by visiting Faces to get your at home salon manicure with Sally Hansen. It is easy to use and fun to wear!
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Mikyajy
LAUNCHES MYRIAM FARES AS NEW FACE Vivacious celebration reveals Fares in Mikyajy’s new television commercial Recognized for their lighthearted playfulness, Mikyajy has been suitably dubbed one of the region’s fastest growing forces in the world of cosmetics and fragrances. Mikyajy stands out in a sea of beauty brands as having keen insight on the diversity and needs of the region. This understanding has been translated into high-quality, easy-to-use products manufactured in Europe to international standards.
vibrancy and passion for life are the ideal representation of the youth and femininity that our brand Mikyajy is renowned for and she truly personifies the values of the brand.” Echoing the Mikyajy brand exuberance and energy, the backstage setting of the venue recreated the experience of being on a Mikyajy TV commercial set. Guests were given a sneak peek behind the scenes of the new TVC, complete with cameras, TV cranes, life-size product props and video clips alongside make-up stations and dressing rooms.
With Lebanese singer Myriam Fares as Mikyajy’s new face, the friendly brand reinforces its close relationship with women and dedication to fun, fresh-faced beauty. The collaboration was disclosed at an event hosted by the brand. They also revealed the latest television commercial from Mikyajy, a mischievous color extravaganza featuring the charismatic Myriam Fares frolicking with Mikyajy’s bestsellers and selected upcoming launches. Lending a starry touch to the evening was Myriam Fares, “The Queen of the Stage” herself, gracing the crowd with a typically showy entry. During the event, Mikyajy’s Brand Director Jim Ragsdale introduced Fares as the latest face of the brand saying, “Mikyajy sets itself apart with a love of playfulness and creativity, and we decided that a talented star like Myriam would best personify and embody these values. We are all eagerly looking forward to this collaboration as both Myriam and Mikyajy flaunt an irresistible combination of Arabic tradition with international appeal and complement each other perfectly.” Mr. Kamal Osman Jamjoom, CEO and founder of Mikyajy, further added, “Her
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After commenting on the collaboration with Myriam Fares, Mikyajy showcased its new TVC. The highlight of the evening, though, was when the graceful Myriam Fares took the stage and indulged in a talk show-style Q & A session with the MC, followed by a photo opportunity with media and guests. Guests reveled in the buzz all evening long, with the pulsating beats resonating from DJ Tony White.
Hi! EVENTS
Bobbi Brown Cometics
OPENS ITS EAGERLY AWAITED MIDDLE EAST FLAGSHIP STORE IN DUBAI MALL Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, the exclusive line developed by celebrated makeup artist Bobbi Brown, brings the brand experience to life with the opening of The Studio, Dubai Mall, the brand’s Flagship destination free-standing store in the Middle East. Located in the fashionable 1st Floor Atrium of Dubai Mall, the Studio is an expression of Bobbi’s unique philosophy and aesthetic, and the perfect way for consumers to discover Bobbi’s range of color cosmetics, brushes, fragrance, skincare and expert services. When visiting The Studio, consumers have the freedom to design their own shopping experience. She can gather with others at the artistry table to exchange tips and ideas; she can watch a video of Bobbi’s seasonal inspirations and how-to’s; or she can choose from a menu of specialized services.
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DUBAI, MALL OF THE EMIRATES +971 4 3410285 MIRDIF CITY CENTRE +971 4 2843388 GALERIES LA FAYETTE - THE DUBAI MALL +971 50 9119801
WWW.FURLA.COM
Hi! EVENTS
Valencia
OPENS NEW CONCEPT STORE IN MARINA MALL Valencia Shoes, UAE’s luxury multi-brand store offering exquisite collections from the world over, opened its store at Marina Mall, Level 1 in Abu Dhabi with a completely new and modern look, designed by renowned Italian interior designer firm Mapa Architetti Associati. The new store features a stylish and striking interior, showcasing the newly launched Spring/Summer collection for men and women. The boutique offer shoes from renowned brands such Casadei, Roberto Cavalli, John Richmond, John Galliano, Valentino Shoes, Charles Philip Shanghai, Gina, Paloma Barcelo, MCQ by Alexander McQueen, Barbara Bui, Jerome C. Rousseau, Gedebe, Mystique and many more.
Mapa Architetti Associati highlighted the boutique’s long reputation for taste, innovation and luxury combining both traditional and modern. The light coloured interior, with high ceiling and lavish stainless steel outline create a completely inviting and refreshing look. Valencia Shoes has been operating in the UAE for the last 30 years and is recognized for its innovative fashion footwear and attention to details related to customer service. Visit Valencia Shoes at Level 1 in Marina Mall Abu Dhabi. For more information please call +971 2 6816809.
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lish hi! stylish
PHoToS: yoGEn SHAH
There’s something very drool-worthy There’s something very drool-worthy about these structured silhouettes. about Love these structured silhouettes. Love how the crispness meets with how the juicy the crispness meets with the juicy colours. The ladies are tantalisingcolours. coutureThe ladies are tantalising couture candies. candies.
ESHA GUPTA CHHAyA MoMAyA jacket: Valentino shirt: Masaba Gupta jeggings: J Brand pants: Zara clutch: Elie Tahari tin shoes: Christian Louboutin jewellery: Viangeshoes: Brian Atwood at:press Radhika Goenka’s art exhibition s conference at: Stardust Awards conference
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CHHAyA MoMAyA SridEvi SridEvi jacket: Valentino blouse: Alberta Ferretti blouse: Alberta Ferretti jeggings: J Brand pants: Giorgio Armani pants: Giorgio Armani clutch: Elie Tahari clutch: Nandini Mariwala clutch: Nandini Mariwala shoes: Brian Atwood at: Filmfare Awards nomination party at: Filmfare Awards nomination party at: Radhika Goenka’s art exhibition
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Hi! BAG
PHOTOS: YOGEN SHAH
No matter what you pack Nointo matter what you pack into t h e m , t h e r e ’ s a l w a y s rtohoem m , f ot hr e r e ’ s a l w a y s r o o m f o r more... We love how thesemore... day bags We love how these day bags pack in so much style as well, packmuch in so much style as well, much like the ladies themselves.like the ladies themselves.
UNDRA SHILPA SHETTY KUNDRA SRIDEVI bag: Hermès Birkin bag: Louis Vuitton rch Foundation at: Cancer event Aid & Research at: JW Foundation Marriott event
SRIDEVI bag: Louis Vuitton at: JW Marriott
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KIRAN BAWA KIRAN BAWA bag: Gucci bag: Gucci at: Rouble Nagi Art Foundation carnival at: Rouble Nagi Art Foundation carnival
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Donald
Photos: yogen shah
C o l o u r - b l o c k , s o l i d b oCl do l oour r - b l o c k , s o l i d b o l d o r shimmery, dresses have assumed shimmery, a dresses have assumed a structural, skeletal shape on structural, the torso. skeletal shape on the torso. It demands highly that theItgirth demands be highly that the girth be svelte and ladies are falling svelte in line and ladies are falling in line with fashion’s command. with fashion’s command.
Prachi Desai Drashta sarvaiya Drashta sarvaiya amrita Puri designer: Julien MacDonald designer: Drashta Sarvaiya designer: Drashta Sarvaiya designer: Giorgio Armani at: movie promotionat: Poonawalla Breeders’ Multi-Million at: Poonawalla Breeders’ at: movie Multi-Million premiere
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amrita Puri designer: Giorgio Armani at: movie premiere
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photos: yogen shah
Sheer gets its much-deserved Sheer cheer gets its much-deserved cheer as summer makes its presence as summer felt. makes its presence felt. Saris have become fun and Saris feathery have become fun and feathery light, but totally red carpet light, worthy. but totally red carpet worthy.
ne Deepika paDukone shilpa shetty kunDra shilpa shetty kunDra amrita puri amrita puri hanna designer: Anamika Khanna designer: Nandita Mahtani designer: Nandita Mahtani designer: Tarun Tahiliani designer: Tarun Tahiliani ali’s birthday at:party Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s at: Nach birthday Baliyeparty 5 show at: Nach Baliye 5 show at: Teacher’s Achievement Awardsat: 2013 Teacher’s Achievement Awards 2013
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rde Hi! verde
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phoTos: yogeN shah
Green still holds fort as the trendiest Green still holds fort as the trendiest colour of the season. With colour the trees of the season. With the trees sprouting fresh foliage, this sprouting fashion fresh foliage, this fashion trend shows that designers are trend in tune shows that designers are in tune with the environment. with the environment.
Neha Dhupia TaNaz Doshi TaNaz Doshi JacqueliNe FerNaNDez JacqueliNe FerNaNDez designer: Pria Kataaria designer: Puri Ramona Narang designer: Ramona designer: NarangAnand Kabra designer: Anand Kabra at: Nautanki TV show at: launch Equation—a fundraiser for Equality at: Equation—a at: fundraiser Equation—a for Equality fundraiser for Equality at: Equation—a fundraiser for Equality
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hite hi! white
Photos: yogen shah
There’s nothing like a fresh There’s burst nothing of like a fresh burst of white when the sun shines white bright...an when the sun shines bright...an open canvas that can be open transformed canvas that can be transformed with a smorgasbord w o fi tcho lao us rms o . rgasbord of colours. Equally soothing and sexy Equally when soothing left and sexy when left alone too. alone too.
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Madhuri dixit nene aMrita Puri designer: Zara designer: Zara nline danceat: academy the launch of her online at: Kai dance Po academy Che! success party
aMrita Puri Prachi desai Prachi desai designer: Zara designer: Rag & Bone designer: Rag & Bone at: Kai Po Che! success party at: Neutrogena promotional eventat: Neutrogena promotional event
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own Hi! gown
photos: yogen shah
Kudos to our desi designers! Kudos It is to our desi designers! It is becoming increasingly difficult becoming to tell increasingly difficult to tell a Bollywood gown from a aHollywood Bollywood gown from a Hollywood one. So proud of this ‘made in one. India’ So proud tag. of this ‘made in India’ tag.
kar shibani dandekar neha dhupia neha dhupia Malaika arora khan Malaika arora khan arwal designer: Rakesh Agarwal designer: Anaikka designer: Anaikka designer: Surily Goel designer: Surily Goel ment Awards 2013 at: Teacher’s Achievement at: British Awards Columbia 2013 tourism event/TOIFA at: British Columbia at: Indian tourismFilm event/TOIFA Festival of Melbourne at:press Indian meet Film Festival of Melbourne press meet press meet press meet
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Dangerous Curves Ahead Photography: Vishesh Verma•Art Direction: Kunal Naik
As she poses exclusively for Hi! Blitz with the Sahara Force India drivers, Adrian Sutil and Paul Di Resta, Chitrangda Singh gets chatting with Farhad J Dadyburjor about why heroines are no longer expected to be like vestal virgins, how emotional independence has helped her marriage and the reason she gets drawn to bad boys.
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Black & metallic detailed jumpsuit by Falguni & Shane Peacock, ruby & gold cuffs from Adaaliz Jewels Hi! BLITZ 29 APRIL 2013
Dressed in a bling-encrusted jumpsuit that screams ‘rock chic’, Chitrangda Singh settles in for her interview on none other than Women’s Day. So it seems only appropriate to ask her if she feels that since the runaway success of movies like The Dirty Picture and Kahaani roles for women have changed for the better in Bollywood. “I think it’s very exciting to have this constant dialogue of how things are changing and it’s all very promising, but if we were to go back and look at yesteryear actresses like Madhubala, Nutan, Waheeda (Rehman) or Vyjayanthimala and the films they’ve done, I think they did far more womanoriented and stronger roles back then. So I don’t know what we’re getting so happy about now!” exclaims Chitrangda. “Somewhere between the ’80s and ’90s everything got very corrupted, and in a way everything became male-driven—now we’re just trying to fight that.” Given a choice, she would love to essay Rekha’s role in Umrao Jaan. “Women were far more feministic in their ideas in those times—like the nautch girls I think were far more modern in their thoughts then than women are today. I’d love to get into the psyche of something like that, where you go against society but are still comfortable in your own skin.” Admitting to Bollywood being a men’s club, she says, “Yes, it is male dominated, but I also think that you can’t make a film without a woman in it. You need her for certain reasons.” Coming from a completely non-Bollywood background (her dad was in the Indian army), it mustn’t have been easy breaking into an industry ruled by the filmi pedigree. Did she ever feel the disadvantage of not being a star kid? “Coming from a non-filmi background, the one thing that you do do is make mistakes that others don’t. So you waste a lot of time making those mistakes and correcting them—or rather, hoping that you’ve corrected them. So definitely that kind of guidance is a big help if you have someone in the industry—you get to work with the best, you get presented in the best way possible, etc. But having said that, I think that as an actor I had the best debut I could have ever asked for (in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi). It’s something I’m so proud of even today and it’s really given me a life as an actor,” says Chitrangda,
before adding, “It’s very difficult now for me to repeat that same kind of innocence in front of the camera—where you don’t think too much, where there’s nothing calculating about it.” Ask her what she wanted to be growing up, and Chitrangda knocks back her head and laughs. “It’s a weird thing—my mother tells me that when I was in kindergarten, I used to come back from school, shut the door and dance in front of the mirror. And I would do that for three-four hours every day! So everyone presumed I wanted to be a dancer,” she laughs. Her last two films (Inkaar and I Me Aur Main) didn’t exactly set the box-office on fire and she received mixed reviews from critics about her performances. Ask her how she handles criticism, and Chitrangda says, “I am my own worst critic and it is very very difficult to live with a critic. Because anything that I see, I see the faults in it. That’s why whenever I shoot, I never look at the monitor ever because I know that all I’ll see are the faults in my performance.” Does dealing with criticism get easier with time? “You just get more shameless with time,” she laughs. “It doesn’t affect you so much and you get arrogant, you know, like screw them.” While the grapevine has often been abuzz with rumours about her marriage to golfer Jyoti Singh Randhawa being on the rocks or her alleged affair with director/mentor Sudhir Mishra, Chitrangda says she has a simple way of dealing with tabloid rumours: “I don’t read newspapers anymore.” She says that the key to having a great marriage is emotional independence. “A certain amount of emotional independence is extremely important. Because that keeps you focused, practical, committed. I feel today that I am a lot more emotionally independent than I used to be,” says Chitrangda, adding that striking a balance between personal and professional commitments can be tough. “It’s not easy, no. You have to stretch yourself and have to be everywhere at times. But I like that madness. I think it’s great because there’s no point to life if it’s all so perfect—I don’t want to be there, not yet at least.” With her smouldering looks, super-hot body and killer cheekbones, Chitrangda has always been a pin-up for men. In fact,
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Dressed in a black off shoulder dress & pumps from Dior, earrings and bracelet from Adaaliz Jewels, Chitrangda poses with the Sahara Force India 2013 race car, the VJM06 Hi! BLITZ 31 APRIL 2013
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With her smouldering looks, super-hot body and killer cheekbones, Chitrangda Singh has always been a pin-up for men. Her oomph quotient has been unhampered by the fact that she’s already hitched. “The industry and audiences have changed. Their perception of what a heroine has to be has changed—they’re not looking for virgins to play the heroine anymore!”
