SEPTEMBER 2020
LIVE HEALTHY, STAY FIT
Secrets of artwork in hotels Chef Tips and tricks of Sanjana Patel Dessert Queen’s social media content favourite six Sustainable packaging: Top picks
Oncofertility Hope for cancer survivors
VidyutVidyut JammwalJammwal Handle with care
SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 1 LIVE HEALTHY, STAY FIT Letter from the Editor VOLUME NO.10 • ISSUE NO. 08 SEPTEMBER 2020
EDITOR Philip Mathew CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR & DIRECTOR Riyad Mathew SUBEDITOR Oshin Grace Daniell SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Priyanka Bhadani, Pooja Biraia Jaiswal ART EDITOR M.T. Jayakrishnan The pandemic has not only brought about fear but also DESIGN Sujesh K. change. Some call it a hassle while others call it the new normal. Whatever it Ajeesh Kumar M., Sumesh C.N. is, the change has had its set of positive effects on the lifestyle of people. Right EDITORIAL from many entering the kitchen for the first time during the lockdown to reach- Karthik Ravindranath, ing out for the hand sanitiser every now and then, the fear of the virus has defi- Reuben Joe Joseph, Nirmal Jovial nitely been the beginning of mindful living. Surely, these are troubling times but PHOTO RESEARCH human beings are resilient, proof of which are the kind of innovative technolo- Bimal Nath C., Jomy M. Joseph gies that companies have come up with in order to cope with the crisis. Head CORPORATE MARKETING OFFICE to the Inhale section to read about new home installations that have stress-free VARGHESE CHANDY, VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING, ADVERTISING SALES sanitisation features. From no-contact sanitiser dispenser to germicidal lamps, OOMMEN P THARAKAN, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING we have got it all covered. BUSINESS HEAD Mindful living also means being sustainable. Though the idea of sustainable PRANAV KUMAR living has been trending much before the pandemic, it got a whole new defini- BUSINESS OFFICES tion during the crisis. While many environmentalists talk on the lines of growing NEW DELHI PRAVEEN GOPINATHAN, one’s own vegetables or making a shift to green energy, less focus is given to sus- ATUL ARORA, REGIONAL DEPUTY GENERAL DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, MANAGER, MARKETING tainable packaging. That plastic bottle of mineral water is something that most MARKETING KOLKATA people cannot let go of. But what if we tell you that there are sustainable options MUMBAI MANORANJAN ANANDAN, SHREE KUMAR MENON, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, even for packaging water? Check out our story ‘Time to wrap’, in which we have RESIDENT CHIEF GENERAL MARKETING listed some of the best packaging options that are environment-friendly. MANAGER HYDERABAD PARNA CHATTERJEE, ABRAHAM T GEORGE, In this edition, we have our cover boy Vidyut Jammwal talking about his re- HEAD SALES, LUXURY REGIONAL DEPUTY GENERAL cent film release and also his journey into the glam industry. The martial artist is MAGAZINES, WEST MANAGER, MARKETING the only Indian actor to be part of The Richest’s 2020 list of ‘10 People You Don’t CHENNAI COIMBATORE SURESH K C, REGIONAL CHIEF RAJESH NAIR K, Want To Mess With’. The 40-year-old is placed alongside such personalities as GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, Russian President Vladimir Putin and British adventurer and host of Man vs Wild, JOHN SUDHIR ABRAHAM, MARKETING SENIOR MANAGER, MARKETING PUNE Bear Grylls. “My only dream has been to help bring kalaripayattu global recogni- BANGALORE AMARNATH JOSHI, tion,” says Vidyut. “Kalari is not only about fighting, it also involves healing. It is RANJIT KURIAN, REGIONAL SENIOR MANAGER, MARKETING CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER, important for one to learn how to heal before getting exposed to harm.” MARKETING In One Shot, chef Sanjana Patel, who bagged the Indian Pastry Queen title For Advertising inquiries: [email protected] or call: +919895395097 in 2015, shares her story of being denied desserts as a child to becoming a pastry CIRCULATION chef. Her patisserie La Folie exemplifies luxurious edible art with a variety of M RAJAGOPALAN NAIR, HARI M. VARRIER, chocolate bonbons in jewel hues and other French desserts designed to wow VICE PRESIDENT, CIRCULATION GENERAL MANAGER, SALES gourmands with exquisite sensorial experiences. The chocolatier also shares six SUMIT DEVASSY, of her favourite dessert recipes. Did you know that ‘stressed’ is ‘desserts’ spelled SENIOR MANAGER, CIRCULATION backwards? Subscriptions For all subscription-related inquiries please write, email or fax to Manager, Circulation, So, get your apron on and whip up something sweet to brighten up your day. Malayala Manorama, PB No. 4278, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi-686 036 Kerala, India. Stay safe, stay healthy and enjoy this issue of Smart Life. Email: [email protected] or call: +919895395024 Printed at Malayala Manorama Press, Kodimatha, Kottayam-686039 and published from Manorama Buildings, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi-682036 by Jacob Mathew, on behalf of the Malayala Manorama Co.Ltd., Kottayam-686001. Editor: Philip Mathew. Reproduction in any form is prohibited. Feedback: [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 3 SEPTEMBER 2020
LIVE HEALTHY, STAY FIT
Secrets of artwork in hotels Chef Tips and tricks of Sanjana Patel Dessert Queen’s social media content favourite six Sustainable packaging: Top picks SEPTEMBER Oncofertility Hope for cancer survivors
Vidyut Jammwal Handle with care CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 1 PHOTOGRAPH BY HAIDER KHAN 2020 INHALE 10 30 Med Check: Anti-inflammatory diet for boosting immunity. 34 Stay Safe: Hassle-free sanitisation appliances for homes 56 and offices. ON THE COVER PAUSE 18 Design Tales: Art installa- tions in luxury hotels. 50 Better Tomorrow: Top brands that promote sustainable packaging. 38 Big C: Fertility preservation methods for cancer survivors.
42 Going Digital: The grow- EXHALE ing trend of becoming a social 70 What I Ate Today: Actor Rose Sardana talks about media influencer. her diet and fitness. 56 Cover Story: Actor Vidyut Jammwal says his biggest dream is to make kalaripayat SMILE known globally. 34 80 It’s A Wrap: The culture of using Zoom. 72 One Shot: Chef Sanjana Patel on redefining dessert culture. 18
SMART START 6 Derma Watch: Tips for bridal skincare. 8 Quick Bites: Artificial hair culturing, superfood nutmeg and more.
10 Why My Life Is Smart: Actor Shubhaavi Choksey on growing together.
12 Eat Right: Nutrition for different stages of pregnancy.
14 New Normal: Healthy tips for online classes. FOCUS/IN FOCUS FEATURES ARE MARKETING/PR INITIATIVES
4 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 5 smart start
YOUR BIG DAY Bridal skincare tips for looking gorgeous on D-day
BY DR DEBRAJ SHOME
s your special day around that are caused by repeated broccoli, and lettuce juice. Add skin irritation. Using homemade the corner? Are you worried contraction of the muscles more colours to your diet by scrub made of rice flour or whole Iabout those breakouts, when one smiles or frowns. including fresh fruits and veg- wheat flour, or a mixture of both pigmentation, black spots, or Botox and fillers can improve etables. Eat nuts and healthy to exfoliate the skin can also visible fine lines on your face? your skin appearance and make snacks. Avoid tea or coffee be helpful. Don’t fret, we have got you it look smoother. For those and have green tea. Eliminate covered. But it is not all that with asymmetrical lips with fine sugar and carbohydrates from Yoga and meditation: easy; there is a lot of work to be lines around the surface of the your diet. Say no to junk, soda, Practising relaxation techniques done to start prepping up your lips, dermal filler can be a good processed and oily foods. Soda such as yoga and meditation skin in advance. With the hectic idea as they can dramatically or can leave you bloated. Also, can help you beat anxiety, stress work schedule and wedding subtly enhance your lips too. add protein to your diet. Avoid and nervousness by calming planning, skincare may be the crash diets in order to cut down you down. last thing on your mind, leaving Cool-sculpting: It is a non- those extra kilos. This plan can you with acne, breakouts, dull surgical and an innovative way fail and you may end up gaining Honey glow: For combination skin, wrinkles and a host of to get rid of those annoying more weight. to dry skin types, take one tea- other skin problems. Follow bumps and bulges of stubborn spoon of honey and massage on these tips to have a radiant skin fat on your body. This revolu- Sleep well: Insufficient sleep the skin every day. Leave it on on your D-day. tionary technology targets and and stress can lead to patchy for about 10 minutes and then cools unwanted fat cells in the skin, puffy eyes and dehydra- wash. It not only cleans the skin Fillers and botox: In order to selected area and induces a tion. So, try to stick to a but also gives you a glow. reduce the signs of aging and natural-looking reduction in fat proper sleep schedule and get look younger, brides can go for bulges. This does not involve maximum sleep. Soothing aloe vera: Scrape non-surgical procedures that needles, surgery or downtime, out the gel from the leaf and help replace the skin’s natural unlike other procedures. Exfoliate: Want to get rid of massage onto the skin. Wash collagen and smoothen facial dead cells and blackheads? the skin with cold water after lines. If you are planning for Eat right: To get that glowing Then, exfoliate your skin from 10 minutes and pat dry. It will botox, then do it at least two skin, you will have to keep time to time. Exfoliate it before soothe and rejuvenate your skin. weeks before your wedding. yourself hydrated by drinking a using a mild face wash as a Shome is senior cosmetic surgeon Botox aids in reducing wrinkles lot of water. Drink watermelon, harsh one can cause rashes and and director, The Esthetic Clinics
SL/SEP-20 6 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 Quick bites Corona dreams super FOODof the month Since the beginning of the pandemic, many around the world have noticed uncanny changes in the nature of their nightly dreams. It is reported to be stranger, more unsettling and more vivid. People have been reporting the impact that the pandem- ic and resulting measures have had on their mental health and general wellbeing, but other effects have surfaced as well. One of the most unusual phenomena that people have reported during the pandemic is a change in the nature or intensity of their night-time dreams. This has become widespread enough for it to have gained nicknames such as “quarandreams” or “co- rona dreams.” These dreams are usually triggered by unknown fears, anxieties, trauma, solution-seeking, post-apocalyptic or post-pandemic scenarios. Researchers suggest a technique called ‘dream incubation’ which can help manage this issue. This involves self-suggestion before going to sleep. According to studies it is better that one avoids the news and don’t think Nutmeg about the virus hours before sleeping instead focus on things that make them happy or excited. = Nutmeg is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds; it helps reduce inflammation in the body. = It is an aphrodisiac and stimulates the nerves in the brain. It enhances sex drive and was commonly used as a brain tonic by the Greek and Gut feeling Romans during the ancient times. It is known to be an effective ingre- dient for treating depression and anxiety as its essential oil tends to We cannot stress more on how important the gut health is for overall ease fatigue and stress. wellbeing. According to a study by researchers from Flinders Univer- = sity, in Adelaide, Australia, neurons in the gut wall relay sensory in- Nutmeg has antibacterial effects against potentially harmful bacteria, formation to the spinal cord and brain which may influence mood and including E. coli and Streptococcus mutans. well-being. The gut-brain axis performs several functions. The major- = According to animal research, nutmeg can enhance blood sugar ity of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood, is found control and reduce risk factors for heart disease. in the gut. Researchers have identified a new way that neurons in the gut wall can activate neurons that connect to those in the spinal cord. They found highly coordinated activity in the gut wall neurons, which they suggest is a powerful mechanism to transmit information about what is going on in the gut to the brain. There is also a well- established connection between the gut and Parkinson’s disease. One study, for example, showed that men who experience constipation are over four times more likely to develop the condition. There is also accumulating evidence to suggest an association between changes in the gut and autism, multiple sclerosis, dementia, and stroke, making studies like this essential in understanding and eventually treating diverse neurological conditions. Shed some tears
Be it sadness, grief, joy or frustration, crying is a natural response REUTERS humans have to all these emotions. But did you know that crying has some health benefits? Interestingly, humans are the only animals to 3D hair PHOTO cry tears. Most people try to suppress tears as they see it as a sign You may think hair loss is commonly associated with age. However, it can of weakness but researchers say that one could be missing out on also be due to hormonal changes, environmental and genetic factors. a range of benefits it offers. According to studies, crying may have Research typically focuses on encouraging the hair follicles to move from a direct, self-soothing effect on people. It activates the parasympa- a resting state to an active state. Rather than transplanting hair follicles, thetic nervous system (PNS), which helps people relax. In addition to which can be costly and relies on a ready supply of donors, more recent Nobody is going to ght for you being self-soothing, shedding emotional tears releases oxytocin and research is on stimulating the follicles in the laboratory. Scientists then endorphins. These chemicals make people feel good and may also ease apply these cells directly to the area of the scalp that is balding. However, as much as you ght for yourself. both physical and emotional pain. In this way, crying can help reduce hair follicles require culturing in the right conditions. These conditions are pain and promote a sense of well-being. Crying not only helps to kill best in a 3D sphere rather than a flat 2D environment. The hair follicle cells —BLAKE LIVELY bacteria but also keeps the eyes clean as tears contain a fluid called need to communicate with other cells to shift the hair follicle from a pas- lysozyme. Maybe, crying is not all that bad after all. sive to an active state. They do this best in a 3D environment.
