MAY‘13 . Vol 1 . Issue 8
TM
INDIAN VOICE GLOBAL ACCENT
Shahid Kapoor’s chocolate boy image conceals an intensely private man of immense maturity Soul to Sole with
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN MONICA DOGRA
Unplugged
The ‘it’ girl of indie music sounds off
INSIDE: SEX TOYS | ZOMBIE FLICKS | SUMMER LOOKS | IPL SPECIAL
CREDITS
TEAM CREDITS EDITORIAL
DESIGN
Yagna Balaji Editor
Majid Rehman Creative Director
Bijoy Bharathan Assistant Editor
Asmita Aggarwal Bureau Chief - Delhi
Rohit Panikker Senior Sub-Editor
Tushar A. Amin Entertainment Editor
Anupriya D Content Manager
Arpita Chatterjee Spl Correspondent - Mumbai
Matha-Ul-Ameen, Karishma Menon Rityka Venessa Edwin M. Saravanan Kalyani Graphic Design
Gayathri K Sornavel Animation Jegannathan.S Illustration
MARKETING Bruce Schwack Executive Director
Manoj Kumar Online Marketing Manager
Daya Kingston Online Editor
Hema Sethuraman Director & Publisher Pradeep Dadha Chairman, NOTCH Media Pvt. Ltd. PRADEEP DADHA GROUP OF COMPANIES
BOARD OF ADVISORS Advait Pandit Anand Pathak
Ravi Krishnan Yathin Reddy
NOTCH Media Pvt. Ltd.
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MAY 2013
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The magical interplay between vision & execution
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he perfect end result is only as good as the inputs. Ask any good chef and he/she will swear that the finest quality ingredients are imperative to the creation of a great dish. Similarly, a top-notch photograph is the result of all the elements coming in perfect synch. We were lucky to witness that magical interplay between vision and execution during the photo-shoot for our May cover. Helming it was hip, young photographer Rohan Shreshta, whose portfolio reflects a fresh approach to showcasing actors he counts as friends. The gritty shoot by Rohan projects Shahid Kapoor in a way very few people see him - a quiet, somber persona that hides a streak of mad fun. Shahid Kapoor’s been lying low, but this is only the lull before the storm. With five releases in the pipeline, the poster boy for quirky cool is going to dominate the screens in a number of different avatars. Despite that Shahid admits being afraid of success. “Failure is a better teacher,” says the actor. The ups and downs of success and failure form the theme of other powerful reads this month. Director Farah Khan talks about her childhood struggle that has resulted in an unbreakable bond with brother Sajid, while our columnist Shabinaa Khan gives us a rare insight into Ranbir Kapoor’s absolutely no-frills upbringing. Sample this – “My father wants me to earn my own upgrades,” Ranbir told Shabinaa when she bumped into him on a flight where he was travelling economy. Most successful relationships involve balancing weaknesses and playing off strengths. At NOTCH, we pride ourselves on being the kind of close-knit team that brings out the best in each other, month after month. The result? It’s right here. Enjoy the read.
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contents PRINT ‘O’ MANIA Bold prints are back
GO AU NATUREL Payal Jain’s Balinese-inspired home
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CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Heels for the well-heeled
BOOT CAMP With designer Kunal Rawal
The very private life of SHAHID KAPOOR
LARA DUTTA Weaves a silky yarn
RANBIR KAPOOR Shabinaa Khan on friendships in Bollywood
MONICA DOGRA Shaa’ir’s got the funk
SPEC-TACULAR Lissome lasses and their glasses
DAVE GROHL Attaining Nirvana
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food
lifestyle
PLUS POINT Huma Qureshi’s couture essentials
PLAYMATES Sex toys dominate Indian bedrooms
CULINARY AMBASSADOR Vineet Bhatia’s designer fare
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TRIAL BY FIRE Farah Khan takes life head-on
cinema
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contents THRILL SEEKER Jonty Rhodes’s Indian adventure
A CLASS APART Juhi Chawla’s tryst with the IPL
KALKI KOECHLIN Not your girl next door
DEAD MAN WALKING Zombies take over B-Town
beauty
SIDELIGHTS Scenes from the IPL 2013
Summer Styles For those who mind the mane
POLICE STORY Anil Kapoor gets trigger-happy
LIPSTICK JUNGLE Get your dose of scarlet fever
GEN NEXT Sunny Deol passes the baton
ICE ICE BABY Creme de la manicure
DATE WITH DESTINY Sheetal Dewan predicts
travel
TRUNK SHOW Embracing the wild at the Serai
FIDA OVER FIJI Neil Nitin Mukesh soaks up the sun
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PLAY IT AGAIN The hottest tracks of the season
Notch Lit In our digital library
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Playing Footsie Christian Louboutin talks about customised shoes with the owner’s tattoo as a modern approach to bespoke Asmita Aggarwal
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he maverick duo Sandeep Khosla and Abu Jani were on an exclusive list of invitees to the launch of skyscraper heel guru, Christian Louboutin’s exclusive boutique at the Horniman Circle store in Mumbai. “I met Louboutin, in Mumbai and he has changed the way the world views shoes – red soles are now the soul of every woman. As a person he is extremely charming and has a great sense of humour. Money, fame, adulation and power haven’t robbed him of his humility,” says Sandeep Khosla. Every person has their Louboutin favourites from socialite Hasina Jethmalani to Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan who wore his Loubs when he met Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg and if you’re ready to spend a cool ` 1 lakh these beauties could walk home with you too! Louboutin, the man who was in the spotlight on his trip to Mumbai, spoke about his exciting new launch – a bespoke embroidery service at select mens’ boutiques Louboutin explains the inspiration behind the service, “It started as an idea for a friend’s present – I made a pair of shoes for him embroidered with his tattoo. A lot of my friends have tattoos. I realised that it’s not only just a part of pop culture but a bit of a map on someone’s body which says something about the person. Instead of carrying someone
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else’s crest on a loafer, I thought it would be contemporary to have your own emblem on your own shoe. Instead of a classical made-to-measure bespoke shoe, which other men’s shoe brands do very well, this is my modern approach to bespoke.”
So here’s how this works. You can choose the fabrications and colours as well as embroidery techniques which can be employed to enliven personal tattoos, or the ones designed by Louboutin. Your tattoo along with your preferences go to Paris where they are converted into drawings detailing the placement on the shoe. The entire process takes a good three months as you first view what you are getting from Paris (drawings), after which the finished product is shipped to you from Italy. This is just the latest innovation from a man who’s known to seek inspiration from anything that catches his fancy. “He’s so curious about everything and he’s very observant,” says designer Nachiket Barve. “He doesn’t look at India as a typical foreigner would. He
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has been here in the 70s so he knows how urbanisation has changed consumer interests. I like the way he uses references, and twists them – like the Pigalle shoe that was inspired by Pigalle Place, in Montmartre, the nerve centre of sex shops, strip clubs and everything X-rated. When I met him I felt he had a spark, which was way beyond the ordinary and he does have a lot of goodwill in India. I like the way he says, ‘I don’t think comfort equals happiness’,” laughs Nachiket.
Gifted Soles Sridevi met the French designer at the Marrakech Film Festival, where she wore his shoes for a photo-shoot. Said the actress, “I received four pairs of shoes from him with a note. A pair each for my daughters Jhanvi and Khushi and two for me — I was humbled by his gesture!” Sussanne Roshan, who hosted the designer’s launch party, was given a pair of studded Loubs as a gift. And Priyanka Chopra who caught the designer’s fancy, was gifted a pair of shoes that came at a price tag of $ 3,800!
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Print-Ă porter Bold vintage prints are emerging as clear favourites among stylistas Asmita Aggarwal
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t has been a fragrant Garden of Eden on the international catwalk, with most style gurus from Prada and Moschino to Dolce & Gabbana creating refreshing floral prints, leaving bling far behind. Closer home, virtuosos Gauri and Nainika Karan took a trip back in time designing an effortless hip line on a gown that won favour with Bollywood’s ruling diva Priyanka Chopra – one that she flaunted at the MTV Awards. “We used strong colours and a print that was inspired by vintage book covers. It was very retro and uber trendy,” explains Gauri. The duo’s line was brimming with combinations in vibrant reds, yellows and maroons.
Pankaj and Nidhi’s prints in eyecatching tangerine were inspired by musical instruments. “Prints are the dominating expression of the season, and we moved away from the predictable phool-pattis (flowers and
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Prints are the dominating expression of the season. We moved away from predictable phool-pattis (flowers and leaves) to make a statement in prints with lattice work, appliqué and quilting” leaves) to make a statement in prints combined with lattice work, appliqué, quilting and crewel work,” says Pankaj. The husband and wife duo played with a colour palette of spicy purples, navy blues and oranges. Tanvi Kedia’s hippie deluxe line at the Wills India Fashion Week (WIFW) portrayed a hyper culture through a mishmash of prints, sandwiched stripes and hazy geometrics. Anupama Dayal on the other hand, paid homage to the city of Delhi during the Mughal era through Jamevar printed tier dresses, chiffon odhinis (stoles) printed with butis (small motifs), shatranj (chess) prints and so on.
Taking a more modern approach Ranna Gill says, “Prints are classics like denim. You can have a cluster of flowers at the hem of an outfit keeping it light but bright for summer, rather than using embroidery which adds bulk to it. And bold is beautiful this season – I used neons, hot pinks and leaf and lime greens, which immediately strike a chord with women wanting that extra edge.”
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“We have always been doing prints and nature has been one common area of inspiration�
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fashion Bangalore-based Sanchita Ajjampur had a novel take on the Panchatantra tales. It was a different story for menswear. “We used camouflage prints in aviator and metallic shades that kind of mixed Indian military, mythology and textures to create an urban warrior feel. The prints for women had bejewelled monkeys and exotic flora and fauna. We are in an era where prints are becoming more graphic – digital printing gives you the freedom to meld and weld, add and subtract, making prints less sterile,” says Sanchita. Prints in the form of soft blue stripes could be seen on the footwear line of Comme des Garcons who teamed up with street chic label Vans and Supreme. Giannini created a holiday mood at Gucci with palm prints much like Pia Pauro’s resort line, or Shivan and Naresh’s swimwear line that was inspired by the Naïve Art movement, complete with pop colours and burning pinks. Conclude Hemant and Nandita, “We have always been doing prints and nature has been one common area of inspiration. Last year, our prints were about dry trees and colourful flowers – last season we used flowers which were in X-rayed forms. This season wood and its various textures has been our inspiration.”
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The military feel can be achieved in a subtle manner too. Zipper pullers, patchwork pockets, badges are great add-ons. The idea is to have small details that go a long way in making the look work.
Military boots! Roundtoed, lace-up army boots allow you to channel the tough look and take you from day to night with ease. You can multi-task, go to different places, all through the day without looking out of place
RAWAL RECOMMENDS Metallic is big this season - my jackets have four to five per cent metal threads and the rest cotton. This gives the garment a sheen and also gives it a formal touch.
Ditch your dull beige cargos. Try cargo pants in wine and forest green. This palette reflects the military look.
Buttons in gold, vanilla or bone and forest green add to the look.
