Society Achievers Oct 2022

Maharashtra surges ahead

ACHIEVERS

Publisher: Magnate Publishing Private Limited

Editor: Andrea CostaBir

Associate Editor: Nichola Marie Assistant Editor: Amber Dias

Correspondents: Tsunami Costabir, Paula Dsouza Editorial Consultant: CSS Latha Graphic Designer: Syed Zaid Inamdar

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Contents

02

The Cover Story

Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dish out their plans to nurture and transform the state, paving the way for a new era.

Legends & Achievers

Meet the bold and brave trailblazers who are forging ahead with eyes set firmly on the future.

Chief Justice Dhananjaya Chandrachud Akash, Isha & Anant Ambani Kriti Sanon

Nachiket Barve Pooja Dhingra

Lifestyle

The buzz on food, fashion, fitness, travel and more!

Health & Fitness

Mickey Mehta’s commandments for holistic living.

Jewellery

Poonam Soni’s quest to make old jewels new again.

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Relationships

Singlehood is here to stay.

Luxe Living Wristwatches that will steal your breath away.

Travel Wonderous destinations for your winter vacation.

In Focus Dino Morea, Ashley Rebello, Revanta Sarabhai and Dr Kersi Chavda on the challenges men cope with.

Events

Recapping the unveiling of the October issue of ‘Society Achievers’ with dynamic duo Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi.

Events

Revisiting the unveiling of the October issue of ‘Society Interiors & Design’ with actors Rahul Dev and Mugdha Godse along with architect Sandeep Shikre.

Product Reviews

Talking shop about some of our favourite things.

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Editor’s Note

‘Double Engine’. ‘Double Impact’. ‘Double Power’. …These and other similar titles have been coined to describe Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis since they formed the Government in Maharashtra. With determination and dynamism, they are focussed on changing the face of the state not just cosmetically, but from its innards. This will hopefully mean a high-oninfrastructure, clean and green Maharashtra that will give priority to the living conditions of its citizens. Passionate about the state’s growth, in our ‘Cover Story’, they speak about the ongoing developmental work that is in full force across the state. They make a formidable team and we hope their transformational zeal will bring ‘Double Glory’ to Maharashtra.

Another man making notable waves across India is the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Chandrachud. Known for his straight talk and empowered judgments throughout his illustrious career so far, we can expect our CJI to continue with his line of emboldened rulings, and his quest to encourage an equitable legal system in our country. The ‘Legends & Achievers’ section shares very interesting insights into his professional and personal framework.

While we generally just take it for granted that men rule the roost, ‘In Focus’ focuses on how men are often in the dock, and that’s why they need International Men’s Day to highlight their issues and divert applause, compassion and empathy their way. Actor Dino Morea, fashion designer Ashley Rebello, actor Revanta Sarabhai and psychiatrist Dr Kersi Chavda open up about the challenges men cope with, and nudge us to humanise them in the process.

Adding to the force that makes this issue a power-packed one are our bold and brave trailblazers… From Akash, Isha and Anant Ambani who are firmly holding onto the Reliance reins that their celebrated parents Mukesh and Nita Ambani have groomed them for and entrusted them with; to actress Kriti Sanon who’s determinedly making her presence felt in the Hindi film industry; to talented designer Nachiket Barve and dessert queen Pooja Dhingra… they are all forging ahead with their eyes set firmly on the future.

…And that’s the only way to keep moving ahead in life – by turning our backs on our baggage-strewn past, and aligning with the call of our future.

- Andrea CostaBir

Photograph: Viraj Shirodkar

“Solving people’s problems is my only dhyeya(life’s goal)”

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, has coined a new term for his post. “CM means Common Man” – he smiles, and opens up about politics, remaining grounded, his struggle, his aspiration for the state of Maharashtra, and his passionate drive to fulfil the dreams of its people.

By Andrea CostaBir

Maharashtra’s newly minted 20th Chief Minister is undoubtedly a “people’s man”. My team and I went to ‘Varsha’ (the official residence of the CM in Mumbai) to meet him, and we were met with hordes of people from the interiors of Maharashtra, queuing up endlessly to show their support for the Chief Minister. As they entered the gates of ‘Varsha’ and he came out to meet them, they were overjoyed! Amidst their vociferous pro-Shri Eknath Shinde sloganeering, his warm acknowledgment of the same, and the ensuing cheering… we met the Chief Minister. Excerpts from our interview…

You recently took over the reins of Maharashtra. What is your overall vision for the state, and what is your top priority for the state right now?

The Central Govt. has announced its aim to take the Indian economy to US$5 trillion. Maharashtra is the growth engine of India. It is our aim to take Maharashtra’s economy up to US$1 trillion by 2027, and US$3.5 trillion by 2047.

Agriculture, health, education and infrastructure are our main areas of focus. Our priority is also development of new and expert skills, construction and city development, land administration, economy, tourism, sports, energy transmission and atmospheric changes, big and small industries, information and technology, supplementary services and transport.

“Maharashtra is the growth engine of India. It is our aim to take Maharashtra’s economy up to US$1 trillion by 2027, and US$3.5 trillion by 2047.”

We have started the Maharashtra Institution For Transformation (MITRA), with Maharashtra being the first state to start such an institution. A conceptual technical and work process think tank for the development of Maharashtra, it will give advice to various departments of the Govt. of Maharashtra. Recently, I also met with the team of NITI Aayog (the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India) to discuss various growth initiatives.

We realise that the Metro and Coastal Road projects across the length and breadth of Mumbai are set to change the face and dynamics of the city. Mumbaikars are excited and eagerly awaiting the commencement of these new infrastructure projects. What is their current status?

Yes, definitely, the Metro, Coastal Road as well as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) will change the face of Maharashtra. Almost 84% of the MTHL work is complete. The highly improved connectivity will result in growth centers viz. industrial, logistics, IT, food, textiles and pharma parks; data centres;

and export processing zones being set up in Raigad District at Pen, and at Poynad near Chirle. This will lead to townships and a whole new ecosystem that creates employment opportunities and drives economic growth. All this will help build Maharashtra into a trillion dollar economy in a few years.

“A project close to my heart is the ‘Missing Link’ project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This project will make a huge difference to the people once complete.”

We are planning to inaugurate the Coastal Road by 2023 as a major part of the work is already complete. I personally visit the site and take a detailed report regularly. Also we have shifted the car shed of Metro 3 from Kanjurmarg to Aarey Colony. It was delayed due to the decision taken to start the car shed at Kanjurmarg some time back, resulting in a cost increase. By 2026, we are planning to complete the 337km stretch of the Metro network. A lot of changes will be seen in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region soon. All Mumbai’s important projects are slated to be completed by 2027. Around Rs.1 lakh crore (Rs. 1 trillion) worth of MMRDA proposals are in the pipeline. We are trying to increase environment-friendly transportation so that its share goes up by 30%. Our main aim is to bring the travel time down to 1 hour from Virar to Nariman Point, and 12 minutes from the mainland (Navi Mumbai) to Mumbai.

“I consider myself an ordinary social worker and this helps me stay grounded. More than half of my life has been spent in sangharsh (struggling) for the people’s cause.”

Thanks to our Swachh Bharat movement, we will get a nice, clean and dirt-free city. In the future, recycling of wastewater will be given top priority, and the Municipal Corporation will also get revenue from this process. All types of waste are not a problem, but it will be the main factor in creating revenue. Essential farm inputs like fertilizers will be produced by well-planned management. Sanitation projects like Robo drainage and gutter cleaning, a new concept for us, are also being implemented.

In the next two years, we have planned to make the cities of Maharashtra waste-free and change their look. Keeping this in mind, new environment-friendly startups will be given an opportunity. The environment is certainly an important factor for our development. For example, we are building the Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Mahamarg; a green expressway. Many trees

were cut during the construction of this highway, but we have now planted around 11 lakh trees. We are also building around 200 farm ponds and dams along the highway. This Nagpur-Mumbai highway will be a game changer project. Also, we are bringing e-vehicles into public transport on a large scale.

Any specific plan to make Maharashtra an environment-friendly, clean and green ‘Jewel of India’?

“A ‘communication bridge’ is a must between Government officials and the public – and that should not break.”

A project close to my heart is the ‘Missing Link’ project on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This project will make a huge difference to the people once complete. It includes a viaduct, a cable-stayed bridge, and a 10.55km tunnel, which will be the widest tunnel in Asia. It is being constructed more than 150m below the Lonavala lake. Set to open in December 2023, it will reduce Mumbai-Pune travel time by approx. 30 minutes.

Coastal area management plans of Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts have also been given permissions. This has resulted in giving basic social facilities to residents along the coastal roads. Fishing and other traditional businesses will be possible for Koli citizens. Temporary tourism facilities can be permitted along the coastal road too. Mangroves on State Government land will be safely guarded.

You are considered a people’s man. You spend a lot of time interacting with the people of the state. What

I consider myself an ordinary social worker and this helps me stay grounded. More than half of my life has been spent in sangharsh (struggling) for the people’s cause. Shiv Sena always works by doing 80% social work and 20% politics. We are not born to rule. Rather, we have always brought the problems of the people to the Government’s notice. Agitation is in our blood, and we have not done all this to come to power. We live by the thoughts of Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray and Dharmaveer Anand Dighe – and these thoughts are our ‘oxygen’.

“It is difficult for me to pursue any hobbies due to my busy schedule, but I love spending time in my field.”

do you learn from them when you engage with them?

You decided to enter public life and chose politics as a career. Please tell us a little about your life’s journey.

I don’t aspire to any post. Solving people’s problems is my only dhyeya (life’s goal). My native place is Darey village in Mahabaleshwar taluka, Satara district, and I am a farmer’s son. I came to Thane for education, but due to our financial condition back home, I had to stop studying and start earning from an early age. But recently, after becoming a minister, many years later, at the age of 56, I completed my graduation. Going back to my early days, after I left my studies, I joined a company as a supervisor and did various jobs to meet the needs of my home.

It was at this point in time that I came in contact with Shiv Sena Pramukh Balasaheb Thackeray and Dharmaveer Anand Dighe. He was very dynamic, worked very hard and nonstop, and this inspired me to work hard too. At the age of 17-18, I officially started my political career in the Shiv Sena. I actively took part in many agitations and faced lathi charges during the MaharashtraKarnataka boundary issue.

In 1997, I became a Shakha Pramukh and Anand Dighe saheb, my mentor, gave me the TMC election ticket. I won that election. After that, I became the House leader. In 2004, for the first time, I contested the Vidhan Sabha elections and won that. And then won it consistently four times in a row. I was the Cabinet Minister of PWD (PU) in the Maharashtra State Government from 2015 to 2019. Then in 2019, I became the Urban Development Minister. I was also the Health Minister for some time.

“We are a Government of the people, by the people, for the people. We want to improve the state of our state, and make it the No. 1 State in the country in all aspects.”

Politics is a 24x7 job with a hectic schedule and high stress levels. How do you maintain your work-life balance? Do you have any hobbies/interests beyond politics?

It is difficult for me to pursue any hobbies due to my busy schedule, but I love spending time in my field. Even now, I do farming whenever I go to my native place. I meet people over there and speak to them. Many people from the villages come to meet me and share a lot of things with me, which I listen very carefully to. I love doing things for them. I also like to watch plays and movies. Whenever I’m free, I play cricket and football even today.

Surely you are a proud father with your son Shrikant Shinde being an orthopaedic surgeon and MP. What are the values/ teachings that you impart to him, and what advice would you like to give the youth of our country?