whilst much hoopla is made every time an actress gets married that her sex appeal will dip, Chitrangda’s oomph quotient has been unhampered by the fact that she’s already hitched. “The industry and audiences have changed. Their perception of what a heroine has to be has changed— they’re not looking for virgins to play the heroine anymore!” So, what makes her go weak in the knees? “Besides Shah Rukh Khan?” she laughs. Then gathering her thoughts, she says, “I like men who are wicked. Not someone who’s all sweet and proper and always gets things right—I hate that! I like guys who are...what’s the word?...haraami! Bad boys. When guys are irreverent, that’s very attractive.” Having just returned from attending the Paris Fashion Week where she got the photographers in a tizzy with her ‘exotic Indian looks’, Chitrangda says there’s nothing like the joy of travelling. “Europe is always beautiful...and I can keep walking through the streets of Paris. I also love Thailand, I love Bali, just cycling about, scuba diving and all.” Harbouring a crazy dream of someday owning an orange orchard—“the whole organic farming thing, I find that very interesting”—there’s only one place you’ll find Chitrangda when she’s not working—at home. “I’m totally an at home person. I’m not somebody who can stand at a bar and go: ‘Techno shit, happenin’!” she mimics. “Yeah, I’m not a party animal at all.” Paul Di Resta dons his Sahara Force India driver overalls, while Chitrangda looks racy in a red gown with embroidered details by Falguni & Shane Peacock, bracelet from Adaaliz Jewels Hi! BLITZ 33 APRIL 2013
“I’ve seen so many places, but India is a special place; it’s one of the most different places in the world. I’ve seen some of your Bollywood movies, some are nice and some are very dramatic (laughs). And the food is great—it’s also quite popular as a cuisine in Europe.”—Adrian Sutil
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Sahara Force india’s German racer who finished 7th at the recently concluded 2013 Australian Grand Prix chats with Hi! Blitz... Hi! Blitz: As an F1 racer for Sahara Force india, what would you say is the best part about your job? Adrian Sutil: The best part about my job is driving the car—when you’re in the car, that’s the best feeling. Of course everything around that is hard work, but hard work makes success better. When not working, where can we find you? Where I live in Switzerland, I can chill out very easily. Going into the mountains is fun. Or I read a book or go for a concert or art show, something cultural, something different that takes my mind off work. tell us one thing about yourself that nobody knows... I’m quite good at painting. I was good when I was young and did some work last year...and I was quite surprised that it turned out so good (laughs). I really like to be at home and do things where you use your mind a little bit. through all your travels, what’s been your most memorable place in the world? I’ve seen so many places, but India is a special place; it’s one of the most different places in the world. I’ve seen some of your Bollywood movies, some are nice and some are very dramatic (laughs). And the food is great—it’s also quite popular as a cuisine in Europe. What are your dreams for the future? Professionally, I obviously want to win the championship and be absolutely at the top of the sport. That’s why I’m working hard. They say the most important thing is to be happy in life, but I can’t be happy without a challenge. That’s just my nature—I’m competitive by nature. do you have a motto? Always believe in yourself and never give up. If you do that, you can succeed.
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In an off white dress by Gauri & Nainika, necklace & rings from Adaaliz Jewels, shoes from Gucci, Chitrangda Singh poses with the Sahara Force India drivers, Paul Di Resta & Adrian Sutil Hi! BLITZ 35 APRIL 2013
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“I think it’s very exciting to have this constant dialogue of how things are changing and it’s all very promising, but if we were to go back and look at yesteryear actresses like Madhubala, Nutan, Waheeda (Rehman) or Vyjayanthimala and the films they’ve done, I think they did far more woman-oriented and stronger roles back then. So I don’t know what we’re getting so happy about now!”—Chitrangda Singh
On criticism: “You just get more shameless with time...you get arrogant, you know, like screw them”—Chitrangda Singh Hi! BLITZ 37 APRIL 2013
“When guys are irreverent, that’s very attractive,” says Chitrangda Singh cheekily, taking her place between the Sahara Force India drivers, Adrian Sutil & Paul Di Resta Hi! BLITZ 38 APRIL 2013
“Here, in India, I’ve seen some crazy things (laughs). I think it’s because people over here are very passionate and because it’s new, you see some radical things and people get overexcited. Another place where you see some crazy fans is Japan, because they’re so committed to the sport.”—Paul Di Resta
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He finished 8th at the 2013 Australian Grand Prix held last month. the Scottish ace for Sahara Force india chats with Hi! Blitz... Hi! Blitz: As an F1 racer for Sahara Force india, what would you say is the best part about your job? Paul di resta: Driving the car is the most important bit; it’s the bit that obviously becomes very special. So, driving the car and qualifying, finding your limits and just really getting your feedback from the best engineered car in the world. When not working, where can we find you? I spend my time with friends. Training is obviously a big part of my job, and I’ve really taken to cycling with professional cyclists, roaming in Monaco and getting out into the mountains— not only is it endurance training but it also gives you time to think and just enjoy life. You’re also pretty active on twitter... Reasonably, yeah. I never put out anything personal; it’s more about what I do. I think it allows your fans to get a little closer to you, to see what you’re up to. Any crazy fan experiences so far? Here, in India, I’ve seen some crazy things (laughs). I think it’s because people over here are very passionate and because it’s new, you see some radical things and people get overexcited. Another place where you see some crazy fans is Japan, because they’re so committed to the sport and the auto industry is so big over there. through all your travels, what’s been your most memorable place in the world? I suppose there’s no place like home. Growing up in Scotland, it’s quite a special place, at least what it means to me. A lot of my family is still there. And just the fresh air, crisp mornings, frost...is something that’s hard to beat anywhere else in the world. And of course the legendary loch ness monster... Yeah (laughs), yet to see it. What are your dreams for the future? I think health and happiness is the big dream personally. But essentially, driving—my job is to win races and championships. And I enjoy the sport, because I think enjoyment is the most important part.
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Hair & Make-up (for Chitrangda): Shaan Muttathil Hair & Make-up (for Adrian & Paul): Savio John Pereira Stylist: Hina Oomer-Ahmed Co-ordination: Shalina Thadani
Top & floral printed skirt from Christian Dior, necklace from Adaaliz Jewels Hi! BLITZ 40 APRIL 2013
Autumn SonAtA Photographs: Manoj Kesharwani
The Autumn Winter 2013 edition of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week was a mixed bag of design veterans and fresh talent. With over 115 designers showcasing their latest collections, there was a surfeit of variety and range in the designs. Amidst the clutter, Umesh Jivnani chooses the 10 best shows of this season, the absolute winners of 2013.
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Rajesh Pratap Singh This reclusive designer is one of the most revered and respected for his understated collections. This was Rajesh Pratap Singh’s debut runway show, unveiling the beauty of merino wool, since his appointment as the first official ‘Wool Ambassador’ for India by The Woolmark Company. The collection showcased exquisitely tailored jackets for men and women with interesting details—satin inserts, unusual pocket shapes and zipper fasteners from motorbike jackets. Winter jackets in reds, blacks and greys reinstated his mastery over cut and finish. The ramp was covered with dry leaves and stark trees, further enhanced by specially created snowfall.
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Tarun Tahiliani Tarun Tahiliani has always been synonymous with glamour and style. This season too he sent out another impactful and stylised collection. Inspired by his recent trip to the Maha Kumbh Mela, Tahiliani’s ‘Kumbhback Collection’ was fuelled by the drapes of sadhus. From layered coats, kurtas and gilets to his trademark draped and belted saris, it was an exotic line highlighted further by Rudraksha beaded jewellery. The colours signified Kumbh—rust, saffron, amber and hints of black and pink. Tarun also showed strong and exciting menswear with dhotis and loose pants with fitted achkans and kurtas. Hi! BLITZ 44 APRIL 2013
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Pero by Aneeth Arora Aneeth Arora’s strength has always been her ability to fuse wearable organic clothing with an understated bohemian attitude. Her clothes are always hand-dyed and have a washed aged feel about them. This season’s collection was an ode to a clown. Models walked the ramp wearing colourful striped leggings, bow ties, embellished cowboy boots and carrying embroidered satchels. The collection also comprised checked and striped separates like jackets, shorts, tunics, shirts, dresses and long skirts that were mixed and layered to give a very circus clown meets world traveller look. Hi! BLITZ 46 APRIL 2013
Rahul Mishra Since his debut, Rahul Mishra has always worked his collections around India’s dying weaving traditions. His ‘The Baroque Tree’ collection was inspired by ancient chintz and Islamic jaali work. Sculptural detailing on the sleeves, yokes and shoulders gave the clothes a dramatic look. Rahul mixed sheer with matte, sturdy materials with soft fabrics, to give it a modern look. Organic khadi jackets, dori embellished dresses, baroque-style embroideries done on sheer fabrics and woollen jackets and trousers made up the collection. The highlight however was the long embroidered gowns that had an Indian ethos yet global feel about them. Hi! BLITZ 47 APRIL 2013
Payal Pratap Her timeless elegant creations and flair for well-crafted embroidered garments have made Payal Pratap one of the brightest new stars in fashion. Her collection this season was about taking a peek into her grandmother’s trunk and coming out with rich Indian vintage and modern boho garments. The outfits were beautifully embroidered with vintage flower motifs. Using drapes in satin and velvet, the silhouettes had fitted upper bodices and easy bottoms. Dhoti-styled kurtas and dresses, patchwork embroidery, cowl wraps and fitted anarkalis in deep hues like purple, wine, ink blue, gold and black gave the overall collection a very dressy yet relaxed look. Hi! BLITZ 48 APRIL 2013
Anju Modi Sometimes it takes years for a designer to blossom. Anju Modi is a shining example of someone coming into her own quite late in her career. For Autumn Winter 2013, her ‘Steel Magnolia’ collection beautifully combined embroidered and embellished jackets with earthy saris. She gave the collection a twist by revolving it around the Indian Armed Forces. Anju’s line stood out because of the details—embroidered topis, epaulettes on jackets, militaryinspired badges, dupattas pleated and worn as sashes. Models walked the ramp to patriotic songs. Her menswear comprised striped sherwanis highlighted by military badges and medallions. Hi! BLITZ 49 APRIL 2013
Pankaj & Nidhi Their garments have an edge due to their technical finesse, superb execution and great quality. This time too they proved their mettle with their line titled The Music Box. It was a celebration of extraordinary craftsmanship combined with sharp tailoring and unusual colours. Fuchsianavy, blue-blacks and red-chintz in merino wool, silk jersey and soft leather...the collection’s silhouettes included fitted long skirts, cinched waist jackets and fitted dresses. The highlights were the embellishments in crewel work, detailed appliques and lattice work. Hi! BLITZ 50 APRIL 2013
Vineet Bahl Over the years, reticent designer Vineet Bahl has become known for his understated yet stylishly classy collections, with emphasis on easy chic silhouettes and tonal embroideries. This season, his ethnic line ‘Awadh’ paid tribute to the grandeur of the nawabs and begums. With lyricist Gulzar reciting poetry, models walked the ramp with their heads covered with exquisitely embroidered chikankari dupattas. Starting with an ivory palette, the line showcased stunning mirrorwork embroidery, exquisite zardozi, detailed hand-block printing and beautiful ‘naqsh’ work. The heavy zardozi velvet kurtas worn with wide-legged Pakistani salwars were high on impact. Hi! BLITZ 51 APRIL 2013
Alpana & Neeraj This designer duo’s forte lies in their experimental streak. Having done glamorous red carpet gowns and structured evening wear the past few seasons, they’ve mastered the art of making superbly finished, almost futuristic dresses and gowns with great aplomb. For Autumn Winter 2013, they were inspired by the ‘snake’. Starting with digitally printed snakeskin motif long dresses and progressing into sharp fitted silhouettes detailed with snake-like 3D scales, it was embellishment at its best. Reptilian goth and red carpet glamour combined fabrics like leather, jersey, tulle, organza, georgette and net.
