TGS Life 27/02/2016

PUNE, FEBRUARY 27 27,, 2016 | www.thegoldensparrow.com

THEY HAVE DANCED THEIR

WAY TO GLORY

The city’s leading classical dance exponents share inspiring tales of how they’ve reached the stars through dedication and hard work

TGS LIFE

FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

ENTERTAINMENT Bombay Rockers making a comeback with an all-new version of Rock Tha Party in John Abraham’s next Rocky Handsome is creating a huge buzz. And why not? The song that once took the nation by storm is all set to make people groove to its tunes

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They’re back to rock tha party

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

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his might just make you feel really old but the last time you saw the video of the song Rock Tha Party on TV was perhaps a good 13 years ago. The party anthem was sung by the Danish/Indian band Bombay Rockers, comprising Navtej Singh Rehal and Thomas Sardorf. Ahead of their stage show in town this weekend, they share their memories of recording the hit number for the first time, how their music has evolved over the years, and talk about living their Bollywood dream.

Seeing your creation get a new life after such a long time is indescribable. The two bandmates say that they were very curious to see how people would take the new rendition of the song. Especially the hard core fans, since Rock Tha Party was an anthem of its time. So far, they’ve been getting a fabulous reaction. “Everyone is loving it and sharing their love with us. Of course, there are some people who like the original better and we don’t blame them, that number was one-of-itskind,” says Navtej.

Sharing their earliest memories while making the song, Thomas says, “I remember

Nav (Navtej) singing Teri to, teri ta, hamesha The artists believe in bringing fresh and yaad satave… and I was like, I don’t know original sound every time they record new what you are saying… But music and say they are never ehh all I know is that I came repetitive. “We’ve created to party. It was so simple to three albums. Every album make such a strong hook had its own sound. We have back then. That, perhaps, always been told that we have was the key that made the been a bit before our time song an overnight hit.” in India. Maybe because Nav adds, “For me, the we have a base in Denmark most vivid memory is when and keep our fingers on the we finished the first album international musical pulse.

Introducing. Rock Tha Party Our music has evolved and was not even made at the matured without losing time. Our label was a bit its edge and distinguished - Navtej Singh Rehal delayed with the release so sound. Our mantra is: we had another 14 days. In innovate don’t imitate,” says those 14 days we made Rock Thomas.

Tha Party. Thinking back, Having been around for I feel grateful to the delay. Had we released over a decade, Nav and Thomas say that the the album on time, the song would never have music industry is tough and can, at times, be been made. If this isn’t kismat, then what is?” very ruthless. Recalling their initial years as a

“There are some people who like the original better and we don’t blame them”

fresh band, they knew literally nothing about how things worked. “We felt cheated by a lot of people and learned things the hard way.

As they say, what doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger. That’s exactly what happened to us. How we survived is still a mystery. The fact that we haven’t released any track since 2011 and are still touring non-stop is because of the love of our fans and the almighty’s grace,” says Nav. Currently, they are entirely focussing on their latest Bollywood venture, the John Abraham-starrer Rocky Handsome. Besides, they have many other tracks in Bollywood that are in the pipeline. “But we have not forgotten our independent side. We will keep releasing new tracks side-by-side. So our fans, and music lovers in general, are up for a treat,” says Thomas.

When: February 27 Where: 1 Lounge, Koregaon Park heena.grover@goldensparrow.com

TMKC: It’s not what you think TEJAS GAIKWAD

Teri Music Ki Chahat will have you humming along as they play some beautiful numbers from Bollywood’s golden era

By Romil Kothari @00romil

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une-based band Teri Music Ki Chahat, better known as TMKC, had the audience hooting out loud at the recent Pune Comic Con 2016. Their unique, energetic style of music had the audience cheering as they played some hit Bollywood numbers.

The performance comprised a medley of old and new songs like Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Sadho Re, Lag Ja Gale, Inteha Ho Gayi and numerous other popular numbers.

The five-member band, known

to give their performance a spin of nostalgia, was formed in 2011 after they performed at the Forza, an annual festival organised by the International School of Business & Media (ISB&M), Pune. However,

they disbanded soon enough due to career priorities.

The band was back on the block after guitarist Gulshan Jethwani and vocalist Lakshya Bhatnagar gave up their career to follow their

passion for music. “There is no looking back for us now. We play songs that connect with our hearts.

We have created our own genre called Retro-Repair in which we blend evergreen songs and give

them a fresh perspective with newer instruments, so that they appeal to the youth,” says Gulshan.

Other members of the band include Nikhil Bailur on harmonica and vocals and Elvis Massey on cajon. After the revival, TMKC went on to win the coveted MTV Colors of Youth contest. They have performed across India and have come up with an original composition Tujhe Deta Kaun Hai. The best aspect of their musical journey has been travelling together to different parts of the country.

“Our fans have been the biggest support system and that’s the reason we have come so far. There have been times when we have had creative differences but this doesn’t stop us from doing what we do.

Eventually, we come together and jam,” adds Gulshan.

TMKC is now in the process of releasing two songs, College Nahi Jaate The and Mein Hu Daaru.

When: Every Thursday, 9:30 pm Where: Meizbaan Restaurant & Desibell Lounge, Baner romil.kothari@goldensparrow.com

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By Salonee Mistry @saloneeMistry

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t’s been about five decades that the story of Pandurang Sangvikar was told through the flawless writing of Bhalchandra Nemade. When he was only 25 years old, he completed writing the critically acclaimed novel Kosla in just 15 days. It tells the story of a young rural boy Pandurang who moves to Pune to study and his journey with his friends.

Bringing the character back to life and fusing it with his other book on poems called Dekhni, Bhalchandra has scripted a fresh new play titled Me Pandurang Sangvikar. Amidst the team’s preparations to step onto stage next weekend, TGS spoke to the author and the director to get an insight into what the play is all about.

Kosla, although written decades ago, is still relatable to all age groups and people from all walks of life, which was one of the reasons why Bhalchandra decided to use the character once again. “Although the play uses an old character, it gives a

Bringing Pandurang Sangvikar back to life

FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

ENTERTAINMENT

Bhalchandra Nemade is all set to bring the character back to life

new perspective to life. It portrays a fusion of thoughts and emotions which everyone can relate with,” says the author. In addition, the play also explores the relationship between the characters of the play, their surroundings and traditions.

To ensure the audience finds a connect and understands the depth of the emotions, the poems come along at just the right points in the play. They pick on the past experiences of the characters and make you realise the reason for the present emotions. The fusion of poems and dialogues beautifully put

together both the happy moments of living as well as the grim reality and sadness associated with death.

Since the poems and the script have been written by the same individual there is a continuity and ease in the flow of the play.

VISHAL KALE

Gen Y in a new light A group of established and aspiring doctors get together to stage a play titled Tumhara Intezaar Hai, that might just force you to rethink your notions about the current generation TGS NEWS SERVICE @TGSWeekly

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TGS LIFE

ased on the relationship of a father and daughter, the most recent play by Atharva theatre group is sure to unfold a string of emotions in every person seated in the audience. Looking at the relationship in a whole new light, the play sees how mature the bond could be, especially in the absence of a mother figure. A conversation with the director of the play, Sanjeev Patil, who is an anesthesiologist, reveals what it was like rehearsing for the play. He also gives TGS an insight into the story and the challenges that he faced as a director.

Inspired by the generation gap that one sees around us at all times, the writer of the play Mandar Joglekar sought to change the perception that surrounds the youngsters in the current times. The character of the father, just like every other father in real life, is shown to be one full of apprehensions for his daughter and her future. The story beautifully weaves her character in to show maturity and responsibility throughout the play.

“Not every youngster behaves unreasonably.

There a lot of them who are mature and this is our effort to change the perception that

Gauhar Jaan comes to town

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

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surrounds this particular generation,” says Sanjeev. Giving us an instance from the play, he tells us that the daughter understands how her father might be feeling in the absence of her mother and also notices the slight attachment that he shows to his assistant. She asks him to take that relationship ahead if he wishes to and mentions that she would have absolutely no problem with it. This and numerous other scenes from the play constantly highlight her maturity which is most important to her character.

A major challenge that director faced was casting the correct people for the play. “I wanted someone who would portray the role perfectly.

I did not, in any way, want to compromise on the character of the daughter as the entire story and what people take away from the play relies on how she performs,” says the director when asked about the casting process. The team, which comprises mostly of doctors, generally rehearses on weekends or late at night, after they are done with their appointments.

Overcoming all the hurdles, the team is all set to stage the play for the very first time and are hopeful about creating a stir.

When: February 29, 4 pm onwards Where: Sudarshan Rangmanch, Shaniwar Peth

“Every director is always looking to do something unique and I am no exception. Even though the concept has been experimented with previously directing the play made me feel like I was doing something different and it was a

great experience,” says Mandar Deshpande the director of the play.

He also believes that for generations now the main focus of most productions has been strong and relevant content. This is indeed what keeps the audience hooked and this play is no different. Even though it is a character that was created years ago, the dialogues of the play make it fresh, Mandar assures us. To be staged in the city next week, the play is most definitely a must watch.

The play has been produced by Sara Creations eastablished in 2012 and Myria Arts and Entertainment Private Limited.

When: March 4, 7:30 pm onwards Where: Jyotsna Bhole Sabhagruha, Shukrawar Peth salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

irca 1902, a gifted musician, Gauhar Jaan, became the first Indian performer to record her music on gramophone. She was an Armenian Christian who later converted to Islam. She had a wide repertoire and made exquisite music in her time. Tracing the life and times of India’s first mass media superstar, Lillete Dubey’s Primetime Theatre Company is all set to bring the English play Gauhar to Pune as the center piece of their silver jubilee year.

