Friday, March 5, 2010

Torque torrents!

At the launch of the newest pub in the city, Torque, we had the city’s young and happening dancing and enjoying themselves to their limits.
With a powerhouse performance the band drove the crowd into a frenzy that lasted quite a while!
Groove Adda as the name suggests are a unique breed, they tune in Desi style and still sound manage to sound groovy!

The young twenty something four member band boasts of a complete setup, and a female lead vocalist, Aditi Singh Sharma of DEV D fame, who by the way can sing Bolly, Rock and Pop with equal ease.
The guitarist, Gaurav Balani, was amazing and the rhythm section achieved pure beat, and that with the mellifluous singer took even the regular movie songs to a whole different level.
The band members have this amazing sense of co-ordination amongst them, and switch to every genre seamlessly.
On the whole, a truly explosive evening!

Calling Kallol!

As we sit down to chat about his latest Spring Summer 2010 collection, famous stylist and designer Kallol Datta dressed in one his runway pieces is as always candid and unassuming.

Your first visit to Hyderabad, how do you like it?
It’s only been a couple of hours, but I really enjoyed the trip from the airport and can’t wait to go shopping in the famous pearl bazaars.

Tell us a little about this collection, what was the inspiration?

Everyday objects that we tend to take for granted are the sources.
Something as plain as a toilet symbol of a stick figure girl, a dragonfly and cockroaches are featured in this collection’s prints, because I wanted to make something that would be engaging.
I have gone in for the Japanese Shaboree technique of rice grain printing this time and that has produced some very pleasant end results!

Your designs rarely if ever have any glam quotient, how and why is that?
Except for making a satirical statement, I am zero bling, all the time!
My childhood in the Middle East exposed me to too much of gold, sequin and everything shiny, and from then on, I have steered clear of them all as a rule.
As for embroidery, though I appreciate it in another’s work, it’s not really my style!

What is the must have in all your designs, is it a theme or a look or a fabric?

The theme is the collection, the look is always casual or grunge and never kitschy, the fabric is Cotton!
Though sometimes, depending on the piece, crepe or flat chiffon, light materials again will create magic.
I stick to Tie n Dye, various printing techniques and localized handlooms, cottons that allow the wearer to breathe and relax.
What defines each piece though is the plenty of drape that the silhouettes carry.

In your opinion so far, how has Hyderabad reacted to your work?

I have been sending in my pieces to Anonym from 2008, and what has surprised me is other than the usual designs, the Experimental pieces have always been a great success here, more than the other big metros. Thus, so far, it’s been a very nice experience!


Surprisingly, Experimental pieces are more easily accepted in Hyderabad!

Name: STRIKER

Director: Chandan Arora
Cast: Siddharth, Aditya Pancholi, Padmapriya

What is it about?
Depicting a late 70’s Bombay, this is the story of a guy who discovers his talent for Carom at an early age, and how it guides his life.
Set against a slum background, amidst the gambling and crime, we watch a kid grow up, discover his path to joy, lose it, and how his life leads him back to it.
The story revolves around this honest lad and the problems he faces all thanks to the evil slumlord, and along the way there are a couple of love angles, a sister-brother relationship and a childhood friend’s bad influence thrown in.

How Was It?

Striking in every wrong way possible, the movie if shorter could have passed off for an amateur’s attempt at an art film.
The only saving grace being the music and Siddharth’s awesome performance, the movie is incoherent and leaves us wondering why they waited till the second half for the good songs!
Replete with supposedly catchy dialogues and the viewer being told to time shift from 1977 to 1992 (Remember the Riots?) to the 1980’s, it’s a confounding screenplay.

Bottom-line, a disappointing Yorker, or wait, wasn’t it Striker?

Note this!

Stress is something that rules our lives today, and what better method to de-stress than music or dance.
Says, Mark, co-founder and teacher, Notes n Moves, “Music transports you to a different world, and is a wholesome method to relax!”



A trained guitarist and sitar player, Mark, along with co-founder, Hindustani Vocalist Bikash set up Notes’n’ Moves in 2008 as a centre for children and individuals.

The Hi-tech City branch is for corporate companies and their executives who can come directly from or before work.
Accredited by Trinity College of Music, they offer different course levels in guitar, violin, keyboard, drums and other instruments, in flexible packages and schedules.