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Manish Arora His was the grand finale show at the WIFW and was inspired by the Burning Man in Nevada. The show began with cloudy blue sky digital printed dresses with neon motifs and geometric funky patterns. Laser cut materials, sequin embroideries, beads, metallic chains, fur collars and printed accessories like iPad cases, pouches and hobo bags added drama to the peplum dresses, fitted shirts, oversized tops, coats and fitted pants. Moulded leather turbans, corset belts, silk and cashmere scarves and digital printed handbags further enhanced this psychedelic collection. The colour palette ranged from navy blue, green and black to hot pink, fluorescent orange and neon green, while the varied fabrics ranged from cotton velvet, nappa leather, saga fox fur to quilted neoprene.
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Hi! INTERVIEW
Hi! Blitz Interviews
Linh-Dan Pham An exploration of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava’s own language, Dina JSR’s third collection unfolds through delicate volumes, constructed as a replica of Calatrava’s most successful works: a pathway opens up over a bare back, a corrugated roof reproduced through architectural folds, an over-head archway inspiring a geometric winged yoke. Orchestrating a vocabulary of its own, the collection prolongs the encounter between architecture and femininity, spatial construction and fluidity to define its very own ‘Poetical Movement’.
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In this exclusive interview, we speak to French actress with Vietnamese descent, Linh-Dan Pham about her photoshoot in Dina JSR’s dresses. You’re looking lovely in Lebanese designer Dina JSR’s dresses. Tell us about your experience with this photo shoot and the pieces you wore. Oh thank you! I so enjoyed this photo shoot! I fell in love with the dresses by Dina JSR. They are so glamorous and give such a womanly silhouette. I am usually very nervous for photo shoots and it is worse when I don’t feel comfortable in the clothes, but in this case I loved every minute of it. When I put on any of the dresses I felt instantly very feminine but strong. They have great structure. On a day-to-day basis, I dress in a smart casual way, verging on the tomboy side … but after wearing Dina JSR dresses, I rediscovered the pleasure of being more feminine, of enjoying wearing a dress and I made a note to myself: “Have to wear dresses more often”! Architecture is a primary source of inspiration for the designer; having lived in some of the most urban locations in the world, how is your style inspired by
the big city life? What urban elements inf luence your style? Actually I am heavily affected by my surroundings. I think there is an essence and sensibility in the style of the big cities I’ve lived in that differs widely, but that I absorb when I am there for a while. If I look at photos of myself from those different times, I look like a different person, and it’s the clothes and the hairstyles.
When I was living in Asia and spending a lot of time in cities like Singapore, Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City, I tended to conform to a slightly more traditional feminine style when I dressed up, dresses and blouses in silk, carefully coordinated combinations, hair long and straight, not very adventurous; or for casual wear, very casual and summery, singlets and jeans, flip flops. These cities follow the mainstream, they have a certain elegance, but don’t really
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set the trend, they don’t hum with such an edgy vibe, and I was just wearing the “right” things. When I moved to New York to train at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute it was like discovering a whole new me in that city; it hit me like a slap in the face and I loved it. On one level it didn’t matter what I wore, because in New York you are anonymous against the scale and pace of the urban landscape, and I was just a theater student. On another level it’s almost an obligation to explore and experiment as the city oozes originality and there are no taboos. It’s also the place where strangers in restaurants, bars or the subway will spontaneously tell you “I love your look” – the weirder, the more appreciation, I loved the positivity; though I’m not sure I found my style. Now living between London and Paris, the effortless originality of London and the haute elegance of Paris have overlaid the edgier tendencies I picked up in New York. I love the result. I go for a much sleeker silhouette, and mix designer pieces from Miu Miu, Burberry, DVF and others with skinny jeans and jackets from The Kooples and April 77, and with simple cashmere pieces and other basics from Loft Design By. Then of course there are the red carpets, photo shoots and fashion shows that are much more a part of my life in Paris, where >>
Hi! INTERVIEW
I can pile on the true glamour, and try some these great new designers like Dina JSR, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, Alexis Mabille as well as the established gods of glamour like Elie Saab. You grew up in France, studied in New York, worked in Vietnam and Singapore and now you’ve added London to your list. Tell us about the inf luence this had on your career as an actress. I believe traveling is very good for the soul. It forces you to be curious, to deal with the unknown and as a result you learn about yourself a lot. Each country I lived in made me who I am today and I use all of that in my acting. France is where I grew up and spent my teenage years. Vietnam is my country of origin and living there made me understand my Asian roots better but I also had my first business job there in marketing and so I had many things to process at the same time! Singapore is where I realized that I did not want to pursue a career in business. New York is where I found my
true calling: acting. I think that by having traveled so much and done a few different things in my life has nourished me and so I am able to relate more to different stories that are offered to me when I go shoot a movie. I don’t regret having waited so long to go back to films after INDOCHINE. Actually, I wasn’t waiting for anything, I was just growing up! I needed that time to “construct” myself. Paris has served as a strong inspiration for many designers in the region. What inspires you about the city you grew up in? How has it inf luenced your style? Paris is where my acting career is centered. So a lot of my inspiration comes from the widely varying roles I play, rather from the city itself. Every movie brings a new look, and it’s fun to work with the wardrobe designer to create the look which sometimes involves going shopping together. I’ve been a musician, a fast food waitress, a drugpushing pharmacist, a space-age scientist and retired super-model super-bitch, among others. This is also the way I’ve experimented with hairstyles – a few years
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ago I had to have a totally shaved head for a film, and the process of re-growing over a couple of years gave birth to a whole lot of new looks! Having said that, Paris itself inspires, or even demands, elegance, and it’s where a lot of the red carpets, premieres, and parties happen for me so I can happily indulge that urge…. What are some of the high-end brands you would consider yourself loyal to? Which brands ref lect Linh-Dan Pham?
My style does change from time to time with the influences of the different movie roles, designers I get dressed by for events and other new things. I am like a sponge. I take it all in. I don’t think I have a final style, and can’t claim particular loyalty, but I do love the youthful hip-ness of Burberry, the vivid structure and edgy femininity of Miu Miu, and the wonderfully clean lines and fabrics by Thomas Meier at Bottega Veneta. I suppose I will also treasure some of the incredible ball gowns by Elie Saab that I’ve
worn, especially the extraordinary gold lamee creation I was wearing when I won the Cesar. And if there’s one outfit I have always fantasized about – since I sometimes go for that masculine look – what could be better than a super slim-cut men’s smoking jacket and trousers by Yves Saint Laurent? Let’s talk about your return to the movie industry. Which types of roles are you mostly drawn to? My tastes are quite eclectic and I have no career strategy, really. I am most interested in artistic adventures, to be part of someone’s vision or world, so it doesn’t matter to me whether the director is well established or is a beginner. All I am looking for is an artistic and human journey. So far, I have appeared in a lot of dramas. It seems that people think I am a very serious person. That’s probably because I get very shy and reserved in public but in reality I love goofing around and laughing! I would love to do some action movies or comedies. I have recently done my first real comedy, and discovered I could do it, which was a revelation to me. I am a big fan of Judd Apatow but also Wes Anderson, Steven Spielberg, Jacques Audiard, François Ozon, Jean-Pierre Jeunet,, Arnaud Desplechin, Kathryn Bigelow… Ah, so many people I want to work with, so little time!
Interviewed by: Houry Seukunian
Images Credits: Photography: Greg Alexander www. gregalexander.net Art Director: Sébastien Vienne Make-up: Nathalie Grand Hair: François Laly Wardrobe: DINA JSR Shoes: Cindy Glass Coordination: Zeina Raphaël / Almaz Communication Special thanks to Hôtel de Buci / Paris
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Princely Moves Text: Sharmi Ghosh Dastidar • Photographs: Vineet Modi
They have a rich legacy to carry forward, but are young and restless to prove their mettle without being weighed down by the past. Hi! Blitz meets some dashing princes who are determined to chart out their destiny on their own terms.
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Royal Edge Of Fashion Yuvraj Digvijay Singh Jhala, son of Raja Pratap Singh Jhala and Rani Reena Kumari Singh from Labhowa, Uttar Pradesh, is busy making inroads in Europe as an aggressive garment exporter. Hi! Blitz meets the young aristocrat who waxes eloquent about modern business methods with as much fervour as he recalls the age-old traditions of his family.
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First impression: Yuvraj Digvijay Singh Jhala seems a tad serious. There is a touch of royal hauteur that he exercises when interacting with new acquaintances. But after a few minutes of conversation, the handsome prince opens up, exuding a gentle exuberance and talking to us about how he manages his successful garment trade. We realise that the initial reticence could probably be because this modern prince possesses the restrained dignity of his royal forefathers. Son of Raja Pratap Singh Jhala and Rani Reena Kumari Singh from Labhowa, Uttar Pradesh, Digvijay tells us that Labhowa was originally the princely state of Chuda in Saurashtra, from where his great grandfather Raja Arjunsinhji Jorawarsinhji Jhala, the second son of HH Jorawarsinhji Madhavsinhji, was adopted by the then ruler of Labhowa, Raja Bahadur Liak Singh. Quite some information, this. “After finishing my schooling from The Doon School in Dehradun and my graduation from St Stephen’s College in Delhi, I got admission at the Manchester Business School. During that time, I accompanied my father on a business tour to Copenhagen and it occurred to me that my father needed a helping hand in the
business,” says the young royal. Soon, he was sent to Paris and Milan for business studies, where he garnered knowledge about fashion and clothing trends. “That got me really hooked on to the wonderful world of fashion and I recognised that there was great potential in this industry,” says Digvijay. Today, he is completely clued into what is happening in the garment business. “With the global markets being sluggish for many years now and the immense growing competition in this trade, it is important to be price effective and ensure top quality deliveries. Investing in printing mills of our own has tremendously cut down costs and ensures timely deliveries of shipments,” he reveals. He muses about his professional journey. “A member of the royal family of Denmark gave us an assignment to make a collection of high fashion garments for women. We started from there. Soon we were involved in manufacturing children’s garments and home furnishings for stores in Scandinavian countries, Europe and the United States.” He elaborates that his business entails great creativity and frequent quality checks and there is always constant pressure for timely deliveries
“I learned a lot from my grandmother Rani Indira Mohini, who was known as ‘Diamond’ because of her exceptional beauty”—Digvijay Singh Jhala Hi!Blitz BLITZ101 62 April APRIL2013 2013 Hi!
