FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com MAY 2020 | 150

TA APSEE PANNU WRITING HER OWN SCRIPT Executive Editor’s Note

MAY 2020

Publisher & Editor N RADHAKRISHNAN THE ART OF ENJOYING ONE’S Executive Publisher MINAL SURVE

Executive Editor ARNESH GHOSE COMPANY, MERGE DRAGONS, Associate Editor RAJU BIST AND MY RELATIONSHIP Assistant Editor SAMREEN TUNGEKAR WITH SUGAR Fashion Editor NEELANGANA VASUDEVA

Art Director TANVI SHAH

Associate Art Director HEMALI LIMBACHIYA can be used, but multiple book plots were graphed. I had to work out — Graphic Designers GAUTAMI DAVE, SANJANA SUVARNA the sweaty kind — at least four times a week. I played a lot of chess and Scrabble with my partner. I got better at chess. I, funnily, sucked ass at JAYESH V. SALVI Senior Digital Manager Scrabble. I have no idea why and I am deeply ashamed. But those games Production Manager MANGESH SALVI kept me alert. And I took to Merge Dragons like an addict. mansworldindia.com Okay, hear me out. Merge Dragons is an elaborate online game — the ads kept popping up during scrabble — which involves various Web Editor ARNESH GHOSE challenges that help you build your own dragon farm and base camp and Staff WritersMAYUKH MAJUMDAR, SANIKA ACHREKAR, RAJEEV MATHEW fill it up with gold and construction and orchards and magic mushrooms, and look at me, sounding like an absolute idiot. Merge Dragons seems Consulting Editor PABLO CHATERJI like a cross between Farmville and Candy Crush (I’ve played neither; I’m have never been someone who cannot be by himself. It’s weird, just aware of the concepts) and funnily it gave me a sense of purpose MAITHILI RAO, SOLEIL NATHWANI, Contributing Editors I know. I don’t necessarily need social interaction. And I am not every day. I had to check in on my dragons, make sure I played the MAGANDEEP SINGH someone who enjoys phone calls either. The longest phone call challenges to garner high scores to win more dragons, build them I shared with my partner, till date, must have been for a minute. comfy homes, store my gold, harvest lots of life orbs to resurrect dead General Manager, Sales & Marketing MANOJ SHARMA Tops. This lockdown has also made me realise that I abhor video acres and explore new lands. It is quite an elaborate list of chores and, calls. I cannot think of anything as annoying as video calls. To interestingly, Merge Dragons became a part of my routine. It’s as if I had ([email protected]), NEW I distract myself, I start applying filters to my face while on the call. a second establishment that I had to take care of. The dragons — with General Manager, Sales & Marketing TULSI BAVISHI But what’s funny is that, I enjoy human company. Not as much as cute names, often quipping assuring statements like “I’m here for you!” canine company, obviously, but I enjoy being with people. I love crowds, and “Whatever you need!” and “Right away!” whenever I made them ([email protected]), restaurants, dining out, hitting a pub for drinks, dancing, house parties harvest or build something – seemed to be there for me, like pets. Well, Deputy General Manager-Sales & Marketing NOHA QADRI — the works. But when I am by myself, my company does not bore almost like pets. I’ve decided to uninstall the game once the lockdown ([email protected]), MUMBAI me. I don’t talk to myself. I thought I would start doing that during the is lifted. It’s keeping me quite occupied now, but it has the potential to lockdown. But I realised that I don’t. I am not someone who loves the become a distraction. Sometimes, when I am a tad too engrossed, I pull Assistant Manager - Sales & Marketing SAGRIKA SANJAY sound of my own voice. Well, it’s not abhorrent, but I am not in love with back and tell myself, “None of this is real, you know? It’s not like you’re ([email protected]), it either. Silence does not agitate me. Being at , for almost two earning anything in tangible currency.” That’s virtual interaction for you – months, all by myself, didn’t bother me. I am quite fascinated by that. I like a sugary cola. Vacuous but satisfying. Circulation Manager BHAUTIK MEHTA did set a routine. Discipline is important. Setting goals is important. Don’t Which brings me to my relationship with sugar. I was allowing myself listen to all those idiots who preached “don’t worry your little head about sugar intake only on weekends till the lockdown. I had stuck to that, (+91 98197 28984) being productive, this is a crisis and you are surviving it et cetera et quite painfully, initially, for almost six months. But I started introducing Sr. Circulation Exc. (MIS & Opr) SANTOSH P. GAJINKAR cetera". We have had the privilege to be stuck in comfortable homes with portions of desserts every day during the lockdown. Sugar makes you (+91 99695 71319) amenities for almost two months. If we didn’t utilise this time, we need feel good. As long as you are not bingeing on it, moderate portions to be aware of the fact that we did, for large parts of our days, waste are not harmful. Yes, it causes a dependency, but at least during the precious productive hours. I made sure I wrote something every day. lockdown, I’m going to lean on sugar. And Merge Dragons. What are you PRADEEP ACHAREKAR Accountant Writing is a workout for people in our profession. I don’t think much of it leaning on? Office ManagerRAJEEV POOJARY Office AssistantVAIBHAV MORE

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VEER MISRA 75 In this issue: Fifty shades COVER STORY of gay (Page 37) THE Describe yourself in one RELENTLESS word: Ambitious What is the first thing TAAPSEE that comes to your mind PANNU when you hear the word With a filmography that has ‘Internet’? Memes only set the wonder woman A foreign language you standards of narratives and FEATURES want to learn? Spanish stories, actor If you could invite three goes into details of her 67 The Pain Beyond The artists for dinner, who would journey, one that’s made of a Loss: Cancer feels they be? Frida Kahlo, Lana ladder with every step taking even more challenging Del Rey and Raf Simons her a notch higher, and about when even the most quarantine with a routine privileged, like Rishi BY SAMREEN Kapoor and Irrfan TUNGEKAR Khan, don’t recover By Amit Vaidya

71 The Alchemy Of Alt Balaji By Jigar Shah MAITHILI RAO 89 Sisterhood Of The In this issue: The Maturing Of Taapsee Messmans: Meet Pannu (Page 85) Kainaz Messman Describe yourself in one Harchandrai and word: Secular Tina Messman Wykes, the founders What is the first thing that comes to your mind of Theobroma when you hear the word By Samreen Tungekar ‘Internet’? Freedom A foreign language you 93 What Is Vir want to learn? French Das’ Viagra? Which celebrity do you By Mayukh Majumdar most identify with? Arundhati Roy FOB 6 Radar 11 Disney and Apple TV+ binge list 13 The Interview: Hansal Mehta JIGAR SHAH ISHA BHANSALI 15 The A-List In this issue: In Conversation With In this issue: Ask the Expert 17 Shatrunjay Pratap Hansal Mehta (Page 13) (Page 63) Singh: The tale of Describe yourself in Describe yourself in a preserver one word: Inquisitive one word: Curious 19 Photographer’s self- What is the first thing that comes to What is the first thing that comes portraits in quarantine your mind when you hear the word to your mind when you hear the 85 23 Jason Kothari: The ‘Internet’? When I first began using word ‘Internet’? Information THE turnaround expert the Internet, it was all about Yahoo and A foreign language you want MATURING 25 Drunching with MSN messenger. But now for me, the to learn? As of now, I want to summer cocktails internet is about access to information learn Sanskrit. It’s not foreign OF TAAPSEE 27 Tattoo artists and A foreign language you want but it’s as rarely known to us as PANNU tattoo trends to learn? Spanish and Mandarin any other foreign language The actress is now a 29 COVID-19 and cam sex Which is the first movie that made If you could style one person from bankable powerhouse, 30 Apps to organise your you cry? Can’t remember the first history, who would it be? I would delivering nuanced daily routine film, but the last film I cried in was have loved to style Albert Einstein performances that 31 A guide to the Avengers: Endgame and Marlon Brando resonate with the modern uncommon beaches Indian woman in the world

DEVKI BHATT BY MAITHILI RAO 35 The summer physique guide

3 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 4 Contents MAY 2020

RADARWHO & WHAT YOU SHOULD BE TALK CHECKING OUT THIS MONTH 37 Fifty shades of gay By Veer Misra Curated by Arnesh Ghose 39 What is wrong with Carrie Bradshaw? By Arnesh Ghose 41 How to know you’re being love bombed By Samreen Tungekar STYLE 43 Fashion news 45 Amit Aggarwal: Fashion’s fortune teller 61 How to do summer right 62 Sartorial Man 63 Ask the expert 64 Cuban Collar: The shirt you need this summer 65 Eyewear trends of 2020 Actor WATCHES KIRTI 98 Tough watches for KULHARI tough times After leaving a mark on the big screen last year with Uri, Blackmail, and , Kulhari is back with the second season of the Prime Video crowd favourite, Four More Shots Please! A natural on screen, Kulhari exudes a charismatic screen presence, always showing an astute understanding of her characters, and ability to explore layers. Her next project is the adaptation of The Girl On The Train, releasing this year.

47 CURRENTLY OPERATING FROM THE INSIDE Doing laundry in over-the-top outfits, sitting in on Zoom meetings in ON THE COVER pyjamas, hydrating our skin with face Make-up and hair: masks during office hours. That's what Taapsee Pannu life within confines has become. With Styling, under-the-table socks and a no-pants Conceptualisation, situation grabbing the spotlight, we and Photographs: recreate some of the most talked Devki Bhatt Actor's media about quarantine scenarios, with a consultants: stylish twist. Don't worry, we didn't Universal

miss out on the banana bread Communications JESENSKA SIMONA

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Digital art AVINASH JAI SINGH Fun, pop, and graphic, Singh's works are commentaries on millennial lifestyle, dilemmas, and mental health. Drawing influences from minimalism and old-school geometric cartoons, Singh has a unique voice and delightfully authentic perspective.

Photography CAROLINE JOSEPH We barely explore and admire the wonder of still life anymore. Beyond art school class work, when do we come across good ol' traditional still life? Joseph's photography exudes warmth and is full of life force. lights up simple vegetables and alliums with dramatic lighting, capturing them in minute detail. Modern, yet classical.

Illustrator ANIRBAN GHOSH Always on the lookout for erotic and queer art, it was a delight stumbling upon Anirban Ghosh's works. Graphic and also comic, his style is reminiscent of newspaper cartoon strips in pen and ink with fluid lines — an apt style to capture the fluidity of the sexuality spectrum. Fun portraits that range from slice-of-life to raunchy BDSM, Ghosh's works glimmer with honesty and hope.

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QUARANTINE CONTENT While Indian influencers might be adept at creating social media content, what really stood out in the two months were how people adapted their content to lockdown and home-based requirements. Various independent voices emerged on social media, dealing with fitness (home workouts became quite the rage and, well, fury), cooking tutorials that went beyond glossy food videos, podcasts, humourous sketches, and spoken word poetry. I picked a sampling of some of my favourite quarantine content. Binge fest Since Jane The Virgin, I have been craving a mock telenovela. Enter The House of Flowers Let's be honest: web content is helping us survive (). This Mexican black comedy is about a the lockdown. Imagine if this was pre-binge times? dysfunctional business family who try to balance What would we exactly do? Well, I am sure we a prestigious floral arrangement company by day, would be absolutely fine, but we all know that web and a struggling cabaret by night. Expect lies, streaming really got us through. From Ramayana secrets, and other telenovela juice packed into this reruns to the latest seasons of old favourites, new satire while discussing sexuality, , morality, and launches and quick snackables, here's a shout out class struggle in modern Mexico. to my lockdown favourites. Binge content gold, Feel Good by comedian Fitness TVF's Panchayat has exceptional writing at the Mae Martin is a quick love story snack. Stand-up Celebrity fitness trainer and expert, heart of the show. This Prime Video show is an comedian Mae starts dating never-dated-women- Mustafa Ahmed's social media example of near-flawless film-making, with erudite before Georgina and jumps into a whirlpool of transformed into a trustworthy go-to writing and scene mounting, sharp dialogues, kisses, questions, and confusion. Throw in Mae's for innovative — and definitely effective Food efficient camerawork and confident direction. struggle with substance abuse addiction and a While Jitendra Kumar dons his much-donned hat — home workouts. Unlike everybody Writer and photographer Richa Gupta (@my_foodstory) has hostile family (Lisa Kudrow fabulously plays her ice of a frustrated young adult (it's getting boringly (and their PT) who has been uploading been creating extremely helpful videos for kitchen noobs and queen mother) and the soup thickens. But what this repetitive), the supporting cast, led by veteran videos with gas cylinders and whatnots, those who had to learn to manage cooking for their families on Netflix quickie successfully achieves, like its other Raghubir Yadav, and newcomer Ahmed's workouts are designed into a regular basis. From tutorials on correctly grocery shopping, gay comedy, Special, is the ability to normalise Chandan Roy, really make the show what it is. A muscle group, cardio, and HIIT workouts cooking Indian basics, to making and freezing mother masalas sexuality and race. Feel Good goes beyond being poignant portrayal of two , and how neither that break a crazy sweat and definitely for multiple dishes, Gupta's handle has been extremely helpful, a "gay show" to ask important questions about can quite fathom each other, Panchayat truly is help in sticking to fitness goals without not to mention, a visual delight. desire, addiction, and how, all of us, are holding a gym access. Also, his extremely ripped a winner. onto someone or something just to survive our bod is inspiration enough. A kickass concept, #blackAF is about Kenya lives and feel good about it. The show is beautifully Barris playing a fictionalised version of himself as written, has a fantastic cast, and definition asks the an African-American TV writer and showrunner right questions. who is a black profiteer (Barris made Black-ish, Possibly the hottest season after Money Heist's Podcast Grown-ish and Mixed-ish), and tells the story of his fourth drop, Fauda's season three is as chaotic messy family. Told as a documentary his daughter and gut-punching as you would expect it to be. Who wouldn't mind a howlarious video is making for NYU about Barris' new Netflix show With it characteristic intimate, Iranian-style film- podcast episode every day of someone called #blackAF (the show's on Netflix too, oh making, fiery politics, and war zone backdrop, this wittily capturing the joys and troubles of Comedy glorious meta), the show is TV gold with its honest season knocks the air out of you. With Doron going the lockdown in a thick (and authentic) While every stand-up comedian portrayal of family, black culture, white gaze, and undercover in the volatile Gaza strip, the spy thriller Malayali accent? Meet Mariyam "Mae" started putting out all sorts of new money. Need another reason? Rashida Jones matures into a cat-and-mouse chase, with fantastic Thomas's IGTV. The country's coolest homemade videos, Biswa Kalyan is back. writing and brilliant cast additions. podcaster and founder of the hugely Rath hit the nail on the head successful Maed In India, Thomas with his silly take on "I have no captured the mundane and the madness clue what day it is" with literally regularly, while channelling her inner announcing each day on his Malayali with true glory. Insightful, funny, Instagram. Silly, but funny, and Clockwise from and definitely a fun watch (and listen). definitely different. top left A still from #blackAF; stills from Fauda; poster of Panchayat; a still from The House Of Flowers; a still from Feel Good; poster of #blackAF

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ON APPLE TV+ ON DISNEY+

SEE See was among the first set of shows released on Apple TV+ and helped give viewers an idea of Apple's vision for its upcoming content. In an extremely unique story, after everyone on earth goes blind, a woman miraculously gives birth to twins who have 20/20 vision. The couple and their twins try to survive in the wild, and protect themselves from a tribe that are out to hunt them and kill the newborns.

SHORT CIRCUIT THE MANDALORIAN New Kids On No one does animation better This one is for the Star Wars fans. than Disney. Short Circuit is With it being May, the official month a compilation of 14 unique of Star Wars, it’s only right to spend SERVANT animated short stories. this time watching The Mandalorian. Acclaimed film-maker M. Night Each episode is different Pedro Pascal plays the gunfighter who Shyamalan makes his glorious return from the other and boasts The Block will travels galaxies to fight anyone Disney+ and Apple TV+ are the newest additions to the OTT list, with both the and his streaming debut with Servant. of a variety of animation and anything for the right amount of This show is about a couple who hire styles. Short Circuit has platforms packing enough arsenal to intimidate their competition. We look at money. Yet, the best part about the a nanny to look after their baby, and some emotional and some of their best offerings you can watch right now By Rajeev Mathew whole series is still Baby Yoda, who things slowly start to take a darker feel-good stories brought accompanies the Mandalorian during turn. As it is with any Shyamalan to life by some of Disney's his missions. production, you can expect some best animators. DEFENDING JACOB keep-you-on-your-toes moments and Defending Jacob is Apple TV's unexpected plot twists that make you most compelling crime thriller jump out of your seat. yet. The limited series is based on the William Landay novel of the same name, and THE IMAGINEERING STORY follows an American district Disney has mastered the art of bringing its characters to life attorney, played by Chris at Disneylands across the globe. They call it 'imagineering’, Evans, who investigates the and the story of how they do it has always remained a murder of a young boy after mystery, until now. The Imagineering Story takes us behind his son was accused of being the scenes of some of Disney’s most impressive attractions the murderer. and shows us the 'imagineering' that went into it. SHUTTERSTOCK

11 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 12 theinterview

Is the lockdown helping you be more creative? Q&A Creativity is uncertain. It can't be scheduled. WITH You need to be in the right environment. It is like lightning. It just strikes. Before the HANSAL lockdown, I had completed the shoot of Scam MEHTA 1992 (on ) and a major portion of the show's first cut. Now, I’m reviewing Hansal the material, looking at the edits and making Mehta’s notes. I was supposed to start a film in April. storytelling It's a fantastic script. But this period has given went through me more time to polish it. My writer's team is a complete very active. We constantly discuss the script over video calls. I’m developing another change after script for ’s production house, Shahid, and which I will be directing as well. I've also been his films wanting to work on some ideas, but I haven't have carved put down on paper yet. their own Do you think the coronavirus will have an niche. The impact on the themes in our films? film-maker Yes, it definitely will. Right now, it feels like reveals we are living in George Orwell's 1984 and it is his post scary (I’m also reading the book right now). lockdown This lockdown will test your patience because plans and it is not a holiday or a sabbatical. People will oscillate between a gamut of emotions. everything It is important to observe, experience and he plans to let them pass rather than fight it. It is an bring to the extraordinary phase that will be written about silver screen for decades on how a pandemic affected How was it to recreate the '90s for Despite rave reviews, getting people to "Since to close, they will mostly likely be the last the entire mankind. People are putting their the show? the theatres for Aligarh was not easy. If theatres were to open. In this grave situation, thinking health on the line to report important stories. The show begins in the late '70s and moves it was released today, would it do better, the first to about any film's release seems futile. Post By Jigar Shah Just like World War I and II gave us amazing to the '90s and 2000s, almost spanning given the response Shubh Mangal Zyaada close, they the lockdown, we will know how much the war movies, I hope this pandemic, a world over four decades. It was fun recreating the Saavdhan got? will mostly world has changed, how we move on from war of sorts, will also lead to stories about the '90s, but it was a nightmare to shoot in the Aligarh came at the right time, and some likely be the this, and take life as it comes. As John F Kennedy famously said, “Change How is the lockdown treating you? health professionals, who are the real heroes. city. Mumbai has changed a lot over the last films are made for posterity. It paved last to open. is the law of life. And those who look only to Even before the Janta Curfew was 30 years. My team did a fantastic job with the way for LGBTQ stories and films like In this grave Shahid and onwards, the kind of films the past or present are certain to miss the announced, my family and I moved to How did you adapt and the costumes, the hairstyles and getting Shubh Mangal Zyaada Saavdhan. It allowed situation, you make or started making completely future.” It seems Hansal Mehta is a believer this village between and Lonavala. Debashis Basu’s book, The Scam: Who Won, those locations and cars of the bygone era. mainstream film-makers to explore the thinking changed. How was that process? of the same. Mehta made films likeDil Pe Mat It started as a vacation, but then we Who Lost, Who Got Away, for your web show theme further. Independent cinema and about any Your work will always have some Le Yaar!!, Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai?, Woodstock decided to stay on. There was no buzz Scam 1992? Chhalaang is your sixth collaboration mainstream cinema always feed off of film's release reflection of your own personality. Villa, Raakh, Shahid, Citylights, Aligarh and about a lockdown at the time, but It was a challenge to dramatise the book with . How has your each other. You introduce new talent, seems futile" Film-makers discover something new Simran. But it was only after Shahid that terms like social distancing were being because the story is not written as a piece association been? new theme, new stories and challenge about themselves after every film, but everything changed for the better. Each of his discussed. We felt it was important of fiction. My writers, Sumit Purohit, Saurav Sixth, really? I’ve lost count. We have a very mainstream cinema storytelling. that was not the case with me. I took films told a different human story. He carved to isolate ourselves. This is the very Dey and I, began working on the show special bond. Chhalaang is a new chapter. a long sabbatical after Woodstock Villa a niche for his films and made it to the list of place where I came up with the idea of toward the end of 2017 and it took almost We’ve attempted something different again. When our films release after the and that's when I conceived the idea most promising directors. This 2.0 version Shahid when I was on my sabbatical post two years for an in-depth research of India’s It is a social comedy against the backdrop current situation, do you think of Shahid. I found stories that I felt of Hansal Mehta was extremely busy before Woodstock Villa. On one level, it feels financial system. The funny thing is back in of sports, where Rao plays a PE teacher. there will be a huge influx of big and passionate about. I rediscovered myself the lockdown. He was working on a film titled like déjà vu. Exactly 10 years later, I’ve a the day, I was a fresh computer programmer For the first time in our collaboration, Rao small films? and found my voice. I could look at all my Chhalaang with Rajkummar Rao, and a web chance to look back at my work. Not all of on an assignment initially in and is not going to jail or die(laughs). A talent We need to just wait and watch. When past creative failures and learn from them. show based on Harshad Mehta’s meteoric rise it has been great. I’ve made six or seven then Fiji Islands. When I returned, the entire of his calibre cannot be ignored. Rao is in the theatres reopen, the footfalls will be How honest was I to my craft and to my and fall. Mehta talks about how he has been films and two web shows in the last 10 Harshad Mehta success story had crashed. for the long haul and he can carry a film less. We will have to maintain some sort of soul? I realised that I actually did bad work dealing with the current lockdown and his years. It's been a busy decade. Now, I’m I was curious, so I did read a lot about him. on his shoulders. He is the best actor of his social distance. The fear of the virus won't and the only way forward was to change

future plans. working toward my 3.0 version. Everyone loves an underdog story. GETTY IMAGES generation on his way to becoming a star. disappear. Since theatres were the first for the better.

