` 50/MARCH - APRIL 2017
VIZAG
FEATURE
LIFE
VIGNAN VETERAN
Dr.Rathaiah writes a new chapter in education system
6 COOL CLUBS Hike, bike, dive, trek pedal or at least laugh, do something to be fit
REVIEW
WHAT’S BREWING?
Your quest ends here as we find the new spots
WELLNESS
LOTUS PAVES THE PATH Workout for you and for your baby
RANA
SAILS TO NEW
LIFESTYLE PERSONALITIES CINEMA FEATURE LUXURY EVENTS REVIEWS FOOD PARTIES
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STARTING ON MARCH 15TH, 2017
Woruts
Lotus Hospitals unfolds its petals of care to spread health. FEE STRUCTURE Rs.2,500 for 15 days Rs.4,000 for 30 days
FIRST OF ITS KIND FACILITY IN THE CITY Lotus Hospitals offers physiotherapy sessions for New Moms and Moms-to-be under the supervision of expert PHYSIOTHERAPIST & GYNAECOLOGIST
www.lotushospitals.in /lotushospitalind CONCEIVING MIRACLES
DELIVERING SMILES
NURTURING LIVES
Behind Gothi Son's Opp. Governor's Bungalow, Opp. Waltair Club, Siripuram, Visakhapatnam - 530 003
Red Reviews Our city is too interesting. You want a cuppa coffee, best cheese store, a tailor who will make a suit that lasts for ages? Name it and we scour out all that is new, trending, interesting, innovative, hip, exciting, eclectic and mainstream.
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Red Life Dr.Rathaiah has redeďŹ ned education in the state. His wisdom and knowledge crystallised into an invincible empire called Vignan. We try to catch a few glimpses of the giant, in our own humble way.
38 Red Feature The paths may be many, but the destination is one health and well being. If some scale hills; some dive into the deep sea; some walk that extra mile. Whatever they do, they dub it as group energy. We touch six such clubs.
Red Haute The ďŹ lm Ghazi makes people wake up to our city and the new wave hero Rana. With the release of Baahubali: The Conclusion round the corner, the actor is super busy, but obliges us with a chat.
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Red Wellness The new healthcare advises the mothers-to-be to follow an exercise regimen to bring healthy babies into the world. Lotus Hospitals runs an exclusive wing with a trained physiotherapist for this activity.
CUSTOMERS GET LUCKY MVR Mall launched Kubera Pattu, a light weight silk sari collection. They chose 30 winners, drawing a lottery. Every customer, who shopped for more than Rs.3,000 in gold/silver and Rs.1,000 in clothing were given a coupon and the winner was rewarded with a Kubera Pattu sari, a lunch with actor Kajal and one night stay at Novotel, Vizag. The winners were on cloud nine to collect the prizes, click pictures and interact with their favourite actor Kajal.
SWINE FLU PREVENTIVE DRUGS DISTRIBUTED Swathi Promoters, always ahead in social welfare activities, took up yet another endeavour. The company’s Chairman M.Krishna Reddy distributed 60,000 homeopathic medicines to prevent swine u, at Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple. The medicines were made available at various places in the city, informed Mr. Reddy. He also urged people to take advantage of this facility. The temple Executive Officer, S.Jyothi Madhavi, Superintendent Rambabu, P.V.Reddy, Rami Reddy, K.V.K.Reddy, N.A.Reddy, Raghu, Kiran, Ratnakar Reddy, Chakravarthi, P.P.Naidu and others participated in the event.
ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATIONS The Presidential School celebrated its Annual Day at Port Stadium with the theme Save The World. The objective was to create awareness over the social and environmental concerns. The students of the Presidential’s campuses at Seethamdhara and Bheemili came together to showcase their skills in music, dance and sports. MLA Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy and Commodore Girish R. Pradhan were the chief guests. They applauded the student’s academic and co-curricular accomplishments. red | march 2017 | 16
UNITED AGENCIES UNVELIED STIHL India, a leader in handheld petrol -driven power tools segment, opened a new showroom and service center, United Agencies at Suryabagh, to strengthen its business operations. United Agencies is a well-known name and is headed by two brothers, Sajjauddin Mehdi and Munnavar Mehdi, who are veterans in the industrial hardware and power tools market. They have been dealing with STIHL products for more than 20 years and have been business partners with STIHL India since 2006. With the support of STIHL, they will offer a world class experience with an international ambiance of the STIHL products along with backup services by trained technicians.
RAMCOR BAGS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Ramcor Enterprises earned yet another feather in its cap. The company, which deals with air conditioning and cooling appliances, is a name to reckon with in the world of trade. Recently, Jaya Parchuri, Executive Director, Ramcor Enterprises, received the prestigious ‘Most Promising Sales and Service Dealer Award for A.P & Telangana region for 2016’ from Voltas at the product launch at Prague. Jaya was accompanied by her husband and the director of the firm, Homesh Parchuri. She says, “Voltas has launched the new range of Inverter ACs. We are delighted to receive the award from Pradeep Bakshi, President, Voltas Ltd.”
TAME THE TERRAIN Mahavir Isuzu, authorised dealer for Isuzu Motors India Pvt Ltd, organised an exhilarating off road drive called Tame The Terrain for their existing and prospective customers to showcase their customised adventure utility vehicle – the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. A separate off road driving track was designed particularly for it. Their customers drove the V-Cross. The two-day event was organised at the Salsons Retreat at Thatipudi. Nearly 75 guests along with the regional and area sales marketing team of Isuzu Motors India attended the event.
SHOBHANA’S GESTURE The women inmates of the Nirmal Hriday (Mother Teresa Home) couldn’t have asked for a better celebration on the International Women’s Day. Nor Shobhana Smriti, the first lady of the district and wife of Pravin Kumar, District Collector, could have chosen a better way to mark it. She visited the Home in Gnanapuram that takes care of destitute and aged women. She distributed fruits and snacks to 60 women inmates, interacted with them and inquired after their welfare. Much to the relief of the inmates, she got a drainage problem set right at the Home. Well done Shobhana! red | march 2017 | 18
NOVOTEL HONORS WOMEN STAFF Novotel organised a three-day celebration for its women employees to mark the International Women’s Day. The women were gifted pink t-shirts with the hashtag “#bepassionate". The final day programme started with a health talk by Dr.Saudamini, who addressed the critical aspects of a women’s health. The session was followed by the Miss Novo Queen Competition, in which the staff took to the ramp in retro attire. The competition consisted of three rounds, judged by the General Manager Ravi Rai and the HODs. All women employees were given a parting gift and the winners were felicitated.
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SWAASA CELEBRATES WOMEN’S DAY The most awaited International Women’s Day was celebrated at Swaasa Yoga Institute. Dr.Vijayalakshmy K Gupta, former member of TRAI, was the chief guest of the event. The ceremony started off with an address by the chief guest followed by a speech by Radhika, owner of Radisa. Dr.Gupta’s words of wisdom inspired the audience. The guests were enthralled by the beautiful dance performance by Harini. The tutors of Swaasa presented a breathtaking artistic yoga, a combination of thirteen asanas. The event concluded on a sporty note, with a musical chair competition.
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INAUGURATION OF SOWBHAGYA Sowbhagya Matchings and Meghana Matchings inaugurated its new showroom with a different name -Sowbhagya Multi Matchings. The inauguration was done by the late Mr.Mattapalli Chalamayya. The traditional lamp was lighted by Peruri Venkateswarlu, Chairman of Gokul Theatre and his wife Kasi Ratnamma. The cash counter was opened by Kethavarapu Devallu, Chairman of Fortune Inn and his wife Annapurna. The ďŹ rst purchase was made by Kankatala Mallik and Shilpa. Nearly 400 people attended the occasion. The owner Ashish said that the response on day one itself was overwhelming.
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DENTISTS’ FOOTBALL LEAGUE An exciting football match was held by the practising dentists at the Police Grounds. The clashing teams were Centions captained by Dr.T.Sunil and G-Aenials led by Dr.A.Sarvabowma. The match ended in a tie with the score of 4-4. Interestingly, the children of the team members were encouraged to take part in the game. The event was co-hosted by the practitioners along with GC India, IVOCLAR, Asian Dental Lab, Prophex Pharma, Siri Dental Depot and Knack Dental Lab. The participants and the spectators had a gala time at the electrifying event.
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V-TEAM HONOURS WOMEN V-Team Event Management Company organised ‘Marvellous Mahila – 2017’. The achievers from various fields received the awards from HRD Minster Ganta Srinivasa Rao. AP Women Commission Chairperson Nannapaneni Rajakumari was honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’. The ace badminton player Jwala Gutta was awarded ‘Most Outstanding Sports Personality’ title and playback singer Sunitha received the ‘Lata Mangeshkar Sweet Voice Award’. The chief guests were T.V.Vijaya Kumari, Executive Director and Chandra Mouli Tippala –CMD of red Magazine, Chandan Kumar, Additional Director of Silk Mark of India, Sanyasirao and Govardhini Naidu, representatives of Kalasha Foundation, Jagadeesh Daneti, Writer and Film Director. Veeru Mama, the Founder and the head of the V-Team compered the programme.
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REVIEW
MAGICAL EXPE RIENCE
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raving for food that melts in your mouth, taste that touches your heart, an ambiance that soothes your senses and service that makes you feel royal? Welcome to Moti Mahal Delux, Delhi’s famous franchise, a place that has been luring the epicureans with mouth watering tandoori starters and exhilarating platters. Sprawled over 2,000 sq.ft, the facility exudes vibe, giving an ethnic dining experience. Its deliciously garnered food keeps you hooked, not only to the taste but also to its wonderful appeal and splendour. From an authentic Mughlai cuisine to delectable innovative appetisers and yummylicious Chinese cuisine, it sure has something to suit everyone’s taste. The franchisees, Mohan and Yatin, say, “With its classic ambiance and contemporary facilities, Moti Mahal Delux recreates the magic of old world charm and gracious
Indian hospitality. We are a team of 28 members and nine renowned chefs (all the way from Delhi). We are highly acclaimed for our hygienically prepared delicacies. The restaurant can accommodate 58 members at once. On an average, 10-15 tables can be seen booked at any time of the day. We even offer bookings for various occasions.” When asked about what makes it different from the other eateries, they say, “We are an international brand and the word of mouth with the well-known Moti Mahal Delux tag is good enough to cast a spell on food lovers and make them come time and again! We will be celebrating our first anniversary next month and the city has been very supportive of this concept. Our signature dishes are butter chicken, tandoori chicken, shahi paneer, dal makhani, and kebabs. Our prices are on par with other restaurants- a couple can dine for just Rs.500 at our outlet.”
Timings: 12:00pm to 11:00pm | Contact: 0891-2576757 red | march 2017 | 28
REVIEW
Fabrics Just Got Interesting
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eel like designing your own wedding lehenga? Or how about customising your own sari to stand apart from the others? Sowbhagya Multi Matchings has just the right fabrics and accessories you are looking for. Inaugurated recently by the late Mattapalli Chelamayya and sprawled over 4,000 sq.ft., this store is the answer for all your matching hues. The owner, Y. Naga Ashish says, “We offer an excellent mix of traditional and exclusive boutique fabrics which include Banarasi, Bengaluru and raw silk, dupion, cotton, crepe, etc. In addition, we provide dupattas-Banarasi, cotton, chiffon, readymade blouse and blouse hangings (latkans). The fabrics can be used to design saris, blouse, crop tops, kurtis, even sherwanis for men, tops for kids, etc. We have something for everybody.” The price of the fabric varies from Rs.200 to Rs.7,000 per meter. Ready-made blouses are available at a cost of Rs.700 to Rs.3,500. The laces cost anything between Rs.500 and Rs.4,000 per red | march 2017 | 30
bundle. He goes on to say, “Generally, the retailers procure material from Surat, hence the choice becomes limited. But we customise the pattern on the fabric. For eg., if the mirror is small on the fabric, we put a big mirror. Sometimes, we even improvise on the base colour of the fabric.” He adds, “Yet another unique feature is – we deviated from the traditional counters where the customer can touch only that fabric shown by the salesmen. In our store, the wider counter spaces allow the customer to walk to the other side, touch and feel the fabric. Our well-trained staff are ever ready to suggest the best mix and match of the fabrics and the perfect colour combination for your dress.”
Timings: 10:00am to 10:00pm, Open on Sundays too Contact: 0891-6651117, 9666111115
REVIEW
For That
Inner Bliss
RED ALERT! REDEFINING CAREERS AHEAD WITH red MAGAZINE
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prawled over 650 sq.ft. and located on Eandu Road at Satyam Junction is the recently launched Inners And Leisures. This one-stop destination can be defined as the most youthful and fashionable lingerie store. “After an extensive research and study of the innerwear market, we have brought to the city an ideal mix of all the key elements - fashion, form, function and fit. We offer a style for every mood, thought and occasion that compliments your outfit and accentuates your shape,” says Madhu Jami, the owner. He adds, “The essence of the store lies on an understanding that lingerie is not just a piece of garment. Hence, we provide an extensive range of products from innerwear to sportswear and nightwear, consisting of all kinds of fabrics, colours and cuts. This gives everyone an opportunity to reect his or her individual attitude and lifestyle. The price range starts from Rs.99 to Rs.1,999 and we deal in brands like Jockey, Daisy Dee, SDL, ONN, Playboy and many more.” The store, with an ample parking facility, allows you to shop in leisure.
APPLY TODAY! red, the lifestyle magazine from Vizag and Hyderabad has captivated everyone - from teens to businessmen. Buoyed with overwhelming response, red now intends to go big across other cities. red is now looking for energetic, ambitious and go-getters for various roles. Excellent communication skills a must. Salary negotiable. Come, join us to paint the cities red!
Asst. Editor/ Copy Editor/ Sr. Feature Writers Graduates / Post-graduates with command over English, editing skills and ability to cover a wide range of subjects. Prefer: Prior experience in Print / Publishing industry. Asst. GM- Advt (Female) Young & dynamic Graduates / Post-graduates with pleasing personality and experience in Public Relations and Advertising field Advertising - Asst. Managers / Sr. Managers Graduates / Post-graduates with pleasing personality and 2 years of experience in the advertising field Marketing & Circulation - Asst. Managers / Sr. Executives Graduates / Post-graduates with experience in planning and managing marketing activities. Should be good at analyzing market conditions. Front Office (Female) Graduates with computers & telecommunication skills. (minimum 1 year of Experience.)
APPLY IMMEDIATELY! SEND YOUR RESUME TO MAIL@REDMAGAZINE.IN (OR) CALL: 88854 88854 / 98854 44449 / 95539 55178 Head Office: Aspen Towers, 1st Floor, # 52-10-10/1/5/4, Opp. Indian Oil Petrol Bunk, Resapuvanipalem, Vizag - 530 013 T: 0891 2544 444 / 46 Branch Office: # 19/A, Silent Lake Valley, Road No. 51, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad - 500033. T: 040 2368 6868
Timings: 10:00am to 10:00pm | Contact: 9704666664 www.redmagazine.in
REVIEW
For s k a e r B lissful
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n order to offer the best range of massages and treatments to the people of Vizag, Bliss Spa opened its first outlet in the city at Waltair Uplands. Their countless hours of spa-side tension-nixing and skin-fixing are their basis. They have stockpiled some serious science savvy techniques and have tried and tested them all. Specialising in their Thai Spa, they promise to give their customers an experience they would remember and also relieve them from their light body pains – all without pinching their pockets. On the offer are two types of Thai therapies- one is a dry one while the other is with oil with the options of having mild, medium or high pressure being applied to the whole body. It promises to provide original Thai Spas to the city which are run by professionals and well trained therapists. Bliss Spa is spread across 1400 sq.ft. and is done up in gold and black primarily – giving it a rather royal feel. So, the next time you have time to relax and soothe your muscles, you know exactly where to go.
Contact: 7337525599 Timings: 9:30am to 9:30pm, 7 days a week
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REVIEW
TOGETHER
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r.D.S.Anand, Founder of the Presidential School has once again re-defined his education goal with the launch of an extended primary school wing called Love Dale-A Play School at Seethammadhara. A patch of lush green along with an outdoor play area and a splash pool are sure to lure children and parents alike. This play school has roomy learning spaces with facilities like a puppet theatre, an overhead projector room, an auditorium, an activity hall, a story-telling room, etc. Each section has one qualified, trained and dedicated teacher and an assistant.
He adds, “Our exclusive learning centres - art centre, dramatics and role play centre, pre-school mathematics centre, pre-school science labs, music and game centre, will help the young learners to act and work on tasks that foster independence, co-ordination and imagination. The teachers will maintain a journal as an assessment tool to evaluate the child’s performance on a daily basis. Every month, we will have a parent-teacher meeting. Summer and winter camps will be conducted as well.” The academic session will commence on 3rd April 2017.
