The Old Madras Baking Company has been around for a few months now and have opened their new branch today in Adyar. This bakery has the best Banana Bread we have tasted in the city, it was perfectly moist , the kind that melts in your mouth making you crave for more. The Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese is something else we tried and it was delicious as well. This Bakery has been creating waves across the city and now it is at easy access for people on the other side of the Adyar Bridge , if you haven’t been there yet this would be a good time to check it out !
Old Madras Baking Company in Adyar Now
Kingfisher Derby 2015
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28th edition of the Kingfisher Derby 2015 in Bangalore
The Taste of Telangana
Vijay Marur is an Advertising Professional who specialises in producing Corporate Films and is a Digital Marketing Expert. A television show host, a published author and a poet, he is an avid foodie and has written extensively about the different kinds of food available in Hyderabad. In an exclusive column for RITZ, he dives right into the melting pot of Telangana cuisine.
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Once upon a time, there was a state called Andhra Pradesh. It was an amalgam of three areas, Telangana, Andhra and Rayalaseema.
In the half century and more of common statehood the food of the Andhra region became synonymous with the state. Fortunately the state was bifurcated and Telangana, having got its fair share of land and revenue, is now poised to gain some recognition for its unique cuisine.
The taste of Telangana is driven by the people of the state. The state has always had royalty, both by way of the Muslim rulers and the Hindu zamindars. And the common man has been an integral part of its history.
The clear distinction between rulers and people has led to a situation where the food of the state has had to choose between appealing to the more extravagant palates of the rich and the more modest tastes of the common man. Too, the deciding factors that shaped the cuisine of Telangana are the crop patterns in the region.
As against the rice bowl wealth of Andhra, Telangana has always been more of a millet and roti kind of a place. Jowar and bajra feature prominently in the harvests of the state. So Jonna Rotte (bread made from sorghum), Sajja Rotte (bread made from penisetum) and in rare cases, Uppudu Pindi (broken rice) are the lead components in a meal.
The Telangana palate is hungry for spice and the dishes are ‘hot’. Whether it is the raw and basic Yerra Kaaram Podi (spicy red powder) or Yellipai Kaaram (spicy garlic powder) or a host of kooras (curries), pulusus (gravies) and vepudus (fries), the table is always set for a fiery encounter.
But painting Telangana cuisine with a spicy brush is not fair.
Let’s take a look at a few Telangana households and see what is typically served by these people.
Mrs. Suguna Narsinga Rao, a native of Nalgonda had this to say when asked about deciding on a simple menu for a guest who was keen on sampling Telangana fare. “The highlight of what I’d like to serve is that I prefer the Dosakayas (cucumbers) from Choutuppal (a small town outside Hyderabad). Once I have them, I make Dosakaya Pappu. The taste is divine. Then I make a good, thick Pappu Chaaru. I like to serve Stuffed Vankayas (brinjals) and I think chutney made from Beerakaya (ridge gourd) is pretty awesome.
For curries I can choose between Chuukakoora (red sorrel) or Pudina (mint) leaves and make something light and healthy.
It is custom also to serve bajjis – fritters. These can be made from brinjals or potatoes. Of course, we serve the famous Puli Hora. And sometimes some curd rice as well, especially with papads and challa mirapakayas. Dessert usually is Rava Kesari.”
Now see the difference when we spoke to Sabahat Ali, a long time resident of Hyderabad and a connoisseur of food.
We discovered that while there was a rich side to Hyderabadi cuisine with its Biryanis and Nalli Gosht, Marag and so on, there was a wholesomeness that crept in when a Hyderabadi decides to keep it simple.
“Maybe I’ll start my guest with some hot Chapattis and Chicken Khorma. The Khorma has to have a particular texture that makes it not too liquidy and not too solid either. The granularity is often the benchmark with Khormas. Then you have the classic Tamatar ka Cutt. Throw in some succulent Shaami Kababs and you’re good to go.
When it comes to the rice item, there’s nothing that can beat a Yakhni Pulao. Or even a Hara Boot Pulao. And to end it all on a sweet note, a serving or two of Phirnee.”
But talk to a caterer who specializes in serving multi-course dinners to wedding guests and his menu may be entirely different and richer in variety as well as in texture.
For example, you may be invited to start with Soups and Salads where the salad is green and the soup is Marag. Lukhmis, Haleem, Reshmi Kababs and a serving or two of Tali Hui Machchi could set the tone for the rest of the evening as delicious appetisers.
