Bangalore girl Sandhya Aiyer Oza bid an emotional goodbye to the city and her friends as she and her family relocated to London. The former Mrs Universe constant made her presence felt in the Garden City during her five-year stay here with her interesting grooming classes and modelling assignments that not only made her a well-known face, but also a much loved presence on the city’s social circuit.
We’ll miss you Sandhya. Come back soon to visit….
After 20 years in the industry Gisele Bündchen is saying goodbye to the runway . She started her career when she was 14 and has been a leading model in the industry . She isn’t quitting the fashion industry ,just the ramp to focus on other projects she has. During her last show all the other models applauded her as she walked down the ramp for the last time. 
Double Roti being the name of this place sounds very misleading, but no it isnt Indian food .This little restaurant serves probably the best tasting burgers in the city ! The patties are perfectly cooked to melt in your mouth. the Buns were done to perfection giving the burger a little crunch to it . The menu has some interesting things on it like tandoori chicken fries which are definately a must try . On the whole this place is a must try if youre in the mood for a great burger and large portions !
Banglore’s Sarayu Hegde gave her husband Praveen Chandra the best birthday gift ever! To celebrate his landmark 40th birthday, the pretty lady compiled a book of photographs, memoirs, memories and lovely words from her husband’s family, friends and loved ones. She called the book ‘Forty Shades of PC’!!
We think this is one thoughtful and precious gift. Wonder what you’re going to come up with next year, Sarayu?
Our latest find is a cute little Mexican restaurant in Gachibowli called Habanero.
If you’re looking for authentic mexican food that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, this stand alone is your place! We loved the hard shell chicken tacos, pork burritos and the Fish Veracruz. Vegetarians need not worry, there’s enough to choose from as well. Those who love brews, you might just find some Hoegaarden and Stella if you are lucky. This is the only place in Hyderabad that serves these beers.
The Black Rabbit has a big surprise for Bangalore’s cricket fans this weekend. Catch renowned cricketer Chris Gayle playing his own set and bartending for all the guests this Friday, April 17th, 2015 from 08:00 pm onwards.
Come to The Black Rabbit to be part of the fun!
Sancho’s Bangalore, the true reflection of the Mexican gastronomic culture is hosting a special event to celebrate its one year anniversary. The Mexican Chilli and Margarita festival, a month of good times with delicious food and great music from April 14th to May 31st.
The anniversary menu is tastefully curated by Chef Vikas Seth with mouth watering appetizers to luscious mains to delectable desserts. “We want people to experience more of the Mexican palette, more spice, and more flavours. Most of our dishes are hearty portions, which is loved by all. And that’s how we want to maintain it” quotes the Chef.
It’s time to bring out the summer wear and what’s better than adding a pair of pretty wedges to your summer outfit!
For those of you who are shoe-a-holics, this one’s specially for you. Crocs have just come out with their summer themed footwear and we think these wedges are cute! Especially the chevron print one!
Summer’s here and if you are on the hunt for some new accessories this season, then check out the new collection by Ayesha accessories. The new line “Get shady” includes a set of brightly colored hats, printed baseball caps, funky sunglasses, jelly bags, and chunky jewelry sets. This collection inspired by the sun, waves and fun, is available at their head quarters in Pondicherry as well as other Ayesha stores.
Home is where the heart is, they say. Looking at Archana (better known as Archie) and Jayanth Paranji’s beautiful abode, we know the saying strikes a true chord. Deeksha Marur takes a walk through through their house only to find out that this beautiful home is the one place where the couple find absolute comfort and peace.
The house of film director Jayanth and event planner Archana Paranji will give you a glimpse into the kind of people they are – warm, loving and friendly, reflecting their vibrant personalities. Walk into this Jubilee Hills abode and the unique fragrance of damp earth, from all the plants in the surrounding garden and driveway, welcomes you. At the porch, you’re greeted for the second time by Doofus, their six-year old golden retriever, who sits wagging his tail holding a ball that he refuses to give anyone.