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which involve long working hours. He smiles wistfully, “Inspirational trips to design and fashion shows around the which are involve long hours. He world the fun partworking of the job.” smiles wistfully, “Inspirational trips so to The learning curve has been upward design andday fashion aroundfresh the far. “Every thereshows is something world are the partTime of themanagement job.” to absorb andfun learn. learning curve has been upward so andThe maintaining financial stability are the far. “Every day there is something fresh foundations of our professional growth. which involve long working hours. He to absorband andcalmness, learn. Time management Maturity along with good smiles wistfully, “Inspirational trips to and maintaining financial stability are the leadership skills, create a conducive design and fashion shows around the foundations of our professional growth. working These values have world areenvironment. the fun part of the job.” Maturity and by calmness, along with good been instilled my family.” The learning curve has been upward so leadership skills, createDigvijay a conducive back to there his roots, far.Going “Every day is somethingrecalls fresh working environment. These valuesspent have most of hisand formative yearsmanagement being to absorb learn. Time been instilled “We by my family.” in Lucknow. were brought up and maintaining financial stability arein thea Goinghome back to his roots, Digvijay recallsI stately in Lucknow. Whenever foundations of our professional growth. most ofchance, his formative being spent got the I wouldyears visit paternal Maturity and calmness, alongmy with good in Lucknow. “We were brought up in a grandfather Labhowa. Being extremely leadership in skills, create a conducive stately homeand in Lucknow. Whenever I well-natured sociable, he was highly working environment. These values have got the chance, I would visit my paternal respected by the people of Labhowa. It been instilled by my family.” grandfather in Labhowa. Being was also back fascinating to visit theextremely home of Going to his roots, Digvijay recalls well-natured and sociable, he was highly my paternal grandmother, the Princess most of his formative years being spent respected by the people of She Labhowa.the It of Banaswara in Rajasthan. in Lucknow. “We were brought was up in a was also fascinating to visit the home of daughter of HH Raj-I-Rajan Maharawal stately home in Lucknow. Whenever I my paternal grandmother, the Princess Prithvi of Banaswara, he got the Singhji chance,Bahadur I would visit my paternal of Banaswara in Rajasthan. She was the says, adding, “It is significant how modern grandfather in Labhowa. Being extremely daughter HH Raj-I-Rajan Maharawal times and of western influences barely well-natured and sociable, hehave was highly Prithvi Singhji Bahadur of Banaswara, he changed traditional values in some parts respected by the people of Labhowa. It says, adding, “It is significant how modern of our country.” was also fascinating to visit the home of times and western influences have barely a specialthe part of his myFestivals paternal were grandmother, Princess changed traditional values in some parts childhood, most of which were spent of Banaswara in Rajasthan. She waswith the of our country.” his maternal grandmother at Sahaspur daughter of HH Raj-I-Rajan Maharawal Festivals a special part of his Bilari Uttarwere Pradesh. “Dussehra being PrithviinSinghji Bahadur of Banaswara, he childhood, most of which were spent with the popular was celebrated says,most adding, “It is significant how modern his maternal grandmother at Sahaspur grandeur then. I learned a lot from my times and western influences have barely Bilari in Uttar Rani Pradesh. “Dussehra being grandmother Indira Mohini, who changed traditional values in some parts the most popular was celebrated with was as ‘Diamond’ because of of ourknown country.” grandeur then. I learned a lot from my herFestivals exceptional beauty. Dussehra is still were a special part of his grandmother Rani Indira Mohini, who celebrated with the samewere tradition and childhood, most of which spent with was known as ‘Diamond’ because of legacy, and is now organised by my his maternal grandmother at Sahaspur her exceptional beauty. Dussehra is still mother who’s still keeping the traditions Bilari in Uttar Pradesh. “Dussehra being celebrated with the same tradition and of festival alive.” thethe most popular was celebrated with legacy, and is nowDigvijay organised by my As for the future, hasfrom charted grandeur then. I learned a lot my mother who’s stillbusiness keeping plan. the traditions out an interesting “We are grandmother Rani Indira Mohini, who of the festival alive.” currently working on our own collection was known as ‘Diamond’ because of Asbyfor theplan future, Digvijay has charted and 2016 to launch our own her exceptional beauty. Dussehra islabel still outEurope,” an interesting business plan. “Wewho are in says the young royal celebrated with the same tradition and currently working onthe ourcode ownto collection has clearly cracked staying legacy, and is now organised by my and by 2016inplan to launch own label significant modern India.our mother who’s still keeping the traditions in Europe,” says the young royal who of the festival alive.” cracked the code to staying “It is significant how modern times & western influences have barely changed traditional values hasAsclearly for the future, Digvijay has charted significant in modern India. in some parts of our country”—Digvijay Singh Jhala out an interesting business plan. “We are Hi! Blitz 103 April 2013 currently working on our own collection is significant how modern & western& influences have traditional values “We“Itare currently working on our times own collection by 2016 plan to barely launch changed our own label in Europe”—Digvijay Singh and by 2016Jhala plan to launch our own label in some parts of our country”—Digvijay Singh Jhala in Europe,” says the young royal who digvijay new.indd 5 3/22/2013 Hi! Blitz 103 April 2013 has clearly cracked the code to staying significantin in modern India. “After finishing my schooling from The Doon School digvijay new.indd 5
Dehradun and my graduation from St Stephen’s College Business Hi! Blitz 103 April 2013 School. During that time, I accompanied my father on a business tour to Copenhagen and it occurred to me that my father needed a helping hand in the business.”—Digvijay Singh Jhala
“It is significant how modern times & western influences have barely changed traditional values in some parts of our country”—Digvijay Singh Jhala in Delhi, I got admission at the Manchester
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Regal News Alert Yuvraj Surya Vijay Singh does not think there is any conflict in a young royal respectful of traditions being an integral part of the aggressive new-age media. Hailing from the royal family of Sahaspur Bilari in Uttar Pradesh, he has the onus of carrying forward the rich cultural heritage of his regal forefathers, while remaining acutely mindful of his responsibilities at one of India’s leading news channels.
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Son of Raja Chandra Vijay Singh and Rani Harsh Kumari of Sahaspur Bilari in Uttar Pradesh, Yuvraj Surya Vijay Singh completed his graduation in London, where he majored in politics and international relations and media studies. “Politics and media were a good combination as I was interested in both subjects,” he says, adding, “Coming from a political background, with my father and late grandmother both being wellentrenched in Indian politics, I had always been fascinated with the profession.” Political work kept him engaged during his student years. In London, the young royal worked for a while with the Labour Party at their headquarters at Victoria Street. The local elections were in full swing back then and he helped with the party’s election campaigns within the London boroughs. Tony Blair was stepping down as Prime Minister at the time, with Gordon Brown taking up office at 10 Downing Street. “The sheer energy at the workplace during that time drew me in. Although, having witnessed my own father’s campaigns in the past, I have to admit that the whole election process in
the UK is much more systematic than what we have here in India!” he says. After getting a taste of politics, it was time for Surya Vijay to try his hand at his other field of interest. He started working at Tiger Aspect Productions, a London-based television production company. “That’s the production house that produces shows like The Catherine Tate Show and The Vicar of Dibley. This was my first insight into the working culture within a media organisation. It was a big benchmark for me as I learnt a lot during the time I spent there and it was where I realised that electronic media was the profession I wished to pursue,” he says. Surya Vijay returned to India and worked briefly at NDTV Good Times before moving to NDTV 24x7 as part of their production team. Does the prince get any preferential treatment at his workplace? “Does anyone get such treatment at work due to his or her royal background these days?! No way. Unless of course you run your own business and are your own boss!” he retorts, adding that “making a mark professionally on your own merit is
Son of Raja Chandra Vijay Singh & Rani Harsh Kumari of Sahaspur Bilari in Uttar Pradesh, Surya Vijay completed his graduation in London, where he majored in politics, international relations & media studies Hi!Hi!BLITZ Blitz 65 105APRIL April2013 2013
Surya Vijay worked briefly at NDTV Good Times before moving to NDTV 24x7 as part of their production team
Political work kept Yuvraj Surya Vijay Singh engaged during his student years. In London, the young royal worked for a while with the Labour Party at their headquarters at Victoria Street. Tony Blair was stepping down as Prime Minister at the time, with Gordon Brown taking up office at 10 Downing Street. “Having witnessed my own father’s campaigns in the past, I have to admit that the whole election process in the UK is much more systematic than what we have here in India!” he says.
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incredibly satisfying and great for one’s self esteem. Don’t get me wrong, it is great to be part of a royal heritage but I also feel it is absolutely important to venture out into the world on your own and discover your self-worth outside the parameters of your lineage.” Surya Vijay’s parents have always given him the freedom to aspire and achieve. “My father, who studied law, had also worked in the print media when he was younger, before he got into politics. He was delighted when I told him I wanted to join the media.” His mother wanted him to be independent and successful without playing the ‘royalty card’. “She’s always told us to understand, respect and uphold the history and customs of the family, but at the same time put in the effort to chart out our own success story.” The modern prince also has some royal anecdotes to share about his ancestral place: “The Dussehra festival back home is quite a grand event each year. When I was a boy, my grandmother arranged a big fair, which was thronged by thousands of people who would come to pay their respects to her. Some local artisans would build massive effigies of Ravana and his two brothers for the Ramlila processions and other local actors would perform plays based on the Ramayana.” Surya Vijay recalls being around for a number of Dussehra processions to witness the grandeur of it all before leaving for his boarding school term. “The celebrations are still on today but the memories of the sheer magnificence of the processions when I was younger and when my grandmother was alive continue to remain in my mind.” Surya Vijay is a grounded soul. “My parents instilled a deep sense of humility in me. I think one has to change and adapt with the time. We have been blessed with good education and the means to be able to travel the world and get a significant amount of exposure. One cannot have a myopic view of life. At the same time my ‘roots’ are very important to me and I feel it is imperative to carry on with some of the traditional customs and rituals, as it adds to our individuality.” Striking a balance between the old and the new is the key to moving forward and is obviously this young prince’s motto. “I feel it is absolutely important to venture out into the world on your own & discover your self-worth outside the parameters of your lineage”—Surya Vijay Singh Hi!Hi!BLITZ Blitz 67 107APRIL April2013 2013
The Budding Politician Orissa’s young royal, Rajkumar Arkesh Singh Deo is gearing up to test the political waters of his state. Though he had the country’s top designers selecting him to strut their creations a few years ago, this hunky prince opted to give up the heady glamour to be a game changer in the country’s shifting social landscape.
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Rajkumar Arkesh Singh Deo states his upbringing, family and heritage calls for him to do something worthwhile for the people who have not been as privileged as him. The young royal says that for generations his family “has served the people and today I feel connected to those roots. I am working towards a career in politics in Orissa.” Son of Patayet Raja Anang Uday Singh Deo and Patayet Rani Vijaya Laxmi Devi of Bolangir in Orissa, Arkesh spent his entire childhood in Orissa travelling the interiors with his father when he was a minister. “From my college days, I did campaigns for international brands such as Zegna, Cavalli, Calvin Klein and Nike and walked the ramp for designers like Rohit Bal and JJ Valaya. But, growing up in a political family and watching my father, who is now an MLA, work passionately for the people in the state has had its influence. My brother is an MP and that too triggered my aspirations to get into politics,” says the handsome prince who was seen accompanying his elder brother and Bolangir MP, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo on his campaigns in Tarbha last year.
It is clear that the Bolangir royal family is grooming the young scion for the 2014 Assembly elections. Arkesh claims that his grandfather, Maharaja Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo, ex-chief minister of Orissa, had a vision of making the state 100 per cent literate, and the young royal wants to fulfil this dream of his ancestor. “I believe one of the most important changes an administrator can bring about is to empower the common man with knowledge and education. This is the first fundamental step in the evolution towards a more mature and effective democratic republic,” he elaborates, adding, “Politics as a profession is very challenging. It’s very important to realise that without patience and tolerance you cannot survive in this field. As a representative of the people you need to be accessible at all times and be in constant communication with your constituency.” Mature words for a youngster who had initially taken up modelling as a full-time profession. The story goes such: when Arkesh was studying in Delhi’s St Stephen’s College, he decided to give modelling a shot because he often received
Son of Patayet Raja Anang Uday Singh Deo & Patayet Rani Vijaya Laxmi Devi of Bolangir in Orissa, Arkesh spent his entire childhood in Orissa travelling the interiors with his father when he was a minister Hi!Hi!BLITZ Blitz 69 109APRIL April2013 2013
Arkesh claims that his grandfather, Maharaja Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo, ex-chief minister of Orissa, had a vision of making the state 100 per cent literate; he wants to fulfil this dream of his ancestor
“I did campaigns for international brands such as Zegna, Cavalli, Calvin Klein and Nike and walked the ramp for designers like Rohit Bal and JJ Valaya. But, growing up in a political family and watching my father, who is now an MLA, work passionately for the people in the state has had its influence. My brother (Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo) is an MP and that too triggered my aspirations to get into politics.”—Arkesh Singh Deo
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It is clear that the Bolangir royal family is grooming the young scion for the 2014 Assembly elections
positive remarks about his tall frame and photogenic face. But today, this royal has a different dream. Is his royal lineage helping him achieve that dream? “Politics and the peripheral activities that go along with it is highly time consuming. There is hardly any time for family and friends. But I’m taking that in my stride. Hailing from a royal family has been an advantage, but it also raises the bar as there are added expectations from the people we are striving to serve.” Arkesh says that a royal family is always associated with the welfare of the people so it helps him identify with the commoners, but at the same time he does realise that finally people only believe in those who share their joys and sorrows and work towards solving their problems or sit with them to discuss various issues. Arkesh has his modus operandi well
charted out. “My predecessors have done good work and this had raised expectations. There is a certain goodwill that has been passed down in our family, and I don’t see why this shouldn’t be an added advantage for me,” he says. “After independence, my grandfather started developing this state; then my father, who has been a minister now for over 25 years, worked tirelessly for the people; and today my elder brother Kalikesh is doing his bit. My family’s consistency has seen an upward trend in development.” Arkesh’s family has always wholeheartedly supported him. “They encouraged me to dream, to put my best foot forward for everything. My family believes that experience is the best teacher. A solid set of values have been instilled in us since childhood, as ours was a traditional family. And these values keep me going!”
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Architect Of His Fate After trying his hand at modelling and acting for a few years and doing pretty well with ad campaigns, videos and films in his kitty, Varun Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana is now taking his new career path in architecture quite seriously. Hi! Blitz meets the young royal from Nepal, who has a hit movie to his credit but is now looking to link his past lineage with the current environment.
