CHENNAI’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
February ’11
Volume 2 | Issue 10
Top romantic getaways this
Valentine’s Day An eclectic sojourn at
Fusion 9
Chennai’s top designers speak about this season’s must haves A tryst with
Dilip Kapur of
Hidesign
Dance is what I am made of –
Rukmini Vijayakumar
*
The BRUNCH
Soft Buffet Spirit Buffet Child Buffet 799
1199
599
2 nd F l o o r , F o r t u n e P a r k A r u n a , S t e r l i n g R o a d , C h e n n a i 3 4 M: 95001 22780 T: 044 4266 4299 E: info@f9chennai.com *Conditions apply
W H OA MAMA D E S IG N
Maximize your sundays
Ispahani Centre, 123/124, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034. Tel No: 044-2833 0833/34 | E-mail: rituchennai@ritukumar.com www.ritukumar.com
Volume 2 | Issue 10 | February ‘11
Letter Editor-in-Chief’s
LENIN PAUL FOUNDER
VIJETHA RANGABASHYAM EDITOR IN CHIEF
KARTHIK.R CREATIVE AND DESIGN HEAD
NANDITA THOMAS MARKETING HEAD
LEKHAMITHRA SHANMUGAM MANAGER - SALES
JERALD W. ADMIN
ABHAY KUMAR PHOTOGRAPHY
SAMYUTHA BALASUBRAMANIAM, VIBHA BATRA, SARITHA RAO, MATHIVANAN RAJENDRAN, AMRITA SAMANT, BANUMATHI SEKAR, SUBARTHO BHATACHARYA COLUMNISTS
SRIKALS GRAPHICS PVT LIMITED, CHENNAI PHONE: 044 2225 3092-94
I saw the promo for The Bachelor, and I thought to myself – oh no, not another mindless reality show that keeps the audience in rapture through its ostensibly gripping narrative and tumultuous plot. Just for the sake of curiosity, I watched the first episode and I couldn’t get past fifteen minutes. The preplanned dumbing down of women who go gaga over a “potential” bachelor, try winning him over through notorious serenading techniques and at the end of each episode, the bachelor eliminates a contestant on the grounds of incompatibility. I was a lot more displeased when a few of my friends told me that they actually enjoy watching the show. So who do we blame here? The audience who willingly bear witness to these shows in the name of fun or the television channels who have long lost the sense and the purpose of entertainment? The supporters tell me that these shows are meant to be dumb and that one has to keep his or her brain aside to enjoy the show. Reality shows have become a cult in India. As much as I’d like to think that the Indian media has gone leaps and bounds in producing quality television shows, I can’t deny the fact that reality shows that objectify men and women and use the contestants’ emotions as a tool to increase their TRP ratings are reprehensible. It is high time that television channels take an effort to make a sensible screening process and lend the audience, programs that have some substance. ‘Keeping it real’ is all about how reality shows invariably pollute the minds of the society through their ruthless sensationalism. As for February, love is in the air, love is everywhere. Put on a few romantic songs, have a cup of hot chocolate and even better, sit back and enjoy the series of interesting articles we’ve put forth for you in this issue of Taxi.
PRINTING
EMAIL: marketing@thetaximag.com URL: www.thetaximag.com PHONE: 044 4308 4448
Vijetha Rangabashyam
FOR ADVERTISING
Editor in Chief
IRON QUILL PUBLISHING SERVICES PRODUCTION 4 TAXI February 2011
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CAN BE SENT TO vijetha@thetaximag.com The best feedback/opinion will be featured in our forthcoming issue. * Corrigendum: In our previous issue, in the article “Top Ten Restaurants” the image of Kryptos was replicated for Kefi, Taj Mount. Also a wrong image was used for Azulia, GRT and Chef Chahine is no longer with Azulia.
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be
licated Azulia.
Most desirable uncut diamond jewellery from
10
14
32
44
Contents 10
Leather Legend Keeping it Real
22
Cupid Travels
28
Stagefright’s Dirty Dancing
32
Season’s Reasons
36
Universal Palate at Fusion 9
40
Rediscover the magic of feeling good
42
Junk in the Trunk
Gadgets
48
COVER: Photography: Sunder Ramu Cover: Rukmini Vijayakumar Hair & Makeup: Samantha, Page 3 Wardrobe & Jewellery: Satkrit Krishna Venue: The Spring Hotel
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February 2011 TAXI 7
Leather Legend
Dilip Kapur
It isn’t easy to describe Dilip Kapur. Many different words come to mind – entrepreneur, teacher, businessman, environmentalist, artisan, doting father, visionary, hotelier, adventurer, pioneer – the list is endless. The Founder and President of Hidesign, which is now an internationally acclaimed brand and almost a byword for quality leather products, Mr.Kapur lives in Pondicherry with his family and teaches Current Affairs to the students at Auroville. He talks to Samyutha Balasubramaniam about his passion for leather, his hotels, his childhood years and more.
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BORN IN DELHI, GROWING UP IN PONDICHERRY AND SPENDING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL YEARS IN AMERICA – YOU’VE DEFINITELY HAD AN INTERESTING CHILDHOOD. HOW DID THE PLACES YOU GREW UP IN AFFECT YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL? WHAT DID YOU ABSORB FROM EACH PLACE? The ability to think differently. The opportunity I was given both academically and on a personal front. Growing up in the ashram with its free system of education and the years spent in America during the cultural revolution and a willingness to look at things differently and allow Hidesign to be an exclusive brand with unique values. WHERE DID YOUR INTEREST IN LEATHER STEM FROM? BEFORE YOU STARTED MAKING YOUR OWN LEATHER PRODUCTS, DID YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH IT? While studying in the States, I had taken an internship with a leather factory for a few months. I applied to several companies and was offered a job at Poor Richards, a company with a small factory for handmade and hand dyed bags in Denver. This short stint was what made me relook at leather and it became a lifelong passion for me. I decided to return to Auroville and wondered what to do next. To keep myself occupied, I started making leather bags. What started as a hobby soon caught on the interest of people passing by and I landed up with larger orders. TELL US ABOUT THE FIRST BAG YOU MADE. Toscana was the first handbag I made. We sold about 800-1000 across UK, USA and Australia in the early days. As new styles kept coming in, it lost its value. While setting up the Hidesign flagship store at Pondicherry we brought out a few of our old bags and that’s when I thought of Toscana. Today we have no sample, no picture or even a drawing of the original design. I went back to the drawing board and from memory tried to create a version identical to the original one. I hope I can find the original design some day.
