Bhumi Pednekar Creatively Restless LIVE HEALTHY, STAY FIT Letter from the Editor VOLUME NO.10 • ISSUE NO

Home , BHUMI (organisation), Bhumi Pednekar, Dum Laga Ke Haisha

OCTOBER 2020

LIVE HEALTHY, STAY FIT

Must-try Make In India food Chef Anurudh Khanna Top picks for Textures and beauty products colours of food Healing with Bach ﬂower therapy Live like a king at Deo Bagh

Boxer Vikas Krishan is chasing Olympic glory

Bhumi Pednekar Creatively restless LIVE HEALTHY, STAY FIT Letter from the Editor VOLUME NO.10 • ISSUE NO. 09 OCTOBER 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 We are in the final quarter of 2020, and most of us would want to wipe the year off our memory for obvious reasons. Apart from the panic trig- DESIGN Sujesh K. gered by the virus attack, many are faced with a dilemma of mental health Ajeesh Kumar M., Sumesh C.N. issues. The pandemic has definitely opened the Pandora’s box. Social media EDITORIAL has been extremely vocal about this issue and mental health experts are put- Karthik Ravindranath, ting their best foot forward to help people cope with it. Most people indulge Reuben Joe Joseph, Nirmal Jovial in standardised therapies like yoga and meditation but not many have tapped PHOTO RESEARCH into the gifts of nature. One such gift is the flower. One may wonder, can a Bimal Nath C., Jomy M. Joseph flower extract really alleviate mental issues? Lifestyle coach Pallavi Bhardwaj CORPORATE MARKETING OFFICE says it does more than just that. A Bach flower therapist, she talks about the VARGHESE CHANDY, VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING, ADVERTISING SALES benefits of this complementary therapy that is effective for healing physical, OOMMEN P THARAKAN, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING mental and emotional issues. Head to our Pause section to read all about it. BUSINESS HEAD They say, we are what we eat and this aphorism got a whole new level of PRANAV KUMAR significance during the lockdown. With many trying to consume healthy food BUSINESS OFFICES while being locked at home, there has been pressure on Indian food brands NEW DELHI PRAVEEN GOPINATHAN, to come up with innovative concepts. Read the story ‘Made in India’, in which ATUL ARORA, REGIONAL DEPUTY GENERAL DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, MANAGER, MARKETING we have listed some of the top homeland brands with a range of products that MARKETING KOLKATA are not only easily available but also of high quality. MUMBAI MANORANJAN ANANDAN, In this edition, we have our cover girl Bhumi Pednekar talking about SHREE KUMAR MENON, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, RESIDENT CHIEF GENERAL MARKETING her journey from being an assistant director to an actor. “I used to conduct MANAGER HYDERABAD auditions myself at YRF for four years and the people there as well as direc- PARNA CHATTERJEE, ABRAHAM T GEORGE, HEAD SALES, LUXURY REGIONAL DEPUTY GENERAL tors were impressed with my abilities. So, when the script for Dum Laga Ke… MAGAZINES, WEST MANAGER, MARKETING came, they got me to audition along with 300 girls. I was 20 then and had CHENNAI COIMBATORE never told anyone that I wanted to be an actor. It just happened,” she says. At SURESH K C, REGIONAL CHIEF RAJESH NAIR K, GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, a time when girls do anything to lose weight, Bhumi gained over 20kg to be JOHN SUDHIR ABRAHAM, MARKETING SENIOR MANAGER, MARKETING able to play the role. Her character is, undoubtedly, one of the most memora- PUNE BANGALORE AMARNATH JOSHI, ble leading lady debuts. After doing some strong roles is her past projects, the RANJIT KURIAN, REGIONAL SENIOR MANAGER, MARKETING 31-year-old actor hopes to play the role of a freedom fighter in the future. CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING This month, we have another must-visit place for your travel bucket For Advertising inquiries: [email protected] list. Live like the Mughals for a couple of days in the history-packed land or call: +919895395097 of Gwalior at Deo Bagh—one of the oldest heritage hotels in India. Set in a CIRCULATION restored 17th century palace, this property is a haven of calm. M RAJAGOPALAN NAIR, HARI M. VARRIER, In One Shot, Anurudh Khanna, a multi-property executive chef at The VICE PRESIDENT, CIRCULATION GENERAL MANAGER, SALES Westin Gurugram, New Delhi, and The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa, talks SUMIT DEVASSY, SENIOR MANAGER, CIRCULATION about his wellness menu and ‘unlock 1.0’ strategies. Anurudh strongly Subscriptions For all subscription-related inquiries believes that sustainable operation is the way forward and he emphasises on please write, email or fax to Manager, Circulation, Malayala Manorama, PB No. 4278, Panampilly Nagar, the importance of creating dishes that are high in quality and nutrition. He Kochi-686 036 Kerala, India. also shares his journey into the culinary world and six of his signature recipes Email: [email protected] or from locally sourced produce. call: +919895395024 So, get your chef’s hat, clean up those rusty knives and get ready to Printed at Malayala Manorama Press, Kodimatha, start cooking. Kottayam-686039 and published from Manorama Buildings, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi-682036 by Jacob Stay safe, stay healthy and enjoy this issue of Smart Life. Mathew, on behalf of the Malayala Manorama Co.Ltd., Kottayam-686001. Editor: Philip Mathew. Reproduction in any form is prohibited. Feedback: [email protected]

2 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 3 OCTOBER 2020

LIVE HEALTHY, STAY FIT

Must-try Make In India food Chef Anurudh Khanna Textures and What and how colours of food of luxury beauty products Healing with Bach ﬂower therapy

Live like a king at Deo Bagh OCTOBER

Boxer Vikas Krishan is chasing Olympic glory PHOTOGRAPH BY RISHABH KUMAR STYLIST MOHIT RAI Bhumi Pednekar Creatively restless MAKE UP SONIC CONTENTS HAIR ALIYA SHEIKH 2020 INHALE 30 18 Fit Bit: Dos and don’ts while starting a fitness regime. 10 PAUSE 38 Sports Talk: Harmanpreet Singh on his journey to the 52 hockey field. EXHALE ON THE COVER 62 What I ate: Singer Arzutra Garielle on her diet and fitness. 22 Vocal Local: Top picks for must-try local food brands. SMILE 30 Attention Ladies: The 78 It’s a Wrap: The battle with allergens. best of beauty and personal care products. 42 Sports Talk: Boxer Vikas Krishan on his Olympic dream. 46 Flower Power: Lifestyle coach Pallavi Bhardwaj talks about the benefits of Bach flower therapy. 74 52 Cover story: Actor Bhumi Pednekar says she loves to experiment with her roles. 64 One Shot: Chef Anurudh Khanna on his love for colours and textures of food. 74 Bucket List: Live like a royal at Deo Bagh in Gwalior. SMART START 6 Inside Out: Tips for managing stress migraines. 8 Quick Bites: Keto diet for Alzheimer’s, superfood eggplant and more.

10 Why my life is smart: Singer Nikitaa on trusting her inner voice.

12 Eat Right: Natural phytochemicals to ﬁght cancer.

14 Med Talk: Lung ﬁbrosis—symptoms and treatment. FOCUS/IN FOCUS FEATURES ARE MARKETING/PR INITIATIVES

4 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 5 smart start

ALL IN YOUR HEAD Tips to manage stress migraines at home

BY DR PANKAJ AGARWAL

tress is one of the biggest control migraines. Whole grains, Keep a journal: Write about the triggers of migraine. But, they beans and leafy dark green veg- situations that cause stress and Ssay, stress is an inevitable etables are all high in magnesium, result in a migraine. Write about part of life. So, how can one get and according to the research, your feelings. Then watch out for rid these notorious headaches people who have magnesium get those triggers and avoid them. that are a result of stress? Firstly, migraines. Mushrooms can help it is important to understand what you deal with headaches and Stick to a proper schedule: migraine is. It is a neurological control migraines. Even carrots Build a routine. Make a time table condition that causes a throbbing and sweet potatoes help alleviate of the tasks you are supposed headache with a pulsating sensa- the pain. to carry out throughout the day. tion on one side of the head. Often, Stay organised. Don’t forget to one also feels nauseated and there Learn to say no to certain things: take out some time and rejuvenate will be an increased sensitivity to Avoid chocolates, cheese, red yourself. Indulge in activities like light and sound. A migraine attack wine, tobacco, alcohol, citrus, and reading, gardening, listening to can last anywhere from a few hours processed foods. Avoid food with music or painting. This can help to even a few days. preservatives like monosodium you stay stress-free and in turn As a matter of fact, it is a glutamate and artificial sweeteners reduce your chances of suffering cycle—stress triggers migraine which are migraine triggers. from a migraine. Also, try to spend and the chronic pain causes more some quality time with your family stress. It can also lead to a tension Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Follow and friends. Open up about your headache, which is a slightly differ- a regular schedule with respect feelings. Try to speak to your near ent type of headache from migraine to eating, sleeping and exercise. and dear ones about the things that which is usually without nausea. Adequate sleep for seven to eight worry you. Here are some strategies that can hours will help you get rid of the It is essential to get rid of stress help reduce stress and deal with headache. Relaxation techniques in order to manage your migraine. migraine. such as yoga and meditation Also remember that you must not can help you to de-stress. Try self-medicate. Doing so is a strict Eat a well-balanced diet: Food doing deep-breathing exercises no. Consult your neurologist if your rich in Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) and as well. Exercising daily can also migraine is bothering you. magnesium can be helpful. be beneficial. It can help you stay Agarwal is senior consultant, stress-free. You can do activities of neurology, and head of movement Consume salmon: It is abundant your choice like running, walking or disorders clinic, Global Hospital, in omega-3 fatty acids and can help even aerobics. Mumbai.

6 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 7 Quick bites Venom power super FOODof the month According to a recent study by Scientists at the Harry Per- kins Institute of Medical Research in Perth, Australia, and the University of Western Australia, also in Perth, honeybee venom kills aggressive breast cancer cells with neg- ligible effects on normal cells. In laboratory studies, the active component of honeybee venom rapidly killed two types of breast cancer cells that are particularly difficult to treat. Crucially, the toxin left healthy cells unharmed. Scientists have discovered that honeybee venom and its active component, melittin, are toxic to a wide range of tumours—including melanoma, lung, ovarian, and pan- creatic cancers—in laboratory tests. The researchers say that the venom was extremely potent and can completely destroy cancer cell membranes within 60 minutes. The study also showed that venom from bumblebees, which contains no melittin, did not kill the cancer cells—even at Eggplant high concentrations. = Eggplant is low in calories and sodium, and is a great source of potassium, and B vitamins. = The high fibre content in eggplants, which is a crucial ele- What and when ment to maintaining a balanced diet, is a great way to improve one’s gastrointestinal health. According to a research presented at the European = It is a rich source of natural antioxidant manganese. A high and International Conference on Obesity 2020, what level of manganese ensures that your organs are protected. one eats is linked to when one eats. Researchers = Iron and calcium found in eggplants improves bone health. found that people who consume most of their It also prevents anaemia. The phytonutrients in eggplants calories in the evening tend to consume and have aids mental health. a lower quality diet. The study’s aim was to explore the connection between the evening consumption of calories—the measure of energy intake (EI)— “I’ve made peace with the fact and diet quality. Previous studies have found that hunger follows a daily rhythm and that this rhythm that the things that I thought is, in some ways, not what people might expect. were weaknesses or aws Biological ageing accelerator Hunger tends to be strongest late in the day after most people have completed the majority of their were just me. I like them. According to researchers from the University of Navarra in Pamplona, daily activities. People who consumed most of their Spain, ultra-processed food may accelerate biological ageing. The study daily EI earlier tended to eat fewer calories over – SANDRA BULLOCK links the consumption of ultra-processed food with the shortening of the course of a day. The study suggested that meal the body’s telomeres (structures located at the ends of our chromo- timing affects the nutritional quality of food. So, somes). Although it contains no genetic information, it preserves the follow the drill—breakfast like a king and dinner like a pauper. integrity of chromosomes by keeping its ends from fraying, much as balance of microorganisms in the gut. There is an intimate shoelace tips protect the laces. Telomeres become shorter and less relationship between the gut microbiome and the central effective over time as chromosomes replicate. Scientists view them nervous system, with recent research suggesting associations as markers of an individual’s biological age at a cellular level. The con- between particular bacterial communities and neurological sumption of ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, is on the rise worldwide. disorders. Scientists at the Wake Forest School of Medicine, UPFs are manufactured food products comprising the building blocks in Winston-Salem, NC, found a distinctive gut bacterial of naturally occurring foods: protein isolates, sugars, fats, and oils. “signature” in people with MCI. They also discovered that a However, UPFs are nutritionally poor and often unbalanced. Research- Keto for Alzheimer’s diet called the modified Mediterranean-style ketogenic diet ers have noted associations between telomeres and alcohol, sugar- altered bacterial communities in the guts of volunteers and sweetened beverages, processed meats, and foods high in saturated fat Scientists have found associations between fungi living in reduced biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease in the cerebrospinal and sugar. It also indicates a connection to several serious conditions, the gut and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can fluid. This diet contains a limited number of carbohydrates lead to Alzheimer’s disease. They suggest that a ketogenic such as obesity, hypertension, depression, metabolic syndrome, some and increased amounts of fats. These are primarily mono- and diet could help prevent the disease by creating a healthy types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes. polyunsaturated fats that come from olive oil and fish.