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Varun Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana, son of Kumari Bhavana and Gautam SJB Rana, hails from the Rana royal family that ruled Nepal for 104 years, till around the time of its independence. The family, including the young prince, resides at the Baber Mahal Villa in Kathmandu. Varun has acted in the popular Nepali film Miss U that hit theatres in Kathmandu last year. But now, back from Nottingham, UK, with a fresh degree in architecture, he wants to plunge headlong into the profession. So, what made this blue-blooded youngster choose architecture as a profession? “I was intrigued by the art of restorative architecture. My father was restoring our old palace guard house and stables that today is famous as the Baber Mahal Revisited and that was my initiation (into the vocation).” Varun did his schooling at the Lawrence School, Sanawar, and obtained his undergraduate degree in architecture and design from the Washington State University. After briefly working for ARCOP (an architectural firm in Delhi) for over a year, Varun went back to Kathmandu to begin his
private practice. He completed a private house restoration, a hotel addition and the restoration of an old building into a restaurant, and then he decided to further his qualification in architecture and thus completed his master’s degree in Architecture Theory and Design from The University of Nottingham, UK. Architecture is a beautiful subject, says Varun, as it brings together the art of building monuments of varied styles, prevalent in different countries and regions. “In the past decade, I’ve learned a lot from the cultures and ethics of the countries I visited whilst studying in the US and UK. It exposed me to the vast repertoire of architecture. Architecture is more than just a profession for me; it is something I enjoy, and something I am always eager to learn more about. It is an incredible feeling nurturing a project from its nascent stage and giving it completion. When the final building stands in front of my eyes, it is indeed a satisfying experience,” says Varun smiling. What makes him so sure of himself and his trade is his work experience backed by stellar training and education. And aware
Varun has acted in the popular Nepali film Miss U that hit theatres in Kathmandu last year Hi!Hi!BLITZ Blitz 73 113APRIL April2013 2013
Varun completed a private house restoration, a hotel addition & the restoration of an old building into a restaurant & then he decided to further his qualification in architecture
Varun Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana, son of Kumari Bhavana and Gautam SJB Rana, hails from the Rana royal family that ruled Nepal for 104 years, till around the time of its independence. The family, including the young prince, resides at the Baber Mahal Villa in Kathmandu.
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“I was intrigued by the art of restorative architecture; my father was restoring our old palace guard house & stables that today is famous as the Baber Mahal Revisited”—Varun SJB Rana
of his elite background and rich heritage, he is determined to play his cards well. “The Ranas of Nepal were removed from their ruling position as Maharajas of Nepal soon after independence. Since then, our family has been living as common citizens. But it is impossible to negate 104 years of Rana rule and it would be foolish to ignore a century of any country’s history, hence my last name is definitely one to be reckoned with in Nepal. Nonetheless, I don’t think it has made any difference with regard to my profession. My education in Sanawar and the following institutions were a blessing, and hard work and dedication got me through,” says the dashing prince. Yes, Varun is modest, without the essential airs that royalty brings along with it because his parents instilled the right values and morals in him, while
supporting him entirely to pursue his dreams. “They gave me whatever was required during my childhood. We were brought up in a disciplined ambience and have seen our parents work hard to give us the luxurious lifestyle that my brother and I now enjoy. They even supported my decision to try my hand at acting and modelling earlier and I did receive some recognition in that sphere. However, I believe it isn’t about whether or not you are royalty, it is all about hard work and dedication. Only then will you reap rich returns, be it in education, your profession, love or any relationship. And yes, one definitely has to respect time and be wellmannered,” he says. As for his plans for the future, Varun avers, “How does drowning myself completely in my future projects sound?!” Sounds pretty neat, we must admit.
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Crazy, Creative Resorts Share your breakfast table with giraffes. Heli-ski in the vast outdoors of the Andes. Live in luxury in mysterious Antarctica— the untouched piece of land at the very bottom of the Earth. Explore the world of creative holidays as Hi! Blitz takes you to some of the most interesting hotels across the globe. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya Imagine waking up in a manor, built in the 1930s, surrounded by 140 acres of indigenous forest and enjoying a full breakfast on a table lit warmly by sunlight. Now imagine a giraffe poking its head through the window for a bit of your muffin. This is exactly what you’ll
be able to enjoy at the Giraffe Manor (www.tamimiea.com/giraffe-manor), just 20km from Nairobi’s city centre. This luxury boutique hotel has all the old world charm you could wish for and also a resident herd of Rothschild giraffes. They walk around the manor and its surrounding forest, often ducking their
heads into the front door where you won’t be able to resist giving them a pet. The manor has six double bedrooms with four-poster beds, antique furniture and artistic décor. A large sitting room allows guests to take in the breathtaking views of the giraffe sanctuary and the amazing Ngong Hills.
The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi has an old world charm & a resident herd of Rothschild giraffes that walk around the grounds Hi! 76 APRIL 2013 Hi!BLITZ Blitz 36 April 2013
Naked Stables Private Reserve, Zhejiang Province, China
In a world where technology rules, global warming is a growing concern and cities are brimming with pollution, a luxury LEED (Leadership in Environmental Energy Design) certified hotel might just be the welcome retreat you’re looking for. The Naked Stables Private Reserve (www.nakedretreats.cn/naked-stablesprivate-reserve) is tucked away in the Chinese countryside. Built around the idea of sustainability, the only way to get there is on foot or an electric buggy. You are guaranteed true, isolated luxury at this impressive property! The materials used to build this nature reserve were chosen based on their environmental impact; the resort is energy and water efficient and encourages guests to live sustainably while there too. The Naked Stables provide a wide range of activities: fishing, archery, teapicking and calligraphy workshops to name a few. As the name suggests, the resort has several stables for horses and ponies. Guests can explore the countryside and magnificent trails and hills on horseback. All this luxury deep in the Chinese countryside—we know you’re more than tempted.
The spacious tree top villas at the naked Stables Private Reserve
Take a dip in any of the three pools & enjoy the amazing landscape
The rooms are luxuriously furnished & boast of stunning views
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Set deep in the San Juan Mountains, a ghost town has been transformed into an exclusive resort called the Dunton Hot Springs
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado, USA
Set deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies is the Dunton Hot Springs (www.duntonhotsprings.com). What used to be a ghost town has been transformed into a small, exclusive resort with exquisitely furnished hand-hewn log cabins, beautiful trails for hiking, followed
by relaxing massages and heavenly hot springs located right below the snow banks. Take a couple of horses or a bike and explore the surrounding mountains, go heli-skiing or river rafting; their list of things to do is endless. There is a cosy library to curl up with a book too. Their main attractions, of course, are the hot springs. Dunton’s springs are high
Enjoy the hot springs in the restored 19th century Boathouse
in mineral content and are recommended for a variety of therapeutic purposes. There are many different ways to enjoy the springs: in the restored 19th century Boathouse, inside the Well House cabin and in the outdoor pools under the stars. You can even rent the entire town! They have an open air chapel that would be ideal for a small, dreamy wedding.
The hand-hewn log cabins are exquisitely furnished
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White Desert, Antarctica
Activities at the White Desert include watching emperor penguins up close
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About a hundred years ago, Robert Falcon Scott reached the South Pole on the 17th of January, 1912, only to discover that Roald Amundsen had beat him to it, reaching the pole in December 1911. It has been more than 100 years since the arrival of these explorers and this is a reminder of our continued fascination for this remote, mysterious place. White Desert (www.white-desert.com) is marking this event with a new camp. But don’t let the word ‘camp’ scare you. While Amundsen and Scott roughed it out in the bitter landscape with a few tents, White Desert has created accommodation the erstwhile explorers could only have dreamed of: fibreglass pods with en suite bathrooms and dressing rooms. White Desert flies you to the heart of Antarctica in absolute luxury. Once there, guests are transported to the opulent, ecological camp and can spend their time ice climbing, kite skiing, visiting colonies of emperor penguins… Basically, discovering this almost untouched piece of land at the very bottom of the world.
At an altitude of 1,325 metres in the Andes, within a landscape that covers 3,000 square kilometres is the Puma Lodge
Puma Lodge, the Andes, Chile
Between the Rio de Los Cipreses National Reserve and the Argentinian border, nestled in the Andes, lies the Puma Lodge (www.pumalodge.cl/en). At an altitude of 1,325 metres and with a landscape that covers 3,000 square kilometres, the eclectic lodge is open all year round for guests to explore the great mountains.
If you want a holiday that is full of activity, the Puma Lodge is for you. It is one of the biggest private heli-ski centres and has several other activities that allow you to take perfect advantage of the great outdoors. In winter, you can travel by helicopter to remote places, untouched by humans, to ski and snowboard in the immaculate powder. In the summers, heli-skiing becomes heli-hiking where you
Helicopters take you to untouched parts of the Andes to ski, hike, explore & photograph Hi! 80 APRIL 2013 Hi!BLITZ Blitz 40 April 2013
traverse the mountains by foot. Want a break from outdoor activities? Relax in one of the Puma Lodge’s spacious rooms. The lodge itself has beautiful interiors, with wooden floors, cosy fireplaces and comfy couches. They also have a wine tasting room, El Catador, with a cellar featuring the finest international and domestic wines. Plus, there’s a spa, gym, heated pool and ski shop.
Trailing The Movies Remember your favourite films? The good news is that you can now be a part of them. Get those bags packed as Hi! Blitz reels out the iconic movie locations where you can enjoy your next holiday and relive the nostalgic magic of that all-time classic movie.
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Sweethaven Village has grown from its days as the film set of the 1980s musical production Popeye to one of the major tourist attractions of the island
Popeye—Sweethaven Village, Malta
Sweethaven Village or Popeye Village (www.popeyemalta.com), located at Anchor Bay in the north-west corner of the Mediterranean island of Malta, has grown from its days as the film set of the 1980s musical production Popeye to one of the major tourist attractions of the island. When Elzie Segar’s 1929 cartoon strip took life with Robin Williams playing the lovable spinach-eating sailor, little did director Robert Altman realise that the set he’d created would go down in history as one of the most elaborate ones ever to be created at an outdoor location. Sweethaven Village retains its original character, but has grown into a theme park for children, featuring shows, rides and a museum. It does double duty in December when, for a few days at least, it becomes Santa’s toy town.
Sex and the City 2—Abu Dhabi, UAE/Marrakech, Mexico After showcasing Mexico in Sex and the City, the sequel showed the girls—Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte—put in a little bikini and fruity cocktail time in the exotic desert paradise of Abu Dhabi (http://visitabudhabi.ae/en). The muchhyped sequel to the 2008 hit showed the femme fatales kicking up their high heels in the capital of the Emirates. What purports to be Abu Dhabi onscreen is actually Marrakech, Morocco (www.marrakech.travel/en).
What purports to be abu Dhabi onscreen in Sex and the City 2 is actually Marrakech, Morocco Hi! 82 APRIL 2013 Hi!BLITZ Blitz 43 april 2013
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade—Petra, Jordan
Though only the exterior of The Treasury is featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the eerie silence & palpable great age of Petra resonate throughout the film’s climactic scenes
The Beach—Maya Bay, Thailand
This Hollywood flick, which released in 2000, stars the dishy Leonardo DiCaprio and some of the loveliest scenery ever to cross the silver screen. The setting of The Beach is Koh Phi Phi Leh island, located in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Thailand’s Krabi province (www.krabi-tourism.com/phiphi/maya-bay.htm). The island is roughly crescent-shaped and its steep limestone bluffs shelter Maya Bay and some of the most pristine tropical beaches on Earth. The filmmakers, 20th Century Fox, took a lot of flak for altering the natural contours of Koh Phi Phi Leh island’s beaches and were sued by the Thai government for despoiling the setting. Ecologists feel that the 2004 tsunami that swept the island drastically improved its looks, for the high waves cleaned up the beach and removed much of the landscaping that the Fox production team had added.
The filmmakers of The Beach took a lot of flak for altering the natural contours of Koh Phi Phi Leh island’s beaches & were sued by the Thai government for despoiling the setting Hi! 83 APRIL 2013 Hi!BLITZ Blitz 44 april 2013
Though filmed at a variety of locations, the penultimate scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) take place in the ancient and abandoned city of Petra in Jordan (www.visitjordan.com). Specifically, inside The Treasury (Al Khazneh), an enormous Greek-columned building carved out of the canyon’s pink sandstone walls by hand, which was used in the movie as the entrance to the temple housing the Holy Grail. Though only the exterior of The Treasury is featured in the film, the eerie silence and palpable great age of Petra resonate throughout the film’s climactic scenes.
Seven Years in Tibet is the story of an austrian mountaineer who travels to Tibet in 1939 to climb the Nanga Parbat peak
Seven Years in Tibet—Lhasa, Tibet
Now here’s another movie that’s been in the news for the location it was filmed at. Seven Years in Tibet is the story of an Austrian mountaineer who travels to the country in 1939 to climb the Nanga Parbat peak (http://tibet.net) and through a series of misadventures, trials and tribulations finally returns home having gained much wisdom and an appreciation for the strength and resilience of the Tibetan people. China banned the director and lead stars, Jean-Jacques Annaud, Brad Pitt and David Thewlis, from ever entering their country again, because the movie portrayed Chinese soldiers in a bad light. Also, the use of the ‘Chinese Embassy in Tibet’ and the term ‘occupation of Tibet’ didn’t sit well with them. However, Annaud had the last laugh in 1999 when he suddenly revealed that most of the movie had been filmed in Argentina, Austria, Canada and Nepal. Only about 20 minutes of footage in the final film had actually been shot in Tibet!