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FROM DEALING WITH PRIMARILY EXPORTS, YOU FINALLY STARTED TO FOCUS ON INDIA IN 2000. WHAT LEAD TO THIS CHANGE? HOW RECEPTIVE WAS THE MARKET INITIALLY? In late 90s we started looking towards new markets and developing economies. South Africa, Russia, India and South East Asia were the markets that seemed inviting. When we looked at India, we did not find distributors who understood the brand and the retail scene was undeveloped. The only way ahead was if we entered ourselves. Once I began, I realized that the retail end of the business was fascinating. Interacting with the customers directly and understanding their requirements was a great learning process. WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED WHILE TRYING TO BREAK INTO FOREIGN MARKETS? Hidesign is acknowledged as an international brand as it started out retailing in the markets in UK, USA and Australia before coming into India. We are increasingly looking at new economies which are rapidly growing such as Malaysia, Vietnam and South Africa. The challenge always remains in retaining our core values in the process of diversification. YOU HAVE A DIEHARD CLAN OF INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS, ESPECIALLY IN THE U.K. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO MAINTAIN SUCH BRAND LOYALTY WITH ALL THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET? A strong product is at the base of Hidesign’s growth. Continued customer confidence in the product and word of mouth communication have been the core reasons for Hidesign’s success. We’ve stayed focused on our strong heritage of craftsmanship. Contemporary styling with clean silhouettes makes Hidesign an ideal investment not to mention its competitive pricing among other luxury brands. YOU HAVE ALSO BRANCHED INTO THE HOTEL BUSINESS, WITH TWO BOUTIQUE HOTELS
IN PONDICHERRY. WHAT IS THE USP OF YOUR HOTELS? Staying true to its core values, Hidesign has extended its concept of lifestyle by opening two luxury boutique hotels in Pondicherry, Le Dupleix and Promenade. Le Dupleix is a 14 room luxury hotel, nestled in an 18th century French Colonial villa. Now restored and modernized, the hotel is an architectural landmark evocative of the life of Nawabs and historic Governor of Pondicherry, General Marquis Joseph-Francois Dupleix. Each room is unique in style and furniture. The delicate balance between modernity and tradition gives Le Dupleix a sense of warmth and regal refinement. The Promenade is located on the ocean front with most of the rooms overlooking the shimmering waters of the Bay of Bengal. With a lively lounge bar and two restaurants, the Promenade is the dining destination in the city. The common thread between both luxury hotels is the attention to design, a unique recipe of traditional architecture and modern feel which mirror the strong sense of style statement of Hidesign. HOW DOES IT FEEL WHEN YOU SEE A RANDOM PERSON ON THE ROAD CARRYING YOUR BAG? For a rebel brand like Hidesign to become recognized as main stream over time gives us a deep sense of purpose. We hope we’ve had some part to play in helping customers understand the relevance of ecofriendly vegetable tanned products. THE FACTORY YOU RUN IN PONDICHERRY IS FAMOUS FOR ITS DESIGN. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT? The premises where we work reflects our brand values – our factory is constructed from bricks made of local earth and fired in kilns that were made on the premises. Hidesign established its first custom designed factory in Pondicherry in 1990. You will not find asbestos anywhere in the factory. You’ll see a minimal use of paint; only solid raw brick fired from local earth by Ray Meeker, the well known low cost ecological building expert, himself. Ray built
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CURRENT AFFAIRS. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR LIFE?
practical, elegant and timeless. We will never be trend led.
When I began I was 20% practical and 80% of an idealist. Today, it is the opposite. Over the years I have realized the need to make time for myself, to be able to think, reflect and to be able to walk away from everything. I read, go on long walks with my dogs, participate in community activities and when the time is long enough, I travel.
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS WHO PROTEST AGAINST THE USE OF LEATHER? HAVE YOU HAD ANY PERSONAL RUN-INS WITH THEM?
ponds, waterfalls and streams into the layout of the factory. We try to reduce the amount of pollution we generate as far as possible and try to find ways to reuse resources. All the water in the factory goes through a natural process of filtration in the water bodies we’ve built as a part of the landscaping. Lunch time at Hidesign is pretty much outdoors, under the trees, sitting on rock benches and tables.No work space holds more than 100 people at a given time with ample organized workspace for every artisan. We prefer to call it a workshop and not a factory.
ALBERTO CIASCHINI IS YOUR LEAD DESIGNER. DO YOU FORESEE A MORE TREND AND FASHION ORIENTED DESIGN SENSIBILITY FOR THE COMPANY?
DESPITE BEING THE PRESIDENT OF A LARGE COMPANY WHICH IS GROWING LEAPS AND BOUNDS EVERY YEAR, YOU STILL MANAGE TO FIND THE TIME TO TEACH THE STUDENTS IN AUROVILLE ABOUT
Alberto has been with us for over 6 years now and has helped us in increasing the design quotient of the brand. But we are very clear in who we are and where we come from. Hidesign is a classic contemporary brand that echoes values of being
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We never use any animal skin that is killed for its skin, such as crocodile or snake. Most of the Indian leathers are from animals that die a natural death except those from areas where beef is eaten, where in our leather is a byproduct of the meat industry. Hidesign has pretty much single handedly pushed the envelope for vegetable tanned leathers in the accessories market. Today, we are proud to say that we are leaders in the research and development of vegetable tanned leathers. We use natural extracts from barks of Wattle trees and Myrobalam seeds found in our local forests.
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How she moves
Some of us wondered if she has a backbone when she was incessantly posing in front of the camera. Flexible as a twig, she claims that dance is what she is made of. Rukmini Vijayakumar of the ‘Bomalattam’ fame talks to Vijetha Rangabashyam about her penchant for dance, theater and more.
Photography: Sunder Ramu Hair & Makeup: Samantha, Page 3 Wardrobe & Jewellery: Satkrit Krishna Venue: The Spring Hotel
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DANCE TO YOU IS Dance is what I am made of. It defines my being, keeps me sane, living and functioning. It is what I speak with, what helps me say things I don’t know how to say, what keeps me connected with my spiritual self, and what allows me to be who I am with no inhibitions, open and vulnerable yet completely safe. HOW HAVE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR WORK AS A DANCER? Personal experiences are what we express when we dance. We show who we really are. I have to put the “real” rukmini up there for everyone to see. No pretense and no cover. Also as a choreographer, the scripts I choose and the lyrics I write are all a reflection of what I have been through in life. Dance to me is very personal and anything that happens in my life directly influences the way I dance. I may have had something terrible happen, but I will still use that to make a more empowering performance. HAS BEING A BHARATHNATYAM DANCER HELPED YOU IN GRASPING THE TECHNIQUES OF BALLET AND OTHER FORMS OF WESTERN CLASSICAL DANCE FORMS EASIER? Being a Bharathnatyam dancer has definitely helped me with various performance aspects of stage presence, carrying on emotional content, spatial awareness etc. But in terms of actual physical movement, Bharathnatyam and ballet come from very different perspectives and so does modern dance. You have
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February 2011 TAXI 15
to let go of one to be able to do the other. It’s a balance of knowing when to change the way your body receives instructions. In short, it is completely different. And knowing one form doesn’t allow you to start at an intermediate level in the other. You start from scratch, and you have to relearn everything! TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THEATRE? I’ve loved theatre since I was a child. I’ve always wanted to get picked for my school play but I would eventually be chosen for a dance show. I used to envy those who got picked for the play. I finally managed to do a few plays in high school – a Bangalore production of Westside Story and a few Sanskrit plays. But my real theatre experience began in Boston Conservatory and the film academy at LA. I was a part of Ivana Chubbuck’s Acting Studio. When I moved back in 2009, I worked with Prakash Belawadi on “Small infinities” and “The Lady of Burma”. The latter was such a challenge.
