JULY 2020

LIVE HEALTHY, STAY FIT

Top picks for Chef high tea Amit Puri Modern Gardening with meets classic microgreens Understanding protein lows

Neeraj Chopra on the comeback trail

MUGDHA GODSE Style and substance

JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 1 LIVE HEALTHY, STAY FIT Letter from the Editor VOLUME NO.10 • ISSUE NO. 06 JULY 2020

EDITOR Philip Mathew CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR & DIRECTOR Riyad Mathew SUBEDITOR Oshin Grace Daniell SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Priyanka Bhadani, Pooja Biraia Jaiswal What happens inside your body when there is a sudden craving for ART EDITOR M.T. Jayakrishnan something sweet? It could be a signal that you protein level is low. As surprising as it sounds, hunger is the response of the body to protein deficiency and the DESIGN Sujesh K. increase in appetite tends to revolve around sugar craving. Head to the Inhale Ajeesh Kumar M., Sumesh C.N. section to read about ways to know whether your body has a low protein level. EDITORIAL Besides low protein, do you also feel like you have a low mood? Maybe it is Karthik Ravindranath, time to dance away the blues. Thanks to cloud clubbing, you can now party to Reuben Joe Joseph, Nirmal Jovial the DJ’s beats in the comfort of your home. The best part is that you don’t even PHOTO RESEARCH have to wear a fancy dress or pay the entry fee. Akbar Sami, who is one of the Bimal Nath C., Jomy M. Joseph pioneers of DJing in India, talks about how the concept is trending among party- CORPORATE MARKETING OFFICE goers. And who couldn’t use some cheering up during the lockdown? Tune into VARGHESE CHANDY, VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING, ADVERTISING SALES a cloud-clubbing session and unwind to the beats of the thumping music. OOMMEN P THARAKAN, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING In this issue, our cover girl Mugdha Godse talks about her journey from BUSINESS HEAD modelling to acting. The 36-year-old actor who made her Bollywood debut PRANAV KUMAR with the 2008 film Fashion might have had a bumpy ride in the industry but she BUSINESS OFFICES believes that there is more to life than box-office hits. “Nothing went wrong NEW DELHI PRAVEEN GOPINATHAN, ATUL ARORA, REGIONAL DEPUTY GENERAL after Fashion. My last hit movie was Jail. The projects after that did not really DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, MANAGER, MARKETING work out. But I did not feel low. I was confused, though, and wondered why it MARKETING KOLKATA was happening. However, I refused to succumb to that darkness,” she says. With MUMBAI MANORANJAN ANANDAN, SHREE KUMAR MENON, DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, high hopes on her upcoming film Fauji Calling, she is looking forward to new RESIDENT CHIEF GENERAL MARKETING projects with renewed vigour. “People still want to talk to me even after 12 years MANAGER HYDERABAD PARNA CHATTERJEE, ABRAHAM T GEORGE, of my hit film. I am grateful for that and I don’t think I deserve to have a low mo- HEAD SALES, LUXURY REGIONAL DEPUTY GENERAL ment. The sun will rise again tomorrow,” she says. MAGAZINES, WEST MANAGER, MARKETING CHENNAI COIMBATORE In One Shot, chef Amit Puri talks about mixing modern cooking with Indian SURESH K C, REGIONAL CHIEF RAJESH NAIR K, classics. He also shares six easy recipes from his recently launched cookbook GENERAL MANAGER, MARKETING DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, JOHN SUDHIR ABRAHAM, MARKETING Redefining Comfort Food With Amit Puri, which is a collection of global comfort SENIOR MANAGER, MARKETING PUNE food. And don’t worry about getting too comfortable eating the comfort food. BANGALORE AMARNATH JOSHI, We have got you covered. Head to the story on fat cutter drinks which has a list RANJIT KURIAN, REGIONAL SENIOR MANAGER, MARKETING CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER, of the top five decoctions that you and your gut will love. Sit back and relax as MARKETING these detox drinks work their magic on your waistline. For Advertising inquiries: [email protected] or call: +919895395097 Stay safe, stay healthy and, most of all, stay at home. CIRCULATION M RAJAGOPALAN NAIR, HARI M. VARRIER, VICE PRESIDENT, CIRCULATION GENERAL MANAGER, SALES SUMIT DEVASSY, SENIOR MANAGER, CIRCULATION Subscriptions For all subscription-related inquiries please write, email or fax to Manager, Circulation, Malayala Manorama, PB No. 4278, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi-686 036 Kerala, India. Email: [email protected] or call: +919895395024 Printed at Malayala Manorama Press, Kodimatha, Kottayam-686039 and published from Manorama Buildings, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi-682036 by Jacob Mathew, on behalf of the Malayala Manorama Co.Ltd., Kottayam-686001. Editor: Philip Mathew. Reproduction in any form is prohibited. Feedback: [email protected]

2 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 3 JULY 2020

LIVE HEALTHY, STAY FIT

Top picks for Chef high tea Amit Puri Modern Gardening with meets classic microgreens Understanding protein lows

Neeraj Chopra JULY on the comeback trail

MUGDHA GODSE Style and substance CONTENTS JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 1 PHOTOGRAPH BY MAYUR SHEDGE 2020 18 36 PAUSE 36 Twisted Turns: Namit Khanna on his transition from modelling to clowning to acting.

40 House Party: Trend of cloud clubbing during the lockdown

EXHALE 54 What I Ate Today: Actor Donal Bisht shares her diet and fitness regime.

SMILE 64 It’s A Wrap: Tales of a grand old dame. 46 56 ON THE COVER 18 Food Trend: Top five places SMART START to have high tea.

6 Skin Care: Ways to deal with an oily T-zone. 24 Deficiency Alert: Signs of low protein level in body. 8 Quick Bites: Understanding stress and anxiety, superfood pumpkin seeds and more. 32 Small Wonders: Benefits of microgreens and ways to 10 Why My Life Is Smart: Actor Digangana grow it at home. Suryavanshi says it is important to see the good in others. 42 Game On: Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra on scaling 12 Eat Right: Tips to stay healthy during mon- greater heights. soon. 46 Cover Story: Actor 14 Med Talk: Hernia—symptoms and treatment. Mugdha Godse says life is more than box-office hits.

INHALE 56 One Shot: Chef Amit Puri on modern Indian cooking. KUMAR SACHIN 28 Stay Fit: Easy-to-make fat cutter drinks for a slim

waistline. PHOTO

FOCUS/IN FOCUS FEATURES ARE MARKETING/PR INITIATIVES

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

Zone refining Ways to deal with an oily T-zone

BY DR MOHAN THOMAS

he T-zone consists of the central part of the face O Fragrance means nothing: Use fragrance-free products such as the forehead, nose, chin and the area as much as possible so that the natural ingredients pre- Taround the mouth. People who dual skin type tend sent in these products are not harmful to your skin. Dry, to have an oilier T-zone. ey also have many open pores dull, or aky skin can react to the fragrance products as in this region along with a signicantly higher level of they are more prone to irritation. acne and pimples compared to the cheeks. Here are some ways to alleviate the adverse eects of O Blot away: Keep blotting sheets handy. Dab it on the an oily T-zone. area whenever it feels oily.

O Clean the area regularly: Usa a mild face wash. Bar soap O Block sun: Sunscreen is very important for the protection should not be used as it will make the skin dry and red. of your skin from UV rays. A broad-spectrum sunscreen Home remedies include application of honey and milk. with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and water based with minimum SPF 30 is good to use. Limit your time O Use a good toner: It helps to further balance the pH under the sun as it can lead to premature ne lines, dark of skin which in turn prevents the skin from becom- spots, and even wrinkles. ing extra dry. Toners help in pore closure which prevents the impurities from clogging the pores and O Hold on to your water bottle: Consume at least four prevents skin infection. In addition, they oer hydra- litres of water every day. It helps keep the skin supple tion to the skin which gives the skin a smooth and and hydrated. awless appearance. O Work out: Exercise on a regular basis as it increases the O Moisturise: It is very dicult to moisture a combina- pumping of blood throughout the body. Incorporate a tion skin without clogging the pores. Two dierent couple of facial exercises in order to tighten the skin on types of moisturisers for dierent areas can be used the face. along with supplements like sh oil, axseed oil and Thomas is a senior cosmetic surgeon, walnuts. is makes the skin feel smooth and soft. Cosmetic Surgery Institute.

6 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMARTSL/JULY-20 LIFE 7 Quick bites Migraine vs headache super FOODof the month When there is pressure or pain in your head, it can be difficult to differentiate between a typical headache and a migraine. However, understanding whether it is a migraine or a headache is crucial. It can mean faster relief through better treatment. When compared with tension or other headache types, migraine pain can be moderate to severe. Some people may experience headaches so severe they seek care at an emergency room. Migraines will typically affect only one side of the head. However, it is possible to have a migraine that affects both sides of the head. Other differences include the pain’s quality. A migraine will cause intense pain that may be throbbing and will make performing daily tasks very difficult. Migraine are typically divided into two categories—migraine with aura and migraine without aura. An aura refers to sensa- tions a person experiences before getting a migraine. It can be anything from feeling less mentally alert or having trouble thinking to seeing flashing lights or unusual lines. Pumpkin seeds = Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of healthy fats, fibres and various antioxidants that are beneficial for the heart. These seeds consist of monounsaturated fatty acids that help to lower bad cholesterol and Acne vs pimple increase good cholesterol in the blood. = The seeds also contain serotonin, a neurochemical which aids in get- Confused if it is an acne or a pimple? The main difference ting better sleep. A handful of these seeds before going to bed will between acne and pimple is that acne is a disease and pimple is help one get a sound sleep. one of its symptoms. Acne is a condition affecting the skin’s hair follicles and oil glands. Under the skin, the pores are connected = They have anti-inflammatory properties and is known to reduce to glands that secrete an oily substance called sebum. The glands arthritis pain. They are also a good remedy when it comes to treating and pore are connected by a canal known as a follicle that has a pain in joints. thin hair that grows out to the skin’s surface. When sebum and = They help improve insulin regulation in diabetics and decrease oxida- dead skin cells clump together, they form a plug in the follicle. tive stress. These seeds are a rich source of digestible protein that Bacteria in the plug causes inflammation, leading to red pimples helps stabilise blood sugar levels. in acne. Many think greasy food and chocolate cause acne but in- terestingly that is not the case in majority of people. It is mainly = They are one of the best snacks to lose weight. They are dense and due to hormonal changes, high humidity and even squeezing or helps keep one satiated for a longer period. They are also high in picking at existing pimples. fibre.

Stress vs anxiety Isn’t it the same thing? Surely Vegan vs plant-based both are a part of the body’s natural fight and flight response. Both vegan and plant-based meal plans have made headlines in the When someone feels under recent past for their health benefits. But most people don’t have clarity threat, their body releases stress on what is the difference between the two. Vegan diets eliminate all hormones. These hormones cause animal products, while plant-based diets do not necessarily eliminate the heart to beat faster, resulting in more animal products, but focus on eating mostly plants, such as fruits, blood pumping to the organs and limbs. Apart vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. In a vegan diet plan, all from increased breathing, one’s senses become sharper animal products including dairy, meat, poultry, fish, eggs and honey and the body releases nutrients into the blood to ensure all are eliminated. With a plant-based diet, you can decide whether or parts have the energy they need. This process happens really Your setback is just a setup not you want to consume animal products, and the focus is on eating quickly, and experts call it stress. Anxiety is the body’s response mostly food that comes from plant sources. Plant-based diets also to that stress. Many people will recognise anxiety as the feeling for a comeback. emphasise eating whole food, meaning the food has undergone little— of distress, unease or dread that someone has before a signifi- if any—processing and is as close to its natural state as possible. The cant event. It keeps them alert and aware. Stress tends to be —STEVE HARVEY big question is, which is better? Your doctor has the answer to that. So, short term and in response to a recognised threat. Anxiety can consult an expert before choosing either. linger and can sometimes seem as if nothing is triggering it.

