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

RANA DAGGUBATI IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR A GREAT STORY Contents SEPTEMBER 2020 24 28

FOB 11 Radar 16 The Interview: Alankrita Shrivastava 18 The A-list 20 The showstopper: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 21 Men’s style podcasts 22 Cycling essentials 24 Far from the madding crowd: Tenzin Dalha 26 Myths about metabolism at 40 36 28 C.L.A.W: For the specially-abled 32 Travel apps

WHEELS 33 Interview with Audi India’s Balbir Singh Dhillon 34 Skoda Superb 2020 36 The new Hyundai Verna 38 T-Roc: Volkswagen’s latest SUV 40 The GMA T.50

TALK 41 The diŒerence between cancelling and calling out by Shraddha Gurung 42 A “bitch” is a female LONGINES BOUTIQUES THE LONGINES canine by Arnesh Ghose DELHI, TEL: 43592848 • NOIDA, TEL: 6718407 MASTER COLLECTION LONGINES HYDERABAD, TEL: 9398262035 � BANGALORE, TEL: 40982109 EXPRESS AVENUE, CHENNAI: TEL: 044-28464098 VR CHENNAI, TEL: 044-66622335 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 3 WWW.LONGINES.COM

CONTENTS.indd 10 09/09/20 10:36 AM ContentsContents SEPTEMBER 2020 Contents SEPTEMBER 2020

48 72 RANA DAGGUBATI IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR A GREAT STORY A commercial success and a critic’s favourite, Rana Daggubati is not one to put all his egupholds his strengths ourite, Rana Daggubati is STYLE not one to put all his egupholds his strengths ourite, Rana Daggubati 68 Fashion news 70 Sartorial Man: is not one to put all his egupholds his strengths Homegrown face BY MAYUKH MAJUMDAR mask brands 71 Grooming essentials 72 Gucci’s sustainability initiatives 75 Ask the expert 76 The quirky couturier: Tarun Tahiliani 78 A guide to Korean FEATURES skincare in India 44 Current Cinema: 80 How to wear Kadakh, Mee Raqsam, double denim & Shakuntala Devi By 81 Is thrift-shopping the Maithili Rao future of fashion? 62 Boys who ballet By Samreen Tungekar WATCHES 84 Tracking Time 88 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Collection 89 Rolex Perpetual Concerts 76 88

ON THE COVER Rana Daggubati photographed leaning on an Audi A6 Blazer by Herringbone & Sui; jumper by H&M; pocket square by Brooks Brothers; shoes by Ruosh; Blazer by Herringbone & On the wrist: Tissot V8 Sui; Jumper by H&M; pocket square by Brooks Brothers; Photographed by Eshaan Girri shoes by Ruosh; Art Direction by Tanvi Shah On the wrist: Tissot V8 Fashion Editor Neelangana Vasudeva

ESHAAN GIRRI Styled by Geetika Chadha Hair by Alex Vijaykanth Make-up by S. Vamsi Krishna

4 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 12 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 5 Executive Editor’s Note

SEPTEMBER 2020

Publisher & Editor N RADHAKRISHNAN

Executive Publisher MINAL SURVE MONSOON MEMORIES,

Executive Editor ARNESH GHOSE THE “ NEW NORMAL”, AND Associate Editor RAJU BIST WHY NEWS NEEDS AN Assistant Editor SAMREEN TUNGEKAR INTERVENTION Fashion Editor NEELANGANA VASUDEVA

Art Director TANVI SHAH adapt a new way of functioning all systems. Oces and responsibilities HEMALI LIMBACHIYA Associate Art Director that once seemed unthinkable without human contact and attendance, are Assistant Art Director NANDKISHOR SAWANT being easily carried out via calls and video. I think Indian employers are finally learning to trust their employees. Just because someone is working GAUTAMI DAVE, SANJANA SUVARNA Graphic Designers from home, doesn’t mean that person is not working or procrastinating. Senior Digital Manager JAYESH V. SALVI We are finally learning that attendance is not equal to eciency. Personally, I feel that this paradigm shift in the employer-employee Production Manager MANGESH SALVI relationship was long overdue, and is definitely one of the pros of the “new normal”. One of the cons would be how many times people use mansworldindia.com the phrase “new normal” these days. From mails, to texts, to newspaper Web Editor ARNESH GHOSE headlines, overusing “new normal” is, well, the new normal. It was catchy Sta‡ Writers MAYUKH MAJUMDAR, SANIKA ACHREKAR, RAJEEV MATHEW when the lockdown started, but it is just tedious right now, when the world desperately wants to get back to the old normal. Once we are back in the old normal, we should really have a conversation about what we PABLO CHATERJI Consulting Editor learned from the pandemic, and whether we actually need a new normal. Contributing Editors MAITHILI RAO, SOLEIL NATHWANI, Will wet markets cease to exist? Will the world become more hygienic in MAGANDEEP SINGH its interactions? Will we reduce manual responsibilities and shift to digital aid at a faster pace? What will happen to human interaction? How will socialising, partying, dating, hooking up change? Will it? If we just casually General Manager, Sales & Marketing MANOJ SHARMA roll back to the old normal eventually, what did the pandemic actually ([email protected]), NEW DELHI teach us? Well, if there is one takeaway from this period, it’s the abject General Manager, Sales & Marketing TULSI BAVISHI heartlessness of the Indian news media. With views, clicks, reach, and ([email protected]), MUMBAI don’t remember the last time I spent so much time indoors impressions being the world's talking points, we have arrived at a place during the monsoons. I have always said that us privileged ones don’t get where news is nothing more than a source of entertainment. Most Deputy General Manager-Sales & Marketing NOHA QADRI Ito complain about the rains. We barely have to struggle, or get drenched, news websites in the country could pass o as pulp fiction. Only that is ([email protected]), MUMBAI navigating our lives in cars, oces, and air conditioning. The rains are discussed which is popular, or is scandalous enough to become popular. entertaining for us. We attend poetry sessions where woke organisers serve The news is not about reporting facts and holding institutions accountable Assistant Manager - Sales & Marketing SAGRIKA SANJAY chai and “potato fritters” to add to the vibe. Or drive o to hill stations. anymore. It is not a tool with which a society exercises democracy [email protected]), NEW DELHI Others attend nature walks in national parks. The rains, mostly, don’t aect ( anymore. Rather, it is about clickbait headlines and photographs that will us. Yes, when Mumbai has the Annual Monsoon Two-Day Shutdown, we are lure people in, ensuring page views, and hence, brings in money. And inconvenienced, but that’s about it. I remember the monsoons during my everybody is expected to play that game, because advertisers will only pay Sr. Circulation Exc. (MIS & Opr) SANTOSH P. GAJINKAR childhood. We used to be fascinated by the rain. Kids used to love splashing (+91 99695 71319) over puddles, playing football in muddy school grounds; I used to love big bucks to platforms that enjoy more footfall. And how does one ensure swimming in the rain. The adults would tell us to not get wet in the first rain footfall? Not by discussing climate change or dalit oppression. I have taken Accountant PRADEEP ACHAREKAR of the season — it brought down the dirt, and pollution, and floating germs, a long break from consuming news for over two months now. If anything with it — and so we would wait for the second shower to run out into the earth-shattering happens, it will find its way to me. Otherwise, I am good. Oˆce Manager RAJEEV POOJARY courtyard, or to the terrace of our houses. The monsoons meant hot fried Oˆce Assistant VAIBHAV MORE snacks, fatty river fish curries, and hot soup dinners. As one grows older, the monsoons become an inconvenience. We forget its importance in our lives, and often, whine about how the rain is ruining our schedules. After years, I was able to just sit by a window and watch it pour outside. The sky MW.Com (India) Pvt. Ltd is often dramatic, like a Renaissance mural, the dark clouds and the sun and the various hues of the sky creating a new composition every day. Did the EDITORIAL & MARKETING OFFICE: 401, 4th Floor, Todi Building, Mathuradas Mills Compound, pandemic help us slow down, reconnect with ourselves, our loved ones, and Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013., Tel:67487777 realise the wonders of nature all over again? Maybe. NEW DELHI: 1104, Prakash Deep Building, 7 Tolstoy Marg New Delhi - 110001, Tel:011- 43503672, 23356071, 23356072 What the pandemic has definitely forced the world to do, is build and — Arnesh Ghose BANGALORE: Santhome-33/01, Ist stage, Ist Cross, Indira Nagar, Bangalore-560 038

Contact for editorial: [email protected] Circulation: [email protected]

Printed and Published by N Radhakrishnan on behalf of MW.Com India Private Limited. Printed at Spenta Multimedia, Peninsula Spenta, Mathuradas Mill Compound, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013. Published at MW.Com India Private Limited, 401, 4th Floor, Todi Building, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013. Editor: N Radhakrishnan. All rights reserved worldwide. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a postage pre-paid envelope. SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 7 NEWS-STAND PRICE ` 150 INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES US $ 115 (1 year); US $ 220 (2 years); US $ 325 (3 years); US $ 525 (5 years)