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HOW DID YOUR BREAKTHROUGH IN HAPPEN?
FIRST FILMS
I used to do a lot of television commercials and Bharathiraja happened to notice me and called me in for an audition. I never planned on acting and I was a part of Bommalattam because I had an injury and I had taken a semester off from college. ON YOUR EXPERIENCE IN WORKING WITH BHARATHIRAJA AND NANAPATEKAR IN BOMMALAATTAM. Working with two of the greatest legends at the same time was very exciting for me. Bharathiraja’s attention to detail is something we’ll never see again. He is impulsive and he ideates in the spur of the moment and to watch him work is a delight. Nanapatekar is a born actor and very supportive of his coworkers. He is real yet understated when he acts. He kept introducing me as his “son” because I had the “boy” outfit for the most part of the film. IS THERE ANY PARTICULAR REASON WHY WE DON’T SEE YOU IN THE BIG SCREEN THAT OFTEN? ARE FILMS YOUR CUP OF TEA? I love films. It’s just that I make time for the thing I love the most – dancing. Besides, I am a stage actor as well and hence I balance it out in such a way that I have time to do everything. ON YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH TAXI.
IN
It was great! Let’s just say I’d take the ride again!
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RAPID FIRE WITH RUKMINI Favourite heirloom I get so many of them and I can’t just pick one
When you want to look sexy, you Let my hair loose and wear kajal
Last two purchases Frozen yoghurt and a pair of shoes
Favourite holiday destination Bali
Oldest item in your closet A pair of socks
Book you are reading Elegant Universe
Favourite brands CK and BCBG
Can’t do without gadgets Blackberry, iPod and Mac book
A must have basic A pair of black heels
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KEEPING IT
REAL
Reality TV. A hugely popular genre of television programming that features ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. In the last few years, reality shows have caught the fancy of Indian viewers in a big way. Try flipping through TV channels and chances are you will hit upon one reality show after the other! Suspicious girls testing the fidelity of
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by Vibha Batra
their boyfriends, item girls choosing their life partners or B-list celebrities locked up for three months in a house full of ready-to-spar inmates. But just as these shows have many takers, they have as many (if not more) detractors. So, what is the real deal behind reality shows? Are they really real (as the producers claim) or are they obviously fake with just
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about enough genuine elements to pass them off as real? QUALITY VS TRPs Reality shows can certainly not be taken at face value. In a bid to garner high viewership or Television Rating Points (TRPs), TV channels love to sensationalise the content of these shows. See for yourself. Indian or western, scandal, violence, abusive language, aggression, and humiliation are the common threads running through all reality shows. By their very nature, reality shows cater to the lowest common denominator, showcasing the basest human instincts. Not surprisingly, in the battle to garner maximum TRPs, quality ends up being the first casualty. Says author-journalist Sharada Balasubramanian, “I am appalled watching reality shows like
Splitsvilla on MTV and Dare to Date on Channel V. Random strangers hooking up with each other, a bunch of girls parading around in the skimpiest of clothes, fighting over a boy, bad mouthing each other. Just how far TV channels will go for TRPs, I wonder. Shows like these should not be aired at all.” INSTANT CONNECT So what makes them tick? What works in favour of these reality shows is that the audience instantly relate to the participants. They can empathise with the contestants, their trials and tribulations and feel a sense of pride in their triumphs. Be it music, dance, cookery, marriage or dating based, each reality show makes the viewer live vicariously through the experiences of the participants. Says Jyoti T, a homemaker who loves
watching musical reality shows, “I never miss an episode of Indian Idol. I watch these young girls on these shows and think it could be me up there on stage. Why, I have even prayed for two of my favourite female participants!” SCRIPTED REALITY As it happens, these shows present a manipulated version of reality. They are scripted and edited for effect. Sure, the participants are real (read noncelebrities) but the situations, the reactions, the arguments certainly aren’t. Everything is ‘engineered’ to make the viewers believe that a slice of life is on view. Every ingredient – drama, revenge, jealousy, betrayal, despair – is tossed in to create an irresistible concoction and keep the viewers hooked. In certain cases, the participant is given a clear brief to act a certain way. In others, producers edit certain scenes to project him in a certain light. In any case, producers of the show have complete creative control and present ‘reality’ as they wish. After practically every season of Big Boss, don’t we hear contestants claiming they were evicted because they refused to play ball? TRICKLE-DOWN EFFECT The impact of reality shows on society has long been a cause of debate. Some discerning viewers do enjoy them for what they are. Vijaya, an account executive in a leading advertising agency in the city, says, “I watch a couple of reality shows. But I don’t take these shows seriously. I watch them purely for their entertainment value. I enjoy them for the one hour they are on air and then promptly forget about them.” More gullible viewers are not so lucky. In their case, this fictional world represents authenticity. Influenced by what they see on TV, they begin to think, feel, speak, and behave like the contestants. Borrowed emotions replace critical thinking, distorting their sense of reality. Their interaction with peers, the way they deal with situations and the way they handle problems, undergo a sea of change.
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February 2011 TAXI 23
CONTESTANT OR COMMODITY? For our viewing pleasure, reality shows often reduce the people to commodities. Participants go all out to win the prize money, sacrificing their dignity on the way. Entire episodes are devoted to rejecting participants, either on the basis of the judges’ choice or the more dubious audience votes. The host pronounces the verdict with undisguised glee: ‘Your musical journey comes to an end here’, ‘You are dismissed’, ‘I’m afraid you don’t make the cut’. As for the participant, he or she dissolves into copious tears and the audience is content to applaud and look forward to the next week’s ouster.
in reality shows. Putting a teen in a high stress situation, exposing them to harsh criticism and eventual rejection so early in life, can lead to disastrous consequences and end up scarring them for life. Unable to cope with the pressure and disappointment, they often resort to the extreme step: suicide. A case in point is the young man from Jhansi who committed suicide last year after he was humiliated by the host of a popular reality show.
SUBSTANCE OVER SCANDAL Producers may argue that the illeffects of reality shows are widely exaggerated by critics or dismiss their fears as unfounded but given the immense reach and popularity of reality shows, it would be naïve to undermine their influence on society. It is time for TV networks, channel bigwigs, and show producers to monitor the content of reality shows, to place substance over sensationalism, to get real.