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care of all his routine balancing my personal and professional life. But [touch wood] I have my mother-in-law staying in the same build- Time to rise up ing and I also have my mother staying with why me sometimes so it is not that big of an issue. Actor Shubhaavi Choksey says she believes in my is life Strengths growing together and not belittling anyone smart I guess my biggest strength is one teaching which I believe in even today—don’t let peo- ple put you down, rise back up with all your Your journey strength. Even when someone rubs me in the I started my journey at the age of 22 wrong way I always retaliate with my work. and a half, and my first show was Kyunki Whenever someone said that I cannot do it, I Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Before that I always do it and show them. did a short film alongside Amir Bashir which was directed by Anand Rai. After Weaknesses that I got into Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, and My weakness is food. If I smell ghee, I just there is this talk show that no one really have that irresistible urge of wanting it on my knows about called Say Na Something. It roti and rice. Then if I see my mother frying was originally hosted by Anupam Kher chicken, then no matter what diet I am on, I but I don’t know why he could not do just jump on it. And apart from that my weak- it for a couple of months, so I stepped ness is dance and music. When I am alone, I in his shoes for some time. After that I would just dance my heart out. Watches and did Bade Acche Lagte Hai for 11 months perfumes are also on the list. and took a six-year long sabbatical and returned on the TV screens with Kasautii Movies you binge watched. Zindagii Kay. There are a couple of movies, one is Dil Chahta Hai; the second one is Lagaan. Zindagi Current projects Na Milegi Dobara—I must have watched As of now, I am only working on Kasautii 12-13 times. Then there is Matrix which I have Zindagii Kay. I was offered two commer- watched many times. Devil Wears Prada and cials but it did not work out as the dates Batman which I can watch all over again. did not match. In short, I enjoy watching inspirational and superhero movies. Memorable times There are three memorable moments, Lessons learned the first one was when I got my first Just live your life and let others live. pay cheque and my first car. The second memorable moment was when I got Diet and fitness regime married to Harshal and the third one was I drink about four litres of water. I also have Typical day Why do you think your when we had our son Arhaan. almonds every day, because my grandmother There is no typical day as such. I get up life is smart? used to give them to me during my entire at 5:30 in the morning and go to the gym. My life is smart because I don’t believe Greatest challenge school life. Then I need to have some or When I get back, I wake up Arhaan, go for in belittling people. I believe in growing With all modesty, I am not a vamp but I the other form of egg in the morning and a my shoot and get back home around 8pm. together. People might have their own have mostly played negative roles. I have healthy breakfast. The fact is that I keep eat- I have my dinner and then meditate before perspective of having a smart life but for me, never been able to belittle somebody ing something or the other every two hours. going to sleep. it is simple—I am driven by my will and pas- which my characters have done and that Maybe a fruit or a vegetable like beetroot. sion. Secondly, if you don’t treat people in an is why I always say that I have never Talking about physical exercise, I started Ways to unwind appropriate manner, no matter who you are been able to connect to my characters. playing badminton and I am also very fond of Hugging Arhaan and Harshal. And some or what you possess you don’t exist for me. Before Arhaan was born, I never had a dance so I do jazz and a lot of splits, lunges nice meditation music. I have never belonged to a megalomaniacal challenge as such. I always had good and squats. I work out in the gym either in the crowd. Materialistic things don’t attract me food on my table, a beautiful house to morning or in the evening. I believe in eating Dream for the future as much as honesty and a positive vibe. stay and a driver driving my car. But right, I do not believe in starvation. For me To be happy, mentally, physically and since Arhaan was born, I have to take dieting is ‘die-eating-right’. innately. As told to Oshin Grace Daniell
10 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 11 smart start Eat Right
requirement before conception, during neural development of the foetus and pregnancy and while lactating. Low management of insulin levels in preg- levels of folic acid are linked to pre- nant women. mature death of the foetus and neural Say no to nausea: e joyous feeling tube defect. Folic acid can be sourced of having a baby is clouded when the from vegetables like okra, French morning sickness kicks in. Spices like beans, tomato, cucumber and spinach; ginger, cumin and fennel are useful in it is also found in whole-grains like alleviating nausea. A trick I keep up my wheat, jowar and commonly used sleeve for expecting mothers in case of pulses like moth beans, kala channa, nausea is having a dry wheat cracker chickpeas and roasted Bengal gram or toast. our. Cure constipation: One of the most common problems expecting mothers Phase 2: Pregnancy face is constipation. It is important Weight watch: Pregnancy is not a free to drink lots of water in order to cure pass for you to consume double your it. I also recommend soaked prunes regular intake of food or eat high-fat and dry gs to help relieve constipa- food. Any food that is harmful for you tion; it is also a good source of iron is harmful for the baby. One needs to and calcium. have a systemic increase in weight each trimester as it is an indication Phase 3: Lactation of a healthy growing life. Wholesome, Improve milk production: New balanced meals with fresh plant-based mothers are always concerned that ingredients will ensure the baby gets they won’t be able to provide enough maximum nutrition. milk for their newborns. Adding spices Plant protein power: When I chart like ginger, fennel, fenugreek, cin- out diet plans for pregnant mothers, I namon, garlic, saron and star-anise add on extra 300kcal from proteins as help regularise milk ow and improve Birthing plan it is required for the uterine muscles, production and quality. the growing tissues and organs of the Colic control: Colic is a common foetus. I normally add nuts and seeds condition many newborns suer. Most women often focus on nourishment which gives one protein as well as good Abdominal discomfort causes them to during pregnancy but what about the quality fat. I ask the mother to stick cry for hours leaving mothers feeling to the plant-based lean proteins like helpless. As the mother’s milk is their stages before and after birth? moong dal, chickpeas and moth beans only nutrition, following an anti-colic during their gestational period. diet can aid the infant. Cruciferous BY NAINI SETALVAD Calcium call: ere are no qualms vegetables like cauli ower, cabbage about the fact that calcium is an abso- and broccoli causes atulence in lute necessity at this stage. Without newborns and should be avoided. adequate calcium reserves in place, Carbohydrates come in many forms. nly when the soil is nour- and care. e questions that pregnant ing to conceive. Food items that known to boost fertility. the growing foetus leaches calcium Some are easily digestible, whereas ished, will the seeds grow. women usually have are in the tune of spike blood sugar are major culprits. Go for iron: Iron is vital as the body from the mother’s bones putting her some cause atulence and bloating. Only when the sapling what to eat and when to eat it. Wholegrain carbohydrates that are low demands an increased supply of it at risk of osteoporosis. Don’t fret, just Reducing the intake of foods with receives water and adequate Look at it one stage at a time. on the glycemic scale such as whole for the growing foetus during the include ragi atta, sesame seeds, dark such carbohydrates has been proven Osunlight, will the buds bloom and only ough the required dosage may vary wheat, jowar, bajra, jav and nachni gestational period. It is easier to build leafy greens like spinach, rajgirah and bene cial for newborns. One needs to when the owers are well looked after, from person to person and with dif- should be substituted for re ned and up iron stores before pregnancy rather almonds in your diet for your calcium reduce quantity of high fructose fruits the bees would come buzzing to turn ferent stages, nourishment is crucial processed goods. than during. Rajgirah our, dry coco- x. Try consuming A2 desi cow’s milk. like apple and mango. Also avoid the nectar into sweet honey. Such is when it comes to changing genetic Cut back on ca eine: Excessive nut, sesame seeds, drumstick leaves, Consume good quality fats: I always fructan-rich onions, garlic and water- the beautiful cycle of ora in nature. codes and giving your child the best ca eine from co ee, carbonated fenugreek leaves and dill are few of the say fear not the fat as it is not always melon, polyol-packed berries, plums, is representation is relevant in the blueprint for life. drinks and chocolate can send your foods that provide su cient iron and fatal. Good fats like desi ghee, coconut peaches, sweet corn, galactan-heavy case of a human beings as well, espe- hormones into a whirlwind. It induces can be included in the daily diet. oil, almonds, walnuts, mustard oil and legumes and pulses and lactose-rich cially pregnant mothers. At every stage Phase 1: Pre-pregnancy undue stress which can be a hurdle. Don’t be frugal with folic acid: is ax seeds are essential carriers of phy- dairy products. of pregnancy, it is important for the Low glycemic food: Obesity is a Stick to green tea and herbal infusions vitamin is responsible for neurode- tochemicals in spices and fat-soluble woman to be nurtured with good food common detractor for women try- like tulsi and peppermint that are velopment of foetus. It is an essential vitamins. ese are a must to help in Setalvad is a nutritionist based in Mumbai. Got a question for Naini? Write to us at [email protected]
12 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 13 smart start New Normal Beyond
the screen ith the lockdown shutting classroom doors, most Practices for safe online schools have shifted to online classes. All the teach- learning for children Wing happens through virtual platforms. Homework has become digital. Children BY DIVYA NATARAJAN are required to spend long hours indoors, focusing on their mobile phone, tablets or laptop. is raises many concerns regard- ing their long-term health. Increasing use of electronic gadgets, prolonged near work and lack of daylight exposure can result in progression of myopia or near-sightedness in children. Electronic devices are known to emit short wavelength blue light, suppressing the hormone melatonin, which maintains the circadian rhythm in the body. Prolonged exposure to blue light, especially before bedtime can cause sleep disturbances in children. Too much screen time can also result in dry eye, headache, stress, anxiety, behavioural and mental issues. It is important to strike a balance between academic learning via digital technology and good physical, mental and personality development in children. Hence, restricted use of electronic devices for studying has been advocated by doc- tors. Here are some practices that should be followed routinely by teachers and par- ents to ensure better lifestyle for children.
e amount of time the child spends using digital devices should be pro- portionate to the child’s age. While 12 to 16-year-olds can be allowed eight hours of online study, the hours of screen time for younger children should be restricted to less than four hours. Toddlers (younger than three years) must be restricted from using any digital device.
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ABREAST OF LATEST TRENDS, DEVELOPMENTS
Smoking and tobacco use involves both a psychological and physical addiction. The body’s need and craving for nicotine is it being physically addicted to smoking and tobacco use. When nico- tine is inhaled or chewed, it activates the part in the brain that releases neurotrans- mitters; one of which is the serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. It causes unpleas- ant symptoms when the body does not get its daily dose. Black pepper essential oil helps people quit smoking and e-cigarettes help tackle both the psychological as well as physical addiction to nicotine. When inhaled, Teachers must give breaks during directly in front of the fan or air notebooks and avoid digital devices. black pepper can alleviate classes; a short break every 45 min- conditioning can cause the eyes the negative side effects and utes and a long break of one to two to dry up quickly. is adds to the Parents must set a good example by symptoms of anxiety. It also hours during long sessions. strain. ey should be encouraged staying away from mobile phones has bio-transformative ef- to consciously blink frequently. An and TV as much as possible. ey fects that naturally detox- Online classes should be scheduled easy method to follow is the 20-20- can also develop quality family time, ify the body. This is mainly in the morning and afternoon hours 20 rule, where every 20 minutes, the encouraging children to interact, because the oil mimics the only, ensuring that children do not child should take a 20 second break play games and connect with family warm sensation in the chest use these devices in the evening and and look at any object 20 feet away. members during leisure time. It while also providing a unique night time. is will relax the ciliary muscles of should be emphasised that use of pungent taste similar to the eyes and ease the strain due to electronic gadgets is only during cigarettes. It is important that the child sits on prolonged near work. At times, pre- classes and for learning. Children a straight-backed chair with arm servative-free lubricating eye drops must be taught to accept and accli- rests, with the screen placed about can be used to ease mild symptoms matise to these new practices and two feet away at eye level. is of dry eye. Also, children who usu- to follow them e ectively. ensures good posture and avoids ally wear glasses must continue to back and neck problems in future. wear them during classes. Children’s health and well-being Larger screen devices like desktop, must be the collective responsibil- laptop or TV are preferable. Each day, there should be at least ity of families, teachers and doctors. one session of physical exercise, Adapting to changing times, using Room lighting should be good yoga, dance class or virtual work- technology to our advantage, but fol- and screen brightness should be out, intercepting the online teach- lowing safe measures can give better optimum. Screen protectors can be ing schedule. is will be fun as well and healthier life to our children. used to reduce excessive re ection. as healthy for children. Natarajan is consultant, Miriam Hyman Children’s Eye Care Centre, ere should be good ventilation For homework, they should be Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, in the room. Sitting for long hours encouraged to use textbooks and L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar.
16 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 17 inhale Design Tales Stories untold Art in hotels has moved beyond aesthetics; it is now a reflection of folklore and culture
BY RUPALI DEAN
THERE IS AN INSPIRING link between art and The golden womb by Seema Kohli travel and, increasingly, hotels are embracing this extraordinary association to o er its guests an enriching experience. Here are some of the top hotels The Leela Palace, New Delhi in India that can easily double as museums. Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri
eela Palace perfectly exempli es the mag- Lni cent architecture, grace and elegance of Lutyens Delhi, showcasing some extraordinary regal designs that adorn the modern palace by renowned artists from di erent parts of the world.
ART PHILOSOPHY e artwork varies from corridor to wall, restaurant to guestroom and spa to lobby. Innovative and opulent; traditional and contemporary. e hotel has helped in the revival of miniature painting by master craftsmen from Rajasthan and Bidri work from Uttar Pradesh. Also, adorning the walls of the central courtyard are two golden mosaics, which depict the blooming of 1,000 lotus buds. All guestrooms and suites feature limited edition lithographs, embedded with gold leaf and semi-precious stones by photog- rapher Rohan Shreshta depicting Indian kings and queens in their regal attire.
HIGHLIGHT Artist Satish Gupta’s 10-feet-tall statue Devi graces the central courtyard at the palace. Inspired by the Chola bronzes of the 11th-13th century in south India, Devi, as the artist describes, is “a combination of di erent energies of the mother.” Goddess Durga is represented by the lion at the base, Lakshmi and Devi by Satish Gupta, Saraswati are represented by the lotus on the crown Inner Courtyard, The The lobby of The Leela Leela Palace, New Delhi Palace, New Delhi and Kali is symbolised by her crown, which are both re and the lotus.