When my son Shrikant was growing up, I never got the chance to spend time with him. I was very busy with my work, but his mummy looked into his studies and daily needs. A good boy, he studied well and became a doctor. Very clever, sensitive, sincere, dedicated and hardworking, he has successfully solved many social problems. He became a politician by accident; but the people of Kalyan-Dombivali needed him. They needed someone young, educated and hardworking to represent them. Though he is an MP today, he still works in the medical field through his ‘Dr Shrikant Shinde Medical Foundation’.

Lakhs of patients have benefitted and are benefitting through this foundation. He has even donated hundreds of ambulances across Maharashtra, so yes, rightly said, I am a proud father.

Throughout his growing years, I always advised him to study well, and get a professional degree. Education is very important. Our country needs educated people. That’s what I tell the youth of our country – study well. Get educated, then create employment opportunities for yourselves and others. Don’t be job seekers, be job providers.

How does having a ‘Double Engine’ Government benefit the people of Maharashtra?

Progress will be faster due to the Double Engine. Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modiji has given all his support and blessings to this Government. To make the life of the people of Maharashtra better, the Prime Minister has told the Govt. to become more sensitive. I have instructed officials to meet people, understand their problems and try to solve them. A ‘communication bridge’ is a must between Government officials and the public – and that should not break. It is not necessary that all the problems should get solved immediately, but the problems need to be addressed immediately and steps need to be taken in that direction. I like to get work done quickly for the people. It is essential that the Government should be sensitive to the problems of the people.

What is your advice to the citizens of Maharashtra?

The Government is with you, it is working towards your welfare and prosperity. We are a Government of the people, by the people, for the people. We want to improve the state of our state, and make it the No.1 State in the country in all aspects. Through our endeavours, we want to contribute to the growth of India. We want to give you a helping hand and in return, we request you to help us in this journey. Let us all, the Government and the citizens, work as one team.

“That’s what I tell the youth of our country – study well. Get educated, then create employment opportunities for yourselves and others.”

“What matters most to me is to hold the fort for people’s welfare”

Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra, opens up about his mission to help the state inch closer to its trillion-dollar economy goal, bringing smiles to its citizens, and encouraging the youth to step up.

By Andrea CostaBir

The former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis’ goal had always been to nurture the state and usher it into a new era that is progressive and prosperous. His pursuit of this goal continues in his role as Deputy Chief Minister. We caught up with him to learn more about what lies ahead for Maharashtra.

Excerpts from our interview…

From a 5-year term to an 80-hour term as Chief Minister of Maharashtra to holding fort as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra today… what major milestones are you still waiting to reach?

Let me put this on record: for me, a milestone is not the post I represent, but the kind of role I play. We are here in politics not to keep or just rotate posts, but to serve the people and society. What matters most to me is to hold the fort for people’s welfare. We are true sainiks of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. For us, good governance and serving Maharashtra matters; not the post held. In my entire life, I never imagined becoming a corporator, mayor, MLA, or CM. But I am happy that I successfully tried to fulfil people’s aspirations in every role. Even today, I continue to do the same as DCM.

Has your vision for Maharashtra changed from the time you were Chief Minister to today as Deputy CM? What are your chief priorities for the state?

Not at all. There is no change in my hopes and dreams for the state when I was Chief Minister and now as Deputy Chief Minister. I still have the dream of a trillion-dollar economy. And that is what we are trying to do. We, as a government, are focused on creating and supporting world-class infrastructure to promote local commerce, increase investment, generate employment and attain sustainable development.

“For us, good governance and serving Maharashtra matters, not the post held.”

Uncertainty in the agriculture sector. Farming should be profitable. Take the current scenario: The state had heavy rains. Hence, our first priority is to help the farmers recover from the huge loss of agriculture. Along with this, while considering the far-reaching consequences, I think it is important to provide employment to the youth while reducing dependence on agriculture and developing entrepreneurship and skills among them.

Considering that yours is a Double Engine Government, what are your future plans for the people of Maharashtra? Please tell us about the positive changes we can expect which will improve our quality of life. Whenever we speak of a double engine, yes, we feel more empowered to have the firm support of a leader like Hon PM Narendra Modi ji . Even during his address last week, he spoke on the assistance Maharashtra is getting. Under his leadership during 2014-19, Maharashtra saw a massive jump in all the infrastructure projects. We planned for around 300km of metro network in Mumbai. More than Rs.2 lakh crore projects have begun in Mumbai. The Coastal Road project, Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, road and rail projects, and Navi Mumbai Airport have all begun, and with the completion of these projects in the next 2-3 years, you will see the changes happening in the lives of people. Maharashtra Samruddhi Corridor, measures taken to bring changes in the lives of farmers, and huge investments in developing cities are some of the other measures. We are definitely planning a few more projects which, on completion, will make a huge difference to the state’s economy and people’s lives.

What according to you is the biggest challenge facing Maharashtra currently?

“We, as a government, are focused on creating and supporting world-class infrastructure to promote local commerce, increase investment, generate employment and attain sustainable development.”

Do you have a game plan to attract investment and tourism opportunities in Maharashtra on a global scale?

Yes, even earlier, when we were in power, we brought a lot of investment to Maharashtra. Unfortunately, in the last three years, Maharashtra suffered a lot. In order to promote religious tourism in the state, development of Pandharpur Corridor on the lines of Ujjain Mahakal, provision of facilities for tourist spots, Tiger Gate Way, and emergence of a sophisticated tourism system in Konkan are being emphasized. Besides, Maharashtra has always been the first-choice state for industry. An ecosystem has to be created for an industry to come up, for an industry to survive, and for new entrepreneurs to emerge. We put emphasis on all of these from

2014-2019. Maharashtra was at the top in Ease of Doing Business from 2014 to 2019. Many policies like electronics, e-vehicles, and textiles were planned with a vision. We will endeavour to implement these policies effectively. Apart from this, now an electronics cluster is being developed in Maharashtra. While measuring the economy and economic progress of any country, the main point of economic and industrial criteria is the increased employment and self-employment opportunities due to economic-industrial progress. Employment is not only a measure of economic achievement, but also a measure of economic progress of the country. Promotion of the industrial sector has been undertaken through ‘JanDhan Yojana’, ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Start-up’, ‘Smart City’, ‘Ayushman Bharat’, banking reforms, and simplification and streamlining of business processes. Small-scale industries account for about 30% of the national economy.

Also, this sector contributes to almost half of India’s exports. Maharashtra and India’s financial capital, Mumbai, will add immense value to these corridors and vice versa. In addition to the development of AURIC (the Aurangabad Industrial City, which is a greenfield industrial smart city over an area of 10,000 acres in Aurangabad, Maharashtra) and other such nodes, we are also developing a Smart Industrial City in Nagpur.

“An ecosystem has to be created for an industry to come up, for an industry to survive, and for new entrepreneurs to emerge.”

Maharashtra has tremendous responsibility to relentlessly contribute to the Prime Minister’s vision of New India, particularly because Maharashtra has been the lighthouse for India’s industrial growth and continues to be the largest contributor to the Indian economy. We, in Maharashtra, have resolved to be the first trillion-dollar economy in the country. I believe it is possible by focusing on four pillars - Infrastructure, Industry, Investment and Technology. AURIC is a shining example of the assimilation of all these four pillars.

Due to Maharashtra’s strategic location and it being home to India’s largest ports, we are also going to play a crucial role in the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan to ensure smooth logistics and infrastructure development. Additionally, the State is also in the process of developing several Multi Modal Logistics Parks in coordination with the Government of India. It is a matter of pride for Maharashtra that four of the 11 planned industrial corridors are passing through the state. These planned corridors have the potential to create vibrant industrial ecosystems and help attract key investments, thereby moving forward toward Atmanirbharta.

What are the main characteristics required to be a leader? Could you share some advice for upcoming leaders?

Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts have always guided me. Apart from this, I consider former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as my mentor. His vision and thinking are important to me and no doubt, Hon PM Narendra Modiji is a role model for all of us. His supreme dedication, selfless service and commitment to the national cause inspires us to do a lot more.

Leadership is all about doing things right. It is very important for leaders to be aware that any organisation or political party is a part of society. It is necessary to try not to harm the environment and society. If the leader’s reading and comprehension are good, he becomes aware of what kind of work or change has to be done for society. It helps him stay ahead. No matter how efficient a leader is, he cannot do anything without the help of his karyakartas . Post COVID-19, most people noticed significant and dramatic changes in their work, the nature of their work, and their performance. The whole world is in search of new ideas, and new methods. Significant changes are the addition of important human aspects, including personal capabilities, to the computerized and up-to-date managerial and responsible work based on technology. Now in this new situation, it is inevitable for leaders to manage change successfully. In addition, they have to deal with controlling unforeseen socio-political situations, by making flexible decisions.

How do you see Maharashtra contributing to the nation’s growth?

Who has had the biggest influence on you in your growing years? Do you have a mentor/ idol/role model?

“Maharashtra has tremendous responsibility to relentlessly contribute to the Prime Minister’s vision of New India.”

“Demonstrations, protests, street plays and candlelight marches can raise awareness and focus attention on burning issues but ultimately, the power to bring change rests with those who sit in Parliament.”

I am happy that whatever responsibility my party and leaders give me, I fulfil with topmost dedication. I have never aspired to a higher status. To me, party karyakarta is the topmost post. Our leaders gave

You are already playing a big role in national politics. Do you enjoy handling pan-India responsibilities?

“No matter how efficient a leader is, he cannot do anything without the help of his karyakartas.”

“Serving

You share a good rapport with political leaders across parties. How do you preserve your personal relationships with your political opponents?

I believe that there are no permanent opponents in politics. Therefore, when looking at opponents, we should not see them as enemies, but as people with different opinions. The opposition should not be to the person, but to the idea… and while doing it, one should think about right and wrong.

What is your message for the youth who want to join politics?

There is a need for active involvement of the youth in politics for a number of reasons. Firstly, they have a constructive vision for the future and the fact that they have achieved milestones in other fields proves that they can change politics too. Secondly, the system needs them. It has been 75 years since Independence, and we have seen similar trends in politics, especially in dynasty parties repeating themselves, thus showing that politics is caught in a vicious circle. Here, participation of the youth could play a great role. Thirdly, youth participation will increase the dialogue between the general populace and the leaders, as 65% of the population consists of the youth. This will ease communication and bridge the gap between the electors and the elected. In Gandhi’s proverbial expression, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” They could be game changers for the simple reason that they realise the problems in the status quo and have the potential to change them.

Today, India has the largest number of youth in the world. If they choose to serve the nation substantially, they must understand the machinery of our democracy and share their strong shoulders to steer the wheels in the direction they want. We need to expand the word ‘self’ to ‘society’ if we really intend to go ahead with a mission to contribute selflessly to society and the country, instead of self-indulging in our day-to-day problems. Demonstrations, protests, street plays and candlelight marches can raise awareness and focus attention on burning issues but ultimately, the power to bring change rests with those who sit in Parliament.

What is a regular day in the life of Devendra Fadnavis like? Please give us an insight into your work day… and also how you relax thereafter.

I wake up at 7 a.m. and start my day at 9 a.m. Meeting people starts early in the morning. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., I usually conduct official meetings; Monday to Wednesday. My evenings are also taken up by various meetings which tend to go on till late night.

On Thursday and Friday, I used to attend programmes across Maharashtra. Saturday and Sunday are reserved for my own constituency and meeting people at Nagpur. Leaders and karykartas from Vidarbha usually meet me on these days.