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

why my life issmart and counting my blessings. I feel that you are lucky if you have support from the ones you love.

Fitness regime Right now, functional training, yoga, some step Learning everyday up and cycling at home.

Actor Digangana Suryavanshi says it is Diet mantra important to have faith in oneself Diet is not about eating less but about eating at the right time. I try to avoid a lot of sweets and control my portions. I also eat five hours Your journey Greatest challenge before sleep. I faced the camera for the first time when The biggest challenge is when something I was seven. It started off as a fascination does not turn out how you want it to. I made Ty p i c a l d a y but it stayed with me. I was so young and some hard decisions. Veera and Bigg Boss was I wake up early, work out, take a shower, take I wanted to be on TV. I was 11 when I did a journey in itself. People, sometimes, don’t phone calls and step out for shoots. I speak to my my daily soap Shakuntala. During this have faith in you but you need to have enough parents regularly. On a holiday, I just relax and do time I realised that acting is something faith in yourself. I came from a background almost nothing. that I want to keep doing. Then I took where I used to work every single day and up Ruk Jana Nahi and finally Veera which suddenly my way of working changed. It was a Ways to unwind was my first leading show. I had my novel lot of struggle where I see myself. I love to listen to music. I can keep listening coming out at the same time. My parents for hours. don’t interfere in my life. They keep me Biggest strength grounded but at the same time let me take The fact that I am very passionate about my Dreams for the future decisions. I think this is the reason why I job. I have been working for so many years I wish, I continue working and people are willing feel more independent. I learned every- and it shows how much I love it. I don’t do it to watch me on screen. thing on my own. When I decided to go and leave it. I try something different. I have on Bigg Boss, my mother was sceptical as I a lot of struggles but it is not really out there Going international don’t even cook in the house. But I wanted for other people to see. I think those are Well, I hope I get international projects. As to pursue it and I did. my strengths. an actor, there are no such barriers. I want to be a part of shows which get global attention Current projects Weaknesses and recognition. I am doing a film in Hindi now. We started Even if I know what are my weaknesses are, I shooting for it before lockdown. I am very don’t speak about it in public. People would A hobby you picked up during the lockdown excited about it. I can’t talk much about it, just use it against me and I don’t want that to I picked up painting and I must say that I thor- but I hope we will make an announcement happen. oughly enjoy it. very soon. I am also doing another film; it is a squad drama. Something you binge-watched One dish you whipped up during this time Old Ramayan and Mahabharat I would say. Parathas! All kinds of parathas. Most memorable time But I don’t binge-watch a lot because my I have memories from my childhood. I eyes hurt. distinctly remember the time we went Why do you think your life is smart? to Jammu and Kashmir; it is very special Lessons learnt My life is smart because I manage to be happy. memory. The initial days of Veera are I am learning a lot at the moment. Lessons on I try to see good in others. memorable as well. being grateful, not taking things for granted As told to Oshin Grace Daniell

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

It is also recommended to consume two spoons of virgin coconut oil every day for a healthy and energetic start to the day. Ginger: Adrak chai in the monsoon is every Indian’s love affair. Ginger is regarded as one of the oldest remedies for soothing a cold or flu. A ginger, lemon and turmeric Not so soon, concoction is a power-packed homemade immune boosting drink. Turmeric: It has anti-viral properties. A monsoon glass of turmeric milk does wonders to soothe a cold and fights against common Feeling under the weather? monsoon infections. Here are tips to stay healthy Make smart food choices during the rainy season Wash all your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before storing, especially leafy BY SHERYL SALIS vegetables, cauliflowers and broccoli. During monsoon, it is better to go for non-leafy vegetables such as bottle gourd, snack gourd (pawal), bitter gourd (karela), cluster beans, french beans and yam. It with worms or unnaturally ripened. Get adequate sleep and also advisable to steam the veggies and Since the immune system is gener- maintain personal hygiene sprouts before consuming. ally weaker during the monsoons, it also The body needs rest to function properly Consume seasonal fruits like bananas, weakens digestion. Hence, it is recom- throughout the day. Therefore, it is recom- apples, lychees, cherries and pomegranate mended to eat in moderation. Even if taste mended to get about seven hours of sleep as non-seasonal ones might be infected buds persists, do not always eat heavy to build a strong and healthy immune when hungry. system. It is best to avoid uncooked food such Infections and bacteria spread rapidly he arrival of monsoon brings with levels high is essential to stay healthy. as raw salads and sprouts. A hot bowl of in the monsoon especially when surround- it a feeling of nostalgia and respite Here are a few precautions and dietary soup is a healthy snack during the mon- ings are polluted and contaminated. Use from the scorching summer. modifications that can easily be adopted soon months. For people drenched in rain mosquito repellents and creams or nets But the risk of illnesses caused by you and your family members. water, soup provides instant relief since its if you live in mosquito-prone areas. Keep Tby bacteria and viruses in the air also warm base clears up phlegm in the nasal following the habit of washing your hands increase. Moreover, the monsoons cause Monsoon superfood cavities and soothes the general throat regularly with soap and water. temperature fluctuations, pollution and Since the damp weather is a breeding area. It also acts as a cleanse through your Do not allow your children to play in water contamination leading to a number ground for bacteria, it is advised to have body as it takes away bacteria and waste puddles as leptospirosis in the monsoons of water-borne diseases, infections and more home-cooked meals that include products to the body’s excretory system. is a major threat; wash feet and dry with a digestive ailments. The reason we are immunity boosting food and what better Sip on herbal teas; add mint, moringa, soft cloth after coming home. susceptible to these problems is a weak than superfood. basil or ginger to your morning cup of tea immune system. Our immune system is a Virgin coconut oil: It is hailed as a super to get relief from cold and phlegm. They Physical activity network of cells and tissues that defends food because of its myriad health benefits. are antibacterial in nature. Being quarantined at home has taught the body against bacteria, viruses, infec- The important medium-chain fatty acids For non-vegetarians, opt for lighter us that we can be physically active even tions or substances that appear foreign present in coconut oil are lauric acid, preparations like soups, stews, tandoori indoors. Physical activity stimulates the and harmful to the body. caprylic acid and capric acid. The function and grilled rather than heavy curries. immune system, making it stronger and This year, in light of the pandemic, the of monolaurin also found in coconut oil is less susceptible to infections. Any kind importance of a healthy immune system that of an anti-virus that kills it by dissolv- Stay hydrated of workout increases the blood flow and has been the most highlighted self-care ing the protective lipids surrounding it. As compared to the summer, people feel pumps anti-bodies throughout the body measure by health experts. Similarly, a This makes virgin coconut oil an excellent less thirsty in the monsoon and drink less which in turn helps improve immunity. strong immune system is a natural defence superfood that has multiple health ben- water throughout the day. It is important Have a healthy and safe monsoon. mechanism against many monsoon related efits and also helps improve the immune to continue drinking six to eight glasses of ailments as well. It is therefore recom- system. It can be used in cooking, baking water daily to stay hydrated as it flushes Salis is a registered nutritionist, mended to consume food which prevent us vegan desserts at home or even as a salad all the toxins away. Make it a habit to drink naturopath, certified diabetes educator from falling sick, as keeping our immunity dressing or sautéing basic vegetables. boiled and filtered water. and wellness coach based in Mumbai.

12 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 13 smart start Med Talk Battle with the bulge Are you suffering from hernia? Here are ways to identify and combat it

BY DR ERBAZ RIYAZ MOMIN

hernia occurs when an internal organ or other body part protrudes through the wall of muscle or tissue that Ausually contains it. When a defect or weakness occurs in the abdominal wall, the contents of the abdomen jut out through the defect. It aects both the genders at any age, but it is more common among men. It can be felt under the skin as a lump. Most often a hernia presents as a gradually increas- ing swelling, which is usually painless. Often the swelling disappears on lying down and appears or increases on standing. e swelling is usually noted in the groin as it is the most common site of a hernia. A hernia can occur in any part of the abdomen. It can also occur through the scar of previous abdominal surgery or around the umbilicus. A reducible hernia is usually painless and can be pushed back in but comes out on standing or coughing. Sometimes, the swelling becomes painful when it increases in size or when it does not disappear. In certain patients, this could even be the rst presentation. is needs urgent attention and is known as an incarcer- ated hernia. In certain situations, it may get aggravated and the blood ow to the hernial contents is aected lead- ing to a strangulated hernia. is is a surgical emergency and delay in seek-

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

ABREAST OF LATEST TRENDS, DEVELOPMENTS

Once upon a time, bay leaves used to be given as awards to praise artists. This hum- ble leaf, found in tropical regions, has many amazing benefits. It has been used as a natural medicine for ages and the bay laurel tree is considered to be sacred. It has anti-bacterial and anti- ing surgical guidance may have serious concept. Every surgery is tailor-made U If you have constipation or diculty inflammatory properties, and implications for the patient. based on the condition of the indi- passing urine (in elderly males with are thus cherished in me- vidual undergoing it. Hence in some the prostate problem), ask your sur- dicinal healing. Even burning Diagnosis cases scans may be ordered to plan geon for appropriate medications bay leaves has therapeutic Typically, a surgeon would listen to the surgery. U If you have discomfort, then lie down effects. Bay leaves contain your problem and then examine you Immediately after the lockdown on your back linalool, a compound known and feel your swelling. e patient may was announced, there were frantic vis- U On lying down, the hernia will to treat anxiety. Smelling bay be examined in a lying down and in its by patients operated earlier. While decrease and you should feel better leaves for just about 10 min- standing position as well and may they were being sorted, there were a U Contact your surgeon in case of any utes can instantly help you even be asked to cough. At the end of lot of inquiries and visits by patients warning symptoms or discomfort feel better. This compound the examination, the surgeon would be whose surgeries were scheduled but is also known to enhance able to diagnose your hernia. In certain postponed because of the pandemic. Warning communication. People who situations (obesity, multiple previ- Routine planned surgeries have been U A hernia causing pain or discomfort burn bay leaves regularly ous surgeries), it may be dicult to suspended as it may not be appropri- U Hernial swelling not decreasing on note that the smoke puts you diagnose a hernia by clinical method; ate for the patients and we may end up lying down in a “psychedelic state”, but sometimes a hernia may not pre- stretching the existing resources. U Increase in hernial swelling along it doesn’t make you tired; the sent with a swelling. In such situations with pain or discomfort smoke can calm your body CT or MRI scans, ultrasound scans Tips for patients awaiting U Increase in the swelling with consti- hernia surgery while simultaneously perking or further invasive methods might be pation or inability to pass atus you up. necessary to diagnose a hernia. U Relax, majority of hernias If you experience any of the above How to burn the leaves: Each investigation has its own are uncomplicated symptoms then contact your surgeon Place a few bay leaves on an limitation and a hernia surgeon would U Do not lift heavyweights at the earliest. ashtray, light it up and let it be able to select and utilise the test U Avoid constipation by including fresh burn for about 10 minutes. to diagnose a hernia. When it comes fruits and vegetables in your diet and Momin is a general and laparoscopic to surgery, there is no ‘one size ts all’ stay hydrated surgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Mumbai.