The main course would take you through a journey that stops at Lagan ka Murgh or Dum ka Murgh and takes you on to a typical Gosht ki Biryani.
You would also be offered a bread of sorts, a Sheermal perhaps. With Dahi ki Chutney and the all time favourite Mirchi ka Saalan.
For dessert they may not compromise. Double ka meetha, also known as Shahi Tukda is usually served.
What is obvious is that there is a huge Mughlai influence on the cuisine of Hyderabad, and by virtue of its popularity, on the cuisine of Telangana.
And it is interesting to note that the influence has not restricted itself to food alone. The typical Telangana man, or woman, is extremely polite and speaks strictly within the domains of protocol. The pace of life too has been dictated by a comfort loving, laid back, ‘Where’s the urgency?’ kind of attitude.
While this has meant that a ‘kal’ can mean anything in the future or in the distant past, and parson is the word that almost means eternity, the people by and large are loveable and extremely affable.
There is of course a wild side to the region. Wild boar, deer meat (Venison), Teethar and Bateyr (Quail and Partridge) are all delicacies. They are rare nowadays but you do get to try them sometimes. Like rabbit meat which used to be illegal, but is not now.
Vasanta, a Telangana village girl, now a Hyderabad housewife, remembers how they would make a special chicken curry (mildly spiced) and a mutton curry (spicy) in their village. Ulavacharu would be served and then there would be Semiya (Vermicelli) Payasam.
The two other dishes she remembers fondly are Jonna Sankati which is called Ghatka and had with Yellipaya Kaaram or mango pickle, and Sarva Pindi which is truly a Telangana flag bearer in the cuisine world.
Pickles too can be different from the Andhra varieties. “Here in Telangana, we make pickles without oil and with a generous use of mustard,” Suguna adds.
The cuisine of Telangana has been underplayed for decades. It is however a treasure chest waiting to be explored.
Sit down. Relax. Take a bowl of Vepudu Biyyam (puffed rice with a twist) that has been tempered with onions and a tadaka. And the world will stop and stare at you with envy…just before it says Jai Telangana.
Draw Of Lots
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Bollywood actress, Aditi Rao Hydari takes part in the ‘Draw of Lots‘ event held as part of the 28th edition of the Kingfisher Derby 2015.
Find your T Spots…
For those of you who crave mini getaways from the city, there’s a whole list of places that you might want to check out. Whether you are up for a few lessons in history or want to explore your devotional side, Telangana has a lot to offer. From forts to waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries, museums, temples to churches, here’s your go-to-list for traveling around Telangana.
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Hyderabad: The capital of the state and the home to the old city and lots of places to see. For sightseeing here, one day will never suffice. From the Charminar, to the Chowmahallah and Falaknuma Palace to the Qutub Shahi Tombs, a walk around Golkonda Fort etc – there’s so much for one to see and take in when you come to the city of pearls.
Adilabad: Known for its Nirmal Fort and the art and crafts that come with it. Adilabad is 290 km from Hyderabad and offers tourists a holistic experience with its historical temples, monuments and breathtaking waterfalls. The Pochera waterfalls located amidst a thick forest where the Godavari descends from a height of 20 m, is a sight to behold.
Ranga Reddy: For some filmy fun, there’s the Ramoji Film City, for some time with nature – there’s the Shamirpet Deer Park and Mrugavani National Park. There’s even adventure at Vikarabad as well as in Ananthagiri Hills. There are famous temples like the Chilkur Balaji Temple, Sanghi Temple, Keesargutta Temple and the likes to visit. It encircles Hyderabad, but to main Ranga Reddy it’s about 105 km away.
Mahbubnagar: For that peace and quiet by the seaside, your best bet is Dindi. There are always other sightseeing places like the Umamaheshwaram temple in the hills of Nallamala forests. Even Kollapur is a famous tourist attraction with architectural sites dating back to 2nd century BC. It is 96 km away from the city.
Warangal: A walk through of the splendor of the Kakatiya Dynasty… that’s what you get when you visit Warangal. From the 1000 pillar temple, to the Warangal Fort and the Khush Mahal and the Ramappa Lake – these places tell a story of the Kakatiyas like it is right out of a history book. Warangal is 145 km from the main city.