I hardly find time to relax outside of that. But, meeting people and solving their issues is my relaxation as this gives me pleasure and satisfaction.

As for resting, the body automatically relaxes when it is tired due to a hectic daily schedule (laughs).

What makes you happy? What do you consider your greatest achievement so far? Serving people makes me happy.

When our CM Relief Fund helped perform heart surgeries for small children and they stood to welcome me - that is a moment I will never forget. Bringing smiles to the faces of those suffering from various difficulties will always be my greatest achievement.

“They [the youth] could be the game changers for the simple reason that they realise the problems in the status quo and have the potential to change them.”

Legends Achievers

From inspired to inspiring….

These legends and achievers have worked their way to the top, are writing their own rules and paving the way for the future.

A MAn of Honour

Expectations are high from Justice D Y Chandrachud, who took over as the 50th Chief Justice of India (CJI). ‘Society Achievers’ explores just why…

By Nichola Marie

“Be it in technology or be it in registry or be it in judicial reforms, I will take care of citizens in every aspect,” affirmed Dr Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, or CJI DYC, as he is commonly referred to, after being sworn in as the 50th Chief Justice of India. “I will ensure trust of citizens not only through words but through my work,” said the new CJI. And these aren’t just words; CJI Chandrachud is known as a progressive and liberal judge, sensitive to the fundamental rights of citizens and tough towards those who abuse them. Unafraid to dissent, he speaks truth to power while his brilliant legal mind honours and upholds the basic tenets of the Constitution. His various judgements as a Supreme Court judge also spark anticipation for the future. Projected to have the longest term in office in a decade — a little over two years, till 10th November 2024 — he is in a good position to bring in valuable reforms. He is also the son of Y V Chandrachud, the longest-serving Chief Justice in the history of India, who was known by the nickname ‘Iron Hands’ for his unwillingness to let anything slip past him. The mood is justifiably hopeful…

Formation & Growth

Hailing from a family with roots in Pune, Maharashtra, he was born on 11th November 1959. Growing up in Bombay (Mumbai), he moved to Delhi at the age of 12, to join his father when the latter was appointed as the 13th judge of the Supreme Court. The atmosphere at his home was imbued with music; his father was a trained classical musician, while his mother sang for All India Radio. A graduate of Mathematics and Economics, he calls himself an “accidental lawyer” who became “enamoured with law” while contemplating civil services after topping Economics at St Stephen’s, Delhi. He obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Delhi University and a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School.

He also completed a Doctorate in Juridical Science from Harvard in 1986, which focused on the various aspects of affirmative legal action.

His career highs saw him serving as Additional Solicitor General of India from 1998 to 2000. First appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court in March 2000, he was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court in May 2016. He served as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court from October 2013 until his elevation as an apex court judge. He has also been a visiting Professor of Comparative Constitutional Law at the University of Mumbai and at Oklahoma University School of Law, US.

Immediate Goals

Spelling out his mission after his swearing-in, he said he aimed to make the Indian legal system more simple, transparent and efficient, so that the interface of common citizens with the judiciary became easy, simple and transparent. Listing his priorities for the judiciary, he revealed that the first was to fill vacancies, from the district judiciary to high courts to the Supreme Court. He also pointed out the need to bring more diversity in the judiciary, which is currently a product of the state of the legal profession of more than three decades ago. Several constitutional issues await the court’s attention including reviews in the Sabarimala and hijab cases, WhatsApp’s privacy policy, freebies by political parties, and challenge to the Places of Worship Act, 1991. Going ahead, there are many pending cases for the CJI to decide on. These include the distribution of freebies to doctors, rights of personal guarantors, Agnipath recruitment scheme, tribunals, and definition of industry.

Unafraid to dissent, he speaks truth to power while his brilliant legal mind honours and upholds the basic tenets of the Constitution.

The Chief Justice is the chief judge of the Supreme Court of India as well as the highestranking officer of the Indian Judiciary.

Landmark Verdicts

In the Supreme Court, CJI Chandrachud has been a part of several verdicts and landmark judgments, in the capacity of author of the verdict or of dissenting opinions on the main judgment. His judgments are not only in step with the times, but are also seen as future-ready. Here’s a look at some of them…

• He was part of the landmark Right to Privacy case (KS Puttaswamy vs Union of India), wherein a nine-judge Bench held that the Constitution guarantees each individual a fundamental right to privacy.

• He was the sole dissenter when the apex court heard challenges to the Aadhaar Act. He held that the Act was unconstitutionally passed as a Money Bill.

• In a landmark case that decriminalised section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, dealing with same-sex intercourse, he held the section to be an “anachronistic colonial law” that violated the fundamental rights to equality, freedom of expression, life and privacy.

• In another verdict, he said unmarried women, too, have the right to abortion up to 24 weeks - the same as that for married women. Earlier, unmarried women could only choose abortion up to 20 weeks.

• In Oil And Natural Gas Corporation vs AfconsGunanusa JV, the Supreme Court said arbitrators cannot decide their fees without consulting the parties in the arbitration proceedings.

• In the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement vs Union of India case, the SC upheld the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for armed forces personnel.

• He declared the practice of the Sabarimala temple unconstitutional as it violated multiple articles of the Indian Constitution.

• In a judgment on Adultery Law, he played an important role in scrapping the Indian Penal Code Section 497 that deprived women of sexual autonomy.

The Man, His Methods

CJI Chandrachud is known for his refreshingly different manner of managing his court, his humility and his sense of humour. As Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, he was aware that the lawyers were more comfortable arguing in Hindi.

He aims to make the Indian legal system more simple, transparent, and efficient.

Sensing their hesitation to switch from English to Hindi, he would himself start off in his ‘Bambaiya Hindi’, thus making the situation more convenient for the lawyers. Young at heart, he keenly stays abreast of all things new, be it books, films or music. Fond of travelling and cricket, he is not, however, keen on socialising as it cuts into his me-time. He almost always accepts invitations to speak at events in law colleges.

Fond of travelling and cricket, he is not, however, keen on socialising as it cuts into his me-time.

CJI Chandrachud is known for his refreshingly different manner of managing his court, his humility and his sense of humour.

A Family Man

His first wife, Rashmi, died from cancer in 2007. Some years later, he married Kalpana Das, who formerly worked with the British Council. His elder son, Abhinav, practices law at the Bombay High Court while his younger son, Chintan, is employed with a law firm in the UK. CJI Chandrachud and his wife Kalpana are foster parents to two differently abled children, Mahi and Priyanka.

•

He Said It

“Technology, infrastructure, filling up vacancies... these are milestones in our mission. But above all, I think what sustains judicial institutions, in the long run, is your sense of compassion and empathy, and your ability to answer the plaintive cry of a citizen in the wilderness.”

• “We know how in colonial times the same law as it exists in the statute books today was used as an instrument of oppression. So how do we, as citizens, ensure that the law becomes an instrument of justice and not an instrument of oppression? I think the key is the way in which we handle the law, which includes all decision makers and not just judges.”

• “When we talk of having more women in the judiciary, it’s equally necessary for us to lay building blocks for the future by creating access to women. The first step is entering the chambers of senior lawyers which is an old boys’ club… Until we have a democratised and merit-based access to the entry point in the legal profession, we will not have more women and will not have more people belonging to marginalised sections.”

A Legacy of Trust A commitment to the future

Established in 1977, we started with a simple mission - to preserve the quality and craft in harvesting the finest wood

Our philosophy is that of trust, honesty and transparency which has enabled us to build a world-class veneer manufacturing unit in Kerala with over 400 varieties of veneers.

A future facing brand and market leader in solid surfaces, Jalaram Timber Depot was the first to introduce Corian® DupontSurface™ in India, among several other brands that we are proud to partner with.

A Legacy of Trust

Our 20,000 sq. ft showroom in Mumbai and our factory ensures that we have ready stock available for delivery at all times.

A commitment to the future

Established in 1977, we started with a simple mission - to preserve the quality and craft in harvesting the finest wood

Our philosophy is that of trust, hone ty and transparency which has enabled us to build a world-class veneer manufacturing unit in Kerala with over 400 varieties of venee

A future facing brand and market leader in solid surfaces, Jalaram Timber Depot was the first to introduce Corian® DupontSurface™ in India, among several other brands that we are proud to partner with.

Our 20,000 sq. ft showroom in Mumbai and our factory ensures that we have ready stock available for delivery at all times.

GenNext Takes the Reins!

By Nichola Marie

In August this year, the 65-year-old billionaire chairman of Reliance Industries sent frissons of excitement through the nation… At the 45th Reliance Industries (RIL) annual general meet, he showcased his business empire’s future leadership – his three children, Isha, Akash, and Anant Ambani. Calling them Reliance’s “first among equals”, he announced that his children were “confidently taking over the reins” of his US$217 billion business empire.

While big daddy Mukesh Ambani isn’t retiring yet, he has put in place a succession plan at India’s most valuable company. Reliance is readying for tomorrow, today…

“Akash and Isha have assumed leadership roles in Jio and Retail, respectively,” he stated, adding that the two had been passionately involved in the consumer businesses since their inception. He also spoke of his youngest, “Anant has also joined our new energy business with great zeal. In fact, he is spending most of his time in Jamnagar.” Thus, did Mukesh Ambani announce RIL’s succession plan.

This was welcome news to RIL investors and with good reason. For now, it’s evident that Mukesh and Nita Ambani’s children will ultimately head the various arms of the mammoth Reliance conglomerate.

Passing The Torch

Ambani resigned from the board of RIL’s telecom arm - Jio, in June. The reins were handed over to his elder son Akash Ambani. He has gone on to introduce his daughter Isha Ambani as the leader of Reliance’s retail business. Younger son Anant was named for the new energy unit.

“All three have fully inherited our Founder’s mindset,” announced their proud dad. “They are first among equals in a young team of leaders and professionals who are already doing amazing things at Reliance. Of course, all of them are being mentored on a daily basis by our senior leaders, including myself and the Board of Directors.” Could grooming get any better?

Insisting that he wasn’t retiring yet and would “continue to provide handson leadership as before,” Mukesh Ambani also declared that the robust architecture that he has announced would ensure the firm remained “a unit, well-integrated and secure institution even as it develops existing businesses and adds new growth engines.”

“Akash and Isha have assumed leadership roles in Jio and Retail, respectively… Anant has also joined our new energy business with great zeal.”

- Mukesh Ambani

The Gigantic Reliance Pie

The young Ambanis are eventual inheritors of the largest private sector corporation in India. Reliance has three broad businesses: oil refining and petrochemicals, retail, and digital services which include telecom. Retail and digital services are housed in separate whollyowned subsidiaries – Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL). The oil-to-chemical business is a functional division of Reliance. The new energy business is also with the parent firm.

A Fortune 500 company, Reliance has evolved from a textiles and polyester company to an integrated player across energy, materials, retail, entertainment and digital services. The group has achieved global leadership in many businesses. RIL’s verticals include Exploration & Production; Petroleum Refining & Marketing; New Energy; Textiles; Petrochemicals; Retail; and Jio.

In the financial year 2021-2022, Reliance Industries Limited reported its highest revenue from the oil to chemical business. This value amounted to over five trillion Indian rupees. Retail was next, while the multinational conglomerate’s digital services ranked third during the period under survey.