Gauhar Jaan’s fame travelled to Europe with her face emblazoned on matchboxes and postcards. Gauhar, the play, lays bare her life with all its attendant myths, legends and folklore, some of which are recorded, some apocryphal and they portray the times during which she lived and made exquisite music.

To play such a colourful and illustrious personality wasn’t a cakewalk for actor Rajeshwari Sachdev. However, it was her sheer hard work and passion to perform which made Rajeshwari prepare the character in a span of only 25 days. “I got a call from Lillete and she asked me to act as the lead in Gauhar. It was such a great opportunity that I had to say yes.

We had very few days left to rehearse as the play

was supposed to open at the Prithvi Theatre Festival. Usually, it takes about three months to put a play together but we had only 25 days to finish the reading and set up the entire act.

All of this was to happen in between my already packed shooting schedule. It was a real big task,” shares Rajeshwari.

It was not just any character that she was playing but Gauhar Jaan who has so many colours in her character. Then came the challenge of singing. While Gauhar was a great classical singer, Rajeshwari is not quite. So to prepare a persona like her, it was important that whoever plays Gauhar at least has her basics right. But without any particular training or practice, it was quite a humongous task for Rajeshwari to pull the act off. She knew she’d done the job right when the stage lights dimmed and the audience applauded. “I needed to reflect the same stamina which Gauhar had while delivering my lines. She was such a feisty personality that bringing even half of the energy alive would be a milestone in itself.

Accomplishing so many things at the same time was quite exhausting physically for me yet that’s what being an actor is all about and that’s exactly what an actor has to look for. So there’s nothing to complain about,” she chuckles.

Directed by Lillete Dubey and written by Mahesh Dattani, the play is inspired by Vikram Sampath’s book My Name is Gauhar Jaan. It also offers an exciting glimpse of the period and the cities – Allahabad, Benares, Lucknow and Kolkata – at the turn of the 20th century, from historical, political and cultural points of view. Apart from Rajeshwari, the play also features renowned personalities such as famed Sufi singer Zila Khan, Denzil Smith, Anuj Gurwara, Danny Sura, Gillian Pinto and Pravishi Dass.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Koregaon Park, Pune as a fundraiser, the show will be staged in Pune for the very first time on Sunday.

When: February 28, 7.30 pm onwards Where: Susie Sorabji Auditorium, Dr Annie Besant Road, Camp heena.grover@goldensparrow.com

TGS LIFE

FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

STAGE

By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab

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f time travel and music are what rocks your boat, then the Future Theory Festival is for you. The two-day event that involves a tour of Fort Jadhavgadh, will rewind to the 17th century and give you a glimpse of the Peshwa era and the brave Maratha warriors, Also on the cards are performances by the top alternative electronic music stars and acts of India.

The hand-picked and curated artists, public art initiatives, nature trails and a weekend getaway, all set against the backdrop of the 17th century fort, will ensure that the festival offers a unique experience to the audience. For the adventureminded, adrenaline pumping treks up to the twin forts of Vajragad and Purandar could be the right option.

At a height of 1500 metres above sea level and dating back almost 1000 years, these forts are amongst the oldest in Maharashtra.

At sunset, the fort grounds will come alive with the sounds of music as the DJs take to the console, an invitation for the audience to take centre stage on the dance floor.

These are some of the acts who will be under the spotlight at the festival.

DJ HAMZA Hamza is a top DJ from New Delhi known for bringing in a fresh sound to the dance floor. He starts with his signature deep house sound, heavily influenced by Latin, Afro and other flavours. He goes on to play a vinyl

It takes to two to Tango

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

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t’s sexy, it’s vivacious, and it’s extremely elegant. Not only is it one of the best ways to express your love but, with simple and swift moves, it creates an aura of being mysterious and intriguing too. Tango, which traces its roots back to 19th century Argentina and Uruguay, has evolved as a dance form and for centuries has been one of the most difficult dance forms to master. With arched backs and crisp foot work, the dance requires performers to be light on their feet and have a strong core.

This weekend, Pune will get the opportunity to learn Tango from the masters of the dance form Pino Trozolla and Caterina Inglese. Flying down all the way from Turin, Italy, the couple will bring their unique and simple manner of teaching the dance form with them. Ahead of their visit, TGS spoke with them to find out what is in store for the city’s dance lovers.

Caterina started dancing about 16 years ago and attended various schools of Tango. After two years, she met Pino and they started dancing together. They eventually fell in love and their tryst

Strap on those high heels, slip into that gorgeous dress, gather your hair into a bun, and get intimate with the beats of Tango this weekend with romance and Tango continues till date. While Caterina is a lawyer by profession and dances for passion, Pino is a full time Tango teacher and runs a dance school in Torino. “I always wanted to do something connected with art. I found my way through Tango which allowed me to express my soul to the fullest,” Pino tells us.

While they are expecting some fresh energy, curiosity to learn and an enthusiastic crowd when they come to city, they promise some novelty in their teaching method too. For the last two years, the couple has added something different to the age old dance form. Not only do they make it easier to learn the steps by simplifying the process but they bring with them fresh ideas on how to approach Tango. This makes it easy to pick up the otherwise difficult postures.

Plus, the method is effective enough to

stay with you for longer. “Our style of teaching is a little different from others.

We simplify Tango by focusing on the embrace, comfort and the music,” says Caterina. This makes it very easy for people to start dancing and get rid of the fear that they attribute to the dance form. It only takes the initial steps to get rid of the fear, she adds.

The two performers have created a system based on their experience, needs and what they felt was needed to enrich their style of dancing. Simplifying the learning technique was the key to sharing their experience and taking the dance form to a larger audience.

For Pino, Tango gives him an opportunity to express himself.

Dancing gives him the opportunity to express all of him, which would be difficult to externalise otherwise.

While agreeing with him, Caterina adds that Tango gives her a chance to meet lots of people and get to know herself through others. There are so many new and interesting people who she would not have met had it not been for Tango, she remarks.

When: February 27 to March 1 Get in touch: 8390764413 / 9604132468 salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

Rocking to a futuristic beat The Future Theory Festival will combine riveting DJ performances, adrenaline-pumping treks and a unique camping experience

set, giving the audience a one-ofa-kind house music trip. “Future Theory Festival is about quality music. Most of the big festivals focus more on the commercial side and that is not really true electronic music. It is our responsibility to educate people.

Underground music isn’t EDM,” Hamza said.

Hamza has attained a reputation as a pioneer of the house scene in India, He comes across as one of the most innovative and exciting producers today.

Early in his journey, he was exposed to renowned house DJs such as Terry Francis, Dave Mothersole, DJ Heather, and this inspired him to create his own electronic dance productions. He soon found a unique style of house music combining deep, tribal, and funky sounds with strong world music influences. “I did my Bachelor’s degree in Economics and pursued a Masters in Music Business as I couldn’t tell my parents that I want to pursue music. It was a trick. I always knew that I was going to be a musician,” he said.

DJ Hamza

After attending concerts in Boston and New York, he was determined to take up DJing. He took up electronic dance music as it helped him express himself without words. “It goes beyond the barrier of language. It connects everyone in a much deeper way than rock music. You share the same experience and it’s just sound. It’s much more meaningful than someone singing in one language,” he said.

Hamza describes his music as organic, soulful, funky, hypnotic and groovy. It is his style, combined with many of his own productions that turn clubbers into instant fans. In 2009, he set up his own label Wind Horse Records to further nourish this growing production. “When I came

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DJ Sickflip

to India in early 2007, there was no electronic music scene. I started my label that became India’s first house music label. That was the time when Indian record labels were born, Indian producers were born. Now the electronic music scene in India, is much more developed, there are festivals happening and more artists making sound music,” he said.

DJ SICKFLIP DJ Sickflip is a bass heavy solo project

brought to life by Sarvesh Shrivastava, 22, music producer and DJ from Mumbai. He is also the founder of the Drum and Bass collective - Mental Martians. His music can be described as a blend of calm, happy melodic vibes to extremely loud, heavy sequence. He is all set to play organic futuristic music at the festival.

He did an Electronic Music Production and DJing course right after tenth grade. “I heard dubstep and bass music back in 2008 and I knew that was definitely my calling. What really got me into the game was that I used to read a lot of blogs and magazines about electronic music from all over the world,” he said.

His style of music is majorly influenced by artists like Bassnectar, Koan Sound, Nicolas Jaar, Trolley Snatcha, Tricky, Amon Tobin, Noisia and a lot more from the bass music arena worldwide. After his first gig at Zenzi, Bandra, he has had to improvise a lot with his music. “The electronic music scene in India has changed a lot. There are lot more artists, DJs and venues.

If more venues are promoting electronic music then there are more listeners who are subject to that music. They look out for something new every time,” he said.

After his travelogue music release ‘The Ladakh Project’, he is now experimenting with dark tribal sound and broken beats music.

When: February 27 and 28 Where: Fort Jadhavgadh, Hadapsar Saswad Road zainab.kantawala @goldensparrow.com

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Top hip hop crew invites you to a jam this weekend

TGS LIFE

FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

TEJAS GAIKWAD

A hip hop jam or cypher is where you can experience the essence of the music and dance style that has had the world grooving for decades

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

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he hip hop phenomenon has been around for a very long time and we are familiar with the music which has turned the music world around. But you may not know just what a hip hop jam or cypher is. Well, here is your chance to experience one, first-hand. The StreetBeats Crew, which is one of the foremost hip hop dance groups in the city, is organising a cypher, to promote hip hop culture in the city. The cypher offers an opportunity for the city’s hip hop community to come together, socialise, and revel in the so-called ‘battles’ that are on the event agenda.