For those wanting to shake a leg, dance forms from Hip-Hop to Salsa to Kuchipudi are taught by expert instructors.
It’s been a learning process for both the institute and the students, and depending on what they want, the students can go through the whole rigmarole of learning to play an instrument or just learn a few songs and light music over a short period.
They even conduct special workshops at corporate companies, for short periods, but whatever the method of learning; the basic syllabus is strictly adhered to for a solid foundation.

With a winning location, the fact that they can use the instruments in the center during their lessons is what moves their notes!

Although, they call it a class and a lesson, “It’s essentially all about having fun and jamming!” say the students.

Can’t escape a Lightscape!

"Colors are the children of Light", says renowned painter and writer, Mr. Magunta Dayakar.
The only artist globally dealing in Lightscapes, the man is all about passion for perfection.


From a rural background, a self taught painter and self confessed book worm, his latest series on Lightscapes, capture the play of light and color at twilight.
Chatting about art and painting, he tells us, “The laws of colors, the laws of design when combined with an individual’s perception, emotional experience and expression, together make it a true piece of art.”

Vivid, colorful and striking, the canvases at first glance seem just that.
Move closer, and intricate details and textures catch your attention in a seemingly semi abstract piece of art.

When asked if what he does is Modern art, he beams and says that this is art first and does not bear a tag.

Explaining more on the subject, he says that today, most people claim modern art to be something that is clashing, adventurous and jarring unlike traditional realistic art done during the renaissance.
Citing the example of Pablo Picasso, a great master of the style, he tells us that though his early work strictly was realistic art, his later modern art, followed all the same rules except for the change in detailing.

The present series transport us to ponds and springs in the woods and valleys, and to that he says, “Nature is all about order in disorder, and the forces of this dynamic equilibrium are an endless source of inspiration!”

But, Dayakar, has by no means finished with this, “To me the rules of colours and light cannot be defied whatever the style, and that is why this set of Lightscapes is just a beginning, and there is plenty of scope for different themes in this!” he says with all the zeal of a youngster!

His collection is on sale at Art Gallery of Light & Color, Sri Nagar Colony.

Treasure beyond measure!

Meant for children from the 3-12 years age group, and more importantly their parents, Treasure House aims at being an Experience Center.

For children below 5, accompanied by parents, the story and game times is learning and fun combined!
With over 3000 titles for children, they have a varied range of books from comics to mystery to poetry for children.
Kids can sit at the centre research their homework and read or even borrow books, whats more they can express their views and participate in creative writing workshops.
And it’s not just reading, children can listen to stories, play with puzzles, board games and join different clubs.
Workshops like Cooking, Painting and Nature Earth are held on periodic intervals, and children are exposed to the basics of each by expert facilitators.
The founders Shubha and Padma, who understand the value of quality time and bonding, in today’s hectic lifestyle, also offer special yoga classes for children and families together.
The unique feature of this centre being family weekend brunches where the parents have to be with the children, take part in various competitions followed by a brunch!
Weekends also mean special kiddies movie screenings in a comfy home theater along with friends.
All in all, an experience that not just children, but families can treasure!

It’s all in the Name Plate!

It’s all about personalization today, in every walk of life.
Even a taken for granted concept like Name plates has been turned on its head.
Usage of varied materials like ceramic, stone and glass makes and intricate detailing this an extensive industry with a lot of design potential, and caters to individuals, corporate, families and even children.

Made to order, according to the place, taste and budget, these stores deal in name plates, office signage, card holders, paper weights and even key chains!
So for that unique touch which will make a world of difference, all you need to do, is browse a catalogue!

Price Range: Rs. 750 – Rs 15000

More at Mulberry!

In an age where space is limited, outdoors have to be utilized too.
But furnishing those areas is tricky to say the least.

Mulberry, a Home Décor store has introduced some novel ideas and furniture that is functional as well as classy.
They have a range of Outdoor benches, tables, canopy beds and chairs that are available in sets and singles for mix and match.
Natural wood benches made with tree bark, plastic cane that looks completely natural, rustic wrought iron and wooden plank chair and tables, Chinese canopy beds, the range offers unique items that will suit every outdoor purpose, balconies and verandas, patios and lawns.
They also take orders that will be delivered in a month’s time and even help out customers with maintenance issues.