“I love camo (camouflage) and it is huge for summer globally. I have just returned from Vancouver, after an awards show and I saw what a rage they have been. I gave Shahid a camo vest (as it is a busy print) and teamed it up with a solid bottom. The trick is play up one aspect of the outfit and tone down the rest.�
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Post-motherhood, Lara Dutta’s put the arc lights on hold and has now turned designer, launching an exclusive line of fusion saris Asmita Aggarwal
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hen Asheeta of Chhabra 555 – a 60-year-old store in the heart of Delhi that has, for generations, catered to the whims and fancies of brides to be – first saw Bollywood beauty Lara Dutta she knew she had made the right choice in a future designer. Lara is after all an army kid, a Ghaziabad girl, who made it big with no help from anyone. And if this were not enough, she not only won a beauty title, but also settled into the role of a doting mother and supportive wife. This glamorouscum-self-made image would connect with the upper middleclass audience Chhabra 555 was targeting. “I have designed 47 saris and I worked on every piece. Every last minute detail, including how and
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where the bootis (motifs) should be placed, how the paisleys would look – in fact every design input was mine. They came back to me with final designs and of course the karigars (craftsmen) and production were taken care of by them,” says Lara. The collection is divided into several parts – the first part has 12 designs and is executed in Benarasi (from Varanasi) work; then comes the Chikankari (special thread work from Lucknow) with gotta patti (gold or silver bands) or with a free flowing zari border. “There are some Bandhej (tie and dye) saris as well as basic georgettes which are simple and effective. I like the half and half saris – velvet with Chantilly lace. It took almost four months to put this line together. And I wanted it to be affordable – so we kept the price points between Rs 13,000 to Rs 50,000,” she says. Emboldened by the positive response, Lara is now coming up with a line of suits, in the prêt category. The line will also have a few saris. The idea is to give customers something celebratory without making it look over-the-top!
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‘Real Women Have Curves’ Huma Qureshi tells us what works for her body type and shares tips on how to play up your plus points
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I look at designer wear for film promotions and red carpet events as I know I am going to be photographed excessively. However, I am not a trend addict; I see what looks best on me — certainly not a bandage dress for instance! I like to pick bold colours and I love red lips as they add brightness to your face.
he dazzled to success in Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur as the gangster’s love interest, but what sets this curvaceous Delhi girl apart is her dressing style which accentuates her strong points. When I look at myself in the mirror, my reflection should
‘wow’
me. Remember, your eyes and your mind are your best critics and your smile just validates how you look. A nice long, floor skimming maxi (dip dyed), hair open and a flower tucked away in my tresses always does it for me.
White is always right. A white outfit, be it a salwar-kameez or a gown, with just a splash of colour thrown in like a bright dupatta or a jacket is the way to be fashforward for me.
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Black, black and lots of black. It is beautiful, almost lethal — you can never go wrong with it. When in doubt wear black that’s what I do and this shade is on the top of my list in my fashion rule book.
Accessories can make or break an outfit. So, choose them wisely. I look at what supplements my outfits. If I want some colour I will add it to my accessories — like burnished gold, Swarovski crystals or drop pearls. Big is not always better is my mantra. Accessories must complement the outfit and not hijack it. You should not look like a Christmas tree, with bangles, cuffs, necklace, and chunky earrings worn all at one time. Know how to balance your look so that you appear très chic all the time!
I love bling — it makes me happy. I add it onto a shoe, dress (only on hemlines or sleeves. Too much is too loud), jacket, shrug, earrings or a cuff. It could be on anything but it must stand out otherwise what’s the point of wearing it? I like to play with bling as it has the power to make you sparkle on the red carpet.
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Name: Shahid Kapoor Alias: Shasha Gender: Male Complexion: Fair Hair Colour: Black Eye Colour: Black Height: 5' 8.5âˆŤ Build: Athletic
The Shahid Kapoor Files File Date: 1st May 2013
Charges: Serial Charmer, Sexiest Indian Vegetarian, Dancer extraordinaire Nationality: Indian Date of Birth: 25th February, 1981 Place of Birth: New Delhi, India Place of Residence: Versova, Mumbai EARLY YEARS: Son of: Pankaj Kapur and Neelima Azeem Schools: Gyan Bharti Public School, Delhi; Rajhans Vidyalaya, Mumbai Dance Training: Shiamak Davar's Troupe First Break: Advertising/ Television Commercials for Complan, Pepsi First Music Video: Aankhon Mein Tera Hi Chehra by Aryans FILMS Debut: Ishq Vishk (Winner: Filmfare Best Male Debut Award) Hit Track Record: Jab We Met (Imtiaz Ali), Kaminey (Vishal Bharadwaj), Vivah (Sooraj Barjatya) In the making: Phata Poster Nikla Hero (Rajkumar Santoshi), Rambo Rajkumar (Prabhu Deva), Tango 22 (UTV Films), Heer Ranjha (Sajid Nadiadwala) Past Relationship: Kareena Kapoor Alleged Affairs: Hrishitaa Bhatt, Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra, Sania Mirza
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H
e is known for his boyish charm, his fluid dancing skills and his phenomenal acting prowess. Shahid Kapoor has enthralled us Bollywood buffs with his on-screen persona, time and time again. And in the process, he has earned himself a rightful place among the brightest stars in the Bollywood galaxy. But beyond those “18-till-I-die’’ youthful looks, that mischievous smile and those sparkling, intelligent eyes, hides an intensely private man of immense maturity who refuses to be
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shackled by the trappings of being a celebrity. In an industry that thrives on appearances, perceptions and snap judgements, being shy and an introvert are qualities that are interpreted as being arrogant. Being protective about one’s personal life is seen as being a snob. Shahid is aware of who he is and has his priorities right. And if the price of being his own person in a world that worships projected images is perceived as being a snob, he is more than
ready to wear the tag. Shahid has borne the brunt of many misinterpretations. The reputation of being difficult or being a snob is something he has learnt to live with. “I’m just a very private person. I don’t socialise. I don’t party too much. In fact, my definition of a party is chilling at home with friends. I am also unsure of what to say to the media if I am not talking about work. Maybe that’s the reason for the unflattering reputation I have,” Shahid explains.
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His maternal grandfather was Anwar Azeem, a celebrated Marxist author/ journalist. His great great grandfather was the iconic screenwriter/filmmaker/ novelist Khwaja Ahmed Abbas, who wrote films like Neecha Nagar, Awara, Shree 420, Bobby and Henna. Worked as background dancer in Subhash Ghai's Taal and Yash Chopra's Dil Toh Pagal Hai as part of Shiamak Davar's dancing troupe. Has three half-siblings from his parent's respective second marriages – sister Sanah, and brothers Ruhaan and Ishaan (who worked with Shahid in Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi) Was forced to watch Fanaa over 20 times as preparation for his role in Teri Meri Kahaani, because director Kunal Kohli wanted him to emulate Aamir Khan's style of reciting shaayari. Convinced then girlfriend Kareena Kapoor to turn vegetarian. She continues to be a vegetarian. Adjudged Asia's Sexiest Vegetarian Man in 2011.
Despite being the son of two of the most respected actors in the film and theatre world, Shahid was not groomed to be a star. “When I started out, I was this 22-year-old boy from a middle-class background. I have always been shy and an introvert by nature. So, the initial success was a bit overwhelming for me. My father, Pankaj Kapur, is one of the most focused actors who takes his work very seriously. So, being serious, committed to what I am involved in — be it a role or a relationship, and being sincere are qualities that are kind of ingrained in me.”
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Responsibility is one word that crops up in all of Shahid’s interactions. His parents, Pankaj Kapoor and Neelima Azeem, separated when he was three-years-old. He spent the first 10 years with his mother in New Delhi. The awareness of being the only son of a single mother, he admits, inculcated a huge sense of responsibility in him. “I was very conscious of what to do and what not to do. It wasn’t really a carefree childhood,” he shared in an interview. These experiences not only
made Shahid more responsible, but also more positive. “If there is a problem, I tend to acknowledge it and then try to find a way around it instead of wallowing in self-pity.” It is this ability to look at the positive side of life that is reflected in all aspects of Shahid’s life. Through all the rumours of his affairs and link-ups, relationships and break-ups, successes and failures, Shahid has demonstrated an amazing maturity and grace. Refusing to make May 2013
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his private life public, he has maintained a stoic dignity, rare in the film world. For Shahid, all that matters is his self-image — that of a decent human being, who is kind. He is selective about choosing his friends, loves Goa and is a fan of house music. He does not do anything in halfmeasures. As an example he offers, “I am not big on reading. I want to get into that habit. The last time I read a book seriously was Life Is Fair. I was so May 2013
convinced by the arguments that it made that I turned vegetarian.” Success and failure don’t bother him much. He regards success as more dangerous than failure because he thinks success breeds a sense of invincibility while failure is the real teacher in life. With three films from diverse genres lined up for release, Shahid finds himself in a great place today. He will next be seen in Rajkumar Santoshi’s Phata Poster Nikla Hero
alongside Ileana D’Cruz. This will be followed by an out-and-out masala entertainer Rambo Rajkumar, directed by Prabhu Deva and featuring Sonakshi Sinha. Shahid Kapoor’s journey towards striking a balance between his public and private life continues. As he puts it, “Others go from being boys to men… I think my journey has been the other way round. I am going from being a man to a boy!”
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Sidelights
Jaunty Rhodes
Surfing, biking, street food – Jonty Rhodes, who is coaching the Mumbai IPL team, is having a blast in India Arpita Chatterjee
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he man who brought the importance of fielding home to cricketing audiences worldwide, Jonty Rhodes is now the fielding coach of the Mumbai Indians that has arch rivals, Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting, playing on the same side. We caught up with Jonty at his hotel after his team had made a whopping 209 runs and went on to beat the Delhi Daredevils in one of the initial matches of the Indian Premier League or IPL as it is popularly called. Says Jonty, “The IPL is a great leveller. You have kids from the state level playing alongside international legends, which really builds their confidence. It’s exciting to coach so many kinds of players at the same time. Ponting is a novice at the IPL format, but he’s such a strong character. He’s also very approachable
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and listens keenly. It’s also sweet how the kids address the seniors as ‘Sir’ and then play on the same team!” Jonty is totally fascinated by the diversity of Indian culture. “Everywhere I go the food, the people, the languages, the landscape is so different from the last place I was at,” he says. “I love to dive into my surroundings. I come from South Africa, which is not so large, so it would be crazy not to explore India as a country.” But as far as the food is concerned Jonty admits to loving the street food “as long as I can see it being cooked!” Before he started his stint as an IPL coach, Jonty worked full time at a bank for six months. Jonty laughs admitting that while it was “fun, I could not do it for a lifetime. I like to do something different on a daily basis, which is why I love the IPL. It’s a new city and new situation everyday.”
Jonty has always been very sporty. He loves the outdoors, which is where he spent most of his childhood. “My father was a junior high school teacher who also taught physical education. He would play rugby on weekends. So even as youngsters we were always playing outdoors. My grandfather was a miner. If my father had not become a teacher, I would probably be a miner as well.” The legend reveals that his latest passion, apart from his 500 cc Enfield, “which I ride in Mumbai early in the mornings, before the scary buses hit the roads”– is surfing. “I took up surfing after I retired from cricket and I really enjoyed it. I’ve found a spot near Vizag which has great waves,” he says enthusiastically. The cricketer says that he loves the energy Mumbai exudes,”It’s such a rocking city, but I hate the traffic. It’s so scary.” May 2013
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Dravid: Still think we should Sachin: Hey Ponting! Is that a Gayle headed our way? Ponting: Stop pointing and keep walking.