16 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 17 inhale Food Trend

Time for TEA! How would you like an elaborate evening with high-backed chairs, crackers with butter and fruitcakes? Here’s where to go

BY RUPALI DEAN

ven in these trying times when the food and beverage sector has been walloped by the coronavirus, it seems that the appeal of lazing Ean afternoon away in virtuous company over tea and beautiful snacks has not gone away. Flurys, Kolkata Business for high tea sets is holding steady e quintessential abode of style and sophistication and with its for restaurants and café and even picking up European legacy, Flurys is considered one of the best tearooms for for some. ere is a divergent lifestyle shift. indulging in top quality European confections and chocolates in the Earlier, people would step out for a quick auent Park Street. Flurys has been serving high tea as part of its tea or coee at work, but now they prefer menu for the last nine decades. Freshly brewed teas are served along lingering over high tea. A British tradition, with a choice of butter cream pastries, tarts, tea sandwiches and the concept of high tea is very dierent from a scones. Apart from this, there is an entire menu available for guests to normal tea break. With a lavish spread of sal- create their own high tea assortment. In the era of quick-x ‘coee to ads, crackers with butter, teacakes, fruitcakes, go’ concept, Flurys prides itself in being a space that is relaxed, con- homemade bread, pies and tarts, it started as temporary and trendy where one can indulge in elaborate high teas. something for royals and aristocrats to spend Flurys also creates high tea buets that are exclusive and indulgent their afternoon in a leisurely fashion on their and are an epitome of a classic tea room experience. e ‘afternoon cushy posh chairs. Today, many upscale hotels tea’ consists of a lemon tart, a butterscotch pastry, cucumber tea sand- across the globe oer dierent versions of the wich and tea or coee. e ‘cream tea’ simply consists of a choice of time-honoured tradition. Here are some of the tea/coee accompanied with two freshly baked scones, clotted cream, top eateries in India that are a classy blend of jam and butter. Apart from these, there are various customisable contemporary and conventional. options available and are served as per the choice of guests.

18 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 19 inhale Food Trend

On Kourse, Restaurant Klub Karma, Gurugram e carefully curated menu is based on use of about 60 per cent of ingredients that are organically grown and locally sourced from their own organic farm situated on the property. is ensures that the delicacies prepared maintain the highest standards of quality and nutrition. e high tea com- prises of a variety of teas and coees avail- able to choose from, a choice of six savoury delicacies and two desserts (teacakes and fruitcakes). e restaurant oers a xed menu however; a customised menu may be prepared on request. Don’t miss the warm wild mushrooms on cheese crackers, baked cigar and asparagus, and sun-dried tomato bruschetta. On Kourse curates specialised high tea experiences on special requests. ese include a variety of venues to host the high tea. Fancy a private dining deck—an intimate event by the lake, by the poolside or the garden?

Sea Lounge, Mumbai Situated on the rst oor of e Taj Mahal Palace, Sea Lounge retains and recreates the magic of the past era. e iconic and elegant large windows open to the majestic views of the Mumbai harbour and e Gateway of India. It has been host to Maharajas, free- dom ghters, artists, politicians and businessmen. Mister Chai, Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel, Delhi Many love stories have blossomed here. It has seen generations come and experience the creative cuisine A rst-of-its-kind tea restaurant in the heart of the capital, Mister Chai that it is famous for, with signature dishes like the focuses on regional Indian street food in a modern and luxurious setting, Bombay toasty and Bombay chaat. e afternoon tea enclosed by a beautifully detailed brass balustrade, with each bookend at Sea Lounge has got more stylish with the introduc- creating a unique design detail with elements of an Indian teashop tion of the Asian high tea. e Asian high tea buet is presented in a sophisticated ambience. A unique concept that is curated served from 3.30pm to 7pm with a selection of deli- to give patrons a local ‘tea shop feel’. Placed on the left is the full height, cate vegetarian and non-vegetarian cold sandwiches, gold-leaf-etched timbre Tibetan prayer wheels and to the right is an muns and scones. e hot section has choices of intricate screen of planter boxes. ese quaint and exquisite elements quiches, satays and mini burgers, with a live counter ensure that guests enjoy privacy from the main lobby. e lounge entails serving chaat that Sea Lounge is renowned for. Find an engaging masala chai action station and a delectable assortment of the perfect accompaniment in unlimited servings of pastries displayed in intricately designed jewellery boxes, which further tea and coee. Whether it be an indulgent high tea enhances the quiet luxury of the place. Recommendations go all out for or a soothing late evening listening to live jazz, Sea the butter chicken samosa, chai ki tapri, shakarkandi chaat and the clas- Lounge is ready to welcome you back. sic vada pao.

20 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 21 inhale Food Trend

Anjum, Fairmont Hotel, Jaipur many of their guests have enjoyed, especially in their childhood. While indulgent, the options e location at the lobby level of the hotel along include healthy versions of popular snacks with an abundance of natural light, an iconic such as masala seven-grain uppari bhel and chandelier representing a constellation, hand- innovations from their culinary team such as crafted frescoes and complementing pastel gingelly oil gunpowder idli skewers. To add a furnishing makes it the ideal high tea venue. sweet balance, guests can delight in petit fours High Teas at Anjum oer a seamless blend with Indian avours such as naan khatai and of modernity with regal Indian avours, lter coee trues. Fairmont Jaipur extends complementing the palace, Fairmont Jaipur. the high tea experience to create intimate Along with the choicest selection of Indian events for guests, allowing for delightful conver- and international teas and coees, guests can sations over delectable nibbles. ese sessions indulge in a variety of locally-inspired munchies can be organised at various venues across the presented on a traditional three tier stand. palace grounds, with their chefs curating won- ese nibbles also include a few selections in derful menus complementing the pours of the paper cones, alluding to the street food that guests’ choice.

Darjeeling Lounge, ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata

e romance of an early morning brew of Darjeeling is almost legendary and stu that fables are made of, which led to the genesis and conceptualisation of this lounge. Take a step back in time to the tea estates of the 1800’s with the postcardperfect Darjeeling Lounge. A visit here is more than a culinary experi- ence, it is an island of unhurried luxury where you can excuse yourself from the rush of the day for a well-deserved moment of respite. An eclectic oering of tastefully crafted one-bite wonders accompanied by an exclusive array of the nest teas, coee and infused beverages make it a one-of-a-kind experi- ence. e extensive menu pans through Darjeeling’s favourite rst ush by Margaret’s Hope gardens and moves on to the malty black tea by Harmutty from Assam. e international selection includes brews such as Chinese Jasmine Monkey King tea from Hunan region, and Japanese Gyokuro Samurai, Ti Kuan Yin Superior from Fujian Province of China along with a long list of signature blends. e medley of gourmet bites complementing the beverages are a com- bination of celebrated international favourites replete with nger sandwiches, mini croissants, scones, pastries as well as Indian delights like the quintessen- tial bite-sized Singara to renditions of local love such as kosha mangsho pu, kasundi salmon and asparagus pinwheel, aloo posto crostini, chorchori tarts and gondhoraje cheesecake.

22 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 23 inhale Deficiency Alert

Protein check You may not have a deficiency but you may be running low. Here are ways your body responds to it

BY ESHA SINGH

roteins are vital elements in our body—performing a range of functions that make them irreplaceable. e body constantly needs protein, not only to Pmake new cells, but also repair existing tissues and cells, making their consumption vital to good health. Proteins provide us with about 10-15 per cent of dietary energy. While water remains the main component of the human body, it is closely followed by protein—present to a large degree in our muscles (about 43 per cent), skin (15 per cent) and blood (16 per cent). Protein deciencies, while rare, can occur in someone with a restrictive diet or medical condi- tion. When you are not getting enough protein in your diet, your body has dierent ways of letting you know. Here are the biggest tells of a protein deciency. Loss of muscle mass It is often one of the rst signs of inadequate protein intake. Loss of muscle mass happens when the body is running low on dietary protein; it takes the protein from our muscles. Over time,

24 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 25 inhale Deficiency Alert

this leads to muscle wasting. It is of protein, your body tends to Slow healing injuries some tissues. Glutathione is at the essential to get the protein you need respond by feeling hungrier. And Have any wounds that just don’t seem centre of the antioxidant defence to build healthy muscle. in general, the increase in hunger to be healing as fast as usual? is system in the body that dictates tends to revolve around sugar could have something to do with your immune function. Thinning hair, brittle nails, cravings. Sucient protein intake protein levels. It is essential to get For Indian adults, the recom- skin problems may keep you satised for a longer the recommended daily minimum mended intake of daily protein is Since protein is an essential part of period, thereby preventing crav- of protein to help heal and speed up about 0.6 gram per kilogram of body- your skin, hair and nails, their health ings and hunger pangs. However, sport-related injuries. weight. e amount of protein varies can be a good indicator of deciency. lesser protein intake does exactly in dierent types of food, but the main You may see redness on the skin, the opposite; it leaves you hungrier, Compromised source includes meat, sh, eggs, milk, nails can feel softer and your hair can which results in increased calorie- immune system cheese, cereals and cereal products, become more brittle over time. Hair intake. A deciency in the amino acids found nuts and pulses (beans and lentils). In can lose some of its lustre, and may in protein can increase your risk of comparison to other protein sources, not be quite as thick as it used to be. It contracting a disease. It takes a toll whey proteins are unique in their may also start to split. Biotin, which is Easily fractured or on your immunity, and may disable ability to optimise a number of key found in protein-rich food, is essential broken bones your body’s ability to ght infections. aspects of immune function. While for naturally healthy hair, skin, and Your bones are also at risk. Protein Research suggests that consuming keeping the focus on protein, it is vital nails. helps maintain the strength and protein, whey protein in particular, to have a varied and balanced diet density of bones. Not consuming can help strengthen the immune of all food groups, including other enough protein content might system and fend o illnesses. ere is nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, Bigger appetite and weaken your bones and increase something extra that sets whey apart vitamins and minerals. increased calorie intake the risk of fractures. Getting enough from other proteins when it comes Craving something sweet? When you protein is essential to building up to immunity: whey protein appears Singh is managing director, India and are not getting an adequate amount bone density and strength. to boost glutathione production in emerging markets, Myprotein.