Ganesh Jadhavar, who goes by the stage name ‘Leo’, took to hip hop like a fish to water. It was love at first sight

or beat, and Leo has been an avid hip hop believer for 12 years. Not content to be just another face in the hip hop crowd, Leo did all he can to learn everything he could about hip hop, the music, the dance moves, the fashion, style and lingo.

Once he had the basics in place, Leo then went on to the next logical phase, and formed his own crew along with Abhishek More and Prayag Parab, three years ago. His aim was

to be a cut above the rest, who were conventional if not commercial. “My group does not take part in television shows and probably never will. We do not want to become commercial.

Underground battles satisfy our love for dancing and keep the culture as close to what it should be,” says the 26-year-old Leo. He owns a café called Indore Junction, and his evenings and weekends are devoted to working out with his crew, and polishing up on the

new moves.

Harish Thakur aka Hot Fix is part of the StreetBeats Crew, who works as software engineer to earn his living. But he is completely obsessed with all things hip hop. He used to do Bollywood dance before he caught the B-boying bug, which is a feature of hip hop. “Hip hop culture is so much more than what you see on television.

There is a lot of misrepresentation and we hope to change that through these

When music takes a back seat This petite danseuse emphasises on technique, movement and attitude since every bit of it holds a lot of importance when it comes to the dance form called Contact Improvisation

cyphers, as they are open to everyone,” Hot Fix said. He has been fascinated with rapping, which he has been working on for four years, which is part of the underground battle culture.

And Hindi is his language of choice to rap in these days. His lyrics reflect his personal experiences, and are a means to channelize his creative energy.

Leo and Hot Fix think that cyphers are necessary to spread hip hop culture. It is also the perfect platform for the hip hop community to mingle, learn from each other, and popularise the dance form. There are positive signs that more and more people are being attracted by the hip hop style and they are motivated to do all they can to propel it further.

“The ratio is 80 per cent from the dance fraternity and 20 per cent who just come to watch. All our efforts are directed to popularise hip hop and we hope our efforts pay off,” they said.

When: February 28, 5 pm Where: Kamala Nehru Park, Prabhat Road salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

“Music gives a rhythm to the dance but here we get the freedom to explore movements”

By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab

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ity-based dancer Kamakshi Saxena believes in letting her body sing the music, while she focusses on a Contact Improvisation performance. The style and technique of the dance form is completely based on improvisation, wherein dancers support and utilise each other’s body weight while in motion. Kamakshi will be conducting the workshop Contact Improvisation Dance Jam, followed by a dance performance.

The dance form is normally practiced without music and the emphasis is on touching, falling, lifting, leaning, sliding, counter-balancing and supporting the weight of another person. “Music gives a rhythm to the dance but here we get the freedom to explore movements.

The steps are decided on the spot, nothing in this dance is pre-planned,” explains Kamakshi, who has been an expert in the dance form for 15 years. She started her dance training in Delhi after which she moved to New York for further studies. “I started training in dance very early but I found my

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true calling when I was introduced to Contact Improvisation in New York. I was hooked right away,” she adds. She now finely delves into the technique of dance movement and body mechanics.

The dance form which is all about co-operation and understanding your partner was first initiated by an American choreographer Steve Paxton in 1972. He performed with 11 students and combined inner-focused movement and athleticism, including wrestling and falling, jumping and rolling. The improvised dance is based on the communication between two people. “The challenge is the beginning of a performance.

Since there are no rehearsals, it takes time to understand the partner. Getting used to each

other’s weight and body is a challenge. The body slowly learns to release excess muscular tension and experiences the natural flow of movement,” she adds. An artist at heart, she maintains creative control of her improvised performances.

The dance movements can be slow or fast and involve rolling and weight-sharing.

It is generally practiced barefoot with loose fitting clothing. The flipside of the contact improvisation is that steps cannot be repeated again. “If the audience asks you to do it once more, then you won’t be able to do so,” says Kamakshi.

When: February 28, 4 pm to 7 pm Where: Kriya Studio, Koregaon Park zainab.kantawala@goldensparrow.com

JUST DOUGH IT

TGS LIFE FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

INDULGE TEJAS GAIKWAD

NANDINI HEGDE: LE PETIT FOUR, KONDHWABIBWEWADI ROAD A trained patissier, Nandini did her course from a well-known institute in London following which she worked as a pastry chef at The Ritz, London, for about three months. She moved back to India and started assisting her father for two-and-half years since he also belongs to the hospitality industry. Under her father’s guidance, she learned the tricks of the trade and finally decided to start her own home baking venture in 2014 on Valentine’s Day. Nandini operates out of her home where she has a separate kitchen and a staff of a couple of assistants.

Meet four home bakers who have turned their passion for desserts into a successful profession

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM AWANTI WARDE: CUPCAKE FACTORY, PRABHAT ROAD Another perfect example of turning a hobby into a full-fledged profession, Awanti runs her bakery out of the garage of her home on Prabhat Road.

Earlier, she made eco-friendly bags before slowly moving towards baking, at first just for fun and then her friends and relatives started giving her larger orders. This is when she thought of doing this as a business. From birthday to wedding cakes, brownies, cookies, you think of any product, and this place has it all.

On an average, Awanti gets three orders every day, which go up during weekends and festivals. The best thing about having your own little set up, says Awanti, is that you are totally self-reliant. There’s no trouble of paying a huge rent every month and living in a constant worry of whether you will be able to meet the expenses or make profit regularly. “We make about 20 different variety of cupcakes and everything is prepared using the best of ingredients. We don’t use any kind of artificial flavours or colours, so the products are absolutely healthy.”

The proud homemaker also says that she has never done any promotion or advertised her brand ever. Whatever order she receives comes directly through her friends, family and acquaintances. “There’s suddenly a big demand for fondant cakes in the city and a lot of people come to me and order theme-based cakes for their bachelor’s, baby showers and birthdays.”

Get in touch: 09822082244

SUREKHA DESHPANDE: SUE’S COCINA, ERANDWANE She started developing interest in baking when she was about 15 or 16 years old after watching her mother bake numerous goodies at home. Initially, Surekha would bake simple cakes. Then came a time when she would bake everything at home, be it cakes, pies and other dishes like a chicken casserole and lasagne. Basically, anything that has to do with an oven. As time passed, she started finding a deep interest towards baking.

For Surekha, baking has become a de-stresser. Once she steps into her kitchen, she finds herself in a different world. Slowly, through word of mouth, she started getting orders from her friends, and soon became very popular for her delicious creations, especially the Pecan Pie, which Surekha says, is her forte. It’s an American speciality that she learned to make under the guidance of her father, who was also a very good baker. “I only bake specialty items, not everything under the sun as I feel every person or brand should have a select number of items that are their trademark items. So I make Banana Bread, Zucchini Bread and Carrot Cupcakes.” She had moved out of Pune for a while, which meant taking a break from orders, but now Surekha plans to do this on a regular basis. She even has a Facebook page by the name Sue’s Cocina. She operates out of her own kitchen and doesn’t feel the need to go out of the comfort zone of her home.

Get in touch: 09823019069

Nandini is popular for her Red Velvet Cake and Opera cake – a coffee and chocolate cake, quite loved by the city’s food bloggers.

Moreover, she also creates made-to-order fondant cakes for special occasions. With a growing popularity and demand, Nandini says it sometimes gets a little difficult to handle so many orders. There are days when she has to even deliver the orders to her customers. The idea of getting out of home and opening an eatery is something that she has been thinking about. “When I had started, I would get one or two orders a day and now the numbers go up to six and seven.

Weekends are super busy and I am trying to get a bigger workforce so that I can deliver on time while maintaining good quality.”

Get in touch: 09921177616

CHAITRALI SARDESAI: THE CAKE CHARM, AUNDH What started as just a hobby turned into a fruitful home venture for this Mass Communication graduate. Chaitrali would bake cakes for her family and friends just for fun. Soon, she started getting great feedbacks and began enjoying baking all the more. This is when she thought of brushing her skills further and joined a month-long professional baking course in the city. “Right after finishing my course, I was ready to take orders. A few months later, the number of orders increased drastically which was a feeling of immense pride for me and I decided that this is what I want to do all my life now,” says Chaitrali.

It has only been a year that she has seriously taken this up as a home-grown business. Chaitrali took baby steps into her baking venture and learned everything with her experience. From taking

orders to preparing the base and then decorating the creations – she does everything by herself. She has converted one of the store rooms at her home into a work place and operates out of there. She makes all kinds of party cakes, cookies, cupcakes as well as jar cakes. “There are days when I get so many orders that I don’t get the time to breathe.

Yet, despite the crazy schedule, I don’t feel a bit of exhaustion because this has become a vital part of my life.” Chaitrali also says that operating out of home makes her products taste very homely, which her customers appreciate the most. Every product is homemade using fresh ingredients and which makes a big difference. She has started taking part in exhibitions and her recent display at Phoenix Marketcity was a huge success. Chaitrali is going to start her own mobile application from where people can place orders easily. She soon plans to tie up with corporates as well.

Get in touch: 09665420066

Next time you crave some Sushi in the middle of a shopping spree or while watching a movie, skip the search for a five-star hotel.

Just drop in at Shizusan on Nagar Road

FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

INDULGE

TEJAS GAIKWAD

Have you checked out the city’s first Asian bistro yet?

TGS LIFE

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

I

t’s not the interiors that grab your attention as you enter Shizusan for the first time.