Karimnagar: If you’re into some wildlife spotting and crocodiles intrigue you, then the Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary is for you. Then again, if you’re a history buff, be sure to check out the Nagunur Fort, Dhulikatta, Elgandal Fort, Ramagiri Killa, Molanguru Fort and the likes. Also if you like sceneries, then the waters of the lower Manair Dam are breathtaking and only 165 km away from the main city.
Khammam: When you’re in Khammam, 194 km away from Hyderabad, you have to make a stop at Bhadrachalam. It is important for its pilgrimage and is situated on the banks of Godavari River. It is believed that Lord Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana visited this town during their exile.
Medak: This town celebrates the various festivals of Telangana very lavishly, specially, the festival of Bathukamma. It is a nine day worship of patron goddess of womanhood, Maha Gauri. Apart from temples that one can visit, there is also the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary and the Medak Cathedral that one can check out. The Cathedral falls under the Diocese of Medal and is known to be the single largest diocese in Asia. Medak is 104 km north of Hyderabad.
Nalgonda: It is the birthplace of famous Telugu poet Pillamarri Pina Virabhadrudu and is the abode of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. Nalgonda houses many tourist attractions like Yadagiri Gutta, Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple and Mellacheruvu. There are still traces of the Kakatiya dynasty in the city – especially in Mellacheruvu – one can see the splendid architecture. It is 101 km away from Hyderabad.
Nizamabad: Named after Nizam-ul-Mulk, the fourth Nizam, this city was earlier known as Indur and was the headquarters of the district. It houses a forest, Mallaram – an eco-tourism spot as well as the Nizam Sagar, a large reservoir located across the Manjira river and is 176 km away from the city. There is an archeological museum that showcased several artefacts that represent the past local civilization from the Paleolithic Era to the Vijayanagara Empire.
The Queen Reigns
Sania Mirza and her partner Martina Hingis staged a scintillating fightback to claim the Wimbledon women’s doubles title under the Centre Court roof lights. The top-seeded Indo-Swiss pair claimed a 5-7, 7-6(4), 7-5 win over Russians Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina on Saturday.
Sania was playing her first doubles final at Wimbledon while former world singles number one Hingis lifted the trophy with Helena Sukova in 1996 and Jana Novotna in 1998.
“For a match like this, the No.1 and No.2 seeds playing, it was the best match you could have asked for the tournament. It was unbelievably exciting. It was exciting to play. I really hope it was exciting to watch, too,” Sania was quoted as saying by Wimbledon.com.
Counting Bars Or Tying A Thali? – By Sanjay Pinto
Wooing a girl by first teasing her is an all too familiar template in Indian Cinema. What if it’s ‘unrequited’ love? The outrageous ‘rape and marry’ happily-ever-after ending in films is watched by audiences with a willing suspension of disbelief and hopefully lambasted by critics. What makes my blood boil is that this new low has been mooted in the real world by quarters that are meant to uphold the Rule of Law.
A cursory glance at Sec 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) will reveal that rape is a heinous, cognisable and non-compoundable offence. Shorn of legalese, there can be no negotiation or mediation between the offender and the victim. If the charge is proved, the culprit’s new address will be a state prison. To even suggest some sort of ‘out of court’ settlement is weird and militates against the very basis of criminal jurisprudence. A crime must have deterrence, not an incentive. The criminal deserves punishment, not a bargain. The victim needs justice, not sympathy. Judges and statutory bodies need to convict or acquit or censure, not settle. A property or monetary dispute between parties can be resolved through mediation. There has been unanimity among right thinking sections that a crime against the human body and soul cannot be treated on par with a civil dispute. That’s why we have separate Codes of Criminal Procedure and Civil Procedure.ediation for a rapist is not just a regressive idea but dangerous as well. It makes the victim a trophy for the perpetrator and takes away the fear of penal consequences. And where is the victim’s nod for mediation? Even in an arbitration proceeding, an arbitration clause needs to exist in the agreement.
That said, in the measure of our justifiable abhorrence for crimes, especially against women and children, we do need to make a distinction between rape using criminal force as in the case of Nirbhaya and statutory rape which is consensual sex with a person below a prescribed age. Under the IPC, it is 16 years. Now this brings me to another related point. The exception to rape under the IPC is in direct conflict with the definition of a ‘child’ under clause d) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO). Under this enactment, a child is defined as a person below 18 years. As far as married couples are concerned, if the wife is not less than 15 years, it is not rape. What about girls forced into early marriage? Where do they stand between 15 and 18 years? There are also false cases filed against men. Laws can be misused. These are areas that cry for solutions. Let our authorities mull over these lacunae instead of filmy compromises.