Preparation Matters

The grooming process of the Ambani scions has perhaps been in progress since they were in singledigit years — preparation not just for the boardroom but life itself. Their mother, the gracious yet steely Nita Ambani, insisted on imparting a lifestyle that emphasised discipline, limited pocket money and even occasional public transport! We’re talking here of a woman who told her billionaire husband that he might be busy influencing the future of Reliance and the country, but he had better influence the future of his kids too! “I believe that it’s not just quality, but also the quantity of time spent with the kids that makes them sound individuals,” was her no-nonsense reasoning.

A worthy Ivy League education was another non-negotiable. Isha graduated from Yale University with double majors in Psychology and South Asian studies. Earning a business management degree from Stanford, she also gained experience as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company’s New York office. Akash graduated from Brown University with a major in Economics and has been closely involved in the development of products and digital services applications in Reliance Jio. Anant also graduated from Brown University in Rhode Island.

A Fortune 500 company, Reliance has evolved from a textiles and polyester company to an integrated player across energy, materials, retail, entertainment and digital services.

It was back in 2014 that twin scions Isha and Akash, 23 at the time, were formally appointed to the boards of Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd and Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. Both have been keenly involved in negotiating mega deals that Jio Platforms struck with global firms like Google, Facebook and Intel to further shape RIL into a futuristic enterprise. They have also been involved in key acquisitions made by Jio Platforms, such as Den Networks, Hathway Cable and Datacom.

Finding Their Feet

Independently, Akash, 31, is part of the Reliance Jio Infocomm executive committee. He worked closely on strategy and growth plans that made Jio India’s biggest telecom operator with more than 400 million subscribers. A member of the product leadership group, he is involved in the development of products and digital services applications. He also plays a key role in the management of Mumbai Indians, which is the Reliance-owned team in the world’s richest cricket league, IPL.

- Nita Ambani

“I believe that it’s not just quality, but also the quantity of time spent with the kids that makes them sound individuals.”

Isha, 31, overlooks the consumer-oriented part of the business – namely, the consumer experience, branding and marketing. She has been tasked with driving the company’s retail, e-commerce and luxury plans. Involved in Reliance Foundation along with her mother Nita Ambani, she is also working on creating the next level of outreach in healthcare and education. Last month, she also announced the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, a first-of-its-kind space in Mumbai, focused on arts, culture and fashion.

Anant, 27, who has been involved with the Jamnagar complex of Reliance New Energy Solar Limited, is a member of a group working on the transition to new energy business. He has been actively involved in drafting the transition strategy.

In time, it will also become clear how daddy Ambani plans to split responsibilities in the lion-sized traditional business of hydrocarbons and petrochemicals. But for now, with their roles neatly defined, we look forward to GenNext forging ahead, all guns blazing.

Partners in Prime

Anand Piramal

Isha Ambani married Anand Piramal in December 2018. Anand Piramal holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. He was also the youngest president of the youth wing of the 100-year-old Indian Merchants’ Chamber.

He currently runs the financial services businesses of the Piramal Group and also oversees Piramal’s Alternatives business. He also runs Piramal Realty. Anand was conferred with the Hurun Real Estate Unicorn of the Year Award (2017) by Hurun India and the Young Business Leader Award by ‘Hello!’ magazine (2018). He also founded a rural healthcare start-up called ‘Piramal eSwasthya’, which is today India’s largest private primary healthcare initiative. Its 2,260 plus employees and over 140 doctors serve around 25,000 patients daily across 28 states with the help of health hotlines, mobile medical units and telemedicine centres.

Shloka Mehta Ambani

Akash Ambani married his childhood sweetheart Shloka Mehta in 2019. The diamond heiress is also a philanthropist and entrepreneur. Daughter of diamond magnate Russel Mehta and Mona, of Rosy Blue, her real passion lies in helping the underprivileged. It was getting into community service as part of the curriculum while at school that ignited Shloka’s future passion for social service.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Princeton University and her master’s from the London School of Economics (LSE), she returned to India to helm the philanthropic arm of the family business. In 2016, she cofounded ConnectFor, an online platform matching volunteers with selected NGOs by matching their skills and needs. It was awarded Best Start-up NGO by crowdfunding platform Ketto. Always elegantly attired, Shloka’s ever-smiling visage and warmth are a definite bonus!

Radhika Merchant

Anant Ambani’s special friend Radhika Merchant is the daughter of Encore Healthcare CEO Viren Merchant and Shaila. A graduate of the University of New York in Politics and Economics, Radhika is said to share a special bond with Nita Ambani and her daughter Isha, as well. She actively participated in Isha’s wedding and performed alongside Isha and Shloka Mehta. A classical dancer trained under Guru Bhavan Thakar, Radhika’s starstudded arangetram ceremony was hosted jointly by the Merchants and Ambanis at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai.

Did you know?

Billionaire Nita Ambani became the first woman non-executive director on RIL’s 14-member board in 2013. She was also named by Forbes as one of the 50 most powerful businesswomen in Asia. Sports enthusiast, philanthropist and educationist, she is also the Founder of Reliance Foundation. A trained classical dancer, she has had a long association with art and culture. In 2016, she decided to support The Metropolitan Museum of Art, after the exhibition of modern Indian artist Nasreen Mohamedi received a positive response in the US. She is also a member of The Met’s International Council. In 2017, she was honoured at The Met Winter Party, which hails the achievements of individuals who foster diversity and inclusion in the world of art. In 2019, her commitment to the fine arts earned her a place on the board of the Met.

With the announcement of the opening of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) at Jio World Centre, she realises her dream of creating a similar space to represent local art, artists, performers and creators of the country. NMACC promises to be the first-of-its-kind landmark centre, showcasing the best of what India has to offer to the world.

Mukesh Ambani and family of Reliance Industries were third on the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2022. Their contribution of ₹411 crore funds charitable activities through Reliance Foundation with a focus on education and healthcare. Reliance produced 1,000 tonnes of oxygen every day during the second wave of COVID-19, and provided it free for over 1 lakh patients. It also set up 2,000 hospital beds for COVID-19 care. Over 8.5 crore free meals were distributed to frontline workers and vulnerable communities.

Films

Girl on Top!

Life’s taken on an added sheen post the praise — and the very desirable awards — that have come her way post ‘Mimi’. It’s no wonder that expectations are sky high now from a cracker called Kriti Sanon…

By Nichola Marie

This August, Kriti Sanon beat out stiff competition from powerhouse performersVidya Balan (‘Sherni’), Taapsee Pannu (‘Rashmi Rocket’), and Parineeti Chopra (‘Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar’) - to clinch the Filmfare Best Actress trophy for her performance in ‘Mimi’. No more will even the ‘Oh-I-don’t-followBollywood’ types among us say, ‘Kriti who?’!

Starting strong You’ve got to hand it to the girl, who came in from the outside, minus a powerful godfather or influential star parents, to carve her own space, inching enticingly close to the top. In fact, hits have become rather a habit for Kriti Sanon over the eight years, since she made her debut with the Telugu psychological thriller ‘1: Nenokkadine’ (2014). The same year, she debuted in Hindi films with the hit romantic actioner ‘Heropanti’ (2014), opposite Tiger Shroff. While the title itself suggests the hero would occupy centre stage, Kriti surprisingly won attention in this love story set against a feudal Haryanvi backdrop. Her bratty Dimpy Chaudhary was well-received by audiences, even though the film itself garnered mixed reviews. It was really no surprise when hers was adjudged the Best Female Debut of the year at the Filmfare awards.

So, was she to be just another pretty face, in pretty pictures? Nah. She pulled off the bohemian small-town girl act with aplomb in ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ (2017), starring as Bitti Mishra, an independentminded woman who cares a fig about patriarchal society’s rules. It was interesting to see her shed her urban image and step out of her comfort zone, mouthing dialogues like, “Tum kaahe liliya rahi ho (Why are you anxious?).” One critic went so far as to say, “The burden of making ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ work rests upon Kriti Sanon and she doesn’t put a foot wrong.”

The film’s success had her admitting that all the appreciation “makes you feel much more confident to step out of the comfort zone and try something different. Now, 90% of the films I’m offered are stories based in small towns. People are looking beyond all the glamour, which is good.”

Putting on a good act

The 2019 romantic comedy ‘Luka Chuppi’ followed, also a commercial success. Set in Mathura, it revolved around a television reporter who cohabits with his headstrong intern; and the chaos that ensues when their traditional families assume them to be married to each other. Starring opposite Kartik Aaryan, Kriti as Rashmi Trivedi was hailed for her “fantastic screen presence” and spontaneity. She was noted to be “finding her feet in comedy, having a gala time of it all in the process.”

Kriti declined Karan Johar’s offer in the Lust Stories (2018) anthology, because her mother didn’t approve of the sensual nature of the role. “If I would do a bikini scene or something, I’d ask her. I come from a very middle-class family,” she grimaced.

Kriti holds a degree in BTech from Jaypee Institute of IT, Noida. Incidentally, her father is a CA, and her mother, a Physics professor at Delhi University.

Box office bounty, which had come her way in the ensemble comedy ‘Dilwale’ (2015), was repeated in the reincarnation comedy ‘Housefull 4’ (2019). Which is not to suggest that she hasn’t seen her share of damp squibs; they have been arriving too from ‘Raabta’ (2017) to ‘Arjun Patiala’ (2019), ‘Panipat’ (2019), and more. Yet, she has managed to conduct herself admirably even in the duds, winning positive strokes for confidence and the ability to shine even in a relatively small role.

During the filming of ‘Raabta’ (2017), she was rumoured to have been in a relationship with Sushant Singh Rajput, though neither of them admitted to it nor denied it. On his passing in 2020, she wrote, “Sush.. I knew that your brilliant mind was your best friend and your worst enemy. But it has broken me completely to know that you had a moment in your life where dying felt easier or better than living. I so wish you had people around you to get you past THAT moment, I wish you hadn’t pushed the ones who loved you away.”

Stardom - here she comes

And then came ‘Mimi’ (2021), featuring her in the titular role of an aspiring actress who becomes a surrogate for a foreign couple to earn money to fulfil her dreams. The film was hailed for its “delightful blend of humour and emotions”, one “that might make you cry, laugh and smile all at the same time”. While the film received highly positive reviews for its direction, story, screenplay, music, humour, emotional heft and cast performances, it was also unanimously declared to be Kriti’s best performance to date. Shouldering the film with her craft, ‘Mimi’ was dubbed her labour of love all the way. Her Best Actress win at Filmfare was a heady high for the jubilant actress, who penned a gratitude note after receiving the award, “I ain’t sleeping alone tonight! Heart is full...#Gratitude. The black lady is finallyyyyy here. Thank you @filmfare for this much-needed validation and for making my dream come true.” Her performance also bagged her the IIFA Award for Best Actress.

Not stopping here

All eyes are now set on her upcoming epic-driven ‘Adipurush’, co-starring Prabhas and Saif Ali Khan, to be followed by the actioner ‘Ganapath’, and ‘Bhediya’, among others. Already the darling of the media, her directors and co-stars for her non-starry, straightforward attitude, she also endorses a range of brands from Fossil to Cadbury Fuse, and Bata. She also launched her own fitness company and apparel line. And heck, she even made it to the uber-exclusive guest list on ‘Koffee With Karan’ – if that isn’t validation, what is?! Through it all, she isn’t letting her heart rule her head, despite talk of a rumoured romance with the hunky Prabhas. For there’s no one who believes more strongly that the best is yet to come for Kriti Sanon, than Ms Sanon herself!