Mr.Anand says, “Love Dale means a valley where love blossoms in abundance. We open the tiny eyes to a universe that transcends the classroom. Inspired by Montessori and in collaboration with XSEED, our classrooms are abreast with the methods of digitised learning. We have integrated music, art and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities into our curriculum for the holistic growth of the child.”
Grade
Age
Timings
Toddlers
2 + years
8:45 am to 12:00 pm
Jr. Kindergarten
3 + years
8:45 am to 1:15 pm
Sr. Kindergarten
4 + years
8:45 am to 1:15 pm
Contact: 8968881439
REVIEW
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uniform is an important factor in distinguishing one’s identity, whether it is for a school student or a corporate employee. M.R.Apparels is aided by enormous experience and expertise in manufacturing unique and exclusive uniforms for different fields like laboratories, hospitals, hotels, sports, etc besides schools and corporates. Currently tied up with 560 schools and 26 industries, the firm caters not only to customers in Vizag but also in Raipur and Bhubaneswar. The Business Head, Meena Kochar, quite understandably, saw to it that predominantly women run the unit. As many as 175 women stitch a whopping 3 lakh uniforms per annum, with just five male supervisors lending a helping hand. The production starts in November and goes on till August completing the circle. Manish Kochar, yet another Business Head, says, “Everything is automatic here. Each and every assignment we take up is given utmost importance. There is no compromise on the quality as our main objective is to provide the best product for comparable price. We are proud that our uniforms and the designs are being appreciated by our esteemed patrons.”
They have an outlet with the same name at Gajuwaka. Sprawled over 2,400 sq.ft., the outlet is dedicated to readymade uniforms and clothing materials. He goes on to say, “To meet the humongous demand of the clients, we had to open a full-edged manufacturing unit, which facilitates trouble-free customisation. We provide the customer with ‘n’ number of samples and decide only after he is completely satisfied. They only have to specify what they want and we manage the rest.” Timings: 09:00am to 06:00pm Contact: 9490934999, 9885824999 red | march 2017 | 35
REVIEW
ServingWithLOVE
V
igazites say namaste to Hotel Vivana (love) –the first boutique hotel of its kind, where the thirst of every rover gets quenched in a great way and every check-in leads to a satisfied smile. Located in Siripuram, opposite HSBC, this facility is in proximity to the airport and RK beach. This hotel is an awe-inspiring experience, you don’t want to miss out on. Sprawled over 15,000 sq.ft. and offering luxury spaces with world class services, pocket-friendly rates, warm hospitality and superior amenities, it
The hotel offers 26 rooms, segregated into two small rooms, 17 medium rooms, six large rooms and one XL room. Various complimentary valueadded services like free breakfast, 24/7 Wi-Fi, in-room dining, etc are provided. The rooms are non-smoking zones and are environment-friendly.
Timings of Rasa: 07:00am-03:00pm, 06:00pm-11:00pm
can be the first choice for any tourist. Crafted with sheer style and elegance, every nook and corner of Vivana is bound to match your expectations.
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Contact: 0891-6646644, 0891-6646655
Hungry for mouth watering delicacies? Rasa, their in-house multi cuisine restaurant is ready to serve you. With a casual rustic feel and features, it has an exotic menu comprising of diversified cuisines like Indian, Continental, Chinese, Seafood, etc. Manik Raj, the Managing Director says, “You must try the prawn tempuras and crab meat balls which are out of the box and not served till date in the city. Apart from that, we are renowned for our sea food platters. We don’t use the ordinary basa fish, but high quality exported ones. Also, we have a specialised menu for the kids.” Have a corporate meeting or an event lined up? Just book their banquet hall Subham, which can accommodate nearly 200 guests and provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion.
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L fe
EGEND By V.Sarada
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here is nothing diminutive about this man. His smile or speech; his vision or mission; his outlook or objective; his articulation or hospitality; his wit or wisdom and finally his organisationseverything is astoundingly towering. That is the best way to describe Dr.L.Rathaiah, Chairman of Vignan Group of Institutions. Fame comes easily to successful people. But success is something they have to chase. That is exactly what he did. Through his untiring efforts, he changed the educational landscape of Andhra Pradesh and brought about a socio-economic revolution. Modeling his schools on the ancient Gurukul system, he has repeatedly proved the efficacy of the system, where teaching is personal and interactive. Countless number of Vignan’s alumni who are heading organisations and holding significant posts across the world stand testimony to this. After months of wait, we could pin down the
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giant for a chat. “My institutions must speak for me, not I,” says a highly defensive Dr.Rathaiah, bursting into a childlike laugh, the most attractive part of his demeanor. However, eventually, he relents to trace his journey from the word go… DOWN MEMORY LANE The genesis I came from an agricultural family that lived hand to mouth. My parents, the late Sri.Ankamma and the late Smt. Tulasamma, were not educated, but they made it a point to get us (three sons) educated. I earned M.Sc, M.Ed and a doctorate, besides a diploma in journalism. I never looked at poverty as an impediment, nor did I ever think that having an inuential and afuent background is the only criterion for success. There is no stopping a man who is armed with confidence and I am amply bestowed with it. While I was in college, I observed that many
bright students from rural areas were dropping out, buckling under the pressure of town life. I also found that the reason behind this phenomenon was the lack of proper guidance and right exposure. That realisation gave rise to a desire in me, to offer an education system that would prepare the student to take the world head on. Birth of Vignan With corruption widely prevalent in those days, earning a job had become impossible for me. Miffed by one such rejection, I took a pledge that I would grow to such a stage one day that I myself would employ teachers. After short stints with the famous Ravi tutorials and St. Josephs College, I started a coaching centre in 1982, investing nothing but my zeal and confidence. Greatly inspired by the name of Vignan Bhavan of New Delhi, I named it Vignan Tutorials. Thus, began a new era and my journey. Shoot by Vamsy Krishna
Response Guntur was popular as an educational hub, with stalwart like Mr.Dhan running coaching classes for medicine and engineering aspirants. Basking in that glory, our institute could attract a record number of students, starting off with as many as 300 students and by the third year, we were a name to reckon with.
journalist. It is about understanding an issue and getting it across to readers.” They had no answer and I had the seat and I came out with ying colours. I ran a socio-political magazine Suprabhatam for 20 years.
Trend Setter I established a residential junior college in Vadlamudi which was the first of its kind in India. It became a great hit with the first batch giving 90 % results. I built this edifice on four pillars - dedicated teachers, teaching of high order, high quality study material and discipline. Initially, we attracted students from Guntur and nearby places. But soon, students from the other parts of the state started pouring in. There was a time when a whopping number of 15,000 students applied for 300 seats, we had. Now we run as many as 40 institutions that include Vignan University, Vignan Lara Engineering College, two junior colleges, two schools and a pharmacy college. While in Hyderabad we have three engineering colleges, two junior colleges and eight schools; we have two engineering colleges, one junior college and three schools in Vizag. I could build this in a span of 39 years, thanks to the support rendered by my teachers and lakhs of students.
Fall in Standards I refuse to believe it. Our standards are high. I question the NASSCOM report that says 25% of our students are employable. If it is so, why is the US President scared of our boys outshining Americans? Of course, I do admit there are a few inherent aws in our system. It doesn’t help the student’s holistic development.
COMMENT ON CONTEMPORARY PRESENT SCENARIO
Irreparable Damage Corporate schools caused irreparable damage. In the name of IIT coaching,
The Scoring Point The classroom has one clear edge over electronic media. For example, while describing a plant, the TV screen can show the student what a stem, leaf, ower or root is. But in a classroom, he can touch, feel and experience it. This is our unique way to keep the students chained to the school.
“POVERTY IS NO IMPEDIMENT, NOR HAVING AN INFLUENTIAL AND AFFLUENT BACKGROUND IS THE CRITERION FOR SUCCESS.
Teachers We do have a repository of talent. However, none of us gets prepared teachers. We have to create them. I take raw hands and train them. People often say- if one wants to be a good teacher, one has to be trained in Vignan.
Infrastructure My concept of institutions is never the narrow confines of small complexes. They have to be sprawling, airy and well ventilated. That helps the student widen his/her mental horizons. Love for Journalism You will be surprised to know, my first love is journalism, which I studied in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Initially, my application was rejected as I had no literary background. I argued with them, saying, “Journalism is not all about writing a great copy. If it is so, any clerk with good language can become a
teaching methods. We still hang on to the blackboard and the piece of chalk. As far as imparting knowledge is concerned, any TV Channel can do it tenfold better than the schools as it can package it in the most attractive way. Hence we must strive to better methods. I sometimes wonder if schools will become irrelevant in future.
they neglected languages and social sciences. While sciences sharpen the mind, languages train the heart. The student development is lopsided if there is no coordination between the two. Changing Scenario Technology has brought in drastic changes in every field, but not in our
Govt schools Vs Private schools The government schools have good infrastructure and good teachers too. But they lack in accountability and discipline. Schools from at least 3 to 4 districts should be under the control of one bureaucrat for efficient running. Some private schools run their classes in apartment buildings, herding the children into small rooms. How can the room, which is designed to house two or three people, serve as a space for sixty children?
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Focus Areas Equal attention should be paid to three aspects in a child’s development emotional, psychological and physical. Academics constitute only 30% of a child’s development. They should feel good about themselves and others; be independent and not be spoon-fed. Otherwise, they can neither be happy nor be leaders nor can be contributors to the society. Competition This is one thing we always face and I welcome it. We don’t have adequate number of institutions to take in the burgeoning student population. Syllabus Our well-crafted syllabus does not get translated into reality. For eg., if we want to teach the child the four directions, we draw a diagram and explain it. In the US, the child is given a map, following which he is asked to come from one point to the other. Certainly, the later mode works better. Unique Find After completing the studies, first rankers land themselves good jobs, the second rung students do a little better
than these toppers, the last in the rung oat industries and employ people of the first two categories. It is easy to explain- the topper focuses on academics, whereas the back bencher has many other activities. He has to mull over various means to pursue them and in the process becomes street smart.
resort to similar activities. Second is to enter a new arena, expanding the borders. I opted for the second and went on establishing institutions of higher education. Vision While many people’s vision stopped at a certain level, I raised the bar and went for institutions that last forever. Why do people toil even at an advanced age? That is because they wish to remain in the memory of people. I prefer to live even after my death.
Hurdles Hurdles? How do you spell it? This is something alien to me. If you are passionate about your work, there is WE ALL LIVE, BUT I PREFER TO nothing that LIVE EVEN AFTER DEATH. MY can stop you INSTITUTIONS WILL KEEP ME from reaching ALIVE FOREVER. the goals. Yes,
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there are some unavoidable problems. I too faced them. After my concept of residential system became a hit, many others jumped into the fray. They started poaching my teachers, which was fine with me. But they resorted to uncalled marketing strategies like doorto-door campaigns, bribing, employing agents. Unhealthy practices have surfaced in this noble field. To fight this, I had two options before me. One is to
WN DO RY MO ME NE LA
Politics Like journalism, politics too is fascinating. They both go hand in hand. I was very close to the legendary NTR. In fact, I selected all the TDP candidates for the entire state in 1994. I stuck to him till his last breath. Though I threw in my lot with Jagan of YSRCP, I will never be in the direct fray. Unforgettable incident NTR once demanded the reason for my not taking the political plunge. He was amazed when I told him, “Sir, you have MLAs and MLCs bowing down to you. I cannot do it because people do the same to me in my own small world. It may set a bad precedence and your followers may stop falling at your feet.” He gave me a big hug on hearing that. Satisfying Moments We felicitated the parents of the students who have landed themselves good jobs. I found out that 30% of them come from BPL families. The gratitude I saw in the eyes of the parents was heartening.
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F A M I LY C O R N E R
IT HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY NIRMALA, WIFE
IN BRIEFS Success mantra My passion. As a lover cannot keep his lady love off his mind, I cannot keep education off my thoughts even for a few seconds. Secret of your energy Being with the students. I bask in their aura. Idol NTR Hobbies Till recently, I used to play shuttle with students. I also enjoy music, reading and travelling. Advice to students Just identity your strengths and weaknesses, you are bound to succeed and lead. ...to teachers Love your students and hundreds of them will reciprocate. Love them uniformly without branding them as good, bad and ugly. What makes you happy? Outstanding performance of my beloved students. Sad No task is worth taking up if you cannot do it with a smile. So, I am little away from this mood.
Anger When I find a man competent and yet doesn’t put in his best. Unfulfilled dream Not having an IT company. I have remained just a supplier of talent to this sector. Relaxation I am always relaxed. I play cards in the evening to unwind. Running such a huge empire I trust my people, delegate powers.
FAVOURITES Colours White, off white Attire Dhoti Brand Omega Car Benz and BMW Place Vizag-a beautiful combination of sea and landscape. People here are simple and loving. Food Simple vegetarian food.
“Ours is an arranged marriage. Though we approved of each other almost instantly, we never had an opportunity to talk to each other. My first conversation with him was only after the marriage. We have had wonderful years together,” says Mrs.Nirmala. A woman of few words and a silent supporter of her ever-busy husband, she says, “Though he has been extremely busy building his educational institutions, he has given my children and me quality time.” She hails from Vadlamudi, but she adds with a smile, “That was not the reason for her husband to open the facility. The serenity of the place attracted him.”
HE DISPELLED MANY MYTHS RANI RUDRAMADEVI, DAUGHTER Almost every other day I come across someone or the other, who studied in Vignan. The way they recall their experiences at Vignan shows their respect and fondness for its Chairman. It stands unswerving to this day. It is not easy to garner such genuine love from so many, unless the institution and the person at the helm of it have a tremendous impact on them. Many thought that one should be well-to-do or had to be extremely talented to acquire higher education or accomplish a successful career in life. Thanks to Vignan, not only ordinary individuals have become successful professionals but also their whole kith and kin and in a few cases, their entire village, got benefitted. This paved way and built confidence in many people to rise above the ordinary.
LOYAL FRIEND TO MANY, KRISHNADEVARAYALU, SON Though 60 plus, he is as young and energetic as a 24-year-old. The curiosity he has towards understanding new developments, not only in the education front but also in other aspects is worth emulating. The most comforting factor for us is his devoted relationship with his family and friends. He knows some of them for more than 50 years. From their side, they might have fallen out of love with him many a time, but they came back to him again, once they realised the importance of him.
media trends. People prefer watching a game on the screen to taking part in it. Of
BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER
course, there are certainly some people d u b b e d a s h e a l t h b u f f s w h o a re spearheading outdoor excursions, attracting like-minded people. Clubbing their interests seems to be the aim of
By V.Sarada & Chandrika Mantri
these groups. Some of them walk for
Shoot by Dhana Vijay
health, some explore nature, some vroom for adrenal rush and some laugh off their
B
ack then, activities such as horse
woes. The list of countless beneďŹ ts of
riding, jet skiing, cycling and taking a
these activities is long. They bond, get
day hike were some of the most
motivated and inspire one another. So,
popular choices for the outdoor enthusiasts.
stop those excuses and get out of the
However, people started leaning towards a
house. Oh! before that, do have a look at
sedentary lifestyle, thanks to the latest social
six such recreation clubs that we have unveiled this month...
V!Superbikers
MVP Laughter Yoga Club
Vizag Bay Cycling Club
The Vizag 5 AM Club
Youth Hostel Association of India Livein Adventures
red | march 2017 | 45
Srikantth C Myneni
V!Superbikers
W
e usually ride bikes just for the sake of getting from point A to point B. So, it is nice to break the monotony and go on a road trip every once in a while. Most of us impatiently wait for that day when we can pack our bags and get away from the traffic, the pollution, the noise and the jay walkers. With the wind in your face and the fresh air that is hard to find in cities, you end up falling in love with that ‘bike and me’ time. The adventure never ends; it just keeps getting better and better. Here is Mr.Srikantth C Myneni, founder member of V!Superbikers, telling us why going on a bike ride with his club gives the ultimate adrenaline rush.
red | march 2017 | 46
Inception Sean Rogers, Rohit Bajaj, Abhishek Nayak and I came up with the idea of starting a club for the riders, who share this passion. The V! stands for ‘WE’ and also for Vizag! We started off with five members and now we are 40 riders. Objective Initially, it was just a means to spend time with friends. The club has evolved, setting up two major goals – one is to showcase safe riding and the other is to promote the biking culture. We want Vizag to be the next platform for the India
Bike Week. It is held in Goa every year, with nearly 12,000 visitors including 5,000 riders. New Members We have sessions with the new candidates to impress upon them that riding beyond the speed limit is not what we propagate. Equipment We use special gears which meet the world standards, like helmets which cover the entire face, elbow, knee, back and pelvic protectors, jackets, Kevlar jeans and riding shoes.