It’s the extremely colourful, creative and interactive menu at this pop bistro that will make you f lip through its pages. At first, it looks like a travel journal where somebody has put down an entry of all the places s/he has been, food hotspots s/he has eaten at with little anecdotes appearing every now and then about every place and its tradition. It’s an interesting idea to engage the patrons and for that the restaurant gets top marks.

Many people get intimidated by the name Sushi and most of specialty restaurants in the city have such complicated names in their menus that one wonders what to order. Simplifying those terms, the team behind Shizusan has created a menu where every dish has a description of every ingredient along with its preparation method.

Says the director of operations Tanai Shirali, “We wanted to offer our patrons a very casual eating experience. A place where they can just drop in any time to have some delicately curated Asian dishes. These dishes are not really authentic but they’ve been inspired by various Asian regions and include our little personal touch.”

The conceptualisation of Shizusan began about six months ago and it has been quite a journey

to put it all together, adds Tanai.

From choosing the right kind of crockery, curating the nuanced f lavours and presentation methods, everything has been done in such a manner that would make the guests feel welcome.

The restaurant serves a whole array of vegetarian and nonvegetarian starters, including about 16 kinds of dimsums. To break the myth of Asian food being just about sushis and sashimis, there are some lip-smacking salads and baos with f lavourful fillings of vegetables, chicken, pork and seafood. “You won’t find such a wide variety of dimsums and salads in a standalone Asian restaurant but this place is all about spending a good time while munching on comfort food. There are many health-conscious people who would prefer salads as whole meals and we

didn’t want people to change their minds and head towards other eateries assuming that Asian food joints are not meant for them. It’s our effort to create more awareness about Asian food and bring people closer to like it,” explains head chef Paul Kinny.

Some of the must-try delicacies here include the Vietnamese Watermelon Salad and Thai style Papaya Salad. The dimsums are made of potato starch so you won’t go on a guilt trip every time you binge on them. The definite musthaves are Prawn and Coriander, Lamb Suimai, Shitake and Black Mushroom and the Vegetable Chives. Sushi lovers can opt for one of the house specials like Philadelphia Roll – available in both vegetarian and nonvegetarian options.

As you inch towards the main

course, don’t miss the Hot Stone Chicken Rice. The dish comes in a heavy, hot stone casserole along with a sauce which they mix and serve right in front of you, to give you a live cooking and fun experience.

With all this and a lot more,

Shizusan holds a lot of promise as it opens its doors to patrons today.

So, prep your appetite and dig in.

When: Opens today Where: Shizusan - The Asian Bistro, ground f loor, Phoenix Marketcity, Nagar Road heena.grover@goldensparrow.com

YOUR CHOW AROUND TOWN An exquisite Sunday brunch

Nestled comfortably on the roof-top, amidst the tunes of the star-lit skyline of Pune, this place mixes out a perfect cocktail of a great ambience, perfect lounge music, cool sparklers, Indian and International selection and much more. While music sets the tone of the evening, the round, lit-up bar offers you a teasing display of an impeccable selection of the most high-end beverages. Guests can indulge in the chef’s heartily prepared food like Gosht Shikampuri Kebab, Afghani Jhinga, Raan-e-Evviva, and desserts like Luckhnowi Phirni and Kesaria Kheer and more.

When: Every Sunday Where: Eviva Sky Loungue, Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre, Bund Garden Road

Relish these new exotic dishes

Citrus Hotels Pune, the first luxury hotel at Pimpri-Chinchwad, known for its excellent cuisine, has introduced three new exotic dishes in its popular menu at the Biso restaurant. Enjoy their Herb crusted grilled prawns with Bar-be-Que sauce. Sliced

roasted leg of lamb with red wine jus is a roasted leg of lamb with herbs such as rosemary and oregano with olive oil and garlic and served with reduction of meat stock and red wine, what you get to taste in real France. Their Tandoori Ajwaini Machi is roast to perfection in Indian clay oven served with mint chutney. Savour the authentic mouth-watering dishes in their lavish spread.

When: Noon to night Where: Biso, Citrus Hotels, Pimpri

Bleed Blue for India

Get bowled over with the nail biting experience this Saturday as India and Pakistan fight their way up to the finals for the ACC Asia Cup. Cheer for our men in blue whilst indulging in delicious food and

irresistible offers on beers!

When: February 27, 7 pm onwards Where: The Irish House, Phoenix Marketcity, Viman Nagar

Try new cuisines all week long

Get set to taste the finest cuisines from around the world at The Eatery. Meant for the gourmet aficionado, there are special days dedicated to each country like Mexican Mondays, Turkish Tuesdays, Welsh Wednesdays, Thai Thursdays and French Fridays. Dig into some enchiladas de legumes, Welsh mushrooms, Sate Gai and ratatouille along with desserts like churros, baklava, Tab Tim Krob and macarons among others.

When: Till March 31 Where: The Eatery, Four Points By Sheraton Hotel, Nagar Road

TGS LIFE FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

They have danced their T

hey started their journey at a tender age when they didn’t even know the meaning of classical dance. They’re now considered the most prestigious performers in the country and

have represented India on various international platforms. Dr Pt Nandkishore Kapote, Dr Sucheta Bhide Chapekar, Guru Maneesha Sathe and Prerana Deshpande, tell TGS how, after years of devotion towards their passion and crossing several milestones, they still see every day as a beginning and have a lot to learn.

Dr Nandkishore Kapote

Ever since he was about four years old, Pt Nandkishore Kapote loved dancing to the tunes of old songs which would play on the radio at home. At the time, he wasn’t quite aware what classical music meant. His earliest memories are dancing on the famous Dilip Kumar song Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Re and watching him dance whenever he had a chance in school. Eventually, it was his school teachers who noticed his talent. One of his first stage performances was when he danced on Laga Chunari Mein Daag, after which his teachers told his grandmother that he should learn dance under proper guidance.

However, in those days, times were different and a boy getting into the field of of dance was not considered prestigious, says Pt Kapote, “My grandfather was very upset when he got to know about my interest in dance. He asked me to concentrate on studies instead as he wanted me to become an IAS officer. It was after we moved to Pune from my hometown Jalgaon, that I got the chance to see a classical dance performance. That changed my life forever.”

Pt Kapote was in standard seven when he went to see a dance performance featuring Gopi Krishna at Bal Gandharva auditorium. He was totally mesmerised by the performance and even went to the green room to take his blessings. “I did not have any idea what dance form it was but I just asked him whether he would teach me. He asked me to go to Mumbai where he said he would teach me Kathak.

That couldn’t happen at the time as my family was not prepared to send me off to a new city, leaving my education midway. By then, I had made up my mind about taking up classical dance.”

It was his grandmother who told Pt Kapote about a dance school on Prabhat Road. The students were learning the same dance form, Kathak, as he had seen Gopi Krishna perform. He enrolled himself and started learning Kathak while pursuing education too as he was equally good at academics. In 1973,

Dr Sucheta Bhide Chapekar Hailing from a Kokanastha Brahmin family where education is given the highest priority, it was Dr Sucheta Chapekar’s father who chose to become a painter at a time when making a profession in the field of art was totally unheard of. After he left from Pune to pursue his career as a painter in Mumbai, Dr Chapekar says that her father always had a deep belief that his daughter would become a dancer one day. The belief, of course, did come true.

Though she had an interest in several other things such as studying language and painting, her father felt she would excel in performing art. That’s how she started learning Bharatnatyam under a local teacher when she was just six years old. But her actual training began under Acharya Parwati Kumar about five years later. By the time she turned 15, the training became even more rigorous as Dr Chapekar would have to train three hours every day before and after school.

way to glory

The city’s leading classical dance exponents share inspiring tales of how they’ve reached the stars through dedication and hard work

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

She was not even allowed to take part in any other activities in school while she was under Acharya Kumar who was a very strict, but great, teacher.

Dr Chapekar gave her Arangetram performance in 1963. It was in fact from that day that she realised that she wanted to become a professional Bharatnatyam dancer as she felt overwhelmed with the kind of response and adulation she received from the audience. She took up art in college and there also realised that whatever elements are there in art are also present in dance too.

Later, after getting married, she moved back to Pune with her husband but says that her husband and his family were also very supportive of her

he got a chance to meet his idol Gopi Krishna and this time spent about two days with him, Pt Kapote was studying in standard 10 then. Much against his grandfather’s wish, he continued to learn and take up small stage performances during his school and college days.

After completing BCom, he applied for a scholarship to learn dance. “At the time, there weren’t many platforms like there are today. From across the country, only two of 300 students were selected for the scholarship and I was extremely fortunate that I got the opportunity. At the same time, I learned that I had cleared civil exams. So I was at crossroads and I had to choose between the two. It was my father who encouraged me to do what I was passionate about and hence my new journey began in Delhi.”

In the capital, Pt Kapote finally got the opportunity to learn Kathak under the professional guidance of legendary artist Pt Birju Maharaj. The initial days were quite tough as it took him some time to prove his passion. Eventually, Pt Kapote became one of the most loved disciplines of Pt Birju Maharaj.

He also got a chance to travel across the country with him.

Later, Pt Kapote went on to do his PhD in Kathak and travelled across the world to perform before international audiences. Having performed for over 35 years now, there is not a single moment when he had ever thought of taking a break from his work. Apart from starting his own dance institutes, he has also established the Pt Birju Maharaj Dance Research Centre, which was inaugurated in 2006

by Pt Birju Maharaj himself. Besides, he started the Sitara Devi Art Museum and also does a lot of social work through his ballets across the smaller towns and villages of Maharasthra to spread awareness about various social issues. Now in his 60s, Pt Kapote still has the same boyish energy and zeal to travel, perform and teach. It is his greatest wish to continue to perform until his last breath.