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Three new gadgets The A-List: Where to look out for u THOMSON’S Work Meets Play BNB-01 NECKBAND: Tablet sales might have stagnated almost ever since Whether you’re running outdoors or our smartphone displays have expanded. But on a treadmill, this neckband won’t lead players like Apple and Samsung have added let you down. An IPX 5 rating means serious productivity tools to their tabs, making you are covered for a run in a mild them a viable work + play device drizzle too. These in-ear wireless earphones feature Bluetooth 5.0 By Ashwin Rajagopalan  SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB S6: for better power management and Samsung’s top-of-the-line tab has useful feature alongside the battery life (about eight hours). premium stamped all over it. It’s laptop style trackpad. It all adds Powered by 10mm drivers, the IPAD PRO: slinky, weighs just over 400 gm up. This is the best Android tab BNB-01 delivers rich, pure HD The new iPad Pro represents to its immersive appeal. Other and boasts of a vibrant 10.5-inch out there. Rs 59,900 Sound. The noise-isolating earbuds a big performance leap for |display highlights include Super AMOLED display (2560 x block up to 90 per cent of ambient the tab. At its heart is Apple’s Apple’s proprietary True Tone 1600 pixels / 287 pixels per inch). Four things you need to know noise, so you can tune into your new A12Z Bionic chip. The high brightness and an anti- This gorgeous display is backed about the Samsung Galaxy Flip, playlist with minimal external eight-core GPU in the A12Z reflective coating for a stellar up with Dolby Atmos Quad probably the best foldable you interferences.  MI WIRELESS POWER BANK: Bionic, along with an enhanced viewing experience. speakers, making it the perfect can buy right now: Rs 2,999 Xiaomi’s new Mi Wireless Power Bank (with 10W thermal architecture and tuned Although cameras are not a binge-watching and gaming • It feels great in your hand: wireless charging) is the brand’s first wireless performance controllers, leaves big purchase driver for tablets, device. The hardware spec sheet The clamshell is back. This one charging solution. The power bank features a many laptops in the shade. This it’s good to have a capable includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon take you back in time when flip non-skid wireless charging surface/pad, and eight-core CPU teams up with shooter handy. The camera 855 processor coupled with 6 GB or foldable phones were trendy. comes with two way 18W fast charging on both the powerful Neural Engine, set-up includes a 12MP lens of RAM and a 7080 mAh battery At 180-odd gms, it's remarkably USB Type-A output port and USB Type-C input which enables next-generation that also shoots 4K video and a that won’t let you down. Our test light and can slip into your tiniest port. It offers simultaneous charge on two mobile apps and offers speedier LTE new 10MP ultra-wide cam that results validate Samsung’s claim pockets once its folded. devices and uses high-quality lithium polymer and Wi-Fi connections. The zooms out two times for a much of 15 hours of video playback. • An immersive display: Samsung batteries for maximum safety. new Pro sports an edge-to- wider field of view. The device’s There’s 128GB of Internal memory has pioneered an ultra-thin glass Rs 2,499 edge Liquid Retina display (it AR capabilities get a boost with and room for a Micro SD card folding display. The 6.7-inch comes in two sizes: 11 inches the new LiDAR Scanner. iPad OS (up to 1TB) that allows you you Dynamic AMOLED display (1080 and 12.9 inches) that’s one of 13.4 adds trackpad support to to carry all your work files or x 2636 pixels) features a unique the most advanced on any iPad enhancing its productivity favourite HD movies with you. 21.9:9 aspect ratio. There’s also a THE NUMBERS portable device. Whether you’re creds. Apple has also added a The Tab S6 offers two key 1.1-inch cover display that’s useful According to the Camera and watching videos or gaming, new Magic Keyboard to its suite productivity tools. Samsung’s to check alerts, ensuring you don’t Imaging Products Association the 120Hz display that features of iPad Pro accessories. versatile S-Pen is bundled with have to keep flipping open the that includes members like Sony, P3 wide colour support adds Rs 71,900 onwards the device. The new scribble to phone all the time. Nikon and Canon, worldwide text feature that can convert • It aces everyday tasks: Concept digital camera sales, including your notes into Word docs is devices sometimes struggle camera with built-in lens and extremely useful. And then with routine tasks; the Z Flip is interchangeable lens, is at 15.2 there’s Samsung’s optional a rare exception. It’s powered million, which marks an 87 per keyboard that finds the balance by a Qualcomm 855+ processor cent fall from the 2010 sales figure between a compact form and coupled with 8GB of RAM and of 121.5 million. typing comfort. Samsung’s DeX, 256GB of Internal Memory, a handy solution that mimics a there’s a 3300 mAh battery 121.5 laptop style navigation is another that should please most users. The dual rear cam shoots stellar lowlight images. 15.2 • Go handsfree: Samsung allows  POCO X2: This is a comeback device of sorts for Xiaomi’s POCO line. The you to make best use of the split biggest talking point is the 120Hz display that adds a magical fluidity. POCO calls it screen, thanks to its proprietary RealityFlow Engine and it enhances your gaming or video consumption experience. Its Flex Mode. You can prop up the powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor, and features a 4500mAh battery device on a table or surface and (with 27W charging) under the hood. The X2 becomes the first smartphone in India that do video calls hands-free, or even touts the Sony IMX686 64 wide-angle sensor as part of its quad-cam rear set up. 2010 2020 snap selfies. Rs 15,999 onwards

15 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 16 FOB / PEOPLE

Man is greedy. He’ll earn what is . “I was on my annual leave witnessed the cruel outcome of human “There is a deep rooted synchrony between rightfully his, and steal what is not. He’ll and went back home to my farm, which beings who don’t respect or abide by everything we find in nature. Animals invade, he’ll conquer, no matter what is about 20 km from Bera. During those rules. and plants, all know their place and the cost. More often than not, it’s over a my time, I used to travel there to “There is a deep rooted synchrony piece of land. While animals have their photograph leopards. But one day while between everything we find in nature. responsibilities while understanding that they territory and we have ours, greediness on the safari, I heard loud explosions. Animals and plants, all know their are a part of the natural order. We, as humans, always finds a way to take over, and Upon further inquiry from local farmers, place and responsibilities, while foolishly think that we are separate from all of we end up stealing more land that isn’t I was informed that the government has understanding that they are a part this and therein lies the problem” ours. Animals try to reclaim what was allowed few mines in the area and no of the natural order. We, as humans, always theirs, and we fight and kill to one was doing anything about it. I knew foolishly think that we are separate from From top protect this new territory. That’s why, if nothing would be done, this leopard all of this and therein lies the problem. Peacocks sneak up on a sleepy leopard; a starry night at Bera; the rare Indian the story of Jawai is one that needs to habitat would be destroyed. That’s If we can be humble and accept that we leopard at Bera; a cosy room at Bera Safari Lodge be amplified and retold countless times, when I quit my job at Sula, and decided are a part of nature, and not separate along with the tale of the man who to fight against the mining.” from it, we can learn to do things in helped save it. After spending countless hours in synchrony with nature, all in a way that Jawai sits right between Jodhpur meetings with government officials and is sustainable to all life.” Shatrunjay’s and Udaipur. It is known as the land of garnering the support of the locals, beliefs are appreciable and are not shepherds and leopards. It is one of the Singh's relentless efforts towards too much to ask for, but as it goes, few regions in the country, nay, in the preserving this land paid off. The man was, and still remains greedy. But world, where human beings and big sanction was officially withdrawn and fortunately, sometimes, when animals cats have peacefully coexisted for over Jawai today remains the peaceful land themselves can’t keep us in our place, 100 years. This coexistence is quite a of shepherds and leopards. other men like Shatrunjay Pratap Singh big deal. Especially, in a country like Once the land was free from the step up, and do it for them. India, where our cities keep sinking threat, Singh decided to transform the under the burden of over-population land he helped save, into a property and the peripheries of villages grow by that conserves, appreciates and engulfing forest land. That is why, Jawai respects wildlife. He started the Bera The Tale Of proves to be such a brilliant example of Safari Lodge, a boutique lodge that runs man and beast's peaceful coexistence. as a homestay with five cottages that But this peace was once under a sit right in the heart of leopard country, major threat. About a decade ago, the where guests can experience the local state mining department of Rajasthan culture and the wildlife surrounding sanctioned stone quarries in the region. them in all of its pristine glory. Singh A Preserver This would completely destroy the and the locals fought hard for this land, Shatrunjay Pratap Singh gave up on a lucrative career as a natural habitat of several species of and the Bera Safari Lodge signifies a lot sommelier to help conserve the region of Jawai in Rajasthan, and animals, including the rare and elusive more than just a property for people now runs a lodge that allows people to witness and experience Jawai Indian leopard, who calls these hills to spend the night. “Our main aim is and its wild inhabitants in all of its glory By Rajeev Mathew home. But a man named Shatrunjay community & conservation,” says Singh. Pratap Singh was determined to not let “When we started, there were not many that happen. hotels in the area. While fighting mining, Singh was exposed to the wild I earned a lot of support from the local from a very early stage in his life. The community here, who became a part principal of his boarding school in Mt. of the lodge. Previously, locals used Abu used to take him and his class for to travel outside for work, but most of jungle walks, which helped him develop them are now part of our staff who also a passion for the wild. He always devote their time by being involved in remained a wildlife enthusiast and a few of our own conservation projects.” started photographing his encounters. Singh's wine days are behind While this remained a hobby, Singh him, and he now devotes all his time wanted to have a career in wine, and towards wildlife. He’s co-authored the got a certification in wine making from book Leopards & Shepherds of JAWAI UC Davis (University of California). He and was the cameraman on National came back to India after securing a Geographic's special programme Wild job at Sula Vineyards. While Singh was Cats of India. After spending almost getting settled in his new job, things all his life with wild animals, he’s learnt Bera Safari Lodge were not looking good back home in and understood nature’s rules and has

17 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 18 FOB / PHOTOGRAPHY Shooting The Self As a special project, six of India’s most sought- after photographers document themselves through photographs and show us what self- In Isolation isolation means to them By Mayukh Majumdar Photographers, especially editorial and celebrity photographers, are used to the hustle and bustle of a busy set. So what do they do when the world comes to a standstill? As the novel coronavirus ravages economies across the globe and leads to nationwide lockdowns, we reached out to them for a special project – Shooting the Self in Isolation. There was no creative direction or editorial control involved, all they had to do was let us in and show us what their self-isolation looks like.

KUNAL GUPTA Gupta found clicking himself a little difficult, because he’s camera shy. But isn’t this quarantine becoming all about trying new things? So he did. He has a good, fixed routine now. “Getting up on time, eating on time, eating healthy, watching television series every day, reading, learning about photography, meditation and sleep,” he says. But is he enjoying the chaos, or does it disturb him? “I am little disturbed with what's happening around the world, especially with the underprivileged population. I am trying my best to donate and help them. On the other hand, I am enjoying being at home with my family,” he says.

PRABHAT SHETTY Shetty finds clicking himself quite amusing, especially since he hadn’t shot anything in the last few weeks. “I began with ROHAN SHRESHTHA taking out trash, cleaning the house. little enthusiasm. But of course, I was slowly Shreshtha left his camera at the studio, Story of our lives. consumed for over half an hour, figuring out and he hasn’t had it for a month now, That being said, he’s been at peace pictures within my apartment,” he says. which is the longest he has gone without during this time. “I've always enjoyed “I am in between enjoying the chaos and one. “ I was fooling around with my time to myself so it's been special to being disturbed by the disruption in all our phone, and it took me about two weeks reflect on life gone by, learning new lives, the uncertain nature of this pandemic, of the quarantine to begin clicking things, reading and writing. There's and the numerous losses including human pictures again. I guess I took the time to so much to catch up on. One thing I life. But I am also enjoying the sounds of read and do different things,” he says. love about this period is the shift in birds through the day and also enjoying the He’s blessed with a neighbour who sends perspective, and realising the fragility of downtime, reconnecting with past hobbies,” him meals, but his self-isolation routine life. There’s so much to be grateful for,” he adds. mainly consists of cleaning cat litter, he says.

19 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 20 FOB / PHOTOGRAPHY

TARAS TARAPOREVALA “Shooting myself has made it pretty obvious why I'm better off behind the lens,” laughs Taraporevala. He’s tried to maintain a routine, too. “Some form of workout, cooking, attempting to learn new skills, music and PlayStation happens on most days. However, I am very privileged to be able to switch off from work and not worry about food and shelter,”he says. For the first week of quarantine, he continues, there was anxiety and a bit of panic. “However, the longer this has gone on, the more comfortable I have become to a much slower pace in life. It has also opened up other creative avenues,” he says.

ROHIT GUPTA APPURVA SHAH This was Gupta’s first time ever clicking Shah loves to shoot abstract images. “I a self-portrait, and he enjoyed the personally hate shooting myself but it's process. “It gave me a chance to express completely a different thing when I’m being what exactly people (including me) a father,” he says. are mentally feeling these days, from His routine now involves a lot of happiness to quarantine,” he says. household chores. “I love travelling and hate Gupta is passionate about cooking, so being locked in one space, but haven't really nowadays, he cooks regularly. “I am going gotten so much time with myself and my to be a father soon, so reading about family like I do now. My mom used to think fatherhood and childcare is a routine I would become a chef, and now I’m getting now,” he adds. that opportunity to work on my hobby so, The chaos of the quarantine is it's sort of a good, forced break,” he says. disturbing for him, he says. “With the “I read the news and it's been crazy all death rate increasing every day and the around. It’s sad what a lot of people must economy falling apart, I feel more worried be going through. I thank God for what I for the underprivileged and daily wagers. have and hope that he is kind to all. Life will They are the most affected and I really move on and things will get better. Staying hope that the government comes up with positive is the only thing we can do at this some better solutions for them,” he says. stage,” he says.

21 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 22 FOB / PEOPLE The Turnaround Expert In the business world, Jason Kothari is a man in demand. Got a crisis? They’ve got him on speed-dial. But who really is Mr Kothari? We try to find out By Mayukh Majumdar

Sometimes, entrepreneurs or favourite comic book company, and he professionals are involved in situations, wanted to bring it back to life. The idea that, by chance, require a turnaround that two penniless college kids could effort. After which, they become known swoop down in 2005 and buy their as 'turnaround experts', and Jason favourite childhood company, which a Kothari is one such expert. Kothari few years ago was worth $65 million, became the entrepreneur-CEO of in a bankruptcy fire sale was so absurd Valiant Entertainment, the superhero that it’s incredible they even allowed entertainment company, and under his themselves to dream such a thing, let leadership, he brought the company alone attempt it. As far as his 'CEO diet' is concerned, back from bankruptcy to a successful, In a matter of years, Kothari made Kothari eats a textbook healthy breakfast established and fast-growing player in Valiant the third largest superhero and lunch every day, but when it comes its industry. He went on to become CEO entertainment company after Marvel and to dinner, he doesn't mind getting a little of Housing.com, of FreeCharge and then DC Comics and a sale for $100 million, naughty. "It’s a simple guideline but the CSIO of Snapdeal, which were all which generated a record industry return. works well for me. And I am addicted to in situations that needed a turnaround The Company was named Publisher of chai; you don’t want to have a meeting expert like him. the Year, was nominated for 90 awards, with me if I didn’t get my afternoon chai For Kothari, acquiring Valiant and completed a landmark five-movie made with jaggery," he says. Entertainment was both a personal and deal with Sony Pictures, based on its When asked about his prediction for professional decision. It was his childhood characters. This includes Bloodshot, the global economy in the wake of the starring Vin Diesel, where he served as an at Media Asia Films, where he was an novel coronavirus, he’s quite optimistic. executive producer. assistant to Jackie Chan. When he was Not so surprising, after all, when you've "No turnaround leader is likely to "No 12 years old, he imagined Bloodshot, the managed multiple bankrupt companies and companies, especially in challenging people’s livelihoods were at stake, but win a popularity contest, I assure you. turnaround Valiant comic book story, as a movie. In and turned them around to make profit, and crisis situations. "The book is the we did our best to be as generous and Of course, I can’t tell you all my trade leader is 2020, he finally managed to achieve that. you're up for almost anything. "Human reflection of my journey — one that compassionate as possible. This difficult secrets as otherwise why would anyone likely to win One look at him, and you get the distinct beings, throughout history, have shown describes the personal, professional, decision was an essential one to save the need me. It can be very satisfying to save a popularity feeling that a young Kothari must have an enormous ability to adapt and failures, successes, early and later entire company and the remaining 1,000 or completely change the outcomes of contest, I wanted to be a superhero himself. That bounce back, and I’m confident we experiences — and connects all these jobs. I had ensured that the situation companies, but the intensity required is assure you. also shows in his early fitness practises. will eventually make it through and be dots to uniquely give a complete and was dealt in the most humane manner certainly not for everyone," he says. It can be very "I used to be obsessed with working satisfying back to normal. The question is not if, accurate picture of an entrepreneur’s possible, with open and transparent Kothari literally looks like a Hollywood to save or out a few years ago, even before it was it’s only when," Kothari says. However, life. I hope it’s a story that will not only communications, I personally did hero with a body to die for, but is completely popular, and I would religiously go to the his optimism hasn't led to him taking entertain readers but also help them learn numerous meetings with my colleagues professional and staid to a fault. In change the gym for two hours every day. I do 1,000 undue risks. He's diligently stayed out of from my many mistakes and triumphs." to explain the difficult situation. It was numerous conversations with his team, outcomes of push-ups per day — people thought I investing in the markets recently as he So what about his mistakes? Does he certainly not easy," he says. we were informed how Kothari had really companies, was crazy. I even lived and trained in a felt they were too frothy. have any regrets? "I think crisis and opportunity are made an effort to be as personal in this but the Muay Thai camp in Thailand. But now I He's also become an author now, "One of the toughest decisions I a fine line, and an entrepreneur can turn interview as possible — a feat that comes intensity enjoy a more balanced lifestyle and work simply because he is often sought made was the first week I was CEO of this situation into an enormous rarely to him. required is out for an hour a day, five times a week, by business students and young Housing.com, and we had to relieve 1,000 opportunity if approached thoughtfully, Kothari was born in Hong Kong and certainly not usually at night, as a sort of end-of-day entrepreneurs for advice, considering his colleagues because we were about to run and from a long-term perspective," he at the age of 15, he began his first job for everyone" meditation," he says. experiences across countries, industries out of money. It was heart wrenching as signs off.

23 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 24 FOB / DRINKING MAN

TRAPPIST MONK

by Woodside Inn

Ingredients: 30 ml dark rum 30 ml Jägermeister 15 ml honey and cinnamon syrup (add cinnamon powder to honey and strain it into a smooth syrup) 15 ml lime juice

Method: Shake all the ingredients with ice and pour into a coupe glass. Garnish with edible flowers. Or don't. Tastes amazing either way.