The Sound of Music—Salzburg, Austria
While Julie Andrews sang The Hills Are Alive... in her mellow intone, moviegoers were dazzled by the spectacular Alpine scenery that blazoned across the screen in the blockbuster film The Sound of Music. Most of the outdoor scenes of the film were shot at Salzburg in Austria (www.salzburg.info/en) and Bavaria in Southern Germany. The timeless beauty of the snowy mountains and lush meadows liberally sprinkled in Edelweiss provided a stirring contrast to the darker moments as Austria, the von Trapp family and the world slid agonisingly into war.
Most of the spectacular outdoor scenes of The Sound of Music were shot at Salzburg, austria & Bavaria in Southern Germany Hi! 84 APRIL 2013 Hi!BLITZ Blitz 46 april 2013
When Sacha Baron Cohen wanted a village to depict the impoverished hamlet of Kuzcek, Kazakhstan in Borat, he chose Glod in Romania
Borat—Glod, Romania
When actor and producer, Sacha Baron Cohen, wanted a village to depict the impoverished hamlet of Kuzcek, Kazakhstan, he chose Glod in Romania (www.romaniatourism.com). The 2006 mockumentary film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (or just Borat, for short) featured the miserable village of Kuzcek, where Borat was born and raised—possibly by wolves. Romania has at least five villages that go by the name Glod, which is nothing to boast about since ‘glod’ in Romanian means mud. As one might expect, Glod was never a tourist attraction and since the villagers are up in arms (chasing off a TV crew with pitchforks) over Cohen’s exaggeration of their occupations and lifestyles, it will probably stay that way for a long time to come.
The Man with the Golden Gun—Khao Phing Kan, Thailand
Popularly referred to as the James Bond Island, Khao Phing Kan, a pair of islands off the west coast of Thailand (www.tourismthailand.org), was where antagonist Francisco Scaramanga based his hideout in the 1974 Bond flick The Man with the Golden Gun. About 40 metres from the shore of the island is Ko Tapu, a 20-metre tall islet of limestone that was shown several times in the film. Hence the islands have adopted the Bond moniker, so much so that their original names are now rarely used by both tourists and locals. After the release of the film, the island became a popular tourist destination and its pristine beauty was gradually contaminated with litter. In 1981, the island became the most famous part of the newly established Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park and since 1988 tourist boats have been forbidden from approaching Ko Tapu in an effort to stop the erosion of the limestone rock that might eventually result in its collapse.
Khao Phing Kan, a pair of islands in Thailand, was where antagonist Francisco Scaramanga based his hideout in the Bond flick, The Man with the Golden Gun Hi! 85 APRIL 2013 Hi!BLITZ Blitz 48 april 2013
Temple Of Yoga The International Yoga Festival is held every year at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh. Some of the high profile guests the ashram has attracted have been Bill Clinton, Uma Thurman, Nita and Mukesh Ambani, Sanjay Dutt, Priya Dutt, the Mittal family and the Hinduja family. Yoga guru Deepika Mehta who conducts classes every year at the festival shares its energising highlights.
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As the flight began its descent, I felt a familiar tug at my heart—of warmth, love and joy, as though I was going to be reunited with a long lost lover or, more appropriately, as if I was coming back home. And then, I saw my beloved Himalayas. (Yes! That’s the long lost lover.) We had just landed in Dehradun, the closest airport to Rishikesh; and I had come here to teach at the International Yoga Festival (IYF) that is held once a year from 1st-7th March. The IYF is held every year at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram (www.parmarth.com)—this is one of the most revered and oldest ashrams in Rishikesh, the mecca of yoga! The festival attracts almost 500-800 seekers from all over the world. Parmarth Niketan Ashram, nestled in the lap of the lush Himalayas, on the banks of the Ganga, with the most beautiful gigantic Shiv murti, represents all that is sacred in India. Over the last few decades, the ashram has attracted innumerable high profile guests, from influential politicians to Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities to famous industrialists. The head of the ashram, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji is one of those rare spiritual leaders who blends in effortlessly not only with leaders of different lineages of Hinduism, but also Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islamic traditions. He is also a very active environmentalist, raising awareness about Saving the Ganga. I was here to teach at the festival, which had teachers and saints from various styles of yoga—Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga... Also there were spiritual masters and teachers of meditation. From Shri Yoganandaji (the 103-year-old yogi, who is amazingly active, full of energy and still performing highly challenging asanas) to Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa (the founder of Kundalini Yoga) to Shiva Rea (known as the Madonna of yoga in America) to some of the most revered Iyengar and Hatha Yoga masters... All this just goes to show how yoga has now become a global phenomenon. We arrived at the ashram, settled into our rooms and headed for the aarti. I saw some familiar faces (this is my third year teaching at the festival). The aarti started on the Ganga Ghat in the presence of Lord Shiva, and had already triggered tears as it reignited devotion and longing. After the aarti, Swamiji greeted everyone. It was the most beautiful feeling ever to be in the presence of Swamiji, the rishikumars (young students who are being trained in the spiritual ways at the ashram gurukul) and Bhagawatiji (the beautiful American yogini who made the ashram her home at the age of 25 and has been here for more I have immense faith in the practise of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as it literally healed me from a near fatal rock climbing accident I had several years ago Hi! BLITZ 87 APRIL Hi! Blitz 119 April 2013 2013
I led the class through Surya Namaskars, standing poses, sitting poses with jump backs, back bends, inversions, a short meditation...
than 15 years). After the aarti, we all walked to the tents that were large enough to seat 500-600 people and had our delicious sattvic meal of whole wheat and jowar rotis, dal, subzis and salad, all drizzled with tons of ghee. The next day I had a very early morning, as my class was at 5:45am. When I woke up, it was very cold and dark outside. Even though it was well before dawn, I could hear some devotees taking a dip in the freezing Ganga and chanting, “Mahadev Ki Jai.” (It was a few days before Maha Shivratri). The temple bells were clanging wildly, I could hear prayers being recited, yet the air was so still. Brahmamuhurta, the divine hour before dawn, is considered auspicious for spiritual practises according to the scriptures. I was teaching an Ashtanga Vinyasa class—this is an ancient style of yoga that was popularised by my guru, the late Shri K Pattabhi Jois from Mysore. This style of yoga is practised by Madonna, Sting, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Christy Turlington, Monica Bellucci, etc. The class had an amazing energy. There were around 100 practitioners, all moving in a synchronised way with the powerful sound of Ujjayi breathing; they were sweating profusely even though it was cold outside, as I led them through Surya Namaskars, standing poses, sitting poses Percussionist Sivamani performing on the Ganga Ghat Hi! BLITZ 88 APRIL 2013 Hi! Blitz 120 April 2013
The head of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji is one of those rare spiritual leaders who blends in effortlessly not only with leaders of different lineages of Hinduism, but also Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islamic traditions. He is also a very active environmentalist, raising awareness about Saving the Ganga.
Parmarth Niketan Ashram is nestled in the lap of the lush Himalayas, on the banks of the Ganga, with the most beautiful gigantic Shiv murti Hi! BLITZ 89 APRIL Hi! Blitz 121 April 2013 2013
I was teaching an Ashtanga Vinyasa class—this is an ancient style of yoga that was popularised by my guru, the late Shri K Pattabhi Jois from Mysore. This style of yoga is practised by Madonna, Sting, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Christy Turlington, Monica Bellucci, etc. The class had an amazing energy.
with jump backs, back bends, inversions, a short meditation and finally finishing with a closing prayer and Shavasana. I have immense faith in this practise as it literally healed me from a near fatal rock climbing accident I had several years ago and continues to heal me every single day! After class, answering the questions of some of the students and getting a quick chai, I headed out to attend the next class (even though I am a teacher, I love to constantly learn other styles of yoga from more experienced teachers). It was the Kundalini Yoga class, made popular by the American Sikh teachers, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and her husband Guru Shabd. This style of yoga has a huge following and the classes comprise cleansing kriyas, bhajans,
dancing and music. It has a strong sense of release and community; of course the dancing bit was my favourite. My other favourite was the Iyengar class. The teacher this year was the extremely senior and experienced Arun HS. He has been a disciple of BKS Iyengar for several years. This style of yoga is very precise and extremely therapeutic, and has been able to cure people with sciatica, back issues, injuries, low and high blood pressure, diabetes, hormonal issues and various other ailments. I have immense respect for this style of yoga and would often go for Arun’s classes as he’s extremely knowledgeable. I’ve learnt quite a bit from him. After the 8am class, there would
Parmarth Niketan Ashram is one of the most revered & oldest ashrams in Rishikesh—the mecca of yoga Hi! BLITZ 90 APRIL 2013 Hi! Blitz 122 April 2013
generally be a lecture by a famous international spiritual master. This year, the two famous masters were Andrew Cohen and the Jamaican Advaita Vedanta satsang master, Mooji. It was an extremely emotional experience being at the lecture, watching seekers open their hearts out and ask the most burning existential questions. To watch so many moved to tears and release so much baggage, to experience being led into a space beyond words and concepts and to catch glimpses of something beyond the limits of the body and mind—I felt blessed to be here. After lunch and a short rest, again there was a variety of classes to choose from. From Hatha Yoga classes by the famous Mohan Bhandari, to Bharat Bhushanji, to the head of a famous yoga school Ranjit Bhogal to Reiki teacher Maa Gyaan Suveera, to the famous Jivamukti style of yoga, to my own dance yoga class Dance Of Prána. This class is a fusion of yoga and dance—the yoga to open up the body and the dance to release, express and celebrate life! One generally gets an
ecstatic feeling in my class as I believe that dance is a strong medium of connecting with people, letting go off negativity and experiencing pure ecstasy (with absolutely no intoxicants). After the last classes of the evening and a short tea break, we would all, every evening at sunset, head for the divine aarti. On the last evening however there was a special celebration as the world famous percussionist Sivamani was to perform on the Ganga Ghat. What I didn’t know was that there was a surprise in store for me. As Sivamani was in his ecstatic frenzy playing in front of the Shiv murti, Swamiji suddenly announced that I would dance on stage with him. This was like a dream come true, as I am a huge Shiv bhakt and my practise is my connection to Lord Shiva. When I got on stage, it was almost as though I was not there anymore... suddenly I was in a trance performing my unique yoga dance performance on stage. It was an amazing experience for me! In my deep ecstatic trance, I went all out with my energy—it was truly unbelievable.
Afterwards, all the soul dancers got on stage and it felt like everyone was dancing to the beat of Lord Shiva’s drums, all celebrating and connecting with one another. On the last day, after all the celebrations, hugging and exchanging of gifts, goodbyes were said and a lot of tears were shed. Revived and renewed, from this beautiful one week, I felt a deep sense of joy and love. Indeed, it had been a ‘coming home’ experience! Om Namah Shivaya!
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Deepika Mehta is a certified Sivananda Yoga teacher and Vivekananda Yoga Kendra teacher. She has taught a host of celebrities like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, Avantika and Yash Birla, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Anupama Chopra. She has her own yoga show on NDTV Good Times called Yoga City.
Hi! REVIEWS MUSIC
Some Nights / Fun
Red / Taylor Swift
They’re clearly the hottest breakthrough act in recent times, walking off with Best New Artist and Song Of The Year at the recent Grammy Awards.
She stormed the country music world way back in 2006 as the youngest person to write a number one song. Taylor Swift has picked up seven Grammys since then.
New York-based alternative pop band Fun was formed by Nate Ruess with Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff. While their first album Aim And Ignite brought them moderate success, it is really the track We Are Young from their second album Some Nights that has skyrocketed them to cult status. Instantly catchy, it’s almost become an anthem for the youth, with Janelle Monae’s haunting voice adding to its angsty defiant tone. Some Nights, the second single released, is equally memorable and humorous for its honesty (‘Some nights I stay up cashing in my bad luck... Some nights, I call it a draw’). In fact that’s a running theme throughout—honesty mixed with humour, which makes Fun’s songs full of sly intelligence, whether dealing with themes like isolation, love, identity or other issues of youth. Other favourites off the album are Carry On, It Gets Better and Why Am I The One—for their youthful energy and optimism. Interestingly, the album begins with the a capella version of the Some Nights Intro that even includes the sound of an audience applauding at the end. Label: EMI; Genre: Pop; Price: R395
Her first album was a breakout success with the number one track Our Song and since then she’s gone from strength to strength. Nowhere was this more apparent than in her striking performances at the recent Grammy and Brit Music awards. Goddess looks, with a honey voice, crooning about lost love, heartbreak, jealousy and bad boyfriends. Now, who wouldn’t be a sucker for that?! While her fourth album Red (which has already sold over 5.4 million copies worldwide) sees 22-year-old Taylor in a slightly different mode (read: clear shift from country to pop music), the themes remain the same. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together and I Knew You Were Trouble are already mega hits, obviously finding a large teen following in their message of going for the wrong guy. 22 is an offbeat girl-power anthem, I Almost Do is a gentle ballad, as is Everything Has Changed (with Ed Sheeran), The Lucky One captures the pitfalls of fame and Starlight is a great dance track. There’s plenty more on this album if you’re looking for music that’s easy listening. Label: Universal; Genre: Pop/Country; Price: R395
Text: Farhad J Dadyburjor
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Hi! REVIEWS FILM
Silver Linings Playbook / Starring Jennifer Lawrence
The Master / Starring Joaquin Phoenix
A rom-com that tenderly manages to tackle the taboo subject of mental illness, Silver Linings Playbook has been a favourite at several international film festivals.
