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Actor Sonakshi Sinha, producer-actor Huma Qureshi and director Satram Ramani team up in ‘Double XL’ to challenge stereotypes and spread a little laughter along the way.
Meet the maestros, mavens and mavericks who are taking on the world, one step at a time.
Gautam and Nawaz Singhania
Rishi Sunak
Virat Kohli
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla
Dr Nandita Palshetkar
Rahul Dev
Dr Saurabh Gadgil
Prarthana Mohan
The buzz on food, fashion, fitness, interiors, technology and more!
Interiors & Decor
White interiors are winning us over. Beauty & Grooming
The power of cold-pressed oils.
Spirituality
It’s time to priotitise spiritual health. Luxe Living A peek at the coolest cars zooming into the market. Food
Talking chocolates, traditions and more with Zeba Kohli. Entertainment Podcasts are stealing the spotlight. Technology Shop, the augmented reality way.
Events
Recapping the unveiling of the September issue of ‘Society Achievers’ with actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood.
Events
Revisiting the unveiling of the September issue of ‘Society Interiors & Design’ with filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar and architect Sanjay Puri.
Product Reviews
Talking shop about some of our favourite things.
VLG, MIDC, Andheri(E), Near Akruti
It’s truly a double dhamaka with effervescent actors Sonakshi Sinha and produceractor Huma Qureshi banding together in ‘Double XL’ to smash stereotypes with pizzazz! Bright and beautiful, intelligent and strong-minded, our cover personalities play by their own rules. Not just in this rib-tickling, mindset-shifting film, but in real life too, they are working at changing our nation’s narrative of a woman’s beauty (where only slim and fair girls are considered gorgeous). While the movie is a must-watch, kudos to the film’s producers and director Satram Ramani for smashing archaic attitudes by helping people live on their own terms!
Without doubt, this issue is heavy-duty and power-packed, thanks to the line-up of our ‘Legends & Achievers’… Since British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wears his Indian roots on his sleeve, he’s got our country beaming with pride. He’s our munda and we’re going to watch him with an unwavering gaze, celebrating his every achievement. We’ve appropriated him. Period.
Our cricketing champ Virat Kohli had a three-way win at the recent T20 World Cup – he demolished the opposing team (Pakistan), his detractors, and his personal demons. And hit us over the moon! His actor-wife Anushka Sharma’s emotional surge on Instagram was proof of our combined joy…
Gautam Singhania and Nawaz Modi Singhania are another ‘Power Couple’ who have taken mighty hits too, but come out trumps and solidly together. While interviewing them, we dug deep on various aspects of their life – business conglomerate, marital equation, family issues. They reciprocated with answers that score well on the sincerity charts.
…Must say, while all these highfliers surely have inherent characteristics that set them apart, they also work real hard in their domains and drive themselves to stay inspired. We’re sure their cue cards read: Be More.
12 years post her super-successful debut - ‘Dabangg’, Sonakshi Sinha is not settling for anything less than roles that challenge her or portray her in a different light. Universe, are you listening?
By Nichola MarieBold, brave and beautiful, Sonakshi Sinha has been winning over her fans and critics with her talent and vivacious charm. Since her much-talked-about debut, she has been setting her own rules, taking on diverse roles and portraying characters that resonate with her audience. Her latest avatar in the awaited ‘Double XL’ seeks to do just that as Sonakshi steps up to show us the power of strong female friendships and prove that our weight doesn’t define us.
Going by the promos of ‘Double XL’, you are having a ball playing a plus-size woman Saira Khanna from New Delhi, who challenges society’s norms for women. What was the experience like?
The entire experience was liberating. I felt like I was reliving my college days. Growing up in those years, you always needed a role model for yourself, someone who made you feel like it was going to be okay, and you are fine the way you are. So, I felt like if I could talk to my younger self at that point in time, I would do it through Saira Khanna, who learns how to accept herself, love herself for who she is, and then kind of achieves all her dreams — there will be no stopping you once you’ve accepted yourself the way you are. It was an amazing experience. I think it was a lovely character, a real character to play, and I enjoyed it!
Have there been times in your life when you were not considered for a particular project because you were not of a particular size or weight?
The funny part is, I’ve been a part of some of the biggest hits while I was at my heaviest! I’ve always been someone who projects a very healthy body image even on screen because that is the role model that I needed while I was growing up, and that is who I wanted to be. But yes, there have been certain situations where directors and producers do tell you to lose weight. I haven’t lost any project, as such, but there was this one time when I had actually signed a film and the producer said, ‘Oh, if you don’t lose about ten more kilos, I’ll have to replace you in the film’. It was very unethical of him because he signed me, he knew how I looked. The funny part is he was heavily overweight himself! Ultimately, I did end up doing that film but I just think it was not a very nice thing for him to tell me — after having signed me for the project.
“If I could talk to my younger self, I would do it through Saira Khanna, who learns how to accept herself, love herself for who she is, and then kind of achieves all her dreams.”
Do you see the industry’s bias against actresses, who do not conform to a particular size, changing anytime soon?
I think the industry is really opening up — in fact, it’s not the industry; it’s about the audiences — and people just see your connection with them. Honestly, it’s not about size. A lot of women today have accepted themselves and their bodies in the way that they are, and are doing great work. So, I think it’s changing, people’s perspectives, the way they view actors and actresses is changing –but we still have a long way to go.
The film also focuses on female friendship. When women are often painted as each other’s rivals, is it important for us, as a society, to see such stories on screen as well? Yes, it’s absolutely important that more films and stories are made about female friendships because people usually pit women against each other, which is really sad. And I think it’s true for everyone that some of the most beautiful relationships that we have in our lives are with women — whether they be our mothers, sisters, friends or our girl gang. It’s very, very important to have those relationships in your life. The portrayal of female friendships on screen is always fun to watch, for me, and it’s inspiring, it’s uplifting and fun. I would definitely like to see more films like that.
Debuting with ‘Dabangg’ in 2010, it has been 12 years for you in the industry. How would you describe the ride so far?
It’s been a great journey. I don’t think I would change anything in any way, because all my experiences have made me the person I am today; have made me the actor I am today. I learnt while I was working. So, yeah, I think every experience, every film — whether good or bad — I’ve always learnt something from it. It doesn’t feel like 12 years at all! In fact, I treat every film that I do like it’s my first film, and I think that is what keeps me going.
“The roles that are written for you, always make it to you… As for awards, there are way too many going around right now! And yeah, I believe in rewards more than awards!”
You received glowing reviews for your performances in ‘Lootera’ (2013) and ‘Noor’ (2017), in particular. Are such roles hard to come by?
These are once-in-a-lifetime kinds of roles. ‘Lootera’ for sure; ‘Noor’, definitely; I think, these roles come by rarely but when they do, they enrich your experience as an actor. And yeah, I think every role that comes to me now, should be something that challenges me in a certain way, or shows me in a very different light, like something I’ve never done before on screen. So, yeah, hopefully, a few more coming along!
Which were some of the challenges you encountered that taught you valuable life lessons?
I think everybody faces challenges at different points in their life and I think it’s what you make out of it. I’ve treated every challenge as a lesson, learnt from it, made my own mistakes, and moved on. Just being consistent is sometimes such a challenge, because of the kind of work that we do and the amount of work that is happening. It’s very important to kind of keep your head on your shoulders and go on. So, with every challenge that comes my way, I try to learn from it.
Which qualities of yours do you believe helped you thrive?
I believe I’m a very hardworking person. I believe my professional work ethic is something that has worked for me. I think being punctual is a very good quality that I have. My consistency is something that helped me thrive and the fact that I treat every project that comes to me like it’s my first.
You don’t believe in asking producers for work or lobbying for awards. Do you believe the right work will find you regardless?
I always believe that the roles that are written for you, always make it to you. There have been so many times when I’ve been approached for a film but ultimately somebody else has gone and done it. Or some film has come from somebody else to me. I feel that whatever role is meant for you, will find you. Whereas when it comes to lobbying for awards or asking producers for work, they have all seen my work. I was very fortunate, you know, that my first few films did very, very well. After that, I did a couple of films that really showed me in a different light and tapped into my acting skills. I tried out different roles and feel that people know what I have to offer. And they will approach me if they need to. And, as for awards, I think there are way too many going around right now! It has just lost its essence, for me. And yeah, I believe in rewards more than awards, so…! I know it sounds clichéd but it’s true.
“It’s been a great journey. It doesn’t feel like 12 years at all! I treat every film that I do like it’s my first film, and I think that is what keeps me going.”
Do you set goals for yourself or do you prefer seeing where life takes you?
I do prefer to see where life takes me. I have always played it by ear, one step at a time. I’ve always gone with the flow, and so far it has worked out very well for me. I’m a very instinctive person; a very instinctive actor. I don’t have the bandwidth to, like, sit and strategise my entire life. I want to work, I want to do good work and I want to do good roles. That’s the aim but, again, I’d like to just go with the flow.
How involved is your dad Shatrughan Sinha in your career? Does he watch your films, advise or compliment you?
(Laughs) My dad is actually not at all involved in my career, surprisingly. People probably think otherwise but he is a very busy man himself, and he trusts my decisions, and he is definitely my biggest fan! He doesn’t miss a single film of mine. And, I think, he has only always complimented me — that’s why I’m saying he’s my biggest fan! My mom, on the other hand, is my biggest fan and my biggest critic. But yeah, it’s really nice when your parents show that kind of trust in you and let you do your own thing.
I’m very, very excited about the release of ‘Double XL’ because it’s a very special and important film for all of us who have been involved in it. Then there’s my series with Amazon, directed by Reema Kagti which I’m very excited about – it has been long overdue. And I’ve done a horror comedy for the first time, with Saqib (Saleem) and ‘RSVP’, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. Yeah, these are the three projects that I am currently really, really looking forward to.
“I’ve treated every challenge as a lesson, learnt from it, made my own mistakes, and moved on.”
From refusing to conform, to charting her own path and, more importantly, having fun doing it, newly-minted producer Huma Qureshi is definitely in a desirable spot!
By Nichola Marie
The effervescent Huma Qureshi has been bowling over audiences since her debut in the critically acclaimed ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ - for which she earned several award nominations. Comedy, drama or horror, she has not shied away from any genre and has brought to life many a fan favourite character with performances that have even swept critics off their feet. Her latest project ‘Double XL’ sees Huma stepping into the role of producer-actor, challenging the perception that one’s size determines one’s fate.
How liberating was it to play Rajshree Trivedi in ‘Double XL’, which focuses on the journey of two plus-size women as they navigate society’s beauty standards and challenge norms for women?
The film questions the constant scrutiny of the size of a woman’s body when she sets out to achieve her dreams. Our dreams should be big and we should go all out to achieve them, despite setbacks and stumbling blocks. But society is unable to look beyond the size of a woman. Patriarchy has set rules about thin and fair being beautiful. Anybody who doesn’t conform to these norms loses out on many things. My aim was to play Rajshree like any girl who hails from a small town and wants to make a mark in the profession she believes she can be successful in. However, her size becomes her biggest issue. The film’s story weighs in on size mattering the most in an easy breezy way. I had a blast playing this role.
Your character hails from Meerut and wants to become a sports presenter. What sort of prep did the role require?
As an actor, I observe people closely. Over the years, I have watched cricket commentators and sports reporters do their jobs effortlessly. I didn’t particularly base my character on anyone. But having seen women and men at their job as sports presenters helped me. Every actor brings his or her nuances to the role and the process of getting into the skin of the character was organic.
“Our dreams should be big and one should go all out to achieve them despite setbacks and stumbling blocks. But society is unable to look beyond the size of a woman.”
The film also focuses on female friendship – a theme we see too little of on the big screen. How important is it, for us as a society, to tell such stories?
Most films fail the Bechdel test. Two women in a film have to talk about something other than a man to pass this test. ‘Double XL’ passes with flying colours as it is about women and their drive to achieve their dreams.
Female friendship is not about just exchanging notes about the men in their lives or the lack of it. It’s about supporting one another, acting as emotional and psychological support systems and, most importantly, it’s about the ability to let go and share the lighter moments in life. It’s extremely important for stories about female friendship to be told because there are very few that make it to the big screen.
Have there been times in your life when you were not considered for a particular project because you were not of a particular size or weight? How did you cope with such situations?
At the beginning of my career, I was advised by many to conform to the prevalent notions of beauty. Though it did play on my mind initially, I was able to emerge out of that thought process pretty quickly because I was very sure of the kind of roles and the kind of films that I wanted to be a part of. I didn’t lose out on any films but I refused to conform to the norms and set about charting my own path.
Do you feel the Hindi film industry is more prone to this bias against actresses who do not conform to a particular size?
The film industry is about glamour and it’s called showbiz for a reason. But the fact that one has to be thin and fair to be glamorous is where the problem comes in. It’s honestly all about a woman’s choice. It’s high time we stop perpetuating notions about glamour in a rigid way.
‘Double XL’ also marks your debut as producer. What has the experience been like so far? How empowering is it?
It is empowering to be a producer because you have control over the kind of stories that you want to tell. Turning producer happened by chance when I was sitting with my friends during the lockdown and we decided to make a film about two women who wanted to achieve their dreams against all odds.
“Two women have to talk about something other than a man to pass the Bechdel test. ‘Double XL’ passes with flying colours as it is about women and their drive to achieve their dreams.”
What are the kind of projects your company Elemen3, formed with Saqib Saleem and Mudassar Aziz, would like to take forward?
We want to tell stories that are clutter-breaking and entertaining at the same time. Cinema is an art and commerce. One attempts to strike a balance between the two without compromising on the kind of narratives that we want to be able to tell.
Tell us about your upcoming biopic on India’s first-ever home chef –Tarla Dalal.
It’s early to talk about it. But all I can say is that it’s one of the most important films in my career and, like I always have tried to do with my roles, this will be unlike anything else you have seen me as.