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Fairmont, Jaipur The 400 -year-old royal door at Fairmont, Jaipur
Fairmont, Jaipur story. e guest rooms are tailored residences 2-RIICO, Kukas that radiate classic heritage eects with four- poster beds, camel bone inlaid furniture, uminous under the vigilant eyes of walk-in bathrooms with the distinctive pink Lthe Aravalli hills, sparkling with his- city stone hamam style bath tubs, Mughal tory and culture of Rajasthan, Fairmont is styled low-seating day beds and subtle arched a re ned chateau that elegantly combines windows overlooking the Aravalli hills. the splendours of the past with the present. It is a subtle reimagination of a traditional HIGHLIGHT Mughal palace. A magni cent historic door welcomes guests to the palace resort. e door has a history ART PHILOSOPHY dating back to almost four centuries ago. Designed by architect Clive Gray, Fairmont Originally from one of the Royal Palaces boasts grand spaces, vibrant gardens and of Jodhpur, the 400-year-old Sagun wooden pavilions. e art in uence reverberates in door has handcrafted intricate designs that the form of elaborate frescos in hues of blue, display the fragile beauty and aura of an era gold and red that embellishes the walls. long forgotten and yet enduring to survive Treasures such as the vintage Shekhawati fur- through the sands of time. e historic door niture, carved silver antiques, the large velvet embellishes the picturesque corner of the pankha in the lobby and the rich upholstery hotel and stands as a quiet sentinel of time make you feel like a part of a primeval love and royals of yore.
20 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 21 inhale Design Tales
Karma Lakelands, Gurugram NH - 8, Sector 80
rtistic luxury villas act as stylishly Adesigned modi ed space for guests at Karma Lakelands. e art in the villas is inspired by current life situations with an underlining e ect of nostalgia art tends to create. e USP is eco-responsible luxury living and the art re ects this aspect perfectly. For instance, two of their newest villas are inspired by life above and below water and symbolise ‘nature zen’—the har- mony created by the delicate balance that nature maintains in all its life forms. While one showcases the forest theme, the other brings to life a marine world.
ART PHILOSOPHY e idea of placing the art concept above the decorative requirements ensures that guests feel as if they are visiting a coherent exhibit, with every room revealing new perspectives on the main theme. e aim is to strengthen its mission statement of harmoniously co-existing with nature by adopting responsible practices.
HIGHLIGHT With every villa based on a unique theme and its own distinct art, it is dicult to pick out one. A gira e sculptor in the forest-themed villa and a colour splash painting lit with backlights to bring the colours to life are some the prominent pieces. ere is an art villa where the cen- tral focus is photography and it showcases Karma Lakelands some unique clicks.
22 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 23 inhale Design Tales
Grand Mercure, Bengaluru Gopalan Mall, opposite RMZ Infinity Techpark, Swamy Vivekananda Road
ecently opened in Bengaluru, Grand Mercure Rcelebrates the art and culture of Karnataka, with a matchless sense of global hospitality. Inspired by the Hoysala Dynasty’s in uence on art, the hotel celebrates the art and culture of Karnataka in all its vibrancy.
ART PHILOSOPHY e design pays homage to the architectural brilliance of one of the most signi cant periods of historic Karnataka, the Hoysala Dynasty. e dynasty’s contributions to art and culture have deeply in uenced not just Karnataka, but the whole of south India. Vasundhara art gallery, the in-house art gallery, features a curated collection of fad- ing art forms from all across the country.
HIGHLIGHT You cannot miss out on the 10-feet-tall, grand sculpture carved out of a single stone of onyx. Right by its side is a 100-year-old sculpture ornately carved in wood, sym- bolising the Hoysala Dynasty. e sculpture depicts King Sala striking the tiger. e word ‘strike’ literally translates to ‘hoy’ in old Kannada, and the incident became quintessential in the naming of the dynasty. Some say that the folklore is also an interpretation of King Vishnuvardhana’s victory over the Cholas at Talakadu, as the Hoysala emblem depicts the ght between the mythi- The Hoysala sculpture at cal warrior Sala and a tiger, the tiger being the emblem of Grand Mercure, Bengaluru the Cholas.
24 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 25 inhale Design Tales
Art by Ranbir Kaleka at The lobby of The The Ritz-Carlton, Pune Ritz-Carlton Pune
The Ritz-Carlton, Pune HIGHLIGHT Golf Course Square, Airport Road, Yerawada Art by Ranbir Kaleka. In this artwork, the oor pattern and the arch of e Ritz-Carlton has been transformed ne is immediately drawn to the hotel’s arresting and modi ed to suit its architecture. A bioscope is Oarchitecture, art collection, extravagant orna- intentionally placed, bringing a varied world of people mental details and golf course. e rest of the senses and animals in the picture frame. A European child in are invigorated as the experience unfolds, showcas- the forefront signi es the dreamy lure towards travel- ing a business hotel built upon a base of luxury. ling of late 19th- and early 20th-century. ere is a secret e property is an exciting association of de nitive behind the men clustering next to a wall. is and other splendour and contemporary sophistication with details, such as the two gold rings on a handkerchief, spaciously appointed suites that o er an inviting are yours to interpret. Behind the adapted architectural urban retreat. structures of the city with chimneys, one can see a mer- chant ship of the British East India Company. e crane ART PHILOSOPHY and the workmen symbolise the unceasing develop- e art collection revels in heritage celebrated ment that Pune has witnessed. A playful inclusion of the throughout history. Supporting the visual storytelling artist and the patron woven into the composition has a are doses of classic design pieces that echo through- running strand, both in Indian miniature paintings and out the property’s permanent collection. the European renaissance.
26 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 27 inhale Design Tales
The Big Mama sculpture just outside The Park, Holiday Beach, Goa
The Park, Holiday Beach, Goa Holiday Street, Lane Opposite Calangute Mall
his chic property is truly the re ection of e TPark Hotel’s design sensibility and eye for detail- ing. A white contemporary hotel right on the beach, e Park on Holiday Beach is a Mecca for creative peo- ple. e stylish and relaxed mood of the hotel blends delightfully with the light and contemporary décor of the accommodations, where a primarily white canvas is accented with dramatic splashes of purple and custom furnishings.
ART PHILOSOPHY e hotel co-exists in splendid harmony with nature and pampers guests while maintaining a serene and restful environment. Artwork in the rooms and corri- dors are based on musicians of Goa and bring to life the vibrant energy of the destination.
Artwork based on HIGHLIGHT Goan musicians at e stunning glass-mosaic sh by Goan artist Yahel The Park on Holiday Beach, Goa Chirinian which hangs above the reception desk, gives the whole space a speckled with kitsch look.
28 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 29 inhale Med Check Two good Check out this anti-inflammatory diet that also boosts immunity
BY MINAL SHAH
30 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 31 inhale Med Check
C would be to include red, orange and yellow coloured fruits and vegetables. Highest source of Vitamin C are amla (gooseberry), lemon, guava, capsicum, drumstick leaves, blackcurrants, kiwi, broccoli and amaranth leaves. Important points to consider is that the Vitamin C content of our food may be reduced by prolonged storage, cooking and heat. Food should be con- sumed in the natural form like fresh fruits and vegetables, and as quickly as possible to ensure maximum retention n ammation is body’s response of Vitamin C. to an injury or infection; it can be an irritant, bacteria, virus or any Vitamin D: Adults who have low levels such disease-causing organisms. of Vitamin D are more likely to have IRecurrent or persistent in ammation cold, cough or upper respiratory tract can lead to various diseases like heart infections. Supplementation with disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis 1000-2000IU per day is reasonable and asthma. ere are certain food but consult a doctor before beginning items that trigger such in ammations supplementation. Dietary sources of and another category of food that has Vitamin D include egg yolk, cheese, anti-in ammatory e ect. Including fatty sh and forti ed food. anti-in ammatory food in our diet helps combat silent in ammation, Zinc: Crucial for maintaining the reducing the risk of diseases. It also integrity of immune response. Even helps build immunity. Diet is not only marginal de ciency of zinc can a source of calories, but it can also suppress immunity and mild sup- become an essential therapy to treat plementation can improve several and prevent diseases. Best example aspects of immune function. Total of anti-in ammatory diet is the 10-40mg of zinc/day can be consid- Mediterranean diet and DASH (Diet ered safe; consult a doctor before Approaches to Stop Hypertension). taking supplements. e anti-in ammatory diet is supported by experimental evidence, Proteins: Required for antibody, capable of boosting immune systems, immune response and to tackle the resulting in improved quality of life. wear and tear of the body. Low pro- Food sources that have anti-in amma- tein intake can weaken the immune tory properties include: response and increase susceptibility to infections, it can also increase muscle Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids: protein breakdown thus resulting Supplementing Omega-3 fatty acids in weakness and delayed recovery. like Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and anti-in ammatory properties. Flax in citrus fruits, green tea, berries, purple pigments found in grapes, blue- immune function and resistance to Choose rst class proteins like milk Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), with seeds and chia seeds can be included apple, dark chocolate, whole grains, berries, raspberries, cranberries which infections. Vitamin C also helps in and dairy products, animal sources mild calorie restriction has immune in the diet regularly for their health co ee, soya bean and walnuts—which again possess anti-in ammatory prop- iron absorption which is essential for like egg, chicken and sh. Soya protein modulatory e ect. bene ts. Be careful with the portion ghts in ammation. en there are erties. Sul des present in garlic and haemoglobin synthesis. It is a water- is also a good source of plant-based size though, one to two tablespoons of carotenoids present in red, orange, onion also have similar functions. soluble vitamin that is not stored in protein followed by lentils, pulses and Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, pistachios and these seeds are all we need. yellow and green coloured fruits and the body, so it has to be consumed on legumes. Protein should be divided peanuts help reduce in ammation. vegetables which boost immunity. Vitamin C: is vitamin helps in pre- regular basis for getting maximum through the day, making it a must-have Phytochemicals: Di erent colours of Our body turns these carotenoids into venting and treating respiratory and bene ts. It may not prevent sickness in every meal. Oil and oil seeds: Olive, axseed, cod fruits and vegetables are attributed Vitamin A that has antioxidant proper- systemic infections. Ensuring adequate but one would de nitely have milder liver, mustard, peanut and sesame to the presence of di erent phyto- ties and enhances immune response. intake of Vitamin C through diet or symptoms and faster recovery. Easy Shah is a senior nutrition therapist oil are the best when it comes to chemicals like avonoids—present Anthocyanins are found in blue, red or supplementation is required for proper way to identify the sources of Vitamin at Fortis Hospital, Mulund
32 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 33 inhale Stay Safe
Spick and span
With no signs of the global health crisis abating, prevention through sanitisation is the only way to go
BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL
he pandemic may have brought within seconds. Elanpro’s second o ering in a sense of fear among people— under its Safe series is the Safe Germicidal the fear of germs. With this fear Lamp which is an intelligent UV-C based came a sense of responsibility as virus steriliser. e product is a logical Twell. As a matter of fact, the whole concept solution for an ecological disinfection. of sanitisation got another de nition e unique sterile approach eliminates altogether. From rarely washing hands to the use of hand, heat and toxin in the reaching out for a bottle of sanitiser every decontamination process. It has a radar time one’s hand touches a possibly con- motion sensor which detects the presence taminated space, there has been a dramatic of human beings and pets within a range change in habits and practices. Although of 5m, shutting it down immediately for everyone is hopeful of a pathbreaking protection. e product has a remote- discovery that would neutralise the virus, control access of 10m and a delay timer there is an uncertainty associated with of 10 seconds. Equipped with a powerful when a vaccine or medicine would be 36-watt quartz lamp, it e ectively prevents made available. All that can be done at the the spread of virus in an area 60sqm. e moment is prevention and this can be done product can be used to clean things like only through sanitisation. But the question mobile phones, laptops, clothes, shoes, is, can it be hassle-free? ey say, necessity masks, currency notes, stationary items, is the mother of all the invention. is water bottles, bags, baby products along aphorism springs to life in these troubling with fruits, vegetables and daily grocery times as inventors around the globe have and many more items that should not be come up with devices that make sanitisa- subjected to liquids or aerosol chemicals. tion less stressful. Here are some appliances In the same family of germicidal that would make our lives not just easy but lamps is a product by a leading Indian also germ-free. manufacturing company Alfaa UV. Its recently launched product Stero-360 is a Germicidal lamp high-performance mobile UV sanitiser for According to several studies across the touchless and non-chemical disinfection. globe, ultraviolet light (UV-C light) in Stero-360 uses Ultraviolet Germicidal the range of 200nm to 280nm eradicates Irradiation (UVGI) disinfection method in viruses, bacteria, mold, fungi and micro- which the sanitiser emits short-wavelength organisms on food products, surfaces, air UV light to inactivate microorganisms Elan Safe and liquid. e UV spectrum is capable by disrupting their DNA, hence destroy- germicidal lamp of killing 99.99 per cent of all pathogens ing the ability of the microorganisms to
34 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 35 inhale Stay Safe
reproduce and thereby e ectively killing them. It targets surface at a and this can be achieved by main- distance of 1.8m and height up to 2.5m taining clean and hygienic Heating, within two minutes. Ergonomically Ventilation and Air Conditioning designed, Stero-360 exhibits six high- (HVAC) systems especially in closed- intensity UVGI emitters that are ozone environment and high-risk struc- free. It has a high-e ciency energy tures like centrally air-conditioned distribution system to increase the hospitals, malls and hotels. In a bid irradiated UV dose on target surfaces. to address the current need of labour- It comes equipped with an app-based intensive traditional maintenance, control for remote operation. It Alfaa UV has introduced UltraCoil has preset functions which ensures and UltraDuct UVGI air disinfection elimination of operational errors. It is modules that ensure fool-proof e - ideal for all commercial spaces as it is cient cleansing of the target surface compact and user-friendly. without harming the UV-sensitive material like cables, gaskets and rubber material on the HVAC system. Infrared sensor-based While conventional and periodic hand sanitiser dispenser cleaning drives do o er some respite One can now nd a sanitiser dispenser to maintain the equipment, these in front of stores, buildings and other processes have their own drawbacks, public spaces. With many touching the because of which businesses for quite bottle, the surface of the dispenser may some time now, have been turning turn into a breeding ground for germs. towards UV-based cleaning of HVAC Keeping this concern in mind, Elanpro, systems given its advantages: no- a commercial refrigeration company, chemical residue, no need for periodic recently launched their product Elan cleaning, 99 per cent reduction in the Hands-free sanitiser Safe Sani Dispenser which is an growth of bio lm, and cost-e ciency, dispenser by Elanpro infrared sensor-based hand sanitiser among others. dispenser. e design addresses the Disinfection cabinet by MG Pro need for rigorous hand hygiene and Disinfection cabinets With food delivery services on full- swing during the lockdown, the neces- also focuses on zero wastage. It is eas- sity to disinfect fruits, vegetables and ily mountable on a wall or stand and other edible things is of high priority. it automatically detects hands kept MG Pro, a foodservice equipment at a distance of three to ve inches manufacturer and supplier, launched from the surface. It has a sensor that a UV-C disinfection cabinet to curb dispenses just 1ml at a time, cutting the growth and spread of bacteria and down the wastage because of spilling viruses via food articles. e cabinet and leakage. e dispenser is easy to kills 99 per cent of microorganisms install, re ll and operate. ere is a key from the surface of the objects placed to unlock the reservoir and it can run in it within ve minutes. e cabinets of four batteries that can last up to six come equipped with a controller months or 6v DC adapter. and a variable timer for diverse user applications. It is made up of stainless steel and designed to meet user safety Air disinfection modules at all points, for which it has a safety In July, the WHO published an update switch to trip the UV-C emission in that the Covid-19 virus can remain case of someone abruptly opening the suspended in the air in crowded door during the disinfection process. indoor spaces with short-range aero- Apart from food, it can also be used to sol transmissions. e need for opti- disinfect high-touch daily-use objects Stero-360 germicidal lamp mum indoor air quality is necessary Air disinfection module by Alfaa UV like utensils, keys and wallets.