From the Oscar-winning director of There Will Be Blood comes another dark tale about the relationship between a creepy cult leader and his disturbed protégé.
Based on Matthew Quick’s book, Bradley Cooper plays Pat Solitano, a former teacher who’s battling bipolar disorder and depression in his quest for some semblance of stability. The film opens with Pat’s release from an institution, one that he had been relegated to for eight months after he freaked out violently when he caught his wife with a colleague. Now back to staying with his parents (Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver), Pat suddenly bumps into the equally troubled Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence, winner of the Best Actress award at the Oscars), whose husband recently died and now she’s suddenly easy bait for every guy in town. Identifying with each other in a way that people with problems sometimes do, Pat and Tiffany suddenly find that they’re more than just drawn to each other. A quirky, honest comedy with a heart, director David O Russell made the film to call attention to the subject of mental illness, something his own son suffered from. While everyone puts in a great performance, it is really Robert De Niro as the football-obsessed dad who shines! Director: David O Russell; Genre: Romantic comedy; Available at: Leading circulating libraries
Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) has been discharged from the US Navy for suffering from psychological issues, brilliantly shown in a scene where his co-workers build a naked woman out of sand on a beach as fun, but Freddie takes it too far and to everyone’s horror actually starts making out with her. Like many marines after the Second World War, he is lonely, rootless, often exhibiting violent tendencies and is addicted to potent hooches (paint stripper and cough syrup). Whilst aimlessly drifting, he chances upon ‘The Master’ aka Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who heads a Scientologylike cult called The Cause that believes in curing physical and psychological ills through the use of ‘regress’ (going back in time to root out past issues) and other confrontational therapies. Lancaster is smart-talking and charismatic, soon managing to hold sway over Freddie and use his violent nature to his advantage. Freddie is desperate to please Lancaster, to finally belong, and will stop at nothing to see that no harm is done to his Master. A slow but engrossing watch, the film boasts of excellent performances from both the lead actors. Director: Paul Thomas Anderson; Genre: Drama; Available at: Leading circulating libraries Text: Farhad J Dadyburjor
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Hi! REVIEWS TV
Downton Abbey (Season 1) / Starring Hugh Bonneville
Scandal (Season 2) / Starring Kerry Washington
If you’re a fan of smartly written British period drama with a generous dose of love, betrayal and treachery, then this is the show for you!
The gladiators in suits are back with the controversies getting more convoluted, from Olivia Pope and Associates’ own staff all the way to the White House.
The story centres around the sprawling estate of Downton Abbey, home to Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville), the Earl of Grantham and his wife Cora (Elizabeth McGovern). Opening with the news of the Titanic sinking, the Earl is faced with not only mourning the death of his heir who was aboard the ship, but also the possibility of losing his entire estate. You see, Downton Abbey is legally entailed to bypass the Earl’s three daughters (Mary, Edith and Sybil) to a male heir, who also was aboard the fated ship. While Cora and Robert’s mother (Maggie Smith) are keen on convincing the Earl to fight the entail before the estate passes to the legal next-in-line Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), a distant cousin who’s a middle-class lawyer, the Earl refuses. Instead, he invites Matthew and his mother to come live on the estate so that he can personally initiate him into his duties—and thus the clash between the aristocrats and commoners begins. Simultaneously, there is also plenty of connivance amongst the estate’s large set of helpers, which include a limping valet, an ambitious footman and a domineering butler. Creator: Julian Fellowes; Genre: Drama; Available at: Leading circulating libraries
While season 1 left us with a series of nagging questions: what is Quinn Perkins’ (Katie Lowes) true identity? Will Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) and the US President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn) continue their affair after the First Lady (Bellamy Young) announces her pregnancy? Season 2 begins with a bang with Quinn aka Lindsay Dwyer being accused of bombing her ex-boyfriend and six of his colleagues. While she claims to have gone into a fugue state, waking up in a hotel in Washington with a new identity, flashbacks show the involvement of Huck (Guillermo Diaz) and Olivia, leaving you with more questions to be answered throughout the season. Season 2 is littered with flashbacks, explaining everything from Quinn’s surprising acquittal to the rigging of the presidential election. And though these kind of slow down the pace of the show, there are still quite a few ‘whoa, I didn’t see that coming’ moments, like the shooting of the president. With new devious characters intermingled into the plotline, the backstabbing and cover-ups continue, making this scandalous show quite an addictive watch. Creator: Shonda Rhimes; Genre: Political thriller; Available at: Leading circulating libraries Text: Farhad J Dadyburjor, Desiree de Andrade
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Hi! REVIEWS BOOKS
Back To Blood / Tom Wolfe
55 / Chetan Chhatwal
American literature’s famed man in the white suit is back with a big novel that takes on big themes (race, wealth, ambition, crime and corruption in Miami).
This is a young, gross-out comedy about living and studying in ‘the asshole of the world’—the crazy and chaotic city of Delhi.
Yes, even at 81, it looks like there’s no stopping Tom Wolfe! Having begun his career as a journalist, Wolfe became known for spawning the New Journalism movement—a form of writing that experimented with literary techniques, on-scene reporting and crazy punctuation in an effort to bring alive the situation. Not surprising then that the prologue is entitled: We een Mee-AH-mee Now. Typical Tom Wolfe, creating sentences that one has to read aloud to get its full impact. And like always, one can expect nothing less than a crazy cast of characters. A Hispanic mayor, a black police chief, an ambitious journalist with a wimpish editor, and several other colourful characters. Summed up, the plotline is a mad clash of Miami’s financial, sexual and ethnic disparities. Reportedly paid close to $7million for the novel, the man who invented terms like ‘radical chic’ and ‘social X-ray’ (for emaciated socialites) is back to prove that he still has what he called ‘the right stuff’. Publisher: Jonathan Cape; Genre: Literary fiction; Price: R799
Arjun Singh is a typical hormonal 19-year-old living a pampered life in South Delhi. He dreams of making out with his maid as soon as he wakes up and when not, dips into his porn stash of Russian women for relief. He’s happily viewing the world through rose-tinted glasses until he’s forced to face reality. Receiving a low 55 in his English board exams crash his dreams of studying at the prestigious St Stephen’s College and instead Arjun is forced to seek admission in a B-grade college. Here, not only does he have to manoeuvre his way amongst ragging seniors but he also has to face the dismal state of the university faculties (notably the stinking loos). Luckily for him his three best friends—Partho, Pandit and Rish are also in the same college, and then everything changes for Arjun once he meets Radha, the gorgeous vision who comes to work for his mother’s interior design business. Filled with sentences laced with wicked humour, the kind that often force you to emit a chuckle or smile (and occasional eye-bulge!), this is an entertaining campus read doused with plenty of seriously madcap toilet humour! Publisher: Random House India; Genre: Fiction; Price: R150 Text: Farhad J Dadyburjor
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Hi! WATCHES
Ebel
LAUNCHES THE NEW 34 MM BLACK CERAMIC X-1 A radiant and unexpected sparkle illuminates the darkness, with dazzling diamonds set against a mysterious black backdrop. The new 34 mm black ceramic EBEL X-1 is the perfect watch for today’s strong yet glamorous woman who welcomes new adventures. This alluring timepiece is the latest addition to EBEL’s exciting new collections - Onde and X-1 - first introduced in Baselworld 2012 and launched last fall. Seductive and sophisticated, this is a true statement piece designed for dynamic women of unmistakable style. The new EBEL X-1 offers a fascinating juxtaposition of dark and light. Its sleek and glossy 34 mm black ceramic and stainless steel case features a crown set with 15 glistening diamonds. Framed by a bezel alight with 48 diamonds, its mysteriously gleaming galvanized black
dial is graced by eight diamond hour-markers and three applied Arabic numerals. This striking new model offers a comfortably smooth black ceramic and stainless steel bracelet composed of the X-1’s modern interpretation of EBEL’s iconic wave-shaped, sensually curved links. A signature EBEL deployment clasp completes the captivating look. With its high-precision Swiss quartz movement, sapphire crystal and waterresistance to 100 meters, this diamond-set version of the 34mm black ceramic EBEL X-1 offers a scintillating blend of strength, luxury and glamour. It is a perfect day-to-night watch for today’s chic and modern woman.
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Movado Datron Black Pvd Quartz The sophisticated new DatronŽ line inspired by the classic 1970 Movado Datron selfwinding chronograph was unveiled at Basel in 2009, and two years later a trio of special edition Datron chronographs were presented at the fair. Now joining this distinctive and popular family from the Movado heritage category for 2013 is the Datron black PVDfinished stainless steel quartz chronograph. An all-black, brushed and polished PVD finish combines with the matching black dial to create a powerful look of dark, toneon-tone mystery. Smoothly contoured, the 40mm wide tonneau-shaped case is crafted in brushed black PVD with two matching chronograph pushers. A polished black PVDfinished stainless steel bezel provides subtle, intriguing contrast. Protected by a curved antireflective sapphire crystal, the distinctive black lacquer dial is detailed by 3 black timing subdials, thin silver-toned hands and applied hour markers, a printed minute index, and contrasting white Big Date display at 12 o’clock. The classic sport link bracelet is rendered in brushed black PVD-finished stainless steel with polished black center links and a hidden polished steel deployment buckle. Powered by a precise Swiss quartz chronograph movement that can be used to time an event up to 29 minutes and 59.9 seconds in duration to the nearest 1/10 of a second, or up to 9 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds in duration to the nearest full second, the Datron Black PVD Chronograph is water resistant to 5 ATM.
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Hi! JEWELLERY
Maha Al Sibai Jewellery Maha Al Sibai has been designing highend jewellery for over twelve years, and has achieved international recognitions and awards for her work. She won the Best Jewellery Designer in the Middle East award in 2001 and 2002, and was shortlisted as one of the best jewellery designers in the world in Italy in 2003. In 2004, she was awarded a certificate of excellence by the jewellery association in Lebanon. 2008 saw her assume the role of Ambassador for the World Gold Council’s annual Audition Arabia contest. The jewellery designer recently opened her first boutique in J3 Mall.
“It has been a long but incredibly rewarding journey thus far. Opening my first boutique is a very important milestone for Maha Al Sibai Jewellery. I am glad to have a space where clients and collectors can see my work the way I intend. The next few years promise to be very exciting both creatively and commercially,” Maha Al Sibai
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Damas
CELEBRATES THE MONTH OF APRIL, WITH THEIR HEART TO HEART COLLECTION
Damas, the Middle East’s leading jewellery and watch retailer, is ushering in the spring this April, with their exclusive Heart to Heart set made up of a pendant, earrings and a ring, all themed to fit the month of revival and beauty.
The pieces are impeccably crafted in 18k white gold, but are also available in yellow gold. They feature clusters of diamonds, arranged in the shapes of flowers, to symbolize the beauty of the spring time bloom. The set is available in a 1.0 carat set, and a 2.0 carat set, all featuring round brilliant diamonds, with prices starting at 6,290 AED.
In designing the set, Damas has introduced an exciting new concept featuring a unique diamond setting, which allows for the stones to be elevated at various levels, giving a three dimensional look and feel to the jewellery. The setting also gives a delicate, and feminine yet sophisticated and elegant appearance.
The Heart to Heart set is available at select stores across the GCC. For more information, visit www.damasjewellery. com.
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Hi! FEATURE
The Art of Perfumery When it comes to your scent, are you one of those people that want to be unique? If you wish to leave a scent trail of exclusivity and pure luxury, then it is niche fragrances that you are looking for. Apart from the mass designer scents available on the market today, niche perfumery is limited to the clientele and therefore with a limited sale range. Art and creativity is in first place when it comes to niche perfumery. In this part of the world, being exclusive is a great deal and so Hi! Blitz has taken up the challenge to find some of the best niche and luxury perfumeries out there just for our readers. We have met the founders and representatives of these perfume houses that have convinced us of the art and poetry that lies behind their luxurious scents before and so we now introduce them to you.
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Shooting Star Collection
XerJoff - The perfection of Nature and Man’s Ability Xerjoff is an Italian – Turin based Perfume House fully dedicated to luxury fragrance in its art form. Xerjoff means going beyond the olfactory dimension, to enter a wider universe – where the perceptive and sensorial area blend together in order to rediscover the golden ages when the art of perfumery was hand in hand with the multi-sensorial arts of their bottle holders. Hi! Blitz had the pleasure of meeting the Sergio Momo who founded the company in 2004, together with Dominique Salvo, Xerjoff ’s research and development director. Sergio Momo When asked why he created the company, he had this to say:
“Perfume has always been a passion as it has been present in my family through my father and grandfather. I basically joined my knowledge of communication and design with my passion for perfumes when creating Xerjoff. I wanted it to be something different. What I had in mind was not a commercial idea but more niche. So, we tried to combine Nature from day one into our perfumes as we are in love with everything natural from the raw materials to the distillation techniques. What makes Xerjoff so unique is the Italian craftsmanship and the Nature elements which flow through all of our collections.”