Once you cross the driveway and get up onto the porch you can see a stone carved statue of The Buddha’s head to the left, and by the door, there are lights, candles on the floor and small paintings that adorn the walls. The porch extends into a luscious garden where a Krishna statue is positioned right in the middle. Bird ornaments and wind chimes, as well as a string of lights, hang from the branches of the trees, which when lit look like fireflies in the night.
On entering the house, you get a glimpse of the informal and formal living rooms. To the left is a low table with pictures of the
family and three lampshades to the side that brighten up the passage. On the left is the informal living room and to the right
is the formal one. We enter the formal living room that is done up quite cozily. With a beige sofa set and one contrasting orange two-seater, this room according to Archana is her favourite. “All my meetings happen here. I think the room is really pretty.” The many elements like the brass tea light holders, the antique telephone and the wrought iron chandelier, make this a cute setup.
The Paranjis are enthusiastic connoisseurs of art, which explains why there’s a painting in almost every corner of the house. Archana says, “I pick up every piece of art with such passion because I love art and colour. Every corner of the house has a pop of colour and paintings on the wall.” In the formal room, they’ve got two miniatures by T Vaikuntam and one big painting by Ramesh Gorjala. In what is the family room-cum- dining and bar area, it is the bright orange wall that grabs one’s attention. Even more arresting are the mixed paintings of Lord Krishna and Radha done by G Subramanian, an artist from Chennai. On the same wall is a huge vertical Anand Panchal painting that stands out just as much!
Apart from paintings, you will notice that in every nook and corner of the house are different types of light fixtures. “Like I said,
I love playing with colours, so wherever there was a dull wall, I’ve added a splash of colour and some lights to brighten it
up,” says Archie. The family living room has a wooden staircase that leads up to the master bedroom and her son Shantanu’s
room, as well as her own workstation. The master bedroom has more paintings and a bright yellow wall with a television perched on it. The room is done up with lights just like the rest of the house, and by the bedside, is a cute little tea set
for Jayanth whose current obsession is Darjeeling tea. She says, “Jayanth came back from a trip to Darjeeling and he’s been obsessing over tea, he kept asking me to make him some and I refuse to make chai for him in the morning everyday… so I
got him this tea set, with a kettle, and small boxes for the tea and sugar. Now he makes his own chai whenever he feels like it.”
On our way back down, Archana points out that the wall behind the staircase is her “black and white” wall decorated with different sized paintings by various artists. “Apart from paintings, since I love lights, I’ve added candle stands wherever possible, like the silver stand near the stairs. There’s also one near the dining table below one of my favorite paintings, some on the dining table and some on the coffee tables,” Archana shows us. Going past the dining table is the way to another garden, a place
where they usually have get-togethers. There’s a make-shift bar by one side and the other has a division done up with creepers and plants. “I love greenery as you can see; this part of the house is where I let plants grow wild, because I like the fullness that it adds to this corner.”
On taking her leave, we ask her if anyone has helped her decorate the house and she says, “I’ve done everything that you see. I couldn’t get anyone else to do it. The house is exactly how I want it to be, the splash of colours, the kind of art, the lights and everything… it has our personality!”
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The onset of the Karnataka Fashion Week 2015, brought to Bengaluru it’s preview of what one can expect at the show during 30th April and May 2nd. Glimpses from the press meet at Leela Palace.
Meet Amita Desai, the Director of the Goethe Zentrum, (German Institute), Hyderabad. Her work gives her a wonderful platform to learn new things, meet new people, connect with artists, academicians and amazing audiences of all ages and with all sorts of interests, so much so that there is never a dull moment.
Text-Deeksha Marur; Photo credits: Santosh Kumar
She lived her childhood all across Chicago, Delhi, Hamburg and Paris with her family. There was a time she says, where she stayed abroad more than in India, though now that ratio has tilted in the right direction. She lives with her two dogs in Secunderabad and has two lovely daughters, who helped convert her into veganism. “My girls are conscientious, thinking and feeling young ladies! There have been numerous incidents that led me to look up the links they used to send me, particularly my younger one. I was aghast to learn how I was participating in exploiting animals so that I could eat milk produce with every meal, use toiletries and cosmetics which were tested on animals, like rabbits – and we used to have rabbits as pets for a long time!” she explains, shock still radiating from her as she speaks.