You won rave reviews for your performance in the political drama web series ‘Maharani’. Playing Rani Bharti minus makeup and any vestige of glamour in part one, and then essaying the powerful chief minister in the second season… what was it about this role that you really enjoyed as an actor?
In a world of men who would stop at nothing to grab power, Rani Bharti played her game with a straight bat and won. This aspect of her character appealed to me the most. She is strong and, despite being surrounded by men who play dirty, and facing challenging situations, she maintains her integrity. Rani Bharti played the game of politics like a woman and that’s what makes her charismatic and different.
It has been 10 years since you debuted in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ in 2012. How would you look at your journey so far?
I have loved being a part of the films that I have done in my career. Every role taught me something and every film added to my repertoire of work. The idea has been to play characters who are impactful and have a certain quality that is unmissable.
What are some of the key lessons that the industry has taught you?
Listen to everyone but do what you want to. You will always be at peace and be able to chart your own course.
Only the tough can survive in the industry. Which qualities of yours do you believe helped you thrive?
Resilience is a quality that helps you survive in life, and the same applies to thriving in the film industry as well.
“Listen to everyone but do what you want to.”By Nichola Marie
Satram Ramani is a great believer in the power of comedy to help tell a story as well as deliver an important message. His 2021 directorial ‘Helmet’ threw light on the embarrassment around asking for condoms in public, and the consequences such as STDs and AIDS. Keeping the tone light and nonpreachy, he managed to deliver a strong message to audiences. Again, with the upcoming ‘Double XL’, he uses comedy as a vehicle to dismantle age-old societal constructs around beauty. In this exclusive with ‘Society Achievers’, he maintains that audiences are looking for more concept-driven content, which increases the scope to break the barrier and make something new.
‘Double XL’ director Satram Ramani feels that with beauty norms being challenged more than ever, it is the right time to talk about issues that touch home.
“When using comedy, it’s essential to not make fun of the subject”
The promos of ‘Double XL’ have caught the audience’s attention. How exciting was the experience of directing this comedy with a muchneeded message for society?
Directing any film is exciting but this one was even more special because the issue touched home. While this is an issue that we all are aware of and is something every second person around us faces, it is not one that we pay much attention to. It is almost always made into a punch line or a joke. Thus, I was thrilled to be sharing this story with the world in an entertaining manner, while still being respectful to the struggles faced by women, through Sonakshi and Huma, because I believe that no one is better fitted than these two that have experienced this struggle first-hand.
Do you feel it’s time beauty norms were challenged?
Today, beauty norms are being challenged more than ever before as they should’ve been a long time ago! People are becoming more aware, mindful and respectful towards what the ‘ideal woman’ should look like... and that is the reason our trailer also has received so much love. People have realised the need to talk about and challenge these age-old beauty norms.
“Beauty norms are being challenged more than ever before as they should’ve been a long time ago! People are becoming more aware, mindful and respectful towards what the ‘ideal woman’ should look like.”
‘Double XL’ has also been described as a story of friendship and dreams filled with masti . While there have been many films celebrating buddy bonding, do you feel there are too few films that celebrate female friendship?
Yes. There are definitely more films on male friendships rather than female-oriented films. But, cinema is evolving and today, there is exposure to world cinema through our OTT platforms. People’s perspectives and point of view towards cinema is changing. Now, audiences are looking for more concept-driven content. Hence, there is more scope to break the barrier and make something new, make content that hasn’t been talked about, and content that wouldn’t have been received as warmly in the past.
Directing a female-centric film with two female stars… was the experience any different from working with male leading actors?
Honestly, I don’t know why people believe that the experience would be any different! It is a matter of perception. You perceive it to be different, whereas, for me, male or female, actors are artistes. And, I feel privileged to have worked with not one but two leading ladies who are so good at their craft.
“On one hand, Sonakshi and Huma would be completely in character and give an outstanding take, and the very next second they would be doing masti. They are both absolutely brilliant.”
Do give us a peek into what Huma Qureshi and Sonakshi Sinha are like as performers. They are both absolutely brilliant. These two take their craft extremely seriously and are always giving their 100%. They are a joy to have on set, with the constant entertainment and fun that they bring with them. They both are complete director’s actors and always managed to give me exactly what I asked from them. On one hand, they would be completely in character and give an outstanding take, and the very next second they would be doing masti . All in all, it was a great experience working with them!
How collaborative was the process from scripting to shooting? Did many real-life experiences also find their way into the film?
It was during a social gathering that Mudassar (Aziz) happened to observe Sonakshi and Huma eating, and that is when the seed for ‘Double XL’ occurred to him. So yes, this story was very much inspired by real-life experiences.
Your 2021 directorial ‘Helmet’ was a comedy with a strong message of contraceptive awareness. Why did you feel this was a story that needed to be told?
Like I mentioned earlier, the struggle that women who don’t fit into society’s norms face is something every second person experiences. Yet, while we are aware of this struggle, it is not one that we pay much attention to. But now that people are challenging norms more than ever before, it was the right time to talk about it.
Do you feel comedy is a great vehicle to tackle some of the negative issues in society?
Absolutely! Comedy provides a great vehicle for any topic that is difficult to portray. I mean, even if someone doesn’t comprehend the message you’re trying to share, at least they would have a good laugh, right?! But, that being said, it’s essential to not make fun of the subject that you’re talking about while using comedy as a tool. There is a very fine line between the two and we, as filmmakers, need to be very careful not to cross it.
I’m vetting a couple of scripts and working on a few of my own stories as well, and I’m looking forward to entertaining the audiences even more in the future! But for now, I hope our film is loved and I can’t wait to share it with everyone!
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Passionate, driven and always moving ahead… These legends and achievers have made their mark but they continue to rewrite the rules, break moulds and reach new heights.
Gautam Singhania, CMD of the Raymond Group, and Nawaz Modi Singhania, India’s leading fitness icon, are a class act. Mammoth achievement, a fun equation and solid marriage, beautiful children and success in droves undoubtedly make them one of India’s most fabulous power couples. What makes them shine even brighter is the family pain they have faced publicly together, and come out even stronger. Here’s a close look at the strong-willed, engaging duo.
By Andrea CostaBir
Having known Nawaz Modi Singhania for several years, I know she’s an amazing powerhouse – highly dedicated, supremely professional, always polite and very warm. Gautam Singhania is one of the coolest industrialists globally – dashing, dynamic, gutsy and suave. Be it running his gigantic conglomerate, indulging in motorsport or flying a plane, speed drives him. Together, they’ve combined their strengths and made a wonderful partnership, a great marriage. I decided to deep dive and ask them to reveal insights into the fabulous glue that binds them together.
‘Power Couple’ is a term that defines you perfectly – both of you have so much on your plate between Raymond, the Singhania schools, and Nawaz’s Body Art fitness business. Please tell us a little about the businesses and what drives you both.
Gautam: Raymond is fundamentally in four lines of business. The Lifestyle business, Engineering & Auto, FMCG and Real Estate. In the Lifestyle business, we are into worsted fabrics and the largest in the world for the same. We also have Retail in excess of 1,500 stores. With four brands –Raymond, Park Avenue, Parx and Colour Plus – we are India’s most trusted brand. In Engineering & Auto Components, we are the largest in the world in engineering files. It basically goes into the agriculture and auto industries. In Auto Components, we make ring gears for the auto industry. For FMCG, we handle deodorants etc under the Park Avenue brand. And we also have a prophylactic business that houses the famous Kama Sutra brand. Lastly, we do Real Estate which we got into in the last three years, just before the pandemic. We are the No.1 player in the Thane (Maharashtra) micro market and have developed a very good reputation for affordable housing. We have two projects the ‘Ten X’ and ‘The Address by GS’, which are both doing exceedingly well in the Thane market with over 75% of inventory being sold. This business is growing into a big business of ours. Then we have Schools – Raymond has been in the education business for over 50 years. We have now got into the DM model and are taking other schools on contract to run.
We have taken one school in Tirupati and have signed in three more schools in Thane. I think by 2025, we will have between 50,000 and 75,000 children in our schools, which would make us the largest education institute in the world. Also, our school has consistently been the No.1 School in India for the last five-six years.
Nawaz: I have been passionate about better health, improved fitness, ideal nutrition, wellness and rehabilitation since a very young age, due to my own early life experiences. Bringing many a first in terms of fitness genres into India has been my forte – be it Pilates, Gyrotonics, Anti-Aging Facial Fitness, Aqua Aerobics, Slide Training, Mini Trampoline Training, and Ballet Barre Training amongst many others. My father’s words stay with me – “To those whom God gives a lot to, He expects a lot from.” Giving back to society in my own unique way, and in ways people cannot otherwise obtain, is an on-going passion for me.
“We have developed a very close friendship over several decades and there is a mutual understanding and respect between the two of us.”
- Gautam Singhania
Are you each other’s sounding boards with regard to work-related matters?
Gautam: Yes, I definitely use Nawaz as a sounding board as she gives me an unbiased opinion on what I do.
Nawaz: Yes, I do. Gautam thinks outside the box and often comes up with great solutions for me that had not occurred to me.
Do you have a shared vision for your businesses, and if yes, please share it with us.
Gautam & Nawaz: For every business of ours, we have a different objective and vision. At the end of the day, the vision is to create exponential shareholder value, and that is the mission we are on.
“Gautam thinks outside the box and often comes up with great solutions for me that had not occurred to me.”
- Nawaz Modi Singhania
Having been together for close to 30 years, what are the key fundamentals that make your relationship work?
Gautam: Nawaz and I have known each for eight years before marriage and 23 years after that. We have developed a very close friendship over several decades and there is a mutual understanding and respect between the two of us. I can trust her and talk to her about anything.
Nawaz: Friendship, and all the key ingredients that go into making a great friendship. These are vitally important in the marriage – trust, kindness, caring, love, consideration, respect, space, protectiveness, boundaries, empathy, common core values, morals, principles, honesty, vulnerabilities and having each other’s backs always.
Please give us insights into each other’s strengths, and one another’s characteristics that drive you batty too!
Gautam: I think the strengths are what I would focus on. (1) Nawaz’s ability to bring an unbiased
view to the table is a great strength. (2) I think when you are in a relationship, you can be honest and transparent with each other.
Nawaz: Gautam has fantastic people skills and a great worldview. He’s extremely street smart and listens to his gut instinct. He keeps his people close and is always tuned in. He really engages in life and lives it to the fullest.
“Gautam thinks outside the box and often comes up with great solutions for me that had not occurred to me.”
- Nawaz Modi Singhania
Through your super hectic individual lives, how do you make time for each other? Nawaz, years ago, I remember you telling me that you actually schedule time out together in your diaries
Gautam: I think the most important thing is to plan meticulously. Surely, we do diaries together and that helps us to plan. Also, I genuinely believe if something is a priority for you, you do find time for it.
Nawaz: Andrea, you have a great memory, on my answer of back then, nothing has changed… We also schedule our travel (when we’re not travelling together) so that we’re not apart from each other for more than a week or two at very best. Three annual family holidays go into our coming year’s diaries (probably before the printers have even started printing those diaries)! Those trips are sacrosanct!
From together time to me-time… Gautam, please tell us about your passion for formula racing… You’ve already set up the Super Car Club of India… Your passion for cars, planes and yachts is legendary… Please give us an insight into this side of your life. As CMD of the Raymond Group, how do you pack so much into your day and life?!
Gautam: I do have a passion for cars and I did set up the first Super Car Club in India. In those days, every time we went out for a drive, we brought a smile to people’s faces. I thought, why not get everybody to come out together?! It truly worked out well and hence the Super Car Club was born. I have a great passion for planes, cars, yachts etc. I guess I am just another guy. How do I pack so much into my life? – I think it all comes around to meticulous planning and I believe if it is a priority for you in your life, you will find time for it. As far as motorsport is concerned, I have been racing since the age of four. It is only in 2015 that I went into the international arena and raced in the Ferrari Challenge. It was more to prove to myself how good I stacked up against the rest. I was very happy with my performance.
Could you tell us something about ‘drifting’ that you indulge in? Is it safe and is Nawaz okay with you doing it?!
Gautam: Drifting is an adrenaline high sport. It is great to watch. Once you get the hang of the sport, it is pretty much like doing ballet. You just have to synchronize all the actions. Yes, there is fear when you race, but it is a high adrenaline rush and if you focus on it, and focus on the safety aspects, I think it can be ok. Initially, Nawaz did worry about what I did, but I took many safety precautions which I would keep explaining to her. I have been as careful in my motorsport as far as I could be. Now I only do it recreationally and not professionally.
Mumbai’s Coastal Road project seems to be close to your heart… you often give us aerial views of the work in progress.
Gautam: Yeah, the Coastal Road is a stupendous and important project in the city of Mumbai. I think it will fundamentally change Mumbai on so many levels. Once in a while, when I am in the helicopter, I shoot the same.
Nawaz: I read a lot and consume a lot of digital educational content. I need to be out in nature. I find it meditative. I love to paint. Music has been a passion. On days I don’t teach a class (Sunday!), you’ll find me in my home Pilates Studio. A fair part of my me-time is spent with my friends. Travel is important to me. Safaris are an all-time favourite destination.
“I’m very uptight on drilling in the right value systems, morals, ethics and giving them the best parenting that I possibly can.”
- Nawaz Modi Singhania
By the way, do you monitor Gautam’s fitness regime?
Nawaz: No, I don’t. However, I do give him pointers as and when I feel he’s overdoing it or needs to tweak his routine a certain way to achieve his desired results.
As a couple, you have seen your fair share of family issues and grief. How did you cope with it – individually and as a family? Are tough times more difficult to cope with since you both are public figures?
Gautam & Nawaz: We think every family has issues, hidden or otherwise. It’s only the fact that being public figures, ours are far more in the limelight. Obviously dealing with family issues is difficult. A lifetime of emotional ties, memories and experiences have their own strong impact. At the end of the day, if you stick to doing the right thing, you will come out on top.