TGS LIFE

Prerana Deshpande After noticing her interest in dance, Prerana Deshpande’s mother enrolled her in Kathak classes under Sharadini Gole when she was seven years old.

When she turned 15, Prerana gave her fi rst-ever stage performance. A solo dancer and choreographer of international repute, she is one of the leading Kathak exponents who is currently at the peak of her solo dance career and believes that every day brings a new beginning.

While she holds a degree in Mathematics, Prerana was so passionate about learning Kathak that she would bunk college to practice. She points out that her parents never questioned here when she would get home late simply because they knew how passionate she was about dance.

“Then, we would have no count of time, I would stay at my dance class for four-five hours at a stretch without having to worry about reaching home late and my parents would always support me. Unlike today, when students have hundred other things to think of, we concentrated on one thing that we liked doing the most.”

R ememb e r i n g her days as a student under Guru Rohini Bhate, she says, “I would pick her up on my scooter and go to dance classes, where I would fi rst clean up the entire place before beginning our sessions. Th is would be a lot of fun as well, as I got a chance to stay close to my guru and learn from her individually.”

dance and encouraged her in every way possible. “He was so interested in my profession that he would not let me do even a simple chore at home. Every time he would see me doing something else, he would just tell me to concentrate on dance. I feel extremely lucky.”

During her early years as a performer, she recalls that Maharashtra was not so well-versed with classical dance forms. She made an effort to incorporate Marathi compositions in her performances and create a deeper connect with her audience.

“The only dance that people were aware of was Lavani which is not a classical dance form but a folk form of dance. I started learning Carnatic music to get into the roots of Bharatnatyam but people

would ask me why I don’t do something connected with Hindustani music. Then, I started researching on how I could blend Bharatnatyam with Hindustani classical music. It was challenging but I created many compositions which had the elements of the dance form blended with Hindustani music. I worked almost 10 years and eventually, it was appreciated by all my audiences.”

Talking about today’s generation, Dr Chapekar feels that although they are passionate about what they want to do, time constraints limits them from concentrating on just one thing. “In our times, we would take whatever we did as our ultimate passion and make it a part of our life, but now the younger generation is always thinking about how they can make their hobby into a career, how they can become teachers so they can earn out of it. In a way it is good that they are ambitious, but sometimes they lose out

She believes that it takes a lifetime for someone to excel in a dance form such as Kathak and, even though today’s generation is fast at picking up things, there’s a sense of rush that sometimes takes away the zeal. “I get a lot of students and their parents ask me how much time it would take for their child to perform on stage. A lot of them come to me so they can get a certificate to show in schools and earn merit. Th is deeply disturbs me as a teacher.

A lot depends on the parents to push their children towards the right direction. My guru also told me once that everyone is gifted in one way or another, but not everyone can become a great artist. I can totally believe and relate to it now.”

Prerana has been performing in India and abroad for around 20 years now and her daughter Ishwari is also following her footsteps. In a world of competition, she believes that dance is something that one pursues for inner happiness and not because you want to get ahead in the race, as that will never make you a great artist. “Even today, I do my riyaaz every day for about two hours,

FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

Maneesha Sathe

She was declared still born and when her parents were taking her home, the doctor, who treated Guru Maneesha Sathe, insisted she stay involved in some kind of physical exercise all her life to remain healthy. She recalls her parents telling her that every time music played in their house, she would start dancing and it was then that her parents decided that she would learn Kathak. They even moved to Mumbai so Sathe could train under Gopi Krishna and pursue her education at the same time.

Initially, there was a lot of hard work involved but now when she looks back at all those years, it has been a great journey. She never even decided what profession she would take up since her parents decided everything for her and she is ever so grateful to them.

Having taught several students over the years, Sathe feels that not everyone is cut out to become a dance teacher. “There are a lot of dance enthusiasts who learn dance and think that they can set up their own classes and start teaching but that’s not the right way. No matter how good your skills are, you still need a certification to without which become a teacher to be able I never teach my to teach others.” The same students. Every day goes for the student who I learn something want to take up classical new and that gives dance and their parents. There me immense are many parents who send satisfaction as an their children to any class so artist. When I they could take up dance as turned 30, I a hobby, but they don’t do was very sad a proper search on how and told my the teacher is, what is her guru that background. Sometimes my career it could be something was going which is close to their to end - PRERANA DESHPANDE homes and they enrol their v e r y children out of convenience. That’s soon. My not the right thing to do, says Sathe. guru smiled and told me She also feels that one has to grow with the that you actually evolve times and introduce innovations to the dance form as an artist only after you to be able to sync with the modern society. At the cross 40 years of age and as I have same time, keeping the essence of Kathak intact crossed that milestone, I truly is extremely important. She explains, “Kathak understood the meaning of her words.” was essentially a solo performance dance form, but nowadays we have choreographies, group performances along with various themes. on the inner happiness. It’s the teacher’s duty to show Moreover, a lot of importance is given to them the right path. Today’s generation is very hardcostumes, ornaments and make-up which has also working they just need to pay more attention to what evolved over the years.” they really want out of whatever they do.”

Since 1991, Sathe has also been working with In her entire career as a dancer, teacher and Japanese musicians to bring a fresh new dimension performer, she has taken only three sabbaticals to her compositions. Along with her students, which is when she was expecting her two children she has performed many choreographies based on and recently when she had to undergo an open heart stories of Buddha in Japan as well as in India. “We surgery. She performs along with her daughter, have performed on theme-based choreographies but Arundhati Patwardhan, who is also a renowned without having to disturb the essence of Kathak, and Bharatnatyam dancer and has represented India on this is what I have been teaching my students who several international platforms. “Dance is my life and want to become teachers as well.”

I love the stage, which is the reason that I still go on At 62, she has given about 62 performances in stage to perform even though I am 67 years old. I a span of just two years, a goal that she had set for have been performing for so many years that I can’t herself when she turned 60. Sathe also feels that go wrong in my performance. I may not dance solo being a performer is a huge responsibility in itself for one-and-half-hours any more but my audience still and till the time your audience likes you on stage, you loves to see me perform. That’s what keeps me going.” must give your best, but if you feel that your body is

“I get a lot of students and their parents ask me how much time it would take for their child to perform on stage.”

not in sync with your mind, you should retire. “The immense love of my audience has kept me going, but the day I feel I am not able to give my best, I will go and sit with the audiences and let others perform.” heena.grover@goldensparrow.com

TGS LIFE FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

THRILL OF DRIVING

FERRARI showcases 488 GTB in Mumbai 458 successor delivers more of everything

T

Mercedes E-Class Edition E launched

he successor to the Ferrari 458, the 488 GTB was showcased at Mumbai this Thursday. The A technological tour-de-force, the successor makes significant advances in technology and capability.

The Ferrari 488 GTB runs a 3.9l twin-turbo V8 motor mated to a seven-speed ‘F1’ dual-clutch gearbox generating 660hp and 760Nm of torque. The car tops out at 330 km/ hr. Officials were keen to explain that while the capabilities of the motor are immense, Ferrari’s electronics package and tech make the car accessible to drivers of all skill levels. “Variable Boost Management”, for instance, ensures “zero turbo lag” and distributes torque in a manageable way all the way to its peak in 7th gear. Ferrari’s “Side Slip Control system” (SSC2) works in conjunction with the E-diff and gearbox, and now controls active dampers to ensure that

the car stays flat around corners no matter how badly the driver is behaving.

Ferrari has been trying to minimise drag and maximise downforce, as is evident from the super-slipper shape of the 488. Downforce has increased by a massive 50% -- 325 kg at 250 km/h, while also decreasing drag, resulting in -- for Ferrari -- a record efficiency figure. You’ll also see an F1-inspired double spoiler and a rear diffuser.

The new Ferrari 488 will be sold

by Navnit Motors in Mumbai. Sharad Kachalia, Director of Navnit Motors Pvt. Ltd. said at the launch, “After receiving an overwhelming response for the California T and F12 Berlinetta, we are excited to launch Ferrari’s new V8 model to meet the rising demand from our loyal customers and Ferrari fans in Mumbai.”

The Ferrari 488 GTB is available at an ex-showroom price of Rs 3.88 crore.

On the 20th anniversary of Mercedes Benz’ E-Class in reversible belt tensioners which are activated during India, the company announced a special‘Edition E’. The impact and “NECK-PRO”, which reduces the strain on Edition E will be manufactured in the India and will be the spine and neck during a rear impact. Adaptive brake a limited edition-run model. Mercedes has sold about lights are another safety feature that flash a red warning 32,000 units of the E-Class in the last 20 years. signal from the tail lamps when emergency braking Edition E is launched available in three is recognized. engine options: On the exterior, you’ll see an Edition E Special edition badge, The E 200 will have a 1991cc, 4-cylinder LED headlamps, fibre-optic tail lights to mark 20 years and black hub caps. The interior has a 20.3 petrol engine generating 184hp and 300 nm of torque with a top speed of 233 km/hr, The of the mid-size cm high-resolution colour media display E 250 CDI will have a 2143cc, 4-cylinder with navigation, ‘Thermotronic’ automatic luxury sedan diesel engine which will churn out 204hp and air conditioning and active park assist with 500 nm of torque with a top speed of 242 km/ a camera. There will some additional features hr, and The E 350 CDI will have a 2987cc, V6 in the E 350 CDI such as active parking assist diesel engine which output 265hp, 620 nm of torque with a 360-degree camera, Harman Kardon surround and go onto a top speed of 250 km/hr. sound system and a rear seat entertainment system.