Meeting Point No particular meeting point. It is just an excuse to ride along and catch up with other bikers for a cup of coffee, bike wash or a breakfast ride. We try to meet as often, keeping the traffic and weather in mind. Activities We ride towards Annavaram, Srikakulam, Araku Valley, Vijayawada & Bhubaneswar. We have also formed another group called Andhra Super Bikers, covering the whole of AP with 192 members. Riding in Groups We have a pilot/leader that leads and sets the pace. At the end, we have a sweeper who maintains the pace and ensures that the group does not break. We are responsible for our right side rider. We use hand symbols to signal and warn each other. If one falls, three or four riders fall in a chain reaction. The life of the member is more important than that ‘adrenaline rush’.
Thrills on the Way We had bikers joining us from Kakinada, Rajahmundry, etc as we rode to Hyderabad. We also did a trip to Vijayawada. Friends looking out for each other, making heads turn and children running up to us for pictures- it’s pure ecstacy! Hurdles Loads! Traffic in the wrong direction, dogs, people, show off riders, cattle and potholes. Some students indulge in drag races for bets. Hence, the cops put us in the same bracket and target us. Accomplishment We meet with a lot of fellow riders. We host them and showcase Vizag in its glory. In fact, many riders from the xBhp magazine, including its editor Sunny have passed through. They recognise us as an elite club. We are also received with the same warmth when we go through their towns. This interaction, the immediate connect and feeling of oneness are what riding is all about.
Response Mixed! Many people appreciate us but there are also some who look at us as bikers with tattoos, lots of leather and weird questionable beards. Future Plans We want to encourage talent for genuine drag racing and other forms, guiding them to enter the events, arranged by Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India and Motor Sports Association of India. We want to take effective steps to keep the racing 'off the streets'. Much to my chagrin, we don’t have women bikers in our club. We love to see at least some girls riding in.
SALIENT FEATURES
I am a Navy man. After rigorous grilling sessions, they took me in and since then they are my friends and family here! – Lt.Utpal
• Every new rider has to undergo training at the California Superbike School in Chennai. • They have bikes ranging from 600cc to 2300cc of different makes like Harley Davidson, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Aprilia, Benelli, Suzuki and Ducati.
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With great power comes great responsibility. We encourage people to ride responsibly and have fun. – Sean Rogers
I always found it fun riding and meeting new people. But V!Superbikers are a level up. It’s like a big family! The weekend catch-ups, barbeque nights, house parties and what not! Every occasion with them is a celebration. – Harsha Chemudu
• The bikes are equipped with all the gizmos like ABS, traction control, suspension adjustments, etc. • The tires are designed to handle wet roads. • The founder member, Sean, won the first prize in the Vroom Drag Race 2 and won the second prize (9.3 seconds) in the India Speed Week, which was organised by Valley Run Elite Octane. red | march 2017 | 47
VIZAG BAY CYCLING CLUB
PEDAL
PUSHERS
I
t is not without reason that the GVMC had launched a facility of renting cycle for people to pedal on the Beach Road, albeit for a few hours in the morning. Statistics show that cycling has now become the new sport and bicycles are outselling cars. It may not be a great transport option for many because of the unfriendly terrain of the city, but it certainly is an endless source of fun and frolic for kids and entertainment, competition and fitness routine for the rest. It can be a bit daunting, taking the leap from riding a bike for recreation to riding it for a purpose. That is how the wheels of Vizag Bay Cycling Club started spinning. Mr.Homesh Cetty, Founder of the club, tells you why one should get involved with his club and start cycling right away.
Homesh Cetty
Inception Back in 2012, there was nothing like cycling expeditions to explore the scenic beauty of the city. That made me think of floating an active group for people to bond over the same passion. Initially, I set off with a small group but soon the numbers started swelling as people liked riding in company. We have 100 active cyclists. Objective Cycling encourages socialising. It improves the stamina and helps to cut down that extra fat. By encouraging cycling as a regular mode of transport, red | march 2017 | 48
we can cut down pollution caused by traffic fumes. Imagine Vizag with 50% bicycles on the road. That’s my aim. Terms and Conditions There is no entry fee. Your enthusiasm and passion are what we look for. We have interactive sessions for aspirants for a better understanding of the club. Meeting Point We meet at my Firefox BikeStation store, located near CBM Compound at 5:30 am every Sunday. We decide on the time and route beforehand and stick to it without fail.
Requirements A good decent cycle, safety gears like helmet and gloves, cycling jerseys and a water bottle. Our top priority is the safety of the members. One small mistake might get the participant into trouble and affect his/her routine. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Workouts We warm up and even indulge in post ride stretches. Some people come to the store cycling and that helps. Best Climate October to February is the best. Early morning or late in the evening is good.
Activities We explore places and routes which are yet to be discovered. We rode from Vizag to the lake behind PM Palem to Bhairava Swamy temple. It was definitely a ride to remember! Riding in Groups Though we start and stop together, the groups get formed as per the momentum. Riding in clusters is important. In case of a flat tyre or a fall, there is help at hand. We ride in the lower gear to avoid burden on the legs and maintain at least 6 feet gap between us. For longer routes, we have a motor vehicle following us with the necessary tools and medical kit, and a mechanic. We have two or three doctors riding with us. Unforgettable Experience A group of us travelled to Nainital. Every day, we would pedal for 60 to 80 km and explore locations like Jim Corbett, Manali, Bhutan, etc. The expedition was organised by Walk to Himalayas – a young Indian adventure travel company. It was a great opportunity to connect with cyclists around the country. In reciprocation, I wanted them to come and enjoy the beauty of our city. We organised two
rides where we had participants from Mumbai, Uttarakhand, Hyderabad and other places. The first annual ride was organised in Jan 2016 with 17 riders and a two night-three day trip from Vizag to Thatipudi to Aaraku and back to Vizag. The second one was organised in Jan 2017 with 12 riders and a two night-two day trip from Annavaram to Kakinada to Maredumilli and back to Annavaram. To ensure that our guests could navigate easily, we had a pilot vehicle marking the road. Accomplishment I learnt from my friend, Shanmukha, that in Stockholm bicycle rides are conducted for charity causes. Impressed by the concept, we conducted a charity ride, from my store to Gitam, for Sankalp Foundation to convey a get well soon message for this little girl suffering from cancer. Our objective was to create a model for the foundation to generate funds. Nearly 50 riders took part in this event. Future Plans These days, the development of any city is measured by the number of cyclists it has. I would love to see Vizag amongst the list by getting more people involved.
SALIENT FEATURES • The cycles should be bought according to the weight of the user and the purpose of use. For example, Trek Domane series are used in rough conditions. The Firefox Target 21 cycle is for the beginners. • Passion is the only fee the club expects. • Vizag to Bheemili is the best route. • Winters are the best time. • Cycling helps in building the muscle and the bone. •
It is like an aerobic workout.
It is always nice to see a lot of people cycling with full zest. My only wish is that we had a cycling track of 50 km to encourage more and more people. Shanmukha Rao. P
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Cycling takes me to the next level. The buzz of a fast descent, the rush of a sprint, the challenge of an off-road track or by the sea makes me really happy, content and accomplished as well. Manjula Garuda
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This club provides the right platform for enthusiasts. Homesh is a knowledgeable person in both the technical and practical aspects of cycling, who gets the best out of us and makes us enjoy it to the fullest. Animesh Nagar
Livein Adventures B.Balaram Naidu
Pleasure
Plunge
M
any of us are attracted to the mysteries of the deep blue sea. The pure joy, wonder and awe of interacting and being up close with amazing marine creatures is exciting, isn’t it? Your time spent underwater can be so amazing that you get lost in the moment. Besides your own breathing, you don’t hear a single sound. Fascinated much! Due to this growing demand of exploring the ocean, scuba (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving has become one of the most popular sports around the world. The sport is not all about taking the big dip for fun. It can be transformed into a successful career by those who are truly passionate about it. We spoke to Mr.B.Balaram Naidu, Founder of Livein Adventures and a full time instructor in scuba diving, about his undying love for water and adventure...
red | march 2017 | 52
The First Plunge With a passion for adventure and a desire to teach the youth of India encouraged me to be a part of the Navy’s first skydiving team which trained hundreds of naval personnel and cadets. From the blue skies, I took the plunge into the deep ocean. My desire to showcase the underwater wonders took me to the gates of Professional Association of Diving Instructors, U.S.A (PADI), with whose accreditation I became an instructor. Thereafter, I explored various diving sites in Visakhapatnam – from Sagar Nagar Beach to Bheemili and found suitable sites for students and certified divers to explore. Authorisation I am authorised to train and certify divers till four
levels – Open Water costing Rs.3,000, Advanced Open Water costing Rs.20,000, Rescue Diver costing Rs.20,000 and Master Scuba Diver costing Rs.45,000. Till date, in Vizag, I have certified more than 50 people in Open Water, out of which 20 are Advanced Open Water divers. I trained 1,500 people in the Seasons pool in Hyderabad. For the diving session, they are encouraged to come to Vizag. I am certified as an Emergency First Response instructor and can train people to become one. About Livein Eventually Livein Adventures was born to cater to extreme adventure sports.
We are the first and continue to be the only PADI certifying authority to start recreational diving operations in Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. We are also into other activities like single and tandem sea kayaking, standup paddleboarding, paintball and target-shooting in Rushikonda beach. We run single and tandem kayaking, jet skiing (self-drive) and speed boats in the Mangamaripeta backwaters. We also have organised portable rooms to change in Rushikonda and Mangamaripeta.
Objective If food is the nourishment for my body, adventure nourishes my spirit. I have an innate desire to seek adventures, which directed me to people who are "thirsty for adventure". Now, I work towards creating a structured approach to teaching and introducing enthusiasts into the world of adventure. This professional approach to courses helps minimise risks and accidents. Procedure For first timers, we have a course called Discover Scuba Diving (DSD), divided into two sessions for Rs.5,000. The first class is held in a swimming pool. The 3-hour class includes theory and practicals imparting knowhow about... a) Apparatus A mask that covers the eyes and the nose, diving cylinder with 200 bar of ambient air, regulator, wet suit, Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG), fins and weight belt. The cost is included in the DSD course. b) Buddy System The participants are divided into groups of two. They dive together and help each other in emergency. c) Hand Signals They are the primary mode of underwater communication. For eg., a circle is made with the thumb and forefinger, extending the remaining fingers to indicate “Are You OK?” or “I am OK.” d) Steps to Recover If one experiences pain in the ears, just pinch the nose and blow through the ears. The next session of one hour is to take the ‘big 15 meter dive’ into the Mangamaripeta Beach. We (candidates, two instructors, two assistants and I) go on a boat just 2 km away from the shore. We go down, gripping a rope, in a buddy
system, until we touch the rock bed. After that, we start fining around; exploring the marine life within the range of 1 km (till Thotlakonda). We get to witness various aquatic animals like rockfish, pufferfish, jellyfish, stingrays, electric rays, etc. After an hour of surfing around, we stand in a vertical position and fin our way up. Once we touch the surface, we inflate the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) and alert the boatmen to come and pick us up. Thrilling Experience Many! We have encountered a group of dolphins on their way to Kalinga. It was a sight to see! We even rescued a turtle which was stuck in the fisherman’s ghost net. I can recall this instance when two electric rays closely passed by us! A school of fearsome barracuda fish swam around us. There was also a time when we got drifted really far away. Luckily, we found our way back and whistled to the boat for rescue. Accomplishments Livein is the first company in the state to promote scuba diving as a water sport activity. In 2015, the AP Tourism Department took my inputs to promote and start water sports in Mangamaripeta and Rushikonda. We are the first to introduce paramotor trike in the Kakinada Festival 2015. Best Climate Winters for sure! During the summer season, the rock bottom gets stirred up affecting the visibility. Future Plans We plan to start paramotor trike in Vizag by April and in Kakinada in the second phase. It will be a 10 to 15 minutes fun
ride up to a height of 200 metres. We shall soon start paramotor trike pilot courses for the solo flyer aspirants.
THINGS TO NOTE • You don’t need to know swimming. • Eat a little bit and drink lots of water before the dive as the throat gets dry because of mouth breathing. • Avoid direct contact with any kind of aquatic animals underwater. • Scuba diving can be taken up only at places where there is reef and a rock bed. • People suffering from cold and cough should refrain from it.
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Joy
Over Waves of
We started kayaking operations in Mangamaripeta and Rushikonda. Each location offers its own style of kayaking. Our location gives our clients a chance to explore kayaking in the calm backwaters against the backdrop of hills and at the mouth of the sea. Kayakers also get an opportunity to get close to a natural bird habitat. We offer both solo and tandem kayaking. The calm waters are beginner-friendly and even non-swimmers get to enjoy kayaking after going through a quick orientation session from our instructors. For safety, We also offer tandem kayaking, where an experienced instructor sits lifejackets are provided and they are mandatory for anyone with a client in a 2-seater kayak. Safety is paramount and so helmets who is kayaking. and life jackets are mandatory. Detailed instructions are provided before getting into the water. Rushikonda For the more adventurous clients, our Rushikonda location Another unique experience we offer at Rushikonda is sunrise offers a unique style of adventure kayaking where they get kayaking. This happens between 5:30 to 7:30 am. Nature lovers to kayak in specially designed ‘sit-in’ or ‘sea kayaks’. These enjoy the first rays of sunlight while bobbing along the ever moving kayaks improve the stability and help in navigating through waves of the Bay of Bengal. the waves of the open sea.
I had a wonderful time kayaking. I am lucky enough to have a personal guide and had an enjoyable time paddling around in the sea. The equipment was in good shape and the kayak worked well. I want to say a big thank you to LiveIn Adventures. Overwhelmed by the experiences, I am craving for more. -Teresa Vulluri.
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I feel incredibly lucky that I got the chance to scuba dive, especially in Vizag –something I have been waiting for a very long time. It was an amazing experience and the entire credit goes to Livein Adventures! The best part is that they even provide pictures and videos of us diving. – Bharath Kumidi
I have always wanted to become a scuba diver. One of my close friends is from Vizag and by chance, we found out about this facility. It was the best decision I ever made. For the first time, I saw jelly fish up close. All thanks to Balaram for the mesmerising experience. – Jinal Niser
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MEMBERSHIP We offer half yearly and annual membership for kayaking
I have done 50 dives in various places - Maldives, Bali, Andaman, Pondicherry and Murdeshwar. But nothing beats the underwater sea life in Vizag. It was like a dream come true. I was amazed at the visibility and the variety of aquatic animals I got to see like lobsters, rockfish, stingrays, etc. – Keshav Ram Narla
A New Dawn on
Arena
K.V.T.Ramesh
W
The Vizag 5 AM Club
hile most of us toss and turn, fighting a losing battle with the bed, they are out on the Beach Road going at full throttle with their fitness regimen. Dot on the gong of 5 o'clock, a group of zealous men and women meets at the out gate of the Park Hotel and sets out on its daily ritual, Sundays not omitted. The credit of giving a wake-up call to the indolent lot of the city goes entirely to Mr.K.V.T.Ramesh, the Executive Director of BNI. Giving a structure and direction to these informal early hour activities, the amiable entrepreneur had floated The Vizag 5 AM Club. The concept caught up like wildfire with people putting their mind over the mattress. We meet the man behind this health mission which had become a ‘cult’, to find out how he is able to drag so many people out of their cosy beds to witness sunrise which they have been missing. With a tranquil disposition, he unequivocally proves that early birds don’t catch bugs and always remain healthy.
EXCERPTS Progress Many people miss out on that ‘Holy Hour’ which refreshes the mind and nourishes the soul. It will be great if we can put to use that extra hour to focus on our inner self and fine tune our thoughts. I always nursed a dream of creating a community that starts the day early to give itself that extra space. That certainly helps people to do something for their health on a regular basis.
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Deterring Factors I started looking for reasons why people don’t opt for an early morning fitness regimen. That is because basically they lack right motivation, company, transport and some mundane interruptions. In order to address these issues, I thought of starting a gym. I wanted to provide facilities like giving them a wake up call, ferrying them to the gym and providing company. However, the dream crystallised into The Vizag 5 AM Club on 28th May 2016 with 32 members. The aim was
to get Vizagites to wake up early and genuinely care for their fitness and spread the same awareness in other cities. Right now, the club has 118 proactive members. Activities We give wake up calls to people and pick them up, if required; meet at the out gate of The Park Hotel and as the clock strikes 5.00 am, we set out on our walk. We don’t wait even for a second for anyone. Our trek is up to the RK Beach. The late comers can join us anywhere on the way.