Her very first audition was for Karan Johar’s ‘Student of the Year’. The part had gone to Alia Bhatt, someone whose work drives Kriti to get better. “I would love to have an opportunity like ‘Gangubai’,” she says.

She Said It!

Conversation clips from various interactions…

“I felt that I had more potential, and I wasn’t getting the right kind of opportunity to tap into those parts of me and bring out a layered performance. When ‘Mimi’ came my way, it felt like the perfect film to take up as the main protagonist.”

“I want to be in a completely massy entertaining film and, at the same time, I also want to do a film that has a strong message and says something important that I believe in.”

“I had not been a trained actor, I had not done theatre and I never thought earlier of becoming an actor… so whatever I have learnt has been on the job, it’s been on the set. I’d rather have a steady curve and grow with the characters that I am doing than be on the top and get everything in my second film or third film, and then be lost because I don’t know where to go from there.”

“I do also believe that relationships matter a lot. If you are not taking the people who are with you forward, then you’re going to end up walking alone eventually and there is no point in that.”

“IT’s iMporTAnT To Go beyond TokenisM”

Whether it’s winning the National Award for costume design, offering sizing up to 6XL, or championing Indian craftsmanship, Nachiket Barve brings his astute eye and firm commitment to every aspect of design. Is it any surprise that it all pretty much turns to gold?

By Nichola Marie

‘National Award winner’ has now been added to your already impressive list of credentials! What is the feeling like?

‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’ is my first Hindi film and my first National Award! It was an overwhelming feeling for a multitude of reasons... The fact that it is the highest award that you can get for costume design in this country! It’s given personally by the President of India, a special moment. About the ceremony, I love the fact that whether the award is for the technical category or actor, everybody has the same protocol, and everybody has the same respect. There is a certain kind of hallowed atmosphere.

When you do a film like this, there are so many people involved as well. It’s really on behalf of all of them because I can’t claim this award only for myself!

How did you make your foray into costume designing?

I started my journey with costume design in a very roundabout kind of way. My first day on a set was doing a brand commercial for Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan! It was nervewracking because I’d never been on a film set. It was a massive responsibility because the clothes have to be perfect as you can hide other things, but not the actor!

When celebrated Marathi film actor Subodh Bhave was directing his first film, ‘Katyar Kaljat Ghusali’ (‘The Dagger Pierced My Heart’, 2015), he invited me on board. It’s based on a musical play of the 1960s, set in the 1800s. The film went on to become a massive success in terms of the adulation received. It also won me my first Maharashtra state award.

“Whether it was the British Council Award for Best Fashion Entrepreneurship at which I represented India in London, or the Woolmark prize in Paris, it has been a series of small milestones which reinforce the belief in what you’re doing.”

From there, I did another Marathi film - ‘Ani... Dr Kashinath Ghanekar’ (2018) which got me another award! And then, Om Raut, the director of ‘Tanhaji’, offered me this film. It was a whole different era from what I’ve ever worked with, but I’ve always been a student of history, of textiles. I’ve always liked understanding the magic that human hands can create. On a free day, you will find me in a museum or a bookshop, because I love both! So, it all really came together.

What kind of research did designing for ‘Tanhaji’ involve?

I visited museums across the country and the world – Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, the Kelkar Museum in Pune, CSM Museum in Mumbai, Calico in Ahmedabad and the Crafts Museum in Delhi. I also visited people who have archival textiles or old paintings at their homes, as there was no photography in this era. After the research comes recreating that era in today’s times, reviving textiles with weavers across the country from Hubli to Benaras, Maheshwar, Maharashtra… down to the jewellery. Often films collaborate with jewellery brands, but we chose to take the purest route. There’s an old jeweller in Kolhapur, whose ancestors used to actually make jewellery for the women of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s court. We took those old moulds, which had been lying in a locker for 400 years, and recreated the jewellery. So yeah, quite a roller coaster and a great experience!

What was the response from the film’s cast –Ajay Devgn, Saif, Kajol, and Sharad Kelkar – to the costumes?

For a film like this, one of the biggest challenges is to take actors who have been known and loved for decades, and make them believable characters. When you step into the darkness of the cinema hall, you should feel transported to this world for those two hours. I was very lucky that, apart from the faith that the director had in me, we had the most outstanding cast! Look at the sheer amount of experience among the lead actors. Saif even took me home to show me their heirloom jewellery collection; he also wore a ring from his private collection in the film. They were so enthusiastic and involved in the costumes, and gave me complete freedom. They really brought the characters and costumes to life!

“I’ve constantly reinforced minimal and understated luxury. Then there is the idea of timely and timeless… I also firmly believe in the idea of inclusive fashion, whether it is in terms of body types or age.”

“You don’t have to be a certain body type or size to enjoy fashion – fashion has to be made for you.”

Eyes are now on the Prabhas-Kriti SanonSaif starrer ‘Adipurush’ (2023). What can we expect from your costumes this time around? ‘Adipurush’ is a very different world from ‘Tanhaji’, which is steeped in more recent history. It’s a massive challenge to bring a vision of a certain era in ancient history and worshipped characters to life. But it’s also the filmmaker’s take on it, which comes with a lot of reverence and a personal way of being able to create that universe. Since there is no exact reference, it’s more open to interpretation. It’s set to release in June 2023.

In fact, I just had one more release which came out in five languages this Diwali. It’s this wonderful, well-received Marathi film called ‘Har Har Mahadev’ (2022), with Subodh Bhave playing Chhatrapati Shivaji and Sharad Kelkar playing the Maratha warrior Baji Prabhu Deshpande. It’s a very interesting movie because it focuses on the dynamic between them, as opposed to being just about the action and the war.

Good content is finally having its moment in the sun…

There’s so much good content now coming in all varied languages. The language of cinema is no more a barrier. You can watch a good movie in Marathi, Malayalam, Japanese… As an audience, you just want to watch good content, human emotion; how we feel the same across the world. Language ceases to matter.

As an alumnus of the prestigious National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, how much did your formation help in your journey in fashion design?

If I look back, even as a child, I was always fascinated by clothes, costumes, textiles…

And in a family of doctors, no less!

Full credit to my family for giving me absolutely unflinching support, and so much freedom to do what I wanted to do! I also lived on my own in New Zealand for two years, working in a fast food restaurant, and getting an award for making the fastest burger! It also struck me that you have to be independent, have an unorthodox way of looking at work, and also dignity of labour.

“My first day on a set was doing a brand commercial for Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan! It was nerve-wracking…”

“The next stage also would be to tie up with a high street label where we can make the aesthetic more accessible and more affordable for a wider range of people.”

By then, I had made up my mind that I wanted to become a designer, while I was earning my degree in Commerce from NM College. Getting into both NID and NIFT; I chose NID and it was life-changing. From that point, it felt like Helen Keller… like you’re trying to communicate and express, and nobody seems to understand what you’re saying. And then, suddenly, it’s as if you have found language and light!

You’re thrown into this amazingly creative atmosphere with like-minded people and teachers. It was just a very creative, fertile environment. It really set the tone for what I wanted to do.

You were also the only student to be awarded a scholarship by the French government to study at ENSAD, Paris.

Yes, so I studied in Paris and worked with Louis Vuitton for about a year, which was amazing, amazing exposure. Once I did that, I came back and taught at NID for six months. Within a few months, I started my own label which was launched at the Gen Next platform at Lakmé Fashion Week in 2007.

And then fame happened from your first collection itself…

My first dress made and sold was to Sonam Kapoor! Her mom saw my show; and as Sonam’s debut film was set to release, she wanted to see some clothes. That’s how I ended up setting up my studio because I had just started at the time with 10 dresses, one mirror and a rack! I think people kind of resonated with my work…

“One of the biggest challenges is to take actors who have been known and loved for decades, and make them believable characters.”

…And there was no looking back!

Whether it was the British Council Award for Best Fashion Entrepreneurship at which I got to represent India in London, or the Woolmark prize in Paris, it has been a series of small milestones which reinforce the belief in what you’re doing. The fact that people are liking it… it has been a slow and steady growth in that sense.

Any exciting new developments for the label? Hopefully, next year we will be launching our own store. We’ve just added menswear, and we’re also doing a bit of bespoke kids wear. The next stage also would be to tie up with a high street label where we can make the aesthetic more accessible and more affordable for a wider range of people. Also, as a brand we’ve done a bunch of collaborations, whether its bed linen with Bombay Dyeing or fine jewellery, or even our collaboration with Le15 Patisserie for gifting and packaging. What I offer is a point of view, and that can be translated across different media. We just did a show at Fashion Week, which had Huma Qureshi playing muse for me. It’s amazing the amount of positive feedback that the show not only got in terms of the collection, but the fact that we had curvier representations of attractive female bodies rather than the skinny norm.

What is your basic design

philosophy?

Right from the beginning, there have been a few hallmarks of the label. I’ve constantly reinforced minimal and understated luxury. Then there is the idea of timely and timeless; the garments look great now, but will they also look great ten years down the line? Somebody recently reordered something from my Gen Next collection. It was a nice moment because it proves the longevity of the design. Also, it is the right way to be sustainable by re-wearing your clothes, as opposed to wearing them once and never seeing them again. I also firmly believe in the idea of inclusive fashion, whether it is in terms of body type or age. My youngest client is probably a year-and-a-half and the oldest is 78! We go up to a 6XL in terms of our sizing. You don’t have to be a certain body type or size to enjoy fashion – fashion has to be made for you.

You are also passionate about promoting Indian craftsmanship…

Today, India is on the cusp of being a global superpower. It is so important for us to reinvest and believe in our own resources. The new collection I did has over 70,000 hours of embroidery. Each creation is an object to treasure and enjoy. It’s important for all of us to invest in Indian craftsmanship. These traditions are only going to exist in the next 20 years if they are being sustainably funded through genuine belief and regular purchase, and not as an act of charity. We need to spark conversation around this and provide a fillip to it. Whether it’s through my fashion line or costume designing, it’s a way to highlight and showcase the karigars’ work as well. When people buy the collection, they are not only buying clothes from the brand, but also supporting those families whose members have worked on the craftsmanship of that jacket or lehenga. It’s important to go beyond tokenism.

“What I offer is a point of view, and that can be translated across different media.”

“Each creation is an object to treasure and enjoy. It’s important for all of us to invest in Indian craftsmanship.”

Being amongst butter, sugar, and chocolate gives me the utmost satisfaction

For Le15 founder and CEO, Pooja Dhingra, it’s the magic that happens in the kitchen that still brings the greatest joy.

By Nichola Marie

India’s very own ‘Macron Queen’ has been captivating our taste buds and plying every sweet tooth with an array of French-inspired desserts, since she opened her very first store in 2010. Since then her little venture has grown, and how. And Pooja herself has emerged as a confident entrepreneur who is ready to take on the world, one dessert at a time.

Founder & CEO - Le15 Patisserie | Pastry Chef | Author| Podcaster – you wear many hats, and you wear them well!

I love wearing many hats! I think people underestimate the simple principles of discipline, consistency, and time management – none of this happened overnight! The ability to wear many hats and wear them effectively has been a result of consistent effort on a daily basis. Another thing that helps me is learning how to not get overwhelmed with what you have to achieve in the larger picture, but breaking it down into smaller tasks.

You graduated in hospitality from Cesar Ritz Colleges, Switzerland and trained at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris, for a patisserie diploma. How important is the right formation in carving one’s success?