FUJIFILM.indd 1 03/08/20 6:06 PM EE letter.indd 12 08/09/20 9:39 AM

Contributors WHO & WHAT YOU SHOULD BE MAITHILI RAO RADAR In this issue: Current Cinema (Pg 44) CHECKING OUT THIS MONTH Describe yourself in one word Curated by Arnesh Ghose Liberal What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when y o u h e a r ‘ s o c i a l m e d i a ’ ? N e c e s s a r y e v i l Actor What movie ending really frustrated SHREYA CHAUDHRY y o u ? A n d h o w w o u l d y o u c h a n g e i t ? The Dirty Picture. Her suicide — Playing a cool girl pop phenom dressed like a suhagan — after in a Shankar Mahadevan musical Reshma has been a rebel all her life. series is a dream debut, and I would have her dressed in a slinky Shreya Chaudhry made sure gown, a drink in her hand, shooting she stood out in a crowd of herself through the temple heavyweights. As Tamanna in Amazon Prime Video's Bandish Bandits, Chaudhry was a burst of energy and fresh air, a true disruption to the traditional set-up. Chaudhry is vivacious, has stunning screen presence, and has the ability to pump energy into a scene, setting SHRADDHA GURUNG VIKAS MARWAH herself up as a bright new talent In this issue: The dierence between In this issue: Ask the Expert (Pg 75) to sit up and take notice of. cancelling and calling out (Pg 41) Describe yourself in one word Describe yourself in one word Ingenious Passionate The first thing that comes to your The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear ‘social media’ mind when you hear ‘social media’ To sum it up in three words — C o m m u n i t y o f l i k e - m i n d e d p e o p l e c r e a t e , u p d a t e , a n d i n n o v a t e What is the most unusual If you could steal a celebrity’s c o n v e r s a t i o n t h a t y o u ' v e e v e r h a d ? hair, who would it be? Talking about the dierence George Clooney. It's not just about between brown and black grizzly his hair quality and texture, but also bears at 6 in the morning the styling that can steal hearts

M A G A N D E E P S I N G H In this issue: Getting the best out of cycling (Pg 22) Describe yourself in one word H e d o n i s t The first thing that comes to your mind when you hear ‘social media’ T h e a g e o f ‘ i n fl u e n z a s ’ One thing you wish would c o m e b a c k i n f a s h i o n ? Hats

10 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW

Contributors.indd 10 09/09/20 10:28 AM On the Radar.indd 11 08/09/20 4:40 PM RADAR RADAR THE TALK

‘The Bengali bonti’

Artist ‘The silver paijeb’ KING MARIUM ‘The legacy of Sheesh Mahal’ Who doesn't love neon? King Marium's art (@kingmarium) celebrates feminism, pop culture, gender and societal norms, and queer conversations through bold strokes, a psychedelic palette, and a ‘My father's childhood’ seething sense of bubbling heat. There's protest in her work, a subconscious angst that simmers, while the surface looks History and storytelling hypnotic. Deep dive or enjoy her work as MUSEUM OF MATERIAL conversation pieces, there's something for everybody. MEMORY A submission-based repository of materials, objects, artefacts, and memories from the Indian subcontinent, this digital museum is a treasure trove of history, anecdotes, and journeys. Founded by author Aanchal Malhotra (she has written the exceptionally- ‘The other side of the coin’ researched Remnants Of A Separation) and digital strategist Navdha Malhotra, the museum is present digitally as a site and also on social media, and ‘Glow of the grime’ accepts submissions of objects and personal stories attached to the objects. It covers everything including art, books, maps, jewellery, utensils, heirlooms, collectibles, and so much more. A valuable extension of Malhotra’s book, the museum enjoys regular submissions, leading to engaging conversations on Instagram, and is an interesting way of experiencing the shared history of the subcontinent.

Shop SLOW POTTERY, BENGALURU This pottery studio and school in Bengaluru has been turning up the quirk during the lockdown. Presenting the Boob Mug. Conversation piece? ‘Rajkumari Devi's Independent India’ Yes. Unapologetically feminist? Hell yeah. Maybe, unintentionally, Slow Pottery has contributed to the global conversation around body positivity, self-love, and free the nipple. Whenever an artist deshames ‘Travels of a carpet: From a Persian otagh the human body and celebrates it, we stan. ‘A lock from the jolodasti to a Georgian living room’ ‘The blue passport’ house of the past’

‘A secret history of the Mallik family’ ‘Rajkali Devi, Kamla, and the silver sindoor daani’ ‘A lineage of military service’ 12 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 13 RADAR

Photographer GURU CHARAN

A fine blend of slice- of-life and poignant intimacy, Charan's photography is laden with kindness, warmth, and nostalgia. Extremely aww-worthy, he has an astute eye, is sensitive and high on aesthetic, and his colour palette tends to veer around summer warmth and monsoon colds. Charan shows a special knack towards photographing children and cityscapes, capturing innocence and pulse like few can.

VISIT US ON WWW.DANIELWELLINGTON.COM OR AT YOUR NEAREST STORE 33 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 14 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW

On the Radar.indd 33 08/09/20 4:59 PM 419_Iconic_Link_40MM_210x270mm_Ads_MansWorld_India.inddDaniel Wellington.indd 1 1 30/08/202001/09/20 10:02 2:22 PM AM theinterview Tell us a little about Dolly, Kitty aur Woh Chamakte Sitare and Bombay Begums. Q&A I can’t tell you too much, but I’m still in WITH the process of editing Bombay Begums. It’s basically a show about the lives of five ALANKRITA women of di”erent ages set in an urban SHRIVASTAVA context, and the conflicts that they undergo in their professional and personal lives. It Writer and director Alankrita has Pooja Bhatt, Shahana Goswami, Amruta Subhash, Plabita Borthakur, and a young Shrivastava’s reel women are girl called Adhyanan. Dolly Kitty is ready, always searching for freedom, and Netflix is just scheduling a date. Dolly and she’s hell bent on ensuring Kitty is kind of an exploration of female they find it friendships and sisterhood, and the love-hate relationship between these two cousins, and By Mayukh Majumdar how they enable each other to find freedom.

Your films have always been about women From taking on the CBFC legally, to using striving for freedom, and leading dual lives. her platform to aid the #MeToo India Where does this come from? process, Alankrita Shrivastava is not Somebody had said that most film-makers somebody who takes it lying down. Is it are making the same film again and again. a wonder then, that her characters on There are some pet themes which they screen are strong women who destroy the continue to explore and now, I think that’s patriarchal structures in their own ways? true because I’m obsessed with women While Turning 30 was ahead of its time, finding themselves, and searching for people saw themselves reflected in the Lipstick Under My Burkha created quite a freedom. I guess it comes from my life. cinema that they watched? furore when it released in India, with women I haven’t led a dual life, but I’m always (and men) sending Shrivastava ‘thank preoccupied by ideas like “who am I really?” Do you think OTT platforms have you’ emails for the work she had done. and “am I living the life that I want?” In democratised cinema? Now, with Dolly, Kitty aur Woh Chamakte regards to duality in Lipstick, the characters I think one has to wait and watch. Cinema Sitare and Bombay Begums, the director is have a lot of restrictions in the social, cultural, is very di›cult because of the whole ready to take her work to the next level. In and economic backgrounds that they stem exhibition and distribution — it's just a big an interview where she minces no words, from. Dolly Kitty is in a di”erent milieu from fight and here, I guess, the gatekeepers of Shrivastava speaks about her latest venture, that, but the pattern of finding freedom is the network are not fossilised, in that sense. on why #MeTooIndia has been a failure, and there. In a way, you can see the same thing in The programming team of all these theatres her cinematic opinions. Made in Heaven. These are the kind of themes are mostly all men and so are the exhibitors. I’m drawn to. I’m less interested in plot; I’m The thing with the networks is that there How does your education and childhood more interested in characters and the world are a lot of women in the teams and hence, influence the stories you tell? they inhabit. a lot of stu” is getting green-lit. In OTT There have been two to three major platforms, there may not be box-o›ce influences. I’ve always read a lot; from the With the rise in women directors and writers pressure, but you always have to keep time I was very young. I draw much more and film-makers, do we have an alternative people hooked. And I’m all for competing on-screen objectification of women is a "I’m obsessed from literature than I do from cinema, point of view in cinema yet? in the theatrical space. I don’t think that continuing conversation — we are very with women because I’m not much of a film-watcher. I I think it’s definitely building, and is much newer and alternative voices should stop far from not doing that. I think we are a finding went to a school that pretty much grounded more than it ever was. I think alternative competing in the theatrical space. There very long way from getting rid of that themselves real life. Where does one draw the me in feminism from a very early age. These points of view exist very specifically in the should be multiple voices in every medium. patriarchal gaze, and the misogynist jokes. and searching line between showing real life, and ideas got nurtured in college, at Lady Shri time, which is 2011. If the digital space had independent cinema space. With female Why should every kind of film not get that But it is evolving. As far as #MeToo, I think glamourising problematic behaviour? Ram and Jamia Milia Islamia. Education opened up then, it might have worked, but film-makers, there is bound to be a di”erent space in the exhibition sector? I don’t think it’s a total failure in the film industry, and in for freedom. I I haven’t seen Kabir Singh, but I saw this film definitely played a huge part. The third thing it’s not a film I would’ve done later because point of view because of di”erent life there’s a need to marginalise any kind of India. There’s maybe a little bit of thought, guess it comes called Raanjhanaa, and it made me so angry is that I come from a family where there’s a it wouldn’t have been relevant to me. But experiences. Two to three women film- cinema by saying that its only good for the but has there been any concrete change? from my life. because I had a stalker, and I know the fear lot of debate and discussion, and everyone even though it didn’t work commercially and makers start o” every year, and we’ll be streaming space, or vice versa. No. In America, the #MeToo movement I haven’t led you feel. I could feel the anger boiling inside reads a lot. It’s also a family of very strong the critics gave it mixed reviews, I got a lot like “oh wow, amazing, there’s so many”, was backed by investigation, and a lot a dual life but me, but I watched the whole film, because I women, so a lot of stories I tell, come from of love. There were so many young women but they represent actually less than seven You were among 11 women film-makers of women coming out and speaking in I’m always wanted to see where it goes. You can show that backing. across the country who reached out to me, per cent of film-makers in India. The gaze is who took a stand following the #MeToo the open but in India, it’s not been so preoccupied by the life of a stalker and get inside his head, systematic. I don’t think there’s any real and that was enough for me, because I so internalised. Similarly, when it comes to movement in India, and refused to ideas like ‘who but the critique was not there. This is not Do you think Turning 30 would have worked hadn’t seen a character closer to my world caste representation, there are hardly any work with proven oŽenders. Do you introspection. love, it’s wrong. As a viewer, imagine if if it released now, or in the OTT space? or my world-view represented, and that’s dalit film-makers. I know only two — Neeraj think in the past two years, Bollywood am I really?’ you’re showing me Hitler’s life, and not It’s so strange how many people keep what I wanted to create. Now, when you see Ghaywan and Nagaraj Manjule. There are has introspected their role in the When Kabir Singh released, there were and ‘am I showing me what he did was wrong? asking me if Turning 30 was ahead of its a lot of stu” coming out, it seems so close to so many points of view that are missing. objectification of women? people against it, but there was also a living the life Raanjhanaa was a very visceral experience time. It was a film I wanted to make at that the kind of work that Turning 30 was. Wouldn’t it be lovely if more and more The two issues are a bit di”erent. The conversation about cinema imitating that I want'" for me, and not in a good way.