We take up a few exercises on return and disperse by 6.30 am. Our activities include walking, jogging, push ups and Yoga. To break the monotony, we take up some challenges. For example, we took up a “Fitter by an inch” challenge, for which we took the help of Swaasa Yoga, which taught us a few techniques. 18 of us met the challenge. We have an active Whatsapp group in which we post the daily updates and pictures. Fundays That is what we call Sundays. That day we deviate from the regular practice of going on the Beach road and visit spots like Thotlakonda, Kondakarla Ava, etc. That is the only day when most of our women members who are mothers get the extra time. Of course, our meeting
trait is that people take it easy on the weekends. These medals are incentives to goad them to come regularly. We gave 70 medals till now. We also along with our families go for outings. We recently had a blast at Chitrakoot.
point remains the same, from where we car pool and reach the destination. We play a lot of traditional games like Chapathi and Kho-kho, which are fading into oblivion. Through these fun sports, we relive our childhood memories. We also explore virgin and remote areas. On our way back, we have breakfast in one of the restaurants and disperse. Recognition and Rewards A week-long regular is given a silver medal and the member who wins four silvers wins a gold medal. The general
SALIENT FEATURES ANY ONCE CAN JOIN AS THERE IS NO AGE BAR • JUST WALK IN, BRINGING
Accomplishment Many members, who never woke up that early, are now leading the morning walks. We have people vouching for their weight loss and becoming fitter day by day. It has now grown into a huge family with great bonding and bonhomie. We not only share exercises, but also our pains and pleasures. Future plans We are planning to spread this across the globe and get more and more people involved in it. We are working out with people in two different cities to start the club. We are just a month away from that target. Our next plan is to start multiple clubs in the city too, so that in every corner of the city, this message spreads and more people will get benefitted. Response It has been amazing to see people responding positively to this. We have wide coverage in the media, whenever we have special events.
NOTHING BUT YOURSELF • JOIN US & CULTIVATE THE HABIT OF WAKING UP EARLY • STOP GIVING EXCUSES • TAKE CARE OF HEALTH • IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
The Vizag 5 AM Club has been the catalyst in keeping me overhauled since its inception. I have been a witness to the change in me. Kudos to the club! - Anuradha Gupta
I cannot say enough good things about the impact the club has on me right from the day I joined it. It has not only helped me go through my fitness drive, but also taught me how to balance between work and life. I am very proud and happy that I was at the right place and at the right time. -Ramya
Before The Vizag 5 AM Club started, I was unable to be regular with my fitness activities despite the best of my efforts. Initially, I had some reservations but with KVT’s motivation, I took up the challenge. I started following his tips and even met the 21-day challenge, after which our biological clock gets set. I was in the company of a very wonderful, inspiring, energetic, like-minded and positive people. We have become a family. My stress levels came down; I lost weight and I am back to my hobby, tennis. - Ashwini Sharma red | march 2017 | 57
YHAI
BACK TO NATURE
C
aught up in daily routine, we are all unwilling participants of the rat-race, where everybody is in a hurry to reach the destination. We are so busy building a life that we forget to ‘live’. We need to catch a breath and sync ourselves to be in tune with nature. ‘Nature is a gym and membership is free’says an adage. True, nature does provide us with the best therapy, in the form of trekking. While there are other ways to unwind, such as a luxury tour in suave hotels, shopping or ‘retail therapy’, going out for drinks and movies, trekking brings out our inner unchallenged and hungryfor-adventure side. We got in touch with Mr.N.Nageswara Rao, President of Youth Hostel Association of India (YHAI), Visakhapatnam District Unit (VDU), to find out how trekking helps us to connect with that inner self...
red | march 2017 | 60
The first step I have been associated with YHAI for 30 years. Incidentally, I was the first journalist to bike around the country, covering 10,064 km in 45 days. Trekking has been going on in the region for decades, but it was Mr.Narva Prakash Rao who saw the need to promote adventure on a larger scale. He established YHAI in Vizag, the first of its kind in the united Andhra Pradesh. Membership YHAI fee is Rs.50 per annum for members between 14 to 18 years and Rs.150 per annum for those above 18 years. For two years, it is Rs.250. The lifetime membership fee is Rs.2,000. This membership card is valid all over the world,
N.Nageswara Rao flaunting it one can stay at any hostel around the world. Currently, we have 350 members in VDU. Activities With focus on trekking, we are into beach hiking, moonlight hiking, cycling, mobike expedition, etc. We organise a motorcycle expedition for women every year. We manage expeditions for private parties. How the expedition goes... The favourites are Kambalakonda, Madhavadhara, Yerada, Kailasagiri, Araku, Simhachalam, Thotlakonda, Bavikonda, etc. We meet on the first Sunday of every month at the office premises to chalk out the trips. We take 6 to 8 expeditions per annum. We regularly go for one-day treks in and around the city. Here, I would
recall a trek to Kambalakonda, divided into 3 km, 7 km and 9 km. a) Guided Tours: We have a local guide accompanying us. They are familiar with the topography, flora and fauna of the place and impart insight about the locality. b) Food & Drinks: Trekkers are given pop-ins, chocolates, Frooti to keep themselves hydrated and a proper meal once they reach the destination. c) Certificates: The certificates we give are valued all over the world. Equipment Required Water bottles, flexible sport shoes, sunglasses, backpack, personal medical kit and a cap. Full clothing is recommended to avoid allergic reactions. Patients with asthma and heart ailments must carry health certificates given by their doctors. Hurdles Carrying a bag that weighs 30 kg is a task in itself. Exposure to sun rays increases, the oxygen level goes down as you climb up and breathing becomes difficult. Sometimes, plants cause allergic reactions. There are areas where there is no facility for answering nature calls. This info has to be given to the participants before setting out so that they don’t fuss later. Health Benefits MANY! You get to inhale fresh air which cleanses the lungs. The air
members, took part in the event. It was the walk of a lifetime. We stayed in tents and were totally cut off from the outside world with no mobiles and communication network. Intermittently, we had people welcoming us with drinks and food. Moonlight Hiking & Social Cause We are also taking up some causes to create awareness among the public. On every full moon day, we trek on the sands between RK Beach or coastal battery and Sagar Nagar from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am. This is being done to send the message ‘save the turtles’ into the people. going through medicinal plants has healing effects. It improves your sense of balance as you walk over uneven terrains. Trekking helps you burn that extra fat and lose weight. Response Many parents enrol their children because they feel that it is a perfect medium for them to get in touch with nature. Some of them even want to trek along with their wards. The newcomers are taken on short treks as we prepare them to take the longer ones. It is imperative that they know the difference between walking and hill side trekking, which is certainly more arduous. The Most Cherished Experience Recently, YHAI state branch with the help of VDU and Ukkunagaram Unit organised an Eastern Ghats trekking expedition for six days. As many as 120 members, including 35 female
Just as a sword needs a whetstone, we need new challenges to sharpen the brain and learn new things. Trekking offers this. For me, every trek till date has been a thrilling experience. – Md. Ibrahim
SALIENT FEATURES • Kambalakonda is the perfect destination for trekking • Winters are the best climate for a trek • Do not start a trek on an empty stomach. It is important to be hydrated all the time • Avoid trekking on the roads • Hiking on the sand-zone is the best form of exercise
Trekking can be an exhilarating as well as a frightening experience! It rejuvenates us from within, but at the same time, it can be a little intimidating to face nature in its raw, pristine form. Join YHAI to experience that thrill! – V.Ravi Kumar
“ I have conducted 20 camps till date as the youngest camp leader in YHAI. Trekking has been a life changing experience, not only because it is exciting but also because it reminds us of how small a place we occupy in this world. – N.Harita red | march 2017 | 61
MVP Laughter Yoga Club
EXCERPTS
g n i h laugatter m
H
C.V.Nageswara Rao
Its no
ave you ever wondered how even a smile can change the temperature of a room from a chilly unfamiliarity to a degree of friendly warmth? If laughter works wonderfully well for the moment, it also brings in long-term health benefits. The mushrooming laughter clubs around the world vouch for it. Not lagging behind in this arena, the City of Destiny has quite a few clubs that dispense mirth. The founder of MVP Laughter Yoga Club, Mr.C.V.Nageswara Rao asks, “When was the last time you went Ho, Ho, Ha, Ha without any reason? Amidst the hustle-bustle of modern life, people have forgotten the joy of laughing. It is time we got silly, rid of inhibitions and practise chuckles and giggles.� Rao, a Professor in Chemical Engineering, brought with him this happy concept to the city, when he shifted base from Guntur, joining Gayatri Vidya Parishad. We draw a few details from him in a fun-filled chat. Of course, he peppers it with a few laugh-inducing tricks.
red | march 2017 | 62
Inception I was the member of a Humour Club in Guntur. We used to meet, share jokes and laugh. But when I moved here, my desire to take the module to the next level became strong. I was greatly influenced by Dr.Madan Kataria, the founder of the International Laughter Club movement. According to Kataria, we don't laugh because we are happy, but we are happy because we laugh. Hence, he has propagated voluntary laughter that provides physiological and psychological benefits. Walking in his footsteps, I went about gathering like-minded people. Eligibility It is never too late to start a good deed and we put no tag for the task. So, anyone is welcome to join us. Our club, which is registered with the Laughter Yoga International, has 30 pro-active members now. It is exhilarating to see people of all ages greeting each other with a good smile which builds into a great laughter as the minutes pass. Genesis The first laughter yoga club was founded, with a few members meeting at Tenneti Park in 2009 and it still runs in the morning. Later, with an objective to rope in women, we started MVP Laughter Yoga Club with evening sessions. This was done to accommodate those women who could not leave their homes in the morning. I must acknowledge the contribution of Mr.A.Chiranjeevi Rao in sustaining the club.
Objective & Exercise We assemble at 5.30 pm everyday. After a 30 to 45-minute session, we go back with lightened hearts. We start with warm up exercises like milk shake laugh, clapping laughter and follow it up with the other kind. Laughter becomes an integral part of each of them. The right blend of physical and cerebral stimulation is required for fitness. We generate the desired effect, following three kinds of laughter. They are basically yogic, fun-filled and value-based. Prerequisites Nothing out of the ordinary. Wear your
casuals, shed your inhibitions, share the experience and enjoy. Targets Reached We have created awareness and reached many public groups, viz., Lebenshilfe School for impaired children, Oakridge International School, Naval Officers at INS Kalinga, Papa homes besides touching many corporates. Hurdles Firstly, convincing people that laughter as an exercise enhances health; secondly, to get people to shed their inhibitions are tough. We are basically shy and public demonstration of any emotion is rather difficult for us. Especially
breaking into a loud laughter in an open space is considered rather bold. Getting a venue was an issue too. In fact, the people using public parks often look askance at such activities. Future Plans We want to continue with this exercise and propagate this18th form of Hath yoga. Response The locals have responded marvelously to our endeavour. People have acknowledged that their health has improved a lot after a few sessions. A member, who suffered a paralytic stroke, would come regularly to these sessions and has gained a lot of confidence and positive attitude to deal with his problem.
Benefits • Boosts immune system • It is meditation in conscious state • Improves lung capacity • Keeps BP and sugar levels under control and decreases gastric trouble • Get to experience real joy instead of happiness
After joining this club, within one month, my body pains disappeared and I have started feeling energetic. This is really a life changing experience for me. -Sujatha
• Anyone can laugh for 15 minutes to 45 minutes • A feel good hormone- endorphin releases in brain Modus operandi • Starts with fake laughter and turns into real being in conscious state • One has to laugh gently • The group imitates laughter • After a day’s session, one is in an excited state • One has to calm down before closing the session by laughing meditation
It may sound incredible, but my total demeanor changed after I joined the club. My gastric problem and the uneasiness in the chest disappeared. -P. Kishore
• When one laughs, the diaphragm moves as it does in kapalabhaati pranayam • No practical jokes Not advised to laugh • Immediately after full meal • In a residential area • After a surgery
I am very proud to be a member of this club because it turned me into a very jovial person who can mingle with people easily. One very important benefit I got is- sound sleep. - Neelaveni
• During the menstrual period red | march 2017 | 63
tand The Last S ms at Radisa Perfor
F
our enthusiasts and dedicated students from the GITAM University took up an initiative to promote Radisa on a large scale. They are organising some activity or the other at the cafe every weekend. Recently, a city-based band The Last Stand performed on the cafe’s terrace Prakriti. Nearly 55 guests including students and prominent personalities attended the party. They were blown away by the soulful voice of the lead singer and the band’s tuneful rendition of soft music, rock, punk rock and their own improvisations of popular songs. At the end, the band had everyone singing along with them. It definitely was a melodious night!
IN HIGH SPIRITS Weekend is the time to let off some steam. What better way is there to unwind than at a nightclub that plays your favourite music and serves your favourite cocktail? With minimal lighting and a dance oor in the centre, Tribe at The Park Hotel is a hot favourite among the young party goers. DJ Swarup, DJ Paul, DJ Sathvik had the crowd shaking a leg to their high-beat tracks till wee hours. A good number of guests attended the party and had a blast. The menu featured some interesting snacks and the bar offered perfectly mixed classic cocktails like Flying Dove and Blue Mamba to get everyone pumped for an insanely crazy night. red | march 2017 | 66
Little Ksheeraja Turns Three
R
amesh Reddy and his wife Deepika, organised a Barbie theme birthday party for their daughter Lakshmi Ksheeraja at the Swathi Promoters’ meeting hall. Nearly 100 people, including family members, the company’s top officials and the friends of Lakshmi attended the party. The kids and their mothers had a gala time participating in the games specially organised for them. Later, the guests enjoyed a lavish dinner with mouth-watering delicacies. Birthday girl’s paternal grandparents Swathi Krishna Reddy and Vijaya Lakshmi, maternal grandparents P.P.Reddy and Manga along with her uncle Suresh Reddy and aunt Lakshmi Deepthi graced the event and blessed the little one.
red | march 2017 | 68
Leisure & Pleasure Wedding
Live music, lights and lavish food stalls and most importantly, the sea breeze made the post-wedding reception of Sandeep Kumar and Lakshmi Haritha, extremely pleasurable. While the bridegroom is the son of Durga and Singamsetty Venkateswara Rao, renowned automobile giant, the bride is the daughter of Rajyalakshmi and Gopalam Venkateswara Rao of Hyderabad. Though the guests were in huge numbers, the sprawling Park Hotel grounds provided ample space for everyone to have a leisurely meal and also bond with each other. The night was certainly a memorable one.
red | march 2017 | 70
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One Stop Family Store
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Beauty Services Krasna Professional Salon Service at the comfort of your home for Men and Women. To book an appointment 1800 3000 4848 (toll free) www.krasna.in Download app on Android & iOS.
red | march 2017 | 78
ADD A LISTING
HYDERABAD
HYDERABAD
FOREVER AFTER
Nisha & Bharath
Namit & Karishma
Mohanlal Jain & Chhaya Jain
Ramesh & Maya Patel
Karishma, youngest daughter of Mohanlal and Chhaya Jain recently tied the knot with Namit, son of Madhu and Narender Kumar Jain. Prior to which, a grand engagement ceremony and sangeet were held with a 90s Bollywood theme at The Westin, Mindspace. The main function, the reception, followed by a lavish dinner, was hosted at Sandhya Convention. The bride and groom were dressed in their traditional ensemble and complemented each other. The list of well-wishers present to bless the newlyweds included Sampathraj, Gautamchand, Prakashchand, Kishore Kumar, Mahavir, Praful, Preeti and Pranay Kumar Jain, Sonal and Ashwin Katariya and Nisha and Bharat Lunawat among others.
Mahima & Kapil
Swetha Keerthi Priya & Puneet
Namrata & Veeshan Vindya Moon Moon
Anil & Seema
Palak
Srishti
red | march 2017 | 50
Tania & Farad
Sana
Pranay & Preeti
Prerna
Palak
Upasana
Kim Thomas & Karan
Anand & Hema
Swati
Aayush, Nanda & Bharath
Seema
Bharath & Deepika
Ankit & Divya
Preeti
Zafar & Sidra Alam Khan
Esha red | march 2017 | 51
redhaute
A
s critics rave about his performance in The Ghazi Attack, Rana continues to charm. His films, his endorsements, his zest for films and life spur him to scale greater heights. He refuses to be pegged down and he is the one who makes the world of war films come alive. And there is the most awaited magnum opus Baahubali: The Conclusion, which has been in the news even before it hit the floors. His expressions, his mannerisms, his character and most importantly, his hulk-like physique have impressed thousands of fans around the world. He believes that the substance of the role and its place in the overall plot is far more important than the actor playing the role. Read on to know more from the horse’s mouth....