SPIDER-MAN SURESH: What’s with the hands Raina? Looks like the cricketer is trying to channel his inner superhero
IMITATION, THE BEST FORM OF FLATTERY: Bhajji tries Malinga’s famous round arm bowling tactic while the Lankan slinger looks on approvingly
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go with those blue jerseys?
Shilpa: What do I do,
Rahul? We’re getting beaten black ‘n’ blue. Might as well wear it!
PSSST: Another Fake IPL Player in the making? Dinesh Karthik takes notes during an IPL game
AILAA, IT’S ARJUN: Considering Sachin Tendulkar is still going strong, what are the odds that he and son Arjun (14) would be facing off in the 10th edition of the IPL?
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In a league of her own “We never knew IPL would become this big,” says Juhi Chawla even as she admits to being ‘only the celeb face’ of KKR Asmita Aggarwal
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here is something totally lovable about Juhi Chawla; she is affable even while she answers the most uncomfortable questions – like how her friendship with King Khan has endured 20 years, even after rumours of an alleged split. “I think when we both started we were nobodies. We struggled together and saw all the ups and downs. This is probably the reason why we established a bond that has lasted so many years. Our friendship has grown into great partnerships too, like the Kolkata Knight Riders team which I co-own. My brother Bobby also used to work with Red Chillies Entertainment,” says Juhi. SRK stood by Juhi when her brother Bobby, the CEO of his company collapsed in 2010 and was in a coma. “SRK is my best friend, somebody I can confide in. He has the kindest heart. But what I admire about him most is his energy and the way he puts 100 per cent into whatever he is doing whether it is IPL or a TV commercial,” she adds.
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people Talking about getting to love the game of cricket and investing in the business with SRK, Juhi admits that it is Jay her husband who is more active than her. “I am just a celeb face, so I do the promotions and Jay handles the rest. He and SRK have a great understanding,” she adds. “SRK and I have worked together on many films together that there is this unspoken understanding between us, so when Lalit Modi came to us with a proposal for IPL we accepted. We never knew it would become so big. All we knew is that it was cricket -– a sport that’s a national passion,” she says. However, when there is the passion to win, with millions watching, there is bound to be bad blood, even between seemingly good friends. That’s what happened in a spat between Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain Gautam Gambhir and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s captain Virat Kohli. But Juhi says it is part of the game. It’s just that anything salacious gets noticed a lot more than anything meaningful. “For this season we’ve kept the same team but changed just one or two players. We hope the team can create magic as we have some wonderful players who can turn adversity into good fortune,” says Juhi with a laugh.
Juhi Chawla with best buddy SRK
KKR lifted the trophy in 2012, even though they were laughed at by an anonymous blogger, who knew almost everything that was going on inside the team. SRK was caught and criticised for smoking and was banned from the MCA for allegedly being drunk and misbehaving with the security guards. He was also blatantly promoting his films at the IPL. But despite these controversies, Juhi is upbeat about the team’s chances. “SRK is a workaholic, he enjoys every aspect of the IPL – from the promotions, to motivating the players. Jhanvi and Arjun, my two kids,watch more IPL matches than me,” she adds. While Juhi likes to enjoy the sport from the sidelines, she is quite choosy about the projects she wants to work in. “I do films after gaps and in bits as my family and kids come first. So only if a project is super challenging like Gulab Gang where I am working with Madhuri (Dixit) for the first time, do I accept it. It is a powerful script, a film with many twists and turns, lots of unpredictability and punch — that’s what made me take it up. Madhuri plays the hero and I am the villain so you can imagine how fantastic it will be!” she smiles.
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Juhi Chawla with husband Jay Mehta
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IPL ka Karishma
The new face of Extra Innings, UK-born Karishma Kotak is waiting for her ‘wow’ moment with Sachin and Dhoni
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he power of the IPL in a country that loves its cricket is that everyone associated with it, becomes a household name overnight. It is the biggest break one can get as an anchor. I have done many ads and even a film, but this assignment changed my life. Since the IPL started, people have been calling me to offer me all kinds of work. I would have taken 30 flights in 50 days and I barely get enough sleep but it still is one of the best jobs I have done in my entire life. Nothing compares to the adrenaline rush one feels as one enters the stadium grounds. Being so closely associated to the action on the field is very heady and exciting as well as grueling. Most of the matches also have a nail biting finish. I cannot wait to meet Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. That will be the ultimate feather in my cap. That is going to be the ‘wow’ moment of my IPL experience. I am sure I will be so tongue-tied that I won’t be able to say anything.”
As told to Arpita Chatterjee
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cinema
GOOD BAD
COP
Anil Kapoor talks about adding new dimensions to his persona with contrasting roles in Shootout At Wadala and his much-hyped TV debut 24 Lipika Varma
May 2013
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e couldn’t have asked for more. At 53, Anil Kapoor is leading a life many can only envy. The actor is donning a police uniform for his Ekta Kapoor-produced and Sanjay Gupta-directed venture, Shootout At Wadala, the sequel to Shootout At Lokhandwala and is busy with 24, a television series from his production house.
On the making of his character in Shootout At Wadala “I play Isaque Bagwan an officer from the anti-terrorism squad who is an encounter specialist. As an actor I have to look the part of the character I am
playing. In order to do this I had to undergo a rigorous workout schedule — exercising regularly in the mornings as well as in the evenings. The takeaway from this was that my stamina has improved, apart from the fact that the exercise regimen has made me a far fitter man!”
The absence of women in the film “I think we have quite a few actresses in the film with respect to the songs. There’s Kangana Ranaut, Sunny Leone, Priyanka Chopra and Sophie Choudhury. It’s not a male-centric film.”
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cine m a About the homework he did for the film “None of the work was documented when I took up this role. The director (Sanjay Gupta) had to do a lot of research as this is a completely commercial film. I have not read the book (Dongri To Dubai written by Hussain Zaidi), just the script. I met the writer and got a lot of information from him. We also met another cop and incorporated his mannerisms... Some cops do desk jobs... He was a very aggressive man completely unafraid. He was pious and loved his family. I met a few retired police officers from those times as well and found out more. How they talked to criminals, how they handled guns and pistols. How they behaved in the police station and outside it. I shot videos so that I could use them as references. The Bombay police was different then, they were real. Today they have become the Mumbai police.”
“I had to lose weight and look slim so I could mingle with the college crowd. I lost about 8 to 10 kg as I had to wear a halfsleeved T-shirt”
On losing weight for the role “I had to lose some weight to get into the skin of the character. The climax of the film has me going to college to kill gangster Manya Surve (played by John Abraham) who’s meeting his girlfriend there. I had to lose weight and look slim so I could mingle with the college crowd. I lost about 8 to 10 kgs as I had to wear a half-sleeved T-shirt. If I was wearing a full shirt I could have concealed a lot. But that was certainly not the case. So, I had to exercise every single day.”
On adding new dimensions to his life “I am getting different roles. This film will add a different dimension to my persona enabling me to play a new action category. Life is giving me a great deal. I want to do a lot of things
like produce films, act in a bunch of them — internationally and nationally. I would like to travel around the world, watch matches and the Cricket World Cup. I want to go to a country like Japan as I haven’t seen it. Ditto as far as Australia goes... All in all life has become even more exciting for me.”
On his much publicised and awaited television venture 24 “I am shooting for 24 and will be busy till September. The show will start in mid-August, or that’s what we are aiming for as a deadline for now. I hope things go according to plan.”
Films from his production house
Stills from the television series 24
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“I am producing the television series 24. My daughter Rhea is making a film which Sonam will definitely be part of. It’s an entertaining film — that’s all I can tell you for now!”
May 2013
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Refreshingly candid, Kalki Koechlin disses rumours about husband Anurag’s alleged affair and explains why she does not want biological kids Asmita Aggarwal
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he plays the guitar; writes poetry; grew up in an ashram in Auroville, Pondicherry; is an avid reader and wishes she was more brown! That’s Bollywood actress, Kalki Koechlin for you. A svelte, wasp-waisted, doe-eyed beauty, Kalki’s candour is refreshing. Marriage, she feels is just a legal piece of paper. “Commitment means more”, she proclaims just as honestly as she admits, “I would rather adopt than have biological kids.”
Dressed in all white, quite contrary to the dark character she is playing in Kannan Iyer’s Ek Thi Daayan, Kalki is quite happy to talk about her personal journey from Dev D to today. “Every film is progress of some sort – you look back and see where you can improve. When I did Dev D I was quite scared, I knew nothing about the camera, voice modulation, angles… I was shy, unsure and reticent. I have crossed those hurdles now and I feel more confident about my roles and about myself too,” she adds.
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Kalki has always preferred to take the road less travelled – Shaitaan, Zindagi Milega Na Dobara. But Ek Thi Daayan is a film that Kalki did only because of Vishal Bharadwaj, the producer. “I felt it explored an area of the mystical, somewhat spiritual. My character is not the scary dayaan that we have grown up hearing about. I don’t believe in the supernatural. For me two kinds of energies exist in this world – positive and negative. My role is more that of a fictional character, someone who is bohemian and carefree. The film is subtle horror – a genre that is gaining popularity in the country,” she explains. Perhaps it was growing up in Auroville that made Kalki less judgmental yet supremely self confident. So when the
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rumours of newbie Huma Qureshi’s alleged affair with her filmmaker husband hit the news, Kalki took things in her stride. “I think the biggest challenge for any actress in the film industry is to remain sane. I trust Anurag. He is a creative person, involved with making cinema that will change the way people watch the movies. Gossip is part and parcel of the place you work in. Huma and I are friends,” she smiles. This self assuredness also comes from Kalki’s upbringing. Her French parents, Francoise Armandie and Joel Koechlin followers of Shri Aurobindo’s teachings moved to India almost 40 years ago.
Kalki’s mom, who was fascinated by Indian mythology and culture, thought Kalki would embody the spirit of light. And in many ways, Kalki has lived up to her name. She is not affected by glamour, always comes across as a real person and tells you that writing is her therapy much like acting as it “lets you vent”. Maybe that’s why she has a new play on her desktop waiting to get the finishing touches. And it was her husband who encouraged her to write says Kalki. “Anurag has unflinching faith in me. He is also a good father and I respect his ex wife who edits most of his films. She is a single mom. It’s not easy,” says Kalki. Her newest play is about death. “We must all die, it is the undeniable truth of life. I found the subject quite intriguing, but I looked at it differently exploring it sublimely… What if death is not scary? Nothing to worry about?” she asks. Always well turned out, Kalki is not one to keep a tab on trends. “I am conscious about what to wear but my mantra is “comfy yet chic” so I am not scared to be eclectic,” she concludes.
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N O S rise
Sunny Deol is a proud father as his son Karan represents the third generation of Deols to enter Bollywood with YPD 2 Lipika Varma
May 2013
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unny Deol says he’s never cared for six pack abs. “Why should I care for packs? I feel more than packs it’s the healthy mind that one must nurture. We are living in a stressful world so, physical as well as mental health – manobal – is what matters,” says Sunny who is very involved with the release of Yamla Pagla Deewana 2.