36 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 37 inhale Big C New hope With the increase in number of young cancer survivors, fertility preservation is an aspect that needs to be discussed prior to treatments
BY DR SNEHA SATHE
he pandemic has put life on various fertility preserving options therapy to the abdomen or pelvis are a pause. In many parts of the available today which can help at higher risk of permanent damage world, routine fertility care, cancer survivors ful l their dreams to fertility. elective surgeries and fertil- of parenthood. Tity treatments such as intrauterine Radiation: e damage caused by insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertili- How does cancer affect fertility? radiation depends on the location sation (IVF) have been put on hold due Cancer surgery or treatments and and size of the radiation eld and the to the pandemic. sometimes the cancer itself can dose given. High doses of radiation can Pandemic or not, people are being interfere with some parts of the repro- destroy many or all of the eggs in the diagnosed with cancer, including ductive process and a ect the ability ovaries leading to infertility and early many young patients. Over the past to have children. e e ects might be menopause. Radiation damage to the few decades, the number of young, temporary or permanent. e risk that uterus can increase the risk of miscar- reproductive age cancer survivors has the cancer treatment will harm fertil- riage, preterm birth and low birth increased as a result of improved and ity depends on the patient’s age, the weight babies. less destructive cancer treatments. type and stage of cancer and the type Certain types of cancers are predomi- of treatment. Other cancer medications nantly diagnosed among reproductive Hormone therapies used to treat cer- age women and a small proportion of Surgery: Surgical removal of the tain cancers, including breast cancer in cancers originating in the reproductive testicles (orchidectomy), uterus (hys- women, can a ect fertility. e e ects tract are also detected in this age group. terectomy) or ovaries (oophorectomy) are often reversible and fertility may be For young patients, the diagnosis of have an obvious negative impact on restored after the end of treatment. cancer is a shock in itself and then the future fertility. Also, cancer surgery for Fertility preservation means risk of infertility. Unfortunately, fertility other tumours in the abdomen or pelvis preserving the ability of a person or a preservation services are rarely dis- can cause scarring (adhesions) in and couple to start a family at a time of their cussed with the patient before starting around the reproductive organs. ese choosing. Oncofertility is a term coined cancer therapy. At the end of the cancer adhesions might block the fallopian for fertility preservation in cancer treatment, patients are shocked by the tubes preventing the egg from travelling patients. Current data suggests that for loss of their fertility and there are many to the sperm or preventing the implan- most tumours, pregnancy after cancer studies showing this as one of the most tation and growth of a fertilised egg. treatment does not increase the risk of pervasive regrets for these patients. cancer progression or of poor obstetric Patients often consider the negative Chemotherapy: e e ect of chemo- or neonatal outcome. With improved impact of cancer on their fertility as the therapy on fertility depends on the survival after cancer treatment, the most traumatic part of their diagnosis. drug and the dose. Alkylating agents emphasis has moved from providing life If you or some young person and the drug cisplatin are known to to providing quality of life. you know has been diagnosed with cause the maximum damage. Women cancer, read on to know how cancer who require higher doses, combination Fertility preservation options for women treatments can a ect fertility and the regimens or both chemo and radiation e mainstay of fertility preservation
38 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 39 inhale
HOLD THAT THOUGHT, INTROSPECT, QUESTION
for women is freezing of eggs or embry- Oophoropexy (ovarian transposi- the likelihood of future pregnancy for os generated through the IVF process. tion): For women who undergo young cancer survivors. More impor- radiation therapy to the pelvic area, tantly, it provides patients with hope Embryo cryopreservation: For the ovaries are surgically repositioned and a positivity during a very negative this procedure, the patient needs to in the pelvis so that they are out of the time in their lives. undergo an IVF cycle which involves radiation eld. e current unpredictable pan- ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval demic situation has certainly made and fertilisation in the IVF laboratory Radiation shielding: In this proce- cancer care and fertility preservation followed by freezing of the embryos. dure, small lead shields are placed to even more challenging. On the one Did those grass stains spoil e frozen embryos can be transferred reduce the amount of radiation expo- hand, fertility treatment is considered your favourite pair of jeans? to the womb at a later date. Embryo sure to the ovaries. an elective procedure and hence not Fret not, it can be easily re- cryopreservation is a well-established a priority during a pandemic. On the moved with hydrogen perox- technology that provides a good suc- Fertility sparing surgery: Fertility other hand, urgent fertility preserva- ide. All you have got to do is cess rate depending on the number sparing surgery is the technique to tion is needed and should be o ered follow these steps: and quality of embryos. retain the patient’s uterus and ovar- to young cancer patients. With utmost o Rinse the stain with warm ian tissue enough to allow future caution and strict adherence to the water. Oocyte cryopreservation (egg conception. is may be an option for safety protocols and local guidelines, o Apply a generous amount of freezing): In this procedure, eggs are young women with early stage cervical oncofertility is a feasible option, giving peroxide to the stain. retrieved after ovarian stimulation and cancer and some types of ovarian and hope for young patients with cancer. o Allow the hydrogen perox- the unfertilised eggs are frozen. is endometrial tumours. e damage caused by cancer ide to sit on the stain for at is the standard method for preserv- treatment to fertility is often irrevers- least half an hour. ing fertility for young single women Fertility preservation options for men ible and fertility preservation prior o Take a wet soft brush or with cancer. Sperm cryopreservation (semen to cancer treatment can help young towel and gently rub the Egg or embryo freezing procedures freezing): is procedure involves cancer survivors ful l their dream stain to work in the perox- require controlled ovarian stimulation, freezing and storing sperm at a fertility of parenthood. In spite of the threat ide. Rubbing the fabric will which takes approximately two weeks. clinic or sperm bank for use at a later from the pandemic, it is important for wear it out. So, you only e usual ovarian stimulation protocols date. young cancer patients to seek guid- want to do this as long as for routine IVF begin from the second ance and counselling from fertility necessary. day of the menstrual cycle, but today Radiation shielding: In this proce- specialists regarding the options avail- o Rinse the stain with normal random start protocols (where ovarian dure, small lead shields are placed over able to them. water. If the stain remains, stimulation can be started on any day the testicles to reduce the amount of repeat the process. of the menstrual cycle) are possible to radiation exposure. Sathe is a fertility consultant at avoid delay in cancer treatment. Fertility preservation can increase Nova IVF Fertility, Mumbai.
40 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 41 pause Going Digital
Online squad Social media influencers on the what and the how of digital content creation
BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL
igital content creation others. In 2014, he along with his friend has had a growth surge, founded the ‘Under-25 Club’ which is especially during the lock- considered to be India’s largest plat- down. Cooped up at home, form of, by and for the youth. “For me, Dpeople have been spending more time all the things I do are part of my core on social media and engaging actively belief that young people are the truest with content creators. To match the potential of a country. And I want to insatiable demand for content, there unlock as much potential as I can,” he has been an explosion of content crea- says. tors. Social media de nitely saw many Anto says he is constantly on a creators who have been a source of quest to nd new things to make an constant entertainment and informa- impact in the creative landscape. “I tion, and a few others who raked in rmly believe that one should use the followers with their toxic content. camera to be relevant and impactful. Nevertheless, digital content has been It is important to value your audience. food for many homebound consum- Your story can be anything but it ers. e big question is how does one should make sense to you. e mind create content that resonates with the is a crazy place, it allows you to create audience? ey say, it is best to learn almost anything,” says the 25-year- from the ones who came before. Here old storyteller. is what some top social media in u- According to him, there is no such encers from south India say about the thing as good or bad content. “You nev- content creation ecosystem. er know what interests the audience. I feel all kinds of content are out there to entertain the public. e choice of Anto Philip content is extremely personal,” he says. V for visionary “I would be lying if I said I know what kind of content gets applause. I always “Do small things with great love.” try to make my content in a way that it rrational optimist” is what Anto makes people laugh or feel the emotion IPhilip calls himself. Considering that that I try to pass on through the video. he started his rst company when he I think it is truth in your work that was 18, the title is quite apt. He started makes content travel. Viewers have a his journey as an in uencer early on low attention span so it is important but his story is very di erent from the to not even have two unimpressive
42 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 43 pause Going Digital
seconds in your video.” every content creator though. en invested in a camera (Canon EOS M50) But his advice to people is to not the video editing team start their work. and two studio lights—8-inch phone become content creators. “It is a lot By the time the video is out, we would holder lights and an 18-inch wing of hard work. You should tell stories have already started work for our next light—which have di erent tones like because you love them, without project,” Anto says. white, warm and blue. expecting the viewers to feel the same. However, he does not believe in But Ahmad says that it is not If it has a foundation based on the posting regularly or every day for that important to have fancy equipment for validation of others, then it is likely to matter. “When I post, I want to deliver one to get into digital content creation. be short-lived. Also, it is important to my best. Many people can create “I started o shooting and editing on understand that you should never tell everyday but it is important to create my phone. I couldn’t a ord a laptop stories that you don’t believe in,” he something that stays with people for then. I used free apps, which are not says. more than 24 hours,” he says. “Being completely free—some have in-app Anto also emphasises on the a content creator is more than just a purchases while some others have a importance of owning one’s identity. profession; it is a mindset. You cannot huge watermark. ere were times “All of us are going through an identity joke about being a storyteller.” Anto when I even used my friend’s work crisis one way or another but there strongly feels that content creation is laptop to make the edits,” says Ahmad. is no need to worry about it. People all about convenience and comfort. “I did not start o thinking I would should be able to wake up and say what “Don’t do anything that you are not make it big or build a career out of it. I they strongly feel,” he says. “I owned comfortable doing. Be yourself and had access to internet and a camera, my identity as a middle-class Malayali use your best skills to your interest. so I thought why not?” It is not his boy and I try to bring out things that I Upgrade with time. All that you need to full-time job though. He produces his relate to in my stories.” remember is to make your story pow- videos while keeping a day job as a sci- As for Anto’s parents, they were erful. Do small things with great love.” ence communicator. “My day job also concerned in the beginning but soon e visionary also tells aspiring involves interacting with the public. It came around. He asked them for a year storytellers to not beat themselves up is mechanical at some point but there after graduation to gure out things and to give themselves a pat every now is a lot of talking in both my jobs so I and although they were apprehensive and then. “Trust in the process and do don’t really nd it di cult to transition about the idea, they gave him nod. “My not listen to the ones who profusely between the two roles,” he says. While parents were hoping that I would get shout negative things. Nobody knows nding a niche area is crucial for every an MBA and be the poster boy for a what you do better than you.” content creator, Ahmad believes that matrimony site, but I turned out to be it can be done only through trial and way di erent. Fortunately, I gured out error. “It is important to keep trying my passion in that one year,” he says. Ahmad Al Kaashekh, and see what works. In my case, there For Anto, one of the biggest chal- One-man army was a lot of hate in the beginning. I lenges was building a team. “You can “Never buy likes or followers.” was mocked for the way I look and be the best player on the eld but if you speak. But I never thought of stopping. have to win a championship, you need t was a YouTube video called ‘Indian One should learn to value people who a team,” he says. “Right now, I have Iguy speaking Arabic in 10 di erent encourage and support your work. I immense comfort in knowing that I accents’ that got the Dubai-based digi- recently got a message from a follower have a great set of minds at work.” tal content creator his shot to fame. “I saying how that person used to hate It all starts with a thought for think people found it amusing to watch my videos before but enjoys my work Anto. “I don’t get a lot of time to sit a Malayali boy speak uent Arabic,” now. Time changes a lot of things,” says and write as I attend a lot of meetings. says Ahmad Al Kaashekh. “Back then, the 28-year-old YouTuber. But I try to create a thought board getting 50,000 views was a big deal. I However, he emphasises on how and start jotting down points on it. It remember how I shot the video in one being a social media inuencer is sits with me for a couple of days and go as I did not have the tools or knowl- more of a responsibility than a job. then I make two or three drafts,” he edge to edit videos that time. I kept “Anyone can make anything and says. His favourite bit in the process is shooting till I got a version that was become famous now. And most aspir- the discussion on the edit table which clean. Imagine getting content, over 10 ing content creators are on a lookout he calls a learning ground. After the minutes long, right in one stretch!” for shortcuts. e trend wagon in script is revised, the team prepares But years into this eld, Ahmad social media is a real thing. Even if for the shoot. “Sometimes shoots are stepped up his digital content game. “I people don’t like it, they try to get on it,” long. at is mostly because I try to get initially used iMovie to edit my videos Ahmad says. the best version. I don’t suggest it for but now I use Final Cut Pro. I also Commenting on the roasting cul-
44 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 45 pause Going Digital