By Chandrika Mantri
roll
a
rana
You have not shied away from multistarrers. Did you feel undermined? That is not how I approach cinema. We need to understand that there are some parts which I can portray well and some
Your take on Bollywood vs Tollywood The language is different. The madness of making movies is pretty same. Each industry has its own style, ideas and ideologies. It can’t be compared.
You come from a family of legends. What difference does it make to you? Being among them gave me exposure to cinema; I gained so much knowledge, which is a blessing. My grandfather, Dr.D.Ramanaidu worked on different genres of films, my father Suresh Babu is a producer and uncle Venkatesh is a star. Now that I have come in, I am doing totally different things. So, we are all learning and getting better.
How has your journey been till date? I feel blessed and humbled. I have had a lot of support and motivation from my loved ones to be where I am. I don’t do cinema which is run-of the mill, nor do I have glamorous roles or songs. I play a character; I played a politician, warrior and a Navy officer. I do cinema which is out of the box. People tend to relate to characters and I believe in narrating a story rather than playing a glamorous hero. Stories tend to find me. Yes, things have been going my way and I am looking forward to good times ahead.
UP & CLOSE
CAN TAKE ME AWAY FROM THIS FIELD.
AND SOUL BELONG HERE AND NOBODY
I WAS BORN FOR CINEMA. MY HEART
What are our expectations from this upcoming saga? I still have no clue of the response. We just knew that we were in the process of making the biggest film, the country had ever seen. The first part was such a big hit that it has become a brand. In part two, you can expect something larger and more massive than the part one; something that you haven’t seen before. It is bigger, more dramatic and stunning, also
Explain your love for war films. Yes, I do have this fascination for war films. These are the episodes we read in books. Cinema has the power to recreate these instances and transport the audience into a particular period of time.
BAAHUBALI: The Conclusion
Upcoming Projects... One is a political drama in Telugu with Teja. It is a home production. The second is a period love-war film set in 1945. I play a soldier who fought with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
How was it working with Big B? The movie Department did not do that well at the box office. But the time spent with sir was the best! His expertise guides me till date.
parts which other actors can. I will never be overshadowed by my co-stars.
red | march 2017 | 53
Wasn’t it difficult to devote so much time to one film? Out of the seven years of my acting career, I have given four years to Baahubali and that is pretty much the longest of my career. But look at the results! For certain kind of films, you just have to give it all. When you believe in something, one needs time to execute ideas. Everything falls into place. This film opened a lot of opportunities for all of us. It was a regional film which was a national hit, proving that the language is no barrier. It is the content that works. Yes, it was not difficult to give that much time. Moreover, I did other films as well during that time.
Tell us about the transition in the physical appearance of Arjun Varma to Bhallala Deva. They are two different people with different personalities. One is a war lord and the other is a commander. Both have different physiques. A lot of research work went into my diet and workout. Luckily, I had a lot of time to get into the role of this lean and slim officer and for my Baahubali role, I had to beef up again.
more emotionally gripping than the first part. Part one introduces the characters while the drama unfolds in the part two.
Tell us something about the set… For the film, a 100 foot-long hydraulic submarine set was constructed in which 30 actors and 50 crew members were working for 12 hours a day. Pretty much, everything was real. It was sweltering, with the body heat of so many people, with no sunlight and air, and harsh camera lights. For the underwater scenes, I had to dive and shoot in a giant
What is the story behind this film? This film is inspired by true events, but is a fictionalised version. A few documents pertaining to the sinking of PNS Ghazi are classified and hence out of our domain. The film is a combination of facts, stories shared by retired naval officers in Vizag and Sankalp’s book. The names of officers and characterisation are fictional.
How did the Ghazi Attack happen? I had finished shooting for Baahubali and was looking for a different genre. While driving from the Hyderabad airport with Ram Mohan one day, we spotted a submarine set being constructed on a building. My friend learnt that Sankalp Reddy was planning to make a one-hour limited-budget film. The story appealed to me as an interesting one and I thought it should be a feature film. When I told a few friends that I was working on a submarine film, I faced questions like, ‘Are you serious?’ Today, going by the tremendous response, I can say that I made the right decision. Apart from that, Sankalp knows what he wants from you as an actor. We got along really well.
GHAZI
How was it like to work with Taapsee, Kay Kay, Atul Kulkarni and Om Puri? This is my third film with Taapsee. I have worked with her in Arrambam and Baby and now in Ghazi. I am very fond of her and when she heard of Ghazi, she happily obliged. She looks for good content. I was very elated that she could
pool for a longer period of time. It is tough to stay underwater and it takes its toll on the body. Whenever a scene was being shot, I had to come out and wait with wet clothes on. It was not practical to change into fresh and dry clothes, so many times a day. Nevertheless, we enjoyed every little bit of it and I think all the hard work, dedication and patience eventually paid.
be a part of Ghazi, even though her screen time was short. In future, I am looking forward to working on films which are less serious and cooler with her. Kay Kay and Atul were very supportive as they understand Hindi cinema better. They always came up with suggestions that helped me improve my act. I was just taken in by their aura. Om Puri’s death, of course, shocked us. I am blessed to have worked with him. We miss him a lot. I hope he is watching all this from up there and smiling at us. It was a new film for all of us. So, Om, Kay Kay, Atul and I used to discuss wars and submarines. Everyone shared their experiences; it was a very collaborative film in that sense.
Any Friday-box office jitters? I don’t really care about numbers. So, a big NO!
Last person you dined with? I am shooting in a village called Karaikudi. So, I eat with my unit or alone mostly
Pay most for what clothing? Gym clothes
Best dressed in your view... Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha and Aishwarya Rai.
First thing you notice in women... The voice
Heart breaker or heart broken? I am packed with work; no time
Heart or head? For me, both function the same
Any celebrity crush? Penelope Cruz
Strangest thing you have eaten I eat a lot of strange stuff
Favourite action figure I am a big fan of Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. So, I have these action figures of Terminator from the US
Favourite cartoon character Lots of them! Mickey mouse is one
Do you chew on your pen? I use a computer
QUICK BITES
red | march 2017 | 56
All of this, in a relatively short span of time, often
The physical changes to a woman’s body as related to pregnancy are multiple. The centre of gravity of the body shifts, there is more pressure on the organs and mother-to-be has to carry the increased weight.
or all of our adult life, we have probably been aware that exercising, whether that means a yoga class/bike ride/jog/ brisk walk, can help us keep the pounds off and help prevent diseases like type 2 diabetes. But how many people know that during pregnancy, there are even more reasons to keep moving or get moving, even if you haven’t had an exercise routine in the past?
F
wonderful mom
wellness
Exercises are important after childbirth to get back into their pre-pregnant
Please don’t fret. Relax, there is still time for you to venture into that very vigorous work out zone as your body is just healing from the recent exhaustion of labour and delivery.
As you move back to your routine after the childbirth, generally you will be constantly nagged with the thought of health and fitness. Getting back into shape and getting rid of that tummy top your immediate to-do list.
POST- NATAL CARE
During pregnancy, many changes occur leading to poor postural habits. This causes aches. Antenatal training helps women in good posture adaptation which can prevent painful joints, back ache, neck pain, arm pain, difficulty breathing, heel pain, foot pain, etc.
In fact, over two thirds of women who are carrying experience pelvic pain and over 40% experience urinary incontinence in their first pregnancy. A physiotherapist can educate them teaching effective and safe exercises, which reduce back pain, pelvic pain and urinary incontinence throughout their pregnancy and postpartum.
leads to back pain, pelvic pain and urinary incontinence.
Reintroduce breathing techniques
Improve muscle tone, circulation, digestion, mood of sleep pattern
2.
3.
Increase rate of postnatal recovery
1.
The post-natal exercises ideally help in the following ways.
posture. They are called post-natal exercises. They not only make your body fit and alert, but also are important for your overall well being. There are multiple benefits of doing post-natal exercises
Exerc
Post-nl
Bens
Postural correction and good breast feeding positions, C-section management, etc. Increase strength, exibility and energy levels
5.
6.
Postnatal Trainer, Lotus Hospitals
Physiotherapist, Certified Antenatal &
M. Leela.
Here at Lotus Hospitals, we offer pre-natal and post-natal exercises, specially designed for all the mothers-to-be and the new mothers.
Mothers of this century are fortunate to have benefits of this pre-natal and post-natal physiotherapy science and simple health aids to escape problems.
Increase range of motion
4.
that reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety and tension
Apr 20-May 20
TAURUS
Hang out with people you like the most and have a wonderful time. If you are looking for a pay hike, this is a good time to ask for it. If a new job opportunity knocks at the door, take it as it helps you in career growth. You have some creative and innovative ideas, which could bag some good opportunities or projects. Singles, this is the time to let your love interest know your feelings. You will most certainly be embraced with warmth and a ‘yes’! Expect a lot of romance and intensity if you are married.
Lucky for you: Royal Blue, 20
Lucky for you: Orange, 10
Jun 21 – Jul 22
CANCER
Lucky for you: Yellow, 13
Expect to acquire an ancestral property. The career tide is turning in your favour and you will now start feeling a lot more determined and dedicated to jump up the ranks. This is certainly not the time to switch your job! Luck is also giving a boost to the cordiality you share with your boss. He will feel fortunate to have you as part of the team since you act as a pillar of support for the company. If you have feelings for someone, it is a good time to express them!
Lucky for you: Beige, 17
GEMINI May 21-Jun 20
ARIES
Your sense of achievement will be high. Work hard, implement plans and travel a lot. You have a strong business acumen and it’s time to put it to use. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t ignore the wise words of your trade partner as he/she might offer you some good advice. You will feel highly sensual and sensitive at the same time, but keep your expectations reasonable or you will end up hurt. This is the period to cement your bonding on a deep emotional level rather than just indulge in surface pleasures.
Mar 21- Apr 19
You will have an easygoing lifestyle. You might end up spending heavily on material things. It isn’t a fortunate time to make funding proposals or loan applications. Co-workers will support you at all levels, but you might ignite a dispute with your boss. Your spouse is in need of that extra dose of love and romance. It would be better to channelise your energy. You could have a romantic trip, which could rekindle the fire of romance between you two.
Forecast
VIRGO Aug 23 – Sep 22
Lucky for you: Mauve, 1
Your plans of a long trip aboard concerning work will be fulfilled and you will enjoy financial stability as well. Your source of earnings will bring ample gains. Don’t indulge in conflicts with anyone. As a boss or senior, create a good vibe and use your power to your advantage. You have the recipe of love in place, but you need to temper it with the spices- romance and compassion. Foster your emotional bonding with gestures like little surprises, romantic walks and long drives, whenever possible .
Lucky for you: Gold, 5
Jul 23 – Aug 22
LEO
The mental turbulence you faced last month has now calmed down. Start taking life seriously and be ambitious. Focus on your career and studies. Release your energy through creative pursuits to find some mental peace. A blistering relationship is underway to kill your blues and set the path for some hot romance. An ex could come back or you might bump into a new love interest that could be your soul mate You have a special penchant for people who are romantic and intellectual and you would likely to get a partner just as you desire.
Oct 23 – Nov 21
SCORPIO
Lucky for you: Silver, 12
It is time to express yourself and shine out. Your communication skills are strong. Fortune will render support. Business growth curve is moving upwards now but you should not be overconfident. Don’t hold off plans to start a new business. Your public dealing and networking skills would contribute to the growth of the business. Your love house is strong, so expect a glam time ahead as you toggle to the sensual mode. Your bond with partner will also get cemented.
Lucky for you: Maroon, 6
Lucky for you: Grey, 22
You might become a bit more overconfident in your approach and demeanour. You may also run into arguments due to your harsh talk. Your career ride will be smooth. You seem to have a tunnel vision focus on ambitions. If you have had a bumpy ride , this is the time to get launch into the next gear. You need to be cautious if married. Your spouse may feel low in terms of health. Give each other some space to grow but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t spend time with each other.
Dec 22 – Jan 19
CAPRICORN
Lucky for you: Magenta, 27
SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 – Dec 21
LIBRA
Things will seem quite under control. Expenses could skyrocket, so expect some turbulence. However, profits may also present themselves in the real estate domain in form of a sale or rental income. You might buy a vehicle. Start thinking seriously of your relationship. It is time you revived love by taking a trip down memory lane. Take your partner to the place where you first met or together look at old photos and videos to induce nostalgia. This will most certainly rekindle romance.
Sep 23 – Oct 22
While everyone else is hibernating, you swing into a high gear, prioritising your goals. You may bag that increment you were expecting. Some sudden profits are also possible, like you might recover a long-held debt or you could get gains from foreign sources. An investment could lure in profits too. Seduction and sensuality is your priority in love. Keep the drama of jealousy and possessiveness out of it. Someone might sweep you off your feet. Go subtle when it comes to the intimacy.
Feb 19 – Mar 20
PISCES
Lucky for you: Brown, 9
Expect a lot of social activity and support from people you are close to. Focus on increasing your daily income. Mull over having a business partner to share the workload and work on new initiatives. You may get a promotion or an increment. You might develop romantic interest in a friend. You may also start thinking about tying the knot around this time. The idea is to keep things easygoing and take it one day at a time. Your relationship will nonetheless have a high dose of romance.
Lucky for you: Indigo, 19
Jan 20 – Feb 18
AQUARIUS
A lot of leisurely activities will be part of your routine. Focus on bringing the pieces of your life back together, get some rest and reenergize. Your income prospects are strong. Some foreign associations may also happen. Your marriage requires serious efforts if you want things to work. While you feel all frisky and excited, you might not be able to express your desires to the fullest. You should first work on cementing your emotional connection than on focusing too much on the sensuality.
PUBLISHER’S
NOTE
breath for his concluding version of
Ghazi, they are waiting with bated
have critically acclaimed his film
create a niche for herself in the
enterprise Mahavir Motors to
Ms.Ashwini Jhabakh left her family
This edition’s Eve has it all.
portrays. If the media and public
that go with her endeavours.
that Rana excels in any role he
meets innumerable challenges
tells us how she multitasks and
Dr. Nandakishore. She, at length,
and work space with husband,
LivLife Hospitals, shares her life
Films are in his DNA. It is natural
inspire you to join them.
Our Main Feature will certainly
about early, at least by 5.00 am.
possible only if you are up and
meet to clap and laugh. All this is
Ms.Ratna Kaza Dukkipati, CEO of
Find out about his Trademark.
for underwater thrills and some
Centro is now taking giant strides.
trek the mighty hills while some go
Telugu states.
while some push the pedals; some
cakewalk for the 13-year-old skating champ. He not only wins
popularity ring across the two
steps, Mr.Sridhar Ganesh, CMD of
29 medals seems to be just a
CMD of BigC. His phones and his
their journey on big machines
his years. Earning as many as
Mr.Balu Chowdary, Founder and
Chandra Mouli Tippala, Publisher
and prosperity to you all.
May this New Year bring happiness
advertisers a very Happy Ugadi.
I wish our readers, patrons and
The wonder kid fills the Sport.
words with a perfect articulation.
but also talks big, using the right
more than double the number of
On the flip side, you can meet
Starting his journey with baby
Bhramesh Patel bagged medals
GenX column to speak of her.
them with great care. We stir up
some unique menus and serves
great warmth by foodies. She crafts
Vanlavino was welcomed with
world of business. Her café
invincible spirit in the column Life.
decades ago. We try to capture his
education in Andhra Pradesh, four
doyen, Dr.L.Rathaiah had redefined
accomplish this, some kickstart
helps them grow in many ways. To
inevitable interaction with peers
be more regular in the routine. The
group energy motivates people to
brings in a lot of benefits. The
the regimen followed in a group
unique way of exercising. However,
thrilling. People have their own
rush, making life more exciting and
adventures give us that adrenal
He is an institution in himself. The
his priorities in Haute.
in adventure we find ourselves. So, if activities fill our vacant hours,
Baahubali. Our cover star spells out
CARES ABOUT DOING IT RIGHT OR BETTER.
In leisure if we reveal ourselves, it is
“
ANY ACTIVITY BECOMES CREATIVE WHEN THE DOER
The
Crew
Asst. Manager - Advertising B.V.S.Appa Rao K.Niranjan Jagadeeswara Reddy
Editor-in-Chief V.Sarada
Design Strategy
Publication Consultant K Raghuram Raju
Accounts & Admin R Chaitanya Kumar
Sr. Executives - Marketing P.Arjun M. V. Raju
Manager - Marketing B. Srinivas Rao
Printed, Published and Owned by Chandra Mouli Tippala. Printed at Kalajyothi Process Pvt. Ltd., 1-1-60/5, RTC X Roads Hyderabad - 500 020. Published at Red Publications D. No. 14-36-9, Vikas Nagar, Pedagantyada, Gajuwaka, Dist. Visakhapatnam, AP. Editor: Tippala Divya Reddy.