16 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 17 FOB / TECH

The A-List BACK TO THE BASICS OnePlus Nord is a throwback to the Your monthly ‘how to spend it’ OnePlus of old. A device that focuses guide for all the cool new gadgets on the bare essentials. For OnePlus die-hards, it also includes speed, and FEATHER-LIGHT By Ashwin Rajagopalan a fluidic display. The Nord is propelled Huawei FreeBuds 3i are the latest in by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G the brand’s range of ultra-light true processor that’s 5G ready. There’s wireless buds. These buds tackle a bunch of hardware variants and a voice calls with ease — they come quad rear cam. But it’s the 6.44-inch with Triple-Mic call noise reduction Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz — two outward-facing mics and one refresh rate that is our favourite inward-facing mic. Sound quality is feature. OnePlus sweetens the deal a win too. The FreeBuds 3i are kitted with its proprietary Warp charger that with 10 mm large dynamic drivers fires up the 4115 mAh battery from 0 that don’t just deliver powerful bass to 100 per cent in 57 minutes flat. but also offer users a ‘True Noise Rs 24,999 onwards Cancellation’ and ‘True Wireless Stereo’ listening experience. Pairing is a breeze, while the IPX4 water-resistant technology is a cool add on. Rs 9,990 u HEAD TURNER OPPO Reno 4 Pro is GAMERS UNITE but the standout Anime Matrix feature remarkably light — a (available in select variants). It’s a clever welcome change at a time ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is a part of the personalisation element that combines when clunky smartphones brand’s ROG (Republic of Gamers) laptops 1,215 mini LEDs across the lid. You can PRO CAM seem to hold sway. It’s elegantly and smartphones line that have built a cult customise the animation by adding GIFs Canon EOS R6 is one of the most widely anticipated full-frame designed, weighs just 161 gm, and following among hardcore gamers. This or text. The Zephyrus G14 is a hardware mirrorless cameras to debut this year. Some of the key highlights feels great in your hands. OPPO one’s a good-looker too. It’s surprisingly beast, and is powered by the future-proof of the EOS R6 include 4K movie recording, and an advanced 20.1 manages this lightweight form despite an slim — 17.9 mm, and light (just 1.6 kg) AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS processor, with up megapixels full frame CMOS sensor. The EOS R6 is also equipped immersive 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display (1080 for a fully loaded gaming laptop. It’s not to 8 cores and 16 threads. with advanced DIGIC X imaging processor and a new in-body x 2400 pixels / 402 PPI) with a 90Hz refresh rate just the design that will make heads turn, Rs 80,990 onwards image stabiliser. The DIGIC X image processor allows the EOS R6 and a screen to body ratio of above 92 per cent. to achieve blazing continuous shooting speed of up to 20fps at The quad cam shines in lowlight scenarios, and full resolution using the electronic shutter, and with full AF and also comes with a host of video options, including AE tracking, making it one of the fastest full-frame mirrorless a clever monochrome video mode. Rs 34,990 cameras in the market. Rs 2,15,995

SWINGS BOTH WAYS

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18 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 19 FOB / GADGETS FOB / FASHION PODCASTS

BUTTONED UP The Showstopper: SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE Bloggers Brock McGoff and Jon Shanahan INNOVATIONS OVER THE Fashionably have partnered up to bring weekly fashion LAST DECADE and style advice, a sneak peek into their The Galaxy Note 20 duo marks a creative process, and a conversation Samsung Galaxy decade of the Galaxy Note saga. The Heard with other creators in the same space. In first Samsung Galaxy Note device Bingeing on podcasts because these 25 episodes, the bloggers discuss debuted in 2011, and pioneered the the watchlist is too long? Up ongoing trends in the industry, and talk shift to large screen smartphones. Note 20 Ultra your fashion knowledge while about modern entrepreneurship. We can We look back at some of the cool see them talking about workwear styles, The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is all that you would expect from innovations that the Note line finishing your errands, with hairstyles, leather sourcing, and other Samsung’s top-of-the-line flagship device ushered in: these style podcasts insightful processes. The S Pen (Galaxy Note – 2011): By Sanika Achrekar Available on: Apple Podcasts By Ashwin Rajagopalan The defining feature of the Note, reimagined the mobile phone stylus. While many brands attempted clones Like the Galaxy S20 took a jump from S10 earlier this significant camera and video usage. It’s also a hardware with mixed results, the S Pen has THE SNEAKER OT: THE PODCAST year, the tenth iteration of the Note leaps from 2019’s beast, powered by the Exynos 990 Processor that teams continued to get better. PODCAST Started by two watch Note 10 to the Note 20. And it’s the Ultra that is the up with 12GB of RAM. 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The S-Pen comes smartphones might be the point being the sneaker, OT is all about watches, what might be the most stunning metallic shade ever with a whole new bag of tricks, including the handy norm now with ultra-fast the podcast discusses the time, and how to spend seen on a smartphone. Annotate PDF feature. processors, but it was the success rate of new releases, it. They do interviews, a The Note 20 Ultra becomes the first smartphone to be The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is all that you Note 2 that started it all. their favourite shoe at the news roundup, and their finished with Corning’s new Gorilla Glass Victus on the would expect from Samsung’s top-of-the-line flagship moment, special sneakers to own recommendations. front and rear of the device. It feels terrific in your hand device — a fully loaded spec sheet, an immersive display Samsung Knox (Galaxy wear for special events, local But additionally, their listeners and the matte finish repels smudges and fingerprints. At with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a stellar camera that can Note 3 – 2013): Now boutiques to shop for sneakers, etc., can also email them if they need over 200 gm, it’s a heavy device. It’s a case of love and capture 8K videos. But it’s the design language that sets deeply integrated into and it’s a never-ending list. assistance in selecting a new watch. hate colliding with the Note 20 Ultra’s camera bump. I the Note 20 Ultra apart. Rs 1,04,999 Samsung’s smartphones, Available on: Spotify Available on: Spotify love how the three rings (for the three lenses) tablets and wearables at are arranged with matching mystic bronze the manufacturing stage, accents, but the bump is tough to ignore, Samsung Knox offers Galaxy MAKING IT UP THE WAITING LIST especially when it’s placed on a smooth device users a simple and Making It Up is a weekly podcast hosted by The Waiting List focuses on trending topics within the watch surface or a desk. Samsung has opted for a secure environment for storing Eugene Kan and Charis Poon. Every week, industry. Three watch nerds, Alex Lau, Lunglung Thun, and Daniel 108MP lens (f/1.8) to headline its triple rear and managing sensitive data. the duo selects two of the most important Sum, interview watch collectors, talk about growing the watch cam that also includes a 12MP ultra-wide topics across a range of industries, from community, and a lot of fun aspects. They also do guiding episodes, lens and 12MP telephoto lens. You can The curved display (Galaxy tech to design, and discuss it from a broader like how to deal in secondary watch markets. shoot 5X optical and up to 50X on Super Note Edge – 2014): It’s become perspective. An interesting episode was one Available on: Spotify and Apple Podcasts Resolution Zoom. This is a versatile a distinctive design element that had an in-depth talk about Al graphic shooter, with solid results across all for the Note series with a design and research on future of luxury and scenarios and formats. There’s also a wraparound display that hugs the “Virgilization” of Virgil Abloh, which 10MP selfie cam, with heaps of custom the entire front of the device. meant how the artification of an individual modes, including the Live Focus The Note Edge, with a right-side is intentional in order to de-commercialise Portrait video mode. curved screen, became the first the person. The 6.9-inch (3088 x 1440 pixels) device with this design element. Available on: Spotify Quad HD+Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is brilliant, and packs 496 Dual rear cam (Galaxy Note 8 – 2017): pixels per inch. It features a 120Hz Quad rear cams might be passé now. refresh rate display; everything Back in 2017, the Note from videos to web browsing 8 became the first THE ANDREW COELHO SHOW and intense gaming is fluidic premium Samsung This podcast is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs in fashion on this display. It’s geared for device to sport a dual with insights, tips, and tricks they need, to become the gaming and Netflix marathons. rear shooter with two industry's future leaders. Every week, Andrew Coelho sits with The vibrant display is backed 12MP sensors that fashionpreneurs, and discusses how to make your mark in today’s with a robust 4500 mAh were both backed by fashion world. Think of this podcast as your mentorship program battery that lasted all day OIS (Optical Image where you learn how to land your dream internships, and legally in our tests, even after Stabilisation). protecting your brand from fashion piracy. Available on: Spotify and Google Podcasts