ture in social media, he says, one does I want to do it di erently by going to took me in. at is how that part of not have to body shame or racially o -tourist spots, deep into the cities. it happened and I joined as a script- abuse another in order to get some Explore unexplored regions and intro- writer. It was a very new team and they attention. “When I do reaction videos, duce interesting people to the world,” were yet to hire actors. at is how the I focus on what the person says. It is he says. whole thing with video making began ideologies that need repair not a per- but it was interesting so I stuck with it,” son’s appearance or talking style. Most she says. content creators forget that YouTube Prapti Elizabeth Commenting on the mushroom- has a dislike button,” he says. Witty Betty ing of digital content creators, Prapti His advice to aspiring social media “Take action instead of waiting feels it is important for people to keep in uencers is to gure out what they for motivation.” content as well as comments very civil. want to do quickly. He also strongly “I am okay with mockery, sarcasm and warns against the practice of buying lad in an elegant saree, ‘Mrinalini’ satire. What bothers me is abusive likes and followers. “Don’t depend on Chas her head held high and legs commenting,” she says. “Even when it other people to share your content or crossed. As the 1964 K. J. Yeshudas comes to roasting, it is ne as long as indulge in buying likes or followers,” song (Mrinalini Mizhiyithalil) from one keeps it civil. In my videos, I react he says. the Malayalam movie Aval plays in the to things that I feel is not okay. As a e process of creating content background, she breaks into a wide matter of fact, I react to the content is quite straightforward in his case. smile. For Instagram in uencer Prapti not the creator. I am against picking It starts with scripting the idea. “I Elizabeth, Mrinalini is like her ventrilo- on people. You can’t diss someone and think about the scenario of the video. quial gure that voices out opinions on call it creative criticism neither should If it is a lot of content, I write it down current issues with a dash of humour. you propagate hatred among your fol- otherwise I just let the idea play in my “With Mrinalini, I have tried to sub- lowers towards that particular person.” head. I never start shooting a video in vert the entire idea of gossip,” Prapti says the 29-year-old. the evening as the light entering my says. “It was initially supposed to be According to her, there is a ten- apartment changes during sunset. ‘Rendezvous with Renatta’. e idea of dency among budding content crea- I wait for it to get dark so that I can Mrinalini happened after I had a ght tors to copy a pattern. “I have seen that adjust the lighting,” he says. Post shoot- with my friend whose name happens whenever there is a set pattern that ing, he gets on with the editing work to be Mrinalini. When I rst mentioned just seems to work all the time, people which he does by himself. Sounds like this name to my father, he started tend to follow it; almost blindly. e a one-man army! “I shoot one day and singing the evergreen Malayalam song best example is how parents force their edit on the next day. I trim the video which is the intro music. So, this was children to take up science in high rst and then add sound e ects and also a perpetual apology to my friend.” school or go for engineering. Most peo- background music,” he says. Ahmad Prapti broke into the internet ple go by this notion that after doing a calls editing a tiresome process as he world with a series of videos on ste- particular course in a particular way does not like sitting in place and work- reotypical Malayali mother problems. and then joining a particular rm, a ing for a long time. “More than editing, But, little did she think that her videos person’s life is sorted. Similarly, when I think adding subtitles is the most would blow up. With no history of act- one sees a lot of validating comments annoying bit for me but it is important ing or even being part of school plays, for a particular kind of video, there is as I have viewers from di erent parts the witty Delhi-based Malayali girl a tendency to replicate it,” she says. of the world,” he says. Post a copyright created a wave on social media. “Nobody knows what kind of videos do check, he packages the video. He then She was not always an Instagram well. Whenever I think one of my vid- schedules the upload by announcing it in uencer though. She started her eos would do well, it never does almost on his social media handles and nally career as a senior writer at various web all the time.” posts it on his Instagram account as publication rms like Bluepage, Wadi e Instagrammer strongly empha- well as YouTube channel. and ScoopWhoop. It was during her sises the importance of relatability and While some of Ahmad’s videos are stint at India Today that she took on originality while producing content. sponsored, most of it gets money based multiple roles—script writer, actor, She also says it is key for creators to on the viewership. “Earnings are not director and producer. “It was more develop a unique style and give their xed. Some months are good while like the need of the hour. e segment own twist to things. “My advice to some others are not.” Moving forward, I was working for as a writer was aspiring content creators is to just go Ahmad hopes to expand content-wide shutting down and I had to move to for it. Take action instead of waiting as well as in terms of technology. “I another team. I wrote a script which for motivation. But always remember want to get into doing travel vlogs. But was liked by the video team and they that consistency is key. It took me
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more than a year to build my pro le on process of getting started. But once to record them,” he says. “For me the Instagram,” she says. you get into the groove, it is crucial to moment is important not the equip- During the lockdown, Prapti has develop radically distinctive content,” ment I use. My frames are not the best. been shooting videos on her own. he says. I don’t use a fancy camera or lighting “I use my phone, tripod and a wing It was a video with his grand- either. But I believe in making my light for shooting. When I shoot in the mother on Game of rones dialogues content funny.” o ce, things are di erent. Everything that got the 26-year-old attention on Sharan has a team of friends who from camera setting to makeup is social media. “ e series was the talk help him out with content, shooting taken care of but at home I do it on of the town then and I wanted to get and editing. “It is never a one-person my own,” she says. e only complain my grandmother’s version of the dia- thing. You need people around you she has is about the humid weather logues. It was hilarious. As a matter of who give ideas and also constructive in Delhi. “While shooting I don’t turn fact, it blew up on Instagram,” Sharan criticism. Whenever I nish a video, on the fan or AC and I sweat a lot. If says. Netix liked the duo so much I run it through my team to get their the shoot goes longer, I take breaks in that it began a series called ‘Indian opinion. It is important that you like between wipe my face and sit under Grandma Reacts To’ followed by the your video but also understand the fan before I get back to shooting,” says movie name. “ e videos that I make perspective of the ones around you,” Prapti. e editing bit is always out- with my grandma are not scripted. I try he says. sourced but she works on the subtitles to keep it raw,” he says. Sharan stresses on how important as she tends to switch from English Sharan believes consistency is key it is for content creators to nd a bal- to regional languages like Hindi and in the digital content game. “You are ance between what they like and what Malayalam. not answerable to anyone if you don’t their viewers like. “It is important for make content regularly but it is impor- you to be exible to move away from tant to put yourself out there and grow the DNA of what you like. However, it Sharan Nair in the process. Recently, I promised shouldn’t be always about what your Master of pranks myself that I would make a video every followers like,” he says. “Anything and everything alternate day. Surely, there is pressure Prank videos are his favourite. “I can be good content.” but nothing makes me happier than started o with my own pranks but producing videos,” says the Kochi- now people send me ideas.” Most digi- s a teenager, Sharan Nair enjoyed based Instagram inuencer. tal content creators start o with the Ataking videos of every little thing All the videos by Sharan have a sole objective of earning money. But that happens around him. But it was distinct comical element that dif- Sharan says that money comes in only only later that he started posting ferentiates him from the rest of the later. “ ere will not be any money in these videos on social media. “I used creators in the circuit. He mostly your initial days. One needs a certain to record anything and everything. I uploads his videos on Instagram as number of followers and subscribers did not do it thinking that somebody he nds the platform to have a better to start earning. In the case of brand would watch it and like it. I did it algorithm. His recent series of videos endorsements, it is agencies that con- because I like shooting. Whenever I called ‘ is is not a vlog’ which is tact you. ey may have a list of social am with an interesting group of people on his everyday life not only got him media content creators from which or when I nd a scenario amusing, laughs but also a huge following. “I they choose. ere are times when there is an automatic instinct to take nd content almost everywhere. I was all of us get the same endorsement,” my phone out and record,” he says. It out with my friends the other day and he says. was in 2017 that he started uploading I saw those black and white cows on His videos may be around 1-2 online content more. “Growing up, the road. I wasted no time and quickly minutes long but it is a result of hours my parents kept on telling me to work ran home to get my cow costume. of editing and shooting. “Mostly, I try to hard but they never told me what to e owner of the cows was confused keep it simple but there are some vid- work hard on. I am glad I found some- when he saw me dressed up but by eos which take hours to edit. Imagine thing I love doing and I work really now most people in my city know editing four to ve hours long footage hard on it,” says the 26-year-old. that there is a crazy person walking to make a 2-minute video!” he says. According to him, initially most around on the streets,” he says. His biggest advice to aspiring content digital content creators start o their Sharan says his family and friends producers is to be consistent. “Just use work based on some others on the are always vigilant when he is around. your phone, don’t think about other social media circuit. “I don’t see that “ ey keep checking if I am holding creators or be a ected by people’s com- as an issue. Everybody does it, even the a camera and shooting them. So, ments, work really hard and, most of ones who say that they don’t. It is the sometimes, I keep the camera hidden all, have fun.”
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Responsible Whatr Straight from a natural spring in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, Responsible Whatr is India’s rst natural spring water beverage o ered in a sustainable and endlessly recyclable aluminium can. It is a non-alcoholic beverage that was launched with a vision for a sustainable future and an agenda to reduce single-use plastic pollution. According to Ankur Chawla, CEO and co-founder of Responsible Whatr, the cans are made up of around 70 per cent recycled aluminium. “ e material is a natural choice for packaging as it does not contribute to heaps of land lls. It does not alter the freshness of the water when exposed to light or heat. But when water in a plastic bottle is exposed to heat or sunlight, it has a tendency to become a carcinogen. A lot of research has been put into our product to make it Time highly sustainable,” says the 32-year-old who believes that sustainable packaging is serious business. He elaborates on a 2016 study by ICF International which found that the combined greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated to wrap with the transportation and refrigeration of beverages in aluminium cans are lower than those associated with bev- Top picks for the drive towards erages in glass or plastic bottles under the same conditions. “On a per litre beverage basis, emissions associated with sustainability in packaging transporting and cooling aluminium cans are 7 to 21 per cent lower than plastic bottles and 35 to 49 per cent lower BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL than glass bottles, depending on the size of the comparative bottles as well as the types of refrigerators in which bever- age is cooled prior to consumption,” he says. “An internal all it the pandemic e ect or the fear of industry study done in India shows, in case of refrigeration, uncertainty, people are more mindful now if the capacity of the refrigerator is 285l, 186 cans of 500ml than they were ever before. And this is not could be accommodated vis-a-vis 86 bottles of 650ml. e just to keep the virus away. e unprec- approximate time required to reach 6°C is 11.5 hours for Cedented halt to our fast-paced lives not only brought cans vis-a-vis 20.5 hours for bottles. In case of logistics, those dinner table conversations back but has also about double the number of cans are transported in a single ignited a desire to bring about a lifestyle change. consignment when compared to bottles.” However, this change is not only associated with e spring water, which is puri ed without changing physical health but also the health of the ecosystem. its natural properties and has a pH of 7.4. Starting from It is important to understand that our actions have not pumping the water out from the ground and utilising a direct impact on the environment; it may be subtle only the free ow water, to using the aluminium in the cans or drastic, but there is always an e ect. So, why not made from 70 per cent recycled aluminium, the brand make a positive impact? stands for being truly responsible. In addition to this, the With a vision to promote products that are entire production facility also harvests rainwater, which is environment-friendly, several companies across the used for irrigation. country have come up with innovative changes to e design of the can is clean yet elegant and luxurious- existing products. Maybe not directly to the product looking. “ e story behind the brand name is a simple one. but the way it is produced and packaged. From juice Usually, one does not expect water to come in a can so for cartons to takeaway food, packaging is ubiquitous clear communication we did play with the word ‘water’. in our daily lives. Most people tend to overlook the Since we have always been speaking about taking the aspect of sustainable packaging which plays a pivotal responsibility of bringing in a revolution and a solution to role in solving land ll problems. e throw-away the enormous problem of land ll, the word ‘responsible’ culture is rampant in our country and hence there is came naturally handy. Both the words together convey a a need for zero-waste packaging where all the materi- deeper and impactful purpose of the brand,” Ankur says. als are reused or recycled. Here is a list of brands that “We have come to realise that it (sustainable packaging) is have taken sustainable packaging way too seriously. more a necessity and not trend anymore. We at Responsible
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Whatr have made this a part of the cul- the wrap—has adverse e ects on the with a better wrapping paper that is ture for the organisation.” Ankur feels growth of human brain cells along with not only healthy for the body but also that it would not take long for eve- causing harm to one’s kidney, liver and the environment,” Naman says. ryone in India to adopt this new and could even prove fatal in the longer TöpCare wrapping and baking improved lifestyle change initiated by run. It reacts with salt, spices and other paper hit the market 12 months back Whatr. “Since we are a newly launched ingredient in the food and black spots under the mother brand SOLO, which brand, the impact on customers often seen on the surface of food is the has been in the o ce stationery busi- and society will only be seen in a few e ect of this reaction. And worse, it is ness for over three decades. e paper months. We believe that little drops not biodegradable in the true sense. is made of wood bre which is pro- make the mighty ocean,” he says. Although over a long period of time, it cessed in a mill in Europe. “My family will break in to smaller pieces in land- travels a lot internationally and we got TöpCare, SOLO ll through oxidation, many recycling our inspiration in Europe. We tied-up While there is no harm in storage in facilities do not take it as it is di cult with a mill there that has been working aluminium cans, wrapping food in to recycle when covered in food mate- in the paper domain for over 100 years. aluminium foil can be dangerous to rials. For 24-year-old Naman Gupta, it Although we call the health concern health. Yes, the foil paper that has was the concern for the health aspect as our initial push, we also wanted to been an essential part of our daily that got him thinking of an alternative. produce something that is completely lives—from packing our lunch to cook- “We (his family) are a bunch of avid natural and sustainable. is product ing grilled sh, vegetable or meat in readers and it was the knowledge of is a new vertical for us and it de nitely the harmful e ects of the foil paper pushed us out of our comfort zone. that triggered the idea of coming up But it is worth it” he says. e biggest challenge according to Naman is con- sumer awareness. “People still don’t know the side-e ects of aluminium foil and educating them is going to take some time,” he says. e brand o ers
two products as of now—baking and And this a ection deserves top quality negative response. ey said a dosa or cooking paper, and food wrapping packaging. at is how we came up biriyani outlet would fetch money and paper. Both are versatile in nature, with our brand name,” Naman says. not a smoothie store. But my vision environment-friendly and sustain- With a vision to expand and better was not just one store, I had a multi- able. “We wanted to explore how to existing products, he is on a mission store concept in my head. erefore, work around paper and its properties. to bring more sustainable products to I decided to come up with a plan that Our baking and cooking paper can the market. would negate all the aws. It was be reused up to ve times. Even our de nitely a di cult and money-taking wrapping paper can be reused but Drunken Monkey process but I was in this for the long- sometimes it gets coated with curry or Samrat Reddy, founder of Drunken haul and there was no turning back,” sauce making it hard to reuse it. e Monkey, was never a tea or a co ee says the 35-year-old risktaker. papers are chlorine-free too,” says the lover. Whenever he went out with When Drunken Monkey opened Delhi-based entrepreneur. his friends during his college days in its rst outlet in 2015, the brand used e paper used by the brand is Chennai, he used to be on a lookout for plastic bottles to store and serve the certi ed for adhering to US FDA and smoothie or juice shops. “I always won- smoothies. But within two months of European Parliaments standards for dered why there are so many tea and its conception, Samrat decided that coming in direct contact with dry, co ee stalls and almost no smoothie the brand would be completely plastic- moist and fatty foodstu . It is also shops,” he says. It was this thought that free. “We took o the plastic straws tailored to meet the Indian require- got him to do his own research on the and o ered paper straws instead. We ments. e paper is priced slightly on reason why there aren’t many juice also switched to glass bottles that were the higher side but it is a very small bars. “When I did my research while specially designed for our brand. We as price one pays considering its impact doing my MBA, I found that it is mainly a brand strongly believe in everything on health and environment. “Food, in because logistics are di cult and the being natural and our core product is our country, is something that is tra- margins are less,” Samrat says. Despite also natural and fresh fruit smoothies,” ditionally prepared by a mother. Every understanding the risks involved, says the Hyderabad-based entrepre- day when food is packed for the family, he charted a plan for his business. “I neur. “It de nitely increases the cost it is done with a lot of love and care. spoke to many experts who gave me a which varies with di erent material.