26 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 27 inhale Stay Fit

Coriander tonic Fat’s kryptonite It is a fact that bad digestion can lead to weight gain as it hinders proper absorption and assimilation Are you looking at losing weight and increasing your metabolism? of nutrients. is leads to inecient elimination of waste from our body. Chug on a glass of some of these fat-cutter drinks It also slows down metabolic rate. Coriander stimulates digestive BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL enzymes and juices which are known to enhance our digestive he lockdown has not been people look for quick solutions. most nutritionists call it the best system. It is a good source of bre as very nice on the waistline. Maybe a magical pill that would drink to boost one’s metabolism well. e leaves possess an impor- At least that is what most instantly dissolve all the stubborn fat which eventually aids in weight loss. tant element called quercetin which people who are stuck at in your body. However, getting rid of Interestingly, there are many such aids metabolism. It is also a great Turmeric tea Thome say. Blame it on the mushroom- fat is not as easy as they say in most natural decoctions that serve the detox drink as it helps eliminate e golden spice found in every Indian kitchen is ing cooking shows on the internet, nutraceutical advertisements. It is same purpose and, maybe, more. all excess toxins and helps you feel more than just a avouring or colouring agent. It the idea of no-sweat comfort food not only about consistency but also Here are some of the top fat light. Time to replace all those high- has also traditionally been used in Ayurvedic and and the speedy food delivery services. self-control and discipline. For the cutter drinks that will help you to calorie beverages that you consume Chinese medicine to treat inammatory conditions, But, sadly, the speed at which we gain past couple of years, there has been shed some pounds and also aid with coriander leaves-infused water. skin diseases, wounds, digestive ailments and liver the weight is not directly propor- a buzz around the early morning metabolism. But don’t just depend Here is a coriander tonic which is conditions. e antioxidant eect of turmeric appears tional to the rate at which we lose it. lemon and honey detox drink. e on these; make sure you eat clean both a detox and fat cutter drink. to be so powerful that it may stop your liver from When it comes to shedding those trend is extremely popular among the and follow a balanced diet and t- being damaged by toxins. is is excellent for people extra pounds and love handles most glitterati crowd. As a matter of fact, ness regime. Ingredients: who take strong drugs for diabetes or other health U Coriander leaves- a handful conditions that might hurt their liver with long-term U Lemon- 1 use. Curcumin in turmeric has anti-cancerous as well U Cinnamon powder- ¼ tsp as anti-inammatory properties. However, the body U Warm water- 1 glass absorbs very little curcumin as it gets metabolised soon after its ingestion due to the activity of the diges- Method: tive enzymes in the stomach, intestines and liver. e U Wash the coriander leaves and make good news is that there is a natural way to increase its its juice in a blender. absorption. Piperine, a compound of black pepper, has U Into the juice, squeeze in the lemon been shown to increase the absorption of curcumin. and add the cinnamon powder. It protects the curcumin from the digestive enzymes U Stir well before adding the that actively try to remove it from the bloodstream. warm water. erefore, it is important to combine turmeric with Consume this detox drink on an pepper while cooking in order to reap all its benets. empty stomach. A glass of turmeric tea every day aids in boosting metabolism, improves immunity and acts as a detox for the body.

Ingredients: (1 cup of tea) U Water- 1 ¼ cup U Turmeric powder- ½ tsp U Black pepper powder- ¼ tsp U Grated ginger- ½ tsp

Method: U Heat the water in a saucepan. U Add the turmeric powder, pepper and ginger into the water and boil it.

28 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 29 inhale Stay Fit

Jaggery decoction Struggling with fat around your belly area? Jaggery is your go-to. It is said to boost the body’s metabolism which in turn helps to burn the fat around the belly area faster. Jaggery being a healthy replacement of sugar is low in its calorie count but rich in immunity- boosting properties. A combination of lemon juice and jaggery is excellent for ushing out the toxins in the body and thereby, promote weight loss. Together, the goodness of lemon and jaggery can keep your digestive system clean and your respiratory sys- tem clear. It gives the body a healthy dose of Vitamin C and water, and also antioxidants and zinc.

Ingredients: U Lukewarm water- 1 glass U Lemon juice- 1 tsp U Dry jaggery- a small dry piece

Method U All you have to do is mix the three ingredients well. Stir continuously till Chocolatey twist that eectively increases metabolic the jaggery dissolves in water. Once Apple cider vinegar mocktail We have grown up hearing, ‘choco- activity and boosts energy level in done, the drink will be ready for e popularity of apple cider vinegar to aid weight loss late makes you fat.’ Maybe it is time our body. Better metabolic activities consumption. Enjoy this weight loss has risen recently. But for thousands of years, compounds to ignore it. Studies have shown that and high energy levels may lead to concoction every day, preferably in the containing vinegar have been used for its healing proper- dark chocolate is loaded with nutri- suppression of hunger in the body. mornings on an empty stomach. ties. It was used to improve strength, as an antibiotic and ents and is one of the best sources Chlorogenic acid, an element of for detoxication. Research shows that the acetic acid of antioxidants. It can also improve coee, is known to speed up weight in apple cider vinegar promotes weight loss in several health and lower the risk of heart loss. Here is how to make this ways. It lowers blood sugar levels by improving the ability diseases, among other benets like delicious drink. of the liver and muscles to take up sugar from the blood. stabilising blood sugar, reducing Not only does it decrease the insulin levels and increase cravings and controlling appetite. Ingredients metabolism but it also favours fat burning. It reduces It is even good for mending broken U Black coffee- 1tsp belly fat and liver fat storage. Consuming apple cider hearts. It has high satiety value and, U Grated dark chocolate- ¾ tsp vinegar regularly also suppresses appetite which results therefore, keeps one feeling full for a U Ground flaxseeds- ½ tsp in reduced food intake. longer time. It is packed with mono- U Hot water- 1 cup saturated fatty acids that are known Ingredients: to boost the body’s metabolism Method U Unsweetened orange juice- ¼ cup and burn fat. However, it has to be U Take a coffee cup and add hot water U Apple cider vinegar- 1 tbsp consumed in moderate quantities. and coffee in it. U Freshly grated ginger- ¼ tsp How does a combination of choco- U Stir well and add the ground flaxseeds. U Water- half cup late and coee sound?—absolutely U Mix well and top it off with grated delicious! Coee consists of caeine chocolate. Method: U Combine orange juice, apple cider vinegar, and ginger in a small jar. Shake or whisk to combine. Cover and refrigerate. Consume this drink once in a day, an hour before a meal.

30 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 31 inhale Small Wonders

added to just about any dish. ey take less space and don’t need much sunlight. Besides, they have a very short growth THE GREEN WAY cycle of about 7 to 14 days, as against mature or regular vegetables which Packed with nutrients, microgreens are take 2-3 months to grow. It is so easy that anyone who has never even cared extremely easy to cultivate for plants before can also grow these,” says Smita Shirodkar, founder and CEO, BY POOJA BIRAIA JAISWAL Earthoholics, a Mumbai-based company that promotes sustainable living and provides training in urban gardening. ven as many discovered the joys It also oers online and oine training of cooking and uninterrupted courses to adults and kids on growing family time during the three- their own microgreens at home. month long lockdown period, Most importantly, what truly makes EDr Rupali Godbole from Nashik took to the these little green tots very compelling is pleasures of gardening, something she had their high nutritious content. According been meaning to do for long. Days after to experts, microgreens contain 10 to 40 the nation shut itself indoors in March, times the vital nutrients of fully grown Godbole signed up for an online class in plants. “Microgreens are literally super microgreens. e two-hour session worked foods. When we started in 2013, these its magic straight into her heart. Godbole were only used in the restaurant space fell in love with tiny, tender, edible greens where chefs would get them imported. that are just a bit older than sprouts but But now the concept has been alluring younger than saplings, and she began families, too. We grow our microgreens growing them in old plastic containers with coco peat which is enough. ere and broken mugs. Around the same time, is no need for actual soil. We have about Anandita Patil an eleven-year-old studying 20-25 varieties in our space, which in an international school in Mumbai got includes spinach, coriander, fennel, onion, a stful of mustard seeds and fenugreek sunower, beetroot and alfalfa, among seeds from inside her kitchen to sow them others,” says Hamsa, who cofounded in random plastic boxes and within a week Growing Greens, a small-scale farm based the family consumed their rst batch of out of Bengaluru. e farm grows micro- shiny microgreen harvest—mustard shoots greens and edible owers through the in salads and methi in parathas. As the year for culinary use. While their edible name suggests, microgreens are essentially owers range from petunia and marigold referred to the rst stage of development to nasturtium and dianthus, among other when true leaves arise in a plant. It is the varieties, the list under the category of next stage after germination when the little microgreens is extensive with carrot, plant develops full-edged roots and leaves. coriander, fennel, mustard, pea shoots, But these aren’t a recent discovery. ese radish, red amaranth, spinach and onion rst stages of plant growth have been incor- on oer. e microgreens and owers porated by chefs for decades across the are grown hydroponically in an environ- world in a variety of recipes, especially for ment free from pesticides and fertilisers. garnishing salads, soups and sandwiches. Hamsa’s company is among the many new According to the US department of home-grown companies to not only pro- agriculture, microgreens began showing vide microgreen harvests for health-con- up on menus as early as the 1980s, in scious individuals and families but also to San Francisco, California. In 2012, after deliver large batches of fresh harvests to a team of scientists published studies on ve-star hotels and gourmet chefs. the nutritional benets of microgreens, But for those looking at reaping the it gained prominence across the world. benets of their own seeds and eorts, “ e best part is that these greens can be microgreens can be cultivated in one’s

32 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 33 inhale

HOLD THAT THOUGHT, INTROSPECT, QUESTION

Having trouble with acne? Sea salt water is your best friend. The high salt concentration helps kill off bacteria on your face and it replenishes minerals that heal the skin. Sea salt may also be helpful in dissolving skin oils that clog your pores. Too much sea salt can dry out your skin, causing irritation. But with care- ful use, you may be able to naturally get rid of your acne kitchen space or even the oce cubicle using the sea salt method. It by placing a few seeds on a wet tissue How can I grow overnight, so that they germinate eas- also pulls oil from the pores. If paper for a start. It is as simple as that. microgreens at home? ily. Densely scatter them on the soil you are looking for a pack to Take a wet tissue, ensure that it stays Step 4: Cover with thin layer of soil calm breakouts and irritation, (By Earthoholics) moist at all times, spread on a few Keep the container in the sunni- try a blend of salt and honey. mustard seeds to begin with and see Step 1: Gather material est window of your home. Protect Both have anti-inflammatory the magic happen in a week’s time. A container that is 3-4 inches deep with from birds properties and it soothes the “For a sustained practice, all one needs holes, coco soil and seeds of your choice. Step 5: Water regularly skin. Both help to balance oil are untreated good quality seeds, any For watering, use your hands or a spray Water gently using hand or spray can. production and retain hydra- form of container, with or without can. To poke holes, use a sharp, pointed Ensure that the water pressure is low tion in the layers of skin. drain holes, a well-ventilated space object. For harvesting, you may use your or try watering close to the soil once How to make the pack: Mix with moderate sunlight and protection hands or a pair of scissors the seedlings germinate to avoid the two teaspoons sea salt (pref- from birds,” says Shirodkar, speaking Step 2: Fill your container with coco soil seedlings from falling flat erably finely ground) with from Germany, where she is studying You get best results when you use coco Step 6: Ready for harvest four teaspoons raw honey to organic agriculture. peat or coco soil, which is coconut husk, With a daily dose of water, sunshine create a spreadable paste. Ap- e easiest to start with is the readily available in all garden stores and love, your microgreens will be ply evenly to clean, dry skin, mustard seed which germinates around. Fill your container and level ready for harvest in 10-15 days. Use avoiding eye area. Let stand and fully harvests within eight days. the soil your hands or scissors to harvest. Toss for 10 to 15 minutes. Before Radhika Sheshan adds radish seed, Step 3: Sow seeds your fresh organic greens in salads, rinsing, soak a washcloth in peas, moong and spinach to the list. Soak bigger seeds like methi and moong soups or parathas warm water, and gently wring “I have never been into kitchen gar- out. Lay the warm washcloth dening really. My mother-in-law has on your face for 30 seconds. been more active. But the eortless its microgreen. Experts believe that if that it packs a punch of nutrition Use your fingers to gently and uncomplicated nature of grow- a seed is edible, so is its microgreen. within itself. e most popular varie- exfoliate in a circular motion ing microgreens really pulled me in,” But that doesn’t mean that moong, ties include mustard, broccoli, cherry while rinsing your skin with says Sheshan, a homemaker living in which usually sprouts after being tomatoes, radish, arugula, carrot, lukewarm water. Mumbai. So, there is no exhaustive soaked overnight, can be called a fennel, onion, amaranth, beet and list of which seeds can be sowed for microgreen, though there is no doubt spinach.