20 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 21

FOB Samsung Note Gadgets NEW.indd 20 08/09/20 10:02 AM Podcasts.indd 34 08/09/20 2:42 PM FOB / CYCLING

take in potholes and speed breakers, while look ridiculous, but they are an absolute less than Rs 4,000 and can My favourite silhouettes are the affording you a more comfortable, upright must while riding. Cycle seats are glorified go up to Rs 20,000, similar Jawbreaker or the Flight Jacket, both of riding position. There you go. metal saddles, and they are designed so for jerseys. which incidentally recently launched in a Getting The Best because over long rides, this form reduces special Olympic-destined unique splash- Road bike spend: Basic: B-Twin by the chances of chafing — something Gear: Remember, you and paint aesthetic called Kokoro (Rs 10,000). Decathlon, Firefox. Intermediate to high- that excessively cushioned saddles can the cycle connect at three Another brand, Rudy Project, is great, but end: Giant, Trek, Specialized, Argon, Scott, cause. Slim saddles are lighter and more points — bum (already not available here. A relatively new brand, Out Of Cycling Cervelo, Bianchi, Wilier, Colnago, Pinarello. aerodynamic. covered, no puns), the Goodr ($25), makes funky designs at very Price will depend on the model, but expect It’s always a good idea to spend on a hands, and feet. So you affordable prices, but you will need your US The best bikes, and the best of helmets, shoes, clothes, jackets, and to pay more for Italian bikes. A simple bike good pair of shorts. You can go for the need the right gear at friends and family to help you acquire them. smartwatches to enjoy your new cycling experience would cost about Rs 50,000 and frankly, regular kind of the bib version, which has these extremities too — there is no upward limit to how expensive two bands that go over your shoulder to cushioned gloves, with gel Accessories: These are the bells and By Magandeep Singh you can custom-build one. But for Rs 4 lakh, help keep the shorts in place, but it’s a or foam, for your hands whistles, almost literally. A rear light is a you can easily get one head-turner of a whole level of inconvenience when you and slick shoes that are must, one that is bright and won’t drain speed demon. wish to use the toilet. As for jerseys, some aero and stiff, but also batteries fast. Then, you will need a bottle- The common joke doing the rounds is that and comfy but also heavy (unless you drop a brands will fit better than others and it’s comfortable. You need holder, and a bottle (Camelbak insulated while the world fights a deadly virus, in India, six-digit figure on one), so they won’t go too Clothing: While it’s okay to cycle in just all about what you like here — from colour stiff shoes so that all the bottles are the best). Now, the next three it’s just been a collective call to a cyclothon. fast, and unless you plan a lot of off-roading about any pair of shorts and tee, the tighter- to designs and even brand prestige. Socks power from your legs things — mudguard, lock and stand — are Economists and social behaviourists will or downhill riding, you will never really tap fitting cycling gear is engineered to (a) keep is a field that is picking up interest now, transfers to the pedals, entirely your prerogative, All I will say is they baffle for decades in the future, wondering into its full potential. you comfortable and chafe-free and (b) and aero-socks are all the rage to make and translates into speed. are practical add-ons. Also, a phone holder just how the denizens of the world’s largest This is where hybrids come in — thin make you go faster while keeping you aptly you go faster. In cycling — especially road If the shoe were to bend, isn’t a bad idea. democracy took to pedalling when the enough tyres to go fast on a robust frame to insulated. Cycling shorts have bum pads that biking — cyclists are obsessed about these then you’re wasting energy. pandemic struck. gains, minuscule as they might be, so are And remember, even milli- Cycle computer, power meters: Is it Nevertheless, any excuse to be fit is an constantly upgrading socks to seatpost and watt counts. really a ride if you don’t have the metrics acceptable one, but cycling is an activity everything else in-between. Let’s not forget helmets to post somewhere? Today, a smartphone fraught with serious safety concerns. Here — don’t ever ride without app like Strava or MapMyRide will do the is a list to prep you adequately for your very Clothing brands: Castelli, Assos, Rapha, one. My choice is a Giro job sufficiently. If you are nerdy like me, first ride. X-Bionic, Pearl Izumi, 2XU, Agu, Socks: Rule or Catlike Mixino (Rs and wish to know more, not just for speed 28 (their oil spill is the only aero-socks you 20,000), but I would also and distance but also your cadence (i.e. Cycle: There are largely three kind of cycles will ever want). Good shorts will cost nothing recommend any helmet pedalling revolutions per minute), how much — road bikes that have the down-turned with MIPS technology, and power you are generating in watts per hour handle with slim tyres, mountain bikes with also Bontrager by Trek’s and also in watts per kilo, then you need to chunky tyres and shock absorption systems, latest advancement — WaveCel get special meters to gauge all this. and hybrids, which sort of straddle the middle tech protection system. For shoes, Sidi, Power meters can cost as much as a path between the other two. Those big-tyre Specialized, Shimano, and Northwave (Rs medium-end bike, and cycles you may have seen aka Fat-bikes, are 8,000-Rs 35,000) are some of the top it’s only for people who meant for the beach ideally, so don’t be a brands to go with. I prefer disc closures on are training to that noob and get those for your city riding. shoes because you can dial in the degree level. It is easier to A road bike is fast, but the posture you of grip even while riding get a sports need to hold over a ride can be tricky, and also, they distribute watch (Garmin, requiring a strong core. It can also be difficult the pressure much more Suunto, Polar, to manoeuvre from that position, so maybe evenly than laces, which anything this is only recommended to those who are also stand the risk of between Rs familiar with cycles. Mountain bikes are fun coming undone mid-ride. Velcro is a good 25,000-Rs middle option. 90,000) and Cycling shoes are slick and light, but then buy a cumbersome to walk in. If you wish to have few sensors to more multi-purpose shoes, get mountain record your cadence bike shoes, they won’t be as aero or light, and speed (Rs 5,000). but they are definitely more comfortable. Power meters by brands Look (Rs 8,000+) is the top choice, like Stages, Favio, or Garmin will cost followed by Shimano. There are others upwards of Rs 40,000, in addition to the too, pick what works for you, as long as watch mentioned above. Many prefer to you remember to match the cleats that have a watch that they use for running and are fixed to the bottom of your shoes to other activities, but then get a dedicated plug into the pedals that you have. Finally, cycle computer (Rs 20,0000+) for the bike, sunglasses, and Oakley is the only brand which sits atop the handle bar, and displays doing simultaneous global launches for its the same metrics as the watch would, but on latest ware in India, so go with them. a bigger screen.