General Manager - Corporate Affairs Rajesh Babu Guntu
Image Processing P.Venkatesh
Visualizer K.Shankar
Sr. Photographers Dhana Vijay Dinakar Pamu
Sr. Feature Writer Anahita Ahuja
Sr. Manager - Marketing V.Sahiti
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Hurdles Striving for top quality delivery in healthcare is always tough. However, we are lucky that Team LivLife shares the same philosophy with us. Hence, having all the aspects of the organisation streamlined has become easy. In fact, all of us share the MD’s vision. It helps us put things in a proper and right perspective. Acquiring and nurturing new lines of business under the same umbrella of services are exciting, while it does take a lot of creativity and know-how. Working with Spouse As we have decentralised the control of the organisation right from the beginning, things have gone the right way. My husband is the driving force behind the medical practice at the hospital. I handle the management of the branches and the execution of the newlines of business fall under my domain. We make a really good team! We like to bounce ideas off each other and brainstorm to find the best solutions. It has been quite a productive way of approach. There was never a conict till date since we handle parallel streams of the organisation. Future Plans We envision LivLife in national and international horizons as the name is synonymous with superior health care. While our USP will always be bariatric and metabolic surgery, we are also into other surgical procedures. Wellness, cosmetic services and clinical nutrition are the other thrust areas. Our growth is by organic means and hence, we have not sought any funding yet. However, we may soon
consider making this concept available across the nation. We are looking for an ideal strategic partner who shares our vision. Journey with XL I wanted to start a company that was related to my field. I set up XL Marketing and Consulting, a strategising company, where we would work on promoting our client’s products and services. The concept was to combine both marketing and consulting services. We would work on ways for companies to thrive on other businesses. During one such strategising event, I heard a patient talk about how my husband had changed her life. This appreciation and my
at home and some days at work. In both the places, you have people depending on you. So, it is difficult to give it your all and not compromise at the same time. Someone very close to me said ‘acceptance is the key’. Basically, I have to accept this is the best I can do. I aim for a good balance with perseverance and proper time management. Accomplishment The best moment of my life is when my family, staff and patients are happy. This means I am doing a good job! Isn’t it? Taking a concept of LivLife and making it a stunning reality is probably one of the major milestones in my life and career. Inspiration The smile of a satisfied patient fuels me further. The gratitude we receive from our patients grows on you and becomes almost an addiction. This inspires me to deliver the high quality service on a daily basis. Apart from that, certain incidents and people too inspire me.
“MY HUSBAND AND I MAKE A GOOD TEAM. WE LIKE TO BOUNCE IDEAS OFF EACH OTHER AND BRAINSTORM TO FIND THE BEST SOLUTIONS”
husband’s vision gave birth to LivLife. Now, XL Marketing and Consulting handles LivLife’s marketing. Encouraged by these developments, I started XL Naturals – which is more or less a part of XL Marketing and Consulting. These two firms together offer medical and surgical supplies to hospitals, consultation in health services, equipment and technology needs. XL Naturals has its own line of nutritional products and supplements. Juggling Personal and Professional Roles I would be lying, if I said it was easy. There are days when I wish I could spend more time
Shoot by Dinakar Pamu
Female Role Model It would not be fair to pick one as there have been so many women who I look up to. It is all the learning that I have received from some of red | march 2017 | 34
“
A RELAXED TIME WITH MY LOVED ONES.
SPEND MORE TIME AT HOME AND SOME DAYS AT WORK.
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Best Advice Received It was from my father Dr.Ramana Babu. He believed in the saying ‘work hard and the results will follow’ – which is what I teach my children, Avinash and Miya too. There is destiny and all that, but if you work hard, nothing is impossible. For example, if I saw my child not achieving his goal, despite putting in his best, I am fine with it because he did whatever he could and that is what matters the most. Even if you don’t get a hold of what you desire at that point, don’t be disappointed. At least, you got some experience and knowledge out of the situation.
WAS EASY. THERE ARE DAYS WHEN I WISH I COULD
Message to Woman Aspirants Yes, it is true that you might face some issues and people might question your worth, since you are a woman – but the only way to shut them down is through your work. Unless you prove it to them, they will not understand it. So, hang in there and show your merit, the rest will all fall in place.
I WOULD BE LYING IF I SAID THAT BALANCING IT ALL
Gender Barriers Now, I handle a family business. Hence, there are no such issues. When I was working in the US also, no such problems came my way. My work has always spoken for me. But yes, after I shifted to India and started working, I did feel a slight glitch, as people still do not accept orders very openly from a woman. It would not be wrong in saying that there have been some odd cases where I faced difficulty in getting things done, only because I was a woman giving them instructions. Since I was educated in America, we were taught how to be self-reliant, while people here are always dependent on someone or the other. For example, women in India are not expected to do certain things. You attract attention if you wait in a queue. Normally, we tend to send the domestic help for such petty things.
I ENJOY TRAVELING TO SPIRITUAL PLACES, EATING
Other Interests I enjoy traveling to spiritual places, eating out with friends, a good television show and a relaxed time with my loved ones at home.
OUT WITH FRIENDS, A GOOD TELEVISION SHOW AND
Lesson Learnt Be the best while being honest.
the most wonderful women out there that has made me the person I am today. If on a personal front, I had to pick someone, it would be my mother Saraswati. It was when my father was starting his career that she single handedly managed the household and four kids. I am full of admiration for her and hail her for the way she brought us up.
Skills Required Perseverance, knowledge and patience are the prerequisites for . anyone to succeed in life. If I had to rate myself on these, I would give myself an 8 on 10 for perseverance and knowledge. Very frankly, it is just a zero for my patience!
HYDERABAD
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Hello, says
BigC By Anahita Ahuja
W
Man
hen the brand BigC entered the market 15 years ago, there were hardly any places where one
could buy a mobile phone. Owning a mobile phone was considered a luxury due to the high call charges and the expensive devices. People often used to go to the grey market to buy phones. That was the time when our brand offered genuine bills and warranty. It worked as a major game changer. Meet Mr.Balu Chowdary, Founder and CMD of BigC. The store has evolved as a one stop shop for mobile phones and its needs. The brand has made a name for itself because of its team work and consistency. In conversation with the man behind the gadgets, we found out more about his life, work and family.
red | march 2017 | 36
Tell us about your journey... I obtained an engineering degree in Bengaluru in 1989 and took up a job there. Working for the next three years made me realise that it was not my cup of tea. In 1992, I decided to start something of my own. As I was mulling over various options, a distribution company came up as a good choice. This I ran for a decade. The product range consisted of odds and ends like wall clocks, land phones, calculators and other electronic items. I was dealing with 400 retailers. That was a very enriching period and my interaction with them helped me broaden my knowledge about trade, which stands in good stead for me today. I could see many chinks in the service industry. The
way they were serving customers had left a lot to be desired. There was a scope for improvement. I wanted to set things right and bring about a change. Coincidentally, I came across this book named “Made in America” by Sam Walton. It greatly inspired me to take the plunge and further goaded me to do something big and significant. Fortunately, the telecom industry was in the nascent stage but was growing in leaps and bounds. I used it to my advantage and jumped at the first opportunity that came my way. BigC was born in Vijayawada on 23rd Dec, 2002. The two-years of successful run of the store made me think beyond Vijayawada. I shifted base to Hyderabad.
Was that the turning point? Yes, most definitely. If I see the Vijayawada venture as the first ever turning point in my life, moving to Hyderabad was the second crucial turn in my life. So, that was a part of the plan? One cannot plan and move according to that in life, as destiny has its own set of plans for everyone of us. When I set out in my profession, I did not have a wee bit of inkling that I would be here. My intention was to start something that would reach a large number of people. I worked with utmost honesty and integrity. This reected in my growth as a business man and the rest fell in place. Basically, I have a lot of theoretical knowledge and interest in this field. I wanted to adapt it to day-to-day operations and practice it. I executed whatever I had learnt and used every opportunity that came my way to the fullest. You don’t have a business background, was it easy? I believe that life is the best teacher. Nothing teaches you better than time and circumstances. Hence, with every little step, I learnt whatever I could and grew. I have reached where I am only by trial and error and by learning from my mistakes.
Your growth is bound to stop, when you stop absorbing and assimilating things. One must take every hurdle as a step that takes him/her up the ladder of success. That one unforgettable incident? All of us have some good and bad experiences. Life is a long journey where we need to remember our lessons. One should remember the good and try and ignore the rest. I choose not to remember anything that is unpleasant and that does not make me happy. They should be seen as insignificant episodes that have to be left behind. What are the future plans? We have about 240 agship stores of BigC and LOT, as of now (the number 1 and number 2 brands together). By this year end, I intend to take the numbers higher by touching at least 300 in total-150 plus for BigC and around 140-150 for LOT.
We have completed 14 years and have entered our 15th year now. The major part of the credit goes to the entire team, as it would not have been possible without them. We have more than 2,000 people who are with us in our retail chain. They serve our customers – which is the most important part of the business. We have been on the top since day one and have maintained a brand which is more of a responsibility, than a legacy. I am extremely proud of the fact that I own a brand that has only gotten better with each step. We have good products and services, but to be able to hold your customer’s trust for so many years is a challenge. That is what we have maintained.
Your secret to success? As many people have already said, there is no secret to success. Everyone knows what to do and what not to do.
What were the My only intention was to start difficulties you something that would reach a large faced? number of people. I worked with No journey can be a utmost honesty and integrity. smooth ride – there are always speed breakers and bumps. Sticking to the basics, I too faced a lot of problems but doing it well, taking the each hurdle was a learning experience. right decision at the right Everything depends on how we look at time, at the right place, it. I decided to learn from whatever with the right team - has obstacle I faced and that benefitted brought me where I am. me. In my opinion, positive growth only
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comes when you are ready to learn.
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In BRIEF: What are your hobbies? I enjoy reading. Nowadays, I also listen to audio books. Apart from that, I love watching movies; movies of all genres and in the five languages I know. Otherwise, you will find me watching and enjoying cricket. And which authors do you enjoy? It changes from time to time. I am reading the discourses of Sadhguru and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
How dependent are you on technology? I do not think I am fully dependent on technology and gadgets, but yes, I use them quite often. Having said that, I am not addicted to them. I can cut off from them, whenever I need to. One thing you would like to change about yourself? Nothing that I can think of. What makes you happy? Happiness is defined as a state of mind. Hence, nothing can really make me happy, apart from my own thoughts.
How has the market changed over the past few years? The telecom market is huge! I remember when I started off, the tele-density was about 3-4%. We, of course, expected it to grow but no one had ever thought that it would take such tremendous dimensions. Today the teledensity is about 80%. The industry has not only grown, but also changed completely. In my opinion, the telephone can be rated as one of the best and biggest inventions by mankind in the last 100 years. There are a lot of products and all of them get upgraded, but none of them have gotten upgraded and advanced like the mobile phone. Initially, it was only used for incoming and outgoing calls, now people cannot leave their phone for a minute. That is how much it has impacted us. From where I see it, it still has a long way to go. It will certainly inuence us further as the entire world is going digital. We are becoming more and more dependent on this gadget.
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What makes you sad? I try not to allow my thoughts to go to that extent, where they upset me. Which is your happiest moment? Picking one would be tough. But if I had to think of one, I should say that recently I took about 105 of my top and mid management people for an international holiday meet and it was wonderful. What do you do to relax? My definition of relaxation is spending time with myself, either by reading or just being alone. Is there any part of your life that you want to relive? Nothing as such.
If I see the Vijayawada venture as
“
the first ever turning point in my life, moving to Hyderabad was the second crucial turn in my life.
Your favourite phone... Would it not be unfair for me to pick one brand? I change my phone every month, so picking one is quite difficult.
HE IS A WONDERFUL FRIEND TO HAVE: AISHWARYA AND AKHIL What relationship do you share with your father? An absolutely wonderful one! We cannot actually put it in words. He is there for us whenever we need him and has been there like a pillar of strength and inspiration. How involved is he in your lives? Extremely! We have our sessions together, where he is updated with all that is happening in our day to day lives and we apprise him of every detail. How much of a friend is he? We are not scared to talk to him about anything. He has
brought us up like that. We have our space, yet know our boundaries. He has given us the freedom to do what we want. He is a wonderful friend to have. Even when we need advice about things, he first asks us as to what we want and then suggests what he has in his mind. A particular special moment with him... There have been many. It would not be fair to name one. One thing you like about him the most? He is extremely responsible and manages time very well. He knows how to maintain his relationships, whether it is with us, mum or his friends.
F A M I LY C O R N E R HIS CHOICE Colour: Red or blue Clothes: Formal Car Brand: BMW Driving now: My son’s sport model - BMW Z4 Holiday: London Resettle in: Hyderabad
“HE IS MY WORLD”: SUPRAJA Your first impression about him... To be honest, it is very tough to tell. But the first thing, I noticed was that he is a very genuine person and that comes across easily. He is also very affectionate and lovable. I wanted to marry a man who had that extra touch of humanity. And when I met him for the first time, I knew he was the one because that was oozing off him.
Food: Idli-sambar
Rate him as a father, son and husband... He is a perfect ten for me. I do not think he could have been a better son, father or husband.
Book: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. I am now reading Bhagawat Gita
What role do you play in his life? I am his homemaker who has been the woman behind his success.
Movie: The Godfather Sport: Cricket
How is the journey with him? It is beautiful. He balances everything so well, that there has never been a reason for me to complain about. Describe him in a few words. He is a very lovable person and extremely caring. He is my world. I cannot think of more words. Your favourite holiday together... That would be when we had gone to New Zealand.
Shoot by Dinakar Pamu
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HER RECIPE FOR SUCCESS By Chandrika Mantri
S
Shoot by Dinakar Pamu
ay hello to this young, vivacious and dynamic ladyAshwini Jhabakh. Driven by a burning desire, she opened Vanlavino, a cafe, with the support of her friends and family members. Her charismatic appeal amplifies her ability to build relationships to enhance the business. For those looking to enter the hospitality sector, she is a model to emulate. We find what motivates her, where she draws her inspiration from and why you need to try the Tangy Butter Rice at her Café Vanlavino...
Journey My voyage has been a little bit here and there. I did my schooling from Nasr School in Hyderabad. I was involved in a plethora of activities like obtaining an instructor level certificate in Ikebana and performing Bharatanatyam Arangetram. I went to Seattle, USA, for under-graduation. I worked in my father Mr.Prakash Pai’s Lotus Chocolate Company Ltd. in Hyderabad for two years. I got married to Mr. Vikas Jhabakh, after which we both went to study MBA at Warwick and Milan. After our return, I joined my husband’s family business, Mahavir Motors. So, yes! As I look back, I can say that it has been one helluva journey. I think this quote fits perfectly on what I want to
express – Every new phase of your life requires a more evolved version of you and each experiment in your life only prepares you for the next. The Genesis of Vanlavino I had decided to take a break from supporting my husband in his trade. Incidentally, the topic of a cafe was something my brother Abhijeet Pai, my friends Harish and Laveena Ramnani (owners of Karachi bakery) and I always used to discuss about. We decided to take the leap of faith and went ahead with our plans. We all have a good experience in the chocolate and bakery industry. When it comes to the name Vanlavino, Van stands for Vandana,
my mother, who inspires us every day with her cheerfulness. Lavino comes from Laveena, our very own queen of awesome times. She is someone who will always strive to give her best in everything. Benefits of Past Experience Many! Working at Lotus was very helpful. I got a basic knowledge on how to deal with challenges. Today, I owe a lot of my learning to my experiences there! First Year Of Vanlavino Running this cafe has taught me that the smaller issues should be addressed first, that too, on a daily basis, as with time they might become a bigger problem.
We are still in our first year and I am sure that it will continue for many years or so. Wish us luck!
beloved customers is that keep your fingers crossed for us, visit
Scenario of Hospitality In India The Indian customer is spoilt in terms of the services. Hence, the expectations are way too high. This is not just a problem in hospitality, but in all the service oriented industries. We really need to do something about it because gap between these two is way too wide. Changes in the Menu We love experimenting with new avours and new concepts in the menu, especially the desserts. Though we keep changing the menu as often as possible, we need to include those standard signature dishes. Our ‘menu of the month’ concept is a big hit. Oh, you must definitely try our Tangy Butter Rice and Ferrero Rocher Gateaux. They are popular among the guests. Your Contribution to Vanlavino A little bit in every aspect and a lot of time and love. USP of Vanlavino I think the market is big enough for everyone. The culture of going out for meals is picking up rapidly. But our love for serving delicious food, our services, exquisite customer experience and classy ambience are a few things that make Vanlavino stand apart from the rest. Our ability to experiment every now and then and serve something out of the box every month is certainly going to make us successful in the coming years.