Method: THE CHINESE For cilantro syrup 80 ml green apple juice Heat sugar with water in a GRAND 15 ml lime juice MULE pan until sugar dissolves. 20 ml sugar syrup Remove from heat and add PALACE by Hakkasan chopped cilantro. Let it cool Method: and strain. by Nara Thai Put all the ingredients Ingredients: together in a Pilsner 45 ml vodka For cocktail Ingredients: glass, muddle the 30 ml sake Muddle cilantro and syrup 8-10 chunks of lemongrass and Thai 15 ml ginger juice in mixing glass. Add ice and lemongrass chillies, mix everything 25 ml lemon juice remaining ingredients except 4 slices of red together well and serve 20 gms fresh cilantro ginger beer. Shake well and pour Thai chillies chilled. Yes, that easy. 30 ml cilantro syrup into a tall glass. Top it with ginger 100 ml ginger beer beer and stir.

CHA LA LAI Drunching by Yauatcha Ingredients: 10-12 black grapes 30 ml Oolong tea 30 ml green apple liqueur 10 ml sugar syrup With Summer 45ml vodka 15ml sparkling wine 60ml cold brew (macerate TROPICAL tea leaves in cold water and Method: refrigerate for 8-10 hours) Muddle most of the grapes ICED TEA 15ml passion fruit syrup Cocktails and add all other ingredients 15 ml cardamom syrup We know you want to get out of the house ASAP, but till you can, barring the wine. Shake well by Ishaara with ice and strain into a glass Method: we thought we’d bring the bar to you. Summery cocktails that you of choice. Top up with the Ingredients: Shake everything well and pour can easily make at home with common ingredients — who wants bubbly. Garnish with grapes to 60ml white rum into a hurricane glass. Yup, it's to role play as Tom Cruise from Cocktail tonight? feel fancy. 90ml pineapple juice that simple. 

25 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 26 FOB / TATTOO ART

 ZAHEER  ANIRBAN ROY CHHATRIWALA CHOWDHURY

INK Zaheer Chhatriwala Anirban Roy Chowdhury was home schooled started tattooing at in arts. He fell in love with tattoos as a form 18. He would head to of art. He has been tattooing for eight years Kraayonz tattoo parlour now, and setsup his own studio — Forever in Mumbai to sharpen his Poetry — in 2016. UPDATE skills after college. Once he

Some of the country’s best graduated, he opened his own tattoo What is the biggest tattoo trend you’re studio in Mumbai. seeing right now? tattoo artists reveal the current Fortunately, the biggest trend now is getting tattoo trends and delve into What do tattoos mean to you? custom tattoos. This pushes an artist to details about some of their Tattoos are a bolder visual form of self grow, and also contributes to the evolving expression. It is a statement, not a style. It is form of tattoos as an art form. Clients now most memorable works commitment, it is a culture that has subcultures usually prefer getting something sketched By Rajeev Mathew and a deep history attached to it. exclusively for them.

What is the most emotionally-charged piece What do tattoos mean to you? you’ve done? For me, it symbolises journey and People sometimes wish to express grief, failure, transformation. Tattoos make a memory, an personal struggles, etc. I understand that it is What is your most bizarre tattooing emotion, or a train of thought, permanent. It's  KETAN VAIDYA  ERIC JASON my job to deliver something that captures what experience? about acknowledging what's beautiful, and not D'SOUZA they feel. But one moment that is special, is the I’ve done a portrait of an ex girlfriend, losing it in the sea of time and new experiences. After being inspired by time I tattooed my grandmother and mother. Miley Cyrus lyrics, Shiva riding a Royal Miami Ink, Vaidya Eric Jason D’Souza gave To me, it meant that they finally accepted and Enfield, visions of acid trips, and insects What is the most emotionally-charged piece decided to take up up his job at a travel agency and were proud of me as a tattoo artist. crawling on the butt, to name a few. you’ve done? tattooing, and has pursued tattooing. After mastering the skill, A lot of my clients talk extensively, been doing it for 11 thanks to his apprenticeships, D'Souza started in order for me to years now. Vaidya Iron Buzz Tattoos, along with his partner encapsulate their feeling co-owns the Tat2Me Aishin Diana Chang.  RISHABH NARANG into the design. Not sure tattoo parlour in Mumbai, if it's my place to share and mostly does styles like What is the biggest tattoo trend you’re seeing it publicly. oriental, Japanese, portraits and right now? Rishabh Narang started his tattooing career American old school. Trends don’t really matter because people in 2009. Even though he had an engineering still want to get script/name and tribal/Maori degree, he wanted to pursue tattooing. After his apprenticeship, he opened his own tattoo studio, What is the biggest tattoo trend you’re tattoos in 2020. But something that definitely seeing right now? tops the list is getting mythological gods and Immoral Tattoos. While small tattoos were always a thing, big goddesses. It’s just something that will never tattoos were not something we saw a lot of get old or outdated. What do tattoos mean to you? people doing. That’s changed completely I think tattooing brings people together. We’re a tribe. now. I get a lot of people asking me to do What do tattoos mean to you? Unknowingly or knowingly, we are actually building our an entire sleeve or the whole back. I believe tattoos are a physical impression of own community. your consciousness. The things you like, the What do tattoos mean to you? stories that leave a mark, memories and sorrows What is the most For me, tattoos are powerful and even magical, that have made you or broken you, etc. emotionally-charged when it comes to the stories behind them. piece you’ve done? I believe tattooing is a journey where the What is the most emotionally-charged piece I can’t name just a single artist and the client create art by recreating you’ve done? piece. Several clients memories that stay with you forever. One day, a girl walked in and opened a zip have come to me with lock bag and spread a cluster of festival such deep and beautiful What is the most emotionally-charged piece bands, some beads, a rosary, and a few other backstories behind their you’ve done? wristbands. She told me that she lost her idea, it’s hard to just The most emotional piece I ever worked brother in an accident, and this is what he was pick one. on was the time I tattooed my mother in wearing during the time, and she wants them 2013. I have never been that nervous while tattooed on her. I'll always be grateful to her What is your most bizarre tattooing. She trusted me completely, and let for letting me do that tattoo. tattooing experience? me tattoo a hibiscus flower on her forearm. If we’re talking about out What is your most bizarre tattooing experience? of the norm, I am working What is your most bizarre tattooing experience? Honestly, I don't think anything is bizarre. The on a bodysuit for a client My most bizarre experiences almost always more bizarre the tattoo idea is, the bigger the that is interesting. It’s a come from when I have to tattoo butts. I challenge that person poses in front of you single piece starting from would love to tattoo Shunga-inspired tattoos, as an artist. I have had requests to tattoo the his head to his toes. He which are highly explicit Japanese erotic art, groin area by both men and women, and by gave me complete artistic which could fall under the bizarre category people of other genders too, but I never saw freedom, and it’s all original for some people. them as weird. and done freehand.

27 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 28 FOB / APPS FOB / SEX

Bend It Like Kondo There’s a certain pleasure in striking things off your to-do list. From taking COVID-19 your meds to managing recipes, here is a list of apps that can help you systemise like a pro By Sanika Achrekar  TRELLO For any organisation lover, Trello is a dream And come true. The app is a customisable digital Cam Sex bulletin board that helps you organise a to-do There are a lot of dangers associated with cam sex, but what list, mark tasks and make notes. You can was once seen as a fetish has now emerged as a necessity in these create lists, which are containers that can be trying times filed with cards. All of these can vary, from By Mayukh Majumdar notes, tasks, thoughts, pictures, and more. Availability: iOS, Android individuals are indulging in cam sex due to Price: Free the COVID-19 lockdown. In a Vox report, Gunner Taylor of Cams.com estimates his site and most others have “seen about a 30 per cent increase in traffic.” Purab Pavail says that static nudes and videos shared on Instagram or Snapchat are not as exciting as ADVOCATE RUTUJA When sang kisi aur ki cyber sex. “The whole point of doing it with SHINDE, LAWYER AT mujhko zaroorat kya, main toh khudse your lover over video call is that the both of BOMBAY HIGH COURT,  SORTLY pyaar jataoon in the iconic Sheila ki Jawaani you are enjoying stuff in real time. For me, the GIVES AN FAQ ON THE You can create a digital inventory of any number, it caused a major controversy in expressions are a huge deal while having sex LEGALITIES INVOLVED  DINNER SPINNER of your collections, be it wine or sporting our country. Of course, nothing was out in so I know that it’s dangerous to get nude on Deciding what to make is easy when you goods, with Sortly’s app and custom QR the open (is anything ever in India?) but camera with your face showing, but I trust my • What does Indian law say about can find, manage and save recipes on your code labels. A quick scan will help you track the idea of masturbation was implied. With partner,” he says. sharing nudes on the net? phone. On Dinner Spinner, you can land on details like quantity, price, warranty status, the nationwide lockdown in place, and New Does Pavail’s partner feel the same way? Sending nudes is not an offense, but a menu, and tap to add ingredients to your and location.  STYLEBOOK MEN York City's health department stating that “Yes,” she says, “Besides, it’s 2020. There are sending unsolicited nudes or sexually shopping list for the dish you want to make. Availability: iOS, Android StyleBook Men is made and designed for men the novel coronavirus can spread through laws in place and we have social media now. explicit pictures is an offence under The app will even recommend new dishes Price: Free to upload your wardrobe, including clothing, saliva and faecal matter, kissing, fellatio and I am afraid of having my nudes leaked, but I s.354A of the IPC. Nudes that are based on the ones you actually make. shoes, belts, and other accessories, in the rimming are out of the question. So, unless also know that there are measures I can take.” published online (emphasis on the Availability: iOS, Android  MY FITNESS PAL app, and then start creating your looks. Once you're in self-isolation or in quarantine with What COVID-19 has also done is that what term "publication") are actionable Price: Free On My Fitness Pal, users can enter you are happy with the number of looks you a partner (or partners), your best bet to get was essentially seen as a fetish or as existing under s.67 of the IT Act. In case there information about their height, weight, create, you can plan your outfits accordingly off during these trying times is taking Ms on the fringes of society, has been pushed into has been a breach in privacy of the  WUNDERLIST exercise activity, and weight goals. Based or add individual items and plan your outfits. person who shares their nudes in Chauhan's advice. the mainstream. Cam sex was always seen as a Instead of leaving your partner a “to-do on your information, the app will tell you It’s all up to you. private with another person, the same However, that can get boring. Necessity, dirty little secret. Now, it is getting normalised. list,” nudge them digitally to complete their how many calories a day you should be Availability: iOS is an offence under s.66E of the IT Act. after all, is the mother of invention, or Earlier, when Pavail would ask his girlfriends to side of the errands. Wunderlist lets you consuming. You can track every meal and Price: $3.99 (Rs 305.60) reinvention in this case, as adult cam sites get dirty for him on cam, they’d ask a multitude share tasks, set reminders and plan projects workout through the app. • What safeguards does our law that allow viewers to virtually interact with of questions or look at him weirdly. Now, he have for the same? from your phone, tablet or computer, so Availability: iOS, Android  MEDISAFE Price: Free erotic performers in real time, are seeing a doesn’t need to explain that it turns him on. S.66E along with IPC s.354C of the you're always on the same page. Medisafe is the ultimate way to keep track massive viewership spike. Speaking about normalisation of cam IT Act ensure that there is punishment Availability: iOS, Android of your medications. The app allows you to log your medications, how often you should "Cam sex is definitely not the real deal. It's sex, people like Mehal are more comfortable for breach of privacy in case the Price: Free be taking them, and keep a calendar that boring actually because if I had to see a dick, with getting dirty online because they’re not pictures of a woman performing notifies you when to take your next dose. I'd head over to Pornhub. Yeah, my partner ready for the physical act yet. “Earlier, when I a private act are published online Medisafe is also a great way for doctors to is hot, but having him in bed with me and used to ask people to come online for a good without her knowledge or consent. track their patients’ health and progress seeing him naked over the Internet are two time, they’d think I was being prudish for not while on medication. different things. Nudes just don't do it for wanting to meet up. Now, I’m glad nobody • What is the legal route one can Availability: iOS, Android me," says Kunal Kapoor (name changed). questions me.” take if their nudes are leaked? Price: Free Saket Mehal used to indulge in cam sex Shalini Chatterjee is a student of psychology Contact the cyber cell of the nearest with his boyfriend because he didn't want to and a huge fan of cam sex. She says that this is police station. get physical yet. One day, he was scrolling because she is still not comfortable in her body through some porn accounts on , and doesn’t like being touched. However, the • What's the success rate if the when he came across a recording of himself. webcam in front of her acts like an armour, and victim takes the legal route? "That freaked me out," he says, "I went off helps her with her inhibitions. “I’ve always been It can help in controlling further social media, deactivated all my accounts the shy kind and doing something as kinky as distribution of the pictures and stop and couldn't trust anyone for months." indulging in cam sex always helped me feel a further publication. Despite knowing the risks, many little more confident,” she says. SHUTTERSTOCK

29 MAY 2020 • MW FOB / TRAVEL

, TURK VO S O A R N P D

C

PARROT CAY A

I

How to reach: A 35-minute boat ride C

Guiding You To The Beach O from Providenciales. S For a change from the usual crowded scenes, these relatively Why: The name Parrot Cay comes from uncommon or unusual beaches can be on your list for when vacations Pirate Cay, due to the island’s history with become a reality again By Samreen Tungekar pirates. Parrot Cay is a 1000-acre private island that literally has one luxury resort and a few villas, so yes, this vacation needs to planned a bit in advance. The beautiful beach has white sand and crystal-clear ocean water, and a south side that is mainly marine wetlands, perfect for those who prefer to actually isolate on their getaway and spend some me-time. What to do: Water sports and everything else is definitely an option, but a better way to spend time here would be to birdwatch, as you can spot some yellow-crowned night herons, green herons and kingfishers.

HAWAI I, I U A M HONOKALANI ,

A Why: This isn’t just a beach, it’s considered

N sacred by the people of Hawaii. The sand

A H of this beach is jet black, complimented with bright turquoise water and lush green forest. Honokalani beach is a part of Waianapanapa State Park, which is made up of lava tubes, cliffs, and also Hawaii’s largest known temples. Other than the wonderful beach itself, the park has a lot of adventures for you. How to reach: A two-hour journey by cab from Kahului Airport in Maui. What to do: Laze on the black sand made up of tiny lava pebbles, with a picnic basket, and relax with a book. If you want to explore, you’ll find seaside lava tubes and sea caves carved into the lava cliffs along the shore. It’s not the calmest to swim, but there could be a possibility to take a dip N during the summer. ELA D IC LAND EA Z THE JOKULSARLON icebergs keep reforming, melting, new W GLACIER LAGOON BLACK ones are being sculpted, and it’s glistening E COROMANDEL PENINSULA want to try your hand at pottery or other SAND BEACH and glittery. N How to reach: A cruise from Downtown arts and crafts. How to reach: A local bus or a rental What to do: Camp. Closer to the Auckland takes approximately two hours. What to do: Skydive in Whitianga beach, car can get you there in five hours from beach, there’s a small forest that has Why: It’s not just one beach here, it’s a wander and explore the Coromandel’s gold Reykjavik, and in six hours from Keflavik camping facilities. You can also visit plethora of beaches, all equally gorgeous. mining heritage. Want to take a bike trip? International Airport. the other glaciers and lagoons located The Coromandel Peninsula has some of the Cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail. But the best Why: Black volcanic sand beach is near the Diamond beach, and also check best beaches for swimming or just feeling thing to do would be to sit and relax in the located by the Jökulsárlón glacier out the tour to the Crystal Ice Cave, the white sand, surrounded with forests or bubbling pool at Hot Water Beach, which lagoon and it’s where icebergs from the because these aren’t experiences your white cliffs. It’s also home to many artists has a natural hot spring that runs beneath Breidamerkurjokull glacier drift. The regular beach vacay would ever be able

and craftsmen, who are welcoming if you the surface. SHUTTERSTOCK ALAMY SHUTTERSTOCK; beach is constantly changing, because the to live up to.

31 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 32 FOB / TRAVEL

TUGAL OR P , S O PRAIA DONA ANA What to do: Sunbathe, picnic with

G How to reach: A 20-minute walk from the some wine and enjoy the clear, turquoise- A

L historic centre of Lagos or via a local bus hued waters. You can also get some from Lagos. deck chairs and parasols that are locally Why: Dona Ana beach is on that part of sold to make it your own private beach the coast that has a line-up of yellow or party, and grab some grub from the red cliffs, and is referred to as the Costa “Marisol” beach restaurant at the beach. d'Ouro (Golden coast). It’s also been listed Alternatively, you can see some of the as one of the best beaches in the world, best views by standing on the cliffs thanks to the beautiful rock formations overlooking the beach or book boat trips that make this beach worth exploring. and explore the caves around.

DIVE AL S M

REETHI RAH How to reach: A 35-minute seaplane ride from Maldives Why: Maldives has everything a clear water, luxury-loving person can ask for, but Reethi Rah is the ultimate seclusion you can find. It’s a tiny island in the North Malé Atoll, with eight strands of sand that circle the island. You stay at a villa, enjoy authentic island food and soak in the bliss of having absolutely every IA, ITAL IN Y beach luxury you want. D R What to do: Reethi Rah is mainly known A CALA GOLORITZÉ for its One&Only Reethi Rah Resort, S How to reach: By boat from which has a bunch of semi-attached and

T

S Santa Maria Navarrese port, detached luxury villas. If you’re looking

A E or an hour-long hike. to try a sport or a leisurely activity Why: Considered to be around the resort, there’s a rock climbing one of the most photogenic wall, tennis courts, three swimming pools beaches of Sardinia, Cala to explore. Bringing out the artist in you Goloritzé beach is at the will be easy too as they have an artist’s base of a deep ravine. Cala studio where art classes are held. Goloritze was elected a UNESCO site in 1995. You can also hike to the beach if you’re up for an hour- AII long hike. AW What to do: Snorkelling and H hiking are the highlights PAPAKOLEA GREEN beauty comes at a cost because of this beach. But also, SAND BEACH there will be no amenities, just the birdwatching is encouraged. How to reach: A drive to the most amazing natural experience This is a secluded beach, southernmost tip of the United to witness. meant more for appreciating States, and then a 2.5-mile hike to What to do: The hike to this beach, the cost. However, hotels the beach. as many have described, is rugged and resorts can help you Why: White sand done, clear waters and difficult, but absolutely worth plan excursions, including checked, even pink sand beaches it. Take a walk along the green sand, boat trips to Cala Mariolu. were on your list. But Papakolea is taking in the amazing colour and unique, and is known for its unique the scenic view. Body surfing is a olive green sand. The ocean here possibility if you know what erodes olivine, which are semi- you are doing, as there are no

SHUTTERSTOCK precious stones, and crushes them lifeguards here, or take it easy and

SHUTTERSTOCK into fine sand. But be warned, the watch sea turtles in the cove.