“We would not mind making Yamla Pagla Deewana 3 but at the moment we are concentrating on the release of YPD 2. We are also taking great care about our promotional strategy – it’s integral to a film’s success,” he explains adding that the sequel is different from the first edition, “though the three characters remain the same.”
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cine m a “Frankly speaking, everything including the bookings of single or multiplex theatres must be chalked out in advance. There is no need to indulge in politics,” explains Sunny with reference to the clashes of films at the box office window. “We hope not to face any clashes while releasing the film as everything has been scheduled and booked much ahead,” he says.
“Karan has assisted director Sangeeth Sivan although he is just 21 years old. We want him to learn every nuance of filmmaking before he ventures onto the silver screen” Music has been the backbone of all Hindi films but with copyright issues coming to the fore of late Sunny says, “We did not want any panga (problems) with regard to the songs in the film. We have not retained the yesteryear title song Jatt Yamla Pagla Deewana to which dad danced. And there are so many ifs and buts involved in taking the old songs that we focused on new music for the upcoming film.” Not many know that Sunny’s wife’s name is Pooja and not Linda as her passport states or that it was she that came up with the story idea for the movie. “My wife came up with the idea and since it appealed to all of us we worked on it,” he says. Son Karan is also involved in the film. “He has assisted director Sangeeth Sivan, although he is just 21 years old. We want him to learn every nuance of filmmaking before he ventures onto the silver screen. As a father I will always be there for him in whatever he wishes to do,” says Sunny emphatically.
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The actor scorches the recent rumours about his working with director Rajkumar Santoshi saying that he has neither been offered any role by the director “nor am I doing any film with him.” And as far as the recent controversies about actors imitating other actors (read Johnny Lever doing a Shah Rukh Khan) go Sunny clarifies, “Why would anyone criticise a scene that is canned with humorous intentions? If so, then we could send notices to all those who’ve imitated my dad. But we’ve always thought it was fine as long as things are taken in the right spirit.” And as far as not promoting Mohalla Assi directed by Chandra Prakash Dwivedi Sunny says, “Don’t believe in rumours. I play a Sanskrit teacher in that film. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi is a meticulous director. I am very keen to work with him
Sunny and Karan Deol and the sets of YPD 2
on his next film. He did come to us with a very good script. But Bobby was keen to play the character he narrated. Sunny feels that the Rs 100 crore race is nothing new. “Earlier, film tickets would cost just Rs 30 but they cost Rs 300 today. In the past, 10 lakh would be recovered in around 30 weeks. However, today 100 crores are recovered in four days! Collections have increased merely because the ticket money is exorbitant,” feels Sunny. May 2013
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rutally honest, witty and masking the scars of a difficult childhood Farah Khan is, apart from her other attributes, a responsible lady. Coming from a broken home, Farah raised her younger brother Sajid almost single-handedly. “The reason we are very close is that we only had one another. Sajid was the constant factor in my life, like I was in his. Our parents separated when we were very young and as my mom had to start working I had to look after Sajid. So, there’s this invisible, unbreakable bond that exists because of the struggles we’ve faced,” she explains. It wasn’t easy for Farah to handle the “wild rebellious child” Sajid who nearly went to jail for all the crazy things he did, she confesses. “For him to be so mature today is amazing! My father died in poverty – what we are is just a result of hard work. Sajid and I tasted success, after many trials but we were together and rode through the difficult times as a team,” said Farah at a recent promotional event for Ariel.
Farah Ki Toh Nikal Padi
Farah admits that her life has been dotted with controversies – what with Manoj Kumar suing Shah Rukh Khan for 100 crore because of the “objectionable scenes” in Om Shanti Om. Farah says it took her by surprise. “I went to his house with a cake, apologised, said it was a spoof and we were not being disrespectful to
A tough childhood, a rebellious brother and complicated friendships have not fazed Farah Khan. The outspoken director comes clean on patching up and moving ahead Asmita Aggarwal
Farah K
han and
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cinema Manojji.” But Farah refuses to divulge any details about what transpired between her husband, Shirish Kunder and King Khan after the slapping incident.
Farah Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan
With all that firmly behind her, Farah is back to doing Happy New Year with the mega star. “I met Shah Rukh when I did a song for Chennai Express. I felt so comfy with him – almost like I had come home,” she admits. Talking about stars and sets, Farah may have been appreciated for her role in Shirin Farhad ki Toh Nikal Padi, where she was paired opposite the inimitable Boman Irani, but she is a keener director than an actress. “Acting is all about waiting and prepping up. You have to wait on the sets with nothing to do – maybe that’s how affairs between co-stars start! I feel an actor is quite dependent on others – the cameraman and director to make him look good, the editor to edit the body of work and the linesman to give
o his “I went t ith a cake, house w ed, said it apologis oof and was a sp not being we were ctful.” disrespe
him his cues. Directors are in control. I am busy from the moment I step into the car to the time I say ‘pack up’,” she says. Few know that Farah Khan is also a reality show veteran and after Nach Baliye which was her fourteenth show, she has signed on another one, Shriman and Shrimati. “Reality
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TV is right up my alley, I love it. It is less time consuming, the money is good and it is certainly stress-free. Plus, I think I come across well on TV. The audience likes my candour,” she laughs. And it is this honesty that got Farah the IPL campaign. “The idea was to make it fun, energise the sport off the field and also make it interactive. Dance is the best way you can achieve all of the above,” she says.
But there is more to Farah than her profession. Mother of triplets, Diva, Czar and Anya, Farah says that she spends a lot of time with her kids. “I take up projects which I can manage, and to tell you the truth, the IPL campaign took only three days! I am a good mother. I attend almost all the birthday parties. I take them on holidays and am one of the most regular mom attendees at school. I think I should get an award for this,” she chuckles. May 2013
people
, r i b n a R r ockstar! t he
ur, to hunk du joon r o o d t x e n y ti From bo ces the evolu a tr n a h K a a Shabin oor of Ranbir Kap
Members only Designer-turnedproducer Shabinaa Khan shares memories of growing up with the young turks of Bollywood
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anbir Kapoor needs no introduction, you mention his name and people smile! He’s the boy everyone wants to take home. I have seen Ranbir ever since he was a kid and it has been an absolute delight to see him grow and evolve as a person. Ranbir’s mother Neetu and I have been friends for ages and I recall a time when Neetu called asking me to design an outfit for Ranbir — he had wanted Salman Khan’s designer (me) to design an outfit for him for his class X farewell party at the Bombay Scottish School. I readily agreed and that’s when I met this incredibly shy but very polite youngster for whom I created drawstring trousers, a vest and a shirt. His mom made him thank me — something that made him squirm — before he ran up to his room with the outfit! After his schooling was over, Ranbir left for further studies abroad. He went to the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New
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York to pursue method acting. Once during summer, on a flight back from New York, I noticed a lanky young boy all cramped up in the economy section of the flight, trying to adjust his long legs into a very small space! I took a closer look and realised it was Ranbir. So I walked over to him and asked him why he was sitting in the economy section — his answer just blew me away! He said that his father wanted him to earn his own upgrades! I was amazed at how well he was being brought up — like a normal down-to-earth kid. I was at the peak of my designing career then and was designing for every top star in the industry. Slowly and steadily my interactions with Ranbir grew and he got very comfortable with me. One thing about Ranbir is that when he feels safe with you he lets his guard down and then he is a riot to be around. His humour and his gossip sessions are legendry. He has
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p eople that feel-good factor that you just cannot escape. I bumped into him at a nightclub — he had just finished his education in New York and was looking at assisting someone. He told me that he had given his resume to the watchman at Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s building! At that time I had taken a break from designing to assist Sanjay on his film Black as I wanted to learn the ropes of film direction and production. Ranbir requested me to see if his resume had reached Sanjay. The next day when I got to the office I checked with Sanjay — he had not got anything from Ranbir, so we checked with the security and sure enough it was there. We called Ranbir to the office and after a chat he joined as an assistant to Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the same film. Ironically it was at this very time that Anil Kapoor called me to ask if Sonam could assist on the film as well. Working with Ranbir was an eye opener for me. In those days he used to get a measly amount as salary and to top it all his working hours were from 9 am to 9 pm! My timings were from 10.30 am to 7 pm and I still burst into laughter when I think of how Ranbir used to beg me to wait for him to finish just so he could take a ride back in the car. Imagine my surprise when I learnt that his parents had refused to let him use the car to go to work. He had to travel to work in an auto with his long legs all cramped up. But Ranbir is one person who just has no hang-ups about who he is or where he comes from. He just smiles and ambles along! One characteristic that stands out very strongly is Ranbir’s dedication to his work. He never ever bunked or cribbed about being over-worked. While assisting on Black he was also acting in a documentary for his friend Akshay Chopra. I remember how he worked all day and then at night he would shoot for the documentary in Film City. Yet, not once did I hear him complain about how tired he
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was — he would just take power naps in office. When you meet Ranbir you will realise that the innocent, boyish charm he uses can mesmerise you. After a while if you are close to him you realise that deep down he is a devil! He has an inherent charm with which he can innocently bully anyone. Both of us loved to eat at the Zodiac Grill, so he would call his cousin from town and somehow convince her to take us there! It is the most expensive restaurant in Mumbai city — even I couldn’t afford to go there frequently in those days. But Ranbir would call and say that someone was picking up the tab! Another really endearing side that I got to see was the day he had a silly argument with his mother. Packing some clothes he drove to his uncle’s house in Pune and wasn’t to be found for a whole day till he called work and explained that he wouldn’t be able to come in that day. After being screamed at he decided to return home. And once he had sorted out his differences with his mother he coolly came out and said, “Let’s get a chicken roll from Kareem’s, I am starving!” It was a hysterical moment — it was like nothing had happened. Ranbir and I spent three continuous years together — we were the best of friends.
Black was completed and at the premiere the producers of the film told Sanjay to think about making a film with Ranbir Kapoor and that’s where the idea of Sawariyaa was born. Ranbir was launched and like I have always said, Kareena Kapoor and he were born with golden spoons in their mouths — acting comes very naturally to them. Ranbir has gone on to become the heartthrob of every female movie-goer. The rest as they say is history. All I can say is, “Kiddo, you can move mountains because today is your day. Go ahead, make your mark and achieve your dream of being a Kapoor amongst the Khans!”
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ombies have arrived in India and it looks like they’re here to stay. But, why this sudden interest in waking the dead? Go Goa Gone, which will be releasing in May, seems to have elicited a huge level of interest in moviegoers. The trailer is the flavour of the season and has already got over two-and-a-half million hits in the course of a few weeks. One of the duo – Raj and DK, directors of Go Goa Gone, explained why they chose to make a zombie film. “We were really keen on exploring a new genre after our last film. Shor in the City was a gritty film rooted in the real world, so we wanted to make something totally off the charts next. We knew zombies were an alien and foreign concept for Indian audiences and that it would be a huge risk, but we were excited about trying a genre bender. First we made a dark drama thriller and now we’re making a comedy in the horror genre,” explains Raj.