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Generally, we can say that there would be a minimum of 30 per cent increase in the cost of packaging. It does put CELEBRATE LIFE, CHOICES AND CHALLENGES some amount of burden, but it is a choice a brand has to make on the basis of their ethics.” e glass bottle has a classy design with a wide neck which is ideal for serving and consuming thick smoothies. “ e idea is to avoid the use of paper straws as well. e wide neck allows customers to drink the smoothies o the bottle. But we had a few people requesting us to keep the straws,” Samrat says. He believes that packaging is an important factor Nobody likes a pair of wet to accentuate the look, feel and the shoes. While tossing it into branding of the product. “In most the dryer sounds like the cases there is a choice a brand needs most convenient option, you to make between sustainable and could end up shrinking the non-sustainable packaging materials. shoes and also damaging is choice depends on both the cost the dryer in the process. The and the convenience,” says Samrat. easiest, most effective and Drunken Monkey also educates its least damaging way to dry customers on how to reuse the bot- “We have been working on the help group for this project. e group wet shoes is with newspa- tles. From using it for storage and sustainability side of our business for not helps women in villages to earn a per. There is also an added growing plants to doing artwork, the over two years now. And, I am proud to livelihood but also uses the proceeds for bonus—newspaper removes bottles can be used creatively for dif- say that Kocoatrait is the world’s rst the development of villages. e group odour. Follow these steps for ferent purposes. and only brand with no plastic or paper also has designers who have studied at dry and odour-free shoes: One may ask why the name packaging—the best part is that the prestigious institutes like NIFT,” he says. o Stuff the shoe from toe ‘Drunken Monkey’ when the brand brand is proudly Indian,” he says. Apart from retail chocolate bars, to heel with crumpled up serves no alcohol. “ e tag line of our e packaging material is a fabric the brand has also come up with bak- newspaper. Let this sit for brand is ‘naturally high’. What we made of reclaimed cotton and cocoa ing chocolate blocks. “ e normal 1-hour. mean by ‘drunken’ is that one does not husk. “ e inner side of the packaging compound chocolate has vegetable o Remove the newspaper need alcohol to get high; there are a lot has mandala art templates, greetings, oil in it while our brand o ers organic and stuff again with dry of other ways to enjoy life. And monkey emergency contact list and habit track- chocolate with coco butter. e pack- newspaper. Let this sit is an animal that is always happy. ers which make the wrapper reusable. aging for this product is also sustain- again for a few hours. It also symbolises our core value of Even when it comes to machinery, able and zero-waste as we have recipes o Remove that round of preserving nature and its elements,” we have developed our own designs printed on the back of the cover. We newspaper and stuff again Samrat says. which are energy e cient,” says the are working closely with several home with dry newspaper and Currently, the brand is planning on chocolatier. But it does not stop here bakers as we feel it is important to let it sit for 8-12 hours. getting environment-friendly paper for Kocoatrait. Recently, the brand encourage them,” says the 41-year-old For the best results, wrap a cups. It also wants to convert to a sub- has switched from plastic-based ink chocolate sommelier. “One thing that few rubber bands around the scription model where people would for printing to water-based ink which I can boldly say is that consumers love newspaper to keep them in order for a month or a week. is more eco-friendly. “ is might be a zero-waste products. We, as a brand, close contact with the shoes. small aspect for several consumers but are actually doing most of the job The newspaper will absorb Kocoatrait for people who have taken sustainable for their sustainable lifestyle. I think the water pretty quickly, but For Chennai-based L. Nitin Chordia, living seriously, this is a big deal. It is a choosing the right products is the rst depending on how drenched who is India’s rst certi ed chocolate big change for us as well considering the step to sustainable living.” Kocoatrait your shoes are, you may taster, packaging is more than just changes in the back-end operations,” plans on bringing out more novel pack- need to change newspaper being sustainable, it should be zero- says Nitin. e brand has also made aging concepts in the future which once or twice. You may want waste. And this is the culture in his changes to the outer packaging from would go beyond the conventional to remove the insole, too. premium bean to bar chocolate brand tin to palm-leaf based boxes. “We have idea of sustainability. Looks like we are Kocoatrait. tied-up with a Chettinadu-based self- in for a treat!
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Action star Vidyut Jammwal on kalaripayat, his new movie Khuda Haafiz, battle with injuries and much more
BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL PHOTOGRAPHS BY HAIDER KHAN
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ctor Vidyut Jammwal is not someone to be messed with. As a matter of fact, it is o cial now. He is the only Indian actor to be part of eRichest’s 2020 list of ‘10 People You Don’t Want To Mess With’. e 40-year-old shares space with the likes of Russian President Vladimir Putin and British adventurer and host of Man vs Wild, Bear Grylls. “We’re about to show you guys who sport biceps the size of tree-trunks, multi-skilled ghters who could take down any opponent, and yep, even one particular president with a black belt in Tae Kwon Do,” says the YouTube channel of eRichest. ough Vidyut saw the thumbnail of the video, he was initially unaware that he was a part of it. “I saw the cover picture, and I was like, ‘ ere must be some very crazy people on that list’. I didn’t watch the entire video. ree days later, a fan tweeted saying I was on the list. I saw it, and I was like, ‘ at is very cool’,” he says. “ e funny bit is when I sent it to my mother, she said, ‘You are the weakest in the list! You are so thin! How come you are on it?’” Vidyut is considered one of the most dangerous and highly skilled martial artists in the world. Well versed in kalaripayat, which is believed to be one of the oldest surviving martial arts in world, he is on the Looper’s list of top 10 martial artists in the world. “My only dream has been to help bring kalaripayat global recognition,” he says.
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who focussed on healing. In kalaripayat, one should know all of these aspects; not just one,” he says. He goes on and on about Kalari and then pauses for a bit and says, “I get very excited when I talk about my art. Actually, I am really proud to be associated with it.” Although Kalari is one of the oldest mar- tial art forms, Vidyut feels that most people have a limited understanding of it. “It is like saying the only highlight of India is the Taj Mahal whereas there are many beautiful monuments in our country. Similarly, Kalari is not only about ghting, it also involves healing—healing linked with the combat arena. It is important for one to learn how to heal before getting exposed to harm,” he says. He claims to have healed many people with perennial problems. “I feel it is impor- tant for one to go through that particular su ering in order to heal people. If you want to get healed of a particular condition, go to someone who has experienced it or recov- ered from it. e knowledge that you nd on the internet is less compared to what your body can teach you. Once you get into the His Kalari journey started at the age of groove of nding knowledge within, you will three when he was living in Kerala. “I lived be surprised by what you learn,” he says. in an ashram in Palakkad, where the martial When it comes to injuries, Vidyut has art form was taught. My mother was a part had several growing up. “It is inevitable. of it. She learnt the art from the gurus in the Every martial artist gets injured but a true ashram. She is an exponential healer and warrior knows how to cope with that injury I inherited that trait from her,” he says. It and recover,” he says. “It is these injuries that was his mother who gave Vidyut his name, have taught me some great lessons.” Apart which means electricity. Vidyut gives credit from teaching him lessons, the injuries have to his mother for not only teaching him also left scars. He calls it the tattoos of the Kalari, but also for making him understand warriors. “I love my scars. From my chest the true essence of the martial art form. “It is to my knees, my ribs and my back, I have so important to understand the true essence several scars. Although I love tattoos I would of this art form, as there are times when never want to hide my scars with it. My hon- people tend to limit its possibilities,” he says. our scars,” he says. “ ere is no set style of Kalari. We have two An injury that may not have left a scar legs and arms and all of these parts are used but he distinctly remembers is a bicep tear while ghting. I don’t believe in a di erentia- which happened two years ago while shoot- tion like north or south style. e real style ing for an advertisement. “Distal biceps is Lord Shiva style who is the destroyer tendon tear! I might be the only person on and protector. When I went to the Shaolin planet earth who has not got a surgery done temple, I got to see some monks who use for this kind of injury. Yes, the bicep looks just a sword. en there were some who a bit crooked but that is ne. A doctor is engaged in acrobatics only. And then others actually doing his PhD on my case,” he says.
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A hobby you once had but not anymore. A memorable fan moment. There is no hobby that I left behind. I I took a road trip to the northeast. The practise everything. I used to love skip- seven sisters. A fan travelled throughout ping. I still skip but maybe not as much the northeast just to meet. I was in my as before. car but she took the pain of boarding dif- ferent buses. When I came to know about An action star you admire. it, I made sure that I spent a lot of time There are many. Jackie Chan and this with her. actor called Buster Keaten top the list. Celebrity crush. A show you binge-watched. Bebe Rexha. Indian Matchmaking. If you had the power to bring back one Midnight indulgence. person from the dead, who would it be? Chips. Bodhidharma
Biggest dream. An advice for someone who wants to My dream is to make the whole world take up martial arts. know that kalaripayat is the mother of all Watch my videos! martial arts. A fascinating social media post on you. Worst nightmare. I am not sure whether to call it a hack I am people’s nightmare. on my Instagram account but somebody made an exact replica of my account. The If you got three wishes… interesting bit was that he asked people I would ask for 500 wishes and then take to watch Khuda Haafiz. I was surprised it easy. and impressed. As a matter of fact, I con- gratulated him on social media. A lie you told your parents that you distinctly remember. Romcoms or horror movies. There are so many. One that I remember Romcoms. I do not like horror movies. is that I used to steal money from our house temple promising God that I would If not an actor, then. return it one day. My mother used to keep Anything. I would be excellent at what- wondering where the money went. ever I do.
If you get only a day to live, where If you won a lottery, what would you would you go and what would you do? do with the money? I would just be where I am and relax. Wow, there is so much to do. I would donate a chunk of it for the welfare of ani- If you were to change your name, what mals. Look at how happy the animals are would it be? during this lockdown. Thank God none of Anything. I would just change it. the animals got the virus.