8 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 9 smart start

The beginning I got to tell the stories music and culture and I started my career in Los Angeles behind the songs that to give people the world in 2015. It was with one of my night, and it was so round a real taste of classmates who is now my favour- Trust much fun. South Asian culture. ite person to work with and like a brother to me—Mukund Komanduri. Greatest challenge A hobby you picked Together we had the chance to work Getting out of my own up during with Red One, Ferras (co-songwriter your gut way, both as a person the lockdown. to Katy Perry), Joe Crow (previously and a creator. It is I picked up baking. I worked with Adam Lambert) and easy to trust the lies used to bake so much several other artists. He has been Singer Nikitaa says we tell ourselves that when I was younger a part of the production of every a great support we need to be or act and I have started to do one of my single releases so far. My like someone else. But bake again. musical journey in India started last system is important understanding the truth year after Daboo Malik collaborated for success is key as it makes your One dish you with me and I released my first ever career authentic. whipped up during Punjabi single Vichhoda Yaar Da. this time. Shortly after, I decided to switch Strengths I made stir-fried Chinese bases and work from my hometown My strengths are my greens and some Mumbai for a while. I have been honesty, compassion rice for my family the lucky to cross a million views on and forgiveness. I think other day. A few weeks YouTube on all of my last four major the newest one is con- ago it was pasta and releases (Vichoda Yaar Da, a cover fidence. As an artist, it before that my mother, of Aa Jaane Ja + Piya Tu released used to be just singing sister-in-law and I made with SaReGaMa Carvaan, Clutch and and songwriting, but homemade pizza. Goddess). My English release Majesty now I am growing as a received three film festival awards for producer and music vid- Three wishes the video. eo director and I love it. Number one—I wish this pandemic comes to an Current projects Weaknesses end; two, I want to be in I just put out an acoustic version Sometimes I overthink Los Angeles (I had every of my latest single Goddess that I things or take myself a Fitness regime studio, take my nephew intention to travel back worked on all by myself—from start little too seriously. But I I used to love lifting out for a drive in our and forth for work but to finish on both music and visuals— am blessed with friends weights, but my first neighbourhood in the of course for now that during lockdown. who have taught me to passion is always dance. evenings (we stay inside is out of the question). look past that and laugh I have been on a low the car), dinner with my And, three, that those Memorable times in those moments. weights-high functional- family, sleep and repeat. facing the worst of the Musically, I think one of the most ity-training-circuit, and current global situation memorable times was a smaller What do you binge watch? I have started dancing Ways to unwind are provided with relief, acoustic set I got to play last year. Friends, The Big Bang again as well. I use my skin care aid and justice. Theory, RuPaul’s Drag routine and either a few Race and any supernatu- Diet mantra Friends or Big Bang Why do you think your ral fiction show I can get I don’t believe in diet Theory episodes to life is smart? my hands on. culture. Bodies go unwind before I head to I think my life is smart through seasons and bed. That and spending because it is full of Lessons learnt shifts. I believe our nour- time with my cat; he people who support me, Be strong and always ishment should adapt loves cuddles. hold me accountable why trust your gut. Invest with it. and love me uncondi- my in yourself and consult Dream for the future tionally. Having a great life your inner voice before Typical day To continue to make support system is such is making decisions. It will Wake up, journal or music across languages a big part of building a smart always be the dier- reflect, grab a steaming side by side, to create a joyful and successful life. ence between success cup of golden milk, get lane for brown women As told to Oshin and failure. to work in my home within mainstream Grace Daniell

10 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 11 smart start Eat Right

cancer but is also known to slow the spread of cancerous cells and make chemotherapy more eective. Flavonoids: Most Indians cannot do without that 4pm cup of tea. Maybe, it is a good routine as tea contains immune-protective avonoids. Cocoa, apricots, apples, pistachios and chilies are also rich in this compound. Indoles: Found in cabbage, cauliower and other cruciferous vegetables, this compound contains sulfur and activate agents that destroy cancer- causing chemicals. Lignins: Present is axseeds, green beans and whole wheat, this phytochemical generates antioxidants that have anti-cancerous properties. Lutein: Reduce the risk of cancers, Battle especially breast cancer, by including corn, pistachios, carrots, peas, pump- kins and leafy green which are rich in lutein. Lycopene: When it comes to Indian inside savoury curries, the humble tomato plays a major role. Besides its tangy avour, it is rich in lycopene—a A list of locally compound said to reduce to the risk of available sources cancer. Phenolics: Bananas, peanuts, apples, of phytochemicals kidney beans, peas, and moong to ﬁght cancer belong to this club of food rich in anti- inammatory and tumour-protective BY NAINI SETALVAD phenolics. Quercetin: It is a phytochemical found commonly in apples, lettuce, tomato and onion; it has anti-inammatory properties. In addition to ghting cancer, it prevents infections. e reason our cuisine is revered all over the world and leaves everyone licking their ngers is the varied spices that are added to it. ese spices were intelligently incorporated in our ancer is one of the leading tem against viral and bacterial attacks. in garlic and onions, it is known to lemon, orange, bell peppers, grapes gives the green hues to plants have cuisine by our wise ancestors who causes of death in the world. ere are over 5,000 phytochemi- eliminate bacterial and fungal toxins. and onions to get your daily x. some anti-mutagenic activity that stop had recognised its healing powers. Anyone can get it at any age cals to choose from and it might not Anthocyanins: is ghter of aller- Carotenoids: Found in dark yel- the process of cell mutation by foreign Phytochemicals are found in cin- but the good news is that be possible to include all of it. But do gies and heart disease is abundant in low, orange, and deep green fruits substances. So, consume a lot of green namon, cumin, caraway seeds, chili Cthe preventives are found in nature. not fret, here are a few locally avail- pomegranate, purple grapes, brinjal, and vegetables such as tomatoes, leafy vegetables. powder, turmeric, ginger, mustard Phytochemicals, also called phytonu- able sources of phytochemicals to gs, plums and prunes. e purple hue pumpkin, oranges, carrots, papaya, Coriandrol: It is not only a major seeds, coriander, black pepper and trients, are potentially helpful com- safeguard you from not only cancer but to known to protect from tumours, sweet potato and spinach, these com- phytochemical in coriander leaves but clove. So, make sure you own a ‘great pounds found in plant produce. It aids also various diseases. inammation and blood clots. pounds ensure a robust immunity and also a potent anti-carcinogen. Indian spice box’. in preventing chronic diseases, includ- Allicin: It has anti-inammatory and Bio avonoids: Antioxidants are excel- optimum growth. Curcumin: Present in the golden spice ing cancer. It is the plant’s defence sys- infection- ghting properties. Present lent for cancer prevention. Include Chlorophyll: is compound that turmeric, curcumin not only prevents Setalvad is a nutritionist based in Mumbai. Got a question for Naini? Write to us at [email protected]

12 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 13 smart start Med Talk

Breathe easy Are you suering from regular respiratory problems? It is time to get it checked

BY DR ARVIND KATE

ung brosis occurs when tions and therapies can help tackle lung tissue becomes dam- symptoms and improve quality of life. aged and scarred. is thickened and sti tissue Symptoms Lmakes it dicult for the lungs to func- If you are suering from lung brosis, tion properly. As lung brosis worsens, you may showcase symptoms such one becomes progressively shorter as shortness of breath (dyspnea), dry of breath. Many Covid patients have cough, tiredness, unexplained weight been diagnosed with lung brosis loss, aching muscles, and joints widen- and are the most common ailment ing and rounding of the tips of the n- faced by these patients. is condition gers or toes (clubbing). You should be symptoms (acute exacerbation), like the onset of the symptoms. Delay in from lung brosis if the tissue around ins and pollutants like silica dust, grain can hamper one’s daily activities and aware that the course of lung brosis severe shortness of breath, which doing so can worsen the condition. and between the air sacs (alveoli) dust, hard metal dust, and bird and requires immediate medical attention. and the severity of symptoms may vary tends to last for several days to weeks. It is the most common ailment faced in the lungs tend to get scarred and animal droppings can damage your Early diagnosis, swift treatment and considerably from person to person. People who have acute exacerba- by Covid-19 patients’ post-recovery. thickened too. And this will make it lungs. After determining the underly- adequate hydration is key when it Some people become ill very quick- tions are placed on a mechanical So, stay in touch with your doctor in dicult for oxygen to pass into your ing cause, your doctor will suggest an comes to treating it at an early stage. ly with the severe disease while others ventilator. Doctors usually prescribe case you notice any of the symptoms bloodstream. Certain medical condi- appropriate treatment. e scarring linked with lung bro- show moderate symptoms which may antibiotics, corticosteroid medica- mentioned above. tions, radiation therapy, and some Post-Covid brosis can stien sis can occur owing to many factors. worsen more slowly, over months or tions, or other medications to treat medications are some of the factors one’s lung tissues and makes it harder e bad news is that the lung damage even years. However, some patients an acute exacerbation. One must Causes which can lead to lung damage. Also, for the patient to breath properly. e cannot be repaired. However, medica- experience a rapid worsening of their immediately consult the doctor during One maybe at the risk of suering long-term exposure to a number of tox- patient may also require oxygen sup-

14 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 15 smart start

Bid adieu to smoking if you have a lung disease. You must speak to your doctor and opt for smoking cessation ABREAST OF LATEST TRENDS, DEVELOPMENTS programmes which may help you quit. Furthermore, you must also keep in mind that second-hand smoking is harmful, so avoid being around people who smoke. One with lung disease may shed weight because it is uncomfortable to eat and because of the extra energy it takes to breathe. Hence, a nutritionally rich diet that contains adequate calories is vital. You should try to eat smaller meals more often during the day. Include fresh fruits, whole grains and dairy products, in your daily diet. Include food such as apples, foods jam-packed with omega-3 fatty acids such as Jasmine oil is a popular home walnuts and broccoli. Beans can remedy believed to have a help ght free radicals that tend to number of health benefits. damage your lungs. Berries contain For centuries, jasmine has antioxidants and fruits and vegetables been popular for its sweet, like papaya, pineapple, kiwi, cabbage, romantic fragrance and has carrots, turmeric, and ginger can help been used in some of the strengthen the immune system. Honey world’s best-known per- is an excellent option for cough. Say fumes. It is also a common no to trans-fat and saturated fat, foods ingredient in alcohol, sweets, with too much salt and added sugars. and desserts. Jasmine oil and Regular physical activity can help components of synthetic you enhance the functioning of your blends of jasmine essential lungs, and tame stress. Indulge in oil have properties that offer port in some cases. Severe lung brosis If you have any respiratory ailment activities like walking and cycling. a number of health benefits. is seen in patients who already have and tend to suer from Covid-19 then Do breathing exercises regularly. is Though it is a popular home respiratory ailments. e patients are you will have to be extra cautious can help clear mucus from the lungs. remedy used to treat eve- usually administered medication to as you may also be at the risk of suf- Try relaxation techniques such as rything from depression to help them get back on track and carry fering from lung brosis. Watch out yoga and meditation that will calm infections, it is best known on with their daily activities. for any signs of breathlessness and you down. as an aphrodisiac. When other symptoms. Make sure to relax and get enough inhaled, it promotes brain ac- Risk factors rest as it helps one get more energy and tivity and makes people feel It is common disorder among middle- Preventive measures cope with the stress of the condition. more positive and energetic. aged and older adults however, it is Pulmonary rehabilitation can help Taking steam can help break up Jasmine oil is also effective rarely seen in children. Smokers and you manage your symptoms and mucus so you can expel it more easily. in treating and preventing former smokers develop lung brosis enhance your quality of life. It includes So, take it on a regular basis and also infections when diluted and when compared to people who have doing physical exercise to improve try to gargle with salt and water. applied to the skin or used not indulged in the practice. It also your endurance, breathing techniques Gargling also helps clear the mucus. as a rinse for oral infections, occurs in emphysema patients. If one to improve lung eciency, nutritional Make sure you go for regular follow- such as oral thrush. You can tends to work in mining, farming, counselling and support. If you are up check-ups with your doctor. Take reap the mental benefits of or construction sites, or if one is a Covid patient suering from lung medications as prescribed by your doc- jasmine oil aromatherapy by exposed to pollutants, then there is an brosis then you need to visit a doctor tor and adhere to all the instructions. using it in massage oil or in increased risk of damage. Some types regularly. Make sure to take zinc and Doing so can surely help you improve a diffuser, or by inhaling it of lung brosis run in families. So, vitamin supplements as per doctor’s the quality of your life. directly from the bottle. know your family history and try and prescription for the smooth function- Kate is a chest physician at Zen take all the precautions that you can. ing of your respiratory system. Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur

16 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 17 inhale Fit Bit

While all this might sound intimi- dating, taking a tness assessment will only help you progress faster and will help you identify any underlining conditions, potential health risks Beginner’s or injuries. Set realistic goals and build a habit Setting a goal is great for staying moti- ﬁtness guide vated. However, always set realistic goals. Try to create a plan and follow a set timetable. If your goal is to attain Be it exercising or dieting, it is important to 20,000 steps each day, then start small understand the right way to do it. Here are rst. First try for 5,000 steps and then increase it every few days. Attaining tips to get started small goals keeps your spirit up and increases your chance of success. BY SAMIKSHA SHETTY Your workout should be a part of your everyday routine even if it is 10 minutes of stretching. Make it a habit. ost of us tend to pro- cular capacity, strength—on basis of Try replacing an unhealthy habit with crastinate things and upper and lower body—endurance a healthy one. this is especially true in levels and exibility range. Understand the case of tness. From and respect your physical restrictions. Warm up and cool down Mexcuses like “is will be my last cheat Check your heart rate, blood pressure Never jump to 100 directly. Always day” to “I don’t have access to gym and body composition. start slow by warming up the entire equipment”, one tends to justify these factors and take no action. It is time to put a stop to it. You should know that any form of movement or exercise is one of the best gifts you can give your body, mind and soul. Exercise is not only good for your body but also very important to maintain a healthy mind. Soon after you start any form of movement, you will begin to see and experience the ben- e ts that physical movement can have on your body and well-being. However, creating a habit out of a good tness routine takes a lot of determination and discipline. If you are new to working out or coming back to it after a long break, try not to jump directly into the deep end. Start slow. Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

Assess your body It is important to understand your body; its strengths and limitations. Respect your limitations and work from there. Start by analysing your cardiovas-

18 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 19 inhale Fit Bit

inability to concentrate. Overtraining signi cantly aects your stress hormones, including cortisol and epinephrine. Signs of overtraining ◆ Unusual and persistent muscle soreness after a workout ◆ Unable to complete your workout routine which was previously manageable (decline in performance levels) ◆ Delayed recovery ◆ Legs might feel heavy ◆ Loss of motivation Rest day A successful tness plan is not complete without rest days. Taking regular breaks allows your body to recover and repair. It is an important part of your progress, regardless of your tness level. Skipping rest days can lead to overtraining or burnout. Rest days help reduce muscle fatigue and mental fatigue. It also helps reduces risks of injury and improves performance.

Have fun e key to staying motivated and making exercise a habit is to have fun while doing it. is allows you to not dread having to exercise. Find a workout buddy or join a group class. Find something that you love and keep body; stretch your body. is can help before jumping on your cardio frenzy. limits. If you feel pain or discomfort tracking your progress. prevent injuries and reduce soreness. while exercising, stop right there and It can also improve your exibility and Hydrate let go of your ego pushing you through Sleep like a baby your performance level. Never go from Drinking uids is essential to help cool the pain. Sleep has a signi cant impact on 100 to a complete stop either. Counter- down the body and it prevents dry Work hard but also work smart. muscle recovery. Sleep enhances stretching in yoga or a basic cool down mouth while working out. Water helps Faster does not necessarily mean bet- muscle recovery through protein is essential because it helps your body clean and detoxify your body inside ter. Take your time to understand and synthesis and human growth hor- return to its normal state. and out and also helps your muscle truly listen to your body’s needs. mone release. Poor sleep pattern is and joints work better. detrimental to your mental health Build stability Do not overtrain and over- and it also increase muscle and Any workout requires stability and Listen to your body stress your body mental fatigue. Poor sleep could make strength in the joints. Stabilise your When you do any yoga asana, ensure Physical movement is necessary your workout seem much harder the wrists and shoulder before putting that your body is steady and you do not for the body but never overtrain. next day. your entire body-weight on it. Stabilise feel any sort of pain or discomfort in Workouts should be stress-reducing So, what are you waiting for? your spine before attempting any that posture. It must be comfortable. but that is not always the case. Some Get moving! extreme backbends or forward bends is can be applied for all kinds of vigorous workouts that your body may Shetty is a Mumbai-based celebrity ﬁt- in yoga. And nally, stabilise your workouts. If you are not used to work- not be ready for could cause hormonal ness instructor, mental health advocate and a lawyer by profession. ankles, knees and hip unilaterally ing out every day, be mindful of your imbalances, unusual irritability and an

20 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 21 inhale Vocal Local

Biriyani by Kilo (BBK) The biryanis are cooked in individual handis (vessels) for each order and are delivered in the same pot to guarantee freshness. They take the biryani eating experience to another level as earthen Angeethis (Aanch) accompany each order to give it a mid the world-wide smoky flavour and retain the aroma pandemic-induced of spices. The basmati rice is natural- lockdown for months, the ly aged for two years and the spices need to be self-sufficient are procured from Kerala. All the Ais something that is being echoed other ingredients are very prudently Several Indian food brands have come up across the country. “Atma Nirbhar!” selected to meet the most rigid qual- said Prime Minister Narendra ity standards. For the Galouti kebabs, with innovative products that have been Modi in his speech , stressing on BBK minces the meat multiple times a solace during the lockdown the importance of using products and marinates it in the most authen- made in India. Here is a list of some tic way to make it melt in your mouth. BY RUPALI DEAN, OSHIN GRACE DANIELL AND POOJA BIRAIA interesting food brands that have Kormas are cooked in the most JAISWAL come up with innovations that are traditional way. It is available in over relevant to the current times. 20 cities across the country.

22 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 23 inhale Vocal Local

Qmin by Taj Hotels With a gamut of gastronomic experiences, Qmin brings signature dishes from iconic restaurants under the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) at your finger- tips, offering an opportunity to enjoy Taj hospitality at home. Qmin offers curated dishes made with the highest quality of ingredients, offering a variety of cuisines delivered at your doorstep. Every delivery comes with a Qmin assurance—a commitment to ensure the highest levels of safety and hygiene. Qmin has a dedicated delivery fleet, provided with mandatory protective gear and extremely sanitised transportation, while conducting contactless deliveries. The packaging of the meals is eco-friendly utilising bio-degradable materials and customised insulation boxes to preserve the food. Guests can order from iconic and celebrated restaurants across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. For the ease of use, IHCL has also launched its mobile application for Qmin. Available on both, Google Play Store for Android users and App Store for iOS users, the Qmin app is currently live in Mumbai and will roll out in nine other cities in the coming weeks.

Gourmet Couch Menu by ITC Hotels This comprises an assortment of premium cuisines from the kitchens of ITC, bringing the pleasure of acquainted flavours from award winning restaurants at ITC Hotels. Over the years, ITC Hotels have earned a standing for serving the best of Indian and global culinary traditions, unique by its accurate flavours and quality ingredients. ITC Maurya, for example, has consistently proven to be one of the most popular dining destinations in New Delhi. Crafted with care at ITC Hotels and handled with utmost hygiene to ensure well-being, the mindfully curated menu brings unique food experiences with local offerings from the region for diners across all major cities in India. ITC Hotels has implemented stringent measures and protocols, including mandatory temperature checks for all chefs and food and beverage associates.

24 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 25 inhale Vocal Local

a couple of pounds, then these superchips are a healthy alternative to all the fried snacks. Sattviko’s paan-flavoured superfruit raisins are a perfect substitute for saunf mouth freshner. A treat for the paan-lovers, the superfruit is rich is iron and prevents tooth decay. If you have a sweet tooth, try the gur chana shots—roasted chickpeas Naturals ice cream mixed with jaggery. While chana is full Naturals started with kulfi . It takes great of protein, gur is an excellent source pride in making ice cream from the churner, of antioxidants and minerals, which just like how it started, and has grown con- not only makes snacking healthy siderably owing to its USP of using only three but also guilt-free. What makes you ingredients—fruits, milk and sugar. The ice for instant noodles. This really love these preservative-free cream tubs are packed and sealed in the fac- mixture of Indian super- snacks is that they are pocket- tory that complies with highest safety stand- food—sabudana, peanuts, friendly. Prices range from 070 to ards. It has been a much-loved brand since moong dal—is prepared by combo packs that go up to 01,080. 1984 when it started in Juhu, Mumbai. Today simply adding hot water to it has 129 outlets in India. Tender coconut it. It has a shelf-life of 180 and mango are hot sellers. days. The khakhra superchips (baked wheat chips) is the perfect snack for a game Sattviko night. Khakhra or dry chapati, Don’t we all love snacking on some- which is a Gujarati household thing while binge-watching a series. favourite, is made into a chips What if these snacks are super version and the best part is healthy? From peri-peri flavoured that it is baked and not fried. makhana to healthy khakhra chips, If you are looking at losing Sleepy owl coee Sattviko has launched a range of This Indian coffee brand makes products that are delicious as well as products with a purpose to redefine healthy. Recognised by the Ministry the native coffee experience by of Skill and Development as the ‘Best simplifying the process. The existing food brand of India’ under the ‘Make selection includes cold brew packs, in India’ programme, these snacks hot brew bags and ready-to-drink are made of indigenous ingredients coffee bottles. This venture kicked that are not only organic but also off in June 2016 and the products are beneficial for health. The sabudana shipped across the country. supermeal tops the list of favourites; it is a ready-to-eat namkeen (salty snack) which is a perfect substitute

26 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 27 inhale Vocal Local

Bun & Only Saola Fittify Gourmet’s What more does one need than a big, fat cheesy and Hi-Protein soup messy burger to take the lockdown blues away? As This delicious soup is curated by chef Gigi Hadid once put it, “Eat clean to stay fit, eat a Kunal Kapur and comes in interest- burger to stay sane.” If your definition of a decent ing flavours like French mushroom burger is limited to that which is peddled at that nearby garlic, Mexican sweet corn, Spanish McDonalds outlet, then it is time for a crash course tomato and Italian mix vegetables. into the real deal. On a wet weekend evening, Bun & These ‘hi-protein soups’ are healthier Only decided to surprise us with a classic chicken and as they have up to four times more cheddar burger and another with black bean and gua- protein than regular soups along with camole and a number of dips as accompaniments. Not the goodness of five superfood like only was the quantity good enough for one person’s moringa, quinoa, amaranth, turmeric full meal, it was way beyond expectations. The burgers and buckwheat, combining the best never turned soggy even when they were opened up of taste with health for a fitter life. The about an hour post arrival, rather both offered a strong product can be bought from modern punch of taste and feel. If you love the salty earthiness trade store chain Metro Cash and Carry of blue cheese and mushroom, there is The Portobello and e-commerce sites like Amazon & Blue Cheese Burger. And if all things slow-cooked and Flipkart. A pack of three (24g each) and pork make you happy, then the pulled pork and comes for 098 only. barbecue burger should be your choice. Expect to shell out between 0350 to 0500 per meal.

Goeld Frozen Foods Here is a range of ready-to-cook-and- consume-within-minutes packed frozen foods offered by the Goel Group. On offer are a range of products right from Indian breads including Malabar paratha, garlic naan and aloo paratha to snacks that include quinoa patty, soya shammi kebab, beetroot and cheese tikki, and a range of desserts including the very delightful papaya halwa and sewai kheer. The corn and cheese bites delivered to us in immaculate packaging and carefully taped boxes were spot on with the taste even if they weren’t just as oozy as claimed. Vegetable seekh kebabs had a range of flavours packed in, making one almost forget that this after all was a frozen food that has just been heated up before serving. Even as the company claims that these are ‘100 per cent veg frozen foods made at 100 per cent veg kitchens with no added colours, flavours or preservatives,’ nutritionist Aayushi Lakhapati, chief health officer, 23BMI, a health care venture, cau- tions against “too much consumption” of ready-to-eat frozen food.

28 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 29 inhale Attention Ladies

Mystique Earth

With an objective to develop natural formulas that capture the essence of herbs, flowers, metals, minerals and clay from the tribal lands of Madhya Pradesh— Satpura, Vindhya and Mahadeo—mother-son duo KEEP Manjula and Gaurav Tiwari launched their startup in 2018. Though it has not been long since its concep- tion, the brand has created a niche for itself in the beauty and personal care products market. Mystique Earth focuses on tapping the true essence of nature’s bounty and the idea of going back to the roots. One of the best-sellers is the skin care gift pack which is a box calm, with two big tubes—a face wash and a silk serum lotion. The bubble facial cleanser has a refreshing scent and is very light on the skin. Perfect wash for people with oily skin, the cleanser thoroughly hydrates and improves the texture of the skin. Stirred with forest air bubbles, the mild cleanser is made of custard apple extracts and royal jelly that improves the skin. STAY Silk serum lotion with white lily and mahua butter has a luscious scent that is not only soothing but also lasts long. It does not make the skin look oily or sticky instead it thoroughly hydrates the epidermis and maintains the moisture balance. The skin feels silky soft post usage and the gentle nature of the velvety smooth lotion is perfect for those with sensitive skin. glam Another must-try is its youth concentrate serum which has micro-copper peptide. If you are looking at repairing your skin problems like fine lines, acne, wrin- Are you looking for beauty kle and dark spots, this is the product for you. Although and personal care products heavy on the wallet, this product delivers on its promise. One can start seeing a difference in the first week that tick all the boxes in your of use. The serum rejuvenates the skin cells in ageing tissues, tightens and tones the skin and also increases checklist? Here are some top the protein content in the derma cells. The pro-repair picks of 2020 copper peptides ensure proper delivery of antioxidants and penetrates deeply into the skin, making it appear BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL plump instantly.

ll women want products that deliver on their promises. And with the surging trend of cruelty-free and sustainable products, brands are under pressure to develop new formulas that not only hit the quality mark but also uniquely Aaddresses dierent problems. Here are some luxury beauty and personal care products that are the top buys of 2020.