I keep hearing statements at seminars that ‘we have come a long way in dealing with crimes like rape’. Have we? Just last year, a veteran political leader in India’s biggest state shocked us all with his “boys will be boys, they will commit mistakes” gem trivialising rape. Then we hear of the moronic cause and effect equation between the way a woman dresses and rape. And what about that ‘painted and dented’ insensitive remark? Let me lay it out for these blighters. Even being wrapped up like an egyptian mummy is no protection against lecherous eyes. Absence of defence is not consent. Merely because there are no external injuries, it does not weaken a victim’s testimony. Physical wounds may heal. Psychological scars never do.
Our response to such crimes is also very knee jerk. By all means hold placards at candle light vigils. But a crowd at a landmark will not directly help a victim. It will help TV channels and newspapers get fodder for coverage. Ten volunteers to accompany a victim to court during each of those innumerable hearings will be a more meaningful display of support, especially when the accused will attempt intimidation.
The frivolous and utterly reprehensible film storylines can influence the common man. Judges and people in authority must be made of sterner stuff. And why do we selectively get influenced by such stone age film It should be conclusions like a rapist marrying the victim? Why don’t we get influenced by films where women learn martial arts and give their abusive husbands their just desserts? Remember Jennifer Lopez in ‘Enough’? Or the public giving criminals, even drunkards causing a nuisance, a sound thrashing? We ought not to get swayed by vigilante justice because there is the police for enforcement and there are courts to try offences. We can’t take the law into our hands. Neither can a rapist take a thali into his hands and tie it around a hapless victim. Those hands should be counting bars. Period.
Sanjay Pinto is a Lawyer, Columnist, Author & Former Resident Editor – NDTV 24×7
Michelle sports MK!
America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama was caught shaking a leg in a geranium and white gingham halter dress from the Spring 2015 Michael Kors Collection for a performance by Bruno Mars on the South Lawn of the White House recently.
Dino & Dhoni bond over bikes!
Dino Morea and the Indian Cricket team captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who have known each other for several years now, have more in common than their love for fitness and share a passion for swanky bikes too.
In fact, Dino was extremely impressed with Dhoni’s collection of Yamaha RD 350 bikes which also inspired him to get one for himself. The bike enthusiasts – Dino and Dhoni also shot an ad for an oil company recently that has been receiving overwhelming response.
Dino says, “From the time I first met Dhoni, a few years ago, until now, whenever we meet, it’s always a fun time. He has a great sense of humour. I have worked with him on a few occasions too, and as everyone knows, he is a thorough professional. We also enjoy each other’s company and also plan road trips”
MaFaiza at Fbar!
MaFaiza is a leading DJ in India spinning tracks that could keep you on your feet all night. She finally made it back to Chennai after almost a year to promote her new album MAximum Tour. She launched the album at Fbar and it was a night to remember, the club was grooving to her new album till almost two in the morning and she managed to keep everyone on their feet. The music scene in Chennai cant wait to have her back!
Chamiers – The Perfect Place To Unwind
This cafe is located on a bustling street but some how gives you the feel of a perfect quiet place to catch up on some reading or work . The Cafe’s interiors gives you the vintage feel and is beautifully done. The desserts over there are absolutely mouth watering , like the carrot cake. This is one place to go to if you’re looking for a quiet afternoon of alone time.
R A Puram, Chennai,
044 2431 1495
Peter Cat Recording Co live at Hard Rock Cafe, Hyderabad
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Delhi based Cabaret / Gypsy Golf / Bathroom Waltz band, Peter Cat Recording Co had there first gig in Hyderabad last night and what a show it was! Suryakant (Vocals/guitar/organ), Rohan (Bass), Kartik (organ/guitar/electronics) and Karan on beats, make the four band what it is.
Discovering Thailand’s Hidden Gems
There’s much more to Thailand than Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Virgin beaches, unexplored islands and new ventures towards eco-tourism await the enthusiastic traveller down south. Head to Krabi and its surrounding islands that are full of unique treasures and one-of-its-kind experiences for the conventional traveller and for those who like to take walk down the wild side. Archana Shenoy explores some of these hidden treasures.