I BELIEVE OUR OWN SHOES ARE ANY DAY MORE STYLISH, COMFORTABLE AND EXPERIMENTAL. IT IS BETTER TO THRUST OUR FEET IN THEM THAN TO BE IN A MAN’S SHOE.
relishing popsicles, skiing and doing all things nature-esque.
Accomplishment We won the Best Confectionery Award with the Times Food 2016 within 4 months of our opening and that has been really exciting for us! All I want to say to my red | march 2017 | 43
Dealing with Failures I believe in getting up and moving on. I guess growing up with lots of responsibilities has made me quite thick skinned.
FAVOURITES Restaurant Of course, Vanlavino! Car My B class!!
Work-Life Balance Oh! It is a perennial conict and sometimes I am guilty for missing all the wrong things- fear of missing out(FoMo). But I guess, sometimes we just have to go with the gut feeling. We can postpone a few things in life, but not all. These are purely personal decisions. So, it is best not to have fixed rules on how one should balance work and life, rather just move on with the ow for each situation. If not cafe, then what? Probably, I will only focus on design thinking. I am the India partner of the Global Design Thinkers Network. The concept of the group is to design things/experiences for the user, sometimes even before they know what they want. It is a very interesting form of science and will be the way forward for all future development. How can students enter the hospitality sector? We have so many options today. Social media is one way to go about. My honest advice to anyone in college for their first job is-let it grow on you. Give it time, so it can help you decide what your next move should be. Do not be a jump tracks. That prevents you from making any beneficial contributions to your growth and to your employer. Advice To Budding Aspirants Do what you love. Keep working at it and improvise upon it with trial and error. Of course, smart work leads to success, not 20 years of waiting!!
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Colour Purple Actor Leonardo DiCaprio & Johnny Depp Actress Aishwarya Rai, Konkana Sen Movie Rent Cuisine Konkani cuisine. I love my mom’s experimental food A leaf out of her diary I don’t follow any set routine. To me, every day is different and every day comes with its challenges. So, work hard but party harder. That is my motto!
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My favourite quote is - It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life and in change there is power.
Sport Skiing & trekking Attire Maxi dresses! Flavour Of chips- I like Spanish tomato Of popcorn-mix of chilli tomato and caramel Of perfume -Chanel No.5 Hilarious Moment Oh man! Somebody should just fall in front of me. I am sorry that I will be laughing for hours! Memory My mini travels when I was studying in Milan! All were phenomenal. Sicily is another favourite of mine Book I don’t have a favourite book per se. I am reading Jeffery Archer! Song Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol Drink Red Wine! Especially the Spanish Tempranillo variety. I even like the wines from the Emily Romagna region of Italy. They are hard to find here!!
balance is
base By Anahita Ahuja
B
hramesh Patel, son of Maya and Ramesh Patel is
not just another 13-year-old kid. He is a Gold
Medalist at the 51st National Roller Skating
Championship (Artistic Skating category) and a Bronze Medalist in the 11th National Ice Skating Championship in the Boy’s (10 – 13 years) category. Making not just his parents, but also his school and the state proud, the young boy has 29 medals to his credit. Known for his impeccable balancing skills, we caught up with Bhramu (as he is fondly called) to know more about him and his talent…
How did it all start? This friend of my father used to skate. I was inspired by him and ended up pursuing the sport. I first took up speed skating which was seven years ago and when I tuned 11, I moved to artistic skating. Skating happened only because I found it interesting and thought it would be a decent form of fitness regimen too.
At 13, you already have 29 medals– how does it feel? It is always nice to achieve something in life and luckily for me, it has been at a very young age. Out of these 29, I have got around 26 medals just in the last two years for artistic skating. The medals were never the goal, but winning them does make the journey a lot more special.
Why did you take up this sport as a profession? Nothing in particular, it was interesting and I wanted to do something new. I saw some videos on Facebook and wanted to be like one of them.
How did you train for it? There is a training wing named Yama Skating Academy. I enrolled myself there and would go to the Indira Park to practise and train.
red | march 2017 | 46
I had two coaches - Anup Yama and Amar Yama, who would train me every morning from 4:00 am. My mother would accompany me regularly. After my training sessions, I would head to school, come back by 4:00 pm and rush for training again at 4:30 pm. The evening classes would finish at 8:30 pm, after which I would sit and finish my studies and finally, call it a day. This was my routine for two years. When did you start taking interest in the hover board enter? Hover board and skating are both connected as they both work on body balance. Hover board started because I wanted to do something new, which was related to what I was already doing. I started that last year and now I improvise on it by watching videos on YouTube. Tell us more about it… I owned a hover board. One day, I stumbled on a video. One thing led to the other and I started with the urge to do something new. It is more difficult to do stunts here, when compared to skating, but life is all about challenges and making yourself better.
One needs perseverance and a whole lot of patience. Skating vs the hover board- what is your personal favourite? I would pick the hover board as it is way tougher when compared to artistic skating.
How do you balance studies and sports? It was difficult initially, but now I am used to it since it has been a couple of years. The secret is to be totally present wherever you are. So, when I am in school, I try and give my 100% to it and when I am practising on my hover board, my entire focus is on it.
All this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of your parents – how much credit do you give to them? It is all possible because of my parents. My mom used to come with me to the ring every morning and my father was kind enough to pay the fee. Hover board, of course, is something which I practise myself at home, so now it is less taxing for them. What else do you enjoy doing? I usually sit and study as that is the priority now or you will find me meddling with my Rubix cube.
You are known for your stunts on it. How do you improvise? I try new things and practise them time and again, until I get it right.
Shoot by Dinakar Pamu
Both these need a lot of body balance – how do you manage? Yes, because primarily the body needs to be still. I had difficulties when I started learning it, but practice is the only key. I practise the hover board every day, as there is no other way to do it – it is a day by day learning that helps us get somewhere. I am quite sure that if some one without training gets on to the board, he/she will definitely fall because one needs to get adapted to it.
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Hover board started because I wanted to
do something new, which was related to what I was already doing. red | march 2017 | 47
Haipmpesy HYDERABAD
T
Abhishek & Nisha
Shilpa & Sandeep Deepali & Brij Gopal Bhutada
Mamta & Susil
A
wedding anniversary is an occasion to celebrate love and union and a chance to relive those beautiful moments. What better way to celebrate this special event than to throw a big bash and spend time with your loved ones. That is what Sachin and Nanda Bhutada did. They organised a party for their near and dear at AirLive. The guests were seen dancing to the live music, played by the inhouse band and were treated to lip-smacking delicacies and refreshing beverages. 35 couples attended the bash, including Brij and Deepali, Jeet and Geet, Sushil and Mamta.
Aarthi & Rohini
Sachin & Nanda Bhutada Payal & Hitesh Minica & Purshottam Aarthi & Anand
Rakhi & Deepak red | march 2017 | 48
Pooja
Saloni
Reena & Srigopal Shruti & Rohan
Sheetal & Anand
Manju, Poorna Tej, Vidya & Ravinder Nath
Vibhuti
Sumitha Srimal Mridula
TEA TALES Vidya and Poorna Tej Valluru’s inspiration to craft Chit Chat Chai comes from a passion to introduce authentic chai of different avours to the people. The launch of India’s first tea-bar saw the who’s who rubbing shoulders with one another and posing for the shutterbugs. The soiree was organised by Sonali Sharma, who ensured that all her guests were well attended to. Prassuna Reddy, Shazia, Neeru Mohan, Aarti and Usha Badruka, Manjula Narsa, Sabiha and Shreedevi Choudhry were prominently present at the event.
Shreedevi Chowdary
Sonali Sharma
Noor
Nikitha Sunila & Mona
Bharani & Nikitha Madhavi Narulla
Manju Agarwal
Sunaina & Ditya
Meenakshi
Rina Hindocha
red | march 2017 | 17
Sudha Jain
Jyotiee Balani
Esha Hindocha
Ashima Dewan
FASHION AND WINE Hoshang Garivala
Zunera & Zaheer Babar Khan
Mala Pasha
Sabeihaa Ali
Varuna
Puja
Kunisha & Rishita red | march 2017 | 18
Hoshang Garivala, the Director of Operations, India at Oakwood Asia Pacific Ltd and Jyotiee Balani, a food and wine enthusiast and food writer hosted an evening of exquisite fashion, featuring the Bohemian Rhapsody Spring Summer Collection of Satya Paul. The evening was followed by cocktails and dinner. The event was held at The Oak, Oakwood Residence Kapil. Guests were not only making notes of the high fashion designs, but also were indulging in some animated conversation with each other, while they sipped their cocktails.
Madhu Swamynath
Bhaveesha
Monika
SOUL STIRRING PLAY Mala Pasha’s play The Storm Within, produced by Tom Curtains was staged on two days. An adaptation of Meri Kahani by Umbreen Inayet and Mehreen Poonja, this play focuses on the abuse women face. The two-hour long play was well accepted by the audience. Mala says, “Through this act, I wanted to make people aware about all kinds of abuse women face. I feel the play managed to strike the right chord.”
Pooja & Vinod
Seema
A BOND WITH WEAVERS Isha Koppikar
The brand- Mamatha Tulluri has been constantly working with various weaver communities across the country to provide opportunities to them to showcase their talent. Through stores and events, she strives to create more consistent and productive markets for them. To help the weavers and their contribution to the society, Mamatha organised her annual event Saadgi - Simple is beautiful and urged people to promote traditional weaving. The designer also dedicated her show to the International Women's Day to celebrate the sheer strength of women.
Keerthi
Mamatha Tulluri
Shalini & Upen
Jayantha Reddy
Lasya
Manya red | march 2017 | 20
Medha
Anitha
Bobby Sruthi
Dhriti Saharan Sumanth Dr Pallavi
Sheetal & Kamya
Rebecca
Aditya Reddy
Sirisha
Poonam Kaur
Sujani Aparna
Meghna
Aparna
Lakshmi
red | march 2017 | 21
Jayati
Poonam Chaudhari Aashti Bhartia Archana Rao & Kavitha Bhartia
Karishma
Shilpa Reddy
SHOPPER’S PARADISE Ogaan, a multi-designer store that focuses on the idea of promoting and showcasing exquisite design and craftsmanship from all over the country, recently made a foray into the city. The brand houses pieces by renowned designers like Anamika Khanna, Sanjay Garg, Peachoo, Payal Khandwala and other contemporary designers who are inuencing the fashion industry. Seen admiring the pieces, while sipping wine were Ekta Jethwani, Shivaangi Sharma, Shweta Keerthi, Nitya Jalan, Shweta Malpani, Parvathi Reddy, Aanchal Bahirwani and others.
Payal
Pinky Reddy
Suhani Pitte
Vinitha Pitte Reema
Kavya
Shaista
Parvathi Reddy Jwala Gutta
Aparna Roddam red | march 2017 | 22
Anju Podder
Mrudula
Madhavi
REVIEW
A
FRUITFUL J URNEY
1,000 sq.ft. and houses fine fabrics for suits by some of the biggest international labels. They emphasise on stand-alone fashion and are relentlessly catering to the varied requirements of their customers. They aim to make their quality and service noticeable. Specialising not only in clothing, but also in sunglasses watches, bags and accessories, Journey is all about high fashion that follows world standards, catering to power dressing.
J
ourney, a 10-year old brand, was relaunched opposite Chiranjeevi Blood Bank in Jubilee Hills. It is one of the leading fashion houses for men that specialises in designer wear and bespoke tailoring for any design and styling requirement. After conquering the Hyderabadi market, the brand is now all set to launch in Visakhapatnam too. Over the past decade, the brand has carved a niche space for grooms, party, corporate and clubbing enthusiasts. It caters to the age groups falling between 18 to 50 years. The exclusive men’s designer boutique is spread across red | march 2017 | 24
Owner G.Suren has put in enthusiastic efforts to bring the magnificence of luxurious fabrics and the grandeur of rich and unique hues for his clients. Their authentic pieces are their USP which has helped them survive the competition in the market. What sets them apart from the others is the personal touch with their loyal customers.
Contact: 040-33016825 | Timings: 11:00am to 9:00pm
REVIEW
Chicken
Crazy Y
ellow Tie Hospitality Management, an India-based Food and Beverages Franchise Management Company, introduced American Heritage brand Genuine Broaster Chicken to the city. The eatery, located on Road no.10, Jubilee Hills (Opp. diamond house) was inaugurated by entrepreneur Karan Tanna and Hyderabad franchise owner duo, Vandana and Karan Shete on 21st Feb 2017. They specialise in fried chicken, for which they use a patent technology called Broaster Fryer. It uses 50% less oil making the chicken softer, juicier and crisper on the outside. They also offer green palak paneer and Red Lamb Rogan Josh Burger by Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi who is their brand ambassador. Spread over 850 sq.ft., with a seating capacity for 45, the place has a vintage American grunge feel. Genuine Broaster Chicken is a perfect getaway for all those who are looking for some courteous staff, good food with a great ambience.
Timings: 12 noon to 11:00pm Contact:040-23550049, 9676261704
red | march 2017 | 25
REVIEW
CHIT CHAT
OVER CHAI
I
t would not be wrong if we describe tea as the king of beverages. In fact, especially in our country, tea is way more than just a beverage – it is a lubricant for conversations, a catalyst for discussions and a promoter of a sense of well-being. This humble shrub has been a curative and restorative for humanity for over 3,500 years. It would not be a wonder to know that tea is the second most consumed beverage after water. Offering such elixir of life is Chit Chat Chai, India’s first ever tea-bar. This outlet is located at 742, Road Number 37, Kavuri Hills Phase 1, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills. This new generation, innovative and vibrant teahouse celebrates tea in all its forms and avatars. The brain child of Poorna Tej Valluru, supported by his internationally certified tea sommelier wife Vidya Valluru, Chit Chat Chai is the newest hot-spot in the city with world class architecture
and interiors, serving the finest teas and their intensely curated, stunning blends and concoctions to the discerning patrons of this global city. Carefully and thoughtfully paired with attractive canapés, this brand new concept café was officially launched on 17th Feb 2017. But it is already a melting pot. A 120-seater, spread across 2,500 sq.ft., this place is not only about tea, but also has lip-smacking food, that has been conceptualised and executed by the couple. They have carefully curated and streamlined all the tea cocktails that surely tickle your senses. The outlet is built from Cargo Shipping Containers with a retro and modern design blended into their classic and minimalistic concept. This eatery is the talk of the town.
Contact: 9618118800, Timings: 11:30am to 11:30pm red | march 2017 | 26
REVIEW
Aabharanam,
a Jewel Indeed
L
ittle did Anitha Reddy and Mamta Reddy know that something they started only by following their heart and passion, would eventually turn to be a brand. Aabharanam Jewellers. The store, which opened seven years ago on a small scale in Srinagar Colony, has now shifted to a bigger and brighter space in the Film Nagar, Jubilee Hills. The 2,500 sq.ft.-boutique has stuck to its original simple yet elegant look. The interiors are designed to lay emphasis on the comfort of the customer and an ample display space for the designs. Aabharanam, which wholeheartedly believes in appeasing its clients, excels in customisation. While most jewellery businesses run on a seller-buyer equation, they believe in indulging their customers and attend to them with a lot more care. Primarily, specialising in diamonds, gold and uncut jewellery, the label has an extensive range to offer – from simple everyday wear and traditional wedding pieces to contemporary ones. With the aim to produce nothing but the best, the designers hope to make every design unique yet timeless without ever comprising on quality.