Deriving pleasure from a participant’s discomfiture and humiliation is passed off as entertainment. Failure may be a stepping stone to success in real life but is it acceptable to revel in another’s failure? To applaud as he/she is laughed off the stage simply because they didn’t live up to someone’s expectations? Is it entertainment, or, more aptly, voyeurism? IMPRESSIONABLE MINDS Considering that a wide section of the audience is in the age group 13-19, one can only imagine the negative impact of these reality shows. At that tender age, they cannot judge what’s real and what’s staged, what is half-truth and what is fact. What message do kids and teens take away from these reality shows? That it is okay to rave and rant at the slightest provocation? That it is perfectly acceptable to use cuss words? That they can be destructive and rash and still get away with it? Opines Deepa, a concerned parent, “I think parental control goes a long way in reducing the ill-effects of reality shows. I make sure my child does not watch programmes like Big Boss, Emotional Atyachaar, Axe the Ex and so on. Besides, I keep TV viewing hours to the minimum on week nights. So if he has to make a choice, Cartoon Network usually wins!” PUSHY PARENTS The issue takes another worrying dimension when ambitious parents force their children into participating
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MANDU MUMBAI
COORG hAVELI
s l e v a r T d i p Cu by Saritha Rao
to d leading up r the weeken Fo l . au on h as tse or ble sh so last ese unforgetta nd Bali is oh th A of s. of e is y m on n a A at . e fuss eon ive Goa minimal visa at special som Skip Agra. G holiday with oliday with th Forget Paris. al h n l io ia at ec rn sp te a g in ay, plan lutely stunnin cuses! Valentine’s D r pick an abso O mbo, so no ex s. n co ’ io ie at ov in m adn -a er Indian dest n e ‘din ions beats th these destinat
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sINGAPORE
SRI LANKA www.thetaximag.com
MUMBAI
KERALA
If clubbing is your thing, head to Mumbai. It is a city that takes its nightlife seriously. Pubs in Mumbai are open long after the ones in Chennai and Bangalore have closed for the night. Hard Rock Cafe, Zenzi and Blue Frog are some of the most hip places you can visit as a couple. And Man-U fans have to visit the Manchester United Cafe Bar at Palladium, Phoenix Mills. Expect lots of music, towers of beer and a highadrenaline atmosphere. MANDU, MADHYA PRADESH For a crash-course in old-fashioned romance, simply fly to Indore and head to Mandu. Rani Rupmati and Baz Bahadur’s love story is the stuff of legends. There was music, there was poetry and history happened right here in the pavilions and palaces of Mandu. Beg, borrow or steal a translation of Ahmad-ul-Umri’s ‘The Lady of the Lotus – Rupmati, Queen of Mandu’ and read Rupmati’s love poems together. HOUSEBOAT IN KERALA
SILENT VALLEY
We admit - Allepey doesn’t sound half as swish as Venice. But what better way to spend a romantic getaway than to cut travel time and max the holiday? Set adrift on a well-appointed houseboat. Simply loll on the deck together. Get an Ayurvedic massage. Succumb to the temptation to do the Titanic-stance at the prow. But please desist from singing the song you’ll be far exceeding the cheesiness quotient! HAVELI, RAJASTHAN Recapture the era of the Maharajas and their decadent lifestyle by living out your fantasies as a royal couple. Splurge on a luxurious stay at any of the haveli-turned hotels in Rajasthan and treat the love of your life to some extensive pampering. Take in the grandeur of the forts and palaces. Head to the dunes for a romantic night under the clear desert sky. Just don’t let the sand enter the tent! COORG, KARNATAKA If you’ve always wanted to visit Tibet, but haven’t, and if Dharamshala doesn’t fit the scheme of things at the moment, head to Coorg. Stay at one of the many plantations that now host visitors. Take long walks. Stop and smell the flowers. Drink lots of locally brewed fruit wine. Then pop across to Bylakuppe for a day trip and have a quick dekko at Tibetan life. Yes, you read that right – Tibetan! Maybe, you can even find out how to express your love in Tibetan. SILENT VALLEY
kOTA kINABALU
A www.thetaximag.com
There are rules to visit and rules to stay at Silent Valley. And the constant presence of a guide and fellow travellers could prove a dampener to a city-slicker’s idea of a good time out on Valentine’s Day. But as a couple, if you share a world view that time amidst nature is time best spent, then head to Silent Valley - the rainforest bordering Tamizh Nadu and Kerala. Imagine staying in the midst of all that natural abundance, waking up to a bird song, walking in reverence through lush foliage and if you’re lucky, spotting the likes of the Lion-tailed
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Macaques, Malabar Giant Squirrel and the Great Indian Hornbill! ‘Two for Joy’ would perhaps be THE most romantic thing to say here. SINGAPORE Singapore is a fabulous destination for first time international travellers and seasoned travellers alike. It has all the glam of an international city, yet it proudly flaunts its Asian-ness. Must-dos as a couple include the night Safari (where the atmosphere is positively teeming with nocturnal animals), and feeding times and shows at the Singapore Zoo and the Jurong Bird Park. Oh, and they do have some rocking night clubs. Chinese New Year is being ushered in through February with festive red lanterns, parades, dance, music and food stalls, especially in Chinatown! And - hold your breath -
Iron Maiden is also performing here in February! SRI LANKA This one’s for the value-for-money types. A romantic all-in-one international destination. A short direct flight away. And stunning value-for-money. Stroll through the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, steep yourself in Kandy’s culture, sun yourself on the beaches of Bentota or cozy up in a Geoffrey Bawa-designed suite at Lunuganga. Or stay in Colombo at a pretty boutique hotel and make day trips. At this currency conversion rate, it can’t get better than this! KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA
SABAH,
For an exotic international holiday bustling with
things to do, head to Kuala Lumpur and onward to Kota Kinabalu. Prepare to be awed by coral reefs and exotic tropical fish as you snorkel or scuba dive in the waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Or walk hand-in-hand on the pristine sands of Tanjung Aru Beach. Explore the trails in the rainforest of Gaya Island. Else, climb the formidable Mount Kinabalu. What’s a measly bouquet of insipid roses when you can feast your eyes on over 800 species of orchid spread over the Kinabalu National Park? THE MALDIVES As a holiday it doesn’t come cheap to get to Maldives but the views - oh the views - are so worth it! Spectacular azure waters form the perfect backdrop to take your relationship up to the next level. Do take your swim-wear and sun protection along. There’s going to be lots of sun, sand and lounging by the pool. RISHIKESH If you’d rather give this Valentine’s Day a platonic flavour with a heady rush, head to Delhi by air and onward to Rishikesh by road. Adventure sport season is on and there are packages for all skill levels. Go river rafting. Trek in Uttarakhand. Rappel down sheer cliffs. Camp on the banks of the Ganges. At the end of the day, sharing an innocent cup of tea in those environs could unlock some not-so-innocent feelings.
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“Nobody puts
Baby in a corner...� I stood there staring at the mirror in the office rest room, murmuring the lines over and over. by Mathivanan Rajendran
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Should I or Should I Not? I was faced with a huge predicament. I was cast as one of the secondary principals for ‘Dirty Dancing’, a musical adapted from the motion picture produced by Stagefright productions, Freddy Koikaran, the director in a moment of camaraderie, casually mentioned that he would have ‘considered’ double casting me as the lead (Yes, that’s Patrick Swayze’s part!) if I had given him a greater time commitment, which was an issue at the time since I was living in Pondicherry and available only for weekend rehearsals. The opportunity to play such an iconic character comes rarely; So, I asked myself “if this theatre veteran could entrust me with such a part, shouldn’t I rise up to the occasion and make it work?