Though the bright lights of a big city are seductive, its malls alluring and restaurants extremely tempting, it is often the lesser explored and populated areas of a country that offer a taste of authentic lifestyle, cuisine and culture.
Heading out of Bangkok and its mad traffic to serene Krabi, is probably the best thing we could have done. A short flight took us to the southern most part of the Thai mainland – Krabi town is set spectacularly amidst strangely shaped limestone karsts that jut out from amidst lush mangrove forests and surround spectacular beaches. After a local, but superbly prepared sea food lunch at a quaint way side restaurant in Ao Leuk, we headed for the Tree Top Adventure Park, Krabi’s newest attraction.
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Almost hidden beneath a dense jungle canopy and enclosed by piercing limestone cliffs, its discreet integration into nature contrasts the exciting and thrilling sensations adventurers experience here.
Unleash the Tarzan within you as you zip-line from one platform to another and from tree to tree, balancing yourself through an assortment of obstacles such as rope bridges, swings, flying skateboards and witch’s brooms, a tight rope walk and giant zip lines. This is Tree Top Adventure Park’s third location in Thailand after opening in Koh Chang, Trat and Pattaya, Chonburi.
After five years of expertise in fun and safe tree top climbing, innovations continue to flow with unique games and better ways of protecting trees. The half-day course includes a serving of fruits and refreshments, lunch, brand new challenges such as air biking, and much more!
A few gruelling hours later, our tired bodies protesting vociferously, but our mind on a high for more daunting challenges, we get on a local fishing boat from Krabi’s jetty and head to Koh Klang, a tiny fishing village located across the Krabi river.
Koh Klang
Koh Klang is not a paradise of white sand beaches. Rather, it offers great opportunities to experience a simple life by the sea, get pampered in uninterrupted peace, meet local people and soak in the traditional way of local life. Life on Koh Klang is an intriguing tapestry of ancient versus modern, interwoven with family, faith and local wisdom passed down through generations.
The village is charming and peaceful, located 5 minutes by boat from Krabi town, or about 15 minutes from Krabi International Airport and has been inhabited for over 100 years. At the time of World War II there were only 8 houses on Koh Klang. Families lived inland, well away from the coast. In the past 60 years, the population has increased to over 5,000. Most families are fishermen, some are into rice farming and tending coconut and banana orchards.
The island is accessible only by boat. There are no cars allowed here. Local Tuk Tuks, motorbikes and bicycles are the only vehicles allowed to ply on the island’s small, winding cement road. Friendly Muslim families who inhabit the island maintain a simple and modest life, which they are proud to share with visitors searching for an insight into authentic southern Thai culture.
It is a traditional fishing community where visitors can see the living relationship between islanders and the sea, observing daily life as the tides rise and fall. Community members use ingenious, local methods to capture fish, crabs and shellfish. Approximately 600 rai (the local meter for measurement as compared to the acre) of land in the interior of the island are dedicated to rice farming. Farmers on Koh Klang produces a variety of brown rice called ‘Khao Sang Yod’, which is considered delicious, due to its unique flavour, created by the region’s mixture of salt and fresh water. The island is surrounded by pristine mangroves with great bird watching opportunities. In addition to experiencing nature and culture, one can also visit several community arts and crafts like batik painting and mini-long tail boat rides.
This tiny, peaceful island is surrounded by sea, salt-water canals and large expanses of pristine mangrove forests, which together form an internationally recognised wetland ecosystem which seamlessly links mainland Krabi with the open sea. The mangroves are a nursery for marine life, providing a safe, protected environment for young fish to grow, before they head out to deeper waters. Diverse species of birds, marine and amphibious life also inhabit the mangroves.
Beaches on Koh Klang are not for swimming, the seawater is clear but the sand is brown and most parts are mudflats. For those who long for different experiences, the healthy mangroves and brown beaches offer a rare opportunity to join the fun of shell fish hunting. There are approximately 35 species of shells underneath the sandy beach. During low tide in the evening, housewives and kids are on a hunting mission.
Islanda Eco Village Resort
The resort was born from a sincere vision to craft a peaceful, comfortable haven, woven seamlessly into the natural and cultural tapestry of Klang island. Built in the style of a southern Thai fishing village, Islanda is infused with easy going, southern culture. The resort’s 30 stylish bungalows are spacious, simple, tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities. It’s a tranquil retreat for nature lovers who want to listen to the waves lapping and birds singing, breathe in refreshing sea air, and kayak along nearby mangrove forests with their fantastic flora and fauna.