34 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 35 pause Twisted Turns

process and then we got a call to be a part mileage and the maximum love from of that particular season. Unfortunately, fans. Not to forget that I was the face of a we could not go as Indian passports take show that had cult status in the past and The a longer time to get visa approvals and was aired on one of the top channels on the organisers of the show asked us to Indian TV. I am now looking forward to participate in the next season because of my onward journey. the delay. e interesting bit is that I left mountains my job for this but it was all for the good; it If given a choice between acting and marked the start of a fantastical adventure modelling, what would you choose? tale,” he says. During this time, Namit I would choose acting for sure. I have given shifted to Mumbai to take his modelling modelling all the time I could and had a career to the next level. Little did he know wonderful career. Acting for me has been echoed at the time that luck was at his doorstep. way more fullling so far as I am able to “I vividly remember my rst ever profes- add much more value to myself and my Modelling to acting and finding a balance sional portfolio. I got to shoot with one of work every day. I am also growing much through clowning, Namit Khanna says the most versatile Indian photographers more as a person while being on set. Bharat Sikka. Before I knew it, I was shoot- life has been an adventure ing for big campaigns wearing designs by What do you think is key when it comes Manish Arora,” he says. However, he was to sustaining in the acting industry? BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL not ready to stop there. In an exclusive is is something that I realised pretty tête-à-tête, Namit talks about his twisted early in my modelling career, but it is val- journey from modelling to clowning and, id in every industry. Being an all-rounder nally, getting into acting. is important but the key is to be profes- t was a trip to the mountains that gave actor Namit Khanna sional. People always prefer to work with clarity on what he really wanted to do in life. Call it the eect of When did you realise that you wanted to those who they can rely on. ere is a joke the fresh air or tranquillity of the scenery, the visit triggered a get into showbiz? about how the Indian Standard Time is whole new passion for showbiz inside of him. Not just that, the I believe in the power of the mind and also called the Indian Stretchable Time Iexperience also helped him discover the joy of photography. “I had a thoughts and over the years, this belief (basically, perpetual delays). Most pro- phone with a 3.2-megapixel camera and I started capturing candid has been getting stronger. My modelling jects don’t start on time but as a profes- moments, inanimate objects and the stunning landscape during my career was going on pretty well, however, sional, it is one’s duty to respect time and trip. When I came back to Delhi, I showed the pictures to one of my I felt at some point that I was not really be at the set no matter what. It just sets photographer friends and he was super impressed. He encouraged doing any value addition to my work. everything into a positive momentum. me to pick up a DSLR and start experimenting with it. I have never at was the time when I was randomly Being yourself and not pretending to be stopped clicking photos after that,” he says. contacted by various casting directors someone you are not is another attribute Touted as one of the most good-looking television series actors for dierent lms. But I was not ready that takes you a long way. in India, Namit is best known for his role as Dr Siddhant Mathur in at the time. I wasn’t really skilled as an the medical drama Sanjivani 2. As a matter of fact, the model-turned- actor and I just ended up doing whatever What made you get into clowning? actor has quite a lot of titles in his kitty. I knew during the auditions. And I used When I moved to Mumbai, I happened He was listed 17th in Times Top 20 Most Desirable Men on Indian to not get disappointed if a project did to watch a solo clown act—Madbeth, a Television in 2019. e same year he was placed 28th in the Eastern not work out, I would just continue with spino of Shakespeare’s Macbeth—by Eye’s Top 50 Sexiest Asian Men List and 19th in Biz Asia’s Top 30 TV my modelling assignments. is went on Rupesh Tillu. I was spellbound by the Personality List 2019. But it wasn’t all peachy for Namit when he started till the time I decided that I really needed performance; I was absolutely stunned o. Like most people, he also had his share of struggles and putdowns. to focus my mind and energy into acting as to how he played about 26 characters “I studied business administration and worked in Delhi as an and actually started to put eort into it. in that show. is prompted me to meet advertising executive. However, that was just to get myself introduced is is when I made my television debut him and eventually attend workshops. into a working environment and understand the corporate scene. I did with Sony TV’s Yeh Pyaar Nahi Toh Kya One thing translated to another and soon not want to be stuck doing the same work, day in and day out, all my Hai, a Dilip Jha creation, as the protago- I started out performing. I travelled across life. So, I ventured into modelling,” Namit says. He was 21 at the moment nist Siddhant Sinha. Maharashtra along with the group, staging and modelling fetched him way more money than his day job. But it shows for schoolchildren, patients in the was not just about the money for him. Namit, with his “upmarket” You call Sanjivani 2 the highlight of your hospital and for the girls in Kamathipura. face, wanted to do more than just pose. is is when he, along with his career. Why? is phase was one of the most eventful friend, got selected for the American reality game show e Amazing My acting career really kicked o in 2017 times of my life. It was both emotionally Race. “My friend and I applied just for the kicks but we didn’t think we with the web series Twisted. Among the and physically demanding. I used to feel would get called for it. We went to Singapore for the initial selection projects, Sanjivani 2 gave me the most empty when I got back home after a show;

36 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 37 pause Twisted Turns

Nothing down about lockdown One dish you whipped up during the lockdown. Butter paneer and kadi chawal (Punjabi style) A new hobby or an activity that you picked up. Spanish lessons on my phone. I have gotten pretty decent at it now. A lesson learned during this period. There is nothing that we can’t do. It is only our mind that makes us believe otherwise. I have done everything that needs to be done to have a func- tioning clean house all by myself. NAMIT KHANNA NAMIT

Sagano bamboo forest, Japan A lake in Leh Stability ball exercises PHOTOS Bodyweight exercises Running Dancing it used to drain me out emotionally. understood the concept of Bodhisattva mostly moving around the entire day maintain my body structure and size But, it was fruitful and liberating at the and Buddha-nature that we all possess. in order to exhaust all their energy. (standard model size) required to t Top three smoothies that same time. I still enjoy the intricacies of Once they reach an age where they into designer clothes. you consume. characters in clowning. What makes you dierent from the start getting conscious about how they Avocado—my favourite other actors? look and feel (usually as they become What are some of the challenges you Chocolate banana almond protein What is your big dream? e most important things that set teenagers) they must stick to a sport or faced while building your body? shake/smoothie I think it would be to associate with anyone apart from others are one’s dance as a regular activity for tness. e biggest challenge that I have faced Mixed berries smoothie the best people in the industry and be upbringing and ideals. Having said that, I Working out at the gym should only be in all the years of working out has a part of projects that I can connect to feel my fans are the ones who will be able done in case of something specic, like been injuries. I think it is extremely Top three go-to sweet indulgence. in a deep fashion. I also want to work to answer this better than me. e bond training for an advanced level of sport. important for all youngsters to be Ice cream with people who have similar ideals they have formed within such a short Working out at the gym is not the most extremely careful when they start Chocolate (milk and 70 per cent dark) and goals as mine. Another dream is to time must denitely make me dierent natural way to be t and healthy. It is their workouts at the gym. It was Rasmalai travel to the most remote and beautiful from others. an option for busy adults who have more than a decade back when I rst places in the world and capture them limited time and want to get the maxi- injured my lower back and ended Your idea of a perfect getaway? on my camera. When it comes to tness, what should mum out of it. up with a herniated disc. Not being As I have done my share of roughing it be given more stress, diet or exercise? careful or overexerting at the gym out a little during my younger years of Your Twitter bio says “Actor, model, It is important to have a balance of both. Did you have a history of being has caused it to relapse, causing me travel, I like a blend of comfort around photographer, Bodhisattva, trying You cannot do without either of them. fat? When did you start building a lot of pain and complete bed rest. nature. I love less-explored places and to change the environment through Physical activity in whatever form is your body? Consulting experts and focusing on going away from where the crowd inner change”—when and why did essential throughout your life and what Fortunately, I don’t have a history of the core are important aspects that usually goes. you venture into Buddhism? we eat gives us the results we desire. It is being fat and that is because of the should not be ignored. When I moved to Bombay in 2007, just a matter of being conscious about sports I played throughout my growing A funny experience while travelling. I had stumbled upon Nichiren what we eat, and once we see the results, years. But I have had a few occasions Top 10 exercises that I was in Shanghai for a shoot dur- Daishonin’s Buddhism. Before I knew there will be no turning back. when I have gained some weight you recommend. ing my modelling years when I was it I felt a deep connection with the around my stomach. is usually hap- Swimming approached by the locals on many practise of chanting, and through the What do you think is the right age to pens when there is no exercise and a Playing sports occasions to take pictures with them studies, I started growing in every start working out? lot of eating, which is mostly when I All core exercises on the mat and their families. Apparently, I looked aspect of my life. I continued to prac- It is essential for children to be physically travel. I started working out when I Yoga like some celebrity or maybe I was just tise sincerely for nine years along with active from a very young age through was in college but I have never taken Pilates too tall for them. It was super funny the the organisation and that is where I sports, playground games, dancing and it beyond a certain level. I just try to A foam roller for recovery way they were all excited.

38 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 39 pause House Party

knowledge about music are becoming or calling themselves a disc jockey,” he says. “If you remember the 1980s/90s era, you can nd a dramatic dier- ence in the style and texture of music. Fantastic melodies, excellently penned down lyrics and out of the world com- positions. ose times had true music directors who created history for us. And somehow that essence got lost in time. It is heart breaking to see how the soul of our music has disappeared.” During the lockdown, Akbar got all his musician friends to put up their compositions online and he compiled it to make a single set. “It was amazing. People across the globe appreciated it. e set was even played by a radio sta- tion in Germany,” he says. Apart from playing his own sets, Akbar also takes public requests and works around it. “After over three decades of experience, I know what exactly is being heard and liked in India. Being a disc jockey and playing music for all types of people DJ Akbar Sami around India is a huge advantage to know the pulse of the crowd,” he says. On World Music Day (June 21), International Indian Film Academy lockdown. Like webinars and online (IIFA) hosted the ultimate virtual party classes, the cloud-clubbing trend is with IIFA Stomp Online. It had a stellar an example of how the pandemic is line-up of acts and performances by upending the party culture. Surely, the various artists of which Akbar was a lockdown has hit the best of people part. is was in continuation of IIFA’s but it also has brought out the best initiative #IIFAHumSabSaathHain in people. For Akbar, it has been a #IIFAStayAtHomeConcerts which is a time of giving back to his fans. “All digital concert series featuring many these years, my fans have been paying multi-talented Indian artists. e money to come for a show. In these event was one of its kind with some o you feel like the lockdown do you need to dress up nor bring a troubled times, I feel it is important of the country’s best percussionists, blues are weighing you plus one. Be it Bollywood Saturdays to give back all the love and support. world’s fastest dhol players, violinists, down? Maybe it is time for or hip-hop Wednesdays, these online Apart from live streaming my shows, saxophonists and performances by some cheering up. Turn up DJs are bringing the bash right to your I also record the entire set and post it several versatile artists. Looks like this Dthe music and unwind with online DJs living room. People can watch live DJ on social media for the upcoming DJs is going to be the new norm. “It is a time Cloud who are now live-streaming their per- sets and send in their feedback. “It is and producers to learn and enjoy the for everyone to reinvent themselves; a formances on platforms like Facebook an interesting and dierent concept,” experience,” he says. time to think what more they can do. Miss dancing to the DJ’s and Instagram. With nightclubs closed says DJ Akbar Sami who is one of the Akbar started his career in the As for the music industry, there are still and music events cancelled for the pioneers of DJing in the country. “With 1980s when India had almost no club- a lot of areas in this eld that are yet to beat? Here’s how cloud foreseeable future, a number of DJs people tuning in from all over the bing culture. But he calls it a time when be explored. Maybe it is time for artists across the globe are turning to cloud- world, we get to interact with a global DJ’ing was in its real form and shape. to gure it out,” Akbar says. For now, clubbing gives a new clubbing. Party-goers can now enjoy audience. e reach is endless,” he says. “Today, DJ’ing has become one of let down your hair, and dance away spin to partying the thumping music from the comfort Although the concept of cloud- those play store games on the internet the blues. Time to tune in to a cloud- of their homes. e best part about this clubbing has been there for some time, which anybody can check-in and play. clubbing session—“DJ drop that funky BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL is that these are open parties. Neither nobody was interested in it until the People with absolutely no training or beat!”