22 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 23 FOB / PEOPLE

make music productions, which is next level. flight, I trained myself on how to react to Behind-the-scenes of Margarita and I’m glad, honoured and humbled by It was a combination of your innate musical certain things. I have had many near-violent with a Straw this. Do I feel the need to represent the talent with technology," Dalha says. incidents and funny incidents as well. I Tibetan people? I can’t. I can’t be the Far From The While Rahman never took classes, he used used to take the metro to my college every "I used to face racism in every football representative of an entire nation. If we to meet the students (which now included day, and I was more from Delhi than a lot match I played at the zonal level, or inter- are talking about Tibet, particularly, I Dalha) once a month and see their progress. of people who were being racist with me," school level. I was more from Delhi than a think we all have one person to look up to The atmosphere at the conservatory was he says. lot of people who were being racist with me" and that’s His Holiness,” he says. Madding Crowd such that Dalha ended up spending eight "For instance, I was sitting in the metro, and And His Holiness seems to have done to 10 hours a day practising his instrument there were some guys talking to each other wonders for Dalha. He’s about as zen He’s piqued our collective interest with outings in Margarita with A Straw, — the drums — without taking Sundays off. in Haryanvi, and were saying stuff like ‘look demur, naturally. But he insists. I tell him as they come — in what has to be the Guilty, and Axone. But who is Tenzin Dalha, and what’s his ambition? After about two months, he managed to get at him’, ‘look his hair’, ‘look at his eyes’. I that its Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and shittiest year in recent memory, the By Mayukh Majumdar a drum kit into the guest house and began understood what they were saying because I wait for the judgement to follow but it only thing that 2020 has managed to practising for 12 hours. I can speak a little Haryanvi as well. After 20 doesn’t. Instead, Dalha tells me he’s tried take away from the actor, is his time in The first time I text Tenzin Dalha to gauge Dalha truly began to be noticed post the odd minutes, I broke the ice and spoke to the iconic Shah Rukh Khan pose (hasn’t Kerala where he was heading to practise his interest in an interview, he wants to get release of Guilty, which was about the them in Haryanvi, and they were shocked. everybody?) and he sucks at it. Kalaripayattu this year. That’s all you on a call. All I want to do is get an 'okay' #MeToo movement. While his character It all came down to a laugh, finally. I think But while Dalha comes across as extremely were planning to do, this year? I ask. from him, and report back to my editor, didn’t have many dialogues, he instantly sometimes it’s just ignorance instead of evil carefree, there appears to be an attempt From top “Well,” he says and I can almost hear his because I'm already playing catch with my stood out. intentions," he adds. to burden him with representing his A still from Guilty; smile through the phone, “Kalaripayattu poster of 99 Songs; deadline. And besides, who prefers calls "I had auditioned for Guilty at Deepak Talking about work, Dalha has a long list of community. During an interview with stills from Axone is a time-consuming art.” over texts, anyway? Mehrotra's office. I got the script, and I film-makers and their stories that he’d want TibetTV, the anchor keeps hyping Dalha . When we get on a call, the first thing Dalha did a complete improvisation of the scene to be a part of. up to be some sort of messiah for wants to know is, why him? Nothing about that was given to me. I took a take on the "I would want to live in Vishwesh aspiring Tibetan actors. Dalha is visibly how ‘prominently’ the profile will feature, character, and they seemed to like it. I went Krishnamoorthy's, Anand Gandhi's, Vishal uncomfortable with the high praise being or what the focus of the interview will for a reading, and I was told that Karan Bharadwaj's, Dibakar Banerjee's, Zoya heaped on him, and I ask him if he feels be. I tell him it's because we loved his Johar really liked my audition. Then, one Akhtar's, Mani Ratnam's, Thyagarajan burdened by the respect he’s received in performance in Guilty and Axone, and thing led to another," he says. Kumaraja, Vasan Bala, Raj & DK's, Bong his community. would like to see more of him. I leave out Post Guilty, the actor was seen in Nicholas Joon Ho's, Charlie Kaufman's, Ruchi “Honestly, I haven’t achieved anything the fact that he’s got a dreamy smile. Kharkongar’s Axone, which deals with food Narain's, Jordan Peele's, Dave Fincher's Dalha is also one of the few known faces and racism. Dalha has spent 25 years and the man with balls of steel, Anurag to be starring in the AR Rahman musical, of his life in Delhi. Did Dalha’s years of Kashyap's worlds. So whatever roles they 99 Songs. What made him so special that facing racism in Delhi help him relate to give me, I'll grab them with open arms," he he got a chance in the maestro’s musical? Zorem, I ask. says, ambitiously. "I gave a kickass audition," Dalha "This is 25 years of me living in Delhi Dalha is very reticent when it comes to says, laughing. now, and not having similar features sharing details about his childhood or about Dalha stayed at Rahman's guest as a commoner in the capital his parents, apart from the fact that they house, and his classes would would. Racism becomes a part always supported his theatre career as long begin at 10 in the morning. "At of life, then. I used to face as he got good grades, and that his passion the KM Music Conservatory racism in every football — apart from theatre — was football. In fact, (founded by Rahman in match that I played at other than his parents, nobody knew about 2008), everyone had the zonal level, or Dalha's decision to become an actor till been training in music inter-school level. they saw him in Margarita with A Straw. for years, and now, Because our Currently, Dalha is living in Mumbai’s Madh they were there brains are Island, which he absolutely loves. Madh to hone their reduced to Island reminds him of the hills, particularly craft and fight or Darjeeling, where he’s spent 15 summers as a child. It’s also a great place for his love life (he’s dating) because Dalha’s idea of an ideal date involves sunsets, hills, and a good cup of tea. If that made you aww, there’s more — he’d rather play badminton on a date or go for a run than watch a movie. Okay then. Like every second aspiring actor to come to the city of dreams, Dalha idolises Shah Rukh Khan. He says he’s seen Main Hoon Na at least 13 times, and proceeds to ask me what my favourite film is. He’s just spoken to me about how he wants to star

ROHAN JOSHI in a film directed by Bong Joon Ho so I

24 MAY 2020 • MW MAY 2020 • MW 25 FOB / FITNESS

problem at all. They have a movement problem. A lack of movement, that 5 Myths About is. Yes, hormonal problems makes weight loss harder. But if we are having di–culty in losing weight and blaming it on our metabolism, but our blood work and hormones are actually in Metabolism at 40 line, where does the problem lie? It’s Fitness is not a race, it’s a journey to be enjoyed — easy to lose sight of this when we and don’t blame your metabolism compare ourselves to others who seem to e“ortlessly lose weight, or stay lean. By Deep Malhotra We often compare how much we are working out and how much we are The time reads 2:00am on the corner and once you restart these so-called eating, and then we blame our genetics of his mobile screen, as he is frantically poisons, your temptations will kick for giving us this tortoise-like ability typing on his phone at this wee hour of in. If the restrictive method in eating to lose fat. The subtle but consistent the night. The mobile screen lights up is 100....0...30 (30 being the perfect di“erences in activity and lifestyle make his determined face in the dark room, as level), The moderation method is it seem like we have two camps: those he frantically types into his Whatsapp 100...80...60...40...30, where maintaining who stay thin e“ortlessly, and those group with his friends, who are all going your level at 30 can be easier when you who do not. But really, it’s a case of to be turning 40 this year. The situation achieve it with the moderation method those who are active in an e“ortless or looks tense, which it usually is, when than jumping back to 100 from 30, as in routine way, and those who are not. the members are debating about the the restrictive method. The secret code coronavirus or politics, but this one of healthy eating for us in the ’40s is  INTENSE WORKOUTS looks much more intense than usual. more of moderation, not restriction. CAN BOOST YOUR your metabolism. What will be more The discussion in the group is about METABOLISM e“ective than intensity? Consistency. fitness, which can be a touchy topic, for  MY METABOLISM IS It is simple, more exercise equals more Being regular is the most important these friends in their late thirties, have SLOW BECAUSE OF MY calories burned, right? According to the factor in getting fit. Though the workout just woken up to get fit in the last few AGE AND GENES numbers on the machines at the gym, routine has been derailed during the months, before they soon hit their 40th In reality, your metabolism only slows yes. But this actually isn't the case. lockdown, what is important, is to be milestone. These conversations can get if you become less active. Genes or Many experts say that if you push your self-motivated by doing workouts at really touchy when the credit of a fast age may have very little to do with body too far in your '40s, your body home, it be simple push-ups, functional transition is given to the metabolism of to fuel your body. And after weight loss, — your metabolism slows down, so you metabolism. The vast majority of enters an inflammatory, stressed state, workouts, or Yoga. the person, instead of the hard work one if you return to old eating and exercise use less energy, and burn fewer calories. people who complain about their slow and your hormones get totally out of puts in to get there. And this seems to habits, the weight will come back, Your body may also drop muscle mass metabolisms don’t have a metabolism whack, which — in turn — messes with As these thoughts get vehemently be the core of the argument for these because you’re providing more fuel to conserve energy. Starvation mode discussed yet again on the WhatsApp soon-to-be-40 dudes. This touches upon (food) than your body needs. So the key tends to leave you feeling hungrier and group, it’s 2:30 am already, and he is some popular beliefs, experience with is to keep active, and eat only how much sluggish. Food cravings can lead you to nudged by his wife who is getting metabolism, and the fitness challenges you need to, to keep those pounds away. eat more, and undo weight loss e“orts. disturbed by the glaring phone light. He of the ’40s: So, starvation is a bad idea, especially knows that either it’s time to pause this  EATING LESS IS GOOD for us in the ’40s, as we may end up never-ending debate, or be thrown out  THINNER PEOPLE HAVE FOR YOUR METABOLISM looking and feeling weaker than leaner. of his own room in the middle of the HIGHER METABOLISM RATES It may seem logical that eating less night. He chooses the right thing to do, THAN OVERWEIGHT PEOPLE gives way to a speedier metabolism,  A CRASH DIET WILL and as his sleepy eyes are staring back Let’s address the elephant in the room but the opposite may be true. Eating WORK BETTER THAN A at the screen, he keys in his last words with the most popular argument first. less food can kick your body into what’s MODERATE DIET for the day: “Fitness is not a race, it’s a The poor, thicker people have to give commonly known as starvation mode In the late '30s, many people try journey you need to enjoy, and don’t up so much in the diet to get there restrictive diets to get faster results. But blame your metabolism”. because they aren’t as blessed with the it isn’t the restrictive diet that will help metabolism of those that are thin. Now, you in the long run, it’s moderation in Deep Malhotra is the author of Brick, this is a convenient excuse. Actually, the eating that will help. By giving up bread, Cement & Dotcom: The Unspoken Dark bodies of larger people require more sweets, co“ee (co“ee actually helps Realities of Entrepreneurship. He is the energy than smaller people. That means, in upping your metabolism rate), etc. co-Founder of Beckfriends.com & Gemini

as you lose weight, you’ll need less food you will only see a temporary impact, Group: GNMV Spaces (imgemini.com) SHUTTERSTOCK