This story is based on the quintessential poor guy gets rich girl plot, where Baby Houseman on vacation with her family falls in love with Johnny Castle a working class dance instructor. Written in the 80’s, with lines like ‘It’s a feeling, It’s a heartbeat’ and ‘I carried a watermelon’ the dialogues dangerously tread the line of dramatic cliché’s. However, as an actor, I found it a fulfilling challenge to be able to break these stereotypes and deliver them with honesty, after all every cliché is rooted in some truth. The session was lead by one of Chennai’s best freelance choreographers Aparna Nagesh. It served as the perfect icebreaker for the cast as we let our hair down and
danced 3 hours straight with cast members we had just met. Having had no formal training as a dancer, I was introduced to basic Latin Ballroom styles through Cassius Leon whom I had been double cast with to play the lead. I would often hear him say ‘get the movie out of your head guys, we need to own this musical now’ and that’s exactly what both choreographers succeeded in inspiring us to do – own the production. The choreographers re-envisaged the dances, giving them a new form altogether, preserving the soul of the original dances, in a manner which I can guarantee even the movie’s choreographer Kenny Ortega would have been proud of.
All I could think of was striding through the crowd like a hot blooded greaser in a 60’s biker jacket and delivering the epic line ‘Nobody Puts baby in a Corner’ - on stage, in front of a packed audience - in Museum Theatre. The scene I had drawn in my head was so tempting that it prompted me to walk across to my manager’s desk possibly with the same swagger and poise shown by the protagonist in that immortal scene from the movie. I held my breath and told my manager “I want to move to Chennai to do this production or else I quit”. I have no idea where that came from, I guess the rebellion of the 60’s had really caught up with me, and just like it did in the movie, it all worked out well for me. I landed up in Chennai with both my left feet and told Fred I was ready for the challenge. I must have put him through a couple of sleepless nights before he agreed to have me play the iconic part of ‘Johnny Castle’. Fred is well known for his ambitious theatrical ventures. Trust him to recreate this epic and turn it into a live musical. In an act of generosity and masochism, he double cast the principal characters with each set playing two shows each. I was to be paired opposite the talented Pooja Balu, with whom I was confident I would be able to conquer the occupational hazards of this production namely face poking, foot stepping and lift botching!
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February 2011 TAXI 33
“Will I or Will I not?” A month passed and I was introduced to a few more styles including the Mambo, Rumba and Cha Cha. This was precisely the point at which I began to panic. In the last 7 years of doing amateur theatre, I have never doubted myself so many times, this was not just about being a dancer but convincingly portraying a Dance instructor played by one of silver screen’s most loved dance icons. Had I bitten off more than I could chew? Fred as empathetic as ever, recognized this and said ‘I don’t expect you to be a good dancer just a great Mimic’, something that enabled me to conquer my period of self doubt. With Neesha Koikaran handling the production there’s always an exciting new angle that’s being added, the most stirring of which was the photo shoot she organized. We were summoned to Sparky’s at 5:30 early in the morning - there we were 16 of
us, paired up, dressed in 60’s greaser denims and white tees, dirty dancing away at an American diner in the middle of the city. One of those times where you really felt like you fell into a vortex that transported you into the Staff Quarters of an actual mountain resort during the rebellious 60’s. Run-throughs started 25 days prior to the show date, something that seldom happens in the city. However, Fred continues to work with us actors, encouraging us to bring something original to our parts. He also ensures that we make time for workshops on voice, improvisation and team building through drum circles, keeping the atmosphere at rehearsal alive and fresh. Of course, our rigorous schedule didn’t stop us from having a great time through the festive season - A Karaoke Halloween party, an Arabian theme birthday, A Retro Christmas, not to mention a 12 hour New Year bash and several other outings the
most recent of which was a night out a Sparky’s where the Cast took on the role of waiters for the whole evening! This musical could not have been timed better, with the recent release of Black eyed peas cover of the movie’s title track ‘Time of my life’ and Jennifer Grey, the original Baby Houseman winning the reality series ‘Dancing with the Stars’. It is my belief that the movie is iconic because of how it used a love story to delicately address issues of economic disparity, racism and women’s rights. The soul of this story is invested in creating an experience for the audience to understand what the 60’s was really all about - Yes, before the Beatles came, before President Kennedy was shot - Come watch the show and ask the young Jewish girl who thought she’d never find a guy as great as her dad – She’ll tell you why the 60’s was the greatest time to be alive.
Dirty Dancing: Feb 12th and 13th at the Museum Theatre Egmore. Pooja Balu, Mathivanan Rajendran and Aparna Nagesh at 2pm on Feb 12th and 7pm Feb 13th Aparna Narayan, Cassius Leon and Amrita Samant at 7pm on Feb 12th and 2pm Feb 13th
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Season’s Reasons Taxi speaks to Chennai’s hot shot designers on what’s hot this season in terms of accessories and clothes. A little bit of sparkle, a little bit of spice, a little bit of silver to make it sassy nice!
by Amrita Samant
S
omeone once said, “Dress for the life you want, not the life you have”. Dressing up is like a good yoga class that allows you to be present in the moment, to revel in the light of ‘now’. For those of you who delight in dressing, the selection of the outfit, the styling and the preparation are all part of a grand event. With the spring/ summer collections coming through to fulfill our inner fashion cravings, there is a lot to be said about the simplicity of a spring ensemble. The new season gives you an opportunity
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to rejuvenate your creative side by mixing textures, adding outwear and stylish side notes to suit the season. The runway is full of boots, statement jewellery, figure-flattering leggings and sequins, but it’s those key items this season that add to the oomph factor.
to invest in a key piece you desire than buy a bunch of inexpensive pieces you will have to replace each season.
When choosing the key pieces to stay in vogue this season, remember that one key item can update your wardrobe entirely and keep you on trend through the whole season. It is a better idea
Considering that there is a thin line of difference between what you need, what you want and what you shouldn’t live without, we have covered all of the hottest fashion trends this season.
We, at taxi, decided to help you stay at the top of the game and bring the season’s must-haves to the fore from the experts themselves.
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ACCESSORIES Novelty accessories a.k.a statement jewellery is taking the centre stage this season. The key is not to over do it. Wearing novelty accessories is a great way to bring fun and youthfulness to your ensemble. Accessories can also be used to accentuate your body. They can also help create different illusions like a long rope necklace can lengthen your upper torso. This season’s hottest fashion trend nod goes to the uber stylish boots a.k.a booties. Whether you are running your errands around town, going shopping or even a lunch date, pair these flat-heeled booties with skinny jeans or leggings and a long tee and it will instantly give your outfit a natural and effortless lift. These can be paired with work-place attire as well. Booties go well with an off-shoulder dress and patterned tights and it is the perfect ticket to get those heads turning. Absolutely sensational! HAUTE COUTURE This season is rushing back in time to highlight the retro-glam look. Maxi dresses and skirts, pleated tops, widelegged, flared trousers and highwaisted and elegant jumpsuits, in a wide palette of colors, from crisp white and cream to bold colors and oriental prints. Citrus bright colors and eclectic prints are making their way back to welcome the summer sun. Leggings and patterned tights are doing their rounds this season. A good leg-hugging fit without too many gathers around the knees or ankles speak for its fit. They look best when worn with layers. Team it up with a long blouse, tunic or cardigan, a scarf wrapped loosely around your neck, a big hobo bag and a pair of long boots and you are ready to go!