Style Pick: Leaf styled Lounger/ Recliner in White distress finish.
Price Range: Rs. 6500 – Rs. 70,000
Location: Road No 10, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

Pink or Blue, it’s all about U!

At a new location outside the exclusive one at Jubilee Hills Club, this is a treat for those in this part of the city.

Apart from the usual styling and salon services, they offer special pedicures and massages, foot reflexology and spa treatments.
The advanced de-tan and skin treatments are holistic and tailor-made for each skin type, and the different kinds of facials make it a complete rejuvenating experience.

For those long and trendy nails they have special Nail Art professionals designing for specific tastes with a variety of colours, glitters and even stone studding.
What’s more they have a one of its kind Tattoo parlour where you can even get coloured tattoos done.

So for makeovers of every kind, head to toe, you know where to go!

Price Range: Rs.100 – Rs. 2500
Location: Ground Floor, HyperCITY, Inorbit Mall, Opposite I-Labs Building, Hi-tech City, Madhapur.
Timings: 11.00Am-8.30Pm

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Interview with Navdeep!!!

Navdeep, the actor who got rave reviews for his performance in Arya 2 on movies, not being a star yet, and staying sane.


Never having to struggle hard to survive nor tasting real success so far, I’m Successfully Surviving!



Positive feedback for a non-lead role, so will we see more of you in this avatar?
It’s nice to see my work appreciated as an actor, and especially as I was advised by everyone against it!
Though I was a little apprehensive about it, the way in which the character was portrayed and the honesty of the film makers who approached me for this made me accept it.
And I’m more than happy that the risk paid off but for now, I’m going to focus on playing the lead roles.
So, what got you into acting?
I come from a grounded, educated family and post Intermediate waiting for results and nothing much to do, I realized I wasn’t cut out for a 9-5 job and I didn’t want to spend the next few years running the rat race.
Since I had been repeatedly told by numerous people that I could try acting, and there were auditions going on for Teja garu’s Jai, a friend of a friend got me in and after that, things just fell into place!
Most of your movies have you playing the loverboy, what about your forthcoming roles?
Om Shanti and Yagam are my next movies, and hopefully they will change that image completely.
In Yagam, which is a dark thriller, I play the lead, with a lot of negative shades and unlike a conventional hero; will be doing a lot of random things!
The choice of work that I do is still in my hand, and luckily the audiences will appreciate my performance in Om Shanti and go along with the image change!

Do you think that not being an Industry insider or a star son is a stumbling block?
Definitely not!
The industry is a very fair place and you are treated the way you treat others.
If being successful goes into your head and you forget who you are, where you are from and what you are worth, then that’s a problem.
Never having to struggle hard to survive nor tasting real success so far, I’m Successfully Surviving! To be honest, I have been very lucky so far, and it has been a No-sweat job with the red carpet laid out with opportunities and for that I’m thankful to the Industry.

Quick 5
Favourite Color: Mostly I prefer wearing whites!
Favourite Movie you’ve done: Chandamama
Favourite Cuisine: Nothing specific! I like to experiment for every meal!
Favourite Movie: Notebook
Dream Director: Aamir Khan, if he ever directs a film!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Nawabs, Nizams and Nostalgia

A new theme restaurant, Nawabs and Nizams, offers Awadhi or Lucknawi cuisine, first time in the city.
With a catchy name and striking red and black interiors filled with old photographs, the ambience transports you in time, away from the hub dub of the road outside.
Nawabi items like Kakuri Kebab and Chapli Kebab, Nihari Gosht and Akhni Pulao known to be very spicy, are made by specialty chefs with secret ingredients.
However they have an extensive menu, with something for every palate from Shahi Sheekh Kebab to Do Pyaza and Biryani to Chilly Chicken for very reasonable prices.

With take away, delivery and dine-in options, they cater to the office goers and night shift executives from the IT Sector.

Must have: Galawati (Tunde) Kebab, Midnight Biryani and Double ka Meetha.
Meal for two: Rs. 300- Rs.500

Location: Beside Lilliput, Hi-tech City Main Road, Madhapur
Contact: 9700136269
Timings: 11.00Am to 11.00Pm

Curry in a Hurry!

After a long day at work, cooking a meal or an expensive dinner is daunting for many.
On this thorough fare, during the evening frenzy, these food joints with an amazing range of options are conveniently located.