26 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 27 FOB / ADVENTURE SPORTS TRAINING

Specially Capable C.L.A.W (Conquer Land Air Water), is a training organisation that trains people with disabilities in adventure sports, with an aim to change outlooks, while shattering a few world records on the way

By Rajeev Mathew

Sympathy for the specially abled is not a bad thing, but it’s even more important to look at someone, say, in a wheelchair, and think that the person is powerful, strong, and deserves all your respect. That is exactly what the trainers and trainees at CLAW aim to do as well — mould perceptions, change rigid mentalities and of course, inspire. CLAW (Conquer Land Air Water) more people who were enthused and trained killers, or protectors, however was founded by ex-Special Forces eager to learn something adventurous. you see it. I understand that our job is commando, Major Vivek Jacob. The He decided to round up anyone who extremely strategic and important, but I idea originated on a hospital bed after is willing to help make this a larger just felt I had grown beyond it. I wanted Major Vivek Jacob an accident in 2015. “During a combat Team CLAW operation. From volunteer trainers to see what I could do in creation rather freefall course (tactical skydiving) in to generous accommodation and than destruction.” CLAW's workshop Agra, a parachute malfunction injured dive. I said ‘why not?’. I spent my time equipment, everyone and anything was Eventually, a group of ex-Special on scuba diving of the grit and determination of in Delhi my spine. While recovering in the researching specially-abled people welcomed to get this going. During Forces veterans joined in as trainers, people with disabilities. “We were in hospital, a paralysed Air Force officer scuba diving, and I saw that it is very this time, Maj Jacob decided to take a and CLAW begin to take shape. They Decathlon, informing people about was by my side, and we got to talking. much possible.” premature retirement after Fourteen conducted workshops where they our scuba diving workshop. They when he realised I was a commando, This conversation introduced Maj. years of service, and decided to would offer scuba diving lessons. These were abled people, and let’s say out

he asked if he could ever learn to scuba Jacob to an opportunity of helping a lot dedicate his time to the cause. “We are workshops were another indicator of 100, maybe 20 people said they

28 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 29 FOB / ADVENTURE SPORTS TRAINING

is CLAW’s mission to create the triple elemental world record, only by a team of people with disabilities. They are currently hard at work, training a team, preparing for the world record where Clockwise from the CLAW team will scuba dive in the top-right: Maldives, skydive in Dubai, and scale Trainees get some rest on are interested, out of which only 10-15 the beach; CLAW trainers CLAW. He believes that his time Everest in Nepal. There are naturally people landed up. We then went to supervising trainees there taught him things beyond just a few challenges, but CLAW’s trainers during a dive; divers come the Chandigarh Spinal Rehab Centre, physical training. “I did a scuba diving have noticed the team’s focus and up to the surface for some where there were 26 people with air; trainers getting a course, but in the process, I learnt determination. “They are a delight various spinal injuries. After I told trainee ready; a female the importance of developing a self- to train because they have got a trainee learns about them about the workshop, all 26 of scuba equipment belief system. We were also shown phenomenal amount of honesty and them volunteered for the workshop. how teamwork can make everything spirit. You just need to give them an Everyone was ready, and excited. This A trainee possible,” says Ali. opportunity to showcase that,” says 100 per cent response stunned me, and at CLAW A trainee at CLAW is assured to Maj Jacob. I admired their zeal.” is assured learn an adventure sport, but also (PTSD). Being out in the water can help CLAW wants to be a shining example You could label CLAW a training to learn an other self-defence skills, like unarmed keep that under control. It also helps for people with disabilities, with centre, but its objective and teachings adventure hand-to-hand combat. CLAW also plays to emancipate them in some ways. For remarkable capabilities. “We want spread far beyond that. Arman Ali, sport, but also the role of an unconventional rehab example, someone who spends most corals, and have complete control over their current goal — Operation Blue CLAW trainers and to shatter the stereotype of pity and the Executive Director of National centre because an adventure sport like of their time in a wheelchair, does not themselves without relying on anyone. Freedom. They take their name very trainees practising in handouts associated with people with learn other self- Lakshadweep's open waters Centre for Promotion of Employment defence skills, scuba diving has its health benefits. have to worry about that in the water. But the biggest reason why CLAW seriously, and are on their way to do disabilities. Instead, we want to evolve for Disabled People (NCPEDP), spent like hand-to- Recovering from an accident can have They can move how they want, witness sets itself apart from other training exactly what it says — conquer land, it to one where ability is recognised and his time training in scuba diving with hand combat serious Post Traumatic Stress Disorder a whole other world thriving in the academies out there, is because of air and water. Operation Blue Freedom awarded,” adds Maj Jacob.

30 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 31 FOB / APPS WHEELS / INTERVIEW

DETOUR momentum is sustained. Most of our training Helpful for: Exploring new cities is now being undertaken online, leading to An App For Detour is a GPS-guided audio walk that cost/time savings. We have invested heavily offers experience in 17 cities around the in our digital platforms that are helping our world. It is narrated by a local who knows partners grow their business online. On the Digitalisation front, we incorporated Wanderlust the Augmented Reality (first-in-segment), a 360° Product Visualizer, and online Yes, the travel bug is one that’s hard to get rid of. bookings on the Audi India website bring the While we’re all continuing to be safe, some are buying experience straight to a prospective on their feet, and travel is slowly opening up customer's fingertips. again. We explore a list of apps that can help you with your next trip, be it last-minute hotel deals, How and when do you hope the sales will recover? discounts, local events, or even packing your bag PACKPOINT Realistically, the luxury car segment will By Sanika Achrekar remain muted for some time before growth Helpful for: Packing for your trip begins. Optimistically, we could see some Packpoint is an app that helps curate spurt of demand due to the changing at customised lists of what you’ll need for buying behaviour with a focus on personal your getaway. Once you fill in your travel mobility. In the absence of other avenues to information such as destination, travel "Most Of Our Showrooms And splurge on, like luxury holidays, consumers dates, and the activities that you plan to may look at buying a luxury car. We expect indulge in, the app will prepare a custom Workshops Are Open…" revival for the overall luxury car industry packing list that’ll help you pack light, and starting 2021. not forget what you need for your trip. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, on the recovery of the auto sector, Available on: iOS and Android Audi's vision for India, the future of EVs, and more By Rajeev Mathew How do you see India's EV market changing Price: Free in the coming years? EVs are the way forward, but the market This year, we have seen a lot of Audi who will splurge to reward oneself. We is not going to develop overnight. launches, with more on the way. Tell us also anticipate the pre-owned car business Infrastructure plays an important role. the the city well, making it easy for tourists more about Audi's vision for India in 2020. picking up steam during this period. Audi Tangible measures by the government to explore uncommon places. As of now, For Audi India, 2020 began on an extremely India's preowned car business — Audi towards e-mobility infrastructure and HOPPER they have tours for San Francisco, New positive note. With advanced planning and Approved Plus — has seen growth in 2019 adequate support for the import of electric Helpful for: Flights York City, Los Angeles, Austin, Washington a focused approach, we sold out all our when the overall car market fell, and we vehicles would be a welcome move. Hopper analyses airfares, and gives an idea DC, Boston, Chicago, Rome, Berlin, BS-IV stock of cars. We launched the Audi expect this growth to continue in 2020. of the best time to find the cheapest fares. Marrakech, London, Paris, and Barcelona, Q8 & Audi A8 L in January and February What can we expect from Audi in the next All you need to do is fill in the destination, among others. respectively. We recently launched the Audi Given the current situation and the five years? and a colour-coded calendar will show you Android Available on: RS 7 Sportback and RS Q8. As a brand, our pandemic, how is Audi performing? At Audi India, we have a clear roadmap in the cheapest and most expensive dates to Price: Free focus has been on not just growing sales Most of our showrooms and workshops place, and we have termed it‚ Strategy 2025. fly. It also recommends whether you should volumes, but also growing the brand in a are now open as per directives from the This strategy includes four key focus pillars go ahead and buy the tickets now, or wait profitable and sustainable manner. government. On the after-sales side, service- for the brand — 1. Customer centricity, 2. until the rates get better. EAT WITH related requests have picked up very well, Digitalization, 3. Products, and 4. Network, Available on: iOS and Android What change have you seen in the Indian “In the absence as most of our customers prepare to resume and each of these pillars are of equal Price: Free FLUSH TOILET FINDER luxury car buyer's purchasing habits? of other their daily lives. We are staying positive and importance. First, as a brand, we want to Helpful for: Finding a public restroom There is a shift towards more digital hopeful of demand revival as we approach enhance customer experience through all u HOTEL TONIGHT It can be really difficult trying to locate avenues to research. Luxury car buying is a very splurge on, the festive season. stages of interaction with the brand, across Helpful for: Last minute accommodation Helpful for: Dining and experiencing a public restroom when you’re in a city emotional purchase decision. Therefore, all touchpoints. On the product front, our Decided to book a last-minute flight and or destination that you’ve never been to. like luxury local cuisine we expect our customers will be inclined It is understood that the auto sector has India launch plans of new models for 2020 trying to figure out where to Eat With is similar to AirBnB experiences. Weird as it may sound, it’s such a basic holidays, towards phygital (physical + digital) pre- taken a hit. What is Audi's way forward to include a mix of volume and RS models. With crash once you land? Hotel You can dine with locals at locations all necessity. Flush Toilet Finder helps you find consumers buying experience. A luxury car is more bounce back from this? BS-VI regulations, we have decided to may look Tonight has got your back. over the world. The menus are posted the nearest toilets to your location, with of an aspirational buy rather than a need- We have worked on a combination of ways revamp Audi's entire product range in India. It finds last-minute deals on on the app, and the host will list what over 190,000 bathrooms in its database. based purchase, which is why we will see at buying a to deliver and sustain the business during For our network, under our 'Workshop First' hotels near your location, they cook, the languages they speak, The best part about it is that it works a gradual improvement in the business. luxury car. tough times and in the recovery phase; strategy, we enter Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities ranging from basic to and the alcohol they’ll be serving. It without an Internet connection, which A large chunk of our buyers is from the We expect these include a frugal business approach, with a 'Service First promise' and by luxurious options, including gives you a chance to mix with people of makes it great for an emergency situation, business community, whose priority will be revival for the strengthening the business ecosystem, inaugurating our Workshop First, a gradual unique boutique hotels. different cultures, and an amazing dining in low network areas, or when you’re to stabilise their businesses and after that, overall luxury effective use of resources, and focus plan to establish a showroom follows. Available on: iOS and recommendation at a lesser price. commuting. make that luxury car purchase. On the other car industry on profitability and liquidity. We have Digitalization will continue to be at the core Android Available on: iOS and Android Available on: iOS and Android hand, there will also be a set of customers starting 2021” taken multiple steps to ensure that brand of our strategy. Price: Free Price: Free Price: Free