30 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 31 inhale Attention Ladies

ESPA

Are you looking for a super luxurious brand of beauty and personal care products? If luxury is your favourite word, check out products by ESPA— an international brand that produces expertly formulated products that are not only aesthetically appealing but also have luxurious textures and sensorial mood-enhancing aromat- ics. With a wide range of products for face, body and hair, the brand focuses on holistic wellbeing. One of their bestsellers is the pink hair and scalp mud. Its classy packaging is one of its standout features. The frosted glass jar with the pink hue of the muddy goodness inside it, and the faux-granite top all shouts luxury. Dry and flaky scalp is something that most of us deal with. Especially, if you regularly wear helmets or caps. And this can lead to other problems like unhealthy hair texture, slow growth, Before application of the wonder the morning. The pack usually dries thinning and, the worst of the lot, mud, wash your hair with water. out within 15 minutes. If you are hair loss. Scalp problems are often While applying, make sure to mas- planning on leaving it overnight, keep overlooked and most people try to sage into the scalp and through the spraying a little water on your hair fix the hair issues without addressing damp hair. Remember, healthy scalp and keep massaging a couple of time unclogs the pores and rinse it off while the root. When the scalp is treated, means healthy hair so we need to and before you sleep, wear a shower taking a shower. half of the hair issues are solved. really work our way into the scalp. cap or wrap your hair with cling film. Khadi Natural The next on the list is the lavender And it is not all that complicated as Don’t worry about the smell; it has an and ylang ylang shower gel. Ylang ylang is the mud coats the scalp and hair earthy smell but it is not very strong. This brand needs no introduction. Founded and established a yellow, star-shaped flower that grows without a lot of hassle. Leave it for It is great if you can follow this treat- in 1963, it is one of the oldest and trustworthy brands in on the Cananga tree which is native to 20 minutes, but it is best if you can ment with ESPA’s purifying shampoo terms of beauty and health care products. It has been countries surrounding the Indian Ocean. leave it overnight and rinse it off in and nourishing conditioner but a known to develop some of the best ayurveda products It has a heady and aromatic scent. It mild shampoo and conditioner of that are not only chemical-free but also a certified brand hydrates and you leave the shower feeling your choice works just fine. You can from the department of Ayush. Although it has come up fresh and smelling heavenly. Post shower, notice the difference from the first with several products, the one that we will be covering generously apply the peach and avocado wash itself. The mineral-rich red clay, is the Ayurvedic Luxury Spa Kit. It is a maroon box with moisturiser. The shea butter in the lotion apricot, bergamot, orange oils and five products—perfect gifting option as the packaging is softens, nourishes and improves skin tone. watercress in the pack smoothen, extremely elegant. The brand keeps on emphasising on The sandal and rose body wrap, soothe and ease away all frizz. the fact that it is free from SLS, paraben and mineral oil, so which is a face pack, not only deals with This ‘made in England’ product is much that this statement is the third big sized font on the hyperpigmentation and pores but also definitely a must-have for all of you box. gives the skin a polished look. Keep in mind out there who are looking at reviving Start with the sweet-smelling sandalwood oil and give to not let it sit for long after it dries out your dry, frizzy and unhealthy hair yourself a nice massage. It has a cooling effect on the skin. and gently scrub when you wash it out. and flaky scalp. Although it is on the The oil is said to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic Apply the rose and papaya body polisher pricey side (04,850), the product properties and it protects the skin from wounds and after drying your face. This has granules stands by its promise of providing pimples. If you are struggling with body odour issues, this which further scrub the skin and unclog deep treatment and nourishment takes care of that. With olive, grapeseed and sandalwood the pores. The essential oils in the polisher to your hair. This mask is suitable for oil as its key components, the oil acts as an emollient and protect the skin’s moisture balance and all hair types, be it coloured, heat- soothes the skin. Take steam before applying the oil as it make it look shiny and supple. damaged or oily.

32 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 33 inhale Attention Ladies

Sirona experience comfort through our products,” says Deep. One of the best-sellers is the herbal period pain patch. It is an excellent bags for clean and hygienic disposal product which acts on period pain effectively and quickly. The of sanitary products. A first-of-its- “Menstrual hygiene issues are still considered patch has a cooling effect and is not harsh on the skin. It does not kind in the country, it solves the big a taboo in the country,” says Deep Bajaj, emit any medicinal smell as well. challenge of proper disposal sanitary founder of PeeBuddy—India’s first portable, The brand also takes care of disposal of products like sanitary products. The brand also launched disposable and design patent-protected pads, tampons and diapers with its oxo-degradable disposal the country’s first no-chemical female urination device— and Sirona, which is anti-chafing cream for those inner a company that produces modern menstrual thigh rashes. But it does not stop hygiene products. The idea of PeeBuddy came with firsts on a national level. Sirona during a road trip that Deep took in 2013. launched the world’s first paper- “Women don’t get clean and friendly toilets based pee and see pregnancy strip. anywhere. I wanted to make something that Simplifying the current process of solved this issue and this got me thinking,” testing, PregRx lets women test says Deep. “Earlier, women had to wipe the pregnancy anywhere without the seat or make seat covers, air pee or squat but hassle of collecting urine in a cup and with PeeBuddy, women can avoid contact with then using a dropper to put it on the the toilet seat altogether and can stand and strip. When it comes to favourites, pee.” The easy-to-use disposable product is the coloured pads, anti-chafing a life-saver for women who travel regularly. cream and intimate wash tops Apart from this, Deep launched several my list. personal care products that are based on With a vision to break the stigma novel concepts. Coloured sanitary pads for around intimate hygiene and redefine women who don’t like seeing blood stains, femininity for modern times, the biodegradable tampons with and without company hopes to develop more applicator, menstrual cups, intimate wash and innovative products that would wipes and underarm sweat pads. address intimate and menstrual “I want my daughters to have options when hygiene issues. Surely, we need it comes to intimate hygiene. As a matter more of that, don’t we? Deep, keep of fact, I want women across the globe to thinking deep.

34 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 35 inhale

Hempstrol HOLD THAT THOUGHT, INTROSPECT, QUESTION

Do you dread your period days? From leakage to debilitating pain, most women are not in their best moods during this time. How about a pain-relieving oil? Hempstrol is your go-to product. According to Deepika Sharma, co-founder of Hempstrol, it is with a lot of research Sugar becomes lumpy or gets and experimentation that the natural hardened due to air, heat and aromatherapy menstrual cramp oil humidity. Both white sugar came into existence. “I met a woman and brown sugar react to air while travelling in the interiors of very differently—white sugar Rajasthan who was suffering from clumps together when there menstrual pain but could not afford is too much moisture in the to take rest as she had to take care of container whereas brown tends her two daughters and also do house to get hard and lumpy when chores. I wanted to create a product exposed to the air. Therefore, that not only provides an organic to avoid clumping, brown sugar and natural solution to menstrual must be kept moist and white cramps and mood swings but also sugar must be kept dry. Adding helps the underprivileged women a few surprise elements to your of our society with the availability of container can bring it back to proper menstrual hygiene products,” life. she says. “For every bottle of oil sold, we distribute a packet of sanitary For white sugar: napkin to a woman who has no • Adding a slice of white bread access to proper menstrual hygiene. to the top of your sugar Hempstrol strives towards bringing container helps absorb the out more sustainable and top-quality moisture that accumulates hemp products.” inside. Make sure the slice of The oil has strong anti-inflam- bread is replaced regularly. matory properties which soothe the • Pop a teaspoon of rice into a nervous system; the aroma of the mesh or cloth, tie tightly and Himalayan lavender brings relief to place it in the bottom of your psychological, mental and physical sugar container. Rice keeps symptoms. Lavender oil is known the sugar dry by absorbing to lessen contractions and mediate any moisture. pain. The hemp seed oil is rich in For brown sugar: magnesium which reduces bloating. • Toss an orange peel or a slice The oil also regulates hormones of apple along with sugar into thereby reducing cramping. The an airtight container; it helps cramp oil is not sticky and gets the sugar stay soft. absorbed by the skin quickly. As soon • For a quick ﬁx, microwave as the pain starts, pour 10-15 drops brown sugar next to a small on the abdomen and waistline area glass of water. The moisture and massage gently for three to five the water releases into the minutes. microwave will help break up the block of sugar.

36 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 37 pause Sports Talk Field trained

From building his orn in the outskirts of Amritsar to a family of farm- strength on the ers, Harmanpreet Singh used farm to excelling to get on his father’s tractor Bwhenever he got a chance. During his on the hockey ﬁeld, holidays, he used to help his family on the farm. e hockey player rmly Harmanpreet Singh believes that farming helped him build says his journey has strength and endurance. He started playing hockey at the been interesting age of 10. At the time, Harmanpreet did not think about making it a career or BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL taking it up seriously. But as time went by, he got more serious about it and his father supported his passion to pursue the sport. He joined Surjit Hockey Academy when he was 15, thinking he would become a forward. But something else was in store for him. He caught the attention of the scouts during his junior national camps and tournaments for his performance both as a defender and a drag- icker. He then moved into the Indian junior team, thanks to his consistent form and natural tness. It was during his debut in the Sultan Johar Cup in Malaysia (2014) that his defending skills were on full display. His stupendous performances against Australia, England and Malaysia helped India lift the trophy, and he was adjudged the player of the tournament. Furthermore, he was named in the Indian squad for the

HOCKEY INDIA 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. Despite

38 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 39 pause Sports Talk

being a defender, he has a knack of when I joined the academy and I was What is a position that you would scoring goals. very homesick. I used to keep saying not want to play? Harmanpreet is excited to be back that it is hard and that I wanted to go Goalkeeper! It takes a lot of concentra- on the eld after a break of ve months back home. But my parents kept on tion. I tried it once or twice during my and is looking forward to perform bet- encouraging me through that season of initial days on the eld. I lost count ter in the forthcoming matches. Here is training. One has to de nitely sacri ce of the number of times I got hit by what the 24-year-old has to say about a lot. the ball. his journey and what he expects in the future. An injury that you distinctly What are your strengths? remember. I play well in all four positions as a How has your journey as a hockey It was just before the Junior Nationals defender. I am also good at man-to- player been? in Chennai that I had a shoulder injury. man marking. Both my left and right ity on what one is saying to the other. I throughout the lockdown and I think What food do you enjoy eating I think I was about 10 when I picked up But I was quick to take treatment and hands are equally strong. think we will have the same clarity dur- these factors helped us bounce back in the most? the hockey stick for the rst time. I had got it xed before the match. I got help ing tournaments without an audience. a better way when we got on the eld. I love home-cooked food. I love having watched some children in my school from my trainers at the academy and What are your thoughts on matches chicken in dierent Indian variations play. Although I was interested in other they made sure I bounced back in full without spectators? What was your lockdown Your message to aspiring like curry and roast. I eat a lot of sports like football and cricket, hockey power. In fact, I played quite well and e crowd supports a lot and their regimen like? hockey players. vegetables, too, as it provides several was something that was close to my was the top scorer. energy energises us. But sometimes, e good thing that happened during Work hard, keep a target, maintain bene ts to the body. I avoid sweets. heart. So, I decided to take it up seri- the noise does not let us communicate the past ve months was the coaching your tness and be disciplined. ously. My family was very supportive at What is that one attribute that every well. I think without the crowd, we sta, particularly our scienti c adviser, Who is your inspiration? the time and let me join for coaching. hockey player should have? would be able to talk to each other bet- kept a close watch on our tness and What are your favourite exercises? Former Indian eld hockey player I can say I had a good journey but I strongly feel that all hockey players ter during the match. During practice diet. Even when we were on a break, Drag-icking exercise and tackling on Jugraj Singh and Rupinder Pal, who initially I did have my share of strug- need to have self-belief. Without self- sessions, we don’t have any spectators we had a schedule to follow. Hockey the eld, and lunges, squats, burpees is one of the best drag ickers in the gles. I had to go away from my family belief, it is dicult to succeed. and during that time all of us have clar- India has been monitoring our tness and stride jumps as home workouts. world right now.