There are eat-in and takeaway places that offer snacks, chat and juices, sweet shops with traditional delicacies, Chinese and Pizza places, all of them small and hygienic.

Curry points offering traditional home made fare, fresh and steaming hot, do great business during meal times.
Some offer the full course South Indian Thali with pickles and papads while some sell Paranthas with butter and Sarson ka Saag, and typical Tandoori style rotis and kebabs.
Predominantly Vegetarian, there are a few places with delicious Biryani and Seafood Items also doing home-delivery.
There are a lot of family run eateries here bringing together people from East Godavari to Punjab, so on your way home, if you want a great street side ambience that is essentially Indian, you know where to go!
Meal for Two: Rs. 50- Rs. 100
Check out the Mughlai Paratha, Desi style Pizzas, Raagi dosas

LOCATION
Opposite Kalanjali, Malaysian Township Circle, KPHB Phase 9, Hi-tech City to JNTU Road, Kukatpally
Timings: 11.00Am-8.30Pm

Gadgets galore!

Sounds like another typical gadget store meant for geeks and guys?
Braved it, and was pleasantly surprised without being overwhelmed.

Now Gadget, the newest venture by electronics and appliances company IIIrd Eye, this is an exclusive store for everything gadget set up in a space of 5000sq.ft.

Though it’s a large store, the layouts with accessible, eye level displays invite you to touch and check out the features of each piece.
Incidentally that is the USP of the store, which boasts of items like binoculars, telescopes, view finders and even a baby grand stand piano.

They have watches, most brands of cameras, digital and SLR, laptops, mobiles and accessories like headphones, speakers, routers, and printers.
With a strong belief that a comparison of specs and prices is necessary for all products, they sort items by types and not by brands, making it easy for the customer.

Service and after sale support is also available at the outlet, even for those who bought them elsewhere!

Targeted at youngsters and professionals, they stock trendy models, all sorts of accessories from extra cables to docking stations under one roof, making it your first and last stop in this category!

Location: Ground Floor, Aparna Crest, Opposite KBR Park, Banjara Hills.
Contact: 040-23553216
Timings: 11.00Am-9.00Pm

Brainplex, where learning isn't complex!

Edutainment or education through entertainment is a novel concept that Brainplex, the newly opened centre for children focuses on.

Core basics like Mathematics, Science, and English, Spelling, Reading comprehension and Creative writing are taught through lessons in the form of games, puzzles and challenges.
Totally computer based, this conceptual software was developed by Stanford University, USA.

Children can revise known concepts and learn new ones all the while thinking it’s a new computer game!
The software is such that it adapts to the skill level of each student and can help those who are academically backward or have learning difficulties.
Automatically generated reports help keep track and also give suggestions for tweaking the lessons as per student’s area of interest!

Children can also win their hand at Virtual Reality games on the game box or take home cool toys by earning their coupons through these game lessons.
The programs are on 2 or 4 or 6 hours a week basis, and completely flexible.
Thanks to this innovative and interesting activity, after school hours will no longer be the same again!

Location: First Floor, Plot # 8, Opposite Botanical Gardens, Kondapur.
Contact: 90000 80570
Timings: Weekdays- 3.00Pm – 9.00Pm, Weekends- 10.00Am – 8.00Pm

In an Orbit of it's own!

The newest weekend destination, Inorbit Mall in Hi-tech City is a welcome addition.
It’s the hugest of its kind, it boasts of 6, 75,000 sq.ft of built up area excluding the sit outs, gardens and walkways.

Under one roof, they have leading retail chains like Hyper city, Shopper’s Stop and Lifestyle.
With a food court spread over two floors, a parking that equals it in size, and a Cinemax opening soon, it’s got everything you can ask for.


Lifestyle
A brand known for its International quality and wide variety, they need no introduction.
The good thing here is that, from Splash to Home centre, they have all of their brands here, making it easier for those who swear by this brand!

Shoppers Stop
Starting something new this year, this usually sedate chain is going places, literally.
This new branch is spacious and has attractive displays, and their revamped style is delightful to all customers, young and old alike.