Nawaz, you are super fit and so shapely… please give us pointers to your own fitness regime.
Nawaz: I just practise exactly what I preach! I lead from the front. You’ll see that reflect in all my media articles, social media posts, website and other content. You’ll hear thousands of my members from over the years confirm that.
You have two young, impressionable daughters. What is the one piece of advice you keep dinning into them repeatedly?
Nawaz: Oh, there are so many. I’m very uptight on drilling in the right value systems, morals, ethics and giving them the best parenting that I possibly can. I work hard on keeping them simple, basic, solid, good, kind, emphatetic, empathic, and no-nonsense people. I encourage them to speak their minds, to share their thoughts. I teach them how to identify toxic individuals pretty early on and ensure they clear off their playing field. Also follow healthy habits – nutrition, sleep, exercise, hygiene, developing their mind and whatever skills they take a fancy to. There’s so much more in this trajectory, I could go on and on… but you get the gist.
Gautam, it is lovely to see you crossing over the bridge to your parents with love and respect. Could you give us a small insight into how you worked out the nitty-gritties in the best way forward for your family?
Gautam: I think the best way forward always is to do the right thing. The truth has a way of prevailing. You will find your way through the darker times. One keeps the faith.
“I think the best way forward always is to do the right thing.”
- Gautam Singhania
Nawaz, I’ve known you for a long time now… you are such a grounded and amazing girl! What keeps you this way? Is it an inherent trait… or do you work towards living the balanced life?
Nawaz: I was brought up by rock solid, brainy and highly accomplished men. They would have so looked down upon me had
I turned out any other way. I was the baby girl they protected, adored and thought the world of. Letting them (and myself) down was just never an option; not even in a passing thought.
Nawaz and Gautam, you have made a great marriage by God’s grace. What advice would you give young couples who are just starting out?
Gautam & Nawaz: Our advice is – you always give it your best shot and show mutual respect for each other. Treat your spouse the way you want to be treated. Whenever there is an issue,
sit down and talk it out. Good communication is key. That will help you go the distance.
As you move forward together, working very hard and living the beautiful life, do you have any professional and personal couple goals that you are still waiting to accomplish?
Gautam & Nawaz: Life is a moving target and everybody’s goals – personally, professionally, spiritually and otherwise – keep changing. At different stages in life you set yourself that next benchmark, the next goal, and go for it.
Rishi Sunak made history as the first-ever person of colour, British Asian, and Hindu to attain the title of Prime Minister in the UK. He stepped into office on October 25th, 2022, following the resignation of his predecessor Liz Truss, whose tenure was short-lived. The UK has seen five prime ministers within six years, out of which Sunak is the third Prime Minister to step into London’s 10 Downing Streetthe official residence of the Prime Minister - in less than two months. He took to Twitter on the 26th of October to commemorate the occasion of his new position and the festival of lights by tweeting: “Brilliant to drop into tonight’s Diwali reception in No.10. I will do everything I can in this job to build a Britain where our children and grandchildren can light their diyas and look to the future with hope. Happy Diwali everyone!” Sunak is a practising Hindu who has sworn oath on the Bhagavad Gita, in the House of Commons, hence the timing of his appointment was rather auspicious.
Rishi Sunak was born in Southampton on May 12, 1980. His parents are Indians of Punjabi descent, born in Africa. Their respective families moved to the UK in the 1960s. His father, Yashvir Sunak, was born and brought up in Kenya and works as a general practitioner for the ‘National Health Service’. His mother, Usha Sunak, was born in Tanzania and is the director and pharmacist at the Sunak Pharmacy in Southampton.
Sunak got the best of education from a pricey schooling at Winchester College, to graduating at the top of his class at Lincoln College, Oxford studying politics, philosophy and economics. He then went to Stanford University in California, USA, for his MBA with a Fulbright Scholarship. This is where he met his wife, Akshata Murthy - daughter of Indian billionaire and founder of Infosys, Narayana Murthy and engineering teacher and famous author Sudha Murthy.
Akshata is a businesswoman, fashion designer, and venture capitalist. The couple tied the knot in Bengaluru in 2009 in a big ceremony with friends and family. Their garden parties are famed - with an occasional feast of roast venison, canapés and champagne; the couple loves to entertain. The Sunaks presumably own four properties, from a Grade II-listed manor house in the village of Kirby Sigston, a five-bedroom townhouse and a flat in South Kensington, London, to a penthouse apartment that faces the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California. Their combined net worth is around £730m. He is considered to be one of the richest MPs to take office.
During his campaign, his wife’s non-domicile status came to light. What this means is she can avoid UK taxes on her international earnings by paying an annual fee of £30,000. She may have not been in the wrong legally, but this did put a stain on his campaign. Thus, his wife agreed to start paying more taxes to avoid backlash. Without the non-domicile status, it is estimated that she would be liable for over £20m in taxes. The couple has two daughters Krishna, 11 and Anoushka, 9. Sunak has stated that he enjoys spending time with his kids and was glad to have a business at the time of their birth to help his wife out. Despite living private lives, the whole family accompanied him on his campaign against Liz Truss.
The UK has seen five prime ministers within six years. Sunak is the third Prime Minister to step into London’s 10 Downing Street in less than two months.
“Integrity, professionalism and accountability” are what he promises to bring to his governance.
Rishi Sunak began his career in the realm of finance with Goldman Sachs. He then went into hedge fund management in 2004, beginning with ‘The Children’s Investment Fund Management’ and in 2009 began working with ‘Theleme Partners’. In 2013, he became the director of the venture capitalist firm Catamaran Ventures owned by his father-in-law Narayana Murthy.
That’s when things took a political turn. In May 2015, he was elected as the MP for Richmond, North Yorkshire. Having been a Tory since 1906, it is considered to be one of the country’s safest seats. And thus began the climb. In June 2017, he served as Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, until his ministerial service began in 2018. He then served as Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for local government. In 2019, he entered the cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Under the leadership of Boris Johnson, in February 2020, he made history by becoming the youngest Chancellor in history, where he oversaw the budget throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UK economy took a massive hit with its decision to leave the EU. Sunak himself campaigned for Brexit and believes that it will benefit the UK. Albeit, every person in his current position has quit due to the massive challenge that Brexit, the pandemic and the Ukrainian war posed to the economy. While debating their leadership of the conservative party on Channel 4, Sunak criticised Liz Truss’ campaign ideas saying, “Borrowing your way out of an inflation isn’t a plan, it is a fairy tale.”
His priority lies in restoring the British economy and regulating flagrant inflation. “Integrity, professionalism and accountability” are what he promises to bring to his governance. In the House of Commons on the 26th of October, he stated, “We will restore economic stability in a fair and compassionate way.”
“…when I met Rishi and found him to be all that you had described him to be — brilliant, handsome, and most importantly, honest — I understood why you let your heart be stolen.”
- Sudha Murthy
Rishi Sunak’s rise to power may seem methodical, but it has incited mixed reactions. While many Indians are happy to see a person of colour step into office, they overlook the current challenges to be faced. Additionally, his position does not come without criticism. ‘NationalWorld’s’ Suswati Basu is not entirely convinced, “Sunak is not our fellow man - more like a ‘model minority’, in the sense that he is both an Oxford and Stanford University-educated Fulbright scholar and now the leader of the country.” His joint wealth with his wife keeps him out of touch with reality and thus, can he really understand the cost-of-living crisis? However, Sudha Murthy, in her book ‘Legacy: Letters from Eminent Parents to their daughter’, gives her impressions of Rishi Sunak, “… when I met Rishi and found him to be all that you had described him to be — brilliant, handsome, and most importantly, honest — I understood why you let your heart be stolen.” Who better to give a character reference than one’s mother-in-law? The future cannot be accurately predicted, but if Rishi Sunak is a man of his word, the UK may benefit from his ascension after all.
Despite living private lives, the whole family accompanied him on his campaign against Liz Truss.By Paula Dsouza
Tides often follow any sport that is played, and with the incessantly erratic rise and fall of these tides, comes the strife of every sportsman. Some may effortlessly float on, leaving others a little mentally concussed, spoilt for choice and yet with no answer. It is often in times like these that the true ability and strength of a sportsman are put to the test. A test wherein they must confront themselves and what they truly want. It is in understanding the answer to those questions that they are able to rebuild and fortify what once was. Thus, gaining strength from a lack thereof, fully embracing vulnerability and in doing so, building stability.
Virat Kohli steps up to the crease to show fans and naysayers why he truly is the best at what he does.
The Comeback King
Virat Kohli. He has been called many a thing. From the King of Indian cricket to a raging hothead and everything in between. He has both risen with the tide and crashed beneath it. However, when put to the test, the king truly came out a king. Prior to the T20 World Cup, amid criticism of the Indian cricketer’s dry run, Australia’s former speed bowler Brett Lee almost prophetically claimed that it would almost be impossible to keep a legend like Kohli down. He said, “There are times when you don’t get hundreds or you don’t get fifties. That’s all part of professional sport. What I do know is Virat Kohli is a legend of the game and it’s very hard to keep these guys down for too long.”
The King of Cricket brought his A-game to Dubai at the Asian Cup match in September 2022. In a historic match against Afghanistan, the former Indian captain ended his threeyear-long drought after hitting his first-ever T20 century. Before this, the last international century the player hit was in 2019 during a test match against Bangladesh. Kohli has, in light of his current match streak, become the first Indian cricketer to play 100 matches across all formats and is globally ranked second after the great Ross Taylor.
“Virat Kohli is a legend of the game and it’s very hard to keep these guys down for too long.”
- Brett Lee
“...her dad played his best innings that night which followed after a phase that was tough on him, but he came out of it stronger and wiser than ever before!!”
- Anushka Sharma
During the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli managed to, nearly singlehandedly, defeat the Pakistani cricket team in Australia. This match was reportedly the tournament’s most-watched game, where India had to chase Pakistan’s tricky score of 160 runs. Kohli scored 82 runs in just 53 balls - a sensational feat! He personally had no words for what happened when asked about it after the match. According to the player, keeping in mind the opposition and the entirety of the situation, this game marked his best knock ever. Indian cricket fans are brimming with joy and celebration in light of their star player’s comeback. His wife Anushka Sharma took to Instagram to praise him saying,
“You have brought sooooo much joy in people’s lives tonight and that too on the eve of Diwali! You are a wonderful, wonderful man, my love. … our daughter is too small to understand why her mother was dancing around and screaming wildly in the room, one day she will understand that her dad played his best innings that night which followed after a phase that was tough on him, but he came out of it stronger and wiser than ever before!!” The cricketer dedicated this win to Anushka and their daughter Vamika. Kohli ended the last match India played with a six, consequently winning the game against the Netherlands.
The last international century the player hit was in 2019 during a test match against Bangladesh.
Being back at the pinnacle of his cricket career, Kohli opened up in an interview with Star Sports regarding his month-long break earlier this year. He went on to talk about how he had to fake his intensity and was feeling mentally down. However, after deciding to put the bat down for a while, Kohli said, “Faking to be strong is worse than admitting to be weak.” He spoke about the importance of being able to recognise limits before things take an unhealthy turn. He reached a point wherein he wasn’t excited to train and practice anymore, and didn’t feel like himself. As previously said, tides follow sports and they always will.
Kohli, in his interview, solidified the fact that at the end of the day, he is human and will have moments where he swims with the tide and moments where he is unable to, which is perfectly okay. Consequently, it was in this un-idolisation of himself that he truly was able to find himself. In taking this much-needed break, the cricket star managed to reiterate his individual identity and separate that from the demands of his position. In doing so, as everyone has been ecstatic to see, Virat Kohli is back and he is better than ever. And somehow it still feels like the best is yet to come.
Personality and expression, not gimmicks, is the rule that design maestros Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla live by, as we discover with a dive into their journey and getting their insights on all things festive.
By Amber Dias
In 1986, two creative minds with a shared desire to reinvent design and craftsmanship met for the first time and thus began the reign of Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. By their own admission, joining forces was an impulsive decision driven by gut instinct, but is probably one of the best they made if their meteoric rise to nothing short of design royalty is anything to go by.
Tribal Mirror Collection from Gulabo by Abu Sandeep
It is hard to separate the duo from the world of couture, and with good reason. Since the very beginning, they have mesmerised with designs that are quintessentially Indian, drawing influences from our rich culture and creative legacy. One of the hallmarks of the Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla label is reviving and reinventing traditional techniques like chikankari, mirror work and zardozi. What sets their work apart, in a way that is captivating and endearing, is the resolutely modern and contemporary aesthetic that is rooted in classical elegance. It’s no wonder that they are among the favourites of India’s best and brightest.
From Bollywood to industrialists and beyond, an Abu Sandeep creation has been the showstopper of choice for many an occasion. While their work speaks for itself, a loyal clientele that includes Jaya and Amitabh
Bachchan, Dimple Kapadia, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Twinkle Khanna, Nita Ambani, Pink Reddy, Sussanne Khan, Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, Kartik Aaryan and Shobhaa Dé speaks of the trust in their design sensibilities and ability to make treasured moments all the more special.
Their wedding collections never fail to enchant and enthral, which is why brides like Isha Ambani, Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor and Ishita Salgaocar chose an Abu Sandeep creation to shine in, on their big day.
And it’s not just India that’s raving about them. The duo have found themselves as couturiers for international sensations including Dame Judi Dench, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani and Carrie Underwood.
Tribal Mirror Collection from Gulabo by Abu Sandeep
With talent, hard work, passion and experience, there is a lot that can be accomplished… and this designer duo has seemingly done it all. They made their mark at a time when designer wear was a fledgeling concept. They have helped take Indian fashion to the world and were among the first to gain recognition for their work on the global stage. Awards, recognition and trust, they have it all under their belt, but resting on their laurels is not their style.