40 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 41 pause Sports Talk

With the Olympic dream in mind, a lighter, smarter and sharper Vikas Krishan is reaping the beneﬁts of turning to professional boxing

BY REUBEN JOE JOSEPH

n Bhiwani, Haryana, boxing is not just another sport. It is a lifelong obsession. From Olympic medalist Vijender Singh to others like Pooja IRani, Akhil Kumar, Jitender Kumar and Kavita Chahal, this city has produced a glut of boxers who have represented the nation. For this, Bhiwani is called India’s “mini-Cuba”, after a nation renowned for having the ercest boxers in the world. And out of this clutch of hardy ghters, emerges Vikas Krishan, a man gunning for Olympic glory. And the world is taking note of him. Krishan is, after all, the only Indian male boxer to win gold medals at both the Asian and Commonwealth Games. And, with his quali cation for the Tokyo Olympics, he became the only Indian after Vijender to qualify for three successive Olympics. Next year will, in all likelihood, be the 28-year- old’s last shot to go one up on his senior and bring the ultimate prize to their hometown. “It was very pleasant for me growing up in Bhiwani, as this city is tough and the guys here are tough. at is why it is known as “mini-Cuba”, says Krishan. It helped his con dence, he adds. And that is certainly something he is not short on. Because if there is one thing that is more evident than Krishan’s physical toughness, it is his mental fortitude. “Boxers at my level are very tough and ambitious,” he says. “Winning at the Olympics is their dream, too, and JSW SPORTS JSW

42 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 43 pause Sports Talk

Olympics) quali cation look very easy.” Nicknamed “e Indian Tank”, he trained hard in the US and won both his professional bouts, including one at the prestigious Madison Square Garden in New York. But true to his word, he returned to amateur boxing in 2019 and earned his ticket to Tokyo after he won the silver medal at the Asia-Oceania Olympic quali er in Jordan, earlier this year. In good form, he was ready rock it on the big stage. en, the pandemic struck and the Olympics were shifted to 2021. But Krishan says he was unfazed by it. “I was very happy when I heard about the Olympic postponement because it meant I got one more year to prepare myself to get the gold medal at Tokyo,” he says. “I was in full form, but next year, I will be a totally dierent version.” e lockdown was not too kind on him though. He got to train at the national camp in Patiala and then the Indian Institute of Sport (IIS), which is run by his sponsor, JSW Sports. But it

was not easy, especially in the rst few SPORTS JSW months. “e lockdown period was really dicult for me. But not just for dierent as, say, Test and T20 cricket. in my diet in terms of eating junk food me, for sportspersons all over India, Quick bites But from his previous pro stint, he like pizza, cold food like ice cream and because we didn’t get the [right] envi- mastered the ability to counter punch, other unhealthy food,” he says. “at ronment to train. I called up my friend and developed an arsenal of defensive helps me maintain my weight now as Your boxing hero: Neeraj Goyat (fellow national-level techniques that he put to good use in a welterweight.” Muhammad Ali boxer) and we both trained at a farm- the Olympic quali ers. To stay focused and calm ahead of that is why they ght so hard. ey made the big jump from amateur to house. Challenges are a part of life. It Most memorable bout: Having had an injury-prone career, a big ght, one would expect a boxer Asian Games final with ght with bloody noses and cuts on the professional boxing, signing a contract was dicult to pull out of that but now Krishan will also be looking to improve to resort to motivational music or China 2010 eyes. ey are tough, but I am tougher with a top boxing promoter in the US. we are back on track, back in training.” his tness and work on techniques pep talks from coaches. But not for than them.” Questions arose over his decision to Krishan had made up his mind that If not a boxer, you would have to reduce the impact of blows on his Krishan. “My pre-bout routine is to Krishan was a child prodigy. He turn pro—where he would earn good he would have to return to the US and been: body. His coaches say that Krishan’s crack jokes and laugh with my coach- was world champion at the junior and money—and whether he would return train with pros again if he wanted a A doctor greatest assets are his hand speed and es,” he says. “I show them my power youth level before striking gold at the to spar for his country again. But realistic shot at gold in 2021. And so, Other talents: power, but the pugilist rmly believes and my techniques and then walk 2010 Asian Games at just 18. A prelimi- Krishan had set his priorities straight. his request to the Sports Authority of I play chess well it is his ability to think and react in the calmly into the ring and win the ght.” nary round loss in the 2012 Olympics “My aim since I was a child has India to permit him to train in the US Best friend on the circuit: ring that makes him stand apart from His inspiration to win, after all, is and a quarter nal exit in 2016 were been to get an Olympic gold medal,” he was sanctioned, and he received a sum Neeraj Goyat the rest. back home in Bhiwani. “My inspiration disappointments for him. But 2018 reminds me. “I have been preparing for of 017.5 lakh as nancial assistance A superfood that helps you Another bene t of his last profes- to do well is my parents. ey have was, by far, his best year when he won that. So, being a professional is a part as part of the Target Olympic Podium stay fit: sional stint was that he nally dropped worked so hard for me,” he says. “But the gold medal at the CWG and fol- of that journey because professional Scheme. In September, he packed his Fruits to the 69kg weight class after being one my inspiration also changes from lowed it up with a bronze at the Asian boxers are tough and you learn a lot bags, bid his family goodbye and left Favourite boxing equipment: of the smallest guys in the 75kg class time to time. Now my babies are my Games, where he had to withdraw of new things. I have been an amateur for Virginia with Ronald Simms, who is Double-end bag for nearly six years. It is a category inspiration. I don’t want them to see boxing head coach at the IIS. because of an eye injury. From there, he for many years so I wanted a new chal- Best way to cool down after that is certainly bene cial for him. For their father losing.” He only wants them turned his attention to Tokyo 2020. lenge so that I could grow. at is why “I hope people will see a dierent an intense fight: someone who rarely watches his diet, to see him win. And no victory will be e road to Tokyo for Krishan was I took up professional boxing. I fought version of me when I return from the Ice bath the rigour of the professional training sweeter than bringing the gold medal via the professional circuit in the US. some ghts and trained with some US,” says Krishan. e two elds of and a few tweaks to his food habits to Bhiwani from the Land of the Rising After the two big events of 2018, he hard boxers. is made this (Tokyo boxing—pro and amateur—may be as did the trick. “I made some changes Sun.

44 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 45 pause Flower Power

Healing bloom Lifestyle coach Pallavi Bhardwaj talks about the beneﬁts of Bach ﬂower therapy

BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL

ealing with wild ower of her clients. More than 300 clients, extracts. Sounds bizarre, including people suering from doesn’t it? Not for Pallavi various ailments and conditions like Bhardwaj who is a holistic diabetes, cancer, anxiety, hypertension Hhealth and lifestyle coach and the and obesity, have bene ted from this co-founder of Save Well Being, a Delhi- therapy. e 43-year-old believes that based wellness products company. nature is endowed with the wisdom of She studied macrobiotic nutrition at healing powers. Here is what she says Kushi Institute in the US and Bach about her journey in the ecosystem of ower therapy at e Bach Centre in holistic health. the UK. She is also pro cient in past life regression therapy and is currently Did you always want to be a lifestyle studying ayurveda acupressure. Using coach? What triggered this idea? customised ower tinctures, Pallavi I was always keen on studying has aided the healing of many with human behaviour in relation to their physical, mental and emotional issues. environment. As a child, I had a deep She has named her workplace ‘ibadat’ connection with most people around which means worship. According to me. Friends and family often asked her, life lived well is ‘ibadat’. me for advice. I had never thought of Pallavi says that in order to lead a being a lifestyle coach then but while holistic life, the four wheels—mental, I was in boarding school, I used to physical, emotional and spiritual do face reading. I could read human well-being—have to be in equilibrium. emotions and connect them to where She works with individuals across they originated from; I had a strong India and focuses on customised ses- intuitive power. In my freshman year, sions to match the energy dynamics I started to learn reiki and I practised

46 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 47 pause Flower Power

it for a couple of years. However, it was verbal communication and nutrition after my son Vedhang’s birth that I got Kamaani, 40, counselling. I strongly believe that deeply involved with nutrition. He was fashion designer we are what we eat. At that time, I born with a congenital heart disorder. I was aware of the energy relation of Kamaani was looking for met healers from various modalities as humans with food but the impact of help to lose weight and I understood the limitations of modern owers was unknown to me. I started heard about me from a medicine. I was very inquisitive about reading about it and decided to learn common friend. She started the body’s relationship with food and more. It was an exciting experience taking counselling sessions emotions. I was also keen on studying to learn this therapy that deals with from 2016. She weighed past life and its relation with the recent emotional issues so beautifully and, nearly 70kg in 2017. The aim life. I studied past life therapy with Dr also, in a simple fashion. As a matter of was to inspire Kamaani to Brian Weiss in America. My inquisitive fact, simplicity was one of Dr Edward change her unhealthy habits self, opened one door after the other Bach’s—developer of Bach ower such as her diet and sleep and soon I started getting answers to remedies—favourite words. He wisely pattern. Introducing her my question. I started joining the dots quoted “treat the cause, not the eect.” to Bach flower therapy in of human relations with their body, e Bach ower remedies enhance June 2019 (as per request), mind, emotion and spirit. e karma one’s existing positive qualities. e I pushed her to expand her theory began to reveal itself. negative state is not suppressed limits and encouraged her My family and friends started though, it is removed by an increase in to come out as a healthy approaching me for guidance with the corresponding positive emotion. individual who feels beauti- lifestyle issues and thus I became a e result of taking the appropriate ful in her skin. The Bach holistic health and lifestyle coach. I remedy is to give courage, increase flower remedies, as the started helping and guiding people con dence, or quiet the worrying name suggests, are based who were keen on helping themselves mind. ese remedies help treat the out of flowers and involve and their loved ones. underlying causes of stress. It is non- using the sun’s energy as toxic and will not react or interfere well. The therapy works How and where did you get trained? with other medicines because it on the internal emotional Going to London to study Bach ower works on a dierent level, which is wiring of a person and has remedies was one of the best decisions the emotional and spiritual state of proven to be one of the that I have made. I left for e Bach a person. most effective ways to Center in October 2016 to do both my I was amazed to see how simple deal with concerns such three levels in this therapy. e centre combinations could dissolve not just as Kamaani’s. With no side is set in the beautiful village of Mount emotional issues but also generate effects, Kamaani started Vernon. It is, what I call, the perfect a physical outburst of the same. healing and emerging as place to study nature and its boon. e Each remedy is aimed at a speci c her real self. Feeling calmer teachers were extremely knowledge- negative emotion, such as fear, lack and healthier, Kamaani has a able and patient. e way they taught of con dence or worry. e remedies new glow to her. was more than just interesting. It was do not impose an eect by damping more of a situation-based learning down symptoms like how orthodox which helped me understand the drugs do. remedies more practically and not just theoretically. I left the centre feeling to leave certain food items that were What are some of the miscon- good and more positive about how I not good for their physical health, ceptions people have about would be able to contribute to healing many found it dicult. But then I this therapy? my son, family and clients. changed my approach and instead of Two big misconceptions associated asking them to leave, I started taper- with this therapy are: What kind of challenges did you face ing o and added substitutes. at • It is habit forming. when you started o? How did you way I managed to reduce the intake • It is nothing but a placebo eect. combat it? and, eventually, even succeeded in Challenges were mostly in terms of removing it. Can anybody get trained to practis mindset. People feared change. If they e this? were told to make changes in the food What is Bach ower therapy? Yes, anyone at any stage can be trained. system, it felt like a big deal to them. Before studying Bach ower remedies, All you need is an understanding Initially, when I used to ask my clients I was trying to deal with issues through and sensitivity towards human emo-

48 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 49 pause

CELEBRATE LIFE, CHOICES AND CHALLENGES

Do you have brittle nails? Here are top two ways to make your nails strong and healthy. • Apply lemon juice directly on the nail. Lemon juice could help to brighten your nails and remove stains, and the vitamin C Nikhil in it promotes stronger Chaudhary, 39, growth. Using a cotton senior merchandiser pad, swipe lemon juice over each nail and allow to Nikhil is a personal acquaint- dry. Do this twice a week. ance who reached out to me You could also add a few at his lowest point in life. He drops of lemon juice to was going through a divorce two tablespoons of olive at the time and he had an oil and microwave in a cup emotional crisis coupled with tions which, I believe, requires some dierent in nature; how people suer- for 15 seconds until it is health concerns. Before my life experiences. ing from the same problem perceive it warm to create a nail mask sessions, he had never tried dierently. According to him, “there is that can be massaged into Bach flower therapy. However, How does it stand out from the other no true healing unless there is a change your nails and left for 30 when I introduced him to kind of therapy? in outlook, peace of mind and inner minutes, or if you can, tinchers, we started noticing In my experience of more than three happiness.” overnight for maximum a significant change in him. He years of practising nutrition along with beneﬁt. was a little sceptical about it Bach ower therapy, these remedies Who can undergo this therapy? Are • Hydrate with coconut oil. before starting but eventu- have not only had a physical and men- there restrictions based on age and It can help strengthen ally one could see its positive tal impact on my family and clients, lifestyle ailments? your nails and soften your impact on him. Due to his but there has also been an eect on Bach ower remedy not only works cuticles. Also, it has anti- phase of spouse-separation their spirit. It is your spirit that gives eectively on adults but also children, fungal properties which and court proceedings, he you life. I feel my clients become very plants and animals. Children respond is great news if you are had a lot of anxiety which calm and patient with life post the very quickly to the remedies. In the prone to nail infections. was affecting his well-being. therapy. According to Dr Bach, health case of animals, the challenge is For a nourishing treat- It eventually got better with depends on being in harmony with understanding how dierent species ment, warm coconut oil our sessions. It cured his pal- our soul. see things dierently. e environment for 20 seconds in the mi- pitations as well and now he He is a person who has observed they live in also matters—whether they crowave and massage into appreciates the therapy to the both humans and the nature of plants are domesticated or wild. Selecting the cuticles before bed. extent that he wishes to con- very closely. He believed in the healing speci c remedies for plants can, how- To seal in the treatment, tinue with the flower remedies power of the clean and pure agents ever, be the most dicult challenge of wear a pair of thin cotton for the rest of his life. of nature. Bach explored how plants all. Mostly, the obvious remedies are gloves overnight. and humans are so connected yet so used.