Safety is one of the key features in the Edition E. Mercedes Edition E ex-showroom Pune prices: Eight airbags are available as standard. A preventive The E 200 : Rs 48.60 lac occupant protection system is also installed, which The E 250 CDI : Rs 50.76 lac activates safety measures during a collision. There are The E 350 CDI : Rs 60.61 lac

Maserati furthers its reach with the Mumbai dealership After announcing its second dealership in Bangalore in November, Maserati moves to west India with its third dealership in Mumbai. The showroom will situated near the domestic airport in Santacruz at the new Taj. The Mumbai dealership is run by Group Planet Petal, who have dealerships with other car and motorcycle manufacturers as well. The showroom will have enough space to display its five models.

As of now, you will see

four models lined up in the showroom- Maserati’s flagship – the Quattroporte, the Ghibli, the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio. The vistors lounge will have showcase Maserati’s history, merchandise and a customization area to tailor customer cars to their specifications.

Maserati will have its workshop situated in Marol, Andheri East with all the hightech equipment and facilities needed to service Maserati vehicles.

SHE’S ALL BEAUTY, BRAINS AND MUSCLE

TGS LIFE FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

Pune girl Deepika Chowdhury becomes the first Indian female to receive the Pro-athlete title in body building and we could not be more proud

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

B

reaking stereotypes related to women’s weakness or an Indian’s inability to become great body builders and match international standards, this 32-year old molecular biologist just proved everyone wrong. Rigorous hours of training every day after she gets off work and before she heads home to take on the role of a devoted daughterin-law and loving wife, Deepika Chowdhury gives it her all in the gym. The decision to join the gym which she took on the suggestion of her husband became the reason that changed her life altogether.

Physically unfit and not doing so well on the emotional front either, the gym was her area to let loose and work towards a better lifestyle.

Recollecting her life before she joined the gym, Deepika says, “I don’t ever want to go back to that phase.

The stress I had was not only running my health but was taking a toll on me terribly and I had lost all my self-confidence.” Once she joined the gym the researcher in her got

the better of her and she began questioning everything that her trainer made her do.

This only got her more interested in the exercises and she began reading extensively.

Deepika enrolled in a course and finished a personal trainer and sports nutrition course. It was during this time that she learned of body building as a sport and then came across Shannon Dey who is an athlete herself. In time, Shannon became an inspiration for Deepika. Through these initial phases her husband has been her pillar of support. Even when her mother-in-law was against the idea, it was her husband who pushed her to chase her dreams and she could not thank him enough for it.

In addition, her brotherin-law, younger brother, trainer and innumerable other people have, in many ways, led her closer to her dreams, she believes. There were also days when she was willing to give up but simple messages from people on Facebook, whom she did not even know, became her motivation.

Becoming the first ever Indian female to win a body-building title internationally

“Getting the pro title shows that nothing is impossible.

You do the right thing and wait for things to work out”

Conceptualised in 2013 as an event where people could get answers to all their canine problems, Unleash is now coming to Pune for the first time in a much bigger avatar

was a feeling that did not put her on cloud nine but allowed her to broaden her opportunities and dreams. She now wants to achieve so much more and has started working towards it. Her biggest dream is to participate and win the Bodybuilding Olympia, which is held by the International Federation of Body Building and Fitness.

To get here, the first thing she had to do was to get the pro-athlete status from the federation and this itself was a challenge.

The first time she applied to the federation, she did not even hear back from them so, after a while, she sent in another application. This time she heard some good news. “Getting the pro-athlete title only shows that nothing is impossible. I have learned to do the right thing and then patiently wait for things to work out,” she tells us modestly.

In order to qualify for the Olympia, one has to finish top in at least two pro-shows and this is her immediate goal. The one advice that Deepika wishes to share with as many people as possible is to not allow another’s opinions to affect your action.

Indian’s, she feels, work much harder than sportspersons from any other country and so even if their genes don’t support body building or the fact that no one has achieved a particular accolade till date doesn’t mean that you can’t be the first, she adds. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

It’s time to Unleash

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

P

une being a city of many dog lovers, it’s time that a unique carnival such as this took place here. Keeping all your pet needs in mind, one of India’s pioneering canine behaviourist, Shirin Merchant is going to hold the one-of-itskind carnival where she will talk and give live demonstrations on various pet-related issues.

Shirin has gained an accreditation from the Kennel Club of England’s elite KCAI scheme for dog trainers and behaviourists. The carnival will see India’s only assistance dog team, Angel and Karan Shah, who will perform live on stage.

Sharing her excitement about bringing the event to Pune for the first time, Shirin says, “Our event incorporates education to help people understand their dogs and find solutions to problems that they could be struggling with. With

the help of our assistance and dog demonstrations, we want to create awareness among the people about the wonderful role that dogs can play in human lives. Above all, we want to give Pune dog lovers a place to come and have fun with their canines.”

The carnival will also have a special session where dogs who have done something heroic will be awarded on stage along with their parents. The idea came to Shirin after she lost her pet dog Sera last year. Sharing some of the memories, Shirin recalls, “My adorable Labrador Sera meant the world to me. She was loving, gentle and helped heal so many broken hearts over the 14 years that she lived. She helped children suffering from trauma, cheered up old, lonely people, guided the blind and assisted the disabled. Plus, while she did all of this her tail would be wagging vigourously. I was devastated to lose her last year. So, in her honour, I conceptualised the Woof! Awards. All dogs are

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARDS TO A talk on canine health by a city-based veterinarian l Doggy splash pools l Exciting fun games l Canine agility l An educational talk for children and dogs l

extraordinary in their own special way. Some come into our lives to heal our invisible wounds, some make us smile and shower us with unconditional love. The award is meant to honour a dog that has in its own small way made a difference. It could be a story of courage, unwavering friendship or just being a remarkable dog.”

When: March 13, 3 pm to 9 pm Where: Showtime Arena, Mundhwa (Nominations can be sent to k9cancare@hotmail.com)

TGS LIFE FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

Art photographer Sanjay Dongre will display his photo-printed canvases that narrate a visual story of Shaniwarwada

Capturing the story

of city’s magnificient structure

By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab

J

ust like Eiffel Tower is to Paris, Gateway of India is to Mumbai, our city too has its icon. Shaniwarwada, a heritage structure, was constructed at a time when Pune was a tiny non-descript village. Today, when we visit the fort, we see nothing but the ruins that tell a story of bravery, valour, treachery and romance. These stories intrigued photographer Sanjay Dongre to capture the story through a series of visuals. His photographs at the exhibition, A Dream Called Shaniwarwada, narrate the story of the famous ruin that has been a part of Pune’s history for more than two centuries. “A photograph is worth a thousand words. As an artist, I tend to see things that other people might give a miss. This exhibition is an attempt to explain what happened within the walls of the magnificent structure,” he says.

Sanjay has managed to capture every angle

Through their storytelling workshop, World of Tales, Akshat and Swarali will help you narrate your story right

of the fort to brings out its untold stories, concentrating on every human emotion that talks about the ambition and bravery of Bajirao, the love between Bajirao-Mastani, valiant warriors, the innocent love story of Rama and Madhav, and the fair justice of Ram Shastri. “The story that appealed to me the most was the story of Ramabai and Peshwa Madhavrao. Theirs was a child marriage and they grew up discovering themselves and each other. It’s an unpredictable love story. There are many such emotions that come alive when you visit Shaniwarwada,” he says.

Like any other artist, Sanjay composes the picture first and then goes on to capturing it. There are pictures of a cannon that illustrates bravery, a shot of the Darwaza that talks about ambitious Marathas and many other photographs, each narrating a story of its own.

This project involved a lot of research and reading up on the works of different

Sanjay Dongre

authors. This being his second project after the successful heritage exhibition on the Vijaynagar Empire, he now wants to concentrate on heritage photography. An MBA, in terms of formal education, he is currently refreshing the fine art of storytelling that he had learned long ago. “A couple of months back, I was in Golconda, where I saw

Once upon a time

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

O

ur grandparents were our favourite story tellers no matter what the story. No one ever told it like they did. Extremely flawless, effortless and with so much conviction that monsters under the bed, kings and queens with a happily ever after and fairies that gave us presents were ideas we whole heartedly believed in. A major chunk of the credit would perhaps go towards a strong oral tradition. Fading away to only a certain part of the community, although the art of story-telling is not dying, it is being replaced by a more modern way that just does not seem right somehow.

Equipped with a postgraduate degree in English Literature and almost a decade of experience in the field of arts education, 31-year old Akshat Nigam is all set to share everything that he knows and has learned. Conceptualising workshops, teaching creative writings, film making, cinema appreciation to children is what he absolutely loves. Through the workshops, he not only teaches children how to build characters and their stories but teaches young minds about motive, building a story and innumerable other details that

some teenagers digging a place in order to find the treasure that the kings had hidden in those times. The photo tells the story of how people here still try their luck in the hope of finding hidden gold or precious stones,” he says.

When: Till March 5 Where: Bliss Art Gallery, Koregaon Park zainab.kantawala@goldensparrow.com

via movement is her forte. After completing a postgraduate degree in Clinical Psychology and a Diploma in Life Skills & Counselling, she made it her life’s mission to help people in personal development through self-awareness and self-expression. “Being a Psychology graduate and a theatre enthusiast I was always looking for a way to combine the two. Personal Akshat Nigam Swarali Marathe development through art felt like the best fusion,” says the 27-year old. make a story a good read.

Talking about the workshop, she says that Swarali Marathe, on the other hand, is all everyone has a story to tell and that everything about drama. Performing and expressing ideas around us is a story too. Through her venture

called Psycho Drama, which she started just two months ago, she has organised a story-telling workshop to teach people the art form. Working in collaboration with Akshat, the idea is to teach the techniques that will not only make you an effective storyteller, but will help you use the same in any form of communication you practice, be it personal or professional. “Learning the correct technique ensures that the purpose of story-telling gets fulfilled.