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Sportline uses zero amount of shiny, have added connected features to give generation) and 320 Nm of torque (70 blingy chrome. It actually uses blacked- the infotainment a boost. In terms of Nm more than the previous generation). out finishing on every spot where chrome safety, the Superb comes equipped with At cruising speeds, the Superb feels was used on the L&K. Overall, the L&K is eight airbags, ABS, ESC, parking sensors, the most in its element. But in case you sophisticated, and the Sportline looks like hill-start assist, hill-descent control, want to have some fun with it, you can a young brat while still retaining some of tyre pressure monitoring (L&K only) and unhesitatingly put your foot on the pedal The Superb that sophistication. driver fatigue warning (L&K only). and get an immediate response from the The magic of the Superb is best felt is primarily The Superb’s visual changes have been engine, accompanied by a highly-satisfying inside the car, especially in the back. meant to be minimal, but the main change is one you growl from the exhausts. The DSG is decent This is primarily meant to be used as a a chau‚eur- can’t see, but one you can experience. when it comes to gear control, but if you chauffeur-driven car, so backseat comfort driven car, Volkwagen’s new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol want to take things in your own hand, the and space is cardinal, and Skoda delivers so backseat engine replaces the older 1.8-litre TSI paddle shifters are always available to give on that front. There’s an abundance comfort engine. Skoda has also ditched the older you complete control. of knee room and headroom, the and space diesel variant. The previous 1.8-litre petrol The Superb’s engine and engineering specially contoured seats, are extremely is cardinal, was a successful and popular choice, but allows you to whip a long car like this comfortable and feature the signature and Skoda the new 2.0-litre proves itself to be a quite easily. Cornering on sharp turns or Skoda ‘Power Nap’ package that include delivers on more than worthy replacement. It churns moving through tricky traffic, the handling special restraints, allowing you to keep that front out 190 hp (10 hp more than the previous is well-equipped for both scenarios. The your head in place when getting some ride quality is also a big positive. The shut eye. The middle passenger will not suspension is now softer, and the car be as comfortable as the other two due to absorbs bumps and potholes without an abnormally large transmission tunnel. alerting the passengers. The sense of space is felt in the boot as In this price range, the premium well, where you get a colossal 625-litre executive sedan automotive segment isn’t boot that easily accommodates large highly populated, which makes the Toyota suitcases. What the Superb misses is a Camry Hybrid as the only competitor. But panoramic sunroof. Currently, all you get the Camry is priced Rs 3 lakh higher from is a small sunroof that isn’t electronic. For the Superb, and is already a year older. a car in this segment, and considering With a revamped design and engine, this is a facelift, a bigger sunroof would Skoda makes it impossible to overlook the Superb, In Every Way have made being inside a more pleasant new Superb. experience. In terms of the cabin, the Skoda has reintroduced the Superb in 2020, hoping to break customers L&K gets a dual-tone beige and black out of their SUV hypnosis. We drive the new 2020 facelifted version, treatment, while the Sportline gets all- AT A GLANCE black Alcantara upholstery, sportier front and check if it still has what it takes to carry the legacy forward ENGINE seats, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel 2.0-litre turbo-petrol By Rajeev Mathew that conveys the Sportline’s nature. The Superb’s cabin is clean and subtle, TORQUE which is made of top-notch materials. 320 Nm The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment Let’s face it. It’s the age of the SUVs. the new, larger, chrome grille in the middle. system from the previous model makes a POWER Indians are leaning towards that chunkier, The L&K’s bumper has also been lightly reappearance and it still runs smoothly, 190 bhp big design, pushing the premium executive redesigned with a new air dam that is without any hiccups. Ideally, Skoda should sedans into oblivion. But Skoda doesn’t flanked by aero-enhancing Air Curtains. PRICE Rs 29.99 – 32.99 lakh want to be pushed around. And you can’t The use of chrome on the L&K version is (Ex-showroom, New Delhi) seem to push it around, either. The Superb heavy, yet tasteful. Chrome is incorporated has been a segment leader for years. And in the vertical slate of the grille, the lower 8.0-inch touchscreen system, in 2020, the Superb is on a mission to The new, air dam that joins the fog lamps, and the heated and powered front seats, reclaim its position. window frames. At the back, the Superb electronic parking brake, 3-zone facelifted climate control, and 11-speaker The new, facelifted Skoda Superb arrives comes with a slim chrome strip running Skoda Superb Canton audio system in two major variants in India — Lauren & through the tail lamps, a cleverly designed arrives in Klement (L&K) and Sportline. Skoda has chrome garnish on the bumper that mimics Well-finished cabin, backseat made a few changes to the exterior, but two major twin exhausts, and a chrome Skoda logo comfort, handling and engine they remain subtle and minimal. The older variants ties it all together. performance in India — design still looked fresh and didn’t need a The Sportline, on the other hand, Lack of connected features, lot of tweaking in the first place anyway. Lauren & comes with the same design tweaks, the manual sunroof The tweaks change depending on which Klement only difference being the addition of a model you’re looking at. The L&K Superb (L&K) and spoiler and a redesigned set of 17-inch MW RATING get slimmer, sleeker headlamps that hold Sportline gunmetal-finished alloy wheels. The