33 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 34 FOB / FITNESS

 LEGS  Squat low. This is a given, either you squat all the way down or you don’t. Range plays a vital role in building a solid The pair of legs. Unless you have anatomical restrictions, don't refrain from going low.  Don’t ignore the OGs of all leg exercises. Your accessory work like lunges, split squats play a vital role in building single-leg Summer strength. So make sure that you tick that  BACK off the list.  Rowing exercises are brilliant in building  CHEST  Don't just back squat all the time. The your back muscles. A few sets of barbell  Don’t hesitate to bench heavy. Once front squat and overhead squat are great bentover rows or dumbbell rows could be Physique you’ve spent enough time training your exercises in building core awareness and vital in changing your hypertrophy. body, evolve from lifting smaller weights good leg strength. It would be great if you  Deadlift heavy. The father of all exercises to heavier weights. have someone who is familiar with these — the deadlift — must be practiced at least  Go ahead and use the parallel bar. Dips exercises to help keep an eye on you if once a week, with the heavy barbell. Guide do wonders for overall hypertrophy. you’re trying them out for the first time.  Change your pull-ups. Play around with Vedharth Thappa, one of the  Infuse Tempo training in your workout your pull-up grip width. Wide grip pull-ups country’s leading CrossFit while you bench. It will help tremendously are great to get some size on your lats. to build overall strength. A majority of people half-heartedly athletes and coach, and also the perform leg training. Going in and doing only Indian to ever represent a few measly sets of leg press, a couple of As with any exercise, you need to be the country at ‘The CrossFit Neglecting the eccentric (downward) sets of hamstring curls, and a couple of sets extremely careful with how you perform your Games 2020’, shares tips and phase. The eccentric phase can do of calf raises aren’t going to develop huge workouts to prevent injuries. One of the most wonders. Think slow and controlled thighs. It will take some brutally intense leg common errors while working back muscles tricks on achieving that dream movements to maximise your gains. training to build quads. is the loss of midline stabilisation and losing summer bod the lumbar curve. This can be brutal on your back, and can lead to serious injury. By Rajeev Mathew

VEDHARTH'S DIET GUIDE FOR A  BICEPS SUMMER BODY  Master the pull up. Use the most old school tool — the pull-ups bar — to build great  CORE biceps and overall pulling strength.  Make sure to add isometric holds, like the • Breakfast  Hammer it out. The hammer curl is the plank hold and L-sit hold, to build a rock 4 egg whites + 1 whole egg most effective exercise to build bigger biceps. solid core. 1 cup of oats with raisins A few sets of 10-12 reps range does wonders.  Try and mix things up. Include tempo and cinnamon So make sure to add that to your routine. and resistance to your abdominal  Focus on the smaller things to bring the workouts. Tempo leg raises and weighted • Lunch bigger changes. Never neglect muscles like sit-ups are the most ignored, but highly • 200 grams of chicken the triceps. Doing this can hamper overall effective exercises out there. 1 cup spinach symmetry of the body, and could lead to  Compound movements have very high 1 cup cooked brown rice imbalances in your performance. neuro feedback and play a major role in developing a rock solid foundation, and propagate muscle building. Don’t forget • Evening Snack Don’t try cheating on your biceps. Bicep to add them to your training routine. • 1 scoop of protein + 1 banana or curls are probably the easiest exercise 1 apple w 1/2 tbsp peanut butter to cheat on. A quick swing of the body and some extra force will help you move Abs are made in the kitchen, so pay • Dinner the weight. This will help work muscles, attention to what goes inside your body. 200 grams of baked fish but you won’t get the isolation you need. For visible and sharp abs, the place you need 1 cup sweet potato baked Additionally, you will end up incorporating to spend more time in is your kitchen, and 1 cup broccoli other muscles that you aren’t trying to not the gym. You won't be able to see and build, so the results will definitely not feel your abs unless a healthy diet is part of • Bedtime match your expectations. the equation. 1 scoop protein 1 tbsp peanut butter ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY SAYAN SUR ROY (@SAYANSURROY ON INSTAGRAM) (@SAYANSURROY SUR ROY SAYAN BY ALL PHOTOGRAPHS

35 APRILMAY 2020 2020 • MW• MW MAY 2020 • MW 36 TALK

Fifty shades of gay Here's an illustrator's attempt to break down the stereotypes with being gay that's often unwittingly perpetrated even by the most woke of allies, and call out a callous attitude towards the queer community By Veer Misra

Misra is a 23-year-old illustrator and visual artist from New Delhi. His work explores ideas like mental health, love and intimacy and inherently South Asian queer experiences. TALK Russian", she waltzes off to Paris with him, fully aware that he is going there for his biggest art exhibition ever and not for a honeymoon, and spends every moment sulking and whining about him not being around. "I moved to Paris for you!" She screams. No, honey, you moved to Paris because you wanted to wear berets and fur and skip around the Eiffel and have croissants by the Seine and live at the Ritz on your fuckdaddy's money. She leaves for Paris because she is frustrated that all her friends had partners and she didn't. She wanted to have the best life. It sucked that she disengaged from their families, had based on other's perception. While didn't. So Paris had to be it. broken engagements, were perennially they preached individuality all along, Also, I need to point out that looking for The One while being they fed into nothing but serial-dating, Bradshaw is extremely comfortable hopelessly hung up/entangled with one vacuously-consuming, self-loathing living on her boyfriends' money and man for the entirety of the show, only homogeneity. What is extremely sad well beyond her means. A columnist to realise in the last season that those is that, the US, and then the world, till and freelance writer cannot afford a men were their The Ones, after all. Also, today, lapped it all up. They are still shoulder, more than an equal partner. shoe addiction. She made sure that her all of them have severely complicated fighting for a third SATC film, all of us She has to be taken care of — that is boyfriends were more affluent than her relationships with their fathers, want made the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. reunion film What is wrong with the primary requirement from every (and it became important to aspire for men who can handle their eccentricities happen, and Gilmore Girls might be relationship. While it is understandable that — find yourself a man who is richer and can be shoulders of support. coming back for a new season. We still for her character to have daddy issues than you and hence, can take care of Carrie’s man is literally nicknamed want these women around us. Which (given that her father walked out on her you. Miranda ditches Steve because he "Mr.Big", alluding to his big job, and makes me ask a more serious question: Carrie Bradshaw? family when she was young), to not get wasn't financially secure, only to get also how he is a big boy, a grown up, What is wrong with us? Why are our Watching Sex And The City in 2020 is not a good idea. The show, that help for the same, to not identify that as back with him when he became a stable compared to her childishness; Lorelai binge goddesses not real women? Why might have shaped female identity for a generation of women, is as an "issue", to normalise her behaviour as entrepreneur. Love, I tell ya, truly is a constantly needs the alpha-manly, do we applaud and forget Olivia Pope something all women should aspire for dollar-eyed emoticon with the tongue handymanly, lumberjack-like Luke over and Temperance Bones? Why do we problematic as it can get By Arnesh Ghose and only if you find a man who can be a sticking out). Even in the first film, the more metrosexual Christopher; not have bus tours for the 99th precinct dad and a daddy are you in the perfect when she falls in love with a penthouse Rachel flits around Paolos and Tags and What is wrong of Brooklyn PD for Amy Santiago and If this column got published in was shocked that this show became a relationship, is downright shameful and wants it, she is elated (and wants even tries out older men, but cannot with us? Why Rosa Diaz? Is it because we still don't the New York Star, I would have pop culture definer for female identity, and shocking. Who wouldn't love to her friends to be jealous) when Mr. Big get over the secure-and-safe, politically are our binge want to deal with real women? Is it Carrie Bradshaw at my door the next dynamics, and functioning. No have Mr. Big for a partner, but none of says "I've got it". Any self-respecting correct, middle-class approving Ross. goddesses not because we can hand over Emmys to Liz day, snarkily giving me flak for my ensemble comedy has been as politically her other boyfriends were bad guys. It woman would say, "No, honey, we've got These girls are terrible at traditional real women? Lemon and Leslie Knope but not turn misunderstanding of her columns, incorrect, anti-feminist, and frankly wasn't their fault that they didn't want it. And if we can't got it, then we will womanly activities. None of them can Why do we them into icons because they are too books, and show, and in extension, of anti-intelligence, as Sex And The City. to also parent her. They wanted to be an not got it, got it?" Honestly, if you think cook. They desperately look for love not have bus complicated and we want our daughters the whole womankind. And to think that New York still sells equal — a concept Bradshaw is woefully you are not making enough money to rather than settling down. They are tours for the and girlfriends and wives to just be Sometimes, when I write my column out SATC tour buses is shocking and unaware of. You see her womanchild sustain your lifestyle, then work harder. addicted to shopping. They are either 99th precinct easier, simpler, more-fathomable, and at home, I feel quite Bradshaw-ish. It saddening in equal measure. persona in the title sequence itself: she Write more books. averse to children or not traditionally of Brooklyn just not think too much? is not a kind feeling, especially when I'll jump straight in. Bradshaw has skips around NY in a baby pink tutu. I could go on and on about what maternal. All three characters were PD for Amy All along, is Sex And The City I have a similarly voluminous shoe daddy issues. She constantly looks for It also helps that Sarah Jessica Parker else is wrong with Bradshaw, but I sort of mounting the New Modern Santiago and basically Carrie trying to find her way collection. I must admit that I hadn't a father figure, a protector, a strong is tiny. In a scene with Aidan, one of need to focus on something a tad more Woman for the US middle-class in Rosa Diaz? into becoming Charlotte? watched the show in its entirety her boyfriends, she throws a hissy fit interesting. During the late '90s and the new millennium. And if you think Is it because ever, nor had I read the book. I had about being in a country lodge for the early 2000s, three extremely popular about it, you'd pick none of them we can hand watched the films and thought that weekend and he literally picks her up US shows had a very interesting to be role models today. They were over Emmys MW's Executive Editor is they were Heigl-esquely popcorn and and makes her sit on the kitchen top common trait in their leading ladies. tools to serve American capitalism, to Liz Lemon also the magazine's inconsequential. American studios have and consoles her — like a father would. Rachel from F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Carrie from inspire consumption over intelligence, and Leslie resident hedonist. An starry rom-com production machines In all her relationships, she does not Sex And The City and Lorelai from education, introspection, and self- Knope but not encourager of excesses, Ghose likes his and they stir up every year to make make any space for her partner. And I Gilmore Girls. These were attractive esteem. Notice that all three of them turn them into humour, coffee and chocolate very dark. some moolah. Nobody is complaining. am sorry if you think I am "sounding 30-something women, with adequately hate the arts, make fun of the nerds or icons because A biryani-loving cinephile with an eye But when I decided to start watching like a man". No, I am sounding like a successful careers, with a solid bunch try to fix them, live off validation from they are too for avant-garde, if you have a delicious

the show (it ran from 1998-2004), I feminist. Even when she was with "The GETTY IMAGES GETTY IMAGES of friends as their support system, other people, and build their self-worths “complicated”? story, he will eavesdrop.

39 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 40 INSIDE: TALK AMIT AGGARWAL How to know you’re SUMMER WARDROBE 2020 being love bombed Grand gestures, too much appreciation, a feeling of overfamiliarity — and then the love rug is suddenly pulled out from under your feet. You’ve been love bombed By Samreen Tungekar

It was a November that was getting being love bombed will sometimes feel colder by the day. It was my first date guilty for not being entirely comfortable (of the week). He suggested we go for with the overshowering of affection, but coffee, and then catch up with his will go on to reject their own thoughts StyleMW best friend and her boyfriend. Red of discomfort as “cynicism”. And LIKES flag number 1: First date and he’s in comparison to what it can introducing me to his best friend? I be like for those in long-term was very new to the dating scene, didn’t relationships with love bombers, think much of it, and just went. It was my experience almost feels a great date. We didn’t feel like we’re inconsequential to me. But it’s not. I meeting for the first time. Red flag just got lucky, and out in time. number 2: no one’s ‘staring into your I’m not saying every person eyes comfortable’ on the first date. whispering sweet nothings in your ear Suddenly, we were exclusive — a is a freak. Of course, there are people decision he made — and I went along we all have met and just clicked with, with. We were hanging out with his but eventually grown apart. There have everyone takes time to warm up. I was couple friends, we never met any of also been partners for whom we’ve speaking to a match recently who sent mine. I was being told how I “light up” genuinely felt like doing romantic a bunch of roses to me after one normal his life. He wanted to go for road trips gestures, and they’ve done them for us. coffee date and insisted we “date”. I felt too. I hung out when he could, I spoke But love bombers use grand gestures uncomfortable by this unnecessary LOUIS VUITTON to him when he could. Red flag number to manipulate and gain a certain expression of affection that doesn’t even 3: He wanted to continue being on control over you. And the worst part make sense, and stopped it in its tracks. dating apps while we were “exclusive” about being subjected to this kind There, the red flag was spotted, thanks because hey, it’s the same as meeting of appreciation is that the minute it Love bombing to previous experience. DIOR new people on social media. Yeah... no, doesn’t work for them, they will rip you isn’t a loosely I'm aware that this peaking interest it’s not. So naturally, when I pointed out off the same affection they so generously thrown might feel amazing. But here's the what didn’t work, suddenly I wasn’t the bestowed. The same partner, who around dating thing: they have to know you a little bit VERSACE light bulb of his life. I was the person wanted to go on a trip during the first term coined to “love you” like that. So if her taking who was expecting too much, and week of your connection, suddenly during the you on a getaway on the first weekend JULIAN ZIGERLI maybe it’s better if we call it off. I still makes you feel like you’re “invading age of dating you’re dating feels rushed to you, you’re don’t know what “it” was. I wasn’t even their boundaries.” apps, it’s a right. Because people know people, and interested in an “it”. So how do I know that what said love psychologically none of us are that nice. I had been love bombed. bomber did wasn’t genuine romantic established SHEER FOR Love bombing isn’t a loosely thrown gestures but love bombing? And how form of around dating term coined during the do I identify the red flag? Well, the first emotional MW's Assistant Editor age of dating apps, it’s a psychologically sign is your own discomfort with it abuse. It's the is the life of the party THE SUMMER established form of emotional abuse. that you disguise and go with the flow, practice of — or could bring the Ever since Harry Styles stepped on the MET Gala 2019 red carpet Love bombing is the practice of because you don’t want someone to feel overwhelming party to you in case you didn't plan in the Gucci sheer top, we knew that sheer will dominate the future overwhelming someone with signs of embarrassed. I just wanted to chill, I someone with for one. Always on the hunt for runway seasons. As expected, sheer shirts and jackets were spotted adoration and attraction right in the didn’t want to become a “thing”. But adoration great food, good coffee and people on the ramps by Louis Vuitton, Dior, Giorgio Armani and many others at Spring/Summer 2020. Sheer can be worn in different styles such as beginning of a connection itself. A love I kept quiet and stayed. The second right in the that hold her interest, Tungekar is shirts, trenchcoats, vests, T-shirts and it all depends on the way you bomber will make you feel like you’re is to understand that no matter how beginning of an avid storyteller when she is not want to pull off the look. For the perfect casual summer look, layer on the top of the world, and a person introverted or extroverted we are, a connection busy collecting experiences. SHUTTERSTOCK a black sheer top over a white tank and pair it with jogger pants and sneakers. If you want to try experimenting, go for a skin-tight sheer SAINT LAURENT vest and fancy trousers to perfect the outfit.

41 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 42 STYLE / FASHION NEWS

 RALPH LAUREN FOUNDATION  THE ZEGNA GROUP TO ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR CANCER PATIENTS DURING PANDEMIC PRODUCE PROTECTIVE

The Ralph Lauren foundation has announced that it will be supporting MEDICAL OVERALLS cancer patients and frontline medical staff in coronavirus-affected European countries. Over last 20 years, the foundation has supported The Zegna group has reopened its production facilities in Italy and the fight against cancer, with its charitable donations and fundraising Switzerland in order to manufacture protective medical overalls. The group initiatives. Now, the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation has teamed stated that they have started the production with the aim of producing with leading cancer centers to help provide institutions with research 280,000 units. Of these, 250,000 pieces will be provided to the Piedmont laboratories, as well as aid the development of diagnostic tests to region in Italy, responding to an urgent need in fighting the pandemic, detect the virus in both patients and the medical staff. whereas the remaining 30,000 units will be sent to the Canton Ticino area in Switzerland. Portions of the Italian men’s wear group’s INCO plant in Novara and Consitex in Mendrisio have been converted to accommodate the new production. Furthermore, the Zegna Group is also collaborating with the Piedmont Crisis Unit and other authorities in the Canton of Ticino to speed up production in an effort to meet the pressing need for vital medical supplies.  HERMÈS GUANGZHOU “Let’s look out for each other. Let’s get through this together,” said Gildo FLAGSHIP STORE MADE Zegna, CEO of Ermenegildo Zegna, in a statement. $2.7 MILLION ON DAY OF REOPENING

In April, the Hermès Guangzhou flagship store reopened after it had been on lockdown with most retail stores in for several months because of the coronavirus. According to WWD, Hermès made at least 2.7 million in sales on the day it reopened. According to multiple sources, this is possibly the largest one-day revenue total for a single boutique in China. On social media platforms Weibo and Xiaohongshu, shoppers in the capital’s province of Guangdong were seen shopping at the luxury store. According to CEO Axel Dumas, the disruption hit “an important country for our industry at an important time.”

 GUCCI ANNOUNCES €2 MILLION DONATION  ANITA DONGRE  UNIQLO’s OWNER EXPECTS 44 PER CENT TO MAKE MASKS TO TO FIGHT ANNUAL DECLINE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT THE FIGHT CORONAVIRUS AGAINST COVID-19 Italian luxury house Gucci has pledged €2 Fast Retailing, UNIQLO'S owner, predicts a 44 per cent decline House of Anita Dongre will be producing million to fight the coronavirus pandemic. in the annual operating profit. The coronavirus pandemic has masks to contribute to India's fight against Gucci will make two separate donations disrupted UNIQLO’s supply chains throughout China, which the novel coronavirus. With voluntary to crowdfunding campaigns: 1 million has caused half of its shops to close. The retailer has been participation of nearly 24 women, the euros will be donated to the Italian Civil depending on its Asian market, especially in China, where label will be able to create up to 7,000 Protection Department (Protezione Civile) UNIQLO offers a mix of affordable basics and on-trend styles masks each week for distribution to NGOs, in partnership with Intesa Sanpaolo, for a growing middle class. Tadashi Yanai, Fast Retailing’s village residents, individuals, and hospitals. while the other 1 million euros will be CEO, said in a statement: “We are talking to each supplier Made out of cotton, the face masks will channeled to the COVID-19 Solidarity about how to place orders so that overall operations can be be reusable, washable and sustainable. At Response Fund in support of the World maintained. Since we have global business operations, we are the request of the local hospital in Palghar, Health Organization, through a matching better positioned to avoid an extreme impact on our overall businesses. I am determined the team will also make special disposable

campaign with Facebook. GETTY IMAGES GETTY IMAGES to overcome the crisis with our employees and partners, including factories.” masks for doctors, nurses and hospital staff.

43 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 44 STYLE / THE DESIGNER

edged lines with fluidity, the contrast brings detailing. For the last two seasons that What's one thing about fashion in India in a very different dimension to clothing. we’re doing menswear, I’ve kept it a little that needs to change? While that’s how it started, it’s also very more experimental, but going forward, the I think not following a herd mentality Fashion’s important for a brand to keep evolving its aesthetic would be more wearable to suit would be nice. Post the pandemic, there own language, and the signature of the brand a national audience. We will be doing more will be some evolution in the way people comes from years of continuing to do the menswear in the future. dress, because of the fact that we now Fortune Teller same craft. It’s important to stick to your realise how important it is to live in the purpose. I have always been very inspired by Menswear in India has been going through moment. If it could be anything, and as Known for his futuristic designs and his tryst with the technical aspects of clothing, and that its own evolution, whether it's the colours long as it resonates with you, it doesn’t upcycling industrial waste and innovating with weaves, has defined what we do as a brand. The being used, experimental cuts, or motifs. have to be a trend for you to wear it. fashion designer Amit Aggarwal talks about how he’s evolution of the techniques have made the What is going to work for menswear in India blended his love for shape with contemporary design, and collections look different but at the same going forward? Do you think that coming out of the changes he foresees in menswear By Samreen Tungekar time, also maintained the core aesthetic of If you speak of an Indian consumer, I still pandemic is going to change the way the brand. feel the aesthetic has to be rooted in fashion is consumed in the country? There are very few designers who, with a lot quintessential menswear, like a suit, or a I think there’s going to be a drastic change of passion, like to go into the science of their As a designer, what drives you to shirt, classic silhouettes when it comes to not only in consuming patterns, but also clothing, into what makes the structure of handweaving and traditional fabrics in a couture. Men do like to keep it a little classic. in production. A lot of brands are going to an outfit. While most collections are inspired world of machines? They will experiment, but don't like to become more indigenous, and I also feel by travel, or by observation, Aggarwal’s Honestly, I’m not a textile designer. But detach too much. That being said, we’ve also like there will be a time when we come signature has always been inspired by I think time, and again, it’s extremely seen a radical shift in the last or two years, back to doing things that we used to do natural forms and the human anatomy, and important to revive craftsmanship with where men have tried to get a little more as a country before we became more he’s driven by the engineering of clothing. the modern language. As a country, we accustomed to their personal taste dependent on other countries. In terms He’s not your average floral-adapted- boast of many indigenous techniques that over trends. of fashion, more classic and simplistic pastel-played guy, he’s the one that will can be implemented to create something clothing will come back. melt polymer, enjoying every molecule, and modern and radical. We have no dearth of "What was futuristic has now become the watching a structured outfit come to life. craftmanship or techniques that are probably present", you said in an interview recently. Speaking about the lockdown and our And that’s how, even from afar when you see imperative for the country, which can be In Indian fashion, where do you think we fight against coronavirus, you shut your a piece of clothing, you know it’s an given a modern twist and made exciting for presently are, especially with menswear? store before the national lockdown was Amit Aggarwal creation. a new consumer. I think with social media and digital presence, announced. What led to that? Aggarwal reflects on his journey, men all over the world are able to access We closed a week before the the development of his own design Upcycling seems to be the way to go in everything that people are wearing, and announcement, even though we had language and the empathy he expects to your new collections, and polymer is an that has helped blur boundaries and change booked a lot of appointments after the see in consumption of fashion post the important part of the clothes you make. notions about Indian men having to dress launch of our collection. It has just been a ongoing pandemic. Why is polymer so essential to you? up only in traditional outfits. This also few weeks to the fashion week finale. But There’s a scientific approach to it. I like the makes the evolution process easy, because we had to do it in the interest of our From 2012 to now, we have seen you idea of something that can be broken down I remember 10 years ago, you’d have to sit consumers and our staff. become a bigger force to reckon with in into a molecule and then restructured to for a year and wait to see what international the fashion world. How have you seen your create something new every single time. Out menswear trends are. I also think a lot of own design change from the time you of multiple materials, polymer allows us to celebrities are experimenting, which also started out? do that by a large extent. It can be melted by makes a difference and that’s why I feel like From when I started to where we are right heat, it can be handwoven, it can be stitched the future is here now. now, the ideology and the selling point has on to outfits. A lot of consumers probably been to move forward Indian craftsmanship, don’t know that it's machine washable, it Another highlight of your clothes are and the language hasn’t changed. In the last can be ironed too. For me, the product has colours. Should more men wear metallics? eight years oddly, we’ve only tried to adapt to be a good blend of the byproducts of the The overall feel of metallics gives you not the product to suit the understanding and industrial age that we live in. only an edge of glamour, but also allows a lot the approachability of the market. Where of shaping and structuring to your body. A our material or the idea of form or shape What was the idea as well as the inspiration lot of men want to look crisp and sharp, and is concerned, 10 years ago it would have behind your menswear capsule? really well built, and metallic colours give you been looked at as art, or something that With the current scenario, the world is that edge. But I agree that it’s also not the was completely unwearable. But over time, talking about blurring boundaries between easiest for everyone to carry, so there are people have started to understand a different menswear and womenswear. There’s still also subtle metallics that you can try. aesthetic, and I think that’s where we are a bit of a distinction, but I feel we’re soon right now. headed to a space where a lot of wardrobes will be exchanged between men and women, Your design language is unique. Can and it’s an important dialogue. I feel like "Post the pandemic, there will be some evolution you explain how you developed your a lot of elements of womenswear can be in the way people dress, because we now realise signature aesthetic? implemented in menswear, which would be how important it is to live in the moment and I have always been very inspired by shape approached with a lot of structured pieces wear what resonates with us" and form. I like the combination of sharp for men with contemporary and modern