They continue to grow and evolve, constantly pushing boundaries. From designing wedding couture, they have ventured into designing concepts for entire weddings with Shweta Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra’s being prime examples. They have also expanded their label with Asal by Abu Sandeep, which focuses on ensembles that are timeless yet current, featuring meticulous embroidery and handmade craftsmanship;
Mard by Abu Sandeep, a ready-to-wear label for men which reinvents classic looks for the man of today; and Gulabo by Abu Sandeep, a luxe readyto-wear label that showcases natural fabrics, fluid silhouettes and easy styles.
And it doesn’t stop there, the drive to keep moving forward continues to burn strong. As the duo told ‘F.L.I.T.E’ magazine, “We pride ourselves on our constant reinvention and honing of our expression. When you are passionate about your work, your work stays relevant to you. It’s about setting the bar at its highest and then breaking one’s own bar with every collection. We have never catered to a market or an audience but always dedicated ourselves to creating the absolutely original. Our expression is rooted firmly in our own aesthetics and imagination. There is no compromising, there are no shortcuts. It’s blood, sweat and tears. We reach higher with every collection. It’s the only way for us to be.”
Sara Ali Khan
“When you are passionate about your work, your work stays relevant to you. It’s about setting the bar at its highest and then breaking one’s own bar with every collection.”
Jackie Shroff
Tribal Mirror Collection from Gulabo by Abu Sandeep
“There is absolutely no space in our minds when it comes to restrictions on colour based on skin tone. Wear the colours that bring you joy is the only rule. The rest is nonsense.”
With the festive and party atmosphere simmering around us, who better to turn to for advice on perfecting our festive look? Here’s what the duo has to say….
● “Our work as designers is to always innovate, reinvent and set trends that become standards of style. We steer clear of one-season wonders and gimmickry. This season, we are celebrating hand block printing as a craft. Our label Gulabo by Abu Sandeep has an enchanting Tribal Mirror Collection which uses patchwork Ajrak prints with signature mirror work and sequins to create a collection that is full of gypsy charm and bohemian grace. The silhouettes include classic kurtas, anarkalis and sarees, and also kaftans and coord sets for deliciously easy and contemporary styles.”
● “Sumptuous chanderi silk with dramatic gota motifs are perfect for festive celebrations. We have included earthy tones and blues along with the classic festive favourites like oranges, yellows, pinks and reds. This is the 21st century. There is absolutely no space in our minds when it comes to restrictions on colour based on skin tone. Wear the colours that bring you joy is the only rule. The rest is nonsense.”
● “We are spoilt for choice when it comes to Indian silhouettes, textiles and embroideries. There are endless options that are both comfortable as well as fabulously festive. We love mirrors, gota and sequins for their ability to add glamour and sparkle to any outfit. The romance of an anarkali lies in its volume. We also incorporate details like statement sleeves and contemporary blouses to give a distinctive twist to classics like kurtas, lehengas and sarees.”
● “When it comes to accessorising, let your personality and style sensibilities lead the way. Jewellery, handbags and statement jutties can elevate your look.”
● “Most importantly, keep in mind that the outfit must complement your personality and aesthetics. Avoid gimmicks and trends that aren’t ‘you’. If you want to experiment with your look, choose a new colour palette, pair a saree with a dupatta, innovate your silhouette and express yourself.”
● “Lastly, joy is the most important ingredient. Have fun with your look and let happiness rule!”
“Your outfit must complement your personality and aesthetics. Avoid gimmicks and trends that aren’t ‘you’.”Priyanka Chopra Jonas
‘Do the best for your patients’ - is the motto that drives Dr Nandita Palshetkar, one of India’s leading In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) specialists. A pioneer in the field, and Founder & Director of the Bloom IVF Group, she has been lauded for her work in the field of reproductive medicine. Passionate, driven and compassionate, she strives to give her patients the best possible outcome.
We caught up with the spirited doctor to learn a little more about what fuels her passion.
Dr Nandita Palshethkar opens up about putting her best foot forward for her patients, and empowering Indian women through IVF.
You are one of the pioneers of IVF treatments in India, but can you take us back to where it all started?
During my residency training at JJ Hospital, I was fascinated with IVF technology which had just been introduced in the West. In India, we were working to control our population, so I was torn between contraception and conception. However, I realised that the greatest satisfaction I had was in helping a woman overcome the challenge of infertility and embark on the priceless journey of motherhood. I discovered that IVF was my passion and I began to pursue it sincerely. I was fortunate to train abroad at the best centre in Belgium.
Tell us about the technologies you have introduced in India. How do you stay abreast with the latest developments in your field?
I have introduced many path-breaking technologies in India including ICSI, laser hatching, egg and ovarian tissue freezing, spindle check, embryoscope, NICS, and sperm vitrification devices. In 2012, we installed an embryoscope, the first installation of its kind in Asia. More recently, we installed the most advanced IVF incubator in the world, the Embryoscope 8 from Vitrolife – the first-of-itskind in India.
This new embryoscope has super-advanced Convoluted Neural Network (CNN)-based artificial intelligence (AI) systems. It will enable our IVF patients to achieve pregnancy at the earliest.
I keep myself updated by reading various international papers and attending conferences. If the technology appears to be beneficial for our patients, we try to obtain it at the earliest.
Our approach to medicine is constantly evolving. What are some of these changes you have seen where IVF is concerned?
Yes, times have changed, and technology and protocols have changed. Over time, we have seen the number of IVF patients increase. With new emerging technologies, the expectations of patients have also increased and so has the success rate. These days, IVF is used not only for infertility patients but also for egg freezing and fertility preservation - like in the case of cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Have the challenges that you had to face evolved too? How do you tackle them?
You have certainly left your mark in the IVF realm. What would you say is your biggest contribution or achievement?
I have been in this field for over 30 years and have delivered many IVF babies. The real achievement though is when these babies come to see me as adults, usually for blessings for their careers and entrance exams, or on completing their graduation or post-graduation. It feels great.
Of course, there are a lot of challenges in our field. Every case is a challenge in IVF since this is the only field where the success rate is not 100%. So, meeting the requirements of the patients and giving them a healthy child is a big responsibility. My knowledge, my experience, my IVF lab, and, of course, my family have always helped me tackle every case in the best possible way.
We know you approach every patient with the same passion and concern. But is there a particular case that stands out for you?
Yes, every case is very important and we take all of them seriously. However, the case of Diana Hayden was very special to me, not because she is a celebrity, but because she pursued egg freezing for fertility preservation and came forward to speak about it publicly. I felt this case helped generate a lot of awareness among Indian women, letting them know that they have the option to freeze their eggs and do not need to be pressurized into reproduction. After freezing her eggs at age 34, Diana has had three children after turning 40. This case stands out because it has created a lot of awareness and has helped empower women too.
You are no stranger to awards and achievements. However, is there a coveted goal that you have yet to accomplish?
When I started practicing, my goal was to become the best IVF specialist. Now that I have become one of them, I would like to dedicate my life to the upliftment and betterment of women in India. I run a few programmes with various organisations and now I would like to associate with more government bodies and help more women.
The cost of IVF treatments has been an obstacle for many. Tell us about your efforts to make IVF accessible.
My father always said to me, ‘help people in whatever way possible and the world will be yours’. At my centre and department, there are different packages at different prices. We try to offer low costs while still giving patients the benefit of all possible technology to achieve a healthy pregnancy.
“These days, IVF is used not only for infertility patients, but also for egg freezing and fertility preservation.”
“Every case is a challenge in IVF since this is the only field where the success rate is not 100%.”
There has been a growing concern regarding the decline in fertility rates globally. What is causing this trend? And what advice would you give potential parents?
Poor nutrition, increased BMI, smoking and excessive alcohol and drug use are major factors contributing to infertility. But these factors are controllable, and we see many patients every year, who can conceive with very little assistance once they have made lifestyle modifications. Late marriages and late conceptions are other reasons why we suggest fertility preservation.
My advice for both, people who are concerned about getting pregnant and the general practitioners working with them, is to have a conversation with a professional sooner rather than later. Focus on being as healthy as possible, but also don’t take too long to seek help. We see a lot of people who wait too long to see us, and when it comes to conception, timing is everything.
You are an inspiration to many young doctors who are eager to follow in your footsteps. But who inspires you to keep pushing the bar higher and higher?
My patients, family and students keep me going. My husband, son, daughter-in-law and grandchild have always been my biggest support, in my personal and professional life. We know how dedicated you are to your work, but who is Dr Nandita Palshetkar off the clock?
I am associated with and have been President in the past and present of organisations related to the IVF field like ISAR, FOGSI, MOGS, IAGE, FIGO, etc, and spend some time working for these organisations and different programmes.
Beyond this, I am a people person and meditation for me is spending quality time with friends and family. I also have a beautiful grandchild, Zuri, with whom I like to spend some time every day. Covid has taught me how to slow down and enjoy time with people I love.
Are there any words of wisdom you would like to share with aspiring IVF specialists?
I believe that each of us has an inner purpose or ikigai - a purpose that we need to seek and follow sincerely. My ikigai is IVF and it instills in me virtues like compassion, care and commitment with the sole purpose to help all achieve health and happiness in life.
Apart from this, I would advise working hard to get the best for patients, and being ethical in practice.
“My husband, son, daughter-in-law and grandchild have always been my biggest support.”
“I would like to dedicate my life to the upliftment and betterment of women in India.”
Award-winning actor, former model and fitness icon Rahul Dev continues to impress. We caught up with him for a quick chat about some of the most memorable moments of his career and how he makes staying in shape a priority.
Actor Rahul Dev dishes on his challenges as an actor, staying in top shape and being a good parent.
After being in the modelling industry for so long, what were some of the challenges you had to face when stepping into films?
In those days, models as actors were looked down upon. Those who preceded me in modelling failed as actors. I was lucky to get my first break with the legendary Mukul Anand for his magnum opus ‘Dus’ while still living in Delhi. I was lucky to have him as my mentor. Prior to filming, he put me through a great deal of preparationalmost two years of learning diction, modulation, performance, theatre, being comfortable with the body and using it, a bit of miming, action, horse riding etc. Thanks to him, everything fell into place, except that he passed away after the first shooting schedule of ‘Dus’.
After that, I took some time before signing on for my second film ‘Champion’. Those were hard days financially. I had given up modelling because I had already reached the top of my field and had collected whatever trophies or accolades the modelling profession had to offer. At the back of my mind, I was also aware that if I continued to model, it would work against me in the movies (in those days). Finally, with the release of ‘Champion’ in 2000, for which I received 12 nominations for ‘Best Antagonist’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ at six award functions and collected my first award for ‘Best Antagonist’ in a film, life changed for the better. I am over 100 films old now and feel gratified and blessed.
Would you say that gut health and mental health go hand-in-hand with being physically fit?
Absolutely! A healthy gut makes for a healthy mind. My divine Master Tarneivji has often said that it’s the other brain we have. Look at the old English adage that states ‘my gut says’ or ‘I have a funny feeling in my gut’ - it insinuates that we have intuitive abilities in the gut. Therefore, looking after it is vital.
I follow a keto diet and am a vegetarian.
I prefer outdoor workouts with my body weight.
I find it easier to get warmed up outdoors. Also, the sweet feeling that one feels after breaking into one’s own sweat while exercising gives a sense of accomplishment.
I feel like the entire journey so far has been memorable and has taught me so much. However, the release of your first film is always the most special. It’s like giving an exam, after putting in all that labour and then waiting for the result.
‘The eye of the tiger’ is my favourite song, but I have diverse interests in music - from classics to contemporary. I even listen to songs praising the Lord while working out. It all depends on how I feel or my frame of mind on a particular day.
“I feel like the entire journey so far has been memorable and has taught me so much. However, the release of your first film is always the most special.”
I don’t take supplements. I do take fish oil tablets as brain food though. My eating habits are reasonably good.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start working out?
Take it slowly. There is no shortcut, quick results do not last. It’s like building blocks, you need to start with a strong foundation and build your way upwards. Good technique and form are essential in any exercise that one attempts - be it bodyweight, weightlifting, cardiovascular, callisthenics etc. Take it slow and steady and be regular.
The secret is to be regular. There is NO special way to do things. You need to make time for what I consider the largest gift that we have been given - a healthy, functional body. I feel it is our duty to look after it.
I meditate a bit and begin my day with two glasses of lukewarm water, followed by a glass of warm water with a lemon slice along with rock salt. After about 20 minutes, I have my espresso which I look forward to.
“A healthy gut makes for a healthy mind.”
“I was also aware that if I continued to model, it would work against me in the movies (in those days).”
Family and work are connected, but everything needs to be done in a balanced way. I am very driven, and love being on set. It gives me a sense of satisfaction while contributing to the overall creativity in telling a story visually. Also, it’s because we have a family, that we have an additional sense of responsibility to do our best even on bad days. Fitness is, of course, a passion. I am glad I followed it. I feel blessed to enjoy great health and well-being.
Children need to be heard. Listen to your child and give him/her your complete attention when spending time with them. As my divine Master Tarneivji puts it, “See what he/she really wants before giving unwanted advice.” I missed out on the advice I am sharing, and learnt it the hard way by making mistakes.
“You need to make time for what I consider the largest gift that we have been given - a healthy, functional body.”
“Good technique and form are essential in any exercise that one attempts.”By Nichola Marie
At the stroke of Queen Elizabeth II’s demise on September 8, 2022, her eldest son, Prince Charles, became king. The ancient rite of British monarchy continues, though in a modified version - since the past few centuries, the monarch is only a titular head in the UK - which means they reign but do not rule. As King Charles III, he is the king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He is also head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries including India and 2.4 billion people; he is the king of 14 of these countries where the king is the head of state. He is also the titular head of the Church of England, and head of the military and the judiciary. He carries several other royal titles and duties, and enjoys some unusual rights, including travelling without a passport, driving without a licence and owning all the mute swans in England!
In the modern world, where the monarchy is viewed as increasingly redundant, all eyes are trained on King Charles III, who has enormous shoes to fill.