HyperCITY
Departmental stores have just gotten outsmarted, HyperCITY houses them all and more at one convenient spot.
This newest and biggest retail chain to come to Hyderabad provides customers with an international level shopping experience.
Take the usual large supermarket; add home appliances and electronics, furniture, gym and sports gear, apparel and you still have other categories.
A separate imported food and meat section, a Crossword and the usual Coffee day, nothing is forgotten.
Multiple exits and entries, colour coded parking lots, travelator for all your shopping trolleys, this has everyone going hyper! Especially on the Weekends!

With accessories assuming more importance than outfits, there are different stores that cater to different styles and budgets and provide plenty of choice.
Accessorize has trendy items mainly targeted at youngsters.
They have pretty ear rings, bangles, cool chains, bags, belts and hair bands, which can be mixed and matched for a head to toe unifying style.
With affordable price tags and decent quality, this is a sure hit.
Price Range: Rs. 100- Rs. 1000

Zuni is a store that primarily deals in ornaments with semi precious stones.
Ethnic accessories for Indian wear; there is a lot of variety with traditional and contemporary designs.
Sought after by women who want to glitter without burning a hole in their pockets, they offer something for everyone.
Price Range: Rs. 1500- Rs. 3000

Ayesha is a tiny store that is surprising, eclectic and funky.
Apart from the usual ear rings and accessories, they have delicate chains and bracelets in silver, bold pieces in brass, hair clips and hats, cloth, straw and even sequined!
Price Range: Rs. 50- Rs. 1200

Baggit, the purses and bags brand has finally setup a flagship store with an amazing collection of bags, party purses, clutches and daily wallets.

Made primarily of faux leather in trendy colour combinations, the different styles of purses and wallets are meant for women of all ages.
The steady dependable wallet that matches all your outfits, the big hold all, the dream clutch for that party, and now cute loafers and casual slippers that are non leather, all their items are must haves!
Functional and fashionable, this brand bags our loyalty with ease.
Price Range: Rs. 600- Rs. 2000

Most of the mall is still waiting to be filled up; a look at the other notable stores so far.

Maple Gallery
Kitchen and lifestyle products for the new age woman, which even men want!
A light and spacious store with eye catchy products and stylish shelves and racks, it is a crowd puller.

Regular cookware has been given a new twist; other than electric cookers, choppers, flasks their toasters and coffee makers are a huge hit amongst youngsters.

Great performances are guaranteed for modest prices and their after sale support is extensive!
The tag reads, Ideas for better living; and the cordless irons are a true testimony to that!
Check out the Centrifugal Juicer and Hand Blender
Price Range: Rs. 495- Rs. 4595

Jashn

A Bombay based Sari and Indo- Western wear boutique for Urban Women, this is the flagship store.
With in-house designers, craftsmen and weavers spread across India, the use inherent textile arts.

They combine traditional forms like Awadhi Chikankari and Zardosi with Chiffons, Crepes, Banarasi and South Indian Silks.

Bold and sensuous, their designs are sophisticated and fashionable.
Also available are Bridal Wear, Lehangas, Salwar Kameezes and Fusion Wear in a host of styles and price ranges.
A celebration of the modern Indian Woman, the store will tempt and entice every one!

Check out the Printed and Embroidered Chiffons and stylish Valkalams.
Price Range: Rs. 1000 – Rs. 1, 00,000

The Body Shop

Pampering yourself has just gotten healthier and more fun than ever!
Known for their strict No animal testing policies, they have 100% vegetarian Personal Care Products.

Their entire range of skin, hair, spa and aroma therapy and baby care products are made from uniquely sourced ingredients around the world.
From Tea tree oil to Seaweed, Aloevera to Maca root, they go the natural way.
What’s more, their new cosmetics range helps in protecting the skin!

The scientifically researched products with special focus include the Wise Woman range for older women and the Buriti Oil range for babies.

From creams, scrubs and toners to shampoos, conditioners and serums, the list is long and impressive.
And amongst them are perfumes, body mists and deos, all Non-Alcoholic.

With advisors on makeup, skin care and hair problems; they are passionate about helping their customers, worldwide.

Check out the new Back to 80’s Limited edition and special Gift Range.
Check out the Honey & Oat 3in1 Scrub Mask
Price Range: Rs. 750- Rs. 2500


Location: Inorbit Mall, Opposite I-Labs Building, Hi-tech City, Madhapur.
Timings: 11.00Am-8.30Pm