What is a zombie? A zombie is an animated corpse resurrected by mystical means such as witchcraft. Since the late 19th century, zombies have acquired notable popularity, especially in North American and in European folklore. George A Romero’s 1968 film Night of the Living Dead was a defining film about this ‘monster.’
About his favourite characteristic of a zombie Raj says, “I find it the funniest of all the horror creatures. A zombie behaves oddly, it is slow and basically a dead person with no superpowers. I like how the creatures are a little existential and could be any of us on a bad day.” Interestingly Raj and DK were software engineers in Silicon Valley before they decided to become filmmakers. Raj regrets making films so late in life, but that didn’t stop the duo from taking bold creative steps and getting Saif Ali Khan to produce and act in such an experimental film. Says Raj, “Saif agreed in 15 minutes flat. The fact that we had made Shor... helped I guess. But I think even the stars are ready to do something fresh and innovative.” “To make the zombies look more real and scary we got prosthetic artistes from the US to work on them,” explains Raj.
Another film titled The Rise of the Zombie directed by Luke Kenny, released in April, but was met with a tepid response at the box office. Director Navdeep Singh, who made Manorama Six Feet Under, also tackled the zombie genre with a film called Rock the Shaadi last year. On the sets of Go Goa Gone
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May 2013
travel
Neil Nitin Mukesh was captivated by the island nation during his recent shoot there
May 2013
Lipika Varma
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travel
Sonal Chauhan and Neil on location in Fiji
“I would always recommend Fiji as a location for the sheer serenity, the weather, its stunning natural beauty and above all, the simple people” 44
F
iji is so beautiful with its miles of golden beaches and azure blue waters that romance is what one naturally associates with it. I hadn’t been there before so when we reached I automatically assumed that we would be shooting some romantic scenes. Imagine my amazement when we were told we were going to shoot horror sequences instead!’’ laughs actor Neil Nitin Mukesh who went to Fiji during the filming of 3G but confesses to having had a delightful time all the horror scenes notwithstanding. Clearly, the presence of his lovely co-star Sonal Chauhan added to the romance of the island nation, but Neil is unwilling to talk about this. “Well! All I can say is that I’d
rather not discuss any details about our relationship as things get blown out of all proportion.” However, the actor admits trying to make Sonal’s birthday special for her. “I arranged a birthday dinner for Sonal and requested the hotel guys to help. We set up a canopy under which we were served a delicious dinner.” Dinner was followed by a musical performance that was put on especially for them. Talking about Fiji Neil says, “The dappled morning sunshine was as beautiful as the moonlit nights that cast silver shadows on the sand. The atmosphere was steeped in romance, but the irony was that we were shooting a horror film!” Neil was completely captivated by May 2013
travel Fact File
Fiji is the product of volcanic mountains and warm tropical waters. Today, its majestic and ever-varied coral reefs draw tourists from around the world. Suva, the harbour capital city is built on a peninsula. There are visa-on-arrival facilities for tourists from most countries.
Must see
The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is home to 20 hectares of orchids native to Fiji and many other flowers. With a beautiful lily pond and many exotic plants, this garden is sure to take your breath away! The Fiji Museum is an excellent place for tourists to discover the historical background of Fiji.
Must Do
White-water rafting and sea kayaking
Must Eat
Local delicacies include fresh tropical fruits; paulsami (baked taro leaves marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk often with some meat or fish filling and a bit of onion or garlic); kokoda (fish or other seafood marinated in lemon and coconut milk) and anything cooked in a lovo or pit oven.
the many virgin beaches that dot the Fiji islands. “Not many Hindi films have been shot here. Given a chance, I would always recommend Fiji as a location for the sheer serenity, the weather, the stunning natural beauty and above all, the simple people.” Neil was so amazed by the crowds that lined the streets to greet them that he says they even had to halt shooting for a few hours. ``I was shocked to hear the crowds in Fiji shouting my name. That they even knew my name made me feel incredible. I always thought we were known only in Russia for the songs sung by Mukheshji, my dada. But signing autographs for the friendly people of Fiji made me feel like a true hero!” May 2013
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travel
Call of
the wild Nestled alongside the Bandipur National Park, The Serai is a tranquil oasis that lets you experience nature up close and personal Bruce Schwack
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he Serai in Bandipur is the newest gem in the treasure chest of Coffee Day Resorts’ Five Star Eco destinations. Acquired just 10 months ago and beautifully renovated, the resort is located so close to the Bandipur National Park that you are forewarned upon arrival – come 9 pm and you will be locked in! Simply put – the electric fence will be energised, so no one gets out and hopefully nothing gets in! The Serai, which in Persian loosely translates to ‘an oasis’, represents its
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TAP FOR VIDEO
name perfectly. This part of the jungle is home to dry deciduous forest and to their credit, the developers have been careful not to introduce any non-native, invasive species of plant life. The result is a landscape that is beautiful but not lush. However, once the door to your cottage swings open low expectations are replaced by “oohs” and “aahs”. A beautiful marriage of contemporary design and local rock, marble and hardwoods has produced
Bruce with orphaned a rescued elephant calf
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travel a casually elegant facility on par with most five stars outlets in India. So much in tune with the natural surroundings was our cottage, that a beautiful spotted dove had made its nest on our window sill!
A view of the misty Blue Mountains from the resort
The priests at Gopalswamy Betta Temple with model Natacia Bhatia.
Bandipur, 246 kms from Bangalore, is an important refuge not only for the endangered tiger but also for the other most precious symbol of India, the elephant. The largest population of elephants in India lives in the Nilgiris, designated a UNESCO biosphere some years ago. It is universally recognised by ecologists, scientists, conservationists and even politicians that the preservation of this region and its rich biodiversity is critical for the growth and sustainability of the endangered populations. The staff conveys these important messages at every opportunity, with their goal not only being to provide relaxation, but also to heighten awareness, to educate and inspire each guest to take a stand in favour of these creatures and their rights. The nature walks, the Gopalswamy Betta Temple tour (Kannada for Krishna Hill Temple), and safaris into the heart of the Bandipur reserve all provide opportunities for naturalist and conservationist Imran to impart his knowledge and understanding about these fragile ecosystems. The jungle camp where we assembled each day was especially delightful, replete with families of playful macaques, wild boar, working jumbos and even three tiny orphaned elephants that Imran and his team had rescued and were now raising.
The infinity pool at The Serai in Bandipur
We were graced with sightings of wild elephant families, spotted and sambar deer, Malabar giant squirrels, barred mongoose, and an abundance of various birds. We even witnessed a huge and healthy male leopard languidly jump from a tree and then stroll across the road. The magnificent beast posed briefly before disappearing into the brush leaving us speechless and almost goggle-eyed with wonder. Of course, when we weren’t on safari, we were “roughing it” with five star buffet meals, spa treatments, and languid dips in an infinity pool that has as its backdrop, the gorgeous, misty Blue Mountains! So, if you want to relax like a Sultan while letting your inner child run free, do check out The Serai at Bandipur – it’s well worth a visit.
May 2013
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fashion
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eard the old adage ‘men don’t make passes at girls who wear glasses’? Well, these ladies clearly don’t give a damn! We’re not sure if it’s style or comfort, but these stars are a part of the Bollywood geekerati who sport their spectacles with elan.
Sonakshi Sinha
Sridevi
Prachi Desai
Chitrangda Singh
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May 2013
Image: Anushka Menon
people
Bohemi a n Rhapsody A poster girl for the burgeoning independent music scene in India, Monica Dogra opens up on her one true love
May 2013
Tushar A Amin
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Image: Anushka Menon
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he has been hailed as the Joni Mitchell of India. For any independent artiste, that would be a sign of having arrived. Not, however, for Monica Dogra. She refuses to be pinned down under convenient labels. Over the past few years, this gorgeous artiste (and her alter ego Shaa’ir) has blazed a trail of her own in the fields of acting (Dhobi Ghaat) and as a television show host (The Dewarists). As she juggles multiple roles and wows us with every turn, we snatched a few moments from Monica to talk about her first love – music. Your first memory of music… I remember music even before I can
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remember! It was always around in everything and everyone. My mom is a singer and my sister and I would sing together all the time. The first album you bought, ever… This came quite late.I bought Alanis Morrisette’s Jagged Little Pill. And you got the money from? I earned the money, working at Forever 21.
passed on the tradition of instrument making. Your first gig ever… My first performance was when I first moved to India with my band Change of Plan in Pune. I was so nervous. I improvised at least 50 per cent of the show. But afterwards people really loved it and said I reminded them of Joni Mitchell. So I think I did alright.
Your most treasured musical possession… I really treasure my shruti box. I bought it in Goa... It’s a lot like a harmonium. The guy who sold it to me made it himself. His family has
Do you still feel nervous before a performance? I still get nervous. Every time. That’s partially how you know you’re not done yet. You’ve got more to do, to grow, to share...
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people
And your most memorable gig in all these years… There have been so many and I hope many more. But most recently would have to be when we played at Blue Frog. My Maxim cover had come out a week prior, and this gig was kicking off International Women’s Day. The cover had sparked some controversy amongst the indies, so I came dressed as a man from A Clockwork Orange, and my bandmates wore sparkly, flowery, and neon dresses. I also crowd surfed for the first time in my entire life. It was a sign of the times – change in all its glory had come. The weirdest experience you’ve had as an artiste? I was once proposed to by a guy I didn’t know while I was singing on stage! It was many years ago when very few people knew who I was. Sweet, but very strange. And the most embarrassing…? I was on a riser head banging on the All-Star stage at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender, and it started raining a bit. I decided to jump onto the stage and instead I bailed flat in front of 15,000 people! It was pretty embarrassing. But it didn’t stop me – I just kept going. How would you describe your relationship with music? It’s true love. It thrashes me. It
May 2013
punishes me. It’s taught me to love with no return. And when I passed all those tests, it started to give back to me. What are you most excited about at this moment? Apart from music, it has to be my upcoming film Fireflies. It is this absolutely gorgeous film that I shot in Thailand, written and directed by debutant Sabal Sheikhawat and produced by The Big Picture Company. It’s a very layered and important conversation on love and the intricacies that lie therein. My dear friend Arjun Mathur is cast opposite me. What is it about indie films that attract you? Like most indie films, Fireflies was one of those experiences where everyone involved in the making of that film became one – inseparable, and dedicated to the cause of telling this story. We were so close, that after pack-up was called we’d all be sitting together in one room in the hotel until right before we had to go to bed. I really feel that that energy will seep into the movie, and pray that audiences feel how much bone marrow of the spirit and heart was pumped into the making of that film. How has success and recognition affected your relationship with art? It hasn’t changed a thing If you weren’t a performer/ musician/artiste, you would have been? Dead.
Image: Cory Goldberg
Who were your favourite musicians growing up? Ani Difranco, Fiona Apple and Bjork.
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p eople
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl turns director with Sound City, a documentary that chronicles the lost art of analog recording Rohit Panikker
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May 2013
people countless others; the search for those moments that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The feeling that you get when you connect with a song or another musician, without words, and you feel completely understood as a human being.” Sound City “While recording Nevermind, we had booked 16 days in a recording studio that none of us had ever been to, let alone ever seen. More infamous than famous, Sound City Studios was known for recording legendary albums such as Neil Young’s After the Gold Rush and Fleetwood Mac’s Fleetwood Mac, among others. Its history was staggering, like a virtual Rock n’ Roll hall of fame. But, when we arrived, we found something completely different to what we had expected. It was a dump, a bonafide shithole. But those 16 days changed my life forever.”