40 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 9 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 41 pause Game On

s the new decade dawned, one at home was into sports, it didn’t the Indian Olympic con- come naturally. In fact, I had become tingent had its eyes xed overweight when I was 13, and it was on Tokyo 2020. e fans in my uncle who coaxed me to go to the Ready to roar Aturn set their gaze on a bunch of medal stadium in Panipat for some exercise. hopefuls. Among them was one of It was at this stadium that I got Neeraj Chopra was one of India’s brightest prospects for India’s nest throwers of the javelin. introduced to the javelin by chance,” Neeraj Chopra, who spent most of said Chopra. an Olympic gold until the mega event was postponed. 2019 nursing an elbow injury before He was encouraged to pursue the But maybe it is a blessing in disguise for him undergoing surgery and rehabilitation, sport by his seniors. In a country that was raring to go. He made a stunning does not boast of many illustrious BY REUBEN JOE JOSEPH comeback, qualifying for the Olympics javelin throwers, Chopra took inspira- with ease. Just as he was about to hit tion from Jai ‘Jaiveer’ Choudhary, his top gear, the blow fell. e Olympics rst coach. But as he began to master was moved to 2021. the sport, his attention turned towards Unlike most athletes, Chopra arguably the greatest javelin thrower took it in his stride. “I think I would of all time—world record holder have been ready for the Olympics had Jan Zelezny. they gone on as scheduled,” he said. By carefully studying Zelezny’s “However, with the postponement, I videos, Chopra modelled his throwing feel I would be able to get more time to style based on the Czech’s. And prob- ne-tune some of my technical skills ably with good reason. Besides holding and am looking at it as a positive in the world record (98.48m in 1996), terms of my preparations. For now, I’m Zelezny also has the second, third and hoping and praying that we can all get fourth best throws of all time. For over through this pandemic safely, but the two decades, sports scientists have chance to represent India and do well examined how Zelezny used his whole at the Olympics is always in my mind.” body to full eect to release the spear, Perhaps it is the fact that he has age and have tried their best to help young- on his side that keeps him optimistic. sters do the same. It has worked to an He is 22 now. At just 20, Chopra set the extent, but the record remains elusive. national record by throwing a gigantic But before Zelezny could establish 88.06m on his way to gold at the 2018 his insurmountable peaks, there was a Commonwealth Games. He followed lot of churning and adapting involved. it up with another gold at the Asian e late 1980s brought new regulations Games the same year. Everybody knew in javelin throw that shifted the centre that his best years were ahead of him of gravity in the spear. e ruling and that he was destined for great bodies ip-opped on this change for things. But the young gun felt no pres- several years before nally settling on sure. “I don’t take any sort of pressure the specications that are in use today. from the talks about my prospects. While others found it hard to adapt, I feel honoured and privileged that Zelezny worked on every small detail people talk this way about me and my of his run-up, grip, posture, movement performances. It motivates me that and release to achieve near perfection. people rate me so highly and want me It could be said that in 2019 Chopra to do well, which is a good feeling,” had a similar experience. He realised he said. that his current technique was causing Chopra hails from Khandra, a much strain on his elbow and had to village in Panipat, Haryana. He was make radical changes in his run-up born into a family of agriculturists and and the positioning of his elbow to was the eldest among the children in a push the boundaries. After his surgery ARVIND JAIN ARVIND joint family of 17 members. “Growing in May, he sat out the entire 2019

PHOTO PHOTO up, I was pampered a lot, and since no season to recuperate and work on his

42 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 43 pause

CELEBRATE LIFE, CHOICES AND CHALLENGES

Do you have the habit of eat- ing late in the night? Maybe, it is time to put a stop to that especially if you are planning on losing weight. According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins University, the timing of meals can play technique. “It was a very dicult phase returned and he quarantined himself a role in metabolism and of my career since it was the longest at the National Institute of Panipat for weight loss. The small study, period away from competitions,” he Sneak-peek two weeks before resuming training published in the Journal of said. By the end of the year, though, he at the facility. “I speak to my family Favourite food: Churma and paratha Clinical Endocrinology and was a dierent animal. regularly and am in touch with them, If not an athlete,then… Metabolism, found eating In his rst competition in over but it is not very dierent since as an I would be a farmer. dinner late at night may a year, at the ACNE League meet in athlete, I am used to spending a lot of One fun fact about you: When I was increase blood sugar levels South Africa in January this year, time away from home,” he said. a child, I was quite mischievous and and make it more difficult to Chopra recorded a throw of 87.86m e change in schedule, location had once tied up the tails of some burn fat, leading to weight almost eortlessly. It was the second- and conditions would have surely of the cattle at home. Got quite a gain. A late dinner also best throw of his career, when he only aected his rhythm, but Chopra con- beating for it. worsens glucose tolerance needed to cross 85m to qualify for tinues to be nonchalant about it. Much One super power you wish you had: and reduces the amount of the Olympics. of the training he did in South Africa Like Superman, I would like to travel fat burned. It could result in e hallowed 90m mark is rmly between December 2019 and February around the world (without worrying diabetes or obesity. People in his sights. But he is not too worried 2020 with other top javelin throwers about a visa) who already have these con- about it. “I don’t try to keep any targets has helped ne tune his game after a Other talents: Photography ditions may be even more in terms of the 90m mark, I just focus lengthy spell o the track. vulnerable to the effects. on doing my best in each competition “ ey say a lion always takes a When to eat the last meal and am condent that the mark will step back before attacking,” he said. of the day: Sleep experts come at some point,” said Chopra. specic exercises on his social media “I think of a setback in an athlete’s life recommend the average Chopra’s training regime varies handles. “In terms of diet, there’s noth- like that, so I ensured that I gave my person stop eating 2–3 over the year. During the o-season, ing specic except for trying to have a 100 per cent during the rehab phase hours before bed. This al- the focus is on strength and condition- nutritious diet and keeping away from so that I can be at my best possible lows your digestive system ing and building core strength, speed sweets,” he said. shape on return.” It is this new-found ample time to break down and exibility. During the competition He was training in Turkey in motivation from a dicult 2019 that your meal before your head season, the focus is on recovery and March when the Covid-19 pandemic has moulded him mentally, more than hits the pillow. minor technical tweaks to iron out started to force lockdowns around the anything, to scale greater heights in aws. He sometimes shares his javelin- world. Chopra and his coaches quickly the years to come.

44 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 45 exhale Cover Story

When style meets SUBSTANCE Mugdha Godse, who arrived with a bang with Fashion, is on a comeback trail. She talks to Smart Life about her days as a popular model, Bollywood debut, lockdown days and the upcoming projects

BY POOJA BIRAIA JAISWAL PHOTOGRAPHS BY SACHIN KUMAR

46 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 47 exhale Cover Story

hen Mugdha ous, she has got a model-face, so she is a Godse arrived vamp.” As the story goes, she broke the in Bollywood glass ceiling. with Fashion Mugdha is largely her own person who in 2008, little guards her privacy with did she know both hands and fumes the impact the lm would have on her when someone dares career.W Even today, reel pundits recall her to trespass. She muses performance in Fashion when they talk over small pleasures about her. Mugdha was an A-lister in the and is enchanted by the There were people modelling circuit before she broke into indiscriminate use of the Bollywood. She cut her teeth in modelling red heart emoticon. is, fretting over the in the early 2000s, when college kids of the in itself, is not the recipe time had posters of home-grown super- that makes Mugdha Godse fact that acting models like Sheetal Mallar, Madhu Sapre, a name with an instant might not come Noyonika Chatterjee, Jesse Randhawa and recall value 12 years after Mehr Jessia adorning their bedroom walls. she made her acting debut. easy since I was a Mugdha joined the league pretty quickly. e 36-year-old, with her “ e year 2000 was exciting for fashion unbeatable passion for model. If you were in India. It was during that time the rst learning, a killer instinct too glamorous, you India Fashion Week took place; it was for survival and an irre- the rst time a group of designers came pressible urge to stay rel- were stereotyped together and gave the business of fashion a evant, charted out success professional edge and heft,” says Namrata on her own terms. Her role easily. Zakaria, editor and columnist at Mumbai in Madhur Bhandarkar’s Mirror. “It also marked the rise of super- Fashion—a straight-faced models who walked beautifully, had the model who gets married right attitude and brought so much oomph to a prolic gay designer and personality to the oor.” (Samir Soni)—not only ough modelling was Mugdha’s ticket wowed the industry but also armed to Bollywood, it had the inherent danger of her acting skills. She was nominated being typecast. “ ere were people fretting for the Filmfare Awards for Best Female over the fact that acting might not come Debut and won the Apsara Award for Best easy since I was a model,” says Mugdha. Female Debutante. “ is was true in the case of any newcomer In 2009, she took a plunge into the for that matter. If you were too glamorous, comedy genre with All the Best: e Fun you were stereotyped easily. She is glamor- Begins—a Rohit Shetty lm that came

48 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 49 exhale Cover Story

WHAT’S ON HER PLATE

Mostly vegetarian, she eats eggs and prefers to stick to two meals a day—breakfast and early din- ner. In between, she indulges in a smoothie or a fruit. Eggs are mostly consumed at the time of breakfast. She claims to be off sugar.