She could not love animals, have pets and selectively protect some while looking the other way for others, she confesses and says that she felt it was wrong to live a selfish life and knowingly allow pain to other species. Amita adds, “When I saw videos on how cows were separated from their new born babies, not even allowed the physical proximity all young ones need, and how both the mother and the calf would cry heart renderingly – I had to do something.” So Amita’s turning vegan was a conscious decision, triggered by her children and most decidedly for ethical reasons. Though the numerous health reasons to avoid animal products were a bonus, she feels much better as her constitution and character underwent a huge change, for the better.
Amita believes more in the philosophy of the movement rather than the elitist trend that it is made out to be. She informs us that primarily vegans avoid all animal products – leather, fur, cosmetics or products that are created by animal testing and of course, the most obvious avoidance is all dairy produces, meat, eggs and such. Some also give up honey, she says.
So what does the meal of a vegan consist of? “For me, my meals are delicious and plant-based – every meal is an exciting and
consciously created menu. It was the first time in my 50 odd years that I became aware of what I was allowing on my plate
(and what I was vehemently dis-allowing on my plate!)” Amita says she became aware of what natural and local organic
produce is; which food has preservative and where the nutritional values were.
Through veganism, she began to lead a more aware and healthy existence. “I consume plenty of salads, all legumes, nuts, sprouts, fruit, and such – an exciting range of products to experiment with,” she adds further. But surely there are difficulties that one comes across, especially when eating out or even traveling. “It is regretful that a country which has historically had a
plant-based healthy diet is rapidly and blindly espousing fast food and junk food habits. It hurts to see how market forces
are undoing the good practices,” says a concerned Amita. Though while travelling she says, “One has to be better prepared,
carry your fruit or nuts along. What is wonderful is that every meal gives us an opportunity to talk about veganism when
ordering food.”
Speaking of opportunities, growing up in the 70s in Germany, Amita saw the country say no to Nuclear and Atomic
Energy and turn towards recycling, reducing and reusing waste, and an organic, eco-friendly lifestyle. And thus, it was natural that she would bring about her experiences to the Goethe Zentrum. “Some of my colleagues and I have been able to create a more natural environment at the center. We began to blend the political philosophy and social considerations from both India and
Germany and espouse ‘Green Living.’ We are happy that all of the office uses paper on both sides, envelopes are reused,
plastic is avoided, water is used sparingly, and we have created a green wall; we also use solar energy for all our electric use.
There is a clear change in our thinking and with 30 or more people and their families practicing such an environmentally
conscious lifestyle, it does give one a reason to celebrate,” she concludes.
This gorgeous 24-year old studied design in London School of Fashion and now works with her father at Calonge, a well-known brand of leather goods and accessories.
How do you perceive street fashion?
Street fashion is dressing according to what you are comfortable in but also showing of your personality.
What would you wear to the following places / occasions?
The mall and cinema – I would probably dress the same to both places, in a pair of jeans and a casual top.
Lunch with friends – You’ll most likely see me in a dress similar to what i am wearing for this shoot, or a really nice top and a skirt.
A casual evening party – For an evening out, it would probably be something black because i love the colour – so maybe a lace top or a dress.
Your favourite brands?
Forever 21 and H&M among others.
How would you describe your sense of fashion?
My sense of fashion is based on what i feel comfortable in and whether I personally find it trendy. You’ll never see me blindly following a trend. I need to first like it.
He is one of india’s leading sports presenters and commentators, having worked on properties like the iCC Cricket World Cup, the pro Kabaddi league, Hockey india league and the indian Super league Football.
How do you perceive street fashion?
I’m not someone who’s big on brands or following trends so as clichéd as it sounds, i think street fashion is just wearing what makes you comfortable and suits your personality at the same time.
What would you wear to the following places / occasions?