I
t was 1991 and an iconic year to say the least. The West was celebrating the break up of the Soviet Union, the Internet had just been made available for commercial use and Justin Bieber didn’t even exist! But these were not the best days for a 22-year-old Dave Grohl. “I was a starving musician without a cent to my name and nowhere to call home. My band at the time, Nirvana, made the trek down to Los Angeles from Seattle for our first official major label recording session – the one that would become Nevermind,” remembers Dave, now 44 and far away from that starving, unknown musician. “Nevermind went on to sell 30 million copies, and Nirvana soon became a household name!” Unfortunately, Nirvana was not to last. Less than three years into their newfound popularity, the vocalist of the band and Dave’s close friend Kurt Cobain shot himself, thus ending the unparalleled success streak of the band. Since then, Dave has been part of many significant musical projects from founding Foo Fighters to Them Crooked Vultures, a supergroup with John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin and Josh Homme
May 2013
of Queens of the Stone Age, as well as playing sessions for everyone from Paul McCartney to David Bowie and Tenacious D. Now, the musician has turned director with Sound City, a Dave Grohl and Kurt Cobain documentary about the human element of music, the lost art of analog Digital Takeover “Rage Against the Machine, Weezer, recording (“...this is for people in a band who’ve never ****ing walked into Nine Inch Nails, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, you name it, they all went to a recording studio”), and the history of Sound City Studios to capture that the studio where they recorded their magic and to get that ‘sound’, iconic debut album. which really came down to two simple things: the legendary, one of a kind, The Inspiration Neve 8028 analog recording console “As a kid growing up in the suburbs of and the drum room. Washington D.C., there were always instruments lying around my house. And then digital took over. With the And there was always music coming introduction of digital recording from the AM radio in the kitchen, or albums spinning on the turntable in the technology, tape-based, analog studios like Sound City soon became ‘obsolete’. living room. It was really only a matter The sound of a Neve recording console of time until I felt inspired. It’s that could now be emulated on your same feeling I had as a kid that has computer at home. Hell, you didn’t kept me making music for more than 20 years with Foo Fighters, Nirvana, and even need to know how to play your
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p eople instrument that well anymore! It was a whole new world where the ‘human element’ was at the risk of being ignored. Or lost.” Director’s Aspiration “As a first time director, my main intention with Sound City was not only to do justice to the incredible legacy of the studio, but to celebrate the human element of music. And to inspire the next 40 years of musicians to find that magic within themselves. That feeling that I had when I picked up a guitar for the first time and strummed the riff to Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple without anyone showing me how! The realisation that I could do this too. That music is human... and real...and beautiful in its imperfection and feel!”
“My main intention with Sound City was to celebrate the human element of music and to inspire the next 40 years of musicians” 54
May 2013
Music
Dualist Inquiry – Doppelganger
T
he year has so far shown to be one of contrasts. While new and varied talent have been making themselves heard, thanks to the wide reach of the Internet and the social media, some older and more established artistes are making a comeback of sorts with bigger and more grandiose experiments with their music. From both ends of the spectrum, we present the hottest three releases to watch out for this month.
Thirty Seconds To Mars – Love Lust Faith + Dreams
What: Dualist Inquiry is the brainchild and solo project of 24-year-old Sahej Bakshi, a producer, guitarist and performer based in New Delhi. Doppelganger is his debut full-length album, which is available for free download through his site or Facebook page. An amalgamation of rock, dubstep and lounge, Dualist Inquiry is the hottest act you should watch out for in the country’s Indie EDM scene Artistspeak: “Why free music? The idea is to get your music out there so that people already have your music, and the more wide your music goes out to, the more shows you can get! And we also realized that most of the audience for EDM are college kids and youngsters, most of whom don’t have credit cards or will go to itunes and pay for the music. Besides, not like I had to rent out a multi-million dollar studio to make this album. It was done at home. So yeah, the idea is to spread out.” - Sahej Bakshi, Dualist Inquiry
What: Love Lust Faith + Dreams is the fourth studio record by Thirty Seconds To Mars. The band, in association with NASA, launched the first single from the album, Up In The Air, into space, where the first copy of the song was carried aboard the SpaceX cargo mission to the space station. Artistspeak: “This is more than an evolution; it’s a brand new beginning. Creatively, we’ve gone to an entirely new place, which is exciting, unexpected, and incredibly inspiring.” - Jared Leto, vocalist Label: Universal Music
Label: Independent release
Jal - Pyaas What: Pakistani pop rock group Jal is back with Pyaas, a twelve-track offering since almost half a decade. The album explores a variety of themes ranging from loneliness to Einstein’s theory of relativity! Artistspeak: “We are aware that our fans have waited for almost 6 years for this new album and thus it was important that we come back with an album that’s been worth the wait! We have worked extremely hard on Pyaas and are very happy with the end product.” - Goher Mumtaz, vocalist Label: Universal Music
May 2013
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Food
TASTE OF
SUCESS Celebrity chef Vineet Bhatia’s Michelin-starred restaurants have turned the concept of Indian fine dining on its head Aparna Pednekar
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May 2013
Food
From serving kheer to Tom Cruise’s children and chatting WITH Bryan Adams, Vineet’s enjoying gastronomic superstardom”
I
t’s the end of a frenzied lunch service at Ziya at The Oberoi, Mumbai. Golden sunrays enter the bronze latticed interiors of the restaurant and bounce off its brick-layered kitchen. Chef Vineet Bhatia asks for a green tea for himself, eyeing my milky coffee with amusement. “Don’t worry. I always have masala chai when I’m in the kitchen,” he grins, promptly establishing a Mumbai connect. Vineet, the award-winning, globe-trotting chef and television show host is a Maximum City boy and a thoroughbred desi. And he certainly isn’t the kind who is pompous about his elegant lineup of restaurants spanning London, Dubai, Mauritius, Geneva and Mumbai serving glamorous multi-course menus. At the heart of his modish oeuvre is true blue Indian flavour. Ask Andrew Lloyd Webber, who succumbed to the pleasures of a Maharashtrian-style stuffed anda (egg) curry cooked by Vineet in London, and has been a regular at his restaurants ever since. From serving kheer (rice pudding) to Tom Cruise’s children and chatting to a dressed-down-in-chappals Bryan Adams, Vineet’s enjoying gastronomic superstardom. When his boyhood passion of being a fighter pilot was shot down by the National Defence Academy – “they said I was too short” – young Vineet did a stint in textile designing, before plunging into hotel management, hoping to have some fun behind a bar. Instead, he was banished to the kitchen – “the best punishment of my life” – and trained at the Oberoi. But it was only after leaving Mumbai for London and setting up his own restaurant, Zaika, after five years of wowing the British press with Shaami Kebabs and Rogan Josh, that Vineet really found his groove. Zaika became the first Indian
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restaurant to earn a Michelin star. With Rasoi he earned his second Michelin star and turned the concept of Indian fine dining on its head. Patrons delighted in the informal atmosphere of the 130-year-old Chelsea townhouse – a no smoking and no music zone – with 12 tables, Vineet in the kitchen and his wife Rashima on the floor, plating up Tandoori Smoked Lamb Chop, Grilled Curry Leaf Lobster and Morel and Truffle Korma With Lamb. Rasoi introduced the world to the quintessential Vineet Bhatia brand of escapism, one that gave diners a memorable experience they could leisurely relish. Back to present day Mumbai. Vineet has flown in from London to whip up a chic Spring Fling menu for Ziya, starring an eclectic and quirky bunch of characters like Lemon And Pudina Khichdi and Coconut-Cheese Artichoke Bake With Saunf-Aubergine Tadka. We scour the new menu for a dish that he can “cook” for the shoot. It’s a difficult task; his recipes, by his own admission, are musical compositions – jugalbandis of flavours, textures, colours and temperatures. But Vineet maintains that his food is glorified, but never bastardised. Which is why, even though we whoop with childish delight when he pours molten chocolate over frozen strawberry phirni, it’s not just about the theatrics. His second dish for our cameras is another tongue twister – Coconut-Crusted Lamb Chop with Apple Gojju, Pulled Raan Bakharkhani Calzone And Malabari Lamb Sauce – but has us licking our lips in anticipation. Seamlessly marrying Karnatak, Kashmiri and Keralite influences, the dish is a knockout
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Food Celebrity chef Vineet Bhatia shares two recipes from his brand new Spring Fling menu at Ziya, The Oberoi, Mumbai – helping you put that extra zing into your next sit-down dinner.
Coconut crusted Lamb Chop, Apple Gojju, pulled Raan Bakharkhani Calzone with Malabari Lamb sauce TAP FOR VIDEO
Makes 10 portions
Oil (200 gms), Deggi mirch powder (100 gms), Salt cooking powder (10 gms), Coriander stems (6g), Coriander leaves (6 gms), Nutmeg (2 gms), Hung curd (140 gms), Lamb chops (800 gms), Kashmiri chilly paste (60 gms), Ginger and garlic paste (20 gms), Ginger juliennes (5 gms), Potato (100 gms), Green chilly (8 gms), Garlic (28 gms), Red chilly paste (50 gms), Lamb legs (1 kg), Yoghurt (400 gms), Tomato puree (100 gms), Whole garam masala (all spice) (10 gms), Salt (8 gms), Turmeric (2 gms), Guntur chilly (1 gms, Mustard seeds (2 gms), Coconut milk (40ml), Curry leaves (1 gms), Chives (1 gms), Refined flour (200 gms), Ghee (30 gms), Salt (8 gms), Sugar (80 gms), Cardamom powder (2 gms), Milk (15 gms), Apples (100 gms), Coconut (100 gms), Jaggery (40 gms)
Method
• For the Coconut Crusted Lamb Chop: Clean the lamb chops. • Mix together the hung yoghurt, chilly paste, ginger and garlic paste, salt, nutmeg powder, red chilly powder, ginger juliennes and coriander stems and marinate the lamb chops for 4 hours. • Heat oil in a pan and sear the lamb on both sides. Crust it with a disc of coconut bread crumbs, coriander stems and finish in an oven. • For the Apple Gojju: Heat oil, add ginger, red chilly powder, jaggery, coconut, salt and cook till a syrup is made. Add diced apples and cook till the mixture forms the consistency of homemade jam. • For the Pulled Raan Bakarkhani Calzone: In a heavy bottom pan add the leg of lamb. • Add the whole garam masala, red chilly powder, turmeric powder, beaten yoghurt, chilly paste, tomato puree and the ginger and garlic paste. • Seal the vessel and cook gently on very low flame for 4 hours till the lamb falls off the bone. • Pull and shred the meat mix with grated boiled potato. Add fresh coriander leaves. • Sieve the refined flour and add the milk, cardamom powder and ghee to form a soft dough. • Fold the filling into the rolled dough and bake at 180 C for 12-15 minutes. • For the Lamb Sauce: Heat the oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, whole red Guntur chilly, garlic and chopped ginger. • Strain the raan (leg of meat) gravy and pour onto the tempering. • Add coconut milk and reduce to a sauce consistency.