Inspired by fisherman-style housing combined with traditional Thai living aspects, the resorts boasts of 30 bungalows, a restaurant and bar, an infinity salt water pool and its own lush kitchen garden. Every bungalow is divided into two parts; a spacious air conditioned bedroom and multi purposing room with an open air shower.
It is the only resort on Klang island and apart from three home stay-style cottages that are extremely basic and meant for only those who want to experience local living, there is no other form of accommodation available here.
Khao Khanap Nam
A very popular place to visit in Krabi is Khao Khanap Nam, a couple of ragged hills, the natural gateway to Krabi, stretching 100 metres out of the water. Inside Khao Khanap Nam are several magnificent caves with impressive clusters of stalactites and stalagmites. The only way to get there is by boat from the Chao Fah Bridge in Krabi.
The two hills, roughly 100 meters high, flank the Krabi River running between them to form a distinctive vista and the town’s most prominent landmark. To visit them, you need to take a long-tail boat from the pier; travel time is just 15 minutes. From there a magnificent set of stairs leads up to caves resplendent with stalactites, stalagmites and limestone deposits. Local history states that these caves were a hideout for the Japanese army during World War II and a large number of human skeletons have been found here. It is theorised that they are the remains of people who came and established a home at these caves, but were cut off by an inundation and quickly perished.
Khao Nor Juji
Khao Nor Juji is supposedly Thailand’s last piece of virgin and fertile forest. A winding wooden path cuts through dense foliage to finally emerge at the Emerald Pool; this fresh water pool is named such because of its crystal clear fresh water that resembles the colour of emeralds due to the type of algae that grows on the pool bed. The pool originates from a warm stream in the middle of Khao Nor Juji forest.
The intensity of the pool’s turquoise coloured water varies according to the light and time of day. A few hundred metres higher takes you to the Crystal Pool, another tranquil bit of forest land that surrounds a deep blue pool of still water that bubbles at loud vibrations or clapping sounds. The entire forest is home to some stunning flora and fauna and is being preserved by the local authorities.
Wareerak Hot Spring
A secluded hot spring retreat located along the bank of Khlong Tom River, just opposite the famous hot waterfall of Krabi province, Wareerak boasts of 14 units of tropical villas and cottages scattered around drinking quality mineral hot spring sources, exotic fruit orchard and tropical forest. They strive to promote better health through water, nature and wellness programs with award-winning hydrotherapy experiences, organic cuisine and truly natural surroundings.
The two small sources of 40 – 45 C spring water were discovered by chance in 1989 when digging ponds for a plantation. The water is clear and odourless; the PH value is 6.9 and is extremely rich in beneficial minerals. Also known for their hydrotherapy treatments – first dipping in hot water at 38° – 45° C and then cold water at 15° – 20° C activates the body to maintain its temperature. Benefits of hydrotherapy state that the system will be alert all the times, just like while exercising, which also results in a fresh and strong immune system.
A relaxed day at this tranquil spa was the perfect way to end our island vacation on a high note, before once again heading back to the bustling Thai capital city of Bangkok.
The Brand Man – Harish Bijoor
Men Who Mean Business
They’re a cut above the rest – more driven, more committed, more zealous and hence more successful. While Harish Bijoor is a brand guru who enjoys connecting culture with marketing genius, TT Varadarajan is a man known for his tenacity, business acumen and his passion for bikes. RITZ meets these successful CEOs from the South in an effort to gain a bit more insight their psyche and understand what makes them tick.
The Brand Man
He loves brands and thinks of himself as a brand-father and a brand-doctor combined in one. He can help you conceive brands and then help to give birth to and nurture them. A new avatar he’s been donning of late is that of a brand-killer as well. He can help you kill your brand slowly, monetizing its potential to the maximum, only to help you launch a new brand in its place altogether. Meet Harish Bijoor, the CEO of Harish Bijoor Consults and the brand guru who has fashioned himself into a genuine brand and thought leader – one who makes even the biggest names sit up and take notice of his unique strategy.