50 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 51 exhale Cover Story

Be it gaining over 20kg for her acting debut or playing the role of a septuagenarian sharpshooter, Bhumi Pednekar has had an interesting journey in Bollywood

BY POOJA BIRAIA JAISWAL

52 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 53 exhale Cover Story

Bhumi’s rst lm got her accolades, including an award for the best female debut that year. at, followed by Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan—all within a span of two years—launched her as one of the most agile, talented and skilled ‘Yash Raj Finds’, who is loved by the masses and the classes. “Again, it was luck that I got Toilet Ek Prem... immediately after my rst lm. I am in this business of entertainment for the love of stardom of course, but to do it xceptionally lucky!” in a way that I can also give back to society. is what Bhumi e idea is to do lms which will bring Pednekar has about a change of mindset in society or at to say about her least get people to start talking about the acting debut. Her issues for which I stand up for in my lms,” Bollywood journey says Bhumi over the phone, as she awaits is what one would to depart for Mumbai from Goa after visit- call a real-life pot- ing her hometown Pedne. Surely, Bhumi’s boiler—starry dreams, an inner calling, story is a ray of hope to hundreds of girls Eplush job, oodles of oomph and a smashing working at YRF who would kill for a break stroke of serendipity. She was only 17 when like hers. she started working at Yash Raj Films Although she has been on the tinsel (YRF) as an assistant casting director. town map for just ve years now, she has But little did she expect to grace the silver delivered ten releases, including an anthol- screen at the time. While most artistes ogy (Lust Stories), of which more than start with small roles, she made her grand six have been runaway hits, and the rest acting entrance as female lead opposite have earned her unprecedented critical Ayushmann Khuranna in Sharat Katariya’s acclaim. Her career graph is marked with romantic comedy Dum Laga Ke Haisha. “I punchy performances by characters that used to conduct auditions myself at YRF for four years and the people there as well as directors were impressed with my abilities. So, when the script for Dum Laga Ke… came, they got me to audition along with 300 girls. I was 20 then and had never told anyone that I wanted to be an actor. It just happened,” she says. At a time when girls do anything to lose weight, Bhumi gained It was destiny in the rst over 20kg to be able to play the character of an overweight Sandhya, who is intel- place that I landed a ligent with a very sorted outlook towards job with YRF. After four life. Her character has since, undoubtedly, become one of the most memorable lead- years of working there, ing lady debuts in the recent past. “It was it was nothing but sheer destiny in the rst place that I landed a job with YRF. After four years of working there luck that Dum Laga Ke... it was nothing but sheer luck that Dum came my way Laga Ke… came my way. I thank God for putting me in the casting department at YRF right from the start because of which I had read so many scripts, knew how to shape a character and much else.”

54 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 55 exhale Cover Story

could possibly be. She works in a shoe factory as an assembly-line worker, where her boss insults her. At home, her brother-in-law makes inappropri- ate advances and her new job on a dat- What I liked best about ing app involves alleviating the loneli- the character is the many ness of random strangers over phone. layers she brings to the “What I liked best about the character is the many layers she brings to the denition of a good de nition of a good girl, which anyway girl, which anyway is is so warped, biased and incorrect. In a so warped, biased and way, I am breaking those preconceived notions,” she says. And somewhere incorrect down the line, in this process of experi- menting with the greyscales of life, she nds her true self. Her instinct for choosing scripts with meaty and meaningful roles has hit the nail on the head most of the are headstrong women who are always times, although at some points, it did on the right path and stand up for a turn out to be a miss. “I understand cause. e best part of her lms is that that every lm does not connect with the message lingers in one’s mind long everyone. But that is the challenge that after the lm is over. In Toilet…, she comes with being an actor,” she says. stood up for personal hygiene, in Shubh “I wanted to be an actor so bad that I Mangal… she demanded respect, while did not say no to my very rst role as in Bala, she was the inimitable Latika an overweight girl who looked 20-30kg DIET AND FITNESS Trivedi who talks about inclusivity and fatter than my real self. To get to be The ease and speed with which comes across as a breath of fresh air a part of a lm and to be able to lead Bhumi undergoes physical trans- in a dark-skinned avatar. But Bhumi’s that lm is all that matters. I always formations to suit the require- latest character Kitty, in the Netix want to create my own track even if ment of characters in her films Original Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte that meant I was the only one racing has been written about a lot, Sitare, reects the idea of not-being- on it.” After Kitty, it is the character of especially since her 20kg weight right or being perfectly imperfect. “In Vedika Tripathi in Pati, Patni Aur Woh, gain for Dum Laga Ke… and this o-centre narrative, my character which Bhumi feels is the best portrayal thereafter her gradual weight is the closest I play to being my real of her real self. “She is a strong-headed loss for the succeeding films. “I self,” says the 31-year-old. “It is also character. It may be a masala lm, but love working at the gym. I have the most real, raw and gutsy role that I Vedika is de nitely the closest to me as not attuned myself to yoga. have ever done. I don’t think I have ever she is the most urban of them all and is Dumbbells keep me going every done this kind of role before.” But the single day. I also run when I can. actor has been known to explore and Diet is minus gluten and refined experiment with roles in a very short sugar. I am a pure vegetarian. period, which has fans looking for My last meal is between 6.30pm something new every time. As a matter and 7.30pm and my first meal is at about 11 in the morning. of fact, she has called herself “creatively Within an hour of waking up, I hit very restless” in a couple of interviews. the gym and try to eat less car- Dolly Kitty… is a lm that revolves bohydrates throughout the day around the unful lled lives of two as that helps me with my skin sisters, Dolly (Konkona Sen Sharma) and hair. I keep a good count of and Kitty (Bhumi Pednekar), who hail my macronutrients through the from the small town of Darbhanga in day including proteins, fats and Bihar and earn a living in the city. Kitty carbohydrates,” she says. is mired in a barrage of emotions and her life has all the shades of grey there

56 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 57 exhale Cover Story

I wanted to be an actor so bad that I did not say no to my very rst role AT A GLANCE as an overweight girl A hobby that you once had but not anymore. who looked 20-30kg Playing badminton. fatter than my real self. Your favourite sportsperson. Virat Kohli

A show you binge watched. Masaba Masaba

Midnight indulgence. Roti and jaggery. If you were given an opportunity to change your name, what would you change it to? Your biggest strength. I won’t change my name. I love it. My family. Suppose your house is on fire; what are the Your nightmare. three things that you would take with you? Not being with my family. My scrap book, my wallet and mobile phone.

Your most-prized possession. One memorable fan moment. My Filmfare award. Two years ago, they started my first fan club. They named a star after me on my birthday. A lie you told your parents that you distinctly remember. A celebrity crush. My mother would ask me while I am on shoot Brad Pitt if I have eaten and I would always lie. Horror movies or romcoms? Suppose you have only a day to live. What Romcoms would you do? Where would you go? I would stay with my family. Be where If not an actor, then? they are. Nothing else.

If you win a big lottery, what would you do with the money? I will donate it

If someone who is dead were to be reincar- nated, who would it be? Madhubala or Meena Kumari.

58 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 59 exhale Cover Story

a survivor at heart,” she says. According to Jaideep Pandey, a veteran journalist covering Bollywood, Bhumi proved that she even ts into super-commercial cinema with Pati Patni Aur Woh. “It was, in fact, her rst big-break in the industry which My family always knew allowed her to break many stereotypes,” says Pandey. He also feels that having worked as a I had the spark and I casting director for over four years with YRF, proved myself too. I did Bhumi certainly has a great sense of analysing and visualising a character. “Although not become an accidental her lms like Sonchiriya and Saand Ki Aankh actor. I literally worked did not do well in theatres, her acting got a couple of nominations for awards.” Sonchiriya towards it. was Bhumi’s rst release of 2019, in which she played the role of a young housewife in rural Chambal alongside Sushant Singh Rajput and Manoj Bajpayee. e lm, which was about an imploding gang of dacoits, received positive reviews, but was also called “unwieldy”, “messy” and “overly ambitious”. Her next launch that year, as the septuagenarian sharpshooter Chandro Tomar in empathetic. At the same time, it has also the biographical lm Saand Ki Aankh, got made her understand the whole deal of show- rave reviews from critics but gained nothing biz—everything from the paparazzi to the more than 030 crore at the box oce. Bhumi business managers and the entire machinery and her co-star Taapsee Pannu were jointly that works round the clock to make sure she awarded the Screen Award and Filmfare is never away from the public eye. A fashioni- Critics Award for Best Actress. sta at heart, Bhumi loves dressing up every Interestingly, her fans have made a very single day to feel happy and upbeat. “I do it crucial observation that her characters need for myself because it gives me happiness. I to move out of the Hindi heartland. A day feel self-love is the best expression of oneself,” after the release of Dolly Kitty..., a fan tweeted: she says. “someone please get Bhumi Pednekar out of Late last year, Bhumi took to starting a the Kanpur, Lucknow, Noida belt.” pan-India campaign as a climate warrior to e job at YRF did not stop Bhumi from raise awareness about environmental conser- completing her education; she got her vation and global warming. “Climate Warrior bachelor’s degree in commerce through open is my attempt to start a dialogue with people university in Mumbai. “My family always who work tirelessly to save the environment knew I had the spark and I proved myself and highlight the crisis that we nd ourselves too. I did not become an accidental actor. I in due to climate change. It is a platform literally worked towards it,” she says. Bhumi through which I hope to keep reminding feels that stardom has made her humble and people that climate change is real and comes with some serious repercussions.” She will also be making her point heard through her upcoming characters, including that of an IAS ocer in Durgavati—a remake of the Telugu horror lm Bhaagamathie (2018)—and historical drama, Takht. One of her biggest desires is to play a freedom ghter in a lm. And probably, her desire will be ful lled soon. After all, India does not have a dearth of women-centric patriotic stories, does it?

60 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 61 exhale

Zinc- rich food helps prevent acne and maintain collagen INDULGE YOUR SENSES, HAVE FUN levels. Sources are sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, beans, chickpeas, peas and mushrooms., nutritionist

Karishmaand lifestyle Chawla educator.

all walks of life in my next music video which is to promote the Nutrition advice idea that women have the • Consuming a whole fruit over a right to dream and succeed in fruit juice is a better idea as it will this world. The song relates not cause the sugar rush and insulin spike. to my own journey of wanting • Add a vegetable smoothie with a to become a singer but having fruit, spirulina and chia seeds as so many challenges and finally a mid-morning drink. It is a great making it. energy booster. Also, top it with When I am not working, an apple/1tbsp of blueberries I love sitting by the beach. making it a complete liver detox drink which excellent for the skin. I also like exploring natural health and wellness through • Indulge in carbohydrates like jowar, rajgira roti or brown rice what reading in between record- with a vegetable salad. Again, ate ings as I am fascinated about choosing brown rice over white is I what makes a healthy body. a good way to keep a tab on your today I keep reading various books weight. This also aids hormonal about healthy living which give balance and prevents acne. me the required knowledge • In the evening, consume nuts like almonds and walnuts. You and at the same time keep can also include an egg salad or me entertained. moong sprouts bhel. Being watchful Recently, I started taking • Dinner can comprise of a protein Curious about how to get swimming lessons and I enjoy Singer Arzutra Garielle on her diet salad like chicken along with picture-perfect presentation it a lot. I used to go float in some soup. Mid night snack can for cake slices or bars? Run be some nuts or boiled eggs. and fitness the pool before, I loved the the knife under hot water for water even then. I am hoping several seconds, dry off, then y very first singing wanted to make more songs. to be a good swimmer soon. slice. Be sure to dry the knife lesson was never The rest is history—nine years Interestingly, I prefer the sea thoroughly, then cut your Mattended with the and 30 songs. Music has now over swimming pools. When it always had to watch what I eat. I eat slices while the knife is still intention of wanting to be a become my life. comes to my fitness regime, I dinner quite late so I don’t normally slightly warm to the touch. singer. In the first year, I was My biggest project till date usually do about 45 minutes of need to snack before bedtime. The residual heat on the knife just dabbling with lessons, is my debut album. I am now aerobics for five days a week. I What is on Arzutra’s plate? will make for clean, easy enjoying them, but nothing working on my second album do weight and strength train- Early morning: I drink watermelon slices. Repeat the process for serious. After one year, I met a which I hope to launch soon. ing for about four months in juice on waking up. each slice. When it comes to friend who asked me to create In 2021, I may look at doing a year. Lately, I have swapped Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with cheesecake slices, just reach a song as my voice was nice. I collaborations. I am also busy aerobics for walking as I find gluten free bread for breakfast. into your medical cabinet came up with an English song with launching my own health the latter meditative. I have Lunch: I generally eat a huge feta and use your dental floss. called ‘Feel It’. Honestly, I was and well-being website Vanity made it my motto to get out of salad or a grilled chicken salad. Unflavoured dental floss, held far from feeling it. I realised in by Arzutra to inspire my fans the house daily for a nice long Dinner: I prefer Indian meals for tautly and drawn back and the whole process of making to live their healthiest and walk in the park. dinner, it is either lentils and rice or forth in a gentle sawing mo- that song that I want to sing heartiest life. Apart from that, My midnight indulgence is some chicken gravy with rice. tion, will yield clean cheese- in Hindi. That was my main I have just launched an exciting chocolate eclairs although I try Cheat days: I indulge a lot in junk cake slices for that Instagram- influence all my life and that campaign to promote women to curb my craving especially food, especially McDonald’s when- worthy photograph. is when I realised that I enjoy empowerment. I am looking to when I have shoots coming up ever I feel I want to reward myself. the recording process and I feature girls and women from as my skin is acne prone. I have As told to Oshin Grace Daniell