A peek at the new monarch of Britain, King Charles III, his wealth, and his likely way forward…
Long LiveThe King!
Born on November 14, 1948, Charles Philip Arthur George Windsor is, at 73, the oldest monarch to take the British throne. Don’t forget, his mother was the longest-reigning British monarch, ruling for 70 years. He has also had the longest training for the job, so to speak, spending decades as the Prince of Wales, as next in line to the throne. In the modern world, where the monarchy is viewed as increasingly redundant, all eyes are trained on King Charles III, who has enormous shoes to fill. His ‘Mummy’, after all, had consistently been a symbol of steadfastness in Britain, with popularity ratings that were the envy of heads of state, and was easily one of the most recognised persons on the planet.
However, he might want to keep a few other points of that survey in mind… many feel he should not meddle in political issues, as royal interference in these matters is not considered appropriate, especially by older generations.
The younger lot is a lot more encouraging of his speaking up on various issues he believes in, including the environment.
Since becoming king, Charles has repeatedly said he would follow his mother’s example. This would mean developing the capacity to survive serious shifts in society and successive challenges, external and internal.
Monarchy itself comes at a cost. Accounts for the Sovereign Grant, which funds the Queen and her household’s official expenses, released in June 2022, show the monarchy cost the taxpayer £102.4m during 2021-22 – an increase of 17% from the previous financial year. With the UK economy in the grip of a deadly crisis, these are not easy times. Yet, the people of the UK still hold the monarchy close to their hearts…. In a survey carried out by YouGov between April 30 and May 2, 2022, 60% of people were in favour of keeping the monarchy, while 13% said they didn’t know.
The ratings for the new king are also on an upward trend. A new YouGov poll shows that support for Charles has risen dramatically. His popularity has climbed from 32% to 63% in terms of those who think he will do a good job as king.
Over his long and steady service as the Prince of Wales, he has carried out his official and ceremonial duties and established more than 20 charities… Now, he needs to entrench himself as a global symbol of grace and stability even in upheaval.
He is expected to trim the monarchy by reducing the number of working senior royals who are supported by taxpayers, and reduce the overall multimillion-pound annual cost of the royal show. Over his long and steady service as the Prince of Wales, he has carried out his official and ceremonial duties and established more than 20 charities, including The Prince’s Trust, The Prince’s Foundation and The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund. Now, he needs to entrench himself as a global symbol of grace and stability even in upheaval.
As he sends out the overriding message of his new reign being about continuity and stability, he will need to be careful not to blot his copybook –leaky fountain pens will be the least of his worries! After many, many decades of being in the wings, this is King Charles III’s time to shine. Godspeed!
Speaking to the BBC, leading constitutional expert Professor Vernon Bogdanor maintains that Charles is well aware of the need to be less outspoken. He will also need to reach out to a multi-cultural, multi-faith Britain which is immensely diverse compared to the country that was inherited by his mother. He will need to act as a unifying force, making special efforts to connect with ethnic minorities and disadvantaged groups. Besides current affairs, he will also have to face changing views about the monarchy’s imperial, colonialist and racist past.
On the plus side, as the new head of The Firm — the nickname that Prince Phillip is said to have used for the royal house of Windsor — Charles has inherited US$500 million from Queen Elizabeth, including her castles, jewels, art collection and a horse farm — all of it tax-free. As per a Forbes estimate, he also now oversees the late monarch’s whopping US$42 billion portfolio of assets held in trust for the kingdom, including billions in investments — and other opulent palaces, glittering jewels and priceless art.
He will need to act as a unifying force, making special efforts to connect with ethnic minorities and disadvantaged groups.
In 2017, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation.
As her eldest son, Charles has inherited the Queen’s private estates, including her beloved castle in Balmoral, Scotland, where she died, as well as Sandringham, which also houses the thoroughbred horse farm, the Royal Studs. He also had his own lucrative annual income received from the Duchy of Cornwall, which earned him US$27 million this year (and which his eldest son, Prince William, will now inherit). Through his charitable foundation (which William also inherits now), Charles owned the largest organic food brand in the UK, as well as a nature retreat and crafts centre in Transylvania. Whatever be his other concerns, wealth will not be one of them!
• During his visit to the country in 1980, as a 32-year-old bachelor, the erstwhile Prince Charles visited the sets of the Hindi film ‘Ahista Ahista’ at Rajkamal Studios in Mumbai. That’s when pretty actress Padmini Kolhapure greeted him with a peck on the cheek — which became something of a sensation in the media across the world.
• In 2003, during his nine-day visit to India, he met then President Abdul Kalam and took a ride on the Delhi Metro. He also had a 20-minute meeting with the dabbawalas (lunchbox deliverymen) of Mumbai at Churchgate, showing interest in learning about the way they worked.
• In 2017, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation.
• In 2018, he launched a US$10 million Development Impact Bond (DIB) to help improve education for over 200,000 children in India.
• In 2019, he met then President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, planting a champa sapling in its herbal garden. Later, the Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation and the All India Institute of Ayurveda also signed an MoU to conduct clinical research on depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia.
• On his 2019 visit, he celebrated his 71st birthday with school children in Mumbai.
•
A regular practitioner of yoga, in a video statement, he addressed the virtual yoga and healthcare symposium ‘Wellness After Covid’, on the importance of yoga in post-COVID recovery.
…can turn out to be gold (literally and metaphorically speaking) if you know where to strike. Or so Dr Saurabh Gadgil, MD & CEO, PNG Jewellers, points out as he recounts his journey of helping one of India’s most loved jewellery brands find its wings.
By Amber Dias
Strategy and creative thinking are the cornerstones of every good businessman. And sixth generation entrepreneur Dr Saurabh Gadgil has certainly honed these skills, taking PNG Jewellers, which was founded by his grandfather, to new heights. We caught up with him to learn a little more about how he turned a family business into a brand, and get a few insights into the stunning new festive collections.
Stepping into the family business, especially one with a legacy like PNG Jewellers, comes with a certain pressure. What was going through your head when you took over the helm and how does that compare to the headspace you find yourself in today?
My entry into the family business was very organic. There was never any pressure to join the business, it was purely a matter of interest. My grandfather and mentor, Late Shri Daji Kaka, was always particular about my vocation being my area of interest. Mom was particular about me finishing my studies before I entered the business. I was free to follow my heart and in my case, my heart was always in the jewellery business. Because my heart was in the right place, I enjoyed every moment of my journey.
The summer before I completed my MBA, I interned with the Reserve Bank of India, where I worked on a report on gold markets in India. It gave me a chance to meet bankers, economists and jewellers, thereby laying the foundation for my entry into the business full-time. I have now completed 21 years in the industry and have transformed a familyowned and operated business into a well-oiled corporate entity. PNG Jewellers today has 35 stores in India and two stores overseas.
Today, I am at the position where I am sitting at the top of the PNG Jewellers pyramid. So there is a lot of accountability and responsibility. From being a learner, I now play the role of mentor for many young leaders in our organisation. I started on the shop floor, working with the sales team, then I moved to the cash counter and learnt how to handle the money. Thereafter, I joined the
merchandise team to understand how inventory works and how selections were made. It has been a learning curve and a gradual journey to reach here. It is because of all the hours spent on the floor in different departments that today I have been able to successfully steer the ship in the right direction. The focus remains on keeping the business healthy, ensuring the growth of all stakeholders, innovating and disrupting constantly, self-learning and guiding others, keeping the team together and channelising the collective strength of all PNG team members to achieve our goals. Therefore, my role today is less operational, more strategic and larger picture focused. This is a great headspace to be in and I am enjoying this phase of my career.
What are the pivotal steps you have taken to help the brand reach the heights it has today?
A brand is merely passion in action. Just having monetary goals will never be able to create longterm brand value. One has to balance healthy profits with the goodwill of its stakeholders by adding value to their lives. A brand is also a sum of its values, so a good brand never budges from its values. We at PNG Jewellers always have one eye on the future so that we can mould our business accordingly and stay relevant in changing times. This approach has allowed our brand to remain meaningful for over 190 years. Creating excellence across all touchpoints with the customer and our people has been the cornerstone of our brand. Be it designing and merchandising, in-store retail experience or our marketing efforts, everything we do stems from a place of passion.
We are also a brand that does not shy away from communicating externally. We are one of the only few brands that feel a certain responsibility to communicate aggressively externally, even during tough times like the pandemic. Keeping our ears to the ground and adapting to changing environments quickly while staying true to our values, has ensured that we stay relevant.
“I was free to follow my heart and in my case, my heart was always in the jewellery business.”
Chess and jewellery aren’t the most obvious pairing, however, you have credited your passion and knowledge of the game to helping you shape your business. Can you give us an insight into how that works?
The game of chess is designed to make you think about your next move, as well as that of your competitor. It pushes you to think three steps ahead at every stage to ensure you make the right moves and come out on top. Hence the nature of the game, and being involved with it since my childhood has helped me hone my skills better and use them in business. It has helped me time and again to take a step back and look at situations from a macro view, allowing me to understand what is going on with the market and strategies implemented by our competitors, and then plan our next move. Chess ingrains in us the constant need to evaluate and re-evaluate our moves, look at our actions or plans from multiple angles, and arrive at the best way forward. It also teaches us patience. Staying true to the larger goal requires a lot of patience. In running a business you face many obstacles, diversions and distractions too. There is no better sport than chess to teach us how to stay grounded, focused and patient to achieve the end goal and always remain one step ahead of the competition.
PNG Jewellers has a strong presence in India and abroad. What prompted the decision to expand?
The idea to expand overseas came about when I visited the USA over a decade ago. Meeting the Indian diaspora, which is a sizeable number, one of the things I realised was the desperate need of customers for an Indian jewellery store. By 2009, Indians in the USA who had been around for over two or three decades, were doing well in life, and needed a jewellery brand of Indian origin, one that understood Indian design and taste, and was trustworthy by name and legacy. So, we decided to launch our first store in the Bay Area of California, which had the largest congregation of Indians in the USA at that time. It has been over 12 years since we entered the US market. Since then, we have also expanded to the Middle East with our second store in Dubai at Meena Bazaar, one of the most well-known gold markets in the world. Our plans now are to penetrate deeper into both of these regions.
The pandemic hit businesses hard. How did you rise above the challenges it posed?
The mass hysteria coupled with the real threat to life and health and the economic downturn due to the lockdown triggered disruptions of an unimaginable scale. The effects have been far-reaching and organisations have had to make changes to their very being, let alone how they operate. The biggest disruption we have seen is that of technology and change in media consumption habits.
With the lockdowns coming into effect, we saw a massive shift to online mediums. It allowed us to recalibrate our communication, create an online experience that enabled our buyers to choose products from the comfort of their homes, and service our customers across the globe. We scaled our e-commerce efforts by increasing our product basket, reach and backend resources. We created meaningful dialogues with a new audience - the millennials and first-time gold investors. Our various initiatives across social media, outreach efforts through Whatsapp marketing and email marketing allowed us to effect transference of offline trust to our online store.
“It is because of all the hours spent on the floor in different departments that today I have been able to successfully steer the ship in the right direction.”
“Chess ingrains in us the constant need to evaluate and re-evaluate our moves, look at our actions or plans from multiple angles, and arrive at the best way forward.”
Actress Raveena Tandon at the inauguration of the PNG Jewellers store in Navi Mumbai.
Our omnichannel initiatives were extremely critical during this transition. For example, we launched Pure Price in 2020, where we promoted the offer online, got people to purchase vouchers and then redeem them from our physical stores once the lockdown was lifted.
The pandemic ensured a renewed interest among the millennial audience in savings. We wanted to give them the right tools, information and knowledge along with examples of cases where people were not only able to deal with a rough time, but even excelled in their lives financially because they chose to invest in gold at the right time. We held regular zoom calls, did webinars during the lockdown and reinforced the idea of savings.
We also moved our attention and budgets to online marketing mediums, focusing heavily on using videos as a tool to tell our story and get our brand message across. We invested heavily in our online store to give the experience of our trust and the comfort of buying jewellery from home. Our storytelling through videos got phenomenal traction with as many as 1.5-2 million views.
We needed to find a balance between online services and our offline retail stores. Our stores were equipped with the new COVID-19 protocols and our staff were well-trained. We wanted to make sure that our customers had a sense of what they wanted to purchase before they came to our stores.
This was only possible through heavy promotion on social media, allowing customers to set up appointments and experience our product varieties via video and zoom calls with our sales teams. We launched our My PNG At My Home campaign to achieve this.
All these initiatives were only possible due to the trust our teams had in each other, working remotely, adopting new technology and changing with the times. We challenged ourselves to match our customers’ expectations during the pandemic, and earned their trust and respect all over again.
Having moved our attention quickly to digital in an unprecedented way, we embraced the new normal, normalized the new buying experience for our customers, and got our teams ready for the future.
Tell us about the two new collections. What makes them stand out?
We recently launched our ‘Katha’ and ‘Ina’ collections with Bollywood sensation and actor par excellence Mrunal Thakur at our Thane store. The ‘Katha’ collection is a revival of jewellery styles and is made with 100-year-old heritage jewellery moulds.
The collection consists of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, kadas, etc with heritage motifs set in modern intricate jewellery designs, making it a perfect offering for the modern Indian woman who chooses heritage and traditional jewellery.
The ‘Ina’ collection, on the other hand, is a novel diamond jewellery collection. It is reflective of a woman’s inner strength that radiates from within, making her shine with confidence. The brilliant sparkle of natural diamonds in these jewellery pieces speaks volumes about a woman’s eternal beauty and unparalleled strength. Both these collections are available across all PNG Jewellers stores and are receiving phenomenal responses during this festive season.
“We at PNG Jewellers always have one eye on the future so that we can mould our business accordingly and stay relevant in changing times. This approach has allowed our brand to remain meaningful for over 190 years.”