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“A career is a career is a career. I started off as a Group Management trainee with Brooke Bond India Limited (now HUL) in 1985. I started in sales and ended up heading brands in the category of tea and coffee and spices. That was my real beginning as a beverages person. I sold tea and coffee and spices and condoms (we sold Nirodh condoms for the Government of India then) into the real gut of India. This took me from the crass unreality of life in the big city to the gut of the country, where bulk still lives – the rural market,” tells Harish Bijoor, the man who is colloquially called the brand ‘guru’ of India. And it was from this point that he developed a passion for brands, beverages and the rural market in this first job of his.
Here he picked up the mindset of being very technical in understanding consumers. He picked up the skills required in understanding consumers and markets alike. Market research was a good ally. And he says had great bosses. Bosses who taught him how to work markets, and most importantly how not to work markets as well. The emphasis was on hard work, and he did all of it, spending 12 hours a day doing just that.
At that point in Bijoor’s career he tells us that good food was a casualty and good health was a casualty as well. “I actually spent the first twenty years of my career destroying good health and building a good career. A trade-off I now rue, but what the hell! Work-life balance came to life much, much later,” he says, showing absolutely no signs of remorse or regret for all that he had to do to bring his career life to the point at which it is today.
The jumps post this were quick and always on the upswing. He left Hindustan Uni Lever as a senior product manager looking after some of the biggest tea brands in the country and moved to Tata Tea Limited as a general manager (marketing operations). Here the mandate was for him to look at Consolidated Coffee Limited (today Tata Coffee Limited) and build a brand avatar for the company and its product offerings. “I travelled far and wide across the world of coffee and eventually ended up serving a three-year term on the Coffee Board of India under the auspices of the Commerce Ministry. I served on the committees of the Planning Commission as well, which helped me pen some of my very specific thoughts for the industry into the national plan,” he tells proudly.
From there it was a jump to Chief Operating Officer of Zip Telecom. “This was really my preparatory step into the world of consulting,” explains Bijoor. Zip Telecom was a start-up with very unique challenges where he served a very short stint of 18 months and on a flight to New York, finalised a plan to start up in the world of brand and strategy consulting.
Harish Bijoor Consults Inc. was born 14 years ago, and started small, with just one partner. Today, he has a team of 91 senior consultants across five geographical locations (London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Istanbul and India) who help the company leverage the businesses of 243 clients world-wide.
“Luck helped. My first client led to the second. And for four years I just had five clients and two people. And then suddenly, word of mouth cascaded and we were in business. I was forced to expand and recruit to the size we are today.
We are a zero-solicit consulting practice. Which means that we do not solicit business or do client lunches and pitches. We do work basis the word of mouth of our success. We do not participate in RFPs, tenders and pitches. We just do the work. We love doing work. I do not have a single business development manager in my company. And we are thrilled about that fact. Selling our work is not in our DNA. Our work is in our DNA. And our work speaks and keeps our order-books filled,” he says.
Today, when people want brand solutions, they make a beeline for his company. Bijoor insists that they do not spend a single rupee or dollar or yen on advertising and business development. “We are not allowed to bill for client food and wine ever. If any of us takes a client out to lunch, we need to pay from our personal monies, as it is against the ethic of the business we run and participate in as partners,” he tells us.
His current avatar is all about heading up a company that does diverse sets of work with diverse businesses, big and small. He works with start-ups with ease, just as he does with the biggest multi-nationals. “An additional facet to my personality is my public speaking avatar. Today, I do a fair bit of public-speaking engagements. To date, I have spoken 12,456 hours to corporate audiences. This takes me to exotic locations as well. And that’s a perquisite to boot.
“I write as well. I have two books in physicality and two more in my mind. I keep saying that I do basic things. I read, I write, I talk, I eat. I love food.”
For someone who wanted to be an IAS officer and did not manage to achieve that goal because he couldn’t get a decent rank, he’s come a long way. A sales career that took him places, an entry into brand management, which led him to switch jobs to a company that was looking for a brand-competent person to start its coffee venture. And then came telecom with his yen to see if he could survive in any other terrain except beverages. And a chance meeting with a VC on a flight made him jumpstart his own firm.
“Therefore, we are really an accident. A happy accident. I think people come to us as they see us to be small, nifty, quick and efficient. Yes, we are expensive, but that itself tells the entire story as well.”
In his own words as he says on his twitter handle @harishbijoor: “I live in Bengaluru, India. Love the city!”
His advice to young entrepreneurs: “Believe in relationships. Invest disproportionate amount of time into relationships as you build them. They are the only things you are left with at the end of the day.”