straight out of a college canteen. Her character, Vidya, was notable, but as Jaideep Pandey, who has been However, reporting on Bollywood, says, getting box oce suc- into the comedy genre may not have been cesses alone are not always a yardstick her best decision. Serious roles, he says, for measuring one’s prowess and tal- suited her better, as her work in Heroine ent. Setbacks did not kill the go-getter testies. “ e scripts oered spirit in Godse. In 2015, she made her to Godse after her debut Kollywood debut in the Jayam Ravi star- didn’t do justice to her act- rer, ani Oruvan. e lm, reviewed as ‘a ing talent,” says Pandey. deliciously twisted, pulpy action drama,’ From a cameo in eventually went on to become one of the Kareena Kapoor-led biggest blockbusters of that year. But People still want Heroine, which was also one the credit for the lm’s success was not to talk to me after of Bhandarkar’s hits, to her properly apportioned. Impervious to the role in Jail, she has done injustice, Mugdha believes there is more 12 years of my hit some non-meaty yet memo- to life than box-oce success. “Nothing rable roles. But there have went wrong after Fashion. My last hit film. I am grateful been several others, includ- movie was Jail. e projects after that did for that and I don’t ing Bezubaan Ishq, Sharma not really work out. But I did not feel low. Ji Ki Lag Gayi, Gali Gali Chor I was confused though, and wondered think I deserve to Hai, which failed to make why it was happening. However, I refused an impact or were simply to succumb to that darkness. Looking have a low moment. scripts with poor box-oce back, I thought to myself, here is this girl The sun will rise possibilities. from a middle-class family who has come “Mugdha is a very ne so far,” she says. again tomorrow. and a balanced individual, She has had a taste of everything who has made a name for from ramp shows, both national and herself in an atmosphere international ones, to big banner lms. of cut-throat competition. “People still want to talk to me after 12 e problem is that she years of my hit lm. I am grateful for that never got to play a lead. Only and I don’t think I deserve to have a low select lms did well. But on her part, she moment. e sun will rise again tomor- performed to the best of her abilities. row,” she says with a spark in her voice. e kind of scripts that come to you are Mugdha will soon be seen in a special beyond your control,” says an industry appearance in Sharman Joshi-starrer source who wishes to be anonymous. Fauji Calling, based on a family who lost a

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

FIT BIT: Mugdha practises Ashtanga yoga every morning. During evenings, she prefers to walk, jog and swim. She also does functional training.

soldier. She will also be ONE ON ONE playing a grey shade in a crime What is your view on pedi- story that comes my way. thriller and her rst web series, A Crime gree and nepotism? How has fashion and model- To Remember, with MX Player. It is one’s attitude ling changed over the years? For now, Mugdha, like the others in that matters. It isn’t as easy as it looks. the glitterati world, is on a cooking spree. How did you bag the role in Also, now every model does Under lockdown, she learnt how to make Fashion? not want to be an actor. chole bhature. For a virtuous eater who I was a supermodel at the had barely ever stepped into the kitchen What do you think is the time. A few others and I for most of her life, it was a moment of reason why supermodels are were in all the runways and self-revelation. Locked at home with her not known by their names fashion shows. Punjabi boyfriend Rahul Dev, who is a like in the bygone days? hopeless foodie at heart, Mugdha has Why do you think some of Modelling has changed so been under a culinary spell for the past your projects did not work? much. It is crowded with a couple of months. eir love story began There were so many that lot more people entering seven years ago when they met at a com- worked. The films were and everybody has six packs mon friend’s wedding. ey have been good and I still receive calls and chiselled looks. Also, inseparable ever since. Rahul, who is 14 of appreciation from fans the metrosexual look that years older to her, also enjoyed unparal- across the world. is peculiar to the present leled glamour and popularity. Not only times is a different look/ What do you think about do they have an industry in common trend altogether. hand-holding newcomers in between them, they also share a mutual the industry? The three things you would love for meditation and quiet, and look I do not advise people, grab and run if your house up to the same spiritual master for soul unless asked. is on fire. healing. “After Rahul’s wife passed away My master’s photo, wallet in 2009, he was in a dark space as a single A time when you were and passport. parent. We are our ying and yang,” she surprised by your own role says. e couple also have complement- in a movie. Your prized possession. ing opposites between them. “While I’m It has to be Fashion. I was My house. a morning person, he is a night owl. So, quite surprised at the matu- Your biggest strength. when I am up, all utensils are already rity with which I emoted for My master’s blessings. done,” she says. Apart from the lock- the role in the film. Midnight indulgence. down cooking spree, she has been also A particular role you look Almond milk with cacao. catching up on housekeeping and claims forward to. to have an incorrigible OCD to keep all In the new cinema, protago- On a scale of 1-10, how things sparkly clean. nists are mostly grey with would you rate yourself as With several interesting projects in multiple layers to the char- an actor? her kitty, Godse is looking forward to an acter. I’ll jump on any new 6.5-7. interesting time in her career.

52 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 53 exhale

Add Omega-3 fats in the form of walnuts, chia seeds and axseeds which help to INDULGE YOUR SENSES, HAVE FUN keep the skin supple and increase metabolism., nutritionist

Karishma Chawla and lifestyle educator.

Donal’s diet I am lactose and gluten intolerant. So, I avoid milk products and rotis. But curd is something that suits me, hence I consume it. Pre-breakfast: The first Nutrition advice - Start your day with a power- thing I consume in the house drink, like a vegetable morning is coconut water. smoothie—spinach, kale and Does your dull-looking teeth Breakfast: I have a bowl apple. Add chia seeds as well. stop you from putting out a of fruits and some eggs. I This works like a liver detox and wide smile? Don’t fret, there also like black grams. helps with hormone health. is a way to sort this out in the Lunch: I prefer rice with - Eggs are a perfect option for comfort of your home. Bak- lentils, kidney beans or breakfast. As for mid-morning ing soda is your go to. It has energy booster, indulge in a fruit chickpeas. and some coconut water. natural whitening properties Evening snack: I enjoy eat- - For lunch, consume gluten-free which is why it is a popular ing dosa and uthappam. rotis made from jowar, bajra, raj- ingredient in commercial what Dinner: I keep it light. gira or quinoa with vegetables, toothpaste. It is a mild abra- Nothing in particular but lentils and curd. You can also sive that can help scrub away Iate a meal that can be easily have brown rice with pulses like surface stains on teeth. It also Bengal gram or kidney beans. digested. creates an alkaline environ- today - Metabolism drops in the even- ment in your mouth which ing, so consume low-carb food during this time. Indulge in ragi prevents bacteria from grow- ing. This is not a remedy that working out extensively since dosa, moong dal chilla at least four times a week and have dosa will whiten your teeth over- the lockdown began. When the Family person for the rest of the days. night, but you should notice gyms were open, I used to go - Keep your dinner light with some a difference over time. One Actor Donal Bisht talks about her but I was more occupied with soup, steamed vegetables and a study found that toothpastes diet and fitness regime my shoots and meetings. Now plant-based protein. containing baking soda were I watch workout videos on - Be sure to consume at least significantly more effective at efore getting into After this, I played the lead role YouTube and my gym trainer three litres of water a day. removing yellow stains from showbiz, I was working in in Ek Deewana Tha on Sony and takes online sessions. teeth than standard tooth- Delhi. Whenever I used to Roop-Mard Ka Naya Swaroop. My family means every- B pastes without baking soda. punch in, I would think how life Then, I stepped in as Happy in thing to me. I always celebrate do anything else. I can’t measure up The higher the concentration is so much more than my nine- Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji where I had all major occasions with my the amount of adulation I have for my of baking soda, the greater to-six schedule. This thought replaced the lead girl; it was family. There were times that I family. I even flew down to Delhi for the effect. lingered and I started taking my third consecutive show as used to carry my luggage with my brother’s birthday which was on How to make the paste: out time from my job just to a lead. I did these four shows me to the set, complete the June 5 despite all the tough circum- Mix 1tsp of baking soda with travel to Mumbai for auditions. back to back for four years. shoot and straightway head stances and happily baked a cake for 2tsp of water and brush your In about four to five months, Apart from acting, I enjoy towards the airport to get him for the first time in my life. I must teeth with the paste. You can I got a call back from Balaji painting and writing poems. home as soon as possible. Even say, it was very tasty. Did I mention do this a few times per week. who told me that I got cast as a I have a blog where I post all if it is for a day, I would rather that I have a sweet-tooth? parallel lead in the show Kalash. my written work. I have been spend it with my family than As told to Oshin Grace Daniell

54 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 55 smile One Shot

According to Amit, fusion cuisine is best part is that you can easily make it at a very misleading concept. “If you take home,” Amit says. He calls the cookbook makhini gravy and mix it with noodles, a tribute to his culinary journey; a testa- NEW it becomes a fusion dish. But the minute ment to what he has practised as a chef. you say fusion it is an open-ended discus- “Some of the recipes that have made it sion—there is no end to what you can into the book are actually bestsellers at mix and match. When it comes to mod- restaurants that I have consulted for. e ern Indian cooking there are two ways photography for the book was done at MEETS in which we work. One way to go about three locations—Raipur, Bhubaneshwar it is by taking international concepts and Mumbai—when my team and I were and present Indian food in that manner. opening restaurants at these locations. It e other way is to take international took me a year to conceptualise, compile OLD avours and mix it with Indian food,” and publish the book,” he says. Here are six says the 41-year-old chef who has an recipes from the cookbook that are easy Chef Amit Puri talks about mixing experience of over two decades in the prepare and delicious to eat. culinary eld. modern cooking with the classics After working in several ne dine hotels and travelling to various places BY OSHIN GRACE DANIELL to explore food and culture, he is now a Three big lessons food and beverages consultant. “Being a U You need a lot less (than you consultant includes responsibilities like actually think) to be happy Chinese cookery show ‘Yan Can Cook’, back in developing unique concepts, kitchen U One day at a time the early 90s, is what got chef Amit Puri whip- setup, uniform designing, training sta U Cutting your own hair isn’t as ping up dierent dishes in his home kitchen. and food photography. I have learnt a lot difficult as it seems “I think this was the only cookery show in while working in dierent hotels and I OOO ADoordarshan and I used to watch it religiously with my pass on those lessons to the sta I train. I family. Apart from that, I used to help my parents cook distinctly remember how I once put pep- Fun fact from a very young age. From dicing vegetables to trying per powder instead of pepper corns in a No matter how much effort you put out new dishes over the weekends, one thing translated to hot and sour soup; it was during my initial in to clean up the house, your wife the other and before I knew it I was in a hotel management days as a chef. Little did I know at the time always manages to find a spot and college in Chennai,” Amit says. After nishing his course, that the powder would form lumps and point it out to you. he trained for eight months in a Chinese restaurant before oat in the soup. As funny as it sounds, it OOO taking up his rst star hotel job in Bombay. “I was always is an important aspect which sometimes fascinated by the Pan Asian cooking styles and working chefs tend to overlook,” he says. First thing to do post lockdown at a Chinese restaurant really helped me explore a lot of Recently, Amit wore the new cap Go to the salon. areas which were new to me,” he says. While most of his of an author after he released his rst But jokes apart, a lot of work batchmates chose to work in the ship post their gradua- cookbook— Rede‡ning Comfort Food has been kept on hold because of tion, Amit entered the main kitchen of a ne dine hotel. With Amit Puri. e book is a collection the lockdown. Before the national “During that time, working for a restaurant or a small of global comfort food with a lot of twists lockdown was announced, I was to eatery was not in anybody’s list. e trend bloomed only in and avour layers to suit the palate start work at restaurants in Mumbai, the recent past,” he says. of the Indian consumer in particular. Baroda, Chennai, Raipur and Kolkata. From Chinese to European to modern Indian dishes, “ ese recipes have been accumulated The pandemic has affected the Amit’s cooking style has evolved both in method and over the years based on my experience hospitality industry to a great extent avour. But when asked the kind he likes the most, he of travelling to various foreign countries and every city would have a differ- promptly says European. “I enjoy European cooking a and also Indian cities where I got to taste ent approach and response to this lot; there is a lot of nesse to it. e presentation and art some of the local avours. I combined pandemic, depending on its situa- also play a major role in this style. As a matter of fact, the all of this and created my rendition of tion. I’d need to review the situation modernisation in various cuisines that we see today are all these avours. Recipes in the book are of that city closely and accordingly a transformation of the European style,” he says. categorised into soups, appetisers, main strategise on a bounce- back plan for So, is modern Indian cooking similar to fusion courses, rice, breads and desserts along each of the restaurants. food preparation? with dips, seasonings and sprinklers. e