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February 2011 TAXI 37
Let’s hear what the city’s top designers have to say about this season’s key fashion investments.
Sidney Sladen, Chennai’s designer extraordinaire who has catered to the wardrobes of the who’s who in the South Indian Movie industry, is of the opinion that this season’s best fashion investment is a gorgeous pair of shoes. Shoes have a special place in every woman’s closet. “A nice pair of pumps makes for a great investment while Clogs are making a big comeback this summer. Coming to clothing, wide-legged trousers and jumpsuits are also a must-have for this season.”
Nazia Syed, the city’s very own engineer turned fashion designer shared her views on the same.”Sequins are ruling the season. Sheer lace tops, a short gold shift dress are a musthave. This season’s hottest fashion trends go back to the uber stylish ankle boots a.k.a booties. Suede pumps also raise the trend meter. Brooches are a great accessory this season.”
Rehane, a designer who needs no introduction shared her ideas on the season’s must-haves – “With the ‘latest bagcraze’ doing its rounds, it’s high time we do away with the newest fads, step into our grandma’s closet and pull out those charming and alluring Vintage bags. With Comfort preceding style, ballerinas are a good investment for an evening out “
Chennai’s very own young and hot designer Vivek Karunakaran gave us his views on the season’s hot couture. “We need to brighten up our wardrobes, swap that Little Black Dress for a much nicer and brighter tone of color. When it comes to personal styling, its time to play mix- master. Put together different elements to create your own individual look such as a blazer over bright colored pants, a sequined tuxedo over a dress which is quite contradictory. Speaking of contradictions, pair your fanciest dress with boots setting a feminine look juxtaposed with a stronger appeal to it. When it comes to accessorizing, let your hair be your best accessory with the various up-dos.”
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The possibilities are endless...
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food Pizzas Sea Food Burgers Steaks Tapas Desserts
7, Kadar Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.
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Universal Palate at
Fusion 9 by Banumathi Sekar
I
’ve never been a believer of multicuisine restaurants. Apart from the fact that they are a one stop shop for you to pick and choose from an array of cuisines, I’ve always felt that the authenticity is lost in blending cuisines from different parts of the world. It might be a bias from my collective experiences at various multicuisine restaurants in the past but the true foodie that I am, I never lose hope. By hearsay, I happened to learn about Fusion 9, the ‘go-go’ restaurant in town. Hence, we set our culinary expedition to Fusion 9 with an open mind(it is after all true that numbers do the trick; I couldn’t get the number 9 out of my head for the longest time). As we walked in, we were engulfed by the generous amount of sunlight pouring into the room through the giant picture windows. Our feel good factor spontaneously rose, as for once we didn’t feel like we were in a box. The one thing that struck us instantly was the fact that Fusion 9 apart from being multicuisine is also eclectic in terms of its ambience. The part futuristic and part quaint look is charming in its own way. The somewhat elevated area with the sprawling wooden floor dotted with plush seating and the island bar counter centering the dining area are both endearing. The hues of mocha and cream are simply pleasing to the eyes and soaking in all these elements one by one, we were now more than eager to try out the food at Fusion 9 (I thought to myself – wow, if only the food was as good as the ambience).
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There is something nitpicky about a multicuisine menu. The sheer choice leaves you all wound up but it is rather confusing to make up your mind with such a lengthy menu. Luckily for me, Abhilasha, the Marketing and Communications Manager, volunteered to be my culinary guide for the afternoon. “The restaurant is a venture of 5 partners of which 4 of them are doctors” she says. Wow, what foodies they must be? Since the task of ordering from nine different cuisines seemed a little puzzling, I said to Abhilasha, “Hit me with your best!” There is nothing like a cool mocktail alongside your lunch to ease down your throat. The pink looked alluring through the pristine cocktail glass and you can never go wrong with a simple strawberry mocktail; the concoction was neither too light nor too strong and it was perfect for our liking. Ask for White Heart, that’s the name of the drink.
Next up were the starters and I was sincerely hoping they’d bring me those that I had my eye on while I was glancing through the menu. The succulent Iranian Joojeh Chicken kebabs arrived with the squiggled garlic cream on the side. After we dipped a piece into a generous amount of cream and took a bite, we definitely knew what we were up for; sinful food followed by an extra mile on the treadmill. Crab cakes are a tricky dish to prepare, you either nail them or you don’t. Fusion 9 had an interesting Thai version of the crab cake - Thai crab spring onion cake coupled with chili and soya sauces. They were crispy on the outside and juicy in the inside, and the touch of “Thai” certainly made all the difference. Just when we thought that we were over and done with the appetizers, couple of more platters arrived at my table. The Tandoori Cheese Broccoli – little broccoli flowerets grilled with
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cheese, lending them a faint smoky flavour was extraordinary. However, a vegetarian’s delight has to be the Thai corn lemon grass cake. The dash of lemon grass flattered the corn immaculately. Stomach half full, we patiently waited for the entrées to turn up. We were told that we were about to try out cuisines that don’t bear the slightest similarity. What could they be? - Italian (often tops the hit list as the beloved cuisine among most people) and Japanese (Now that, I wanted to try). The Salmon Sushi with Wasabi and Soy sauce, though a tad Indianized, was definitely interesting. The flavours were intense and exploring new areas of food could never hurt, can it? By this time the thin crust BBQ chicken pizza was calling out to us. The crust was wafer thin and crisp, unlike the quasi thin crust pizzas served in the other restaurants. Letting out an awkward burp, we were skeptical about trying the chicken penne in a creamy white sauce, considering how abominably full we were. For the sake of good Italian food, we scooped up a piece or two with the fork and they would just melt in our mouths. As we refused to take in another morsel of food, the delectable German chocolate cake was already on the table. They were Gooey and the strong zest of chocolate was an end to a perfect meal.
Fusion 9: 2nd Floor, Fortune Park Aruna, Sterling Road, Chennai 34
Photography: Abhay Kumar
Appearances may be deceptive, but certainly not when it comes to food. The plating up scene in Chennai has a long way to go and Fusion 9 might be making the headway here. The portions weren’t dramatic; instead they were exact. What I like about the place is the personal touch and the creativity that has gone into making each of these dishes, like the chicken roulade with wine glaze or the pungent Thai green curry. Some might find the place to be a tad expensive, but I would say, never keep a tab on your wallet when it comes to good food and this is good food in all its glory. So what do you know? Fusion 9 might after all invalidate the proverb, “too many cooks spoil the broth”.