Without knowing which word comes after what, the meaning of your story is lost,” says Swarali. Stories target our imagination – a space where anything is possible. They address not just the mind but the heart too, she adds.

Ask them what’s the most challenging thing about their work and they promise us that the children are a piece of cake but it is the adults who pose a bigger problem.

“There are so many inhibitions that adults have, that imagination and expression does not come naturally. Children aren’t that close-minded and sometime think of simple things that adults would spend hours pondering over,” she tells us. The art of storytelling however not only makes you more confident, but widens your scope for imagination making you feel freer and accepting of different perspectives. While this is just the beginning of a series of workshops on story telling, the two promise us that it will be three hours of your life well spent.

When: February 27 & 28 Get in touch: 9769478084/ 7738871815 salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

In search of his mother Believing in productions that are out of the box, earthy, and intent on break boundaries, VaayuDhwani Productions promises a film that will make Indians proud

TGS LIFE FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

Natraaj Maharashi and Vaayu Dhwani

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

S

et in Kumbharwada and Dharavi areas of Mumbai, the film Anona speaks the language of simplicity, reality and compassion. The film revolves around the life of a boy who is abandoned at birth by his mother and his journey to finding her again. He is taken care of by a potter and his family. This is the community that the film largely represents. Focusing on the minority community and social issues like poverty and abandoned children, the film wants to break the western world’s stereotypical notions about India. While these may be tiny issues they are instrumental to the identity of the country and

must be highlighted, points out the the team of Anona.

With realistic settings and earthy frames, the film is sure to be an amazing watch.

Currently in its post-production phase, the team that has been sweating it out for the film includes passionate people dedicated to the art. They only want to spread a message and are currently not even being paid for the work that they are doing, says Vaayu Dhwani, the producer of the film. Since the production is a team effort, Vaayu points out that they were lucky enough to find people who are not only working well with each other but also come to a consensus on decisions almost immediately.

Talking about the film she adds, “The film has been made keeping an international audience

in mind and will first be released across film festivals abroad before it premiers in India.”

The entire film has been shot on a DSLR and the team has decided to keep the editing process to minimal. The script is the brainchild of the director Natraaj Maharashi. Vaayu believes India has the needed technology to make amazing scripts work but the funding and support from the industry is what lacks the most. Being an independent film, the biggest challenge was obviously managing funds. While Vaayu and Natraaj have put in some of their own money to get started and have raised through a crowdfunding effort, the process will be ongoing until the very end.

“It is extremely difficult to convince people who don’t know you to give you money. They

either need to see your work or you need to be extremely famous,” she says. The film stars Dheiraj Kapoor and Swagat Naik as the main characters.

The entire team of Anona dreams of making it to the Cannes Film Festival and even the Academy Awards. That is how much they believe in their story and in the work that they are doing. Whatever profit the film makes after its release, the idea is to donate a portion of it towards rehabilitating potter families and promoting education in the community.

Armed with a passion for their art and the need to experiment, evolve and enlighten, they are hopeful about getting enough and more support both in terms of funds for the project and appreciation at the festivals as well. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

This man is reinventing Mumbai cabs A visual chronicler and writer from Pune, now based in Mumbai, Gaurav Ogale’s tryst with art began when he was still a child. At 17, he travelled around the country and created several travel journals

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

S

ince he was a young boy, Gaurav liked to spend time observing everything around him. Being quiet and an introvert, he would often let his art do the talking. His grandfather introduced him to art by gifting him many art books and artist biographies that opened up another world for him – one that was full of visuals, textures and thoughts.

Gaurav started travelling solo as a teenager and wandered around unexplored corners of the country. He, of course, credits his parents

Taxi Fabric’s first assignment created by Gaurav Ogale, where he has shown his love for Mumbai through his designs

for letting him follow his heart. “Having this freedom helped me understand people, emotions and lifestyles, which, in turn, made me realise what makes the world the way it is. Illustrating conversations, recipes and anecdotes became an integral part of my art and I began to document these experiences visually in my little handbound books. When people flipped through them, it gave them a deeper understanding of how I thought and translated my mind onto paper,” he shares.

Last year, Gaurav was invited for an illustration and culinary residency at The Ultra Laboratory, founded in Casablanca, Morocco, by Rita Alaoui. He worked on several minuscule illustrated books on the cities he lived in, including Casa, Marrakech and Rabat, chronicling the architecture, way of life and

cuisines. It then led to his first international show in Casablanca. “It was a beautiful feeling to converse with people who didn’t speak the same language and had nothing in common with me, except our sensibility for art and design.”

In 2015, Gaurav also received a call from Sanket Avlani, the brain behind Taxi Fabric, a project aiming to reinvent Mumbai’s taxis by designing the fabric of the interiors. Sanket wanted Gaurav to design the first taxi under the project and create a representation of the city he loves the most. “My taxi was about interacting with the people who really make the city of Mumbai, its dreams and secrets. You will find hawkers, the Marine Drive Promenade and several pigeons adorning the ceiling and one can get lost in the sea full of visuals. Soon after I created the first design, the project took off

with a very interesting set of designers and today, it’s receiving phenomenal response across the country.” Taxi Fabric came into international limelight when Chris Martin shot bits of Cold Play’s India-inspired music video in one of these taxis recently.

After moving to Mumbai about two years ago, Gaurav did a lot of freelance work before finally finding what he was looking for. He currently works as a designer with Vyas Giannetti Creative, a brand design and communications consultancy. For the last several months, Gaurav has been working under the mentorship of Preeti Vyas Giannetti. They are curating a space called Gallery Push. The space aims to curate creations of all sorts and strives to create collaborations between creators from every realm of thought and talent. “We did our debut show at the most recent Kala Ghoda Arts Festival’s ‘Make in India collective’ with our interactive installation ‘Voice of Youthopia’. Drawing references from the quintessential photo studios from yesteryears, the installation, conceptualised by an interesting mix of eclectic creators mentored by Preeti, gave every visitor a platform to express his/her idea for a big India. The ideas were later tweeted to the PMO. We managed to amplify more than 2,500 ideas from varied perspectives. In line with the concept of Gallery Push, the installation has now gone way beyond its physical presence, onto the digital space.” heena.grover@goldensparrow.com

SP

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TGS LIFE

A perfect house-warming gift

FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

SHOPPING

No need to ponder over what to give your friends on their house-warming. Here’s how you can make their day special

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

Iron painted frog

This one is to reminisce your childhood days spent together.

Gift a pair of these adorable and colourful iron frogs and they will surely bring a smile on your friend’s face.

Price: Rs 895 per piece Where: The Bombay Store, all outlets

Wood & Metal Elephant

With part metal and carved wooden body, this piece of art décor can brighten up any corner. Place it as a centre piece on a table of your living room or quite corner.

Price: Rs 725 Where: The Bombay Store, all outlets

PICS BY TEJAS GAIKWAD

Two-toned ceramic jar

These round slightly tilted ceramic jars with wooden lids make for a lovely house-warming present for a friend who loves to collect crockery.

Price: Rs 590 & Rs 690; Hammered Metal Tray: Rs 1,130 Where: FabIndia, All outlets

Wooden Wine Rack

This one is for the high-spirited evenings. A funky little cycle-shaped wine rack can instantly pep up your bar.

If you are teetotaler, switch the wine bottle with a water bottle and funk up your dining table.

Price: Rs 790 Where: Home Town, All outlets

Antique Barber Box

Does this bring a sense of nostalgia?

Of summer holidays spent with your grandfather? This rare collectible freshly painted in rustic blue is to bring alive the child in your friend.

Price: Rs 2,100 Where: The Mud House, Koregaon Park Annexe & Phoenix Marketcity, Nagar Road

Quirky Auto Rikshaw

If your friend loves all things kitsch, you’ve got the perfect pick. Create an alcove in your living room and place it so it can be visible to everyone.

Price: Rs 1,995 Where: The Bombay Store, all outlets

Sheesham Breakfast Table

Make your morning breakfast cozy with this pretty teakwood breakfast table. Play it up by placing a delicate linen runner on top and make yourself comfortable with a cuppa and book in your hand.

Price: Rs 2,900 Where: FabIndia, All outlets

Iron Grey Stool

This rustic barrel has been converted into a funky stool. An ideal gift for friends who love to recycle things, you can change the upholstery into something bright if you are bored of the original.

Price: Rs 6,800 Where: The Mud House, Koregaon Park Annexe & Phoenix Marketcity, Nagar Road

She found her true calling in yoga

FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

FEATURES

RAHUL RAUT

Pearl Puri is a born foodie and struggles to keep away from sinful parathas but her will to lead a healthy life through yoga keeps her rolling fit and shining

TGS LIFE

PEARL PURI Age: 25 Weight: 52 kg Height: 5’ 3”

EXPERT SPEAK Atul Kurpe, Director, Focus Five Fitness Club

Though you are following Japanese water therapy, you should have water at regular interval. Add small amount of carbs along with nuts. The reason behind this is time gap between dinner and breakfast is too huge. Early morning BMR is high.

And the calories which you are getting from nuts are not sufficient. Your fundas are clear about hydration of body. We must consume 3.5 - 5 liters of water in a day but just observe your schedule you are consuming half of the quantity of that in fi rst 3 hours and rest in a day.

By Heena Grover Menon @HeenaGM

Y

oga happened to Pearl when she was 17.

She would watch yoga videos and attempt difficult asanas at home while her flexible body obliged. At the time, she didn’t realise her deep passion towards yoga. It was when she entered the corporate life after completing a Master in Business Admission that her urge to pursue what she really loved started occupying her mind.