62 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 63 smile One Shot

Chef Anurudh Khanna on the importance of not taking shortcuts in the culinary world

BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL

64 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 65 smile One Shot

etting into the culinary world was never a childhood dream Cooking hacks 10 must-haves for for chef Anurudh • Try one-pot meals—simple every chef Khanna. He wanted and effective to become a doctor. • A really good chef’s knife But they say, life takes its own turns • Always put your liquids in • Knife honer G your blender first—water, • Kitchen scale and sends you on new adventures. And for Anurudh, the adventure was one juice, broths—and then load • Instant read thermometer your more solid ingredients that is synonymous with food and its • A wooden spoon — vegetables, leafy greens, making. “I joined a hotel management • Squeeze bottles fruits. This takes stress off course and for two years I had no • Measuring cups your blender motor, and • Prep bowls clue what I would do post my studies. as the blade spins your • Fresh herbs However, during my six months of ingredients are more easily mandatory internship I spent a lot of pulled down into the blender • Whisk time in the kitchen and loved all the vessel and your blends are action and creativity that it oered. more consistent, smooth, 10 must-follow at was when I decided to become a and creamy. chefs on YouTube professional chef,” he says. • Finish your dishes with a With over 21 years of culinary little drizzle of high-quality • The Buddhist Chef experience, Anurudh is now appointed extra-virgin olive oil; it will • Gordon Ramsay as multi-property executive chef at make for a silky finish. • Laura Vitale • James Tahhan e Westin Gurugram, New Delhi and • If you find you need more oil e Westin Sohna Resort and Spa. in the pan when sautéing, • Ali Mandhry Little did the veteran chef know when try substituting vegetable • Atul Kochhar he decided to become a professional stock. It will help cut down • Himanshu Taneja chef that he was in it for the long haul. on the calories but give your • Maangchi However, the journey was not a piece pan the moisture it needs. • Vikram Sunderam of cake. • When cooking in a pan, don’t • Vikas Khanna He was 21 when he started his overcrowd. This will create career in the Italian kitchen of La steam instead of direct heat. Piazza restaurant at the Hotel Hyatt • Use an apple slicer as a Regency in New Delhi. “I started out fast and simple way to at the lowest position which was the cut potatoes for baked says. To make things worse, he was not a commis chef, he worked his way up commis chef. I acquired hands-on French fries. permitted to go home as the team was as a banquet chef of the prestigious cooking from a couple of Italian chefs short on sta that day. “I was crying Lessons learnt during lockdown Banquets of e Taj Mahal hotel in • Keep brown sugar from Choosing ingredients carefully and frugally is one of the important as well as my then chef de cuisine,” hardening by adding in the kitchen but I worked the whole New Delhi and a chef in charge for he says. e rst dish that he made marshmallows to shift with my burnt hands. Not only did lessons when it comes to healthy eating, sustainability and good the busiest all-day dining restaurant as a professional chef is a lasagne, the container I have physical pain but there was also practices. We learnt to do much more with ingredients because Machan. “I delved into contemporary he recalls. “I made everything from mental agony.” the grocery run was precious and it was exciting to involve children cuisine when I opened the Restaurant • Use kitchen tongs to easily According to Anurudh, budding also when we try to stretch the use of one ingredient, because it scratch.” e past sheet dough to the squeeze all of the juice from Varq—a new age ne-dining Indian is like a science experiment with dehydration and fermenting to assembling—it was the rst of many a lemon chefs must remain committed and dis- restaurant—which taught me a lot delicious dishes that he prepared. ciplined towards their profession. ey create different things. We tried loads of recipes for instance with about upmarket plate presentations. • Soften cookies by sealing a ough there were several happy must be willing to learn the hard way the pineapple; apart from jams and juices, we made salads, we After that, I was the executive sous chef piece of bread inside of the cooking days, Anurudh also distinctly since nothing comes easy. “It takes a made chips with the core, fermented the skin and made a drink. So, of the Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi for cookie container. I use this what we have learnt theoretically about creating zero waste was remembers days lled with pain and one all of the time! As the lot of blood and sweat to become a suc- two years and post that I have been an being put into practice. pressure. “I was a hot-range chef dur- bread hardens, replace it cessful chef, which is why it is impor- executive chef for the past 11 years,” ing my initial years. One of my duties with a new piece tant to hang in there and give your It was a fun challenge cooking home style food with limited he says. Apart from luxury brands was to reach earlier than the rest of best every time. It is important to not ingredients. I am used to having an open pantry full of ingredients; like Hyatt and Taj, he has worked for • Add leftover wine to ice cube my team and drain the water o the run after designations and positions; I had to rein myself in and think like a home cook. I loved sharing renowned hotels like e Shangri-La, moulds or a muffin tin and with people how versatile cooking is; you don’t have to always use grill. It had become daily routine for freeze to use for cooking focus only on skills and attitude. Most Bengaluru, e Park New Delhi and everything the recipe says. You can adapt recipes to what is in your me. One day, the grill was already lit later. of all, don’t go for shortcuts,” he says. e Westin Pune. He was also the by someone and as I lifted the grill as And this is exactly what got Anurudh fridge. prestigious winner of the “Innovative usual, I got both my hands burnt,” he climbing up the success ladder. From Chef of the year 2018 award’, organised

66 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 67 smile One Shot

and say it is not available the next day because the ingredients are not avail- You’re given able,” he says. “For me, a dish is about a minute in the balance and colours. I love colours; my supermarket, what are the plates are usually a combination of dif- top five things you’ll have in ferent colours and textures.” rough your cart? his passion for food, Anurudh has Milk developed exceptional culinary skills Free-range eggs and managed to impress gastronomy Olive/avocado oil enthusiasts from all walks of life. “I Fresh fruits and vegetables believe that more than skills, it is the Multi-grain bread love for cooking and patience that and important for preparing tasty food,” he says. e professional chef is not only the master of cooking but also an a cionado in the area of operations. “Being an executive chef is not just about making food; there are dierent areas in this subset like costing, training the team, creating taste panels and calibrating avours. ere is a lot of hard work that goes into the kitchen,” he says. Another important aspect of the food business that he stresses on is transportation of food. “About 15 by the BBC Good Food and Fabelle particularly the spices that come years ago, I was in-charge of sit-down Amaranth bathua duet with turmeric foam Chocolates for the South Region. A message to all cooks from dierent parts of the country outdoor catering for 300 people. When Ingredients Method Not only does he have a vast knowl- stuck at home and reect the diverse culture of I tasted the main course at the venue, Bathua (Chenopodium)- 300g ◆ Blanch spinach, bathua and ama- edge of the evolving hospitality There is a reason why they say the India. I believe Indian food should be I felt that the mashed potatoes had a Spinach- 300g ranth separately in boiling water industry but also the ever-changing kitchen is the heart of the home. taken across the world in its purest pungent odour. e rst course was and shock chill. food trends. “I have worked with As chefs, we cook to please people, form, without any modi cations. already being served to guests and Amaranth- 300g ◆ Drain and remove the excess Oatmeal- 50g six Japanese chefs, 11 Italian chefs to nourish people. The sensations While some amount of fusion and I was rm that we will not serve the water and finely chop. associated with eating together Millets- 50g and ve Chinese chefs when it inspirational twists are ne, one must mashed potatoes to them. So, my team ◆ Blend oatmeal, gram flour and comes to international cuisine. and eating great food cannot be retain the authenticity of the cuisine rushed back and got new potatoes to Roasted gram flour- 50g millets in a food processor. expressed in any way. There is an Although I call Italian cuisine my when it comes to spices and avours,” make an Indian-style-hash-potato and Coriander leaves- 8-10 leaves ◆ Add all the dry spices and season- inexpressible feeling associated with forte, I know more than just a thing he says. served the guests,” he recalls. “One Mint- 8-10 leaves ing to the roasted gram flour. being able to cook great food and or two about the other cuisines,” e 42-year-old is also very keen lesson that I learnt that day is that ◆ Mix one half of the spinach and finding satisfaction and fulfilment Turmeric- ½tsp he says. Before the lockdown he on sustainable cooking. “Sustainable packaging and transportation of food bathua with one half of the in serving delicious food to others. I Cream- 20g had started a Japanese restaurant functioning is something that I focus is as important as its preparation. is roasted gram flour. have been a cook all my life, but I am Salt- to taste at e Westin, Gurugram, which on right now. I would say it is one of is something that most people tend ◆ Mix the other half of the spinach still learning to be a good chef. I am Pepper- ½tsp serves the authentic six-to-eight- my primary visions. When it comes to overlook.” and red amaranth with the remain- always learning new techniques and Garam masala- ¼tsp ing half of the roasted gram flour. course omakase—a Japanese meal improving beyond my own knowledge to cooking, ingredients are the key With a lot of lessons in his experi- White pepper powder- ¼tsp ◆ Make round patties from the consisting of dishes selected by the because there is always something elements of my food philosophy; ence kitty, Anurudh is constantly Cardamom powder- ¼tsp above mixtures. chef. ough the lockdown forced new to learn and new horizons to I always try to use fresh, seasonal developing new strategies for smooth shutters, Anurudh is positive about and local produce. I believe in mini- functioning of the kitchen. But when Corn flour- 3tsp ◆ Cook the patties on a nonstick discover. Once you decide on your pan until golden brown. a re-launch with a shorter menu. occupation... you must immerse malistic cooking and making the he is on a break, he relishes his go-to Cress - ½tsp Although he leans a lot towards ingredient speak for itself,” he says. dish Spaghetti aglio e olio. “It is not ◆ Pressure blend cream, turmeric yourself in your work. You have to and some water to make foam international avours, Anurudh fall in love with your work and never According to him, it is not challeng- complicated. Just some garlic, chilly for garnishing. feels that Indian cuisine is one of the complain about your job. You must ing to create a new recipe. However, akes, olive oil and spaghetti—a plate ◆ To plate stack the patties on top most versatile cuisines across the dedicate your life to mastering your he believes in making something that of delicious Italian food,” he says. of each other, garnish with cress globe. “I cherish Indian cuisine for skill. That is the mantra of success. he can make tomorrow as well. “I Probably, this is what he meant when and top it up with turmeric foam. its vastness and depth of avours, don’t want to make something today he said minimalistic cooking.

68 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 69 smile One Shot Pumpkin bharta, curried tomato achaar, ragi crisp

Ingredients ◆ Cook until pumpkin attains a Pumpkin- 500g mashed texture. Tomatoes- 4–5 (medium size) ◆ Set aside and allow it to cool. Red onion- 3–4 (medium size) Curried tomato jam Ragi flour- 100g ◆ Cook sliced onion and sliced toma- Sugar- 50g to together in oil over medium heat. Hing (asafoetida)- 1 pinch ◆ Temper with mustard seeds, curry Baking powder- 1 pinch leaves and hing (asafoetida). Water- 50ml ◆ Continue to cook over medium heat Mustard seeds- 1 pinch and add sugar. Cook for another Curry leaves- 2-3 25 minutes. Salt- 1tsp ◆ Blend it well with oil and set aside. Pepper- 1tsp Ragi crisp Turmeric- 1tsp ◆ Make a dough with ragi flour, bak- Edible flowers- 2-3 ing soda, refined flour and water. Sunflower cress- 4-5 ◆ Rest, roll out the dough and cut it Refined flour- 2tbsp into triangles. ◆ Bake in the preheated oven at 200°C. Method ◆ Dice and peel the pumpkin To plate and cook it with sliced onion in ◆ Make a quenelle of pumpkin mustard oil. bharta and place it over spooned ◆ Add hing (asafoetida) and tomato jam. curry leaves to it and season ◆ Garnish with a ragi crisp and edible with salt and pepper. flowers.