The Plating
• Place a square mould of Apple Gojju on the top right corner of the plate. • Place the Calzone under the Gojju. • Streak the lamb sauce with the help of a spoon. • Place the lamb chop diagonally opposite the flow of the sauce. • Garnish with chives.
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May 2013
Food
Strawberry Phirni with caramalised Popcorn Rabdi, White Chocolate - Pink Peppercorn disc, Kiwi Pineapple cubes and toasted Almond Dust TAP FOR VIDEO
Makes 10 portions
Rice (100 gms), Sugar (350 gms), Milk (3 litres), Strawberries (300 gms), Cream (100 gms), Gelatine (16 gms), Popcorn (150 gms), Kiwi (150 gms), Pineapple (150 gms), Chocolate (12 gms), Cocoa powder (20 gms), Almonds (20 gms), White chocolate (15 gms), Rose petals (2 gms)
Method
• For the Phirni (kheer): Boil one litre of milk in a thick bottomed pan and add the soaked ground rice. • Stir the rice continuously making sure it does not stick to the base. • When the rice is cooked, and the consistency of the phirni is thick, add the sugar and cook for a few minutes till the sugar is dissolved. • Remove from the fire and allow it to cool down. • Chop the strawberries and add to the phirni. Now, fold in the whipped cream. • Add the gelatine and allow it to set in the mould. • De-mould the phirni and glaze it with melted chocolate • For the Caramel Popcorn: In a pan, caramelise the sugar and add the popcorn, stirring so that the popcorn gets a coating of caramel. • For the Popcorn Rabdi: Put the full cream milk in a pan and reduce it till it thickens. • Cool the mixture, add sugar and some plain popcorn to it. • Blend the mixture with a hand blender. • For the White Chocolate Ring: Melt the tempered white chocolate. With the help of a spoon pour it onto a grease proof paper and exert slight pressure to shape it into a disc. • Sprinkle some chopped rose petals on the disc and allow it to set. • For the Chocolate Glaze: Combine the dark chocolate, cocoa powder, water and soaked gelatine. Cook till it is thick and allow it to cool down. • For the Almond Dust: Slightly toast the flaked almonds before powdering them.
The Plating
• Put the de-moulded chocolate glazed phirni in the middle of a hollow-centred plate. • Place the chopped pineapple, kiwi and caramel coated popcorn in a ring around it. • Place the chocolate ring on top of the kheer. • Serve the Rabdi separately as this can be poured onto the dish while being served.
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design
Natural elements like wood, water and stone dominate the décor of designer Payal Jain’s Balinese-inspired home Asmita Aggarwal
W
hen designer Payal Jain realised that her cramped flat in Gurgaon was not the ideal place in which to bring up twin boys who were bursting with energy, she began looking for a larger home. Her search led her to a sprawling farmhouse in Delhi spread over almost three acres. Three years of planning and designing later, the results are spectacular! The Balinese-inspired home, dominated by wood and stone, with high ceilings and an aged brick exterior is a visual treat. “The roof is inspired by Balinese architecture, so it is high and triangular rather
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than flat. I like Balinese architecture, it is earthy, simple yet impactful,” she says. Conceptualised and executed by Payal and her husband Manish Mehta, Payal says that the home’s large windows let in plenty of natural light and open out onto ``the greenery letting us enjoy the freedom of being with nature. Our 13-year-old boys, Jai and Yash spend most of their time outdoors where they can expend all their energy.” Payal’s home is a lot like her, relaxed and aesthetically crafted. A K.S. Radhakrishnan May 2013
design
sculpture of a dancing lady in a water body designed like an infinity pool greets you at the entrance. Also on display here is a seven foot bronze Natraja. “It was a gift from my dad to my mom, on their 25th wedding anniversary and I grew up admiring its beauty. When we moved here, they gave it to us as a house warming gift,” she adds.
Payal Jain
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The house is built on three levels – basement, ground and first. It boasts an impressive collection of vintage carpets and textiles that Payal has been collecting for over 20 years. “I have displayed them all over the walls of my
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design
KS Radhakrishnan’s sculpture dominates the infinity pool
dining and drawing room,” she explains. The basement houses a den and a design studio (another block close by houses the sauna, steam, jacuzzi and massage room) and a staircase leads up to the formal and informal living rooms and dining area on the ground floor. Payal’s choice of paintings – Shakti Burman, Pradeep Puthoor, Seema Guraya and a rare ink on paper by Paresh Maity – lend her
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spaces a touch of magic. “I’ve chosen pottery over silver as it adds an artistic touch to the house,” she explains.
room,’’ laughs Payal who says she put a glass top onto the stone surface so that it could be used as a table.
Pride of place, however, must go to an uncut, stone centre table weighing 3,000 kilogrammes. The12 foot x five foot table was spotted by Payal in an art store in Bali. “We had it shipped here. It’s a natural sea stone formation and when they dumped it in our driveway it took 20 men, 12 hours to get the piece into the living
The children’s space is ablaze with posters. “This is their place – it keeps changing with their shifting loyalties to soccer clubs. My bedroom has wooden floors, white walls and lovely bay windows. I have my morning tea here watching the peacocks and enjoying the chirping of birds,” she concludes.
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design
“I like Balinese architecture, it is earthy, simple yet impactful” – Payal Jain
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beauty
Hair’s
looking
at you!
We bring you easy to do hairstyles from hair and beauty expert, Ambika Pillai that will keep you looking chic all summer
H
ere are some hot hairstyles that will keep you looking cool. But as with most things‌
Preparation holds the key So, before you style your hair keep the following points in mind... 1. If you have frizzy, wavy or curly hair always use an anti-frizz serum. Smooth it on damp hair (especially the tips) and avoid applying it directly to the scalp. 2. If you have fine hair, do not use a heavy conditioner. To dry your hair, blast dry it forward or upside down with medium heat before switching to cool air to add volume.
Take Five
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2 3
4
5 May 2013
beauty
1
Messy fishtail braid Fishtail braids look great. The messier and thicker the better. Swung over one shoulder with some wispy bits in the front, add softness around the face.Tie your hair into a side ponytail using a hair band. This gives you more control. Once you’ve finished your braid, slip it off. If your braid is too tight you can loosen it up later. Those who have curly and wavy hair have an advantage as the more texture your hair has, the thicker your braid will be. However, if you have fine hair, don’t worry. With a bit of random, messy curling with a curling iron or straightener and, or some backcombing you too can have thick looking braids.
Back
May 2013
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beauty
2
Wraparound French braid Start with a dramatic side parting. You can experiment with a clean straight parting or a soft zigzag depending on how much volume your hair has. Take a collection of hair from where your parting starts and begin the braid only adding in hair from the front or the side of the braid closest to your face or neck. This makes it an open or one-sided French braid. If it’s not perfect, don’t worry. Sometimes the flaws in a braid make it look better. Make sure you keep the braid as low as possible (close to the base of your hairline). End the braid a few inches below your ear on the opposite side of your head and continue making a normal braid till near the end of your hair.
Back
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May 2013
beauty
3
Low side bun Make sure your hair is dry and that you’ve used your anti-frizz (if required). If you have thick, waxy or curly locks use mousse as well. After applying the relevant products blast dry your hair forward or upside down with your dryer set on medium heat or cool. This will add volume to your hair. Gather your hair in a low ponytail to the side and secure with a thin hair band. Make sure that there are a few tendrils of hair left out to softly frame your face. Gather sections of the ponytail in your hand and wrap these around the hair band and secure using juda pins (U-shaped hair pins). Keep the sections soft and don’t pull your hair too tight. We want a slightly messy-casual look where the end result is quite chic. For those with poker straight or fine hair, lightly tong the sections of your hair before you wrap them around and secure them with pins. Use a little hair spray to finish if required.
Back
May 2013
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beauty
4
Textured hair Casual beachy waves and soft textures – this look is very in now and easier to do than you may expect. Use anti-frizz and mousse in your hair then roughly create a centre parting from forehead to nape. Make six braids in each section. Using a flat iron press and move down each braid. When all the braids are done undo them and softly shake out/tousle your hair. Voila! Beautifully textured hair which looks natural and sexy.
Back
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May 2013
beauty
5
Bouffant with ponytail Those with short hair should use styling gel/wax before slicking down the sides and spiking up the centre section of the crown area. Those with long hair should leave the hair in the crown area and pull the rest of the hair into a medium high ponytail. Iron out the hair in the ponytail. Take small sections (parallel to your forehead) starting from the back and softly tease it (backcomb it). Work your way from back to front. Once done, style it to your preference using hairspray to set it.
Back
May 2013
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beauty
Ice-creams are no longer just a dessert of choice for the summer. Manis and pedis using your fave fruit flavoured icecreams are hot this season
Flavours: Chocolate, butterscotch, lime, honey, mint, lavender and strawberry. Advantages: Ice-cream treatment helps remove toxins from your body, smoothens your skin removing dry skin and tan.
Procedure: It’s a 60-minute routine starting with filing, scrubbing and cutting cuticles. Hands and feet are then soaked into lukewarm water and the selected flavour ice-cream is mixed with it. After a scrub, the next step involves use of a hydrating clay pack. Then a thorough wash and a good, relaxed massage. The whole experience of an ice-cream manicure and pedicure will leave you hydrated and rejuvenated.
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Ice cream is good for you! Ice-Cream manicure and pedicure is especially good for dry feet and hands for hydrating skin and remove tans Inputs by Amyn Manji, Director, NailSpa Experience, Mumbai
May 2013
beauty
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LIFEstyle
Toying with love
Young urban Indians get playful and experimental under the sheets as role play, sex toys and risqué innerwear become the norms of the game
Bijoy Bharathan
“the online market is booming with products aimed at enhancing sexual gratification among India’s young urban populace.” 72
D
even, a successful marketing professional is in a hurry to head back home on Friday evenings. He’s discovered the joys of role playing with his wife Akshara who peps up the evening’s fun and games with provocative lingerie ordered from an online store. This Friday it’s `Pirate’s Night’ when Deven will be wearing next to nothing, and his beloved will be dressed in Penelope Cruz’s bad-ass pirate gear, replete with the negligee. If you’re wondering whether you’ve accidentally stumbled on India’s take on 50 Shades of Grey, you might not be too far from the truth. A little less than a decade ago, men and women
in India found it embarrassing to walk into a drugstore and ask for contraceptives. Today young urban professionals think nothing of ordering adult lifestyle products online. From sexy underwear, vibrators and handcuffs to erotic chocolates, massage oils, aphrodisiacs, penile rings and more, the online market is booming with products aimed at enhancing sexual gratification among India’s young urban populace. Amit Sharma, partner at MasalaToys. com, an Indian venture based out of Bangalore says, “A majority of our customers are women, who have done their research and read the reviews before they order. Since window shopping May 2013
lifestyle for such products is out of the question, our site offers customers accessories to improve the quality of their love (read sex) lives by keeping things interesting. It’s social service, at its most basic.” And it’s a back to basics approach that’s working wonders in bedrooms across the subcontinent. Says Monica Anand, CEO and Co-Founder, Under Cover Lingerie, “There was a huge gap in the area of sensuous lingerie that makes a woman feel good about herself. That’s why we created our company.” Popular items on their site include costumes, baby doll outfits and accessories. Bestselling products include handcuffs and French maid costumes. Giving us her take on how lingerie and role play work together, Monica explains, “Costumes help one to better enact a role play situation. They aid the fantasy by embodying the character you intend to play in a very sexy or naughty way. So if you intend to play a maid, what better way than to get a short, French maid’s outfit that will not only aid in the role play but add an element of oomph as well.”