“I wasn’t quite satisfied. I joined contemporary dance class at first as the form includes a lot of stretches, lifts, expressions – something similar to yoga. I felt good but not entirely. So, simultaneously, I joined a yoga class close to my house. I was naturally good at it and would do advanced asanas within a very short period of time. I started assisting my trainer in some of her classes. In time, I realised that I had found what I was looking for. Eventually, I packed my bags and left for the Himalayas,” she recalls.

Pearl did her teachers’ training from Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Academy in the Uttarkashi Himalayas, and, ever since, she has been practicing and teaching yoga in the city.

Now, her clients include corporate bigwigs.

Here’s her secret to a perfect and healthy body, mind and soul: MORNING I wake up at 5 am sharp and start my day with an hour of meditation. I love rising with the sun.

It makes me really happy, positive and light.

At about 6 am, I drink one-and-half litres of lukewarm water on an empty stomach (before brushing my teeth). It’s called the early morning water treatment, a Japanese water therapy that cures various conditions ranging from headaches to cancer. It flushes the toxins out, helps weight

Expert rating: 7.5 /10

loss and results in a glowing skin. I do this on three-four days a week. On other days, I drink a big glass of lukewarm water with lemon and honey.

I generally have a handful of almonds and nuts before my classes, both in the morning and evening. From 7 am to 8 am, I teach yoga and on my way back, I drink coconut water. Between 8.30 am and 10 am, I do my own practice session which includes asanas and pranayams. The next half an hour is spent freshening up and planning out my day. At 10:30 am, I have my breakfast that consists of corn flakes, poha, whole wheat veggie sandwich, fruits and nuts.

NOON From 12 pm to 1 pm, I have another yoga class.

Then, I come back home to have my lunch at 2 pm. Lunch is usually a combination of veggetables with one chapati, a bowl of dal and salad. At 3.30 pm, I drink a cup of green tea.

EVENING From 4 pm to 5 pm, I leave for class again.

After returning at 5:30 pm, I eat a bowl of fresh fruits and vegetables, including watermelon, pineapple, papaya, apple, beetroot and carrots.

From 6 pm to 7 pm, I teach yoga again and

finally return home to eat my dinner between 7:30 pm and 8 pm.

NIGHT From 8.30 pm to 9 pm, I go for a walk or sometimes cycling just to get some fresh air and feel light. From 9.15 pm to 9.45 pm, I again do meditation. The next 15 minutes are spent writing my journal and then sharp at 10 pm I go to bed.

MY FITNESS MANTRA • Exercise: This can be yoga, walking, cycling, cross fit • Diet: Eat and drink natural and organic food as everything is correlated to our mental wellbeing. More fruits, vegetables, whole wheat, nuts, etc. Hydrate your body well, consume at least three-four litres of water a day • Breathing: Exhale more through the nose • Relaxation: This can be pursuing your hobby or doing simple things that you like. It could be reading, cooking, baking, gardening or spending time with pets • Positive thinking and meditation: Meditate at least for 20 minutes a day. Be positive and have an attitude of gratitude heena.grover@goldensparrow.com

Dress ‘Hot’ this summer

A

s the summer slowly sets in, wearing the right clothes can most definitely help you beat the heat better. Loose, comfortable clothes, made from the right material can go a long way in helping you get through the day and go about doing your work even in the most scorching heat. So if your daily scheduled requires you to be out of doors for most part of the day, be rest assured that summer will not be a cause for concern. Designer Jyoti Sachdev STYLE Iyer suggests some easy fashion tips for the summer.

GURU · Summer calls in for some airy and loose fitting pants. They are comfortable and fashionable too. Harem

pants and Palazzos are a lot in fashion and they do their bit to make you look trendy. · Choosing the right Jyoti Sachdev Iyer fabric is also important.

Go for cottons and linen. They allow you to perspire and feel fresh the whole day.

Moreover, choosing the right colours is important too. Don’t go for anything that is too dark. · Summer dresses are the new style enhancers. Available in floral and abstract prints, they add a lot of oomph and class to your look. · Crop tops and shorts are petite and

classic. They are easy to carry in the hot summer days. You can also team up crop tops with high waist pants or skirts. · A solid top with a printed skirt or vice versa would definitely look great on every girl. The mix and match process is fun and fashionable too. Skirts are cool for summer and brighter colours would definitely add more glamour to your style quotient. · If you are confused about choosing the right colour, then end your confusion here and opt for white. Whites are every girl’s favourite and they are a must for your summer attire. A white shirt, white crop top, white trousers; there are many options for you to choose from.

TGS LIFE FEBRUARY 27, 2016 PUNE

BUZZ

‘I AM LEARNING TO SAY NO’ Suyash Tilak is definitely making his charming smile work hard to ensure he doesn’t slip out of your mind easily

By Salonee Mistry @SaloneeMistry

S

imple, down to earth, and, in many ways, extremely modest – these are the words that come to mind while describing the current favourite of Marathi television, think Jayram from Ka Re Durava. Be it this role, his grey character in Durva, or any other character that Suyash Tilak has played, he has, without a doubt, done justice to the roles and garnered a lot of praise. With Ticha Umbartha, his latest film releasing just yesterday, he spoke with TGS about how he became fond of acting, his biggest weakness and what his latest release is all about.

He was only nine years old when he took to the stage for the very first time. It was a school play where he played Shivaji Maharaj and almost immediately fell in love with the art form. He recollects how much he enjoyed the few hours of rehearsals as well as the actual performance.

That was when, he says, it all started.

While he was absolutely in love with acting he has also always wanted to become a doctor. After giving the medical entrance exams he could not get into the colleges that he wanted

to so he decided to do something else.

He then picked computer science but was not satisfied and opted out of it just before the first set of exams.

Then, after a little bit of research, he decided to pursue environmental science for his graduation and become an environmentalist graduating from Fergusson College. A nature and wildlife lover since he was a child only made the decision came easily to him.

Through all of this, he never stopped acting and even bagged a role in the daily soap Amar Prem, which aired on Zee Marathi in 2010.

“There is something about acting that satisfies me. I am fortunate enough to have always been offered roles that demand the best from me and bring out an aspect of my personality that either represents me well or challenges me to explore a new perspective,” says the 29-year-old. Playing a romantic on the screen is what he loves the most and finds comedy roles to be extremely challenging. What you think would make you laugh might not make your audience laugh, he points out. He always selects his roles depending on what he feels when he hears the script for the first time and whether or not he connects to the role. Money has never

been something that concerns him, he adds.

While he is inspired by actors like Charlie Chaplin, Nana Patekar and Vinay Apte his dream role is to play the character of Sambhaji Maharaj. The Maratha king, he believes, was a great warrior and his story is worth sharing.

He would even consider turning a director to tell the story, he says. Suyash has an extremely helpful nature and is the midnight friend who would feature on your speed-dial if you knew him.

Ask him the one thing that he feels is his biggest weakness and he says, “It’s very difficult for me to refuse people when they ask for a favour or for any kind of help. I am learning to say no.

It’s one of the most difficult things for me to do.”

His latest release Ticha Umbartha is a film about how much a woman changes herself after she gets married and her journey from there on. He plays the role of the protagonist’s former college mate, who is in love with her.

The film holds a message for women kind that if they feel passionately about something they can very well change any system no matter how long it has existed for. Suyash is also working on a commercial Marathi play, that is still under wraps. The play is a take on the love life of today’s generation and he is extremely excited about his part. salonee.mistry@goldensparrow.com

A born performer Fame didn’t come easy for Emmanuel Supekar but he never gave up and is now among the rising stars of the Marathi films

By Zainab Kantawala @kantawalazainab

H

e swings his body just like Bollywood biggie Hrithik Roshan every time the song Ek Pal Ka Jeena is played. That’s when the crowd screams asking him to perform once more. Having inherited the talent from his mother, Emmanuel Anil Supekar was a born performer. Struggling to get work, he started off as a dancer then became a mimic artist. In the end, however, he was destined to become an actor.

Emmanuel now has two Marathi films in his kitty, 1981 and Kabaddi. “My mother is a dancer and my uncle is an actor. So I have inherited the skills from them. Just like some of the successful stars we have today, fame and money didn’t come easy to me,” he says.

His success story is pockmarked with tales of hardships, failure and misery. He did bit parts in low budget movies and performed at Ganesh festivals.

Times changed when Hrithik Roshan’s Kaho Na Pyar Hai

released in 2000. People around him started comparing his dance moves with the star. Hrithik became famous, and so did Emmanuel. “At one of my shows, I danced on the song You Are My Soniya and the show became a hit. So I thought I can become famous by doing this,” he recalls. He got hooked on to the idea while enjoying all the fame and appreciation he got from the audience. “I became popular with the girls and many of them asked me to dance. They even clicked pictures with me and asked for autographs,” he says.

After all the popularity, he missed being himself. Emmanuel was slowly losing his identity and all the fame he got was not quite his own. “I was basking in glory that was not mine but I did it anyway because I was earning a tidy sum. Now, I want to show people my own talent,” he says.

He has got a potential role in the film 1981 wherein he plays the character of a Potraja. The film is based on caste discrimination. He also plays a negative role in the upcoming film Kabaddi. “After many actors had refused to play the part of a Potraja, I was approached. He is a man on the streets, who hits himself and ask for money,” Emmanuel explains.

It was after the director saw his potential as an actor, he was offered a part where he plays the captain of Pakistani team in Kabaddi. “I am playing a negative role in the movie.

I am excited about both the films and hope I keep getting more work,” he says. zainab.kantawala @goldensparrow.com