Timings: 11:00am to 7:30pm | Contact: 9866610003
HYDERABAD
Mr.Sridhar Ganesh
Shoot by Dinakar Pamu
A Big
I
t may sound incredible but Mr.Sridhar Ganesh,
CMD of Centro had nothing ever to do with
footwear. A post-graduate in Marketing and
Finance, he dabbled with the stock market for sometime before launching a leading footwear store in the city. Today, he is one of the big names in this sector. He handles the marketing, sourcing and business development of his baby brand. We had a tête à tête with Sridhar to know more about his work...
red | march 2017 | 28
By Anahita Ahuja
Getting Here Initially, I went for Marketing and Finance studies as I wanted to become an investment banker. However, I ended up working with the stock market. To my dismay, I realised time and luck were not in my favour. I ended up in a financial loss. That was the time when I found myself at a loose end and I decided to work with someone to keep myself occupied. Little did I know that this casual stint would turn into my profession. Inception None of what I am doing right now was planned. It was a necessity at that given time. We were wholesellers, who represented 25 big brands in the state. With the advent of large format stores, our trade got affected. We were unable to meet the uncalled for demands of the retailers and failed to give the big margins they expected from us. They were adamant about it and were not relenting. At that time, there was a store named ‘Loft’, which was also a major client of ours and was shutting down. That opened a new avenue for me. Hence, we thought it was better to take over this store and get into this retail industry which gave us a great opportunity to find a toehold in this new arena. Testing Waters I took over Loft and ran it under the same name to see if it worked. It was after testing the market for around six to seven months, that I decided to revamp it to Centro. But I did not give too much attention to market it. Eventually, when I gained the confidence to run the entire show, did I decide to
start my own baby. I also didn’t want to pay royalty to someone else or build other’s brand further. During those six months, we made a lot of trials and errors–made different logos, came up with different names etc, until finally one day, Centro was born. The main idea was to develop a brand which would cater to the city’s fashionistas. Luckily, at that time there were hardly any home grown brands that could compete with us. The Journey To start with, the journey was not at all easy. Many well-wishers and friends wondered if I was doing the right thing. Opening a store of 16,000 sq.ft. is a task very few people could even think of. They thought I had lost the plot. But I was sure and confident about doing something big. I was also encouraged by the fact that finally this industry was evolving, that too at a fast pace. We generally find footwear being sold in confined areas and customers jostling one another. That is why I wanted to have a spacious store where customers
can choose their footwear in comfort. With Centro, I wanted to add a dash of luxury to their shopping experience. Risk Factor There is always a risk factor in any kind of business. It is same here too. But I did not fret much as the capital expenditure of the store was rather low. This came as a great blessing. This was certainly a very comforting factor. Turning point Things turned around, when I entered retail in 2009 with Centro. Until then, I was sitting in the office, handling the back end business, working with numbers and figures, packing things and sending it to retailers, etc. Being a marketing guy, I was creative and involved in developing whatever brand came my way. It was that knowledge that made it easier for me.
CONTRARY TO BELIEF, THE ONLINE MARKET IS HELPING OUR BUSINESS BY MAKING PEOPLE MORE AWARE OF THE BRANDS THESE DAYS.
Target Clientele We have something for every member in the family, from tiny tots to the oldest. I do not want to miss out on anyone. The entire family can come and walk back with the best footwear of their choice. Expansion We presently have 20 stores across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. We are growing organically by taking baby steps. We have no concrete plan as such. That doesn’t mean, we will lose out on any good opportunity that comes our way. One thing at a time is what I believe in.
red | march 2017 | 29
the end of it, our taxes end up being 25-30%. Online Market as a Competition The online market has grown phenomenally of late. Yes, in some way, we are losing customers, but that is only when it comes to standardised products, like the sports shoes. One can be sure of the size and style as they maintain the same standards, even if the design changes. When it comes to buying basic shoes, the online retail market has affected us, especially because people are offering incredible discounts on the cost of the products. But the online sector is burning holes in its
THE MAIN IDEA WAS TO DEVELOP A BRAND WHICH WOULD CATER TO THE CITY’S FASHIONISTAS.
Future Plans The brand is growing slowly but steadily as there is a huge scope to expand in this field. Having said that, I feel things will get better once the Goods and Services Tax (GST) comes into vogue. At present, there is a multiple tax structure that lacks uniformity. For an organised brand like ours, it is a tad bit difficult as we pay all our taxes. After the GST comes into place, the operation of the whole supply chain will be much easier. For instance, in order to open a new branch in another city, I will have to set up an office and obtain permissions there. The entire procedure gets easier with GST coming into vogue. Challenges The government does not support our retail industry. In fact, I do not think that they even treat this as an industry. I wish they took us more seriously. We ourselves are giving employment to 700 people. This speaks for the magnitude of our trade. Even the tax structure is quite unfair. For eg., VAT charges on apparels are 5%, while for a leather shoe it is 14.5%. Over and above that, we have to pay excise duty. By
red | march 2017 | 30
pocket by giving discounts as the profit margins are same for both of us. It will not last for too long. Just another few months, according to me and it will all settle down. I believe that the worst phase is already over and we have survived it, so this is not very difficult to pull through. Even when the large format stores were launched, retailers said exactly this. Small shops thought that there would be undercutting and their whole business would move. People do not realise that India has a large population with all kinds of customers and that there is a market for everyone. Even though the world is going digital, the touch and feel factor is very much needed, especially when you are buying shoes. So, we are all in a good place. In fact, if I may say so, contrary to
belief, the online market is helping our business by making people more aware of the brands these days. They keep seeing different products and new styles. Hence, without realising it, they are making people more aware on what footwear looks best for what occasion and under which outfit. That is exactly what we need. Hyderabad as a Market It is a very underrated market but when it comes to numbers, it is very big. I am not talking on behalf of the high end brands, but for the mid-premium brands, it is huge even when compared to Bangalore and Chennai. One Thing to Change I wish the customer would understand that a discount is not always a plus. Especially, for the online sales, they increase the price and then slash it down. Even the quality is not maintained. Hence, people should be more conscious of such things. I feel every footwear should be first tried and bought, based on its comfort and fit. Secret to Success Maybe the fact that I have always sold stuff from the point of view of a customer and not as a salesperson! That has worked for me and brought me to this level where I am. Centro is Known For... It is renowned for its width and depth of range. We house all international and national brands. We do not want to lose a customer just because we do not have a particular size they are looking for. Hence, even a size 5, which is rarely used, is stocked with us.
eve
I
HYDERABAD
nternational Women’s Day is just a decorated excuse to celebrate womanhood. With it being March already, it gives us enough reason not just to commemorate, but to acknowledge the greatness of the woman of today. On this occasion, we decided to pick one such woman of substance, who not only aces in running a beautiful home, but also an entire empire on its own. Meet Ratna Kaza Dukkipati, CEO of LivLife Hospitals and the Managing Director of XL Marketing and Consulting. She not only beautifully portrays her role as a daughter, sister, wife and friend, but also as an inspirational leader. Armed with a degree in Masters in International Business from St.Thomas University, Florida, she surely knows her way to the top of the ladder. Here is more from the woman herself about her life, work and interests…
S’s
l Difference in Work Culture It is an interesting mold of events and practices in India. While the western culture goes by the rules and the structure, the work culture in the Indian scenario is way more traditional. It takes quite some time to build a professional camaraderie in India. Of course, it can be a lot rewarding, since it is not just all about business. You also get to make new friends at the work place.
hospital. He wanted to bring the best of technology from the western countries and combine them with our own hospitality in a tranquil and upscale setting, where in, a patient will never get the feeling of being at a hospital. The result is LivLife Hospitals, which marked the origin of a new concept‘personalised medicine’. The hospital aims to deliver specialised and advanced medical services.
Inception of LivLife It is the vision of my husband, Dr. Nandakishore Dukkipati who is also the Managing Director of the
Execution Starting a new trade entity is certainly an uphill task as we needed several statutory permissions to establish a
red | march 2017 | 32
! By Anahita Ahuja
hospital of this nature. However, we did receive the prompt help at the right time. Once LivLife was set up, the concept was widely accepted. Today, many are trying to emulate the concept. Role as The CEO It is a multifaceted job and is quite challenging. It is all about managing people, facilities, finance and cash ow, marketing and future endeavors. I look after the operations of the hospital, like the patient ow, various specialist consultants and the staff at key positions. All these things need to be given a clear pathway for operating procedures.
Red Trade Sridhar Ganesh of Centro never thought that he would get down to footwear business. But he seems to be enjoying every step he takes in it. Hear him.
28 Red Eve It is possible for anyone to rise to a top managerial position. All it takes is the right combination of skills and mindset. The journey of Ratna Kaza Dukkipati, CEO of LivLife proves it.
32 Red Life People don’t become successful by chance nor are they born powerful; they don’t get randomly selected nor are they handed power on a silver platter. They work for it. One of them is Balu Chowdary, Founder of BigC, who rose to fame by sheer determination.
Red Haute From Leader to The Ghazi Attack, Rana has definitely come a long way. His equity, as an entertainer and a celebrity, has skyrocketed. That is why the filmakers, the advertising book-keepers and all the money bags are making a beeline for him.
red | march 2017 | 06
36 Red Gen-X Be experimental! Yep, that is what Ashwini Jhabakh, an ambitious youth propagates. We uncover her inspirational story, which will make you realise that it is neither too late nor too early to pursue your dreams.
42
Sailu Reddy
Anitha Reddy & Mamta Reddy
Mihika Reddy
SHINING BRIGHT
Chandrika
Saman Anam Mirza
Deepansha
Kritika
Aabharanam Jewellers relocated at Jubilee Hills and hosted a get-together to celebrate its re-launch. The store is owned by Anitha and Mamta Reddy. It houses a huge variety of contemporary and traditional designs. The owners were seen welcoming their guests and showing them around so that they could get a feel of the new place. Swathi Kilaru, Sirisha Mulpuru, Padma and Rajini Sharma, prominently present at the event, were seen appreciating the ďŹ ne designer jewellery.
Rekha
EXHIBITION EXCELLENCE Anam Mirza, entrepreneur and organiser of The Label Bazaar, a lifestyle exhibition, put together yet another successful show at the HICC. This unique gathering of handpicked designers displayed their ďŹ nest collections. Providing a plethora of fashion choices under one roof, from accessories to ethnic wear to shoes, bags and beauty, the Label Bazaar gave everything a shopaholic was looking for. Women were seen pouring in throughout the day to indulge in some serious retail therapy.
Sudha, Pooja & Bhanu Rajini Latha Reddy
Deepti
Smruti red | march 2017 | 08
Vidhisha
Binitha Karthik & Deepa
Divya Reddy
Shilpi
Komal Khan
FOOD FOR ALL
Deepthi & Ganesh
Karan, Vandana & Karan
In order to augment its reach across a wider spectrum, Yellow Tie Hospitality launched the latest outlet of Genuine Broaster Chicken at Jubilee Hills. The eatery was inaugurated by Hyderabad Franchise owner duo-Vandana and Karan Shete and Founder and CEO of Yellow Tie Hospitality-Karan Tanna. The store follows a self-service format. Speaking on the launch, Tanna said that Hyderabad consumes a lot of fried chicken, but their products would use both pressure cooked and deep fried. Later, the guests made a beeline to taste the scrumptious fried chicken and were seen singing its praises.
Mohib Baig
Chandana Chakraborthy
Sarah Vinay & Anjani Shah
Mona Abhilasha
Khaliq ur Rehman
Shika
Dilip & Sangeeta Varma
Ananya Simlai red | march 2017 | 10
Hasan Ali
Aishwarya
LAUNCH OF C9 BY BIGC It was a night of pomp and show as BigC hosted a grand event to launch Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro on 3rd March at the N-Convention. The evening was full of live entertainment and recitals by singers Deepu and Geetu Madhuri. The Prince Dance group and MJ 5 held the audience captivated. A fashion show was organised to mesmerise the audience. The guests later had a gala time relishing drinks and yummy and lip-smacking delicacies at the bar and food counter.
Supraja Aishwarya
Sharavani
Sravanthi
Prasad Rao & Satyanarayna
Lasya & Sunitha
Sannitha red | march 2017 | 12
Harshyathi
Divya Reddy
Manju Gamji
RED ALERT! REDEFINING CAREERS AHEAD WITH red MAGAZINE APPLY TODAY! Nita Patel
Kamini Saraf
Madhu Jain
FASHION FOR A CAUSE The city’s elite fashion designer Kamini Saraf hosted yet another successful year of her designer exhibitionFashion Yatra at Taj Krishna. The exhibition which is widely known as ‘Fashion with a Cause’, entered its seventh year. The proceeds from the event will go to Teach For Change, an NGO, to provide education to the underprivileged kids. On display were brands like Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Jean Paul Gautier, Stella McCartney, Alberta Ferreti, Lanvi, Ghanasingh Be True, Purvi Doshi, Ruvya, De Belle, Sameer Madan, Harshita Sanghvi, Shilpa Reddy, Preeti Jhawar and Rosetree.
red, the lifestyle magazine from Vizag and Hyderabad has captivated everyone - from teens to businessmen. Buoyed with overwhelming response, red now intends to go big across other cities. red is now looking for energetic, ambitious and go-getters for various roles. Excellent communication skills a must. Salary negotiable. Come, join us to paint the cities red!
Asst. Editor/ Copy Editor/ Sr. Feature Writers Graduates / Post-graduates with command over English, editing skills and ability to cover a wide range of subjects. Prefer: Prior experience in Print / Publishing industry. Asst. GM- Advt (Female) Young & dynamic Graduates / Post-graduates with pleasing personality and experience in Public Relations and Advertising field Advertising - Asst. Managers / Sr. Managers Graduates / Post-graduates with pleasing personality and 2 years of experience in the advertising field Marketing & Circulation - Asst. Managers / Sr. Executives Graduates / Post-graduates with experience in planning and managing marketing activities. Should be good at analyzing market conditions.
Priyanka & Donna Pallavi Palak
Front Office (Female) Graduates with computers & telecommunication skills. (minimum 1 year of Experience.)
APPLY IMMEDIATELY! SEND YOUR RESUME TO MAIL@REDMAGAZINE.IN (OR) CALL: 88854 88854 / 98854 44449 / 95539 55178 Head Office: Aspen Towers, 1st Floor, # 52-10-10/1/5/4, Opp. Indian Oil Petrol Bunk, Resapuvanipalem, Vizag - 530 013 T: 0891 2544 444 / 46
Kranti & Mani
Srividya
Sirisha Reddy
Branch Office: # 19/A, Silent Lake Valley, Road No. 51, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad - 500033. T: 040 2368 6868
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Brij Gopal & Deepali Prashanth & Radhika
Neeraj & Sushmita Totla
Anup & Koyal Chandak
SETA – FINECAB PREMIER LEAGUE Secunderabad Electric Traders Association (SETA) organised a SETA Finecab Cricket Tournament at the Finecab Cricket Ground. Eight teams consisting of SETA members participated in the event and the final match was held between SETA ROYALS and SETA STRIKERS on 5th March, 2017. More than 1,000 members from the electric association along with their families gathered to watch the match. SETA STRIKERS won the match by 12 runs. Actor Sridhar Rao, who was the chief guest and Actress Madhulagna Das graced the event. Ramnivas Bhutada, Chairman of Finecab, presented mementos to the players.
Hitesh & Jyothi
Simran Mainie
Shilpa Singh
THIS IS ART Manjula Narsa
Harshita red | march 2017 | 14
Ashima Dewan
Kishore & Furhung Singh
Jaya Baheti
Sravanthi
To mark the International Women’s Day, an exhibition titled ‘Matriarch’ was held by Allure Art & Events. It was hosted by Dietmar Kielnhofer, Complex GM at The Westin in the honour of women artists. Paintings by Koeli Mukherjee, District Judge M.Vijaya Lakshmi, Vijayasri Premraj and Ashima Dewan were just out of the world. Veteran actor Jamuna was the guest of honour and artist Jaya Sri Baheti was the special guest. The guests had a great time indulging in some friendly banter.
Jamuna
kanna Phaneendra & kaali Sudheer
Sharan Fernandes
PRIDE INDIA BUILDERS’ GESTURE
Moon Moon & Pradeep Roy
Ali & Zubeda Sultana Begum
Milap & Sushila Bakodia
Maya & Jibran
KASA - Walk for a Cause fashion show was presented by Pride India Builders at The Westin, Mindspace. The aim was to spread Kavita Jain, Rahul Roy & Sadana Singh awareness for NGOs ‘Snehalaya’ and ‘Helping 2 Hands’ to treat children suffering from Thalassemia and also educating the poor children. “We at KASA have made a conscious effort to bring fashion, Bollywood and social cause together for a purpose. The well known designers like Himmat Singh, Libas, Riyaz Gangji, Jade Blue, Kashish and Preetham Jukalker showcased their collection,” said model Sadhana Singh and organiser Kavitha Jain.
Anisha
Namita Prasad Harsha Vardhan
Shivani Sen Toufiq red | march 2017 | 16
Amit & Shilpa
Gayathri
Nitya
` 50/MARCH - APRIL 2017
HYDERABAD
LIFE
BIGC BOSS
Lend a ear, Balu tells us how he went on a mobile trail
GenX
HOSTESS ASHWINI
Her cafe creates ripples in the field of hospitality
TRADE
HIGH ON HEELS
SPORT
WONDER TEEN
Sridhar puts his best foot forward
Much-awarded Bhramesh slides away to glory
EVE
RATNA AT THE HELM
She gives a new angle to healthcare
RANA
STRIKES
AGAIN
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