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Hi! Blitz truly admires the Shooting Stars collection, especially the gift boxes which come with a star piece for that special someone! Launching soon is their newest collection, JTC – Join the club which features ten perfumes connected to its respective club! Look out for this collection as it is bound to open your senses to the more emotional aspect of perfumery! Xerjoff perfumes are available at the Xerjoff Boutique, Dubai Mall.
Hi! FEATURE
Holiday Globe
Emerald Reign
Nouez-Moi
Cherry Garden
Tiara
House of Sillage – The Art of Fragrance House of Sillage is an haute perfumery company that creates extraordinary fragrances which are rivalled by their breathtaking bottles. The scents are produced in France by a team of highly skilled noses, artists and designers. Each exquisite bottle is tailored by years of experience and has been given timehonored attention from the rare and exotic ingredients to the brilliantly designed jewelled cap.
Love is in the Air
the world, because honestly, the bottles and their scents are that of an untold story of beauty and grace. We are truly excited and glad that she has decided to share this dream with the rest of the world, because honestly, the bottles and their scents are that of an untold story of beauty and grace. House of Sillage is available at Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates.
Nicole Mather
During our meeting with the founder, Nicole Mather, we asked her what inspired her to create House of Sillage in spite having no background in perfumery. “It was the birth of a dream and a driving passion in my heart given to me by God. The purpose was unexplainable but it came from complete and utter purity with the innocence and naivetés of a child. The vision is my interpretation of this incredible art form and the beauty that lies within the bottle. It became the memories of tears, laughter, excitement and all of the struggles within one’s destiny. It is the learning of life’s lessons of personal tolerance, humility, compassion and desire for unconditional love. It encapsulates all that one is and desires to be. Although only a mere moment in time, the lasting effect is carried with us beyond. This insurmountable gift is mine to share with those who are interested in becoming part of this dream. Thank you for allowing me to share it with you.”
Benevolence
Emerald Reign
Holiday Globe
“We would like to say to all our customers that quality and innovation are the cornerstones of House of Sillage. Our clients are investing in the best materials, expert craftsmanship and an unparalleled passion, the quintessential qualities that define a long lasting luxury that promises to satisfy for years to come. Our focus is our customer and providing the best of the best, not margins or endorsement of celebrities. We invite all our customers to engage all their senses and indulge themselves in a world of uncompromising luxury. We are known for the absolute best quality raw materials perfectly blended by expert noses which in the end paint a gorgeous olfactive landscape. The breathtaking packaging elevates the bottle to a masterfully crafted piece of art. Each bottle takes approximately 40 - 80 hours of meticulous attention and devotion. We welcome our customers to take the adventure and experience how House of Sillage takes them to new extraordinary heights.” Nicole Mather
We are truly excited and glad that she has decided to share this dream with the rest of
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Parti Pris
Flagrant d’elice
Ombre Mercure
Lumiere d’epice
By Terry – From “Haute Couleur” to “Haute Perfumery”
Reve Opulent
Terry de Gunzburg
In 1998, Terry de Gunzburg created the first ‘Haute Couleur’ make-up and launched her brand By Terry, a new benchmark for the premium beauty market and her philosophy of excellence is summarised in three key words: creativity, integrity and quality. 2012 witnessed the birth of Terry’s first fragrance collection which included five luxurious and fascinating scents borne out of the most exclusive stables of the French fragrance industry.
“It has taken me ten years to achieve this collection of ‘personified’ scents. I had to progress slowly in order to learn and understand about essences that felt right, which was a humbling yet enriching experience. I had to ignore the dos and don’ts imposed by trends or by a commercial brief. Free from any restrictions, I have followed my instinct to create pure, original and extravagantly high-quality fragrances.” Terry de Gunzburg.
Formulated in Grasse in the purest form of tradition, the scent collection by Terry de Gunzburg celebrates the rare and the precious: from the luxury of time that was given to perfumers of the respected Maison Robertet to develop each fragrance, to the freedom to use exceptional high quality raw materials and limitless creativity. Created without compromise, these give eau de parfums perfectly reflect the designer’s passion.
For her sleek bottles, Terry looks for a timeless pairing between the square and the circle and imagined a glass monolith topped with a merging mercury drop. This organic curve feels like a talisman. Stamped with a metallic trademark that bears the name of the elixirs, these bottles celebrate the unique and effortless elegance of their creator. All of the five scents are unisex and carry their own uniqueness. One of the best sellers in this region is the Ombre Mercure which
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Hi!Blitz also loves! The fragrance will get the attention it demands the minute you walk into a room. It is pure seduction with its enchanting blend of iris and violet, which plunges wearers into the beauty of the night’s darkness. By Terry Perfumes are available at Sephora.
By Ylova Hamdan
Hi! FRAGRANCES
An Ode to the Luxury of Grey “Chypre is the grey of the perfume family” François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator GRIS MONTAIGNE The couturier never missed an opportunity to celebrate the timeless seduction of grey, the signature setting for Dior Luxury. Gris Couture; the grey in the Haute Couture collections since 1947, the emotive grey in Christian Dior’s family home in Granville, Normandy, and the pearly grey façade of the boutique on Avenue Montaigne.
What if grey was a perfume? The olfactory signature of the legendary couture address, 30 Avenue Montaigne, becomes reality. A perfume response to couture, grey slipped naturally into the attire of a refined, radical chypre fragrance - a bold interpretation of Dior Grey. Gris Montaigne asserts a strong olfactory character composed with the most precious raw materials.
“A contemporary chypre, a refined interpretation of the emblematic note that bursts forth in the very first Dior perfume, Miss Dior”, François Demachy.
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The perfume is a short, edgy formula that composes a harmonious chypre: a citrus top note, a floral accord, a woody note highlighted by Patchoulie on a mossy amber base.
Moss, the subtle scent of moist undergrowth, infuses the true identity of this interpretation of chypre. The citrus top springs from one of the finest Bergamots of all, from Calabria. Turkish Rose absolute breathes a subtly spicy floral note, almost masculine, while Sambac Jasmine from the Indian State of Tamil Nadu fills Gris Montaigne with a voluptuous, sensual feel. An Indonesian Patchoulie heart swathes the perfume in a uniquely sensual elegance. Gris Montaigne is a thoroughbred perfume that blends classic heritage and modernity; a multi-faceted scent, a subtle signature like the soft rustle of grey flannel.
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Hi! FRAGRANCES
for Him
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1 Armani - Eau pour Homme and Eau de Nuit 2 Jo Malone - Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne 3 Dior Homme 4 CK Shock Street 5 Parfums De Marly - Herod
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for Her
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1 Ajmal - Prose 2 Guerlain - Eau De Lingerie 3 Nina L’Eau 4 Valentina Acqua Floreale 5 Parfums De Marly - Meliora
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Hi! BEAUTY HAIR & SKIN CARE This season, we are all getting ready to soak up the sun. What better place to enjoy the sunshine than the beach? It’s time to get yourself ready to wear that gorgeous swimsuit you just invested in! Hi! Blitz picks some of our favourite beauty, hair and skin products that are available on the shelves that will help you in getting beach-ready! We highly recommend the self-tanning products for a sunkissed glow, L’Occitane’s Shaping products to help you tackle cellulite woes, Max Factor’s three in one foundation and Make Up Forever’s Pro Finish for attaining a flawless complexion and our picks of star hair products to help your in achieving the perfect healthy hair look!
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hair
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1 Wella Koleston “Day 15” Colour Reactivator 2 Inoa Color Masque 3 Kerastese - Cristalliste Serum 4 Sacha Juan Intensive Hair Oil 5 Sacha Juan Ocean Mist 6 John Frieda - Frizz Ease 3 Day Straight
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1 Bioderma Photoderm Bronz 2 Urban Decay Oz Palette at Sephora 3 Guerlain Terracotta Sun Serum 4 Institut
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Esthederm Bronz Repair 5 Make Up Forever Pro Finish
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6 Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Bronze 7 Vita Liberata Tinted
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Tanning Gel 8 Max Factor Facefinity 9 Lancaster Sun Preparing Hydrating Serum 10 Guerlain Terracotta Signature 11 Lancaster Suractif Range
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1 Sephora Slimming and Firming Tool 2 he-shi
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Express Liquid Tan 3 Guerlain Terracotta Sunscrub 4 Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control 5 Lancaster Sun Preparing Hydrating Water 6 Sephora Express Body Scrub and Mask 7 Bliss Poetic Waxing Kit at Debenhams 8 L’Occitane Almond Beautiful Shape 9 L’Occitane Almond Shaping Delight 10 Tantastic Tanning Range
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Hi! newsmakers ‘Celebrating 365 days of transforming 200 million lives in Uttar Pradesh,’ claimed the advertisement on Akhilesh Singh Yadav completing a year as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. When he first came into power in March 2012, Yadav promised that the party would boost industrial development and vowed that criminality would not be tolerated
He loves twirling his moustache, has tattoos inked onto his bulging biceps, often comes to training riding customised Hayabusa bikes—in a nutshell, Shikhar Dhawan epitomises everything that is larger than life in the cricketing fraternity. Dhawan’s 85-ball century is the fastest scored by a debutant in test cricket. He’s only the fourth Indian batsman after
akhilesh singh YaDav
shikhar Dhawan
Chip Off The Old Block
Gabbar’s Entry
in the ranks of his Samajwadi Party. Expectations were high that the youngest ever chief minister elected in UP would bring change to the state plagued by poverty and lawlessness. A year down and critics have not stopped sneering sardonically. Raja Bhaiya (his food and civil supplies minister till he resigned recently) has not even been questioned yet in the brutal death of a senior policeman, though he is named in the police FIR. The CM has caved in to populism, gifting free laptops to the youth. Yadav Jr has proved to be a chip off the old block.
Virender Sehwag (twice), Polly Umrigar and Mohammad Azharuddin to post 100 runs or more between lunch and tea in a match. His debut came at the expense of Sehwag, who was dropped for the final two tests of the India-Australia series after a string of poor scores. The left-hander is affectionately called Gabbar by his Delhi teammates for his hulklike body and enormous amount of power he packs in his shots. The wait for the Delhi boy has been an agonisingly long one, but what an entry!
Amish Tripathi grew up in a middle-class household in Mumbai’s Kemps Corner; his father—who has a passion for Urdu poetry— worked as an engineer in the construction giant Larsen & Toubro. The manuscript of Amish’s first book was rejected more than 20 times. Today however he has secured a $1 million advance for the South Asian rights to
Masaba, an African term for wild flower, is the apt metaphor for the young designer—comfortable with her success, but critical of her work. Masaba Gupta can now boast of being the youngest creative director in India, having taken on the role at Satya Paul. Daughter of actor Neena Gupta (who is also her biggest endorser and is spotted in her creations
amish TriPaThi
masaba guPTa
Lord Of Trilogies
The SP Girl
a new trilogy, the biggest such deal ever struck. The banker-turned-writer saw half a million copies of his recent mythological fantasy fly off the shelves within a day of its release. His earnings by book sales alone have crossed more than R16,00,00,000 in the last two years. Fascinating considering the author’s books have never garnered great reviews. Tripathi’s fame and fortune appear more the result of a perseverant approach to writing and his clever reinvention of Lord Shiva.
very often) and cricketing legend Vivian Richards, she made people sit up and take notice during her debut at the 2009 Lakmé Fashion Week. Endorsed heavily by fashionista Sonam Kapoor, the designer’s first collection Kattran was inspired by labour-class women at construction sites. This season, her offering has been lipsticks, ink blots, abstracts and telephone booths to redefine Satya Paul for the young girl at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 2013. A clever twist from a clever designer.
Riding high on the success of Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, Tigmanshu Dhulia says it was the arrival of his dog named Sahiba, his lucky mascot, which changed the course of his career. The filmmaker started his career with Doordarshan before switching to the big screen. A trained actor from the National School of Drama, Dhulia swore off acting
His Twitter profile says it all: “Personal computing, Chrome, Chrome OS, Google, family, friends and life.” These are the things that define Sundar Pichai, born in Chennai in 1967. The silver medallist from IIT Kharagpur, with a master’s degree from Stanford University and an MBA from Wharton School, was appointed the new boss of Google’s
Tigmanshu Dhulia
sunDer Pichai
The Right Direction
when he realised rather early on that he was “very bad.” Instead he keenly turned his interest towards performing arts and cinema writing—the kind of writing that “helps the actor.” Then in 2003 he made his first feature film, the critically acclaimed Haasil about student politics. Since then, 45-yearold Dhulia has made five more films: Charas, Shagird, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster (SBAG), Paan Singh Tomar and the sequel to SBAG. Born and raised in Allahabad, Dhulia credits his success to the portrayal of the harsh realities of UP’s hinterland on screen.
Android Man
Android OS, taking charge from Andrew E Rubin, Android’s co-founder. Having joined Google in 2004, Pichai began by overseeing search and consumer products such as iGoogle and Google Toolbar, amongst others. In 2011, he took charge of Google Chrome, the operating system, making it one of the top three browsers. Interestingly, Twitter tried to poach him in 2011 but a hefty bonus from Google put a stop to this. Clearly, Google bosses have bet on Pichai to take the battle of the operating systems in smartphones to the next level.
Hi!Hi! BLITZ Blitz 108 144APRIL April 2013 2013