Paprika sea bass Fig spiced cake with cream Ingredients Method Ingredients Method Seabass – 4 fillets ◆ Place coriander, bell pepper ◆ In a small bowl, mix together Coriander, roughly chopped – slices and garlic in the bottom olive oil and paprika with Dried figs- 1 pound ◆ Preheat oven to 350° F (175°C). Grease and 1 bunch of a wide sauté pan to create a a fork. Pour red oil mixture Buttermilk- ½ cup flour a 10-inch tube pan. Place the stewed figs into a saucepan, cover with water, and simmer Green bell pepper, seeded and cut ‘bed’ for the fish. over the seabass fillets, coat- All-purpose flour- 1¨½ cups on low heat for about 5 minutes. Drain and into long thin strips- 1 large ◆ Place seabass fillets on top of ing them evenly. Baking powder- 1tsp ◆ cool, reserving 1/2 cup of the liquid. Garlic, coarsely chopped – 5 cloves the other ingredients. Season Let the fish simmer uncov- Baking soda- ½tsp ered for 20 minutes more, ◆ Cut the figs into 1/4 inch cubes; set aside. In a Turmeric – ¼tsp fillets generously with salt and Salt- ½tsp pepper, then sprinkle turmeric basting frequently. Fish is medium bowl, combine the reserved fig liquid Water – 1 ½ cups Ground cinnamon- ½tsp evenly across. done when liquid is reduced and buttermilk; set aside. Sift together the Extra virgin olive oil – 1/3 cup Ground cloves- ½tsp ◆ Add 1 ½ cups of water to the to about a quarter of what flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinna- Paprika – 1tbsp pan. Cover pan, turn flame on it was originally, and the fish Butter- ½ cup mon and cloves; set aside. Pepper – ¼tsp high, and bring to a boil. As has turned a rich red colour. White sugar- 1 cup ◆ In a large bowl, cream together the butter and Salt – to taste soon as the water boils, reduce ◆ Serve sea bass and bell pep- Eggs- 2 sugar until light and fluy. Beat in the eggs one Edible flowers, for garnish heat to medium and uncover pers together (with the grain Vanilla extract- 1tsp at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the the pan. Mixture should be and/or vegetable of your Chopped walnuts- 1 cup flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk choice) mixture. Stir in the chopped figs and walnuts. simmering lightly at this point. Whipped cream- 1 cup ◆ Allow mixture to simmer ◆ The green sauce from the Pour into prepared 10-inch tube pan. uncovered for 10-15 minutes, pan can be poured over the ◆ Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 basting fillets periodically, until top of the fish. minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the the water reduces by half and ◆ Garnish with fresh coriander center of the cake comes out clean. Cool in pan turns yellow. leaves, edible flowers and 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and toasted sesame seeds. cool completely. ◆ Apply whipped cream on top, cool and serve.

70 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 71 smile One Shot

Quinoa cakes with basil chive cream and roasted red pepper sauce

Ingredients for quinoa cakes Water– 1 cup Quinoa– ½ cup Egg, beaten– 4 Bread crumbs– 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – ¼ cup Goat cheese, crumbled – 100g Onion, diced finely – ¼ cup Chives, chopped finely- ¼ cup Olive oil- 4tbsp Pepper – ¼tsp Salt – to taste Ingredients for roasted red pepper sauce Red peppers- 2 medium sized Olive oil – 1 ½tbsp Garlic cloves, crushed – 2 pcs ◆ Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in ◆ Add the chopped peppers and White onion, roughly a large skillet over medium heat. continue to fry for a few minutes, chopped – 1, small Form the quinoa mixture into 12 stirring to combine everything. Roasted bell pepper with tomato polenta Vegetable stock – ½ cup patties. ◆ Add the vegetable stock, bring Sugar (optional)– ½tsp ◆ Heat the oil in a frying pan to a boil, then allow it to reduce a little. Ingredients Method Ingredients for basil chive cream on medium heat. Working in batches, cook the patties for ◆ Pour the contents of the pan For stued red bell pepper To make pan-roasted To make stued bell peppers Crème fraiche – ¾ cup 4 to 5 minutes per side, add- into a blender and whizz until Red bell pepper- 1 piece cherry tomatoes ◆ Bring vegetable stock to a boil and Basil leaves- chopped – ¼ cup ing more oil as needed, until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to Polenta– 60g ◆ Heat olive oil in a saucepan gradually add polenta and cook. Lemon juice, fresh – 2tsp golden brown. taste. over medium-high heat. Tomato puree- 20g ◆ Cook polenta over medium heat Black pepper, freshly ground – ¼tsp Method to prepare roasted ◆ Depending on the ripeness of ◆ Add cherry tomatoes and until all liquid is absorbed and sea- Parmesan cheese- 10g Salt – to taste red pepper sauce the peppers, you shouldn’t need cook, stirring frequently until son with salt and pepper. any sugar—but if they retain a Butter – 10g tomatoes begin to wrinkle Microgreens, for garnish- 1tbsp ◆ Heat oven to 200°C ◆ Add parmesan cheese, butter and slightly bitter flavour, return the Olive oil – ½tbsp just a bit, wilt and give o half the tomato puree to polenta, ◆ Place the peppers on a baking sauce to the pan, add sugar to Method to make quinoa cakes Vegetable stock – 1 cup some juices. set aside to cool. tray and roast in the oven for taste and let it dissolve over the ◆ Combine the water, quinoa, ½ ◆ Add garlic and sauté for a ◆ Take red pepper and cut from about 45 minutes until the skins heat. teaspoon of salt, and ¼ tea- minute. stem part approx 4 cm and empty are blackened. For pan-roasted cherry tomatoes spoon of pepper in a medium Method to prepare basil chive cream ◆ Sprinkle with basil or out seeds. saucepan over medium-high ◆ Remove from the oven and put Olive oil – ½tbsp into a plastic bag – this makes ◆ Stir together the crème fraiche, oregano, salt and pepper, ◆ Fill up the pepper with polenta and heat. Bring to a boil, then basil, chives, and lemon juice in a Cherry tomatoes, halved – 125g as desired. reduce the heat to low, cover them sweat and the skins slip o brush the outside of the pepper small bowl. Garlic, crushed – 1 clove ◆ the pan, and simmer for about more easily. When cool enough Keep aside for garnish. with olive oil. 15 minutes, until all of the liquid to handle, peel o the skins with ◆ Season with salt and pepper to Basil or oregano, crushed – ½tsp ◆ Roast at 220°C. Keep to cool. your fingers. taste, and refrigerate to chill. is absorbed into the quinoa. Pepper – ½tsp ◆ Blend the tomato puree with a lit- ◆ Remove from the heat and let Slice the peppers open, pick out Final assembling Salt – to taste tle olive oil. cool slightly. and discard all the seeds and ◆ Top each quinoa cake with a ◆ To plate, spread the tomato puree membrane, then roughly chop ◆ Stir together the quinoa, eggs, dollop of cold basil chive cream on the base and place pepper the red flesh. bread crumbs, cheeses, red and serve with warm red pepper on top. onion, and chives in a medium ◆ Heat the olive oil in a frying pan. sauce on the side. ◆ Garnish with edible flowers and bowl to combine. Season with When hot, fry the garlic and ◆ Garnish with fresh chives and serve with pan-roasted cherry salt and pepper. onions for a few minutes. microgreens tomatoes on the side

72 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 73 smile Bucket List

Want to get away from the hustle of the city and live like a royal? Deo Bagh ﬁts just right

BY RUPALI DEAN

o you wonder how the royal Mughals lived? Don’t just read about it, go experience it in the land of palaces, Dforts and temples—Gwalior. Away from the hustle of the city, live like a royal for a few days in Deo Bagh—this non-hotel is a heady wonderland. With exotic family temples and pavilions, gorgeous woodwork, lush gardens with dancing peacocks, this is a place you would want to explore every inch of. And it is more than just a visual experience. e atmosphere here is saturated with the fragrance of jasmine, grape- fruit and guavas.

74 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 75 smile Bucket List

History athwart ve wings, fronting a Nau terpiece the original. But with a tinge glorious royal India, Deobagh is full of Deo Bagh has played host to impor- Bagh—a garden plaid into nine parts. of modern luxuries. I call it momentous in nite intricacies, leaving me to feel as tant Mughals who camped in this Each of its villas are named after the hedonism. e rooms and suites dier if my entire time here is one of discov- ‘char bagh’ with a 36-pillar pavilion members of the aristocratic Jadhav fam- in size, indulgence and price, but believe ery. Every element, be it major or minor, at its core. e pavilion safeguarded ily. e astounding attention to detail me when I say even the average room seems to have been painstaking—from women in its concealed chambers and rich proud history echoes around oering is nothing short of incredible. the equilibrium of the hotel’s highly through summer thanks to the trench this palace. It exempli es its heritage Facing the gardens is the best photographed Baradari to the zillions of water on all its four sides. Later, and does not fail with its status for super- chance to relish the setting sun, as well of small brick tiles that could never pos- as the victorious Maratha military lative levels of service. as a serene way to wake each morning. sibly be counted throughout Deo Bagh. trooped towards Delhi, the Jadhavs With intricate details, well-appointed I check in for a total of three nights, took control of this natural water Palatial living textures and marble bathrooms, no spending much of my time within in its catchment area. e restored Deo Bagh feels more like a detail has been overlooked. Illustrious grounds as it feels like a tranquil oasis. In April 2012, Deo Bagh opened palatial oasis as conicting to a hotel and by its once used as Mughal camping Breakfast by the Baradari is quite the its doors with fteen rooms spread is every bit the grand architectural mas- later Hindu architecture portraying aair and a great opportunity to enjoy stunning views, no pancakes or golden syrup but instead a superb local oering to savour at the water’s edge. e menu showcases multi cuisine gastronomy while also including robust punch of spicy Madhya Pradesh fare. e crown- ing glory is the ‘Bhopali Mutton’ the esh is cooked sous-vide style, and fairly melts in waves on the tongue and the lachha parantha accompanying just adds to the whole experience. From walking around the property gardens to lounging at the Baradari, I really can choose to take it in at my own pace. e backdrops are exceeded only by the amazing service of the brilliant sta. e hotel also arranges private tours of the Gwalior Fort and surrounds, of which I would highly recommend if this is your rst time visiting the city. Life can’t get any better than this, more so amidst a global pandemic.

76 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 77 smile A nosy affair Oshin Grace Daniell talks about her battle with allergens

here was a time when I used to start my day with at least 10 sneezes. ese were not the sharp, Chihuahua’s bark- It’sa Tkind of sneeze but the loud ones which made the body jerk as if on a take-o mode. My parents called it their alarm, wrap my dog thought it was a way of greeting and always barked back, my next-door neighbour called it a nuisance and I called it a sign of my presence. Surely, the intensity and loudness of my sneezes have reduced over the years but my nose continues to be the most sensitive sensory organ in my body. And this makes me every air allergen’s favourite target. From dust and pollen to even the tiny hair that falls on my face when the salon lady shapes my eyebrows makes my nose twitch and break into sneezes. I distinctly remember the rst time I got my bushman eyebrows threaded. What was usually a 10-minute-process took about 45 minutes, thanks to my excessive sneezing. I thought it would right way. Some smirk, some become these trips with their pearly whites on be better the next time. It has been 13 defensive and some others give a death display, I have ones where half of my years since and nothing has changed. glare to the lady of the house. face is covered with a surgical mask. e salon lady has made peace with it Hand sanitisers, tissue paper pack- But my pearly whites were not that and is still trying to gure out creative ets, extra handkerchiefs and surgical great anyway and the mask did a pretty ways of shaping my eyebrows without masks are important components in decent job of covering my protruding her hand touching my nose or hair fall- my backpack. From the time I remem- bug teeth. At that time, little did I know ing in that area. ber I have always carried my care kit that these practices would turn into When it comes to dust, my nose wherever I went. In school, my friends the new norm across the globe one day. can detect spots in the house where called me a hygiene freak every time Over the years, I have owned my the vacuum cleaner has not reached. I cleaned my hands with the sanitiser identity as a person with a very sensi- is made my domestic help hate me or pulled out a tissue. When it came tive nose. And, honestly, I never saw as my sneeze became an indicator of to class picnics or nature club trips it as a bane. Surely, there have been her inecient cleaning. What’s worse that were synonymous with potential embarrassing times but it also taught is when I sneeze at someone else’s anaphylactic shock threats, my parents me to be mindful. As a matter of fact, house and my parents shamelessly say always fretted. However, that never my sensitive nose is how I got my rst “She has dust allergy!”. Although this stopped me from going for any of it. job as a tea taster. Blessing in disguise, is the truth, not everybody takes it the While my friends have pictures of did someone say?

78 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 • SMART LIFE 79 80 SMART LIFE • OCTOBER 2020