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Self-styled by Soumyajyoti Dutta, Anima Creative Management CURRENTLY OPERATING Currently quarantined in Mumbai FROM THE INSIDE Doing laundry in over-the-top outfits, sitting in on Zoom meetings in pyjamas, hydrating our skin with face masks during office hours. That's what life within confines has become. With under-the-table socks and a no-pants situation grabbing the spotlight, we recreate some of the most talked about quarantine scenarios, with a stylish twist. Don't worry, we didn't miss out on the banana bread

Fashion Editor: Neelangana Vasudeva I Art Director: Tanvi Shah Guidance And Retouching By Photographer : Yugam Monga

Self-styled by Kangkan Rabha, Feat.artists Currently quarantined in Guwahati

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Self-styled by Upasana Sankhwar, TFM/360, India Self-styled by Peak Fenai, Anima Creative Management Currently quarantined in Rome Currently quarantined in Mumbai

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(Clockwise From Top)

Self-styled by Rishabh Sawhney, Toabh Creative, Mumbai Currently quarantined in New Delhi

Self-styled by Kangkan Rabha, Feat.artists Currently quarantined in Guwahati Self-styled by Peak Fenai, Self-styled by Peak Fenai, Anima Creative Management Anima Creative Management Currently quarantined in Mumbai Currently quarantined in Mumbai

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Self-styled by Kangkan Rabha, Feat.artists Currently quarantined in Guwahati

Self-styled by Simona Jesenska, TFM/360, India Currently quarantined in Mumbai

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Self-styled by Upasana Sankhwar, TFM/360, India Currently quarantined in Rome

Self-styled by Maumita Bora, Inega Model Management Currently quarantined in Guwahati

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Self-styled by Peak Fenai, Anima Creative Management Self-styled by Greeshma Turakhia, TFM/360, India Currently quarantined in Mumbai Currently quarantined in Hyderabad

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Self-styled by Mansi, Anima Creative Management Currently quarantined in New Delhi

Self-styled by Upasana Sankhwar, TFM/360, India Currently quarantined in Rome

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2 2 How To Do Summer Right 1 With the sun shining brighter than ever, Summer Slippers celebrity stylists give a lowdown on how to Here’s a list of stylish slippers, flips and slides to check out, once we dress for different occasions this season — are allowed to shop again, even if it is online By Magandeep Singh comfy and fashion forward We’ve all appreciated the blue skies with points for comfort. Both models have rubber By Sanika Achrekar chirping birds and the plummeting pollution soles, and the classic rice grain pattern on the 3 levels, but I also cannot wait to get out and upper surface. Definitely a break from their get some new gear once all this is over. usual fare, which too, by the way, will have Summer is that time of the year when “A rolled-up sleeve linen Yeah, so much for learning the value of new iterations being launched alongside. 4 keeping your fashion motivation up is a bit casual shirt with a pair time and company and the hollowness of difficult, given how hot it gets, and having of linen shorts along with material pursuits. CROCS: The original rubber to ditch dark colours for pastels can be an sneakers is a great brunch So, for all those who still feel materially clog brand has some pretty cool tie- adjustment. To make your wardrobe more look. If you’re feeling a bit minded despite all the yoga detoxification, 3dye patterned slides and flips. There is summer friendly, we have curated a list of adventurous, add a hat to I have put together a list of stylish slippers, also a rainbow series in all the popping hues looks and ideas that you could try. go with it.” Amiin also adds flips, and slides for all budgets and design plastered prominently. The clogs have more that it’s important to pick the preferences that you may want to check out variety by way of prints but for me, tie-dye SUMMER WORKWEAR right footwear with the outfit, be once we are allowed to shop again, even if versions will be in this season, as other brands For workwear in the summer, celebrity it prints or monochrome. 3 1 5 it is online. too will be getting behind this design trend. stylist Esha Amiin suggests colours such as , sky blue, mauves, pastels, BUSINESS CASUAL BIRKENSTOCK: The cult of MOCHI: A homegrown brand that peaches, yellows, white, and beige. “For 4 With work cultures steering open-toe footwear is finally in India and does some classic designs in blacks suits, try grey and beige colours,” she towards more relaxed casuals says. For a more corporate look, choose ways, thanks to the startup 1this will be their first summer here so let’s 4and browns, mostly aimed at the more of light stretch cotton shirts, and pair culture, it’s not all suits and ties give them a nice “warm” welcome by making not-so-experimental type. This is for someone it with trousers and a tie. Celebrity stylist anymore. There are more options their Arizona ubiquitous. The camo version is who wants leather and simple yet elegant Nidhi Jeswani says to go for pants or to choose from these days. A linen high on my list, as is a micro-fibre model called styling. Why I mention them here is because chinos in lighter fabrics with nice button- suit with a soft cotton shirt or Rotterdam (which was also revisited by Rick they fared well on my value-comfort scale. down shirts. “Opt for chinos in khaki and a casual blazer with a shirt Owens no less, for their more prestigious 1774 you can also experiment with olive and and chinos will work great for collection). They aren’t cheap but they are ADIDAS YEEZY: Anything greys,” she says. meetings. “Different prints and also sturdy. Maybe too sturdy, in fact, because Kanye touches seems to turn to gold, patterns for shirts, stripes, checks, they will never break down on you. So choose 5at least on the flip market. His versions POOL PARTY denims are great options to add to wisely, because you will be sporting them for a of slides (simple dubbed, Yeezy Slides) were 2 Pool parties are a great occasion to your daily looks. Sneakers, really long time. the textbook definition of drab. Americans experiment with pop colours, according boat shoes and loafers are footwear likened it to prison slippers but then they to celebrity stylist, Rashi Morbia Kumar. options to perfect the business casual HAVAIANAS: There is never certainly have higher standards, and yet, when “Try a neon shirt or T-shirt with a pair of look,” suggests Kumar. According to a wrong time to buy a pair but this they released, they sold out faster than ice shorts. Another option could be to pair Jeswani, one can switch a dress shirt for a year, the popular slipper brand has got cream on a hot day at the beach. While I am a white or a denim shirt with a pair of more relaxed V-neck tee underneath 2 5 some very new designs under their belt, which still not tempted to buy them, if you happen neon swim trunks or shorts. If you don’t the blazer with dark colours such as include some very slick rubber slides and a to pursue pop culture, like the paparazzi, be want to expose your legs, wear a pair of black, grey and navy. model called Power that has an ergonomically ready for when the next ones drop; you will breathable linen or cotton trousers with shaped footbed to align with vital pressure have about two seconds to buy them. a printed shirt,” she recommends. Who EVENING DATE We may be living under a metaphoric Wore What When stylists Pranay Jaitly For an evening date, celebrity stylist 5 rock, but it is no longer a reason to and Shounak Amonkar say, “Wear outfits Isha Bhansali says that fun and quirky remain uninformed. with stripes with tropical prints.” printed shirts are a must. According to Kumar, comfortable fabrics that won’t BRUNCH make you sweat too much are essential for 3 Jaitly and Amonkar suggest wearing warmer evenings. “Wear a thin denim shirt 4 shorts with a formal cotton shirt and a pair with your favourite jeans to keep it simple,”

of loafers. Celebrity stylist Kumar says, say Jaitley and Amonkar. GETTY IMAGES

61 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 62 STYLE / ADVICE STYLE / TREND Cuban Collar: ASK THE EXPERT The Shirt You Need This Summer Fashion and wellness conundrums, deciphered and explained Here’s everything you need to know about the Cuban collar shirt, one of the most iconic pieces of clothing by celebrity stylist Isha Bhansali of the 20th century By Sanika Achrekar

Did you know that before taking the world by a storm in the ‘50s, Cuban a straight hem. It provides a casual-smart look that has proven to be collar shirts served as a uniform for the working class men? However, once flattering on all body types, by broadening your upper body and running I really love wearing dark colours. they became a staple in every man’s wardrobe, there was no going back. straight down your sides. The distinctive collar screams casual, and there’s In what ways should I wear them From Elvis Presley to a suburban dad in Florida, the Cuban collar became no top button for starters, providing a look that will set you apart. Now that during summers? one of the most versatile shirts in the contemporary history of menswear. it is summer, it’s time to channel your inner Chandler Bing, and introduce It’s all about the fabric. Make sure you A Cuban collar shirt has a more relaxed, open collar, short sleeves and this fashion piece to your collection. use breezy, slim fabrics like cotton or muslin, or breathable ones like linen. Then you can get away with dark Bhansali is colours in the heat. Try subtle prints in celebrity stylist dark colours and light fabrics. That way, who has worked you’ll get a fun look as well as one that’s with various comfy for the weather.  publications Apart from the same cotton tees, what and specialises  are the other comfortable fabrics to in menswear I want to keep wearing suits to work choose from? but the heat is making it worse. Is there For T-shirts, cottons or cotton a way? blends are the best. For the summer, For suits too, you can choose cottons. do avoid 100 per cent polyester for Make sure they’re lightly lined and not your T-shirts. Make sure there is at least heavy on the fusing of the blazer. Try  some cotton in the tees to stop you an option of a white suit or a light blue Apart from pastels, what other colours from turning into a rain cloud during one, or one that you can wear from day should I be looking for? summers. You can even choose rayon or to night. Try for cobalt blues and bright violet linen blends. A broken suit could be another option — — the colour of the season. There are a light cotton blazer with chinos and a still some elements of khaki doing the shirt or T-shirt, depending on your office rounds but summers are the time to dress code. Canali has the best light experiment with bright colours. linen blazers.  Are satin shirts a perfect fit for evening summer parties? Yes, especially printed ones inspired by the 80’s Versace designs. They’re light and breezy and if they are flighty and flowy, it will add to the essence of the sheen of the fabric.

 PAISLEY-  BAROQUE  STRIPES  CLASSIC  FLORALS  PRINTED Baroque print has A vertical striped CUBAN While florals are a classic I want to experiment with florals CUBAN been the signature Cuban collar shirt Simple-coloured print, look for modern and other prints, but I'm not COLLAR style of Versace brings in a little touch Cuban collar takes on the classic Paisley print has since the very of the Hamptons sure what to try. Can you shirts in blue, Hawaiian print. You can been the anthem of beginning. Many fast summer to your suggest what prints I could white or cherry opt for photographical all Coachella outfits fashion retailers have wardrobe, with classic red, paired with prints. Through recent opt for? for the past few tried to imitate the minimalistic designs. simple cropped technology, photo-like Hawaiian and Cuban prints are years, for men and style. Similarly, Pairing it with a bucket black pants and images can be printed still around. Tropical prints could for women. A Cuban Cuban-collar silk shirts back and espadrilles no socks, gives onto fabric, like the be fun. Kaleidoscopic prints work well collar shirt with a with baroque print makes for a perfect paisley print is add a high-fashion brunch look a relaxed newspaper print on for evening looks and abstract prints are oh-so boho. edge to your look. for the summer. summer feel. the shirt. GETTY IMAGES

great options too. GETTY IMAGES SHUTTERSTOCK;

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THE WAYFARERS In the 1950s, RayBan popularised wayfarers with its design and aesthetic, by replacing the same old metal eyewear. Since then, its popularity has continued to fluctuate, but the style has made a comeback in the recent years. These retro glasses are usually accompanied with a faintly-coloured lens, and perfectly suit any casual wear or summer look.

AVIATORS A trend list on eyewear cannot miss the aviators. Timeless and flattering, aviator sunglasses have always been a popular choice THE '90S SKINNY STAPLE for summer eyewear. From These tiny sunglasses appear way too small runways to thrift stores, you and would provide very little UV protection, can get these anywhere. Get but that shouldn’t stop you from going small yourself a pair of vintage in 2020. A staple piece that was worn by oversized aviators for your Justin Timberlake and Brad Pitt in the ‘90s, very own interpretation of this should definitely be on your list this Leonardo Di Caprio in Once summer. Try looking out for clean, slightly Upon A Time in Hollywood. upswept silhouettes and dark lenses to nail the high-fashion trend. Eyewear ROUND SUNGLASSES Thanks to John Lennon, the round-framed sunglasses were an absolute hit in the ‘70s. In fact, these sunnies Trends Of 2020 have been part of all fashion eras. The round frame trend Sporting a pair of sunnies is not just about is for those who like their sunglasses to have a vintage protecting your eyes from UV rays, but also about adding look with a hint of versatility. to your outfits. Here are some of the coolest eyewear trends to try this year By Sanika Achrekar COLOURFUL LENS A colourful pair of sunglasses delivers an authentic way to round off your eyewear collection. THE D-FRAME The coloured frame adds an D-frame sunglasses are known unexpected pop to any outfit, and for their design and for bringing give your look an element of fun in a unique perspective in the GOING without going overboard. These ACTIVEWEAR eyewear trend. While other styles GEOMETRIC glasses scream summer and you The frame style is what usually come in an oval look, Geometric sunglasses can pull off the easiest look with defines activewear D-frame sunglasses are instantly are exactly what the a Cuban-collared shirt, a pair of glasses. For years, recognisable from the sharp shape name suggests. Different white shorts, and white sneakers. wraparound frames that gives a straight-out-of-a- geometric shapes such have been limited to future-film vibe. as hexagons, octagons sportsmen but now, and decagons are they are making their trending, and with a way on to the runways slight throwback to the too. While buying these vintage eras, this trend functional pieces, pay comes in bright and bold close attention to the colours with unusual frame shape, lens type frame shapes. For and other factors that those who want to try will help you walk away something beyond the with sporty sunglasses norm, this one is for you. that up your style game. GETTY IMAGES GETTY IMAGES GETTY

65 MAY 2020 • MW required to be such a personality. Karz is the film forever and Irrfan entrenched in my memory of Kapoor's. It was one of the first VHS tapes my family had, and I think I could recite Khan both passed during the every scene, every song by heart. As of late, Kapoor pandemic, not from COVID-19, reinvented himself, moving away from being typecast as but from cancer. They leave just the father of the next generation of romantic heroes, but as a no-holds-barred character actor, finally getting behind a legacy that is priceless the chance to shine, and also achieve critical recognition for any cinephile. But they also for his work in films such as Kapoor & Sons and Mulk. leave behind an opportunity , on the other hand, was no stranger to for us all to reflect on the critical success. After an arduous transition from television to film, the actor struggled to find his niche. Not the disease that took them. We have conventional “hero”, he let his work do the talking, and, a chance now to change the with time, audiences began to take notice. It didn’t hurt narrative of the disease that because his films were critically lauded internationally, his roles began to diversify, and the more Hollywood films he became a part of, the more success he seemed diagnosis, a neuroendocrine tumor, a rare form of cancer, to achieve at home in India. Unlike other actors who have at the start of his treatment process. Kapoor, on the other tried (and mostly failed) to succeed in their international hand, seemed to just disappear, and it was only through work, it seemed Khan was the choice of many to offer social media reports did we learn that he has cancer. Only that understated and suave feeling, but with a guaranteed with the reports of his death did we learn that Kapoor had magical performance. For me, The Namesake and The been fighting leukemia. Lunchbox were key revelations, as we saw the performer Let me start off by saying, every patient, no matter what excel at not just emoting with his words or his eyes, their diagnosis and their expected prognosis, has the right but with his entire body structure. He had an incredible to publicly share as much or as little as they wish to. It is THE LAMENT future ahead, but, like Kapoor, was cut short with his a very tough journey and having been there myself, it is cancer diagnosis. unfair to judge anyone for not disclosing their medical Both men have been lauded, deservedly so, for their history. Having said that, I’d be remiss to say that for the stellar library of cinematic performances. They both also millions of cancer patients and survivors out there, to have have felt like particularly close-to-home losses amidst a two back-to-back high-profile deaths, it’s only reasonable The Pain Beyond global pandemic, where our grief can’t be as collective to understand why people equate cancer with death. an experience, so a loss feels more personal. While their Both men journeyed out of India for their treatments. loss is enormous for the film industry, and the world at While Khan was a bit more vocal about his process, large, I was left a bit concerned with their untimely deaths. Kapoor was simply focusing on his therapies, with his The Loss We knew both had been ill for some time, but neither of family by his side. We assumed that with time, they would them really opened up to the public about their journeys. get better, and that there was no reason to believe they’d Cancer feels even more challenging when even the most privileged Khan was definitely more vocal and disclosed his exact not make it through, as they were going to the “best like Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan don’t recover hospitals” in the world. Having been a patient at the best hospitals in the world, I can tell you that just going there does BY AMIT VAIDYA not guarantee long-term success. The reality is, there is still no cure for cancer. As the world now collectively holds its et’s face it. No matter how unattached we think For me, Rishi Kapoor was my childhood. He stood in breath about COVID-19, there’s been a we are from celebrity culture, we all collectively stark contrast to , who had succeeded killer disease for as long as we can track, L embrace it, or else we’d not indulge ourselves with his “angry young man” persona. Kapoor was the that, on an average, kills nearly 10 million by experiencing different forms of art. So, when a quintessential romantic comedy hero before we even people a year. highly-decorated versatile actor (dare I say the most knew that genre existed. His innocence, his smile, his So, for the average patient in India, internationally acclaimed and known actor of our time), personality, was so effortless, that we found ourselves unable to afford or be able to leave their and one of the most underrated but wildly-celebrated mesmerised by his charm, but not necessarily honouring home, their work, their families behind, actors pass away within a day of each other, and the him for his talent. That would change in the 1990s, with to hear that these two big stars went common thread between both men is film and cancer, you Shah Rukh Khan, who took the mantle away from Kapoor. abroad and still didn’t get better, it’s

can’t help but pair them as two legends and one loss. With that, we also began to recognise the acting chops IMAGES GETTY ALAMY a very hard and bitter pill to swallow.