“The vision for PNG Jewellers as a brand is growth. By growth, I mean in all aspects. Be it financial, brand value, growth of our people, adding more stores in India as well as overseas etc.”
Actress Mrunal Thakur showcasing jewellery from the ‘Katha’ collection.
www.pngjewellers.com
We have also recently relaunched our silver jewellery brand under the name ‘Silvostyle - Fashion Next’. It will roll out silver jewellery products with a modern approach aimed at catering to the millennial and gen-z audience globally. All products under the new brand will be created in line with global jewellery trends.
What is your vision for the brand going forward?
The vision for PNG Jewellers as a brand is growth. By growth, I mean in all aspects. Be it financial, brand value, growth of our people, adding more stores in India as well as overseas, adding more product lines, better customer service, adding to our goodwill, being relevant in the industry and staying meaningful in our society through our CSR initiatives. I personally would want to create a legacy that the next generation can take forward.
Actress Mrunal Thakur modelling pieces from the ‘Ina’ collection.
Making a foray into Tiseltown is a big deal. While even some of Bollywood’s brightest secretly nurture dreams that Hollywood will beckon someday, Prarthana Mohan, hailing from an affluent business family from Chennai, quietly made her inroads as a director in Hollywood.
Prarthana’s debut film ‘The MisEducation of Bindu’ has been critically acclaimed for the offbeat subject it portrays. She left her mark as a filmmaker with substance wih her second film ‘Christmas is Cancelled’ which was released on Amazon Prime Video, followed by ‘Fighting for Her Family’. Her mother Latha Mohan reveals that Prarthana has a couple of outstanding scripts ready to be made in India with an Indian star cast as well.
A peek into her lineage could reaffirm that DNA matters. Her legendary maternal grandfather, music director M. S. Viswanathan, was a monarch of Kollywood film music. In what was called the Golden Era of MGR, Sivaji Ganesan and Gemini Ganesan, MSV ruled the roost; scoring chartbusters for 700 films. The legendary actor-politician MG Ramachandran’s election campaigns were driven by MSV’s all-time hits. Jayalalithaa, who succeeded MGR, conferred the ‘Thirai Isai Chakravarthy’ (Emperor of Cine Music) title on him.
power - I certainly did all I could to immerse myself in it. Nonetheless, it was not easy to make the decision to be part of the industry. There are a lot of risks involved, and my parents were very nervous but always supportive. After I completed my undergrad in Chennai and worked in the family business for five years, I could not ignore the need to take a risk and go study film. I applied to Chapman University in the US and decided to embark on this journey.
Needless to say, being MSV’s granddaughter is a privilege for Prarthana, but surprisingly she never made use of her film connections. Instead, she surprised everyone by finding her path as a director in Hollywood. In a short span, Prarthana has directed four Hollywood projects and is working on other scripts.
We caught up with her for a little tête-à-tête and found out a little more about her journey as a filmmaker…
You hail from a celebrated family with successful business stalwarts like your mother Latha Mohan and brother Vikram, what inspired your adventure to the US?
I was interested in cinema and storytelling from a young age. Even when I was little, I would watch movies, reenact every scene, and play all the parts.
I was lucky enough to be M. S. Viswanathan’s granddaughter; I had the opportunity to see the impact cinema has on people’s lives up close. My grandfather’s influence was palpable when he would meet his fans. Art has that transformative
Tell us about your early years in America. My early years in America were both scary and exhilarating. I loved that I was able to finally do what I always wanted - to be immersed in cinema and work alongside people who were just as obsessed with it as I am. It was scary because I did not have the safety net of my family or my grandfather’s legacy to help open any doors. I was on my own.
Your grandfather was a Kollywood legend, wasn’t this enough for Kollywood to give you a royal welcome? What made you opt for a career in Hollywood?
I have often wondered why I took the harder path. Now that I am older and have the wisdom of looking back, I definitely made it unnecessarily harder on myself.
However, in spite of the challenges, I think I would do it the same way if I were starting over. Going away to school and studying film for three years taught me the discipline that filmmaking needs. Being away from family gave me purpose, something to work towards. Sometimes not having things easy helps you work harder. In the film industry, you have to pay your dues and learn from the ground up.
“Art has that transformative power - I certainly did all I could to immerse myself in it.”
“After I completed my undergrad in Chennai and worked in the family business for five years, I could not ignore the need to take a risk and go study film.”
I am not sure I would have had the opportunity to do that if I had been back home. I got to do it on my own terms - hard or otherwise. I only wish my Thatha (grandpa) was alive so I could have shared some of my successes with him. He did see some of my early short films, so at least I have those memories to cherish.
Tell us more about your films. Is it easier to be accepted as a woman director out there as compared to India?
I have directed four features: ‘The MisEducation of Bindu’, starring Megan Suri, David Arquette and Priyanka Bose; ‘Fighting for Her Family’, starring Aisha Kumari and Adam Huss; ‘Christmas is Cancelled’, starring Dermot Mulroney, Hayley Orrantia and Janel Parrish. There is one more project that has not been officially announced, but I can say that it is an ensemble comedy that we just finished filming in Ireland with a fantastic cast.
It is hard for women, I think, anywhere. I can’t speak of what it’s like in India today, but I am seeing some incredible projects created and directed by women in India, so I am hopeful that it is improving. The US has its share of women directors, but it is not nearly enough. We need more women calling the shots in all industries.
I think when I write, my voice is very much rooted in stories from the subcontinent and about the Indian diaspora. That is not necessarily the case for the films I have been hired to direct.
How did your first film happen? What kind of preparation did you need?
I made my first feature film in 2018. To give you an idea of how hard it was and how long it took - I graduated with an MFA in Film in 2009. During the time between my graduation and making my first film, I had a full-time job to pay the bills, got married, and even had a son.
My film, The ‘MisEducation of Bindu’, had several false starts, and I nearly gave up on it. My husband came on board to produce it with me. Through some twists and turns, we were lucky to get the Duplass Brothers to come on as Executive Producers, and as they say in showbiz, the rest is history! I made my first feature with some of my closest friends from grad school, and with the support of all of our friends and family. It was truly a communal experience. That film went on to do very well and helped take my career to the next level.
“It was scary because I did not have the safety net of my family or my grandfather’s legacy to help open any doors. I was on my own.”
How different is filmmaking in the US compared to India? Have you introduced any elements from desi films in your projects? If given a chance what would be that one element of Bollywood/ Kollywood that you would like to integrate into your films?
I am not sure if I can accurately speak of the differences between the US and India. I have not been a part of the industry in India in a very long time. The one thing I did notice when I first came to the US, is that the film industry, more precisely a movie set, is such a well-oiled machine, where time is money, and people are hyper-focused on their jobs, departments, and there is a very clear chain of command. I found this to be an incredibly helpful way to learn because everyone on set knows how they are contributing to the whole. It’s a team, yet, there are leaders to guide the process. It is chaos, but a beautiful chaos where every day feels impossible, but it all comes together with sheer grit, sweat, and some tears.
The films I have written and directed have a lot of Indian themes. I was lucky enough to be able to pay homage to my grandfather and use his song in my first film. It took a lot of people to help secure those rights for us, and I am grateful for all their support and assistance in making it happen. It will forever be so special that I was able to do that in my first movie.
Do you keep track of trends in Indian cinema? Which Indian films have you watched lately?
I am very impressed with Tamil and Malayalam cinema. I get recommendations from my family members, who tell me what to watch. Some great stuff coming out.
Tell us about your family and life in the US.
I met my husband, Edward Timpe, in grad school. He is also a filmmaker and is an extremely supportive and incredible dad. We’ve been married for 12 years and have a six-year-old. We live in California with our little dog Luna. We are lucky to have family visit us from both sides. Our parents are very supportive of our filmmaking and help out in any way they can whenever we need it.
Any plans to make films in India? Who would you like to work with?
Yes, my plan is to make a film in India; hopefully, a couple of films if all goes well. I would love to work with Naseeruddin Shah, Nandita Das, or Alia Bhatt. I thought Adarsh Gourav was fantastic in ‘The White Tiger’. Konkana Sen Sharma is a fantastic and versatile actor. India has lots of wonderful talent, and it is hard to choose.
Keep making movies, keep telling stories. Learn more and get better at my craft. Enjoy my son; watch him grow. He’s very interested in film as well. I would love to nurture that curiosity. Be open and see where the road leads.
“The US has its share of women directors, but it is not nearly enough. We need more women calling the shots in all industries.”
The charm of white interiors, the perks of cold-pressed oils, the hottest wheels to hit the road, the ease of shopping with augmented reality, the lure of podcasts… ‘Society Achievers’ explores all this and more!
White is unobtrusive, calming and the beginning of all colours. It reflects and scatters all visible light. Because it is without hue, white is neutral and can be paired with a wide range of colours. That itself says so much about the versatility of this colour.
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White is an exceptionally powerful colour, both psychologically and culturally. It is inherently soothing and is associated with innocence, light, mindfulness, safety, brilliance, illumination, understanding, cleanliness, beginnings, spirituality, possibility, humility, softness and perfection.
White gives you the freedom to layer textures and colours as you desire. So, if you love colour, you’ll have more opportunities to bring it into your space once you fully embrace the magic of white. The wonderful thing about white is that it goes with every colour. It is this versatility that makes it a great choice for festive occasions. Bright colours and décor dominate our interiors during the festive season, but white balances them out. This can be achieved through accents, soft furnishings or décor in white complemented with other festive decorations.
White is great for dark spaces as it brings a sense of lightness. Even when used as an accent colour to a dark theme, it instantly lifts a space. It can do wonders for brightening up a dull space.
For example, if you have a dark room that you want to lighten up; wool-white paint, wallpaper in simple prints or a tone-on-tone effect and textured paint could be possible solutions. If you have a lot of dark furniture, cotton/wool-white walls can help to balance it out. If you can’t stand the “off” or yellowed white looks, cool-toned white paint is the perfect colour to complement a modern or contemporary aesthetic.
White can be used as a complementary, secondary or primary colour. It fits into any design without throwing any tantrums. When using 10 different textures or shades in a space, a whitewash in tones of white like milk, cotton, wool, egg, or lace white can create a brilliant effect without dulling any texture or shade. Even beige to light cold coffee tones work well together when used for complementing textures. Hence, white creates a focal point but harmoniously brings the space together.
When paired together, black and white create high contrast and striking results. If you look back at most heritage structures, you’ll find beautiful floor patterns in black and white. Similar contrasts can be found in the murals in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Artists and designers in every era have adopted this dramatic combination.
Teaming white with grey creates a monochromatic scheme that is subtle, chic and easily adaptable. White is chic, but when used too liberally, it can feel harsh and clinical. For liveable narratives, white is used with natural colours and materials to offset its cleanliness. Wood, copper, blue and rust colours give white interiors a cosy, Scandinavianinspired look.
White can represent nothingness and possibility. It can also be a signifier of good taste, sophistication and simplicity. Brands like Jo Malone have placed white at the core of their aesthetic and ethos.
White rooms can be boring or dingy, if you choose a white that isn’t the right shade, don’t have enough lighting in the room, or accessorise poorly. But if you choose the right white and add some easy touches, it can be the focal point of a home! When faced with the challenge of decorating a compact space, homeowners turn to white for the wall colour - with good reason. White makes a room feel more spacious and maximizes light. White walls are classic and can never go out of style.
White can represent nothingness and possibility. It can also be a signifier of good taste, sophistication and simplicity.
The wonderful thing about white is that it goes with every colour. It is this versatility that makes it a great choice for festive occasions.
White is a very liveable colour. It’s easily repainted, washed or bleached, and is not as delicate as people think. I never understood the concept of not using white because ‘it gets dirty.’ If you love it, use it! Let it wear and live a little. White bricks get better over time as they start to fade. Even white wood floors attain a certain aesthetic as the paint wears off. Once you get past that first oh-so-painful spill or mark on it, you realise it’s going to be lived-in and is meant to be enjoyed. Also, you can always bleach the white fabrics to make them as good as new.
Painting a space white makes you notice the texture, the brick, the wood, the room and all its elements. It makes you notice the light coming in through the windows, the art, the furniture, and the people in the space. It’s pretty magical. White has more power and more importance than you realise, and might just be the perfect way to light up your home during the festive season.
White is a very liveable colour. It’s easily repainted, washed or bleached, and is not as delicate as people think.
Cold-pressed oils, as a health and beauty remedy, have been around for centuries, but have steadily gained recognition in the last decade. Experts and influencers alike have been singing their praises, and with good reason. Celebrities too swear by cold-pressed oils. Including Megan Fox, Blake Lively, Kate Middleton and the Kardashian sisters. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, they keep the skin hydrated, spot-free and youthful. Claims suggest that cold-pressed oils are a safer alternative to botox in the celeb world. Yes, you heard that right! They are truly a force to reckon with when it comes to health, making their way into the diet of most fitness enthusiasts.
Cold-pressed or cold-drawn oils are purer than oils extracted with heat or chemical solvents. The extraction process involves crushing the seed to separate the pulp from the oils. This method protects the integrity, taste, and nutritional value. The improved quality of the oil makes it excellent for beauty and wellness. These oils are devoid of chemicals and therefore have a shorter shelf life; nonetheless, they contain antioxidants, proteins, and essential fats that are vital for the skin and hair.
Cold-pressed oils can easily fit into your daily hair and skincare routine. How you use them, will depend on the results you want and the oil you choose. When using oils for the face, the consensus is that they should be applied when sebum or natural oil production is at its lowest, that is at night. Dry skin is the exception as it may require application twice a day.