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February 2011 TAXI 41
Advertiser’s Feature
Cosmetic Clinics Call : +91 44 39139139
Rediscover the magic of feeling good by Subartho Bhatacharya
If beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, then so does it in the eyes of the beheld. If you think beauty does not lie at your disposal, well think again! The specialists at Apollo Cosmetic Clinics maintain that beauty essentially lies in how you look at yourself, if in nothing else. And yes, this is the new definition of beauty for our generation to recognize and accept. We are not even at the starting line of the ‘revolution’ of cosmetic surgery. The whistle was blown long ago and we’re perhaps in its middle ages now. We know that looking presentable is a phenomenon in itself. We know that a terrific smile gives a person just another clandestine reason to smile, and that the way one looks has necessarily nothing to do with birth or age! A healthy cosmetic procedure bestows an individual with subtle yet invigorating selfrespect, effusing a fragrant aroma of self-confidence, giving him the heart to face the world head on. Moreover, a permanent procedure like cosmetic surgery is any day more respectable
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than falling for various artificial cosmetic products easily available over the grocery store counters.
PROCEDURES THAT CAN CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT YOURSELF
Cosmetic surgery hasn’t set out to change the foundations of one’s looks. It has set out bring perfection in what already happens to exist- the surreptitious beauty lying dormant in every single individual.
DERMAL FILLERS AND BOTOX
ABOUT CLINICS
APOLLO
COSMETIC
Apollo Cosmetic Clinics, an acknowledged centre of excellence, offers comprehensive treatments for a range of cosmetic enhancements. The extensive experience of Apollo Hospitals’ specialists in cosmetic surgery, fully equipped procedure suites, zero infection zones and the international standard protocols followed at the Clinic, all ensure world class medical attention. At the same time, the pleasant ambience, friendly staff and neverto-be-compromised Apollo credo of tender loving care assure comfort, confidence and the much needed privacy and confidentiality.
Dermal fillers have been used for a long time to replenish the skin’s suppleness and help maintain its youthful appearance. Fillers are non-surgical treatment that can help smooth out facial folds. Botox relaxes the muscles, removing facial lines and unwanted facial expressions. Sometimes Botox is used in combination with dermal fillers, when treating certain areas where permanent deep lines have resulted from over activity of the muscles, e.g., frown lines on the lower forehead or wrinkles around the eyes and lips. SCAR CORRECTIONS AND SCAR REVISIONS By scar correction operations, scars’ appearances can be improved or the amount of scars can be reduced while minimizing the disfigurement. Most scar revision procedures are done in
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Interview with Dr. Arumugam Dr. Arumugam, MB, FACS, is certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery and American Board of Surgery after having completed his training in Northwestern University in Chicago. He practiced cosmetic surgery in Chicago for over 25 years before relocating to Chennai. He is now heading the Apollo Cosmetic Clinics. Q: What is the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery? A: Cosmetic Surgery is an exclusive branch of Plastic Surgery that requires expertise and a separate specialization. Q: What’s the present awareness and acceptance of cosmetic surgery in India compared to what it was a few years back? A: Well, let’s say twenty years ago only the affluent and the educated people knew what cosmetic surgery was but didn’t know where to get them done. Today, other commoners know that it can be done and where it can be done as well. Q: What are the complications and the risk factors associated with cosmetic surgery? A: Every surgery has its complications and risk factors. And every surgery has limitations as well. Still, most of them are successful and majority of the patients have no complaints. At times patients’ expectations are high. Statistics say that 1 out of 2556 patients have chances of developing complications like infection, remote scars, unevenness, etc. Q: Do these cosmetic surgeries stand the test of time? A: Yes, they do. In some cases, in order to maintain intact results, a touch up might be required once a year or so. But otherwise, the results of these procedures are quite permanent. Q: What are the various myths and misconceptions associated with cosmetic surgery? A: That you can turn from being sixty years old to being thirty years old. Q: How affordable is cosmetic surgery in India? A: It is affordable and within the reach of everyone requiring it. It is comparable to the cost of any other type of surgery. However, the cost of surgery can vary from one hospital to another. Q: What are the five most common cosmetic surgeries performed in the clinic? A: Liposuction, Hair Transplant, Gynacomastia, Abdominoplasty and Rhinoplasty are the top five done here.
the operating theatre under local or general anesthesia and usually do not require overnight stay in the hospital. RHINOPLASTY In Rhinoplasty, one or more of the following are done: elevation of a depressed nose by adding cartilage bone, silicone implant, removal of a hump, reduction of the bulk of the tip, narrowing of the nasal bones, elevation of the tip of the nose, reduction of the size of the nostrils or narrowing of the base of the nose. It takes about 1 ½ hours to 3 hours for the surgery. General or local anesthesia with sedation is given for the surgery.
Hair Restoration www.thetaximag.com
LIPOSUCTION In liposuction, the surgeon loosens and removes fat from an area by using a suction machine or syringe. Fat on the hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, arms, under the chin, upper torso, etc. can be reduced by this procedure. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and may require a day’s stay in the hospital. HAIR RESTORATION Hair restoration surgery (hair transplant) offers a permanent, living solution to lost scalp hair. Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure by which permanent hair from regions of the scalp that normally never go
Breast Augumentation
bald, such as the sides and lower back of the head, is transferred or redistributed on to areas of permanent hair loss or thinning. Hair transplant procedures generally take 3-6 hours and are performed under local anesthesia. CORRECTION OF GYNAECOMASTIA (Enlarged Male Breasts) A cut is made at the edge of the lower half of the areola and the excess tissue is removed. The fat tissue is also removed by liposuction at the same time. On large hanging breasts, some skin may have to be removed to tighten the breast and also the nipples may have to be moved higher. This procedure is done under general anesthesia.
Abdominoplasty
Face Lift February 2011 TAXI 43
‘Ka’ in Tamil Roberto Calasso, the renowned Italian writer and publisher was in Chennai this month for the launch of the Tamil version of his much acclaimed book, ‘Ka’. The launch took place in Odyssey, one of India’s premium book stores at Express Avenue mall. The book was released by none other than Timeri Murari in the presence of Mr Calasso and other distinguished panel of guests.
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Live the EMO way! EMO, a one of a kind ‘Non alcoholic pub’ was launched at Express Avenue. The interiors are funky and ultra sassy, just the way we Chennaiites like it! The mocktail lounge was founded by young entrepreneurs, Dolby Samuel, Tony Abraham & Dominic Simon with a vision to give the city a unique dining experience. EMO offers the most exquisite mocktails from all around the world. With a performance by the music band Molotov Cocktail and an exclusive fashion show choreographed by Karun Raman, EMO’s launch was definitely the talk of the town!
Photography: Hari Krishnan
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February 2011 TAXI 45
Mark your dates Wine and Dine ADAM AND EVE BUFFET, CAPPUCCINO, PARK SHERATON 14 February, 2010 On Valentine’s Day let us be reminded of where it all began and raise a toast to the timeless romance of Adam and Eve. Enjoy a night of perfection with unlimited Champagne.
Theater and Art
Shopper’s Stop
DIRTY DANCING BY STAGEFRIGHT PRODUCTIONS, MUSEUM THEATRE
VINTAGE BRIDAL COLLECTION, COLLAGE
February 12 and 13, 2011
* Rs 1800 plus taxes per person BE MY VALENTINE, ATRIUM, ASIANA
Take a look at the new bridal line at Collage to meet all your bridal solutions. This Vintage Bridal Collection from Studio Virtues is inspired from the early 19th Century Mughal Era. The fabrics used in this collection are Benarasis, Handloom Brocades and Chanderis to give more texture to the volume.