While it is important to have the right formation, it’s even more important to never stop learning. Studying both hospitality and pastry taught me very important lessons in attention to detail and discipline that set the stage for everything that Le15 is, and I met some great teachers and mentors along the way. But I think it’s very important to never stop being a student and never stop learning – I learn something new every day and I think that attitude is what contributes to making someone successful.

When you established the Le15 patisserie chain, were you taking a leap of faith?

I was definitely taking a leap of faith – after all, I was just 23 and straight out of college. It’s normal to have doubts when you’re starting, but what kept me going was the faith that I was working towards something bigger than myself. I always dreamt big - I wanted to create something in India that didn’t exist before and that’s what pushed me to overcome my doubts.

“I’m always grateful that I get to do what I do - building and growing Le15 is the greatest honour of my life… the main highlight has to be introducing the country to macarons.”

Were there any areas that you needed to study before you could set off on your own?

Since I was so young, I learnt everything on the job – from marketing to finances to understanding the intricacies of the supply chain!

My main research was just finding a gap in the market. I was exposed to a French style of bakeries in Paris which I didn’t see in India. I ate my first macaron and absolutely loved it. I made my friends and family try it and when I saw acceptance from them - I knew I had to do it!

How satisfying has the experience been?

I’m always grateful that I get to do what I dobuilding and growing Le15 is the greatest honour of my life. There have been so many highlights over the last 12 years - from our customer base to events we’ve been part of, but the main one has to be introducing the country to macarons.

Pointers on running a successful business…

I think it’s extremely important to ask for help when you need it. As entrepreneurs, we are geared to do everything ourselves, and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to know everything - but based on my experience, I’ve found that you reach a stage where you realise that it’s not humanly possible to do that. Everyone will need help at some point, and I think it’s imperative to be open to receiving it. I also cannot stress enough the importance of focusing on finances! It’s very easy to get caught up in the other aspects of the business and finances take a backfoot – I talk about this a lot, especially when I get asked what I would have done differently when I look back at my journey. And lastly, I think setting up processes and SOPs is super important so you can manage your time effectively and efficiently!

Tell us about your book and podcast ventures.

Both my books and podcast were undertaken very organically, it was never anything I did as part of a marketing strategy. I wrote my first book ‘The Big Book of Treats’ in 2014 when Le15 was in its early years – I wanted to solve problems that I faced while I was growing up and baking in India, and I couldn’t find anything that I related to. I loved cookbooks while growing up – I had thousands of them! So, I wanted to write one of my own.

And through that process, I realised just how much of a storyteller I am – it’s a big part of my personality – and that’s how the rest of my books followed. When I wrote ‘The Wholesome Kitchen’, I was on a very powerful personal journey, training for the half marathon, so the book only had healthy items. And most recently, I wrote ‘Coming Home’ – which was extremely close to my heart, and captures my personal journey over COVID and how baking helped me find my way back home, and to myself – when I truly felt lost.

“I get a lot of satisfaction from giving back – if someone is starting up and I can help them in any way I can, I make sure to do so.”

As for my podcast ‘NoSugarCoat’, as much as I love storytelling, I also love listening to other people’s journeys. I’ve interviewed people from so many different industries and professions on my podcast – and there’s always so much to learn!

How important is it to stay abreast of trends?

It’s really important – I think the food industry encourages constant innovation, it’s so dynamic and is constantly evolving. In terms of how I keep up with it, a lot of it just happens naturally and organically through social media, and keeping in touch with all my wonderful friends in the food industry.

Did you believe you would reach this far? What are your goals for the future?

I was actually asked a similar question very recently when I was in Paris, and I met one of my friends from culinary school after 14 years. He asked me if my life had turned out the way I imagined it to be, and while I’ve always dreamed big, my answer was “better than I could’ve imagined”. I don’t just say this because of the success and recognition, but throughout this rollercoaster of a 12-year journey, I’ve experienced some of life’s most important lessons and surprises, questioned everything, and gotten to know myself a whole lot better. As for my goals for the future, I’ve always spoken about ‘World Domination’, but I also want to give back in some way to people who are passionate about food, but have not been fortunate enough to go to culinary school.

What is your reading of the tastes of today’s Indian?

I think the tastes of today’s Indian are quite different from what they might have been even five years ago – people are more open-minded to trying different types of food, and food that is authentic to different places. So many people of all ages watch cooking shows like ‘MasterChef Australia’, and many ingredients that were never available when I was a kid are so easily available now – and I think that really contributes to broadening people’s horizons of food.

At the end of the day, what are the things that give you satisfaction?

For me, it’s always been about being part of people’s joy and spreading that joy – and that’s one of the things that drove me to start Le15 and drives me even today. I also get a lot of satisfaction from giving back – if someone is starting up and I can help them in any way I can, I make sure to do so. And, of course, it goes without saying – but being in the kitchen, amongst butter, sugar, and chocolate will always give me the utmost satisfaction.

“I’ve experienced some of life’s most important lessons and surprises, questioned everything, and gotten to know myself a whole lot better.”

“I think it’s extremely important to ask for help when you need it.”

Lifestyle

Enchanting winter destinations, why staying single is cool, living healthy the holistic way, jewellery and timepieces that mesmerise, taking a stand for men… ‘Society Achievers’ dives deeper into all these and more.

Livin’ it up - old school style!

Centuries ago, our ancestors were blessed with a long lifespan owing to their simple Vedic-inspired ways of living. As civilizations evolved, humans in pursuit of making life more comfortable, lavish and extravagant, have brought about a decline in our physical and mental health and wellness. We have all become obsessive souls who are never satisfied with the simple way of life. We have become mechanized and slaves of insatiable wants and greed.

Looking back

While there is still a strong focus on technological advancements, there are those who are working on rediscovering the treasures of ancient knowledge and wisdom. Even leading scientists are once again accepting that our ancestors were truly enlightened in matters of holistic health and life sciences.

In the constant pursuit to bring about the wellness revolution, I have created The Monu-Mental Health Code – a prized reservoir of knowledge, which contains over three-and-a-half decades of research and study of diverse ancient civilizations and cultural legacies from the Vedas to Zen, Greek to Oriental, and from Tao to Tantra. This mental health code takes the form of 10 commandments for healthy, holistic living.

The 10 Commandments

1. Start the day by sitting in the garden or near a window to soak in fresh oxygen. Practising deep breathing exercises before breakfast is an ideal way to jumpstart the brain and ensure it functions optimally throughout the day.

2. Adopt cosmic nutrition for the mind, body and spirit. Soak up some sunshine just after sunrise to infuse prana into your system. Doing so, allows confusion to give way to clarity across all dimensions of life. Better clarity boosts focus; focus breeds creativity; creativity fosters excellence.

3. Infuse yogic elements into daily workouts to help the body and mind; and bring a sense of determination, patience, resilience, tenacity, strength and character to your personality. Go Green workouts inspire you to get away from artificial machines and plug into your heart and the earth.

Wellness guru, Dr Mickey Mehta, constructs well-being commandments based on Vedic wisdom… and explains why nature is often the only medicine we need.

4. Learn Zen rituals to unleash the power of the subconscious mind by decluttering it, and demolishing old mental constructs and limitations.

5. Use Neurobics to help the brain stay fit, and keep the mind alert and sharp at every age. Exercises using balls, cross training, pilates and yoga are brilliant examples of physical stimuli that boost mental acumen.

6. Master the art of response over react. Living consciously, and focusing on forgiveness, blessings and giving is the secret to mastering responding to situations rather than reacting. A person who knows how to share is the one who knows how to grow. As Zen consciousness says, ‘Until you empty the cup, you will never be able to refill it’.

7. Transform from unease to ease naturally by remaining centered, calm, and maintaining tranquility. Yogic poses such as padmasana, sukhasan or sidhasan allow the bountiful energy of mother earth to heal the uneasiness of the mind, body and spirit, and re-energize you naturally.

Even leading scientists are once again accepting that our ancestors were truly enlightened in matters of holistic health and life sciences.

8. Experience sound sleep by meditating just before sleeping. This will heal the body and mind naturally. It helps eliminate toxins and repairs the body. By being in a restful state at night, you wake up rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to push your body’s limits as you tackle another day’s hard work.

9. Empty the mind. The journey from mindfulness to mindlessness is the goal of meditation. Declutter thoughts and be centered in the neutral, which is the shoonyam quotient to experience bliss and happiness. Combine the power of chants and meditation to experience Shoonyamness - the nirvana of being.

10. Holistically heal the body, mind and soul with clean, green foods. Nutrition plays a vital role in transforming your life from unease to ease, and disorder to order.

Nutrition plays a vital role in transforming your life from unease to ease, and disorder to order.

Living consciously, and focusing on forgiveness, blessings and giving is the secret to mastering responding to situations rather than reacting.

My wellness commandments for holistic living:

1. Live in mental ease for a disease-free world. 2. Inspire a wellness revolution for holistic human evolution. 3. Let wellness be your ‘Religion No. 1’.

Medicine cures, nature heals.

Sleep with a wish to heal yourself and wake up with a promise to heal the world. 6. For strong biceps, uplift the poor.

For strong shoulders, take responsibility for the underprivileged. 8. For strong legs, be rooted in humility. 9. For strong eyes, have a collective vision of peace, prosperity and plenty for the universe. 10. Get naturalized, energized, optimized and maximized. Get Mickeymized!

C’est La Vie 164, Hill Road, (Opp. McDonalds) Bandra (W), Mumbai - 400

Invincible Boudoir et Jardin, a sensorial escape to life! Where the decadent warmth of opulence & art meet. A satisfying menu of food & beverages with Pan Asian & European infl uences, step into our Parisian inspired fantasy conversations by candle light in cozy corners, a garden of private & privileged indulgence with soul inspiring music by our in house DJ.

"She made broken look beautiful and Strong look invincible"

Something old, something new

Jewellery designer Poonam Soni cues us in on how she’s giving old jewellery a chance to step out of the shadows and shine with her RLJ (Reviving Locker Jewels) line!

History has borne witness to many life-altering creations of symphony and art during the most turbulent of times, and the pandemic was such a time for me. It led to a shift in perspective and encouraged a move from brand-centric ideals to using my creativity for social preservation. The result of which was ‘RLJ by Poonam Soni’.

Jewellery

Reinventing the forgotten

Let’s jump back to the end of 2020; I was approached by clients across India for wedding jewels and was inspired to take a new approach. I knew that most women had lockers full of jewellery they didn’t use - heirloom pieces that have been passed down and have emotional value, but don’t always fit their sense of style, or gifts that aren’t exactly to their tastes. So I encouraged them to let me create new pieces that were more suited to their style - without melting them.

A new approach

Adopting a new style of working on jewellery that would not damage their character, I used a technique of cut, stitch and mount, and added new motifs and textures. The finished pieces were dramatically different from the original! The design style I used for this collection is reminiscent

of the Royal Victorian art nouveau. The already crafted gold is highlighted with vintage floral motifs in basra pearls, pale emerald flakes or vivid cabochon rubies with gold wire work around it. The diamonds I use are eco-friendly. They are man-made, uniquely shaped ones as compared to mined diamonds which disturb the ecological balance. Each piece gets its character from the existing base and is truly unique. The collection also draws on influences from temple jewellery and old India.

Giving back

Handicraftsmen have always been close to my heart as they carry forward India’s legacy of exquisite craftsmanship. They have been indispensable in crafting this collection.

At the heart of it all…

I am truly enjoying designing these one-of-a-kind pieces. There is a bit of my heart in every piece of this collection. It is all about giving back to the universe.