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is influence in celebrity. Especially in India, where every I was particularly surprised by so many execs having an product is pushed by a star. It is a big business. But how issue with the lead character, who had cancer, alive. many stars talk about their health? How many endorse The goal of the film, for me, was to make a film in India any medications? has shed light on where the patient survives. The film, titled Life Abhi Baaki depression, but that’s one artiste. Things must change for Hai, felt like an important contribution for me to start a perceptions, confidence, and courage to increase across conversation about the survival of a hero, and that the board, for Indians. thriving beyond a disease is nothing less than a I spend a good amount of time taking calls from superpower. I still remember one executive asking “but patients and their loved ones, looking for a miracle cure. I people die from cancer Amit. Where’s the humour in tell them there is no cure, but there are pathways to take, that?”. I told her very politely that that’s what is so sad. and have faith. If it works, then great. But if it doesn’t From Anand to Kal Ho Na Ho, to even the upcoming The work, you’re still going to be okay. The media loves to Fault In Our Stars remake Dil Bechara, every character sensationalise stories, but we have avenues, whereby we with cancer, dies. For a newly diagnosed patient, what’s can share our truths, and not just become a headline that the hope, when every film they’ve watched romanticises helps to sell a story. We must combat the stigma in very this (Don’t get me started on the cheap use of the real ways, making it more comfortable for patients to disease in films like and ). And want to disclose what they are experiencing. now, in real life, we see two screen giants also fall prey to A couple of years ago, I wrote a script for a film. It was this disease, further cementing fear rather than faith. my first attempt at a Hindi film. I had been hounded I don’t want to discount the contribution other stars for years to turn my memoir into a movie, but I was have made. Sonali Bendre opted to share her journey. hesitant, because of the radical treatments I did. Both Lisa Ray and have released their The focus would straight go on the “sensational” part, own memoirs, respectively speaking about their journeys. instead of the story. When I shopped the script around, All three women survived the big C. That’s not to say

(From left) Sonali Bendre; Lisa Ray; Manisha Koirala that Kapoor or Khan had better chances, but there is It’s an interesting time in the something specific that I’ve noticed. These women Cancer feels even more challenging when those most nothing for survivors). I’ve been dumbfounded by world right now. For many, radically changed their lives and their purpose, post their privileged can’t recover. Of course, no two cancers are the lack of transparency between doctors and diagnosis. They spoke up and by changing their life’s alike. There are hundreds of cancers, each one affecting patients, patients and their loved ones, and most COVID-19 is the first time narratives, they also healed. I’ve personally experienced our bodies in different ways. Staging, age and other notably, patients and themselves. This has prompted restrictions and a different way this myself. I know I got better when I was able to express pre-existing conditions give doctors a better idea of life me to write a book examining these three relationships of life are being mandated. For my journey, and help others on their respective ones too. expectancy, but beyond the medicine, it is the patient’s — the core to understand not just any disease, but our cancer patients and survivors, After all, what’s the point of getting a disease and it not journey and how they combat the disease inside their journeys in health. change you? bodies, and the one that often affects their minds with It’s a hard fact that for all the work I’ve done and while at higher risk because of It’s an interesting time in the world right now. For said diagnosis. continue to do, nothing will ever get me to the level of their “immunocompromised” many, COVID-19 is the first time restrictions and a One of the purposes behind my book, Holy Cancer, was fame or notoriety as either Khan or Kapoor. To have status, many are better equipped different way of life are being mandated. For cancer to empower individuals about life beyond the disease. witnessed these two men fight their battles mostly patients and survivors, while at higher risk because of I did radical treatments, both in the allopathic world as privately and then to see their very public deaths, it has to both cope and manage this their “immunocompromised” status, many are better well as in the alternative sphere, but for me, the one upset me because while I can never blame someone for seemingly new world equipped to both cope and manage this seemingly constant was that the disease, without defining me, the choices they make, it’s a big loss for cancer patients, new world. was absolutely evolving me and turning me into a new survivors, and the community. Both men had the chance Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan both person. I often use the term “second life” because for to inspire beyond the celluloid. They had platforms passed during the pandemic, not from me, it wasn’t when I got cured that my new life began. It where they could talk about their cancer journeys and COVID-19, but from cancer. They leave started the day I accepted that I can’t control what the how they’ve changed and what they’ve learned. Khan behind a legacy that is priceless for any future holds, but I’m at peace no matter what happens. briefly got the chance to explore this prior to the release cinephile. But they also leave behind an There is a stigma we attach to cancer, particularly of his last film, , and now, those words opportunity for us all to reflect on the in India. It’s talked about, but in more of hush-hush are being immortalised. But they both had the chance to disease. We have a chance now to change conditions. Some opt to leave the country simply to explain an already deeply stigmatised disease, and make the narrative of the disease. We have a garner some peace of mind. Those fighting the disease people feel less scared. chance to make it easier for individuals to often must reassure others that they are okay, by proving Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, were affected want to share their journeys. We have a that they are still capable of doing what they did before early on by COVID-19. They shared the news with the chance to make the world a less they got sick. Being one of the most populated countries world, and we watched the superstar and his wife heal. judgmental and scary place, where cancer in the world, it’s amazing that we don’t really have He shared his journey with openness, a journey that, at isn’t the invisible enemy, but a part of a

support groups and care for patients (and definitely one point, he didn’t know could get better or not. There IMAGES GETTY ALAMY meaningful life, no matter what.

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ll of us are familiar with the classic tale of David Vs Goliath. Times may have changed, but some things remain the same. On one hand, there are international players like Disney Plus Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and on the other are players supported by broadcast networks such as Zee Network (Zee 5),A Sony (Sony Liv) and Viacom 18 (Voot). And then, there is an Indian homegrown OTT player up against more than 30 players with varying subscriber base and popularity. ALT Balaji. TV queen ’s OTT platform, ALT Balaji, recently celebrated its third anniversary with a cumulative subscriber base of 40 million users. As per their financial report, the platform has nearly 1.7 million paying active users. We take a look at what worked for ALT Balaji and how it has been able to amass such a huge subscriber base. How a homegrown OTT ALT Balaji offers over 60 original shows in Hindi and this platform from one of the is one of its major strengths. Speaking about their strategy, biggest production houses Divya Dixit SVP - Marketing, Analytics and Direct Revenue at ALT Balaji, says it’s the in-house expertise of Kapoor, who of the country has managed has been producing Hindi language content for over 25 to become an important years now. “If you look at Indian demographics, 70 per cent THE ALCHEMY player in the web space, of content consumed is in Hindi. So, as a platform, it makes rubbing shoulders with sense to focus our efforts in that direction and win over global giants the Hindi-speaking population. Once we achieve it, we can establish our supremacy in the OTT landscape and hopefully BY JIGAR SHAH start to add more avenues. This year, we are focusing primarily on consolidating our position to ensure that we OF ALT BALAJI dominate the Hindi space and move forward,” she says. Another important aspect would be fair pricing. Today, any brand will tell you that India is a price-sensitive country, and brands usually tread lightly when it comes to maintaining their profit margins in this area. The OTT space is no different. ALT’s competitive pricing has helped the platform in penetrating the markets that most big players haven’t reached. Dixit explains, “We have two pricing options, the quarterly package for Rs 100 and the annual package for Rs 300, which is approximately less than one rupee per day. We have always believed that for any OTT to set the bar high, it needs to have the right kind of market penetration. At ALT, we welcome the competition because our aim is to make the OTT space a mass mode of content consumption. The only way to make this happen is if you have a good infrastructure, brilliant penetrative pricing and a great mix of content that is not available on TV or anywhere else. These factors are working in our favour as we have also tied up with telecoms providers (Vodafone and Airtel) to creates awareness about the platform.” Disney Plus supported by Hotstar recently entered the OTT space, offering its Hindi content at the price of Rs 399 under VIP access package, which is similar to ALT Balaji. CEO Nachiket Pantvaidya, says, "It is not fair to draw

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comparisons between the two platforms as both of us have mix of thriller, drama, romance, youth drama, horror and India’s original men’s magazine our own USPs and both cater to a different set of audience. comedy. Each show that is streaming on the platform has Even though the pricing is similar, the content is very been created keeping the audience’s interest in mind. For different and we have the biggest library of Hindi originals instance, shows like , Karrle Tu Bhi across genres.” Mohabbat, It Happened in Calcutta, , Dil Hi To Hai are It is not always about who has got more money, mostly consumed by women in the 25-45 year age bracket but about how smartly you spend it. As ALT Balaji across India. However, thrillers like Apharan, Ragini MMS: is backed by a production company, it doesn't have the Returns, are consumed by men in the 22- 45 years same financial resources as the other big players in the age bracket. Shows such as , The Test Case, market, but that doesn’t change the way they market MOM: Mission Over Mars, Bose: Dead/ Alive, The Verdict - themselves. The platform has tied up with telecom State vs Nanavati are being consumed extensively by urban companies like Vodafone and Airtel to create awareness. Indians across all age groups.” Now with Zee 5, they have managed to garner an even When we asked Tanveer Bookwala, owner of Ding bigger subscriber base. Dixit says, “We work very differently and producer of shows like Boygiri, and The Great to market ALT Balaji's content. We have tie-ups, alliances, Indian Dysfunctional Family about his association with ALT barter and trade-offs, and in-house influencer marketing for Balaji, he says, “ALT Balaji produces the highest number of

FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com wider reach. The idea is how do I ambush a very premium shows compared to any other platform. For instance, TVF APRIL 2020 | K 150 and popular campaign and have my own take-off on that? only produces a certain type of content, while ALT Balaji We are huge fans of guerrilla marketing. We come up with provides a wider variety of content from horror to drama to quirky ideas and it's those social media posts and videos thriller to action to comedy. That is why it has always been a that stand out. We don't mind parodying and riding on pleasure to work with them. I have the freedom to pitch any popular campaigns. A lot of brands have used the same kind of content to them.” celebrating gimmick in the past.” According to the numbers available in the data, the 20 All said and done, one may be great at marketing and subscriber base for the OTT platform is more male-driven years pricing, but if you can't back it up with good content, than female. This makes them curate content that tends of success retaining the subscriber base is an uphill task. Speaking of to be sensual and tantalising. Dixit says, “There is nothing good content, Pantvaidya says, “We, at ALT Balaji, believe wrong in making sensual content. There are a lot of other in creating unique and untold stories that appeal to people OTT platforms that make enough sensual content and don't LIFE AFTER across age groups and gender. Our shows are a healthy shy away from it. To each their own because we are not COVID-19 here to judge. We are here only to give the audience what THE COUNTRY'S TOP DESIGNERS ON HOW THE PANDEMIC WILL TRANSFORM they want to see. Sensual content is meant only for a certain THEIR BUSINESS set of subscriber base and it is customised to appear only in those subscription profiles. ALT Balaji has been ahead th Anniversary20

FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com Special FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com MARCH 2020 | K 150 MARCH 2020 | K 150 MARCH 2020 | K 150 of its time with its women empowerment stories and the FEBRUARY 2020 | K 150 DEEPIKA PADUKONE'S th th STEELY DETERMINATION Anniversary20 Anniversary20 Special Special selection of content. Sometimes, we might get some flak for FARHAN AKHTAR RIPPED TO PLAY A BOXER IN HIS NEXT FILM it, but it still stands out because others are not doing what KAMA SUTRA FOR THE INTERNET

THE VERY HAUTE RAHUL we are doing.” MISHRA FEMALE RAJKUMMAR NOISE MAKERS SAIF ALI RAO THE FUTURE OF THE NEW MAINSTREAM KHAN Speaking of people's perception of ALT Balaji's brand THE ART OF REINVENTION ALI FAZAL , HOLLYWOOD, AND EVERYWHERE MUMBAI'S

th Anniversary20

FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com Special FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com MARCH 2020 | K 150 MARCH 2020 | K 150 FORGOTTEN th Anniversary20

th FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com Special FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com MARCH 2020 | K 150 MARCH 2020 | K 150 Anniversary20 Special th Anniversary20 Special

FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com MARCH 2020 | K 150 MARCH 2020 | K 150

th th CLOCK Anniversary20 Anniversary20 Special Special TH SAIF ALI RAJKUMMAR 20 RAO TH KHAN THE FUTURE OF THE NEW MAINSTREAM SAIF ALI THE ART OF REINVENTION 20 ANNIVERSARY KHAN TOWERS THE ART OF REINVENTION ALI FAZAL TH ANNIVERSARY BOLLYWOOD, HOLLYWOOD, AND EVERYWHERE RAJKUMMAR TRIPLE COVER ISSUE 20 RAO image, Bookwala said: The platform has produced a variety THE FUTURE OF THE NEW MAINSTREAM TRIPLE COVER ISSUE ALI FAZAL ANNIVERSARY BOLLYWOOD, HOLLYWOOD, AND EVERYWHERE TRIPLE COVER ISSUE FULL PG BLEED 230 X298.indd 1 13/03/20 12:39 PM

FULL PG BLEED 230 X298.indd 1 13/03/20 12:38 PM FULL PG BLEED 230 X298.indd 1 13/03/20 12:36 PM MW Febraury 2020 Farhan Akhtar Cover.indd 2 05/02/20 5:57 PM MW March 2020 Ali Fazal Cover.indd 1 12/03/20 1:06 PM of shows like Code M, Bose and Test Case but when Gandi MW March 2020 Rajkummar Rao Cover.indd 1 12/03/20 1:00 PM MW March 2020 Cover Final.indd 2 12/03/20 3:55 PM Baat released, it was an instant hit with the audience and became synonymous to the brand image of ALT Balaji. They are not trying to position themselves as a platform for erotica, but it has just become that way over time.” ALT BALAJI RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS THIRD In fact, the platform is all set to make their profit soon. ANNIVERSARY WITH A CUMULATIVE SUBSCRIBER Pantvaidya says, “With our costs being controlled in the first BASE OF 40 MILLION USERS. AS PER THEIR FINANCIAL half of fiscal 2020 and the loss margin further reducing by REPORT, THE PLATFORM HAS NEARLY 1.7 MILLION the end of the current fiscal, we are aiming to break even PAYING ACTIVE USERS by 2021.” With their expertise in content, storytelling, smart download your digital issue now marketing, and competitive pricing along with cheaper data Available on: iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Android devices prices and profits pouring in, this David will be all set to take the battle to Goliath soon. Subscribe through Magzter, the Digital Web Store, on iTunes and Android Market www.facebook.com/mansworld.ind | www.mansworldindia.com | on ipad at magzter.com

73 MAY 2020 • MW COVERCOVER STORY STORY PANN THE RELENTLESS U With a filmography that has only set the wonder T woman standards of narratives and stories, actor Taapsee Pannu goes into details of her journey, one that’s made of a ladder with every step A taking her a notch higher, and about quarantine with a routine

BY SAMREEN A TUNGEKAR

MAKE-UP AND HAIR P TAAPSEE PANNU STYLING, CONCEPTUALISATION, AND PHOTOGRAPHS DEVKI BHATT

ACTOR'S MEDIA CONSULTANTS UNIVERSAL SEE COMMUNICATIONS

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When you look at Amrita, the calm woman, sitting through her divorce negotiations in a room where her husband who had slapped her is trying to prove that she’s manic in , do you go back to think about the young, shy girl who made her Bollywood debut with three other actors, in a film called Chashme Badoor? It’s been quite a climb, and quite the path — as Bollywood always is — even when an actor, who is 10 films old in the South, joins the bandwagon, but isn’t a part of any of their camps. She came, she set up her own camp, and she thrives. A lot of what Pannu brings on screens reflects in her instincts, in her choices. And if you have been noticed for your performance in a film when the actor talking to you on screen is Amitabh Bachchan, you clearly are making the right choices. But what was the idea behind making a debut with a David Dhawan film when this is the calibre you possess, I wonder out loud to her on the phone, as we start this interview. “I stopped making plans long before, because I realised whatever plans I make never happen. So there was no strategy behind the kind of film I wanted to debut with. I did get a few offers before, but I didn’t know the directors...I knew who David Sir was. I have grown up watching his films, and he’s one of the few directors who has his own audience. I wanted to do his film because he has his own audience, and it was a new experience for him too, to work with such a young crop of actors. It became a very tempting opportunity for me,” she says. Pannu wants to do films that have an audience, she adds. “When I look back, I think it was the right decision to start with a film that has an audience, and then do a Baby and a Pink because if I had entered with Baby or Pink, I’d have been tagged as an ‘offbeat’ actress. The fact that I could do a commercial film and then do one that’s a little different shows that I can do both mainstream cinema and content-driven films,” she logically points out.

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Her career graph, when it comes to the narrative or simply pointed out to the times when actors in their 40s the character she brings to life, has only touched newer have played young college students, and the silence then. heights. The complexity and childlike innocence of Rumi “We don’t need to pay heed to every random question in , the poker face Naina in Badla, or the being raised on our choices as actors. There are a lot fiercely feminist Minal in Pink, is it a conscious process of people who want to bring you down to their level to pick films with substance? Pannu believes that the and then beat you at it, so you can’t let them do that. substantial part is not just her process, it’s the subject- However, when questions come from a credible name or driven films that are getting better. “When even one space that you respect, that’s when I personally feel like film that’s content driven works, 10 such films spring answering. I only respond to questions or people that up. When I started out, there were very few such roles. affect me,” she explains. But slowly, it has gone up. I did not plan so far ahead. Given the roles that she’s done and stood out shining, It was only after Pink that I got a kind of direction that no matter how star-heavy the cast is, Pannu has time this is the zone for me, where people expect me to do and again established herself in the league of the strong something substantial. People already have actresses women that can carry a film on their shoulders. She’s who are so good with singing, dancing, looking done the angry young woman who screams consent, glamorous, they had their aspirational models. Why fight she’s played the extremely unruffled wife who refuses in that crowded space? I decided to be the actor that the to be disrespected. Her characters have had their own audience looks at and feels like they can relate to. That’s shades of feminism. “Feminism is a basic definition of the direction I picked up and after that, it was about equality that we’re all aware of, but we like to bend it to listening to a script from an audience’s point of view and our convenience sometimes. The term has been coined thinking, ‘will I go watch this film?’” because there has been inequality and that’s what it Extremely aware how the onset of OTT has changed stands for. I have no qualms in calling myself a feminist the dynamics for the silver screen, Pannu says it’s because I know the rightful usage of the term and definitely gotten harder to get people to the theatres, how I propagate feminism, and I’m proud of it. I don’t and that’s why, it becomes even more important to do have to worry about someone else’s wrong definition work that drives people to want to watch you. “You have of feminism. It has come to a point where I’ve stopped to either give the audience something larger than life, or hushing this word just because someone else might you give them really good content that makes them want have a wrong idea of what it stands for. I’d rather prove to watch you immediately. Also, it’s not just the roles that it through my work and how I live my life,” she simply get me to pick a film, it’s the film and it’s narrative first, states. I told you she’s got the guts. and then comes my part in it that makes it a good film,” So as someone who has been on the content-driven she says. side of things, does she see the gap between content Her personality has always reflected a certain sense of and roles for women and men bridge and does she think resilience, and she believes her roles definitely connect the gap will be bridged further? “Absolutely. when I with her, and vice versa. She believes in retorting when started back in the South, people used to ask me where necessary. When the casting of was I see myself five years from now. I’ve thought back then questioned as to why are 30-something women playing that my peak career would only be for five-six years. senior roles when there are actors out there who can, she Back then, only a level of an actress could have

"IT WAS ONLY AFTER PINK THAT I GOT A DIRECTION THAT THIS IS THE ZONE FOR ME, WHERE PEOPLE EXPECT ME TO DO SOMETHING SUBSTANTIAL. I DECIDED TO BE THE ACTOR THAT THE AUDIENCE CAN RELATE TO"

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"I'M AFRAID OF THE UNCERTAINTY OF WHEN THINGS WILL GET BETTER. I'M NOT BOTHERED BY THE CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE POST LOCKDOWN, BUT WE'LL STILL BE AT RISK WHEN WE STEP OUT… I'M WORRIED ABOUT HOW OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS ARE BURDENED"

a career spanning 10 years. Now it’s been seven years From the film industry’s perspective, as everyone in Bollywood alone for me. From narratives which were else, no one can predict the new normal, but Pannu is male-driven to where we are now, it has taken decades optimistic about the industry bouncing back. “I think for the narratives of the film to change. The only thing Indians in general are used to adapting and adjusting, we have to do is not give up,” she adds. that we will figure it out. There will be some teething Even though she’s aware of the power of the web issues, but we’ll do the jugaad, and we’ll adapt to space right now, especially when theatres have been whatever changes will have to be made,” she says. shut for a month now and God knows when they’ll open, In general, she continues, if we come out as different Pannu is admittedly one for the big screens, even when people depends, and we don’t know how long the it comes to the work she does. “I feel like the quantity change will stay. “Everyone’s feeling like we’re going to of web content is superseding our quality. The pressure be realising the value of things, but we’re also the race of creating content is so much, and we have great talent that came after the World War II, and I recently read in all aspects of filmmaking, but there will be one odd a tweet that said the same. I don’t know how long the show standing out among so many. I’ve personally change will last. Those small changes and things we crib never been an OTT audience, I like watching movies on about in general, might change,” she reflects. the big screen with 100-200 people. Even now, during Personally, what’s Pannu most afraid of during this quarantine when we have no option but to watch period? “I’m afraid of the uncertainty of when things will everything on the web, my attention span is so low, even become better. I’m not bothered about the change in when I’m watching the most engaging thing. Whereas lifestyle post lockdown, we’ll adjust. We’ll still be at risk when I watch a film, I never touch my phone. I’ve never when we step out now, one month later, or later than been averse to doing OTT, but my motivation to do that that. I’m worried about how our healthcare systems are would be if I get to do something I don’t get to do in my burdened, and other problems like starvation will crop films. My films are giving me enough diverse content to up if this doesn’t get sorted soon,” she says, concerned. do so if I feel like there’s a story that needs a series to be Another big conversation around the pandemic has told and a film won’t justify it, I’ll do it for the web,” been mental health, and Pannu feels like it’s better she says. handled by her by working out, even by just climbing Pannu is quarantining with sister Shagun and her stairs, and having a timetable. “Whatever little workout sister-in-law Devki, who has shot the pictures for the I can do, it helps me. I’ve also made a timetable by styled-at-home shoot for this story. She’s much happier allotting myself time slots to do my work, workout, and that she’s not entirely alone, chores are divided between it keeps me saner. I’m a hyperactive person who does them, and they can keep each other entertained. This four to five films a year and I’m always running around, is the time Pannu is using to actually spend time in her so sticking to a schedule has helped me. Take it one day house, a space she created with love, her first apartment at a time, and keep yourself occupied, because you can’t in Mumbai. “I’ve done up this space without any interior be worrying about something that’s not in your control,” designers etc., but I never got the time to actually she explains. absorb this space. Now I’ve explored every possible Stop, pause, breathe. That’s all we can do right now, corner of this house,” she laughs. and Pannu agrees.