Crushing the oil-bearing seeds with the press, wood or metal to extract oil while retaining its nutritional value is a traditional practice that goes back to the Indus Valley Civilization. However, there has been a surge in their popularity recently. Reports suggest that consumers of the post-pandemic world are more conscious and aware of their personal health, which includes dietary patterns and eating habits. Social media platforms have also fuelled the rising consciousness of the millennial and gen Z population regarding the adoption of chemical and preservative-free products in their skincare routine. Evidently, people are willing to pay higher prices for better taste and better health. The cold-pressed oil market is expected to expand even further in the years to follow. According to a report published by Allied Market Research, the overall global market size of cold-pressed oil is estimated to reach $36.40 billion by 2026.
Also known as liquid gold, Moroccan argan oil extracted from the kernels of the argan tree fruit, is rich in fatty acids, omega-3, 6, 9 and vitamin E. It helps the skin retain a youthful glow by treating inflammation and preventing trans epidermal water loss. It also hydrates and repairs the skin. This lightweight oil helps soften and smoothen hair while giving it a lustrous shine.
Extracted from the seeds of Simmondsia Chinensis, jojoba oil is a wax that appears like an oil. This multitasking elixir can be used as a moisturiser, makeup remover, leave-in conditioner, lip balm and post-sun treatment. It is a potent skin moisturiser for all skin types as it boosts hydration and offers an overall glow. It is excellent for softening the cuticles, while its anti-inflammatory properties offer relief from sunburn. Jojoba oil also promotes hair growth, prevents split ends and deeply nourishes hair strands.
Loaded with the goodness of vitamins A and E, along with proteins, potassium and essential fatty acids, Spanish sweet almond oil is a multifaceted elixir. Its anti-inflammatory properties and lightweight texture make it an excellent under-eye moisturiser. It helps boost collagen production, thereby keeping wrinkles and fine lines at bay. Spanish sweet almond oil also lightens the appearance of scars and gives the skin a refreshing glow. It promotes scalp and hair health by inhibiting dandruff growth.
Megan Fox is a big fan of rose oil for its hydrating properties and uplifting scent.
Traditional Jamaican black castor oil has a dark brown hue and a slightly pungent odour. It helps heal acne and fights signs of ageing. Plus, it is brilliant for hair growth and improving hair strength.
Extracted from the seed of the rose bush, rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C. It helps boost collagen production and improves skin tone. Its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve eczema and psoriasis. This non-greasy, ultra-lightweight oil also makes hair stronger by nourishing and hydrating the scalp. It tames frizz and acts as an excellent leave-in oil for the hair.
Cold-pressed oils offer numerous benefits for the skin and hair. They are free of pesticides, GMOs, and other harmful substances, which means there is a low risk of side effects. It is imperative though, to store them away from direct sunlight and heat to keep them from turning rancid. If you are struggling with persistent skin or hair woes, cold-pressed oils might be the solution you are looking for. However, it is always best to do a patch test or consult with your dermatologist when trying something new.
We have witnessed the inadequacies of modern medicine in ensuring ever-present physical health, and the vulnerability of the modern mind in coping with stress.
Scientific progress and technological advancement do not necessarily lead to happiness. Intellectual progress and material affluence do not necessarily make the human mind strong. In this scenario, the role to be played by spiritual wellness cannot be over-emphasized.
Spiritual wellness may be understood as a sense of wellness or general health arising out of being spiritual. If the mind is happy, the body is healthy, and accordingly, spirituality is a must for taking care of the mind. Spirituality is inversely proportional to the sense of ‘I’ or empirical self. The lesser the ‘I’ in me, the more spiritual I am.
The Indian term for ‘health’ is ‘swasthya’, which is comprised of two terms, ‘swa’ and ‘stha’, meaning ‘established in own self’. A man established in his own self is considered to be healthy. The ‘self’ referred to here is definitely not the empirical self comprising of the body-mind complex - because, when established purely in this ‘self’, the person is termed ‘selfish’, and it invariably leads to problems.
The ‘self’ in ‘swasthya’ is the spirit or consciousness, the spiritual self. If so, what does it mean to be established in this self and will it cater to health?
To be established in the self may be taken as being established in ‘awareness’ i.e., ‘the witnessing principle’ or ‘sakshi bhav’ . This is the ability to stand back and observe one’s mental and physical activities, at the time they are happening, as a pure spectator.
Yogic practices try to increase one’s awareness, thereby enabling one to identify with consciousness (spiritual) and not with the empirical self (material). A glimpse of this awareness happens during meditation when we reach the no-mind state (a state which transcends the mind).
Awareness is the cornerstone of yoga, of all denominations of spirituality, of an evolved existence and evolution in life. Concepts like ‘mindfulness’, ‘passive consciousness’, ‘meditative state’, ‘sakshi bhav’ or witnessing attitude’ come very close to the understanding of ‘awareness’.
Awareness is the solution to becoming permanently free from the sufferings of the body and the mind. The basic reason for our suffering in life is unawareness. For example, a person who gets angry, does ‘damage’, then repents and resolves not to get angry again. The basic question for such a person is, ‘When you were angry, where were you?’ You were not there! You were not aware of your anger.
When angry, if you are aware that you are angry, then you are no longer angry. When sad, if you are aware that you are sad, you are no longer sad. Awareness enables you to watch ‘objectively’ your body and mind function at the time they are functioning. They are then in your control and you are no longer dictated upon by the vagaries of the body and mind.
Stress, in a way, is a function of the speed of the mind. Restlessness and hyperactivity are major causes of stress – they prevent peace and calmness. Awareness increases when the movement or activity of the mind is slower.
Considering the previous statements together, we reach the interesting conclusion that stress can be reduced or eliminated when we become more aware.
Awareness is the antidote to stress! So-called stress-related or psychosomatic ailments are arrested even before they start making inroads into us by just being ‘aware’ of the state of our mind. Awareness of a disturbed state of mind prevents explicit and implicit stress responses or reactions in the body, and thus stops the otherwise mechanical process of degeneration of that disturbance into a physical ailment.
In a world that increasingly weighs heavy on our shoulders and paints a grim picture of the future, it is up to us to make a choice. Get swept up in worry and other stressors; or take a moment to stop, slow down and pay attention to our spiritual wellness.
Restlessness and hyperactivity are major causes of stress – they prevent peace and calmness. Awareness increases when the movement or activity of the mind is slower.
They are cool, stylish, and heading our way. For all the car connoisseurs, here’s a look at some of the hottest new luxury cars slated to drive into the Indian market in 2022-2024.
Culture, Tradition & a Fistful of Chocolate!
Zeba Kohli is a third-generation entrepreneur of ‘Fantasie’ - a pioneer of chocolate in India - and a firstgeneration Chocolatier. She is the host of ‘Gimme Chocolate’ on Zee TV and has three cookbooks credited to her name, with more in the pipeline. Zeba is a professional chocolate taster, consultant and expert. Firmly rooted in her Indian traditions and a mother of two, we figured, who better to talk about culture, tradition and experimenting with chocolate than the chocolate queen herself?!
Queen of luxury chocolate in India, Zeba Kohli tells Tsunami Costabir about growing up with chocolate, incorporating it with tradition and making it her own!
Chocolate has a remarkable history. Dating back to 450 BC, when people used to make fermented beverages out of cacao. Cacao seeds were believed to be a gift from Quetzalcoatl, the God of wisdom, and the seeds once had so much value that they were used as a form of currency.
Chocolate gained popularity in India during World War II when it was given as a ration to soldiers. The southern parts of India have the appropriate climate to harvest cocoa, and so the production and consumption of chocolate blew up - India is a land that takes its sweets seriously.
Zeba’s Nanaji, as part of many of his business ventures, founded the exclusive chocolate shop ‘Fantasie’ in 1946. Initially, Fantasie was womencentric with the aim to skill and empower underprivileged women. Zeba takes pride in holding up that vision even today, upskilling and empowering women and men from all walks of life. “We want to have a space for everyone at Fantasie,” she says. “I took it under my wing to encourage people’s strengths rather than weaknesses by skilling them with guidance through my friends, colleagues, international chefs and myself. I want them to enjoy all the privileges Fantasie can afford.”
Moving on… since chocolate and festivals are an unmatched combination, we ask Zeba about her festive chocolate traditions… She shares, I have a very cherished memory of Diwali with my Nana, who taught me to write with a wooden quill dipped in saffron water. I would copy whatever he wrote and sprinkle crushed rice grains on it. When I asked him the meaning, he would say, “Diwali me hum naya chopada kholte hai” (We open new accounting books on Diwali). I was too young to understand its significance, but I could sense the celebration in the air! After that, I would run down to the chocolate shop to pick up baskets of chocolate for everyone at the office… I was the messiah of good times!
“I would run down to the chocolate shop to pick up baskets of chocolate for everyone at the office!”
“Our stories of sweets, food and gifting have passed down generations and, over time, we try to recreate that same magic in our own way.”
“Keeping that energy of looking forward to new beginnings and closing up old chapters is my daily mantra. I wake up focused and positive. Everything gives me energy - the sunlight, flora, fauna and knowing that I have a legacy to uphold. What I love about Indian culture is the foundation we get. Celebrations are done with prayer, havans, mithai and gifting! Opening your doors to welcome neighbours, family, friends and people who’ve made a difference in your life - giving them a box of sweets or just a sweet message… It’s such a rich culture to be part of!”
“Our stories of sweets, food and gifting have passed down generations and, over time, we try to recreate that same magic in our own way. My keen desire to uphold my Nana’s historic chocolate journey has led me all over the world - unravelling their unique, territorial delicacies. And what I’ve learnt is the beauty in fusing and infusing international flavours into sweets and chocolate. People like to experience the world of flavours and decide for themselves what suits and doesn’t suit their palate.
“The product you get from fusing exquisite Indian mithai with some exquisite chocolate is something to marvel at. You do it for drama, for tradition, for taste and most importantly, because you can!”
“Make your creation your own - incorporate whatever you like, make it healthy, make it natural, choose your favourite type of chocolate, source the best ingredients for your palate and taste, and have fun with it!”
“I’ve worked on projects in the past where I’ve infused all kinds of flavours - Japanese, Indian and more into chocolate. Sweets are in our DNA and are markers of celebration. The product you get from fusing exquisite Indian mithai with some exquisite chocolate is something to marvel at. You do it for drama, for tradition, for taste and most importantly, because you can! Make your creation your own - incorporate whatever you like, make it healthy, make it natural, choose your favourite type of chocolate, source the best ingredients for your palate and taste, and have fun with it!”
Zeba sure knows how to have fun with gusto and a fistful of chocolate!!
I love empowering home cooks. With the right technique and guidance, your fantastic creation is not so far away! Here are two simple and amazing recipes that you can try :
PETHA CHOCOLATE SHEETS
Ingredients
200 gm chocolate 60 gm Agra ka petha, chopped
1. Melt and temper chocolate and pour onto a lined tray.
2. Cool for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from the fridge and garnish with Agra ka petha.
4. Put it back in the fridge to cool for 25 minutes. Serve.
Note: Dark chocolate pairs really well with Agra ka petha. But if you are craving sweeter milk chocolate, it tastes great too.
24-piece chocolate mould(s) 250 gm chocolate (dark/ milk/ ruby/ blonde) 150 gm fresh rabdi
1. Melt the chocolate using a double boiler method and pour it into the mould(s) to create hollow shells. Allow it to set.
2. Demould the shells and fill them with chilled rabdi.
3. Garnish with nuts, cranberries, or any crystallised fruit of your choice.
Be it true crime, history, health, films or comedy, there is a podcast for everything and everyone. It’s no wonder that it’s become such a popular medium of entertainment. And it’s not just commentators, jockeys or journalists who are adding podcasts to their repertoire, celebrities and influencers have hopped onto the train as well, giving their audience a peek into their lives and starting conversations with the hope of forging deeper connections with their followers. Why the interest in being heard? Because people want to listen. Activities like doing chores, driving or even going for a run are now done to podcasts, replacing the formerly preferred music or YouTube videos. They’ve snuck into our everyday lives and it is clear that they are here to stay.
Initially known as audio blogs in the 1980s, podcasts were used to share personal experiences through an auditory medium. However, due to the lack of the internet or a suitable medium of distribution, they never gained momentum. That changed in the early 2000s when portable audio devices like the iPod gained popularity. The efficiency of downloading an MP3 file bridged the accessibility gap of the initial endeavour. The term ‘podcasting’ was first penned by journalist Ben Hammersley.
Since then, the popularity of the medium has grown. We are seeing rapid growth in the podcast industry in India too. Mae Mariyam Thomas, creator of the ‘Maed in India’ podcast launched in 2015 - listed as one of Apple’s Best Indian Podcasts of 2018 - believes that it is India’s love for stories and storytelling that has led to this growth. In an interview with a publication she said, “We’re a nation that loves storytelling — whether that’s through fiction, interviews, or people talking about their personal experiences, we love being told stories.”
The creator of ‘Brave Marketing’, Swapna Thomas reveals why she chose the medium, “I chose podcasts for two main reasons. One, I wanted to create a long-form asset in my business as a business coach, something my audience could binge on. Earlier this used to be a blog, but blogs aren’t as popular anymore. India, specifically, is the third largest consumer of podcasts; but I have a global market, thus podcasts work for me.
Secondly, as an introvert, videos aren’t really my thing, I wanted a content format that felt like a conversation and not a produced effort. If you want to get the traction that you desire on YouTube, it requires a lot more effort in production, that’s why I went in for a podcast.”
The pandemic transformed the routinisation of our lives. Kavita Rajwade, Co-Founder, Indian Vox Media (IVM), revealed in an interview that IVM saw a 30% growth in listeners during the lockdown. “We were initially worried when cars went off the streets because we usually see a huge jump in consumption during drive-time. And now, people could be at home and watch shows. But that excitement died soon. They still had to wash dishes, walk their dogs, clean their rooms… So, household chores replaced drive-time. And the consumption rate was high throughout the day.” Another reason for the shift was the increased attention on screens. This led to screen fatigue, and thus, a switch was made from video to audio.
Podcasts also allow people to multitask. You do not have to set aside time to listen to a podcast, like one would with a movie or a book.