MasalaToys.com — Sells dildos, vibrators, inflatable love dolls, enlargers and enhancers, aphrodisiacs and so on. That’sPersonal.com — Sells condoms, aphrodisiacs, lingerie, costumes and hygiene accessories.
WHAT & WHERE ? MOST WANTED CASH AND CARRY LEGAL ASPECTS
Buyundercover.com — Offers lingerie, baby doll outfits, role play costumes, bikinis, corsets and accessories (handcuffs). StrapsAndStrings.com — Sells designer and bridal lingerie. Some of the most ordered products include handcuffs and the role play costume of a French maid. Bridal lingerie is a top seller on many portals. Penile sleeves, vibrating dildos and flashlight masturbators are also highly in demand. Prices of dildos range from Rs 1,400 to Rs 8,000 while masturbators are priced at Rs 3,800 to Rs 9,500. Life-size sex dolls can cost about Rs 21,000. Buyers are advised to check the rates thoroughly as costs of the products are comparatively higher in India as compared to the original prices abroad.
According to those in the business, such products are neither illegal nor legal. The norms governing the sale of these accessories are still muddled in a grey zone. Caveat Emptor is the rule of thumb.
Images Courtesy: Under Cover Lingerie
ROLE PLAY COSTUMES
May 2013
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variety Don’t Kill Him! Ma Anand Sheela (Fingerprint Publishing)
Wondering what to read ? Here’s a selection of some of the e-books making waves in the subcontinent
Follow Every Rainbow Rashmi Bansal (Westland Ltd) Follow Every Rainbow tells the inspiring stories of 25 women entrepreneurs whose gentle touch created strong businesses. Written in a very relatable, accessible and intimate style, it is a book that is motivating and empowering. The author has interviewed women from all over the country as well as three extraordinary women from Sri Lanka, China and Cape Town. All these women followed their dreams and their passions making them living realities.
The Ambassadors’ Club Krishna V. Rajan (Harper Collins India) In 1972, Idi Amin, the dictator of Uganda, declared that all Asians holding citizenships of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or the UK would be expelled from the country within three months. It was the beginning of a nightmarish five months for Niranjan Desai, who had been sent from India as Officer on Special Duty to help tackle the crisis. The role of the Indian diplomat is a varied one, as Desai’s and others’ accounts in The Ambassadors’ Club show and Krishna V. Rajan, himself a skilful diplomat, has brought together, for the first time, a selection of experiences that shows the Indian Foreign Service in a remarkably new light.
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Don’t Kill Him! is a sensational autobiographical account of the relationship between Osho (Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh) and his personal secretary. As his personal secretary between 1981 and 1985, and second-incommand of his organisation, Ma Anand Sheela enjoyed an enviably close relationship with Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. She ruled the entire commune under his guidance till differences crept in. Now, Ma Sheela, still in love with Bhagwan and his teachings, finally tells her side of the story and sheds light on that part of Bhagwan’s life which has so far been shrouded in a veil of secrecy.
How I Got Lucky Farhad J. Dadyburjor (Random House India) Written by a journalist who’s covered the worlds of fashion and Bollywood for over 14 years, How I Got Lucky is a delicious, acidic satire on the entertainment world. Raman Malhotra is 35, uninitiated in the matters of love, and endlessly confused about his sexuality. A junior journalist with The Weekly, his search for front page scoops comes to a screeching halt when he’s assigned the Bollywood beat. Raman finds himself in a world of celebrities, malicious gossip, and meaningless shags as he wrestles with his sense of self, ideas of love, and the monstrous caricatures in the world of entertainment.
Sachin: The Story of the World’s Greatest Batsman Gulu Ezekiel (Penguin Books India) What makes Sachin Tendulkar the best batsman in the world – and one of the most reclusive players off the field? What are the influences that motivated him along the path to greatness? How does he view himself and the sport which has been his lifelong passion? This account of the life of one of the world’s greatest cricketers mines evidence from previously published reports and interviews as well as first-hand interviews with Sachin’s friends, family and associates to give us a complete picture of India’s most celebrated sportsman. May 2013
destiny 1, 10, 28
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Your inherent nature is that of a creator. You are a loving, dependable creature who takes charge of situations and delivers on time. This May urges you to be more aware of your physical body and emotional presence. You are required to identify your mistakes in relationships and stop repeating them. Any minor financial issues are temporary – you are meant to be where you are. Those who are in the financial field should not resign. The opportunity to prosper materially is coming your way post the third of May, so don’t be in a hurry to make business decisions. You are meant to achieve independence this month. Your consistency to be dependent on certain people and things will bring you down. So begin taking full responsibility for yourself and act in your best interests first.
2, 11, 20, 29
According to Numerology, a person’s date of birth can influence the individual’s personality and destiny. To calculate your birth number, add the two digits that make your birthdate. For instance, if you were born on the 15th, your birth number would be calculated as 1+5, which is 6. In case the sum of the two digits exceed 9, then add those two digits to arrive at your final birth number. Example: if your birthday falls on the 29th, your birth number would be calculated as 2+9, which equals 11. So, add these digits (1+1) to get your final birth number, which is 2.
4, 13, 22, 31
This is a period where you are required to be consistent in your work as family linked dramas will take precedence. Most of your lessons will be learnt through relationships. Insensitivity towards another will work against you and cause resentment. Diplomacy is the way to go. May needs you to keep your eyes on the prize and also adapt to new circumstances and situations where you may not feel like the hero. Acceptance is another area you need to look at closely this month even though the stress of fighting your own reality will create chaos in your relationships. What you really need to be is humble, flexible and confident. This month do yourself a favour and make your environment more friendly and light, regardless of how many people around you are idiots and don’t know their jobs well. So slow down, relax and observe. This month is all about keeping yourself and your family connected in harmony.
2
3, 12, 21, 30 A theatrical mind meets a dramatic heart and this combination creates chaos in relationships, instability with peers and so on. All this appear in your chart dear one, till the 15th of this month. Be cautious about your duties in the family as politics within the family will create misinterpretations which in turn could create some discomfort for you. You are required to calm down because as soon as you do, things will start looking more positive. Take baby steps from the middle of this month and make clear plans as any major changes will tend to backfire. Number threes who are in business need to watch out for staff-created issues. People in the corporate field will create a wealth of information for themselves that will help them in the latter part of the month.
3 4
This is a “getting down to business’’ month. If you want something done you will have to do it yourself. Part of your mind, therefore needs tostay focused on work related matters while the other part could have decided on planning a trip. Family will be one of your most important considerations this month. From the 22nd onwards you enter a cycle of productivity and opportunity where personal finances are concerned. There are some pending decisions you will need to take post the 15th of this month, which will enable you to shape and build your future with a far more positive outlook.
May 2013
75
destiny 5, 14, 23 May brings about new journeys, along with a feeling of accomplishment and love. The first two weeks of the month signify acceptance, humility and a sense of letting go. It’s a time where you first learn to forgive yourself and let go of all the guilt that you subconsciously hold. The latter part of the month signifies glory for you. Romance and romantic associations will be very favourable for you this month. Do not create any bad associations as far as money is concerned. There could be minor domestic or family disputes erupting your way post the 18th, so lie low. This scenario can be handled next month – now is the time to concentrate on your personal space. It’s also a good time for your career and finances, even though you feel that there has been some partiality on a senior’s behalf, you will still create and do meaningful work this month.
6, 15, 24
5 6
May offers you enormous potential for greater independence and self-satisfaction in work and personal matters. You have always stood at the crossroads all your life and it’s time to make decisions about what path you would like to take. Even though you’re surrounded by people you tend to feel alone. Understand dear one that when you stay resilient it only begets power and prosperity. So, don’t imagine you are isolated. This month is also filled with important lessons concerning clarity – hence look at others as they are today rather than how they used to be, or how you would prefer them to be. You have the power to create something, possibly out of nothing, and are likely to feel energetic and eager to proceed.
7, 16, 25
Over the last few months you have consistently dealt with creative work, financial upliftment, social acceptance and personal growth. Now is the time to take a break. Take it a little easy dear one. And don’t take life too seriously right now or else you will exhaust yourself mentally, physically and emotionally. The first three weeks of this month allow you to play with creative ideas and indulge in a little “me” time, which will soothe the soul. Yes, your work and finances will be alright and no, you do not lose anything or anyone in this process. Your work life may seem mundane and predictable now, but it will be much better next month. “Luck” in financial affairs and a new romance in your personal life are opportunities you are being provided with this month. However the emphasis of the month should solely be on fun, so enjoy!
7 9 8
May is a movement associated month that provides you with a series of opportunities to be around people, who will invariably help you raise your bank balance. Your fiercely independent and unconventional outlook on life will allow you not only to gain perspective but also to stay focused on the plans you have in mind for yourself. There are of course a ton of annoying distractions this month in the form of delays. Don’t look at them seriously. You tend to make issues larger than life, so keep things simple and stick to the basics. An impromptu trip awaits you in the last week of May. Take this trip as it will recharge your batteries. A romantic relationship awaits you – so make that commitment.
8, 17, 26
9, 18, 27
The emphasis of this month is on joy, c ommunication, family and the calmer and lighter side of life. Your sense of innovative and communicative freedom at work and in your personal space will allow you to constructively make those creative changes in your life that you have been waiting for. You have suffered a certain loss in a relationship in the past. The period between the 2nd and the 15th deals with healing the pain and emerging into a far stronger space. So, do allow your feelings to guide you through this time.
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May 2013
STOCKLIST May 2013
Ambika Pillai www.ambikapillai.com
Rohan Shrestha www.rohanshrestha.com
Christian Louboutin Ground Floor, DLF Emporio, 111 Vasant Kunj II, New Delhi, DL 110070 T: 011 4101 7111
The Serai Bandipur Kaniyanapura Village, Mangala Post Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajnagar District Karnataka- 571 126 T: +91 94498 12166 F: +91 8229 236075 www.theserai.in/bandipur
Sir H. C. Dinshaw Building Horniman Circle, Mumbai T: 022 4347 1787 Nail Spa Experience Shop No 371, Kusum Kunj Co-operative Housing Society Linking Road, Khar West, Mumbai
Universal Music www.universalmusic.com Under Cover Lingerie www.buyundercover.com
Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd. 11, Community Centre, Panchsheel Park New Delhi- 110017 T: +91 11 26494401/02/05/07
Westland Books Venkat Towers Old No. 307 (New No.165) P.H. Road, Maduravoyal Chennai- 600095
Random House Publishers India Pvt. Ltd. Windsor IT Park, 7th Floor Tower– B, A– 1, Sector– 125 Noida– 201301, Uttar Pradesh T: +91 120 4607500
Ziya The Oberoi- Mumbai Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400021 T: 022 6632 5757 www.oberoihotels.com
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