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shocking past. Pannu displays and capitalises on her lithe athletic presence as the fearless and quick-thinking Shabana Khan. She chases the cunning baddie with hardly THE much help from the men, except of course, , who lands up at critical juncture for the heavy lifting. The big guns play cameo roles, deferring to Pannu, the action shero. That film established her credentials as an action MATURING star, but subsequent films, except for the remake where she is relegated to arm candy, didn’t trouble the box office too much. We had to wait for Pink to discover Pannu, the actor capable of giving us a sensitive, relatable young woman, who represents a generation of working OF women living on their own in a city like Delhi. Pink focused attention on Pannu, even though Amitabh Bachchan’s towering presence could intimidate most young actors. Pannu was confident and comfortable TAAPSEE sharing screen space and time with two other actors, and Andrea Tariang, who play three working girls sharing an apartment. Minal (Pannu) speaks to and for women. She is a confident young woman who PANNU would rather not inconvenience her parents who also live in Delhi (and thus give gossip mongers enough to The actress is now a bankable powerhouse, delivering nuanced tattle) because of her late hours of work as a dancer in performances that resonate with the modern Indian woman an entertainment company. That straight away puts up The discourse of the trial is framed, to the consternation a red flag, for the patriarchal society to view Minal and of the defendants, to prove them guilty of solicitation and BY MAITHILI RAO her friends with censorious eyes. This trio represents a assault. Unbelievably, their lawyer lets the prosecution lot of urban working girls who will go to a concert, hang rant and rave about the threat such women pose to out with a group of young men they meet there and society and decent young men. Sahgal plays his trump agree to have dinner with them. But, this is a big but, card by asking probing personal questions, demanding unpropitious. She was the girl three guys wanted to hook that doesn’t give the men the right to assume they are a yes or no answer. With fine rhetoric that flays society’s It was with up with. This remake is an atrocity and unpardonable sexually available. Pink is India’s equivalent to the Jodie double standards, Sahgal establishes a woman’s right insult to an all-time favourite, a perennial charmer Foster starrer The Accused — a landmark that reasserts to say no. That a wife can say no to her husband is a the silent Chashme Baddoor, Sai Paranjpye’s delicious romantic a woman’s right, even a sex worker’s, to say no. We can revolutionary statement in a court of law that does not but strong protest against a ‘mere’ slap that Taapsee comedy, that also spoofs the standard ingredients of relate to Minal’s fear and distrust to lodge an FIR when recognise marital rape. Pannu secured her position as the thinking woman’s hero. that genre. I wanted to obliterate the remake from my the goons of the politically connected molester rough her Anirudh Roy Chowdhury doesn’t centre his film’s Or shero, as some would like to characterise a strong memory, so appalled I was by its crudity. Not being a fan up. When she finally does so, the unspoken condemnation argument around shrinking virginal violets for female protagonist. She now completes the dyad of of Akshay Kumar action thrillers, I gave Baby the go-by, of her morals by the police is so obvious and it needs the protagonists. They are young women who date, socialise and to make it a triumvirate only to be intrigued by the prequel made as a sequel to entry of the reclusive, retired lawyer Deepak Sahgal, to and have sexual relationships out of choice. Not under of actors who make significant statements through the predictable hit. Pannu must have created a big enough imbue the locked up Minal with faint hope. threat of abuse and retaliation. Pannu is not afraid to play landmark films. It has been a steady climb up for Pannu impression as Shabana Khan in the inexplicably titled The twist in the film co-written by (who a woman who does not conform to patriarchal notions of from Pink to Thappad, with Badla and Manmarziyaan, Baby (for an espionage action thriller), that the next film, is also part producer) is calculated for maximum impact. what a good Indian girl is supposed to be. She is a rebel marking the ladder of success. Mulk and Sand Ki Aaankh , traced the evolution of Shabana from a against such regressive norms, who are also noteworthy where she shares honours with college girl to an intrepid RAW agent, recruited for her doesn’t see her actions as rebellious. in the latter. Pannu is now a bankable But in the public glare of the trial, she powerhouse, delivering nuanced performances that is vulnerable to society’s judgement resonate with the modern Indian woman. She has the WE HAD TO WAIT FOR PINK TO — whatever the legal judgement maturity of an actor who is choosing her films rightly. DISCOVER PANNU, THE ACTOR might be — and Pannu brings out And to a right audience — even if a niche one — ready to CAPABLE OF GIVING US A SENSITIVE, these shades of vulnerability with engage with these films and start a conversation around RELATABLE YOUNG WOMAN WHO sensitivity. She could very easily it. REPRESENTS A GENERATION OF accept victimhood but she fights For much of her early career that began in 2010 the good fight against internalised with Telugu and Tamil films, Pannu passed under our WORKING WOMEN LIVING ON THEIR guilt. A seemingly simple role, but critical ladder. Her beginning in Hindi cinema is most OWN IN A CITY LIKE DELHI it demands the actor to express the

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But Pannu took up the challenge and went further into Chandro. Pannu’s body language, whether she is loading high risk zone (commercially) with Badla. Acknowledged bricks on her head or taking the stance to shoot is very by director as an adaptation of a Spanish fluid. In spite of the inconsistent make-up, Pannu traverses thriller Contratiempo (2016), Badla pits Pannu against the ageing process with professional elan. Amitabh Bachchan in a cat-and-mouse game of evasion, And now to Thappad where Pannu’s Amu, short for half-truths and final unmasking of a clever, ambitious Amrita, has got the conversation really going. What is and successful entrepreneur as a scheming murderer. the threshold of unacceptable abuse in an otherwise The twists and turns of the verbal game, between a seemingly happy marriage? Anubhav Sinha enlarges seasoned lawyer and his client accused of murder, is a Pannu’s role to make it so central that the film stands challenge. Except for a few scenes set in London and the or collapses on the truth of her performance. Amu is countryside, the drama is confined to a studio apartment. introduced as a happy homemaker (by choice, though So every gesture, expression and voice modulation she is a talented kathak dancer) who has a set routine need to be perfect, especially when playing off against revolving round her ambitious husband Vikram’s schedule. Bachchan. Pannu is exceptional, as is Bachchan, and they The infamous thappad happens at the premature make the duel very watchable, if not compulsively so. celebration party of a promotion where the usual office Pannu is now so comfortable with playing politics plays villain, and in the spur of the moment, the unconventional roles that she takes zestfully to Prakashi furious Vikram publicly slaps Amu. The shock of the Aarti’s (Pannu) impassioned yet legally sound arguments Tomar, from young bride entering a huge joint family humiliation makes others uncomfortable for a while, but indict Islamophobia that has now converted many under the rule of a rigid patriarch, to the rule-breaking everyone expects Amu to overlook what happened in the Hindus into its hate-spewing fold. The fact that Aarti is a Dadi who turns an expert shooter in Saand Ki Aankh. Her heat of the moment and move on. For Amu, the “mere” practising Hindu who voices the language of secularism gleeful partner in crime is Bhumi Pednekar, her jethani slap is a revelation of her place. Even when her mother, may be a convenient plot device, but it is effective. Pannu mother-in-law (who is looked after with makes her brief role impactful, ignoring her parents’ pleas affection by Amu) and her own brother to not take up the case, not only because it is her family think Amu is making too much of a that is in the dock, but also as a matter of conscience. TO MAKE A QUIET BUT JUST minor issue, Amu is quietly determined Pannu is not an actor who shies away from grey shades. not to go back to her husband. Even The shades get greyer and greyer, from unapologetic ARGUMENT THAT SPEAKS TO when she finds she is pregnant, it pre-marital sex in Manmarziyaan to a scheming murderer SO MANY, WITHOUT THE USUAL doesn’t make a difference. in Badla. In ’s Manmarziyaan, Rumi is a RHETORIC AND LOUD MELODRAMA, To most Indians, this one incident is headstrong young woman living with her uncle’s family IS SOMETHING ANUBHAV SINHA not strong enough a reason to walk out and is crazily in love with a part-time DJ and wannabe AND TAAPSEE PANNU CAN BE of a marriage. To persuade and then rocker Vicky (, with the swag and talk, convince the viewer (other than staunch desperately donning the cool dude avatar). Vicky is PROUD OF. SPEAKING SOFTLY feminists) that Amu’s reasons are valid, game for an affair but can’t bring himself up to marriage, CARRIES A BIG STICK and strong enough to fight for, is a repeatedly letting Rumi down as her family waits for the challenge for any actor. Sinha avoids the groom to be to show up. Fed up with the incorrigible, usual excess of abuse, though he draws irresponsible Vicky, Rumi agrees to an arranged vignettes of two such marriages from complexities of her situation. Pannu’s victory is in the way marriage with Robbie (), a London different strata of society to bolster his women identified with Minal. based banker. This triangular relationship is untenable, case. Thappad demands that we enter Mulk is an important film that came out at the time because even after a much delayed consummation on Amu’s mind and understand her feeling it was most needed, when an entire community was an awkward honeymoon, Rumi is stoically resigned yet, of constant belittlement that makes her demonised for the terrorist acts of a few. Anubhav Sinha hankers for Vicky and has sex with him post marriage. fall out of love with her husband. And squarely posed the Us versus Them division in a society The film is a tentative open ending for a woman who finds she cannot stay in a marriage where she heading towards shrill majoritarianism. There is no herself drawn to two men at the same time. It is not in does not love her man. Simple truth that sanitising the issue. A respectable Muslim family living mainstream cinema’s genes to show a woman sexually Pannu makes us accept. And Amu has amicably in Benares with Hindu neighbours is suddenly involved with two men, pre and post marriage. There are made thoughtful men question their a suspect and ostracised by them when a young man of no extenuating circumstances or reasons given. Rumi is own assumptions and behaviour. To the family is killed by the cops for being part of a terrorist open about the conflicting pulls of great sexual chemistry make a quiet but just argument that group. It is for the denouement that Pannu enters the with one man and the solid understanding the other man speaks to so many, without the usual film as daughter-in-law who lives in London. A offers. Neither man is the love of her life, but she has rhetoric and loud melodrama, is lawyer, she fights for her father-in-law and unpeels layer to make the best of her choices. It is an uncomfortable something Anubhav Sinha and Taapsee by discomfiting layer, the majoritarian argument that portrait of a woman’s sexuality that’s difficult for Pannu can be proud of. Speaking softly demands a Muslim to constantly prove his patriotism. mainstream audience to accept. does carry a big stick.

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hen Kainaz Messman was nursing herself back from a slip disc injury in 2003, little did W she know that in a year, she and her entire family, will end up taking their dessert-for-dinner dishes from their Colaba kitchens to counters that would run out of THE SISTERHOOD sweet treats within no time. Even the name of the patisserie, Theobroma, was food for thought. After going through various versions of combining their names, a sugar broker at the firm Tina Messman Wykes was working at in London, OF THE MESSMANS suggested calling the newfound business the food of gods. And in 2004, Theobroma was born. Meet Kainaz Messman Harchandrai and Tina Messman Wykes, the founders of Theobroma, So yes, everyone from Mumbai who has ever carried a box of Theobroma brownies to a different city (The Delhi people and the people behind making the brownie a reality in the Indian dessert scene Baking A Dream: The Theobroma still tend to forget they finally have Theobroma), it was in Story is a book about the journey this family of four that your favourite brownie originated. of the patisserie; sourdough bread BY SAMREEN TUNGEKAR at Theobroma; sisters Kainaz 15 years after Messman Harchandrai, the chef, became Messman Harchandrai and Tina Messman Wykes (right) Messman Harchandrai the entrepreneur, she and her sister have finally penned a book, Baking A Dream: The Theobroma Story, that’s more like an outpouring of a genuine dream come true. The Messman sisters discuss their journey, their hits and misses, and since everyone’s becoming a chef during quarantine, they give an insight into baking your own brownies too.

Your book says you grew up wrapping chocolates. Was dessert a passion that eventually became a profession? Often, when Dad travelled on business, Mum and us had dessert for dinner. We went through recipe books and picked out things we wanted to eat. Mum baked and we made a meal of it. If time was short, we bought a few different ice- cream flavours, made tall sundaes and ate that instead. We always looked forward to these dessert extravaganzas. Using this as our inspiration, we started Theobroma, primarily as a dessert destination.

And what do you think made Theobroma tick with people on its opening day itself, and every day since? Simple quality. Products that are made in our kitchen are like they would be in yours. Nothing is fancy or pretentious. Our quality has remained consistent. We make the things we like to eat ourselves. There is a ‘like it used to be’ appeal to our products.

Your brownie recipe was born in your small Colaba kitchen. How did that happen? It was nearly 25 years ago that , a pregnant lady in our building, asked Mum to bake her some brownies. She had lived in America and was craving them again when she was pregnant. Mum had never eaten a brownie, so at first, she brushed aside the request. After a few gentle reminders, she found a walnut brownie recipe in one of her cookbooks, baked her first batch and delivered them upstairs. Gulzar loved the brownies and ordered them many times after that. Mum started offering brownies to her other customers

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make. For almost every year that we have been in business, your first memory of baking a loaf? we have run out of brownies in the days leading up to Diwali When we were growing up, Sunday lunch was always special THREE ERRORS TO AVOID and Christmas. This, despite the fact that my brownie team in our home. We would find a recipe (or recipes), go out to WHILE BAKING works around the clock during this period, with only short buy ingredients, make something delicious and enjoy our  Incorrect oven naps on the bakery floor. lunch. Mum often made cheese bread for us, our entire house temperature and About our pricing, we price our products honestly. We did smelt divine, it is one of my most favourite memories and timing. Preheat your oven as per the recipe. not want to be an exclusive brand serving a niche clientele, fragrances of my youth. Be alert towards the end and our commitment to quality prevents us from chasing of the baking time, do the lowest price point. Our prices are fair and genuinely Kainaz, as face of the brand and being a not-so-social not overbake. reflect the product, quality, ingredients, packaging, staff media-friendly person, what are the changes you've  Not paying attention welfare, infrastructure, and management costs of running our observed in yourself from the boss you became at 25, to detail. When a business. That’s really all the thought that went into it. to now? recipe calls for softened butter, it must be As you would expect, I have matured over the years. I was gradually brought to Where does the dessert space in Mumbai a grown-up kid when I started out, and I was often flustered room temperature, do stand currently? and frantic. With age comes wisdom, I now know that most not use cold-refrigerated Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city and influences come from all problems are not as big as they appear in the heat of the or warm-melted butter instead. parts of the country and the world. Mumbai residents have moment. I am (usually) more level-headed and restrained a well-developed palette, and are now recognising desserts now. My maturity and learning over the years has made me  Using poor quality ingredients. If you use made with good ingredients. Chocolate reigns supreme, but more patient, respectful and a better boss and leader. I wish chocolate compound good quality chocolate is gaining prominence. Guests don’t I could have started out this way, but sometimes one has to instead of real chocolate, just want to eat, they want a full package including taste, make mistakes to learn from them. I had to grow into the you can never make good visual appeal, packaging, etc. Dessert bars are becoming position I found myself in, but it was not an easy role to fill. I truffles. If you use inferior quality mava, you cannot popular as well, and we are continuing to innovate with had to work on my shortcomings, to become the boss that I make a rich, moist and desserts, and introduce traditional Indian flavours into am today. through her catering business and they loved it too. This was was at Theobroma that they tasted frangipane, delicious cake. otherwise western products. the beginning of the brownie craze that would sweep over a sweet almond cream, or tiramisu, a coffee- There's a culture of "apologise for being ambitious our city in the years to come. laced Italian dessert, for the first time. Many Where do you think the hospitality industry stands women" in the country we live in, and your journey of our guests are now well travelled, watch international food currently, in light of the pandemic? has been nothing less than inspiring. How have you What were the challenges of putting your lives into a shows, and they are more accepting of new things. The lockdown is the biggest setback we have faced, the experienced this and seen it change over time? book? What was the process like? biggest challenge to our business. This is not a problem that I have had to earn the respect of my staff, perhaps many We didn’t know where to start or what to do. We approached If you had to pick, what was a dish on your menu that is unique to us, though there is no comfort in collective pain. times over. I do not think about proving myself as a woman. the book as we do life — head on. The entire project seemed surprisingly became a hit? And what you thought would A lot of businesses will not survive this crisis and we are There is always (a lot of) work to do, and I focus on getting so daunting at the start that we ignored the enormity of pick up but went wrong? working our hardest to ensure we do not become a casualty things done. Having said that, I certainly don’t think any the endeavour and just started writing the bits we knew we A spectacular and unexpected success is our Christmas of the pandemic. woman should apologise for her success, it is hard earned wanted to include. We set about writing a wide variety of Stolen. It is my most favourite thing to eat in December. and well deserved when it is built on a foundation of small essays, putting our thoughts into words. As we went A miss would be a Braid Bread (legacy of Sunday The book says it's bread that rules your heart. What's tremendous effort. along, we added more stories and anecdotes and very slowly, lunches of our youth), which did not do well but was a it started coming together. fabulous product. COMFORT FOOD RECIPE Method for Ganache truffle mixture into balls Kainaz, what was the biggest challenge about bringing The Theobroma brownie has been the highlight of Chop chocolate into small of approximately 15 grams in the entrepreneurial spirit into the chef, an essential your patisserie, it brought such a high-quality taste to DIPPED chip-sized pieces and place each. Arrange balls on a tray, in a glass bowl. Heat the cling wrap and refrigerate artist of food? consumers in a reasonable price range. Kainaz, how CHOCOLATE cream in a saucepan, until it again for a minimum of 60 Entrepreneurship did not come naturally to me. I was was the Theobroma brownie born and introduced to starts to simmer on the sides. minutes or overnight. certainly not born with a gift or talent. My stripes have been the world? TRUFFLES Pour cream over chopped For the dip: Melt 150 gms of chocolate, cover with cling earned by putting in many years of hard graft and continued I am sometimes introduced as ‘Mumbai’s Brownie Queen’ Ingredients for Ganache dark chocolate in a microwave film and leave for 15 minutes. perseverance. I have learned to share the workload and take on TV programmes or radio shows and I feel such privilege • 180 gms dark chocolate or in a double boiler over Mix cream and chocolate with • 120 gms dairy cream gently simmering water. Stir help where I need it. and gratitude to be associated with brownies in this way. As a spatula until smooth, shiny the melted chocolate with we set out on the Theobroma journey, we knew one variety Ingredients for Truffles and well combined. • 300 gms chocolate ganache spatula until smooth and shiny. And how have you seen the culinary landscape change of brownie (Mum’s walnut brownie) was never going to be • 10 gms cocoa powder Method for Truffles Dip each truffle ball into over the years? enough. So, Tina and I set about developing an entire range • 60 gms melted Combine all the ingredients the melted chocolate to It may seem unbelievable today, but just over a decade of brownies. Fresh out of OCLD, I was bursting with new ideas dark chocolate above in a bowl, cling wrap coat. Lift with a chocolate fork and refrigerate to cool/set and leave to set on a lined ago not everyone knew what a brownie was. We had to and energy. As always, Tina was my enthusiastic taste tester. • 10 gms Icing sugar • 50 gms unsalted butter (for a minimum of 4 hours or baking sheet. Please allow beg people to try our fragrant carrot cake as many of them When we opened our doors way back in 2004, our brownies • Vegetable oil (or any overnight). Grease your palms chocolates to set in an air- cringed at the thought of eating a cake made of vegetables. It made us an overnight success. We sold as much as we could tasteless oil) for greasing with a little oil, and roll the conditioned room.