The mall or the cinema – You’d generally find me in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt paired with boat shoes or even just a pair of flip flops.
Lunch with friends – i’m a pretty go-with the-flow kind of dresser but at a brunch i’d probably throw on a pair of coloured chinos and polo t-shirt with a pair of sunglasses (my biggest vice when it comes to splurging on fashion).
A casual evening party – i think everyone enjoys sprucing up every now and then, so for a good night out I’d throw on a fitted button down shirt and maybe a blazer, a pair of jeans or chinos and my favourite brogues with a belt to go with it.
Your favourite brands?
It’s no secret that Zara make clothes that just fit well, so too Louis Phillipe with their trousers. While i said i’m not massively into brands, if i do splurge it would have to be Hugo Boss, Tod’s for shoes, Sunglass Hut (where i should be a Vip member) and TaG Heuer for a bit of wrist bling.
How would you describe your sense of fashion?
Being a former cricketer and now a sports presenter, i’d say my sense of fashion too is definitely influenced by that. I’d also be lying if i said i don’t love shopping, something my entire family mocks me for!
[wzslider]Walk into the house and you feel you’ve been transported back to one of Kerala’s beautiful, sprawling mansions. Spread over a huge acreage, you enter Casa roja through a quaint cobbled stone driveway leading to the entrance of the house. The clay tiled roof slopes beautifully over pink Laterite bricks which fit perfectly into each other eliminating the use of cement and thereby keeping the house cool. Once you enter, you see a beautiful formal dining room that the couple say is rarely used. as you look past the dining room nothing will prepare you for the absolutely gorgeous veranda that overlooks a pond filled with lily pads, fish and hovering dragon flies. Behind that is a lush garden replete with fruit trees. The veranda is fully equipped for entertaining guests with a bar situated on one side and a restroom for visitors on the other. The veranda also has an entrance to the kitchen, making it the perfect party space for the family and their guests. The space is decorated with antique artefacts that Maria and Ranjeet have been collecting over the years. “The rooms are filled with antique cupboards, chests, chairs and lamps that the we love to collect,” tells Maria with a smile as she walks with us into the adjoining kitchen. “The kitchen is large and spacious and is divided into three sections – the first being for light cooking and baking, the second is for daily cooking plus a utility room.”
Moving to the upper level of the house, the stairs immediately catch your eye, due to the wonderfully coloured handmade tiles from Mexico, that line them. Upstairs you find the bedrooms and one more entertainment room for the family fully equipped with a foosball table as well as a television. The couple’s twenty two year old son’s room is decorated to his taste of old rock music with posters and a beautiful leather couch. Their nineteen year old daughter has personally painted a wall in her room, and has little trinkets hung tastefully around that which she has collected from various art boutiques. The master bedroom is simple but elegantly decorated with just an edge of spunk provided by the uniquely styled closet, with wooden doors, covered in sections by colourful fabric, adding a vibrant feel to the room. The detailing and attention given to this house is clearly visible in the architecture as well as the decor. after putting their heart and soul into this project and seeing the stylish outcome, ranjeet and Maria have now begun to take on clients looking for interior decorators for their homes. “We only take on one project at a time because of the time, effort and work that goes into getting each home and each room to the expected level of perfection,” tells Ranjeet.
Is that a bird, is that a plane… no it’s Superman! Er, Superwoman we mean!!
If you haven’t heard already, Lilly Singh, made famous from her youtube Channel – SuperWoman, will be touring India in May. Her ‘A Trip To Unicorn Island World Tour’ has got an astounding response that led to a sell out of the tickets for all the shows in less than 24 hours! Given the kind of phenomenal response it has received, Lilly Singh along with Culture Machine – The Digital Video Entertainment Company presenting the India leg of the tour have added extra shows to the schedule and Lilly will now be performing multiple shows in three of the four planned cities in India.
So here’s the schedule for fans.
19th May – Mumbai
20th May – Delhi
21st May – Delhi
22nd May – Mumbai
23rd May – Hyderabad
24th May – Bangalore
26th May – Bangalore