14 February, 2010 Spoil your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a scrumptious five-course candlelight dinner set in the atrium with live music and a bottle of wine on the house. *Rs 3999 plus taxes per couple
An adaptation of the iconic hit movie, which made Patrick Swayze, a one hit wonder! The show will feature live singing and of course, dirty dancing! Also, there will be two different casts performing over four shows. GROUP PAINTING EXHIBITION, VINYASA PREMIER ART GALLERY February 1 – 10, 2010 Enjoy the latest works of artists Auguestine, Raman, and Sukumar at one of Chennai’s premium art galleries. WOMAN 2011, GALLERY
FORUM
ART
Up to February 10, 2011
TREASURES OF THE SEA, CAPPUCCINO, PARK SHERATON February 7 – 27, 2010 Savour the myriad specially crafted delicacies offered by the great blue marine waters. Seafood fans, this is your chance to quench your long overdue of seafood craving!
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Forum Art Gallery presents Woman 2011, a collection of artwork that celebrates the female synergy and unfolds a narrative that navigates from the tangible world of objective realism to the intangible realm of abstraction. The participating artists are A.V.Ilango, Biswajit Balasubranian, C. Dakshinamoorthy, C.Douglas, C.P.Krishnapriya, K. Muralidharan and others.
SILVER JEWELLERY EXHIBITION BY PRIYA SANDHU, SHILPI February 4 2010 onwards Priya Sandhu’s jewellery is stylish, sophisticated, very wearable and appealing to the young corporate executive, as well as, westerners who opt for classy accessories. Priya’s exquisite collection of jewellery will be available at Shilpi, 29, CP Ramaswamy Road, Alwarpet Chennai from Fri. 4th February 2011 onwards. This exhibition will be open from 10 am-7.30pm
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Ju
k
n the Tru i n nk
Junk in the Trunk
G
ADGETS This season
T his s e as o n
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX9 is the latest addition to Sony’s extensive range of slim, compact and stylish pocket cameras. The TX9 is one of the first Cyber-shots to offer 3D Sweep Panoramas, taking up to 100 images and automatically combining them to create a stereoscopic pair of frames. The headline feature in the TX9 is the ability to create 3D panoramic images using the camera’s 3D Sweep Panorama function, and it can do Sweep Panorama underwater. As was the case with the TX7, the Sony TX9 can capture 1920 x 1080 resolution videos at 60i in AVCHD format. Sony has made a good attempt by bringing the big-camera look down to something that fits in your pocket.
BenQ XL2410T Monitor The BenQ XL2410T is their first 120Hz monitor, offering a big 23.6” screen size and also being combined with the ever-popular, W-LED backlighting technology. The XL2410T is 23.6” in size and is in a 16:9 aspect ratio. The bezel and stand are a matte black finish all over. The bezel is reasonably thin at ~20mm top and bottom, and 23mm on the sides. In the bottom right hand corner the bezel extends to be a little thicker at about 32mm. If you’re looking for a gaming screen with 120Hz support, this is well worth a look. The decent ergonomics and interface options help make this a strong contender, but the poor default setup and TN film technology are definitely a letdown.
LG Optimus One P500 The LG Optimus One may not be your average killer gadget, but it sports a tempting pricetag, solid build, a nice looking set of features and Android 2.2 Froyo. True, it’s only got a moderately clocked CPU running at 600MHz, but with the performance boost from Froyo it feels reasonably fast and responsive most of the time and the plenty amounts of RAM gives it enough app-toggling punch. It’s not without its limitations – editing a complex Office document is painfully slow and video playback stops short of VGA resolution. Overall, the Optimus One can’t compete in the Android big league but great value for money is likely to draw many people away from feature phones.
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MOVIE HEREAFTER Three unrelated stories – featuring a disenchanted American medium, a French TV presenter in the descendent and a neglected London whippersnapper – unexpectedly entwine in Clint Eastwood’s otherworldly fantasy of fate. Written by Peter Morgan and starring Matt Damon, this is a consistently watchable affair boasting a set piece staging of the tragic Asian tsunami that will have you anxiously looking for the nearest lifebelt. Hereafter does have its moments – France’s performance is moving, while the scene where Damon discovers cooking-class partner Bryce Dallas Howard’s troubled past hints at the hardhitter this could have been. Despite stand-out moments both epic and intimate, Clint’s latest is a film about death that’s likely to put many audiences to sleep.
BOOK NAKED AMBITIONS BY JAD ADAMS What makes this book different from others is its demystifying the lawyer and the politician from his aura of Mahatma. But at the same time, Jad Adams has gone a little too far in finding contradictions in Gandhi’s life and at places, might appear insulting to the popular image of Gandhi. Despite his best attempts to sound objective, there is an Anglo-centricism in Jad Adams writing that all his research can’t conceal. His overemphasis on the impact of Christianity and Gandhi’s European friends and wishfully ignoring the Indian influences must be noted. Adams could have written a far better book if he could shed away the British ethnocentrism of looking at the entire world, especially the East through Anglo-Saxon eyes
Courtesy: Full Circle at Chamiers
MUSIC LOVE LETTER BY R KELLY After the lackluster sales of “Untitled” in 2009 he is back with “Love Letter,” his 11th studio album. The ‘Love Letter’ cements his place back in R&B music history. The album, although not perfect is flawless production wise, lyrically and vocally speaking. On “Love Letter” Kelly touches greatness when he is upbeat like on the title track “Love Letter,” remorseful in “How Do I Tell Her?” and jubilant like on the K. Michelle assisted “Love Is.” The Grammy-nominated first single taken from the project “When a Woman Loves,” reminds music lovers that the “Down Low” singer is also a very talented vocalist. Overall, R. Kelly’s ‘Love Letter’ is a pretty strong CD and that is very enjoyable.
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February 2011 TAXI 49
C R O S SWORD 1
2
3
4
8
5
6
7
ACROSS 8. Regret (7)
9
9. Salt of uric acid (5) 10. Lancashire town (5) 10
11. Pertaining to Mars (7)
11
12. Puts down (4) 13. Submerged up to the knees (4-4) 12
13
14
16. Turtle (8) 19. Packs tight (4)
15
22. One that tempts (7) 16
17
18
19
20
23. Anorak (5) 24. Unite (5)
21 22
24
DOWN 1. Wrist band (8) 2. Hire (6) 3. Avarice (5)
25. Disable (7)
23
25
Sudoku Sudoku
4. Inhabitant of Germany (6)
Fill in the missing spaces so that each row, column and 3x3 block have all the numbers from 1 to 9.
5. Fourth part (7)
Difficulty level: Mild
6. Nautical (6) 7. Hammer head (4)
8
1
v
5
14. Communicating corridors (8) 15. Skye town (7) 17. Comment (6)
20. Sudden (6) 21. Plant louse (5) 22. Compact by pounding (4)
4
5 3
4
9
6
8
1
3
3
1 9
3
6 5
52 TAXI February 2011
vV
5
18. Coniferous tree (6)
2
5
4
7
7
8 2
7
6
4
5
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