The Biking Aficionado – T.T Varadarajan
Men Who Mean Business
They’re a cut above the rest – more driven, more committed, more zealous and hence more successful. While Harish Bijoor is a brand guru who enjoys connecting culture with marketing genius, TT Varadarajan is a man known for his tenacity, business acumen and his passion for bikes. RITZ meets these successful CEOs from the South in an effort to gain a bit more insight their psyche and understand what makes them tick.
The Biking Aficionado
T.T Varadarajan’s name is synonymous with two things in India – super bikes and kitchen appliances. The former is his passion, the latter his business. The Maya brand of appliances has played a big part in modernising kitchens across the country. A 30-year-old brand today, the company was founded in 1978 and the first Preethi mixer rolled out in 1980. We catch up with the passionate biker and dynamic businessman.
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He’s 60 plus, but so fit, dashing and young at heart that he can rival any young turk today with his high-level business acumen and penchant for adrenaline rushes. The grandson of the legendary TT Krishnamachari, former Finance Minister of India, TT Varadarajan has been a maverick most of his life and he has no qualms in openly admitting that when he started his company Maya Appliances in 1978 he knew next to nothing about mixers and grinders. He says: “I just went through all the mixers and grinders available in the market, understood their best features and packaged them all into one machine.” The rest, as they say, is history.
Maya Appliances began its journey out of a 300-sq ft shed in Armenian Street (Chennai’s old economy commercial hub so to say) in 1978, with a 5-member team and a start-up capital raised by the promoter by pledging his and his wife’s insurance policies. For the next five years, the company’s products were marketed by TTK Industries, using the nationally-known brand ‘Prestige’ for exports and for the domestic market.
Looking back Varadarajan says, “l was keen to continue creating and innovating products and start an industry that offers livelihood and builds careers in the process. Appliances being the area where we had the network strength and experience seemed a logical place to start! In the mid-nineties, when all was seemingly going well, we had a huge set back in our business when our factory burnt down to the ground due to a short circuit in the electrical line. This was in December 1996 – just a week short of the biggest selling season of Christmas and New Year. While we lost almost everything, we did not let that affect our resolve. The business was resurrected with the unstinting effort of our employees, vendors and dealer and distributor partners who pitched in with support, finances and encouragement and got us back on our feet in no time!” After this Varadarajan says he realised that with hard work was the key to his success.
One of the most definitive moments for the business was when Varadarajan decided to unlock the value of the business he had built for over three decades in the sale process over 6 months in 2010. Post this was a period of reflection and resolve following which he felt the need to take the plunge again! “The brand Vidiem was born in 2013, when we were keen to re-enter the appliance business after a two year hiatus, having successfully migrated the earlier business in Kitchen Appliances to Royal Dutch Philips,” he explains.
While his business has kept him on his feet he’s still doing a lot in his free time. He says, “I enjoy finding new routes to ride motorcycles across the world, and when in town, take off for track days on Sunday at the MMSC race track.”
His company was instrumental in bringing California Superbike School to India in 2010. Founded by world-renowned motorcycle instructor Keith Code, the California-based CSS runs track schools in several countries around the world. Code has trained numerous motorcycle world champions around the globe in racing. India saw its first CSS programme in 2010, with the help of Preethi, the then leading mixer-grinder brand.
The school is dedicated to the improvement of riding skills for racing and street riding. “We run a camp every year in India around January / February. The Vidiem California Superbike School (as it is now called) has a larger objective of using revenues earned to support the discovery, mobilisation and training of talented youngsters who cannot otherwise afford to pay for training and track time. We also seek to improve the riding skills of every motorcycle rider to make him/her conscious of safe and skilled riding practices.”
He also adds, “I like working on greening and eco-conservation projects and much of it is focused in and around my factory and at my Kodaikanal home.”
His advice for young entrepreneurs – ‘If you back what you believe in, with smart work and persistence, rewards will follow.’
Deloitte Monsoon Regatta, Hyderabad
The World Military Games trials, that are now a major part of the Deloitte Monsoon Regatta, saw the first round robin close with the Army well on top with both Mutturajan and Ayaz Sheikh on top followed far behind by Imo Lemnok. While in the second round robin started with medium to strong winds Brijraj Verma surprised Mutturajan by halting his straight wins in the 8th race pipping him to second position.
The Monsoon Regatta is being held at the Yacht Club, Hyderabad.
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