‘Cyrus Says’ is a podcast hosted by long-time comedian Cyrus Broacha - with daily content about lifestyle, politics, sports, food, and comedic relief. Inspired by trendsetters like Joe Rogan, his podcast now posts both audio and video forms.
Hustle culture also makes us feel like we must be productive every minute of the day or constantly learn something new. According to recent studies, 22% of the podcast audience tune in while driving, 11% while at work, 8% during workouts, and 49% at home.
Most creators are in agreement that podcasts enable people to consume information while onthe-go, thus encouraging them to put out content in the audio format. After two seasons of ‘Take 2’ with Rajiv Masand and ‘Kissa Khwabon Ka’ with Audible, Anupama Chopra is a big fan of podcasts. Currently, her venture ‘Film Companion’ posts audio versions of their reviews and interviews. Anupama explains, “I love audio, it’s so interesting and convenient. When I’m in the car or going somewhere, podcasts are my way to not just be entertained, but informed in knowledge.”
Podcasts are seen as a more mature version of entertainment; they give people an opportunity to delve into deeper conversations. Amit Verma, host of ‘The Seen and the Unseen’, revealed in an interview, “People crave deep content, especially because most media in these times are catering to the lowest common denominator and serving up shallow, simplistic content. Audio gives you the scope to go deep.”
And the simple fact is, there is an audience out there who knows what they want and demand this kind of content. Joe Rogan and his podcast ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ are testament to that. The podcast has been ranking high in viewership for a long time now and most recently has been revealed to be drawing in 11 million viewers per episode on an average. While reminiscing with his former co-host on the podcast, he said, “There’s no way I could have predicted it.
“I love audio, it’s so interesting and convenient. When I’m in the car or going somewhere, podcasts are my way to not just be entertained, but informed in knowledge.”
- Anupama Chopra
22% of the podcast audience tune in while driving, 11% while at work, 8% during workouts, and 49% at home
How could anybody have predicted it? We started off with zero listeners and just not thinking that it was going to be anything other than just fu*king around.” Even amidst controversy, the podcast legend claimed that he saw a spike in followers and revealed to a website, “It’s interesting, my subscriptions went up massively — that’s what’s crazy. During the height of it all, I gained 2 million subscribers.”
Most often you can find not only audio but also video versions of podcasts, especially when they are hosted by celebrities or influencers. ‘Cyrus Says’ is a podcast hosted by long-time comedian Cyrus Broacha - with daily content about lifestyle, politics, sports, food, and comedic relief. He says that audience response is key to improving a podcast. Inspired by trendsetters like Joe Rogan, his podcast now posts both audio and video forms because the audience is excited about the visual aspect. “The video format is fun and enables the hosts and guests to be conscious of the audience, and put on a performance for them!”
Creators do feel the burden of the time and resources they spend creating, and inevitably they look for ways to gain profit. With podcasts, a niche community is formed and thus advertisers believe that it can be the next best investment. Hosts usually read out the advertisement themselves and choose to endorse products they stand by or know that the audience will like or benefit from. Consequently, the listeners trust the advertisement and are more likely to invest.
International companies like IAB Pricewaterhouse Cooper estimated spending nearly US$800 million in 2020 on podcast advertising, and expect to double it to US$1.7 billion by 2024. According to eMarketer, the number is very likely to rise to US$2 billion and get closer to US$3 billion by 2025.
For creators, podcasts are a great way to experiment with content and engage with their audience; while listeners appear to be spoilt for choice. The fact of the matter is that humans enjoy hearing each other speak and have found a way to profit from it. Spending minimal time one can become an expert on their favourite topic, all while performing monotonous tasks. Podcasts are the perfect blend of entertainment and information.
“During the pandemic, household chores replaced drive-time. And the consumption rate was high throughout the day.”
- Kavita Rajwade
International companies estimated spending nearly US$800 million in 2020 on podcast advertising, and expect to double it to US$1.7 billion by 2024.
Meghna Saraogi, Founder, mirrAR, spells out how augmented reality is changing the way people shop.
Shopping juSt leveled up!
Augmented Reality (AR) is a trending concept in the technological world. It is an enhanced version of physical reality that is accomplished using digital visual elements, sound or other tactile improvements delivered by technology.
With minimal involvement, augmented reality (AR) aims to overlay digital features over real-world perspectives. Marker-based and markerless augmented reality are the two subtypes. Your ability to display your images and information will depend on which of these AR kinds you select. Irrespective of the type, all users of AR get an immersive experience. The most popular ways to experience AR currently include glasses or a camera lens, but as interest in the technology grows, new hardware and lens options are being made available. AR is typically made up of five important parts: Artificial Intelligence, AR Software, Processing, Lenses and Sensors.
The use of AR in the retail realm got a boost during the pandemic. Nearly every industry has been enhanced by augmented reality, including
healthcare, gaming and retail. The market for AR has become so enormous that forecasts indicate it will be worth $61.4 billion by 2023. Focusing on AR in retail, Wikitude estimates that 32% of customers regularly utilise the technology and that 73% of smartphone AR users are very satisfied with their experiences. This retail data for augmented reality shows how the market has embraced the technology and is expanding rapidly.
Digitizing inventory Inventory and customer management in areas like the jewellery industry is an age-old problem. The solution to this was AR. Essentially, the technology allows brands to create digitized versions of stock-keeping units that can be tried on anytime, anywhere.
The market for AR has become so enormous that forecasts indicate it will be worth
billion by
AR also allows brands to curate online and offline (in-store) virtual experiences to set them apart from their competitors and increase conversion rates. Overall, the integration has helped increase sales by up to 30%, elevate customer engagement by 160% and reduce return rates by up to 37%, over and above creating an impeccable world-class experience for customers. The ability to overcome the recurring problem of products not being in stock in traditional retail is another big advantage of integrating with AR technology.
Every integration is specific to a brand’s organizational and innovation goals. For example, while some firms prioritise establishing an omnichannel technology before purchase experience, others choose to keep the immersive experience in offline retail outlets for inventory purposes. Besides that, marketers may interact closely with their consumers across channels to provide a memorable experience.
AR helps save time by offering a contactless method to purchase products. AR technology like mirrAR offers virtual try-ons and experiences in various segments like beauty, jewellery, accessories, furnishings, home appliances, eyeglasses, and other items. It has been used at numerous national and international trade exhibitions, including JCK Las Vegas, JWS Abu Dhabi, and Inhorgenta in Munich.
There is still a strong focus on establishing one-on-one interactions. However, we believe that AR technology is truly bringing people together and that everyone should be able to take a step back, breathe, and enjoy the shopping experience, especially when shared with the people you love. With the power of AR, you can now tap the online market to virtually try on products, wherever you are.
The ability to overcome the recurring problem of products not being in stock in traditional retail is a big advantage of integrating with AR technology.
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.
Our 20,000 sq. ft showroom in Mumbai and our factory ensures that we have ready stock available for delivery at all times.
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.
Sometimes reel heroes step it up off screen and bowl us over with real actions, actions that deserve a little lauding. And ‘Society Achievers’ was thrilled to honour actor, producer and philanthropist Sonu Sood for all the amazing work he has been doing by asking him to grace the cover of the September 2022 issue.
“They gave me the title of ‘The Real Hero’. It puts enormous pressure on my shoulders also to live up to those three words, but yes, I will try to give my best.” - Sonu Sood
“I think this was special. I have no words to thank Mr Nari Hira, Andrea and Ashokji. They gave me the title of ‘The Real Hero’. It puts enormous pressure on my shoulders also to live up to those three words, but yes, I will try to give my best, and like I said, this is just the beginning,” said the star after unveiling the cover alongside media magnate Nari Hira; Andrea CostaBir, Editor, ‘Society Achievers’; and Ashok Dhamankar. The cover also offered a sneak peek of what could be expected in the issue, including stories on legends and achievers like Neetu Kapoor, Gautam Adani, Neeraj Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Manish Malhotra, Mickey Mehta and Vinita Chaitanya.
Actresses Rupali Suri and Simran Ahuja played hosts for the evening, livening things up with their effervescent charm, while Invincible at C’est La Vie, Mumbai, offered up the perfect mix of cool, casual and fun vibes to make for a fabulous evening! And as a musical treat, singer Shibani Kashyap took centre stage to dedicate a song to the cover man, thanking him for his contribution to helping those in need during the pandemic.
“It’s very important to give back to society because when you give back, that is the time you actually realise why you came into this world.”
- Sonu Sood
Sonu Sood talked about his journey to get where he is today and offered a little tease about his next on screen project ‘Fateh’.
We believe that you deserves to live and work in spaces that uplift and inspire!
It was a subject that spilled over into media interactions as several people quizzed the actor on his philanthropic efforts. He was happy to comply but took the time to thank his wellwishers and all those who helped him do what needed to be done. “It’s very important to give back to society because when you give back, that is the time you actually realise why you came into this world… It’s not important whether or not you have those resources to help others, but if you choose to help people, God will find a way,” he said. He also talked about his journey to get where he is today and offered a little tease about his next on screen project ‘Fateh’.
The unveiling of the cover was followed by a short felicitation ceremony, honouring achievers and game changers from different fields. This list included singer Shibani Kashyap; entrepreneur Shreya Ghodawat; founder and designer, Just Men, Dhanesh Chheda; brand consultant Nisha
JamVwal; owner, Ghanasingh Fine Jewels (Kamlesh Hemdev Group), Kamlesh Hemdev; jewellery designer Poonam Soni; owner, Sheetal Creations, Sheetal Biyani; brand manager and event planner, Chanda Patil; chairperson, JVM Spaces, Jitendra M Mehta; architects Manisha and Ketan Seth; managing director, MRJ Pvt Ltd, Manohar Jhunjhunwala and his wife; choreographer Sandeep Soparkar; owner, Shiva’s Stylo, Shiva; lawyer Smita Chiplunkar; event head, Kingfisher, Vasant Bhandari; and director, C’est La Vie Health & Lifestyle, 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.
Experience the care and quality of Trailblaze Paints! We aim to build trust by making our clients and team members feel like part of the family From our first conversation to the last small detail, we’re here for you.
www.trailblazepaintsnc.com
It was a night that truly celebrated the roots and evolving trends in architecture! One made all the more special by the members of the interior design and architecture fraternity who graced the event. Among them were Nina Puri, Rupesh and Archana Baid, Atit Vengurlekar, Kanika Bawa, Balraj Thethi, Sutej Thethi, Ketan and Manisha Sheth, Nirmala Banaji, Bharat Yamsanwar and Nakul Vengasarkar. The unveiling was followed by a short felicitation ceremony where the eminent guests were honoured for their outstanding contributions to their field.
And as the festivities wrapped up, they were joined by celebrities like Karan Singh Chhabra, Natasha Bharadwaj and Ayesha Shroff for an evening of mingling and celebrating!
‘Society Interiors & Design’ also took a moment to thank Basab Paul and his team at Invincible, C’est La Vie, for being their hospitality partner.
A night that truly celebrated the roots and evolving trends in architecture!
The unveiling was followed by a short felicitation ceremony where the eminent guests were honoured for their outstanding contributions to their field.
Cold-pressed oils are all the rage, and with good reason. Anveya’s range of 100% pure, organic oils is a worthwhile addition to your daily beauty regimeeven if you have oily skin. Just a little bit goes a long way to strengthen hair and rejuvenate the skin, bringing out a healthy and natural glow. The different oils offer different benefits and there are plenty to choose from.
For all the men out there, Brave Essentials has all your grooming basics
Formulated with nourishing ingredients, they fight hair problems and protect the skin. The best part is they don’t leave behind greasy residues.
Harsh products damaging your skin and hair? Try Moha’s range of herbal hair and skincare products. The balanced formulas are easy, even on sensitive skin.
Herbal Face Wash ₹300
Aloe Vera Gel ₹170
Sunscreen Lotion ₹260
Rose Mist ₹180
Herbal Shampoo ₹375
Herbal Hair Serum ₹299
With Revivify, Joy Personal Care brings you a skincare range that refreshes, soothes and rehydrates the skin. The formulas are light, so no greasy residue and no clogging of pores.
Shop at: www.moha.co.in Shop at: www.joypersonalcare.com; www.amazon.in
Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum ₹350
Relaxing Green Tea Body Serum Lotion ₹275
Oil Regulating and Blemish Clarifying Strawberry Scrub ₹225
Vitamin C Face Wash ₹225
Ubtan Face Wash ₹195
Hydra Refresh Ultra Light Gel Oil Free Face Moisturizer ₹225
Get party ready with this 3-in-1 highlighter from Renée Cosmetics. It is easy to apply and spreads easily over the skin, offering a shimmery finish that’s long-lasting. And the perfect finish to your overall ensemble comes in the form of the Dark Desire perfume which offers a mix of woody and spicy tones with a citrusy twist of mandarin, grapefruit and red berries, plus floral notes of rose, water lily and jasmine.
Shop at: www.reneecosmetics.in
3-in-1 Highlighter
Eau De Parfum Dark Desire
Beat the oncoming winter chill with this smart coral red sweater from the latest collection of Snitch. It is comfortable but rates big on style. And is a great fit for a walk around town or just a cool way to impress.
Shop at: www.snitch.co.in
Snug Coral Red Sweater
₹1,199
Lightweight and comfortable, these running shoes from Bacca Bucci Tokyo are a must-have for this season. They don’t just up your style factor when you’re out running, but also make you feel good while you sweat it out.
Shop at: www.baccabucci.com
Bacca Bucci FISHJET Gym Shoes
Compiled by Amber Dias and Bhavana Choudhari
Our life goal is to respect and practice the art of salvaging trees and transforming them into fine hardwood tables, and furniture in the most organic way possible. Each slab of wood that becomes a table can be traced back to an exact location, and reason for being felled, be it by natural causes, due to tree sickness, or danger to a nearby home.
www.simonsilverdesigns.com