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Interestingly, he does not trust doctors at Co-star all. “I feel all of them are experimenting Adah Sharma on us. Self-healing is the only healing. I heal people because I heal myself. I know Movie about my kidneys, my lungs and every part Khuda Haafiz of my body. I understand reverse breath- Action star ing because I practise it. A true warrior is Me! someone who knows how to heal oneself,” Sport he says. Squash According to him, every cell in the body has divine intelligence. One needs to learn Breakfast Idli with sambhar how to listen to it. “We are always busy diagnosing our disease on the internet. Holiday spot Checking up symptoms and matching it Rishikesh with a disease. While the internet informs Exercise us of several possible conditions the symp- Any form of movement toms may be pointing to, it does not really Car give a solution. Our body has the power to Porsche heal,” he says. He has also done healing sessions Clothing through his social media platforms where Warrior wear he has claimed to help many with mobility, Punjab. “All of these forms have their roots Colour and lung and liver cleansing. e super- in kalari. is is the reason why kalaripayat VIBGYOR t actor has a huge fan following for his is called the mother of all martial arts,” says country boy exercises that can be easily the man with the sculpted body. “ e Hindu done at home with no special equipment. push-ups are actually kalari push-ups taken “Whenever I give ‘Jammwalions’ (what directly from the ancient scriptures. e struggle; it is learning. I did not keep high Vidyut’s fans are called) a task on social word ‘Hindu’ came long after the martial demands. I took anything that was o ered media, I have seen people from even some art. is art has come from Lord Shiva to me. I started o with a ve-minute role, of the smallest towns in India responding to Parashurama to Bodhidharma and, then 30 and eventually got more important with videos where they exactly follow my now, I am doing my bit to pass it on to the roles,” he says. steps. Our country has a lot of talent. I new generation.” e actor sure did have his share of lows, always make it a point to highlight and con- A graduate in economics from Delhi but he still does not call it a hard time or a gratulate these people,” Vidyut says. University, all that the warrior wanted to struggle. “ ere have been times when peo- According to him, a real martial artist do was pursue martial arts. According to ple have pulled me down. People are meant does not always pick ghts. “Your weapon is Vidyut, what he has achieved in martial arts for that; they are supposed to pull you down. not always your hands and feet; your words is beyond any degree. Tinsel ville was never I feel it is a good thing. e learning out of are also a weapon.” in his plan. “I just wanted to do martial arts it is how we pull ourselves up. Once you do Born in Jammu and brought up in dif- and action. For most people, Mumbai is that, they call you a success story,” he says. ferent parts of the country, thanks to his the best place to start a new phase. It has “It is important to learn how to deal with Army dad’s regular transfers, Vidyut calls been a university for me. It is where I started negative people. If you feel an association himself a true Indian. “I have lived in every modelling. Before that I did not know how is negative, please disconnect. at is the part of India and I know all the cultures. to dress well or carry myself. I learnt every- biggest service you can do to yourself and When people ask me my origin, I tell them thing here,” he says. others. Self-healing tip number one!” that I am a ‘country boy’,” he says. But it is After a short run in the modelling True to his word, Vidyut pulled himself not just regional cultures that he knows, circuit, Vidyut landed his debut role in the up despite many bad experiences. In 2011, Vidyut has made it a point to learn other Telugu lm Sakthi. He does not consider any he made his Bollywood debut with the John martial art forms like ‘ ang Ta’ (Manipuri) role as small or big. “I would not call it strug- Abraham starrer Force. His anti-hero role from a training centre in Kolkata and gle; there is no such thing as struggle. Most in the lm won the Filmfare Award for Best ‘Gatka’, which is associated with the Sikhs of people misuse that word. A failure is not Male Debut that year. e following year he
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Bollywood lm, he had the country boy in mind. Junglee, a ick based on wildlife conservation, won two awards at the Jackie Chan International Film Week in China in 2019. “Jackie Chan called me onto the stage and announced ‘Vidyut Jammwal, kalari- payat.’ I felt so honoured. e fact that my name is linked with the martial art is bigger than any award or accolade,” Vidyut says. In I am a vegetarian. I used to be a the same year, he was seen returning to the hardcore meat-eater but about 12 Commando series, which became the most years ago I decided to be a vegetarian successful lm in the franchise. He made and it worked just fine for me. It feels his acting presence felt even during the great actually. It helps body and mind lockdown with projects like Yaara and, his to operate with a certain amount of recent release, Khuda Haaz. e interest- agility and lightness ensuring one’s ing bit is that the actor who is known for his overall health is at its optimum. I con- death-defying stunts is seen in a new role sume a lot of carbohydrates, the right in the recent movie. Although Vidyut is a amount of sugar and salt and I don’t common man pulling out all the stops in suppress my cravings. I tried vegan- the damsel-in-distress-drama, there are bits ism for a year just to understand what in the movie where he is seen doing what it feels like; it was nice but I prefer he does best—breaking a few bones. “It is being a vegetarian. Some people di erent from the roles I have done before. I think we need meat to buff up. But had to completely unlearn everything I had have you seen a horse? One of the learnt all these years. Samir [protagonist most muscular animals—vegetarian! entered the Tamil cinema industry with in Khuda Haaz] is not a ghter. He is an Have you seen a deer? One of the yet another negative role in the lm Billa engineer who has never got into a brawl. most agile animals—vegetarian. II, opposite Ajith Kumar, which got him a Being a trained martial artist, I forgot at You should eat everything. If you lot of critical appreciation. e same year times that my role is that of a completely don’t satisfy your cravings, you’ll be he played another anti-hero role in the untrained ghter,” Vidyut says. “ ere were an unhappy being. I am a happy being. blockbuster movie uppakki, opposite times when the director had to remind me, If you feel like eating chips, please eat Vijay. He got typecast as a villain, but all ‘Vidyut, Samir does not know how to ght!’ them. Don’t finish off a packet. Three the same his body got attention. Perfect for It was like trying to teach someone to bal- or four pieces. But don’t be too hard the poster of Commando, in which Vidyut ance, but through the method of complete on yourself. I don’t understand this played the protagonist. He performed unbalance. Previously, I have trained in the concept of cheat days. What are they? real-world combat-based action in the drunken master style of ghting, prevalent Whom are you cheating? I believe in lm without the aid of stuntmen. is got in India and China, where if you ght with treating the body well; being truthful him into the list of action directors’ go-to a drunkard, it is almost impossible to bring to it. I feel like people are doing too men. It did not stop with that, though. e him down because you can’t connect with little and thinking too much. lm was showcased internationally at the his movements. I think that helped a lot in I eat carbs in the morning, so Fantasia Film Fest in Montreal in 2013, Khuda Haaz. I really enjoyed working for that I can give myself strength. On which got Vidyut global limelight. Even its it.” Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, it has the days I have to wake up early I sequel Commando 2 was a box oce suc- won him a new set of fans. eat carbs at night. When it comes to cess. “I don’t think too much or plan. I let “I just had to understand the pain Samir food, I think people should just stop destiny lead my journey. I just choose what was going through. If someone close to me taking advice from nutritionists and works best for me. My only objective is to was going through a situation like that, even dieticians unless one wants to make consistently grow and evolve with every if I didn’t know martial arts, I would kill to a massive change. The key is to know lm as a performer,” Vidyut says. save the person, right?” he asks. “It is about, your body. When American director Chuck ‘Dude, I will do anything to get my wife Russell decided to make his rst back’. It is about our natural instincts as
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I had a history of being thin. Now that I think of it, thin is good. People ask whether being fat is healthy. My question is, is being thin healthy? These body-builders with six packs are not really healthy. They have several dis- eases. They are always depressed and angry. Being fit manifests in the form of happiness. Most people don’t understand that actors don’t look like the way they do all year long. Body-builders aren’t all that toned through- out the year. They train before the competi- tion, the rest of the months they are fat. In a week, I train in martial arts for five days and then two days of weight training. Even though I train every day, I don’t follow a set regimen. I follow what my heart and my body say, and do what I want to. The days I feel like my body needs rest, I ensure I take that little time out.
human beings. I once read an article about a mother driving a car with her kid and it toppled. e mother actually picked up and turned the car around. I experienced similar kind of emotions while working on this movie.” Apart from acting projects, he has started a series on his YouTube channel called ‘X-rayed by Vidyut’ where he inter- views top martial artists around the world. From English action icon Scott Adkins to Muay ai warrior Tony Jaa, Vidyut has covered some of the top action stars in the world and has lined up a few more for his upcoming shows. “My only objective is to make viewers understand what martial arts really is. I want to talk to people around the world who promote martial art forms that are indigenous. It is so important to sensitise young people about this rich art form so that it is carried on to the next gen- eration,” he says. “I want the whole world to know about kalaripayat.” Sounds like a battle cry!
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A glass of milk is good before sleep. Add some turmeric to it as INDULGE YOUR SENSES, HAVE FUN it makes it an anti-in am- matory drink with several health bene ts., nutritionist
Karishma Chawla and lifestyle educator.
Rose’s diet Coconut water is the first thing that I have in the morning. Breakfast: Parathas with butter and tea. Lunch: I have rice and a salad. Nutrition advice - Include cinnamon water before Evening: I have a coffee breakfast to stabilise blood sugar what with cookies or poha levels and also to avoid cravings. Dinner: Roti with vegeta- - Being a Punjabi girl myself, I can ate bles. I also drink a glass of relate to the love for paratha and I milk before sleeping butter. Don’t fret, fats consumed today in moderation is not a bad idea at all. They say, laughter is the best - Try including a mid-morning medicine. Indeed. Each time smoothie made of greens, an you laugh or smile, you throw eat a lot. I believe in giving a lot apple or berries along with some a little feel-good party in of food and water to my skin Paratha lover protein powder mixed in almond your brain. The act of smiling and body. But it is important to milk. Make it a supercharge activates neural messaging exercise regularly. I eat when- smoothie with a teaspoon Actor Rose Sardana on her diet that benefits one’s health ever I am hungry. I am a pure of spirulina. and happiness. For start- and fitness regime Punjabi girl and I cannot stay - Lunch can be a vegetarian meal like jowar roti with green ers, it activates the release away from my parathas and vegetables rich in iron and a of neuropeptides that work efore stepping into the Raj Hans, Gurdas Mann and desi ghee. I usually consume bowl of dal with some salad toward fighting off stress. glamour industry, I was Diljit Dosanjh. seven to eight meals a day. So, and buttermilk. Neuropeptides are tiny mol- a project engineer at an It was a show called after every two or three hours - B Consume red or brown rice ecules that allow neurons to IT company in Bengaluru for a Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi that I keep on munching on some- poha in the evening. Other communicate. They facilitate year. I was not very happy work- kickstarted my acting career. thing. I eat anything that is snack options are sprouts or messaging to the whole body ing there so I left and flew back Later I acted in many television kept in front of me. But when it peanut salad. - when we are happy, sad, to my home in Chandigarh. It serials such as Badi Devrani, comes to midnight indulgence, Add some protein like palm-size chicken, fish, paneer or eggs angry, depressed or excited. was in 2014 that I got into show- Hum Aapke Ghar Mein Rehte I always stick to dry fruits and a for dinner. The feel-good neurotrans- biz as an anchor. Then I moved Hain, Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani cup of hot milk. - Consume herbs like turmeric, mitters—dopamine, endor- to Mumbai to pursue my pas- and also a Punjabi movie in I firmly believe that one ginger, rosemary and cinnamon phins and serotonin—are all sion in acting. As an anchor I got 2019. Currently, I am working should maintain a balance regularly as it helps in maintain- released when a smile flashes the opportunity to work with on Akbar Birbal, a show on Star between family and work. I am a ing healthy gut and also aids across your face as well. This many Bollywood celebrities Bharat channel. family girl and I make sure that immunity. not only relaxes your body, such as Ranveer Singh, Deepika When it comes to hobbies, whatever I do with my career but it can also lower your Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and I absolutely enjoy dancing and does not adversely affect my heart rate and blood pressure. many others. I also worked travelling. I also try to play bad- family in any way. I have seen a are important to me and I always try to So don’t hold it back, let out with many playback singers like minton whenever I get time. I lot of actors sever relationships make it work smoothly. that smile. Arijit Singh, Mohammad Irfan, would not call myself a fitness with their families while pursu- The art of balance! Javed Ali, Master Salim, Hans fanatic. As a matter of fact, I ing their career. Personally, both As told to Oshin Grace Daniell