“Handicraftsmen have been indispensable in crafting this collection.”

“There is a bit of my heart in every piece of this collection. It is all about giving back to the universe.”

The Art of Being Single

They say that love conquers all, and most people believe that this means finding true love - finding that one person made specifically for you, your soulmate. It is essentially the driving plot of most fairy tales, the ones that make us believe that there is a certain magic that comes with falling in love that completes us. A thought that’s reinforced by corporations who sell us a fantasy. That’s a huge part of why the magic that comes from within is often overlooked. However, things are changing and not everyone is on the hunt for that someone special anymore.

In conversation with psychiatrist Dr Kersi Chavda and psychologist Dr Seema Hingorani, Paula Dsouza explores why people choose to go solo.

Single and proud

Single people are time and again regarded as sad, lonely souls who are lost, and the older they get, the more unhappy they are assumed to be. Research, however, reveals that more than half the people using dating apps are more inclined to stay single in recent years. Moreover, they aren’t forced to be single but are happily choosing to do so. Celebrities like Selena Gomez and Tracy Ellis Ross among others have many a time spoken out about why they love being single. British actress Emma Watson calls it being ‘Self Partnered’. During a press conference in 2010, Jennifer Aniston said, “Women are realising it more and more, knowing that they don't have to settle with a man just to have that child.” Even international reality star Khloé Kardashian voiced her opinion on the subject, saying, “I think being single is really healthy for people… people who go from one relationship to another, I don’t know if they have a healing process or know what went wrong or how to better themselves.”

Not too long ago, the popular dating app Bumble put out its predicted dating trends for the year, one of which was being ‘consciously single’. This meant that people are willingly choosing to stay single over putting themselves into relationships or situations that are unnecessary and quite possibly not beneficial to their mental health. Thus, we are now presented with the question - Why?

The choice to play solo Studies show that during the pandemic, after being constrained within four walls, and forced to be by themselves, a considerable number of people deemed it acceptable, if not preferential, to be unattached. On the other hand, some believe that the isolation, in fact, triggered a need to date and therefore many people started virtual relationships to fill that void. So if not the pandemic, why the shift?

“I think being single is really healthy for people.”

- Khloe Kardashian

People are willingly choosing to stay single over putting themselves into relationships or situations that were unnecessary and quite possibly not beneficial to their mental health.

Dr Seema Hingorani explains that the reason is much deeper than just the pandemic. She understands it to be a generational issue, a situation wherein some people know exactly what they want. She says, “I think most people want to stay single because of past traumatic experiences, experiences that have not been processed or being in a relationship didn’t serve the purpose they intended. Some people have very negative, dysfunctional relationships, no co-regulation and multiple partners - many reasons why people come to us and say they want to be single.”

She further highlights that people often go onto dating apps fully intending to get into a relationship but due to family and cultural differences, opt out of them and stay single. When asked about his opinion regarding the matter, Dr Kersi Chavda said, “There have been a lot of people who don’t want to get married. Whether you call it selfishness or self-realisation or whatever else, the bottom line is that people don’t want to. It might be more in a certain economic class, it might be not so common in certain communities, but the bottom line is there is an increasing trend toward this.”

“They don’t want to go through these negative, troubled, traumatic experiences because it takes a lot out of them.”

- Dr Seema Hingorani

Making a noise

Dr Chavda goes on to explain how people today are more vocal about what they want and don’t want; how they ideally wouldn’t want to settle for ‘second best’. He says, “ I think it is more of a generalised assertiveness that has happened.”

He credits education as the catalyst in shaping the basis of this trend. A trend wherein women have also begun saying that they are independent and that they will take what they want when they want it. Furthermore, Dr Chavda highlights that the gender gap is narrowing.“There was one time when only men would say that they didn’t want to settle down, but today we are seeing a whole bunch of women saying exactly the same thing. A lot of people will say that they are losing their femininity etc., but what they are actually saying is: ‘Count us as important. Let us also have our say’.”

“There have been a lot of people who don’t want to get married. Whether you call it selfishness or self-realisation or whatever else, the bottom line is that people don’t want to.”

- Dr Kersi Chavda

Dr Hingorani offers a differing point of view. She says that the trauma and chaos that past relationships brought with them made people reconsider getting into any. “They don’t want to go through these negative, troubled, traumatic experiences because it takes a lot out of them. Work, performance and even physical health are affected because of trauma. There is PTSD from breakup and to avoid all that, people want to be mindful about whom they date.” She says that her clients wanted to understand what qualifies as a green or red flag, and what they should be looking out for. Moreover, people have begun to realise that the baggage they bring with them could impact the relationship, and they want to work on that before getting into one.

“There is PTSD from breakup and to avoid all that, people want to be mindful about whom they date.”

- Dr Seema Hingorani

Singledom is here to stay Finally, in discussing the longevity of this trend, Dr Chavda says, “I don’t think it’ll die down.” He talks about how India possibly wouldn’t see this change before another 15- 20 years, however, he envisages that people eventually would move in that direction. “People are living with much more impunity than in the past and with increasing independence, increasing wealth, and an attitude which is: ‘I am also important in the scheme of things and I'm not just going to do things because my seniors or elders expect me to do so’. I think if this attitude continues, then we are going to see a lot of this happening. So, the more acceptable it is, the less people raise their eyebrows and the more frequent I believe it is going to be.”

Change is imminent. Even though trends come and go, their impact lingers and the longer it stews, the more certain change becomes. Therefore, it truly is an exciting time to witness an abundance of independence and self-realisation being newly imbued in people among whom it wasn’t even an option for before.

“There was one time when only men would say that they didn’t want to settle down, but today we are seeing a whole bunch of women saying exactly the same thing.”

- Dr Kersi Chavda

Compiled by Amber Dias

Winter Wonderland

Paula Dsouza takes you on a global sojourn to the coolest vacation hot spots this season.

Monotony is that clingy friend you don’t want around. No matter how hard you try to get rid of it, it somehow seems to weasel its way into your plans. Many people have tried to rid themselves of this relentless parasite, only to end up in what seems to be a never-ending slump, forced to stare at their life slowly becoming predictable. So why not hop on a plane tomorrow for a well-deserved vacation and leave monotony behind?!

“I love Finland, I love people and their energy.“

- Snoop Dog

Lapland, Finland

This extraordinary place is situated within the Arctic Circle where temperatures can plunge as low as -50°C.

What to do

See the Northern

Lights

Go on a Northern Lights hunt in the comfort of a sled pulled by a pack of huskies. Travel through the Lappish forests - away from the harsh city lights - where it’s easier to see the beautiful aurora borealis! For the most part, they are visible every other clear night in Lapland.

Meet

Santa

Meet Father Christmas in Rovaniemi, which is considered to be the official hometown of Santa! Visit the magical Santa Claus Village where you can see Santa’s workshop and the post office where all his mail comes in. There are also several Christmas-themed shops around to splurge at.

Visit a reindeer farm

Yes, you read that correctly - it’s a farm filled with reindeer where you can learn all about them and the lives of their herders. You can also enjoy a quick reindeer sleigh ride. Or go on a reindeer safari that will take you across Lapland, in your very own reindeer-pulled sleigh.

Here are some of the coolest spots around the world that are just right for a fun winter vacation.

New York City, USA

What to do

Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

You’ve seen it in the movies, now see it in person. The towering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is decked in lights and lit up every year at their famous tree lighting ceremony - on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving - kicking off New York’s Christmas season. This glorious tree stays up until January 6th of the new year!

See the Fifth Avenue window displays

The holiday displays at the iconic Fifth Avenue are not to be missed. The stores put up the most elaborate decorations and displays, including animated windows! A nighttime visit is best, because that’s when the lights come on, adding a magical flair to the displays. Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s and Bloomingdales are a few stores that get bigger and better with every display.

Go ice-skating

Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center’s ice rinks are two of the most famous spots in the city to lace up your ice skates. The rink at Rockefeller is best around Christmas when the giant tree is illuminated from top to bottom. It also happens to be open tll midnight!

It’s much more than a concrete jungle where dreams are made!

“There’s no place like New York. It’s the most exciting city in the world now. That’s the way it is. That’s it.“

- Robert De Niro

Cape Town, South Africa

What to do

Whale watching

One of the most popular activities to indulge in during the winter months in Cape Town is whale watching. It happens to be the best time of the year to see Southern Right Whales. You can see these magnificent creatures from the shoreline, by an ocean-view sunset spot, or even up close and personal on a boat!

Go wine tasting

Another brilliant activity to lose yourself in is wine tasting! Cape Town is home to the most gorgeous of vineyards where you can stop by to indulge in a delightful glass or a few! They also serve up cured meats that pair perfectly with your wine.

Enjoy jazz at the crypt

Nestled below the historic St. George’s Cathedral is a special place in Cape Town. Surrounded by Gothic windows and stone pillars, you can enjoy the beautiful fusion of African and international jazz. They also serve the most delightful local delicacies. What more could you possibly wish for?

Don’t want to freeze this winter? Then you’re in the right place.

“It’s a melting pot, Southern Africa. You find these cultural collisions that result in art and music, and it’s pretty amazing.“

- Dave Matthews

Zermatt, Switzerland

Winter sports on your mind? Look no further.

What to do

Skiing

Apart from ice skating and ice hockey, another activity you can indulge in is skiing! Ski at Sunnegga Paradise while enjoying the best Matterhorn views, or you could even ski to Chez Vrony which is one of the chicest restaurants in all of Switzerland!

Go hiking or snowshoeing

Two stunning panoramic snowshoe trails are the Challenge Trail and the Panorama Trail. The former is a 1.7km relatively easy hike, and the latter is 2.5km of medium difficulty. A great spot to look out for during these hikes is the Zermatt Matterhorn Viewpoint.

Walk in the city

Zermatt is a car-free zone, you have to make your way around on foot for the most part. Wander the streets and pop into the boutique stores and cafes! Don’t forget to dine at one of the six Michelin Star restaurants - one of the best reasons to visit Zermatt is for its food!

“People know Switzerland for its beauty and serenity, but it is also a wonderland for adventure enthusiasts like myself.“

- Ranveer Singh

Leh Ladakh, India

If you aren’t too keen on travelling to foreign lands, don’t. Winter in India is magical too!

What to do

Visit Hemis National Park

It is only during the cold winter months that the majestic snow leopard comes down to the valley. A sighting so rare, people wait hours to catch a glimpse. Other animals you can see here include wolves, blue sheep, the ibex, Tibetan argali, and the Ladakh urial.

Try the Chadar Trek

Considered one of the world’s toughest treks because you have to walk on ice for over 100km! It is also called the frozen river trek. Because the temperature is so low, the river turns into a sheet of ice, allowing for trekking adventures.

Experience the Losar Festival

Celebrate Losar (which marks the beginning of the new year) with the Tibetan Buddhists in Ladakh. This time of the year, the entire city is adorned with lights and decorations - hoping to be blessed with luck and prosperity. It truly is an experience brimming with culture and energy!

So what are you waiting for? Get planning your winter vacation and lean into some good old spontaneous fun. Happy holidays!

“First time in the land of passes, so excited to be here. It’s been a dream for so many years.“

- Kunal Kemmu about Ladakh

What Men Mean…

With International Men’s Day just gone by, Nichola Marie picks the perfect time to turn the conversation to some of the issues men face that they don’t talk about.