91 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 92 UP CLOSE WHATWHAT ISIS VIRVIR DAS’DAS’ VIAGRA?VIAGRA? A lot goes into creating Vir Das, or the anatomy of a Vir Das joke. Yes, there’s a process to it. No, it does not involve caring about what offends you

BY MAYUKH MAJUMDAR

ir Das thinks he’s too much of a comedian for minute he feels the life escaping from his victim’s body, his Bollywood and too Bollywood for comedy. He’s deep-seated fears are silenced and he can go on stage in V stated that he’s an outsider in the industry so front of a brutal crowd of hardy Uttar Pradesh folk and crack many times that Sorabh Pant even called him the “Priyanka jokes that have them rolling on the floor. Chopra of comedy”. That’s the first question I ask him "Even Sachin wears his left pad first before he hits a — why does he consider himself to be an outsider in the century. Shah Rukh Khan needs to smoke 50 cigarettes industry? And when does one stop being an outsider? After before he turns on his magic. Newton ate an apple before all, when Das started out, he may have been an outsider but he discovered gravity. Even Tansen would lie down on ice more than 10 years later, how can that still be the case? before performing and your Guru, Gulati, would eat pakodas “To really be considered an insider, you have to really before the show to get the feel, right?" ’s mentor spend enough time within that industry. And that should Jimmy (played by Ranvir Shorey) tells him in a bid to form a large part of your year. Fortunately, I think, I’ve convince him to commit murder. always been kind of transient. Before you can get lost in "Har kalakaar ka koi na koi Viagra hota hai,” he says. shooting one thing after another and spending too much So, what is Das’ Viagra? What is it that gets Vir time in vanity vans with entourages, I end up going on tour. Das going? And then I’m not on tour for 52 weeks in a year either,” Imagine this. It’s T-minus 30 minutes before Das has to go he explains. on stage in front of a live audience for his upcoming Netflix Das is starring in a Netflix show about a comedian who special. The audience primarily comprises of NRI folk whose needs to commit murder right before he goes on stage. idea of India consists of Bole Chudiyan, PM Narendra Modi Hasmukh has an interesting premise — a comedian who is and Sanghis, and relatable desi diaspora experiences like also a serial killer. Das’ character in the show cannot get it having had bushy eyebrows before Cara Delevigne made up, metaphorically speaking, until he commits murder. The them uber famous. Backstage, in his green room, Das is all

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alone. His hair and make-up crew have done their bit and he comes back to one statement: “I just write jokes”. left. He gets up from the couch and starts doing a set of But no matter how spontaneous or nonchalant Das might exercise routines. He does a few jumping jacks, push-ups try to sound, I get the distinct feeling that a lot goes into and maybe even a few burpees. These get his heart racing creating Vir Das. Take the anatomy of a Vir Das joke for and the adrenaline pumping — something he needs before instance. What’s the creative process like? “I just wake up going on stage. and write down my thoughts,” he says. He looks into the mirror and probably thinks that he looks But it’s not that easy. damn good for a 40-year-old. Maybe, for the hundredth Sure, he wakes up and writes down his thoughts. But time, he asks himself why he chose to act in Mastizaade. He then, he runs it by dozens of people to see what they think picks up his phone and goes to his pre-set playlist which, of it. He takes it to dozen or more clubs and acts out the comprises mainly of classical music and jazz. His heart is routine. Maybe nine minutes of it is shit but there’s a golden racing and the jazz just helps him up his game. The classical one minute there somewhere. He takes that one minute music is comforting because it reminds him of his father. home, and works on it till it becomes one hour of a solid Finally, there’s a knock on the door. A crew member tells comedy routine that can go up on Netflix. It’s bloody hard him that they’re ready for him and Das nods and smiles. work. Towards the end of the interview, when he is more Before stepping out of the room, he goes towards the comfortable, he tells me that there is this false perception closet and picks out a leather belt. He’s worn this belt ever that comedians just go and “spew shit they wrote 30 since he was 21 years old. He refuses to go on stage without seconds ago”. wearing it. It has been with him for 19 years and has seen Das also speaks about his experiences, like any other him through over 4,000 shows. comedian. In fact, perhaps in a bid to avoid generalisation, Leather belt in place and with his heart pumping due he even went visited places in India in Amazon Prime to the workout, Das steps on to the stage in front of the Video’s Jestination Unknown. The first episode has him audience. “The first three minutes are crucial,” he tells me. heading to Punjab where he realises that the state is more “If you can get them in the first three minutes, you’ll have than Santa-Banta jokes. He is introduced to the Punjabi them for the next 65.” tradition of a pund. A pund is a comedic routine that This pre-set routine was the inspiration is created and enacted, usually by two behind Hasmukh. Three years ago, he Punjabis who go ahead of a wedding thought to himself: “What if there was a guy "Offense is procession and offer the company some who just had to commit murder before he much-needed laughs. It’s physical humour Of all things, the one thing Vir Das is most afraid of, is his joke not being funny went on stage?” something that's and involves some playful slapping and He sat down and wrote a 35-page pilot taken, never given. beating. and took it to Nikhil Advani. Advani loved But ask Das how he differentiates only job it is to write jokes, he has been given a platform tend to observe society more than judge it. If Donald Trump it and today, the show is garnering rave Nobody writes between generalisation and relatability and that people expect him to take seriously. They expect him does something truly terrible, I’m not going on Twitter reviews. The jokes could have been stronger, he says: “I don’t, you do”. to talk about political and socio-cultural issues plaguing saying that Donald Trump is a terrible person. I’m trying to I feel, but then again, what appeals to me a joke to offend Moving on. Does Vir Das believe that the country, like the recent CAA-NRC debate that raged make a joke about it where I can disarm both the people will definitely not appeal to the crowd that people. The intent there’s something called offensive humour? throughout India. who think he’s terrible and people who don’t think he’s Hasmukh is trying to impress in the show. “No,” he says, “not at all. There’s no such Many netizens were highly disappointed when Das didn’t terrible. That’s my job,” he says. And what does Das think of the reviews? of a joke is to make thing as offensive humour. There’s humour do justice to it in his routine. "Dear Government: If you're He also doesn’t think he faces the pressure to be a more “I try and do different things for different people laugh. Now, and there’s offense. Offense is something looking for non-violent discourse and debate...quit shutting perfect figure because of the platform that has been given audiences. I think with anything I do, there’s that’s taken, its never given. Nobody writes down the Internet. Last I checked, it was more thinking and to him. “This is not coming from a place of arrogance but a specific audience for it and another you take offense a joke to offend people. The intent of a talking...less bleeding. Young people can't set the Internet coming from a place of self-preservation of sanity. I can’t segment that doesn’t resonate with it. So, joke is to make people laugh. Now, you on fire and you can't lathi charge the Internet. What say?" worry about what people think because that will just I’ve always had to exact some mix of good from a joke, that's take offense from a particular joke — that is Das had tweeted. swallow you whole,” he says. and bad. Hasmukh is a show that is dark, your particular your relationship with that joke. If I’m at a Many of the neo-liberal Twitterati expected him to do But, at the end of the day (and the interview), I ask him kitschy and unapologetically outrageous. restaurant and I ordered bhindi and I didn’t more but just because he’s not as active about a certain my final question — is there anything he’ll not joke about? Judging by the response, there’s an relationship with like the bhindi, its unfair of me to expect issue, does that make him a failure? “No, I don’t think so. I don’t do a lot of jokes about people audience for that too. It’s a little younger that joke" the entire restaurant to stop eating bhindi. “Should there be moral absolutism when it comes to who can’t fight back. You won’t see me doing jokes about and edgier,” he says. The chef didn’t go and make bhindi to piss parenting, sure. Should there be moral absolutism when it sick people a lot. You have to operate from your own moral I also ask Das how he is able to talk about me and the people in the restaurant off. If comes to the law, yes. Nobody’s perfect and everybody’s compass. I’ve been scared of the consequences of my the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy and the solubility of Parle-G you don’t like it, order something else.” got their good points and bad points. I’m more worried comedic routines every day. I have no false bravado. I’m biscuits in the same routine. He says that it comes with It might sound arbitrary, but I’ve always wanted to ask about finding what’s funny about it rather than what’s right always worried about what could happen to me or my time. He refuses to accept credit for having done something Das about his thoughts on moral absolutism. While Das may or wrong. The one fortunate thing we have about being family. But what I fear more than that is the joke not being out-of-the-blue or something superlative — time and again, not consider himself to be anything but a comedian whose comedians is that we tend to be by ourselves a lot and we funny. That’s the one thing I am most afraid of.”

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reasons that led me to work in the field of What are the challenges you faced during tourism alongside hospitality. I wanted to do the process? something different, and I believe innovation Being the first of its kind in India, there is what drives an entrepreneur. were a number of difficulties that cropped up at each stage. From licenses to building ELEGANCE How was the idea of AB Celestial born? a dedicated road for the project to ending The idea of AB Celestial was born by the sole up designing the interiors myself, it took purpose of boosting not only tourism but nearly eight months. Since it’s a boat, I had also the economy of the country. Extensive to hire a professional team not only for travel and exposure to European waterfronts operations but also the ship crew to live on from an early age made me realise how they the vessel, and ensure safety. boosted tourism in other countries. Back home in Mumbai, I saw a huge opportunity How has your journey been so far? on the seaside. I noticed how a large number It has already been a long and arduous of people, including my friends and family, journey, but it’s just the beginning of a travelled overseas or to cities like Goa longer one. It has also made me realise or Kochi to experience the waterfront or never to be afraid of taking risks in beaches, despite Mumbai being on the coast. business and exploring new ideas. Not The thought of curating a luxury dining yacht being from the hospitality sector has never was to have a tourist attraction and also make stopped me from setting up Celestial. use of our exquisite seaside. Having a degree is great, but so is being the kind of person who prefers learning on Millennials Run the job instead of books. What makes AB Celestial stand out? Other than being the first floating restaurant, The World what sets it apart would be the blue and What do you think of the hospitality white colour schemed décor, artifacts, industry and where do you think Meet Aishwarya Bhende, the young entrepreneur theme-based cocktails, and specially it’s headed? behind the concept of the three-floor luxury curated food menus. The focus is to give a I think all businesses, whether in dining yacht, AB Celestial theme-based experience to not only the well hospitality or other sectors, have taken a travelled but also those who haven’t had the hit at this point, because of the lockdown The beautiful and luxurious yacht, AB opportunity to visit yachts. and less cash flow in the economy. People Celestial, is the first floating restaurant will continue to be cautious for the next in India and has been conceptualised by How has AB Celestial fared so far? What was few months. The best way to face this 24-year-old Aishwarya Bhende. At the the response? challenge is by focusing on how we BREGUET age of 18, she started putting her dream I never imaged AB Celestial to be the can use this period of time to prepare together, and at 24, today, she has been backdrop for Nokia’s television commercial ourselves to run smoother operations and CLASSIQUE 7137 running her business for three years already. featuring , launching the Lexus work towards the future. Bhende discusses the challenges of setting NX 300h (The first car launch on water) or Breguet revisits the Classique model, 7137, up a conceptual business and her future Masaba Gupta unveiling her cruise collection Three lessons you have learnt while with one of its historic specialities — engine- ideas to expand in the hospitality sector. with Bombay’s creme de la creme. Working building a business from scratch? turning — the art of creating elegant, with giants from industries, be it Mercedes 1. Don’t be afraid to take a risk repetitive patterns on the dial, using a What made you take an interest in the Benz AMG, tech mammoth Google, 2. Manage your time hospitality industry? e-commerce dominator Amazon Prime, 3. Success comes to those who work special machine. The variations in the I set up my first company called ‘Amnesia’ home of entertainment YouTube, make-up patterns on the silvered gold or Breguet blue at the age of 16, doing events with hotels mogul Lakmé beauty, or finance guru’s What would be your advice to gold dials differentiate the reading zones like Intercontinental and The Lalit that gave HSBC has been unreal as an entrepreneur budding entrepreneurs? me the feel of the hotel industry. I brought for me. The most recent and fondest I firmly believe in ‘anchoring your dreams with sophisticated simplicity. Open-tipped home my first pay cheque. Truth is, I did sign memory is when we hosted the NBA. AB into reality’ because if you can dream of Breguet hands and Roman numerals ensure up for Arts during my first year at Jai Hind Celestial was the official venue for the pre- something, then you can do it no matter easy readability. Each watch is individually College, but eventually decided to face my party before kickstarting the brand new how long it may take. Coca Cola only numbered with an engraved secret signature. fears, by switching to Commerce. Mumbai NBA season. We had the longest week with sold 25 bottles in their first year, so time is the commercial capital of the country, sleepless nights and a lot of spilled coffees has a way of working in your favour. If They come in slender 39 mm cases, with and also the 14th most visited location in order to set up the first floating basketball your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t fluted sides. The leather bracelet is held internationally. That was one of the few court in the world. big enough. together by lugs. They are powered by an extra-thin 502.3 caliber with an engine- turned gold rotor.

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HUBLOT BIG BANG MP-11 RED MAGIC A big, brash statement watch for those who aren’t TOUGH WATCHES afraid of drawing attention, the Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic features a bright red 45mm ceramic case, developed and produced in-house by Hublot. Its HUB9011 manual winding movement, with seven FOR TOUGH TIMES series-coupled barrels, provides a power reserve of up to 14 days, which is prominently displayed on the Tough times never last, tough watches do. The current global situation dial. This movement, which incorporates a 90-degree helical worm gear, comprises of 270 components, doesn’t really warrant going out to shop for a watch, but we can always and is notable for its patented index-assembly dream about what we’re going to splurge on once things go back to normal. system, silicon escapement and platinum bridges. The polished red ceramic bezel gets black-plated Here’s a quick peek at some of the new watches that were launched while titanium screws, while the crown and strap are made we were in lockdown, and some a few weeks earlier of high-grade black rubber. Only 100 units of this limited-edition watch will be produced. JAQUET DROZ GRANDE SECONDE OFF-CENTERED BLACK JADE A slim, classy timepiece from Jaquet Droz, the Grande Seconde Off-Centered is finished in red gold and black jade, with a 43mm case that features an offset display for time (hour and minutes), with the seconds hand getting its own separate space. ZENITH DEFY 21 LAND The watch is powered by a Jaquet Droz 2663A.P, self-winding mechanical movement, which incorporates a silicon balance ROVER EDITION spring and pallet horns, double barrel, flat bridges and heavy Zenith recently showcased the new DEFY 21 Land Rover Edition at metal oscillating weight. This movement offers an impressive the inaugural LVMH Watch Week in . Its release coinciding power reserve of up to 68 hours, and the watch is water with the launch of the next-generation Land Rover Defender, resistant for a depth of up to 30 m. The dial is made of black the DEFY 21 Land Rover Edition is a rugged reinterpretation of jade, which has been worked by hand as a mineral sheet just Zenith’s 21st century El Primero high-frequency chronograph, with 1mm thick. This rare and precious material is paired with a red production being limited to 250 pieces. Made with microblasted gold case, while the two circles and the hands on the dial are titanium, the DEFY’s 44mm case is paired with a matching closed also finished in red gold. The handmade black alligator leather grey dial, which incorporates a linear power reserve window. The strap features a folding clasp. Only 88 pieces of this limited- watch, which boasts 10 ATM water resistance and 1/100th of a edition watch will be produced. second chronograph movement, is powered by the El Primero 9004 automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve.

CHOPARD L.U.C XPS TWIST QF BLANCPAIN VILLERET COLLECTION The L.U.C XPS Twist QF is a limited-edition luxury watch, with only 250 pieces slated For 2020, Blancpain's classic collection is going blue in the face. The Villeret Quantième for production. The slim case is made of white gold. The watch itself features Chopard’s Complet and the Villeret Ultraplate are now available with new blue dials. Named after calibre 96.26-L; its self-winding mechanism is powered by an engraved 22-carat the village where Blancpain was founded in 1735, the Villeret models combine subtle gold high inertia micro-rotor, which provides a power reserve of 65 hours, along with elegance with technical sophistication. The Quantième Complet, which is powered by a chronometer-certified precision. With its offset crown and offset small seconds display, 6654 self-winding movement, combines a complete calendar and moon phases. Its dial the L.U.C XPS Twist QF also has one more discerning design element — the texture on its shows the date, day of the week and month, while the moon phase display includes a dial surface is centred around the small seconds hand (rather than the centre of the dial), distinctive ‘mischievous’ face that stands out as an interesting element on this watch. The while a double-facetted hour marker replaces the figure 12 on this particular model, the Villeret Ultraplate doesn’t feature as many complications, but does include a date display. only one in the L.U.C collection to have this element. Chopard fans will also notice that Its 1151 self-winding movement boasts a four-day power reserve, which is useful. Both of this watch has the words ‘Qualité Fleurier’ inscribed below the name L.U.Chopard, where these new models get a 40mm red gold case and midnight blue dial, a seconds hand that the chronometer inscription is generally placed. Chopard helped create the Fleurier bears the founder’s (Jehan-Jacques Blancpain) initials, a sapphire crystal case back and Quality Foundation and its certification, based on exhaustive testing, is said to be the midnight blue alligator strap. hardest to achieve.

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FREDERIQUE CONSTANT FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH FAVRE-LEUBA SKY MANUFACTURE CHIEF DATE Frederique Constant has presented two The Sky Chief Date combines the classic Favre- new variations on its Flyback Chronograph Leuba design DNA with a blue fabric NATO strap Manufacture collection, which is powered for a young, sporty look. This is the Favre-Leuba for by the FC-760 calibre. Pressing the pusher those who prefer a more casual look, as opposed to at 4 o’clock declutches this chronograph’s the more traditional look and feel of a steel bracelet, movement and resets it; once the pusher is or a leather strap version. The Sky Chief Date is released, the movement and the chronograph powered by an automatic ETA 2824-2 movement, re-engage and the chronograph restarts. The with a 40 mm or a 43mm stainless steel case, flyback module accounts for just 96 of the screw-in crown, curved sapphire crystal with anti- entire movement’s 233 parts, making it one reflection coating, screwed and aligned case back of the most efficient flyback modules in the and 100m water resistance. The blue dial features world. The Flyback Chronograph Manufacture appliquéd, luminous index marks, and luminous line includes two colour options, including a LONGINES hour and minute hands. 42mm gold case with a brown dial and brown HERITAGE leather strap, and a its 42mm stainless steel case with blue dial and blue leather strap. Both CLASSIC versions feature baton indices and luminous The Heritage Classic takes design hands, with the Frederique Constant logo inspiration from the 1930s, stamped on the strap’s deployment clasp. with Arabic numerals and hour markers on a satin — finished silver dial, with blued steel hands and a relatively small 38.5mm stainless steel case. The watch is powered by the L893.5 calibre, which features a silicon balance spring. This self-winding mechanical movement is exclusive to the Heritage line of watches. Customers can choose between a blue denim-effect leather NATO strap or semi matte black leather strap – a tool provided with the watch that allows the wearer to easily switch between the two.

PANERAI LUMINOR MARINA CARBOTECH 44MM TAG HEUER CONNECTED Panerai is celebrating 70 years of the iconic Luminor this year. This new The TAG Heuer Connected watch combines the refinement and elegance of a carbonfibre watch celebrates the occasion. Somewhat reminiscent of the Swiss chronograph with web connectivity and full digital functionality. The watch Swiss brand’s original LAB-ID Luminor, which was released in 2017, it offers a range of services from Wear OS by Google, and the new TAG Heuer Sports comes in a suitably hefty 44mm case, with notably short lugs and Panerai’s app provides detailed tracking for golf, running, cycling, walking, fitness and distinctive crown guard. The ‘Carbotech’, used to make the case, is produced other sessions, thanks to the watch’s built-in GPS and heart-rate monitor, among by compressing thin sheets of carbonfibre at high pressure, with a high-end other sensors. The Connected watch is available with a choice of 45mm stainless- polymer, which gives the material its distinct wave-like finish. The watch is steel or titanium cases with a graduated ceramic bezel, a central rotating crown powered by the P.9010 calibre, an in-house automatic movement that provides flanked by two functional pushers, and a screwed caseback. The dial features an a 72-hour power reserve, and incorporates a rather uncommon independently OLED touchscreen (which can display a range of customisable watch faces) that’s adjustable hour hand, which simplifies switching time zones. protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and customers can choose between steel bracelet and black rubber strap options. To extend the battery life, the screen alternates between active and ambient mode, but always indicates the time.

101 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 102 BOOKEND / THE SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILE What Karan Johar’s Instagram feed says about him

Of late, Johar has been sharing numerous videos with the hashtag #LockdownWithTheJohars featuring his children, Yash and Roohi. The videos are hilarious, to say the least

Any social media profile about KJo would be empty if it didn't mention his famous pouting selfies Remember when the media considered Johar, Shah Rukh Khan and as the holy trinity of Bollywood? The director regularly shares #throwback images with King Khan and they're a sight to behold

Johar is also one of the most fashion forward men in Bollywood and Yes, Johar has a host of celebrity friends, but it is all the pictures he shares on about loving his parents, for his Instagram account him. He also shares images prove his fashion sense of himself with his mum

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