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is a phrase that stuck with me. When I was in France, whenever the chefs see something beautiful or tastes something good, they say ‘se la folie’ which mean ‘oh wow, this is beauti- ful’ or ‘out of this world’,” she says. True to the name, the patisserie became popular for its radically distinctive French delicacies. “We got great reviews but we sure did have our Sweet things ups and downs. Over the years we understood our customers better and started designing unique recipes and menus for them. We Chef Sanjana Patel on her journey of focused on fresh produce and preparing fresh experimenting, evolving and expanding her desserts. Something like make a fresh lemon tart or mousse in front of customer and serve passion for pastries and chocolates it to them. What we started out small soon became a larger concept,” she says. “We also BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL have a chocolate factory café at Mahalakshmi, which is like a studio where people can come and see us make chocolate through the glass or chef Sanjana Patel, it was her technology in Germany before she window. ey can also do a short course with childhood experience of being moved to France to explore her crea- us as well.” denied chocolates that got her tive side and passion. “I knew the art, In 2015, Sanjana was crowned ‘ e Pastry curious about the world of sug- the science and the ingredients and I Queen of India’ at the national champion- Far, spice and everything nice. “I had thy- thought why not incorporate it together? ship held in Gurugram. For the theme, Art roid issues and my overall health was not I wanted to delve deeper in this eld and of Dance, she created an artistic guitar that great so my parents always said no this took me to Ecole Grégoire Ferrandi showpiece made out of glistening blown sugar to giving me chocolates or sweets. e –Paris, one of the most respected pastry which is one of the most di cult techniques best part is that my parents, especially and chocolate art schools in the world,” used in sculpting. my father, enjoyed eating chocolates. He she says. In 2016, she represented India at the World used to go abroad and get these big bars Sanjana started her career as an Lady Pastry Championship in Italy for the title of avoured chocolates,” Sanjana says. apprentice under Pierre Hermé who of e Pastry Queen. at was the rst time She also gives credit to her grandmother is often referred to as the ‘Picasso of India was invited to participate in the world who taught her how to bake. “I used to Pastry’. Over the years she worked championship. And she made her country spend my holidays with her. I would not with chocolateries and patisseries proud by bagging the fourth place in the com- call her an avid baker but she taught such as Jean-Charles Rochoux, Patrick petition. Her unique avant–garde destructive me a couple of hacks related to it,” she Roger and Olivier Bajard. She also yet couture style in creating French delicacies says. Although Sanjana was not allowed had the privilege of working at Le has also fetched her titles like ‘ e Scientist’, to consume a lot of desserts, the whole Meurice Hotel under chef Camile Lesecq ‘Game Changer’ and ‘ e Original’. concept of these sugary packets of joy and then at Plaza Athénée of the e “ ree years back, I had a fall. I had several caught her attention. Her curiosity in Dorchester Group Collection, under chef ligament tears and had dislocated my knee; the subject grew with time and after she Christophe Michalak. it got me on a wheel-chair. It gave me time nished her Class X, she requested her “In 2012, my husband and I moved to think about my long-term vision. It was parents to let her go for a short course at to India and we wanted to explore chocolate—the whole concept of bean to bar. I Le Cordon Blu in London. “By this time opportunities in our home country. We was surprised how transparent the trade cacao my parents had identi ed my interest in had nothing major in mind; our goal was had become. I started looking into ethical trad- confectionary and allowed me to go for to open a small boutique just to know if ing and dierent practices of fermentation of the pastry course in London. I could say people would like to try French desserts, beans,” she says. is vision of making her own that I formally got into confectionary in new concoctions, infusion of herbs in chocolate got the her on a journey with her 2002. But then I had to come back and desserts and other interesting delica- husband to dierent parts of the world. From take a break from it to pursue my higher cies,” the 34-year-old chef says. Peru to Ecuador, Tanzania and Guatemala, secondary education,” she says. e husband-wife duo set up a patis- the couple travelled seeking answers for their Sanjana got her degree in food sci- serie called La Folie in one of the alleys cacao-related questions. “We approached a ence with a specialisation in confection- of Kala Ghoda—a crescent-shaped art couple of NGOs and other cooperatives that ary. She also did a course in chocolate district in Downtown Mumbai. “La Folie are linked to farmers. e whole journey was
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interesting. We also explored the south of India—Pollachi in Tamil Nadu and Idukki in Pistachio dried cherry cake base Kerala. ere is an Italian family in Idukki who Ingredients: cake batter. works with the farmers there. ey started a G Almond flour-108g G Add the chopped pistachios and central trading platform which ensures that the G Pistachio nuts- 90g chopped dried cherries. Avoid farmers get a fair price for the beans. Interesting, G Icing sugar- 198g over mixing. Indian cacao is quite popular in the world; it is G G Potato starch- 24g Bake at 170°C for 13-15 minutes. G even winning awards,” Sanjana says. G Pistachio butter or almond butter- 54g Remove from the oven and let it cool down. Reserve until further use. When the duo got back from their tour, G Egg whites (1)- 144g (5 eggs) they decided to start the set up for chocolate G Egg yolks- 18g (Approx. 1-2 yolks) Ingredients for cherry compote: making right away. Sanjana’s husband, who is a G Unsalted, melted butter- 156g G Cherries (without seeds)- 450g mechanical engineer by profession, started to G Egg whites (2)- 135g (4-5 eggs) G Light corn syrup- 65g fabricate machines for the setup. “We tweaked G Castor sugar- 81g G Pectin- 6.5g the settings of our co ee roaster to roast cacao G Chopped dried cherries- 50g G Castor sugar- 65g beans. We used the dosa grinder for grinding the G Chopped pistachios- 50g beans and we got food grade rollers for the re n- Method: Method: G ing machine usually used in paint industries to Blend the cherries in a mixer grinder G Line a 1/2 baking tray with a silicone to make cherry puree/pulp. make the chocolate less gritty. We use unre ned mat or baking paper & keep aside. G Take a saucepan and warm the cherry sugar or black jaggery in our chocolate and G Sieve the dry ingredients and pulp with light corn syrup. hence it is important to get it real smooth,” she keep aside. G Add the castor sugar with pectin says. “We are proud of what we have achieved G In a grinder, take whole pistachios, when the puree is warm and give it and I can boldly call us real chocolate makers.” almond flour and icing sugar and a boil. Cook for 2 minutes while it Apart from gathering titles and creating blend together. Add in the other dry is boiling. new avours, the passionate chef is all about ingredients and mix well. G Stop cooking and let it set outside. responsible indulgence. “We have had a change G Start adding the egg white (1), egg Blend with a hand blender to smooth- yolk and pistachio butter and blend en the compote. of vision in the past couple of years. I focus a lot well. Simultaneously start making a on sustainability. We try to minimise wastage meringue of the egg whites (2) and Assembly: and use everything that we can. e coco husks castor sugar to firm peaks. G Cool the pistachio tea cake. Slice are sent to places where they make scrubs G Avoid overmixing the batter or it will the cake into two halves with a and soaps, we try to source local produce and lose its volume completely. bread knife. G we take part in ethical and fair trade when it G Meanwhile, warm the unsalted butter Add the compote on the first layer in a saucepan. and even it out with a palette knife. comes to procuring the cacao beans. Also, we Add the second layer of tea cake. Cool G Fold in the meringue into the base in rmly believe in the idea of a ordable luxury,” it down and trim the edges for a clean, three parts. she says. neat look. G Once the meringue is folded, take G Decorate with half fresh cherries, Although the craftswoman is careful about little batter and mix it in the butter to chopped pistachios and fresh whipped operations, mess-ups are an inevitable part of temper it and then fold all the cake cream along with dewdrops of cherry this business. “Recently, we had asked a person batter in two parts properly, without compote. to clean the chocolate grinder with hot water. overmixing it to lose volume of the He put the water while the chocolate was being grinded in it. As soon as the water touched the chocolate, it hardened and restricted the movement of the blades; it also damaged the engine. Although it took us some time to gure things out, we got it xed within a week. But we could not use the chocolate,” Sanjana says. “But we always try to turn things around. When our intern burnt co ee beans which was supposed to be used in a ganache, we got it transformed into co ee butter and used it in our croissants.” e Punjabi tastemaker’s go-to dish is sourdough bread. “I just love to bake my own bread. Toast it, drizzle a little oil, get some cherry tomatoes and balsamic and relax,” she says.
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Oreo chocolate moelleux cake Keto hot chocolate Ingredients: G Ingredients: Butter- 155g G G Elle & Vire whipping cream- 60g Unrefined sugar- 140g G G Water or brewed coffee- 60g 70 per cent dark chocolate-155g G G Stevia- 1g Eggs- 125g G G Natural unsweetened cocoa Flour- 45g powder- 15g G Chopped oreo cookie- 40g G 85 per cent dark chocolate- 20g Method: G Vanilla extract or cinnamon for G All ingredients should be at room temperature. Teacake tin spice- 2g should be lined with butter paper and oil spray. Method: G Melt the chocolate and bring it to lukewarm temperature. G Combine all ingredients in a G Take a bowl and whisk eggs with sugar, vigorously to create saucepan. Give it a gentle boil and thick ribbons. This will take a good 10-15 minutes. whisk till it thickens. G Melt the butter and mix it with chocolate. G Pour in a mug. Relax. G Add the melted chocolate-butter mixture to the beaten G Optional: Dust with extra cocoa or eggs and fold well, add in two parts. shavings of chocolate G Add the sieved flour and fold well. Scrape the bottom of the bowl once again. G Take a piping bag and pipe the cake batter into the cake tin. G Add crushed Oreo cookies on the surface and pipe a line of semi-melted butter in the centre of the cake batter. G Bake it at 170°C for 30 minutes, until the toothpick inserted comes out clean. G Once slightly cold, de-mould the cake, remove the lined butter paper and serve warm.
Chocolate cookie shortbread (Sablé) Ingredients: G All-purpose flour- 105g G Dark coco powder- 15g G Baking soda- 3g G Butter- 90g G Brown sugar- 75g G Castor sugar- 30g G 70 per cent chocolate chips- 90g G Sea salt- 1g
Method: G Take room temperature butter that is slightly soft, not too soft. G Cream butter with brown sugar and castor sugar, until mixed well and creamed well with not lumps. G Add dry sifted ingredients—cocoa powder, flour and baking soda. G Knead well to make a dough, add the chocolate chips and sea salt. G Roll the dough into 15 gms round balls and press them in the centre (Cool the dough in the fridge for 10 minutes in case the dough is too soft). G Bake them in silicone moulds or on a lined baking tray with foil or parchment baking paper. G Bake at 150°C C for 12-13 minutes (They should develop cracks and be fudgy and moist in the centre).
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Honey coffee almond cake Ingredients: G Eggs-140g G Honey- 70g G Salt- 1g G Brown sugar- 70g G Gluten-free flour- 70g G Baking powder- 5g G Coffee powder- 15g G Ground almond powder- 70g G Melted warm butter- 140g
Garnish Ingredients: G Honey drizzle- 15g G Coffee Dust- 1g G Icing Dust- 1g Method: Dark chocolate chip G Sieve the gluten free flour, almond powder and baking powder and keep aside. quinoa cookies (vegan and gluten-free) G Add the melted warm butter and the coffee granules to it. Ingredients: G With the help of a whisk mix in the eggs, honey, sug- G Castor sugar- ½ cup (100g) ar in the dry ingredients and whisk till incorporated. G Brown sugar- 3/4th cup (165g) G Add the butter/coffee mixture and whisk by hand till G Sea Salt- 1tsp (4g) completely incorporated. G Coconut oil- ½ cup (110g) G Rest the batter in the fridge for 5-10 minutes. G Almond milk- 1/3rd cup (75ml) G Pour the batter in cake molds or cake tin. G Vanilla extract- 1 tsp (4g) G Bake at 170°C for 25-30mins for a tea cake loaf or G Quinoa flour- 3/4th cup (100g) bake at 170°C for 12mins in a mini cupcake liner or G Almond powder- cup (65g) madeleine cake mold. ½ G Organic cocoa powder- 2tbsp (20g) Garnish: G Baking soda- ½ tsp (2.5g) G Once the cake is cool; garnish with a drizzle of honey G 70 per cent chocolate chips- 1 cup (115g) on the surface of the cake to glaze the cake and dust coffee powder and icing sugar. Method: G Serve at room temperature. G In a round bottom bowl mix the sugars with the almond milk, coconut oil, vanilla extract. G Sift the dry ingredients i.e. quinoa flour, almond powder, cocoa powder and baking soda and add in small parts to the liquids. G Mix with a spatula till it forms a dough. G Add the chopped chocolate and fold in gently. G Rest and cool the dough down in the fridge until nice and firm for 30-45minutes. G Scoop the dough and place on an aluminium or baking paper-lined baking tray. G Bake the cookies at 160°C for 15-18 minutes until soft and chewy in the middle and crusted on the sides. Post baking, place them to cool on a wire rack.
Tips: G You can use coconut sugar or muscovado sugar instead of brown sugar. G You can bake these cookies in a tartlet ring or muffin mould that is well greased as these tend to spread a little.
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A tech-tonic shift Anjuly Mathai bemoans the increasing popularity of Zoom It’sa wrap
he internet is full of funny ing norms, perfectly tailored to my asked me where I had been and then Zoom stories. I read about anti-social personality, when a mes- had the e rontery to post the question a man who stopped shaving sage pops up on a WhatsApp family in the family group. Now, everyone during the lockdown and group. Who wants to meet on Zoom knew what a socially-backward person Tcan now no longer chat with his grand- tonight? What in heaven’s name was I was. It is not that I don’t love my fam- son on Zoom for fear of scaring the boy Zoom, I wondered. Being sure that ily. I can even manage handling them with his “worn-out bottle brush”. ere it was some complicated technology one by one, in a decent sequential was the group of men who decided that a majority of my antiquated order. It is just that, when they appear to move their Scotch party online. family members would not be able simultaneously as a pack, I become But they found that virtually clinking to master, I happily ignored the link overwhelmed and don’t know what glasses on Zoom and hollering ‘Cheers’ sent by a cousin to the Zoom meeting. to say. And the situation is worse on to each other could not really replace To my shock, there was a volley of Zoom, which is a marketplace of opin- the real deal. en there was my uncle back-and-forth messages during the ions, just with poor audio quality. who wore boxer shorts beneath his session, people asking where others Of course, man is a social animal shirt and tie for an o cial meeting. were, sharing inside jokes, telling each and needs human interaction, but Everything was going ne until eve- other to mute themselves, posting what Zoom aims to do is try to replace ryone was made to stand up for the screen shots on WhatsApp. e next a human quality by simulating it as national anthem. day, I was astounded to learn that closely as possible. at is like showing Personally, I nd the app bother- my whole family of nearly 30 cousins a picture of a glass of water to a man some. Mostly because I loathe social had attended the meeting, each and dying of thirst. As for me, I get my gatherings of any sort and that every one of them, except for another dose of human interaction watching includes virtual ones. Here I was, cousin and me. Didn’t these people good-looking people sing and dance feeling like clinking my invisible glass have a life? in old rom-coms on Netix, even if the at the government’s social distanc- To make things worse, my cousin interaction is completely one-sided.
80 SMART LIFE • SEPTEMBER 2020 Issue Date [The Smart Life] : SEPTEMBER 2020 82 SMART LIFE 2020 SEPTEMBER RNI.KERENG/2012/43309 Registered No. KL/EKM/758/2018-20. Published on 1st SEPTEMBER 2020