56 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 57 smile One Shot

10 must-haves for every chef 10 cooking hacks 1. Good quality set of knifes and a Addictive potato skins To make tawa non-stick, rub and sharpening stone for maintenance 1. Ingredients grease it with onion dipped in oil. 2. Kitchen shoes G Potato peels from 3-4 large potatoes To avoid butter from burning, G 2. 3. Good quality chopping board Yoghurt- ½ cup add half the amount of oil to the G Water- 1 cup butter while cooking. 4. High quality pots and pans G Cornflour- ½ cup 3. Instead of discarding potato 5. Appropriate small equipment G Refined flour- ½ cup skins, make chips out of them. G A pinch of salt Blender 6. G Black pepper, crushed- ½ tsp Store homemade paneer in 4. Spoon set, both wooden and silicon G Garlic powder- ½ tsp water to keep it soft and fresh. 7. G Onion powder- ½ tsp 8. Mixing bowls of various sizes 5. Add a couple of pinches of salt G Red chilli powder- ½ tsp to your masalas in masala dabba to 9. Air tight container and zip-lock G Fresh rosemary, chopped- ½ tsp avoid lumps. bags for storage G Parsley, chopped- 1tbsp G 6. Saute the fresh methi leaves in 10. Kitchen cloth Refined oil to fry very little oil and store for a longer Method: time in freezer. G Wash potatoes under running cold water 7. Use strainer to separate egg yolk and peel the potatoes using peeler. 10 must-follow chefs on G with egg white. In a large bowl, add yogurt and dilute it YouTube with water. 8. Reserve lentil water and use it G Add the potato peels to this buttermilk and as stock. 1. Jamie Oliver (Italian cuisine) allow it to soak for 30 minutes. 9. Make crutons/ breadcrumbs 2. Gordon Ramsay (French, G In a separate bowl, mix cornflour, refined with leftover breads Italian, British) flour, salt and dry seasonings. G In small batches, remove the peels from 10. Refresh stale bread by cover- 3. Gennaro Conlado the buttermilk and toss them in the sea- ing it with damp cloth and micro- (Italian cuisine) soned cornflour. Coat well and keep aside. waving for 30 secs. Take it out and 4. John Zhang (Oriental cui- G Repeat till all the potato peels are nice allow to come to room temperature. sine) coated with the seasoned cornflour. G Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the peels 5. Nigella Lawson (com- till crisp and cooked. fort food) G If you were granted three wishes, Transfer in a bowl and sprinkle generously Peter Kuruvita with salt and pepper or any other season- S’mores sandwich what would they be? 6. ing of your choice. Toss well till all the (Srilankan cuisine) chips are coated well with the seasoning. Ingredient: U Travel the world and explore places, 7. Anthony Bourdain (French G Serve hot with mustard, bourbon ketchup G Bread slices- 4 culture and food. cuisine / global street food) or sour cream. G Butter- 3tbsp U Have a restaurant of my own. G 8. Heston Blumenthal (multi Marshmallows- 12 small cubes U G Work and be professionally associated sensory cooking) Hershey’s kisses chocolate- handful with Jamie Oliver. His rustic style of G Graham crackers, crushed- 6 curating recipes inspires me. 9. Marco Pierre White (French, Italian, British) Method- G Make a simple sandwich of marshmal- Vito Iacopelli (Pizza) You’re given a minute in the 10. low and Hershey’s chocolate and a bit of crushed graham crackers tucked in supermarket, what are top five between two slices of bread. things you’ll have in your cart? A message to all cooks G Butter the outsides of the bread and place the sandwich in a sandwich griller or on a 1. Chocolate stuck at home pan and grill it on a low heat on both the sides, flipping the sandwich in between. 2. Coffee Be open to learning. Take recipes as G If you are grilling this in a pan, place a 3. Cheese inspiration and give your own touch to little weight on the sandwich to get an them. Use your resources well and be in 4. Foxnuts even crust. touch with your seniors and colleagues. G Once the sandwich is grilled and crisp, but- 5. Flavoured yogurt Try using every part of the ingredient ter the sides again and cut and serve. and do not waste food.

58 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 59 smile One Shot

Kolkata jhalmuri For jhalmuri spice: G Cumin seeds- ¼ cup For the chaat- G Coriander seeds- ¼ cup G Puffed rice- 3cups G Bay leaves- 5 G Nyon sev- 4tbsp G Black salt- 1tbsp G Finely chopped onions- ¼ cup G Dry mango powder- 2tbsp G Finely chopped tomatoes- ¼ cup G Garam masala powder- ¼ cup G Finely chopped raw mangoes- 2tbsp G Peeled and cubed potatoes- 2tbsp Method: G Finely chopped green chilli- 1tsp G For preparing jhalmuri spice, dry roast G Finely chopped fresh coriander- 2tbsp cumin seeds and bay leaves on a pan G Chaat masala- ¼ tsp till fragrant. Do not overcook them else they will turn bitter. Grind them G Red chilli powder- ½ tsp to a fine powder once roasted. Mix the G A pinch of black salt ground powder with the other ingredi- G A pinch of table salt ents and combine well. G Juice of 2 limes G Add all the ingredients to a larger G Mustard oil- 2bsp bowl and give it a good stir G Fresh pomegranate- 2tbsp G Transfer to a serving bowl with fresh G Jhalmuri spice- 2tsp coriander leaves, serve immediately.

Missal pav fattoush G Iceberg lettuce, torn- 1 large cup G Romaine lettuce, torn- 1 large cup For dressing: G Farsan- ½ cup G Asian red chilli sauce- 4tbsp G Tobasco- 1tbsp Method: G Juice of 2 limes G For dressing, combine all the ingredi- G Finely chopped green chilli- 1 medium ents together in a large mixing bowl. sized chilli Whisk them until well combined. G A pinch of chaat masala Store it in an air tight container and refrigerate. G A pinch of salt and black pepper G Handful of fresh coriander, chopped G To make pav croutons, butter the pav and toast it in the oven or on a hot For the salad: pan until crisp. Remove from oven or G Pav croutons- ½ cup pan and allow to cool. G Mixed sprouts- 2 cups G Wash sprouts under cold running G Chopped onions- 1cup water and par boil. G Cherry tomatoes, halved- ½ cup G To make the salad, combine all G Cucumber, chopped- ½ cup the ingredients in a bowl and add G Finely chopped green chillies- 1tbsp the dressing. Toss well. Transfer to G Handful of fresh mint leaves serving bowl and garnish with pav G A bunch of fresh coriander leaves croutons.

60 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 61 smile One Shot

Smoothie bowl .

Ingredients: G Greek yoghurt- 300g G Honey- 50ml G Ripe bananas, sliced- 2 G Seasonal fresh fruits sliced G Granola- 6tbsp G Handful of mixed fresh berries G Mixed seeds- 6tbsp G Assorted nuts G A pinch of cinnamon powder

Method: G Whisk honey and chilled Greek yogurt together and pour this in a bowl. G Arrange sliced bananas on the yogurt, followed by granola, seasonal fresh fruits, berries, nuts and seeds. G Sprinkle some cinnamon powder over sliced bananas.

Quick toss squid pakodas Method: G To marinate the squid Marinate the squid rings in ginger garlic paste, lime juice and salt. Keep aside for 10 G Squid rings- 500g to 12 minutes. G Ginger garlic paste- 2tbsp G Dip the marinated squids in refined flour, G Juice of 1 lime then slurry and then coat them with G A pinch of salt semolina. Do this for all the squid rings before frying. For frying G To begin frying, heat the oil in a deep pan. G Refined flour- 1 cup G On medium heat, fry semolina coated squid G Corn flour slurry- 1 cup rings in batches till done and crisp. G Semolina- 1 cup G The fried squid at this stage are perfect G Oil for frying to munch on. But let’s take them up by a To toss the squid couple of notches and add a second layer of flavour. G Oil- 1 tbsp G To toss the fried squids, heat a tablespoon G Mustard seeds- 1 tbsp of oil in a kadhai and add mustard seeds. G Green chilli, slit- 2 G Cook till they splutter. G Dry red chilli- 2 G Throw in the green chillies, dry red chillies G Curry leaves- 3 sprigs and curry leaf. Sauté for a few seconds and G Black pepper powder- 1 tsp add the fried squid while they are still hot G A pinch of salt and crispy. Add seasoning, lime juice and G Fresh coriander, chopped- 1 tbsp fresh coriander. G Juice of 2 limes G Give the squids a quick toss and serve hot.

62 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 63 smile

It’sa wrap

such certainty that one might begin to doubt oneself. It is sad to see my grandmother deteri- orating daily, especially when you consider what an accomplished woman she used to be, with her stately bearing and starched cotton saris. She was the first doctor from her family and a student president at the Christian Medical College in Vellore. “If you go there, you will find my name inscribed on the board listing past presi- dents,” she used to tell us proudly. There is the story of how, when she had just started practising medicine, my grandfather came to see her for the first time. She mistook him for a medical representative and ban- ished him to the waiting room, until she had finished seeing all the patients. I remember all the good times we had at my grandparents’ home in Calicut, Kerala. My cousin and I used to fight for the privilege of sleeping next to her each night. She used to tell wonderful stories. She introduced me to the world of Ali Baba and Sinbad. For years afterwards, when- ever I saw a door, I would imagine saying ‘Open Sesame’ would lead me to a room A grand old dame full of hidden treasure. I recently reminded her of what a great story-teller she used to be, and there was a note of such wistful- Anjuly Mathai reminisces about the golden ness in her voice when she told me: “I don’t days of her grandmother’s youth remember any of them anymore.” I often wonder what she thinks about most of the time. Is she happy? What must y grandmother is turning nomenclature that seemingly has no it be like to be imprisoned in your own mind, 95 in August. She is almost meaning. with all your memories slowly draining Mcompletely bed-ridden, Her sight and hearing have almost away. When you lose your memories, what getting up only for meals and for completely gone. Holding a conversa- do you have left? Some people say that old her daily bath. She hardly ever tion with her is like talking to someone age makes you numb, so that you don’t feel remembers the name of the home in another room. It is forcibly restricted the pain of forgetting cherished moments, nurse who takes care of her, and calls to the two pillars of her existence—her or the pain of having to depend on someone her by whatever name pops into her appetite and her sleep. Often, she does not else for your smallest needs, or the pain of mind. Sometimes it is our driver’s, recognise me. Recently, on my 33rd birth- outliving your loved ones. Perhaps having sometimes our cook’s, but most day, I asked her whether she knew how no pain is the worst kind of pain. Or perhaps often, a random cross-section of old I was turning. “75,” she replied, with it is the best kind of mercy.

64 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020 JULY 2020 • SMART LIFE 65 Issue Date [The Smart Life] : JULY 2020 66 SMART LIFE 2020 JULY RNI.KERENG/2012/43309 Registered No. KL/EKM/758/2018-20. Published on 1st JULY 2020

66 SMART LIFE • JULY 2020