Some might roll their eyes at the very idea of earmarking a day (19th November) as International Men’s Day (IMD). Do they really need it?! But let’s not be so quick to mock an occasion that focuses on the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. It reminds and encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man. Now that is worth celebrating, when men’s contribution sometimes tends to get overlooked, right?

He says…

Actor and producer Dino Morea turns this assumption slightly on its head, saying, “I definitely don’t feel that men’s contributions in life — towards their partners, towards whoever it is — gets overlooked. It takes all sorts to make this world go round. In fact, from my personal experience and from what I’ve seen from some of the people around me, men’s contributions do get appreciated, and likewise, men appreciate the contribution of women too.”

Dr Kersi Chavda,

HN

Hospital, feels, at times, that the contribution men make in relationships is not paid much attention to but the negative issues are highlighted. “It’s almost as if all men are bad, all women great! We do believe that there is a sense of patriarchy in India and in many parts of the world. This does have an effect on relationships, many of which have not been on an even keel, but now there is certainly a move towards it being more equitable,” he points out.

consultant at PD Hinduja National Hospitals and Sir

Reliance Foundation

International Men’s Day reminds and encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man.

Actor, dancer and choreographer Revanta Sarabhai believes that while it’s difficult to generalise, men everywhere need to be doing a lot more in society to balance out the inequalities between genders. “There is too much inequality in too many aspects of society for us to not be addressing it every day in some small way!” he says.

Fashion designer Ashley Rebello chooses to believe it’s about celebrating achievements equally, irrespective of gender. “It’s time we did away with antiquated thinking and celebrated every person for their choices. It’s not for society to tell us what to — or what not to — do! Today, the whole ‘macho’ image is thankfully becoming obsolete. Men are out there, picking up clothes they like, staying fit, and grooming themselves. Many fathers are working from home, while women are out at the workplace!”

Myth Vs Fact

While we have seen the back of many such hackneyed and dangerous behaviour codes, especially in the metros, some ideas that have been part of conditioning since childhood are harder to break away from… “Men should

“There is too much inequality in too many aspects of society for us to not be addressing it every day in some small way!”

- Revanta Sarabhai

- Ashley Rebello

away

be stoic. They need to be strong always. They always should be the breadwinners in a family. Their decision is final… These are some of the myths that many still cling to,” explains Dr Kersi. He goes on to smash a few toxic ones…

“The myth that they are the stronger sex - they certainly are not! All men are hard and tough and cruel - not true either; they are often soft and gentle. The myth that all men become bad after a drink - sometimes they actually become very quiet. That all men beat their wivesabsolutely not true!”

To be a man…

The pressure is all too real… men reportedly have a suicide rate three times higher than women. Especially if men are the sole breadwinner in the family, they have pressures related to the economic status of the family, being the ‘head’ of the family, often supporting an extended family, and dealing with work pressures, shares Dr Kersi. “Being conditioned by society to not show one’s vulnerability or not share one’s feeling of being inadequate may be really adding to that pressure to the point that one can’t handle it anymore,” ponders Revanta.

Dino has developed the art of harnessing pressure to drive his goals without allowing it to get him down. “I like to work really hard, and challenge myself; I’m ambitious. So these are the pressures I put on myself to just do better! Yes, society has all these rules, for instance, you have to get married at a certain age and you need to raise a family at a certain age, which do play on your mind. You have to be a certain way, you have to earn a certain amount of money, so on and so forth.

Everyone is in a race, right? Yes, even I do feel the pressure at times, but I try to sort of take a deep breath, hold myself back and say, hang on, I made it from here to here and I think that in itself is quite an achievement, so just keep working hard. So, I really try not to take too much pressure because life will play out the way it’s supposed to play out if you work hard enough.”

Change, as always, begins at home, and it was in this early school of life, so to speak, that Revanta learnt some simple and valuable lessons... “That it was really okay to cry and be emotional, that men must play an equal part in doing the housework, that women are no less capable of doing things that are otherwise male dominated in the world, and that one must always, always be sensitive to the woman’s desires and willingness in any kind of physical or sexual interaction,” he vouches. “My parents never treated my sister and I differently because we were of different genders, and I try every day to imbibe all that they taught me about being a good man.”

Men reportedly have a suicide rate three times higher than women.

Similarly, although Ashley felt pressurised by well-meaning outsiders to become the ‘man of the house’ after his father passed away when he was just 10, his mother would have none of it… “My mother insisted that I do just what I wanted to. ‘At the end of every day, can you look yourself in the mirror and know that you’ve done the right thing? Just be true to yourself’ – was her constant advice to me.” Her encouragement empowered him to go against the norm, opt for Arts in college — one of just eight boys in a class of 102 students — and pursue fashion designing which was not considered a suitable career at all at the time.

“It’s time we did

with antiquated thinking and celebrated every person for their choices.”

It’s time to change the narrative

Revanta feels it’s important that IMD is used as an opportunity to highlight positive role models for young boys and also focus on men’s mental and emotional health. “I think we are in desperate need of positive male role models. For too long now, as a society, we have glorified the alpha male that is strong and can fight and win. This not only glorifies men being violent and behaving badly, but it creates a notion that men can’t (or shouldn’t) be vulnerable or sensitive. So, rather than being an ideological mirror to International Women’s Day, it’s important to focus on this aspect,” he suggests.

For when men lead by example, it helps create a fair and safe society which allows everyone the opportunity to prosper. “To a large extent, it’s true that if a man in the family leads by ensuring safety and a fair display of parenting skills to all kids irrespective of gender, it leaves the kids with a feeling that anyone has the right and the capacity to do whatever he or she desires to do,” vouches Dr Kersi.

And a final word of man-to-man advice from the good doctor… “Start looking after yourselves too. Spend time for yourself without feeling guilty! Be nice to your family; they will be the support that you look for when you are in need of help.”

When men lead by example, it helps create a fair and safe society which allows everyone the opportunity to prosper.

My Heroes!

Dino Morea: My father, because he’s the one I grew up watching and emulating in some way. My entire discipline towards fitness and being healthy comes from him. I also learnt cleanliness, being nice to people, and showing respect from my parents. Growing up, I read books about Lee Iacocca and Henry Ford and I’d really appreciate how they made it in life.

Dr Kersi Chavda: My dad and a number of my male teachers have been my role models. Dad came from a small town, and worked his way up the ladder in a foreign company to later become its manager. He never allowed obstacles to deter him. He shifted cities to ensure good education for his kids. And he did all this with grace.

Revanta Sarabhai: I’ve been lucky to have quite a few male role models in my life, but the biggest of them all has been my own father.

He is one of the most kind-hearted, gentle, and caring men I know who has followed his passion and built a career doing what he loves.

Ashley Rebello: My mother has been a huge influence. I’ve also learnt so much from how Salim sa’ab (Khan, film writer) has tackled situations. Hailing from a conservative background, he didn’t let petty things get to him and became larger than life. He has literally changed my thinking! I absolutely admire filmmaker Kabir Khan. His convictions, sensibility, intelligence, and way of working are just magnificent — and the best thing is he isn’t even aware of it! I have many female role models too – awesome, inspiring women like writer Aruna Harprasad, producer Priti Shahani, Nuzhat Khan, and of course Alvira Khan Agnihotri. Her ‘smarts’, the way she handles situations, takes care of everything and is always there for the ones she loves, are truly admirable.

Double Dose

…of laughs, conversation and filmi fun with Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi at the unveiling of the ‘Society Achievers’ October 2022 magazine cover.

They say two heads are better than one, but nothing quite tops two powerhouse actresses teaming up to shatter perceptions and have a little fun along the way. And Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi did not disappoint.

With an infectious energy that comes with longtime friends, the leading ladies took centre stage at Invincible at C’est La Vie, Bandra, Mumbai, to talk about their new film ‘Double XL’; and unveil the October 2022 issue of ‘Society Achievers’ alongside media magnate Nari Hira and Andrea CostaBir, Editor, ‘Society Achievers’.

“I’ve been seeing this magazine since I was a child. You’re constantly putting such amazing achievers on the cover. And it is great to be here with Huma, of course. I think it’s a really good feeling. The headline resonates very well with our film. It’s all about breaking stereotypes and telling people that they cannot tell you what to do. I’m glad we have this headline to go with our pictures and with our film on ‘Society Achievers’ magazine,” said Sonakshi on seeing the cover.

And Huma too had her piece to say, “This feels very, very cool… I could not have imagined a better person than Sonakshi to share this cover with. I think there’s no one better than ‘Society Achievers’ to put us on the cover. The film talks about something that is so relevant. It talks about body positivity, about female friendship, about changing the narrative… So thank you. And thank you, Ashwin Sir (the producer of the film), I remember having this conversation with him and he really sort of made it happen.”

The four actors showed off their moves and they grooved to the tune of ‘Taali Taali’.

Our vivacious host for the evening, Simran Ahuja, then called on the rest of the ‘Double XL’ crew including director Satram Ramani, producers Ashwin Varde, Mudassar Aziz and Saqib Saleem, as well as co-stars Zaheer Iqbal and Mahat Raghvendra. Each of them was felicitated by Nari Hira and presented with a token of appreciation from Dr Aneel Murarka.

Before diving into a Q&A with the media, Simran convinced the four actors to shake a leg to the tune of ‘Taali Taali’ from their film - a request that was enthusiastically met by the stars and audience.

‘Society Achievers’ also took a moment to honour achievers and game changers from various fields. These included Dr Aneel Murarka, Swati Nanda, Preeti Yadav, Shiva Bhandari, Sushil Matey, Sanjay Goyal, Vasant Bhandari and Basab Paul.

With the festivities all wrapped up, the evening gave way to some mingling, a little catching up and, of course, striking a few poses for the shutterbugs!!

The magazine would like to give a special shoutout to Basab Paul and his team at Invincible, C’est La Vie, for being our Hospitality Partner.

“The headline resonates very well with our film.

It’s all about breaking stereotypes and telling people that they cannot tell you what to do.”

- Sonakshi Sinha

“This feels very, very cool… I could not have imagined a better person than Sonakshi to share this cover with. I think there’s no one better than ‘Society Achievers’ to put us on the cover.”

- Huma Qureshi

A date with design

Celebrities and architects came together to celebrate the latest in interior design at the unveiling on the October 2022 issue of ‘Society Interiors & Design’.

‘Society Interiors & Design’ has always celebrated the very best, bringing to the forefront brave new ideas and stunning works of art. And the October 2022 issue keeps that tradition alive. The latest edition of the leading design magazine was unveiled by awardwinning actor Rahul Dev, the lovely actress Mugdha Godse and architect Sandeep Shikre - whose work can be seen on the cover - alongside media magnate Nari Hira and Swati Balgi, Editor, ‘Society Interiors & Design’.

The

October 2022 issue was unveiled by actors Rahul Dev and Mugdha Godse, and architect Sandeep Shikre.

The magazine honoured renowned architects and achievers from various fields.

The magazine also honoured the work of eminent architects like Milind Pai, Premnath, Sukumar Dharmashikari, Ajay Nahar, Hemanti Sataria, Chaand Bhise and Neemesh Shah. Also recognised for their contributions to their fields were ad man Bharat Dhabaolkar, businessman Dr Aneel Murarka, IVF specialist Dr Nandita Palshetkar, actress Sheena Shahabadi and renowned photographer Vickky Idnaani.

As the proceedings concluded, all the guests posed for pictures, mingled and made merry.

‘Society Interiors & Design’ also thanked Basab Paul and his team at Invincible, C’est La Vie in Bandra, Mumbai, for being their hospitality partner.

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