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clutch automatic, choosing to go back to accents treatment looks suitably sporty. The Verna rides on 16-inch alloys, while Smart, Good-looking a 6-speed manual transmission instead. There’s leatherette upholstery, ventilated suspension is comprised of McPherson Good to see the Koreans taking the fight front seats, a centrally mounted 8-inch struts with coil springs at the front, and to the Germans, if that means better, colour touchscreen for navigation and torsion beam axle at the back. Ride quality is more advanced technologies being made entertainment, a digital instrument panel, reasonably good, and the Verna manages to New Verna available to car buyers. and a powerful Arkamys sound system with isolate its occupants from really bad roads. With its snazzy new styling and range of three engines — including an exciting new While all three engines on the Verna are front and rear speakers. You also get full Steering feel has improved, and is better turbo-petrol version — the Verna makes a stronger case for itself than ever before quite competent in terms of power delivery smartphone connectivity, Apple CarPlay than what it used to be on older models of and fuel efficiency, buyers looking at and Android Auto compatibility and, in the Verna, with more feedback from the By Somnath Chatterjee something new should definitely give some addition to two USB chargers, there’s even front wheels reaching the driver. Handling careful consideration to the GDI turbo- a wireless phone charger in there, which is not too bad, but, in the end, you have to petrol, which is the most powerful of the works with compatible phones that support remember this is a family sedan and not a We wouldn’t quite say it’s a duckling-to- with three all-new engine options. First lot, despite having one cylinder less than wireless charging. And finally, there’s the sports car, and drive accordingly. As long swan transformation, but compared to the up is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol that the other two. There is a bit of low-rpm Hyundai BlueLink smartphone app that’s as you don’t push it too hard or attempt first-generation Verna that was launched in produces 114 horsepower and 144Nm of turbo lag here, and the GDI can feel a bit actually quite useful, providing remote improbably cornering heroics, all is well. India way back in 2006, the new one that torque. This is available with a choice of tame when chugging along at low speeds. engine start/stop, remote door lock/unlock In terms of safety equipment, the Verna was launched earlier this year is, styling- a 6-speed manual, and a continuously But as soon as the road opens up, floor that and SOS/emergency assistance among gets front and side airbags, anti-lock wise, in a different league altogether. With variable automatic. Next up is a 1.5-litre, throttle pedal and feel the turbo spooling other things. brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force its sharp, edgy design, LED headlamps and four-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel, up, as it pushes the Verna from zero to Overall, the new Verna’s cabin is quite distribution (EBD), electronic stability taillamps, large, dark front grille, twin-tip which produces 114bhp and 250Nm of 100kph in around 12 seconds. Not bad well built, and the seats are nicely sculpted control, and a tyre pressure monitoring at the front and rear, rear-view camera exhaust and 16-inch alloy wheels, the new torque, and you can have this with either a for a small engine; it makes the Verna fun and comfortable. However, the cabin system. There’s also parking sensors with dynamic guideline display, ISOFIX Verna looks pretty good. Hyundai has 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. to drive and, as a bonus, also delivers an simply isn’t as big and as spacious when child seat mounting points and, on never stopped improving this car, and in all And finally, there’s the most interesting unit ARAI-certified 19kpl (do note, however, that compared to the Honda City or the Maruti the turbo-petrol, disc brakes all around. AT A GLANCE the areas that matter — choice of engines, of the bunch — a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder the diesel is more fuel-efficient, delivering Ciaz. Rear seat legroom and headroom is That’s pretty comprehensive in the usual ride and handling, equipment levels — the turbocharged petrol, which produces 120 up to 25kpl with the manual transmission, a bit restricted on the Verna, and that’s ENGINE Hyundai fashion. new Verna is quite capable of taking the horsepower and 172Nm of torque, and is and 21kpl with the automatic). one area where the car falls short of the 1 0-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol So, is the Verna a smart buy? That competition head on. Does it have what it exclusively available with a 7-speed dual- Hyundai has always taken the lead in competition. We also have to say here and 1.5-litre diesel depends on what you’re looking for in your takes to win, though? We find out. clutch automatic, with paddle shifters. ensuring that its cars are the most highly that the Verna’s dashboard layout isn’t PRICE car. If you spend most of your time in the With the new Verna, Hyundai has Notably, Volkswagen and Skoda spec’d in their respective segments. quite as slick and contemporary-looking Rs 9.30-13.85 lakh (1.5l rear seat, you should probably consider scrapped the 1.6-litre petrol and also offer a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder The Indian car buyer demands ‘value as we have seen recently in some cars. The petrol), Rs 10.65-15.10 lakh other options in the segment. However, if 1.6-litre/1.4-litre diesel engines that turbocharged petrol engine on the for money’, which the Korean company infotainment touchscreen, which juts out (1.5l diesel), Rs 13.99 lakh you want a smart, good-looking car that (1.0l turbo-petrol) were available earlier. Out with the old, Vento and Rapid respectively, but they understands better than most others, and doesn’t sit flush with the dashboard, you intend to drive yourself, the Verna in with the new; the Verna now comes no longer have the earlier 7-speed dual- and delivers generously. The beige- looks a bit awkward. Also, the Verna’s Styling, turbo-petrol engine, might be a good choice. At Rs 13.99 7-speed automatic, ventilated and-black interiors on the 1.5l petrol instrumentation, layout of the controls and lakh (ex-showroom), the turbo-petrol is front seats and diesel are well appointed, while overall dashboard presentation simply isn’t expensive, but has a bit of chutzpah, a bit Limited rear seat legroom the petrol-turbo’s all-black with red as mature and sophisticated-looking as of verve that will keep you entertained. and headroom, dashboard what the competition has on offer. Hope For those who demand maximum fuel layout and design needs Hyundai can address this with the next improvement economy, there’s the torquey common-rail iteration of the Verna. turbodiesel. Either way, Hyundai has you covered, so choose wisely.

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T-Roc’s compact nature means that the knee room at the back is average, and the headroom is compromised due to that Roc Solid stylish, yet not-so-practical roof. But the Can the new T-Roc help Volkswagen establish car is a driver’s delight. Handling is great, itself in the crowded SUV segment of the Indian thanks to the limited body roll, controlled market? Or is it too high-priced? cornering, and overall stability. But what makes this car a joy to drive is the 1.5-litre By Rajeev Mathew TSI petrol engine, which is quiet as a The rear has a European charm about it. cat despite its 150 HP. It is mated to a The tailgate is scripted in chrome, and so 7-speed DSG that provides smooth shifts, are the faux exhausts that sit on thick black even in city conditions, and pushes the claddings. The 17-inch diamond-cut alloys car from 0-100 kmph in under 10 seconds. fill the prominent wheel arches. Another The driving experience is one of the best distinctive design choice is the sunroof. It is in this category. more coupe-style than a traditional SUV. Sandwiched right between the Tiguan Step inside, and you are greeted by a and T-Cross, the T-Roc is one of the most typical VW interior — a cabin with a clean desirable models in Volkswagen’sIndian and elegant layout packed with quality fleet currently. It is imported into the materials. Every single button, knob, and country from Europe in the form of CBU, plastic feels premium. A customisable which is what makes it expensive, and 10.5-inch infotainment system sits at the limits the engine options. The high price centre, tilted slightly to the driver’s side would be a factor, as it looks to compete to make it easier to use while driving. in a segment that boasts the likes of Will T-Roc, a new SUV priced at nearly Amongst other things, it also allows you to Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, Rs 20 lakh, prove to be a winner for view messages and make calls. and even the Skoda Karoq. Volkswagen, as it seeks to re-establish Much of the infotainment can also be itself at the top of the Indian market? That enabled through your phone, Android or is the question on the minds of the industry Apple, via App Connect. Active Info Display watchers. The German auto giant had a that powers the instrument panel, allows slew of options to consider for the launch, for the customisation of the information, but chose a vehicle in the overpopulated including the display of mileage, time to and highly competitive mid-price SUV destination, average speed, etc. The two- segment. Despite the sceptics though, zone Climatronic air conditioning system Volkswagen is confident that T-Roc packs enables individual temperature settings for enough to create a market for itself. each section of the car. With its assertive stance, T-Roc scores The T-Roc will also be among the safest well in the design department. It is not a big cars on the road. Besides features like lane- car, and you don’t get a lot of SUV for the keep assist, six airbags, and front collision hefty price tag (it starts at Rs 19.99 lakh, alert, it also comes with a 5-star EURO ex-showroom in Delhi). At 4,234 mm, it’s NCAP rating for adult and child occupants. almost 200 mm smaller than the Hyundai Creta or the Skoda Karoq. The 1,573 AT A GLANCE mm height, again, is much shorter when compared to its competitors. ENGINE TORQUE POWER Volkswagen is known for its minimalistic 1.5-litre TSI petrol 250 Nm 150 BHP approach to style, and then adding

distinctive design elements that elevate the PRICE 1.5-inch touchscreen system, push-button aesthetic of the car. The T-Roc’s grille, for Rs 19.99 lakh start, electronic parking brake, heated front example, is fused with the LED headlights (Ex-showroom, New Delhi) seats and panoramic sunroof to give the front a seamless look. It is complemented by a unique set of DRLs Handling, engine performance, and Steep price tag, lack of engine options (daytime running lights) that also function safety features as turning indicators. MW RATING ✪✪✪✪

38 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 39 WHEELS TALK

actions and behaviour, has now turned or will you look at them as a fellow into a mere trend to hop on to. People human, fully capable of making are quick to ‘cancel’ anyone who doesn’t mistakes, but also capable of fixing align with their view, or even for what they break, and becoming a Gordon Murray something as petty as liking someone better person from it? that they might dislike. It upholds an Holding someone accountable for extremist point of view, and crucifies their actions doesn’t have to involve Rides Again people on the basis of something they harassment. There are better ways have said or done in the past, without to put your point across and call out The automotive design taking into consideration the evolution problematic, or insensitive behaviour. pioneer’s new supercar the said person has probably gone It’s important to separate the person T.50 looks to rewrite the through. Now, I’m not talking about from their social media post. What rulebooks with its host of people who’ve committed heinous we need is reform, and reform takes groundbreaking technologies crimes, right? I’m talking about time. It allows people to reflect By Sameer Kumar people like you and I, who live in this on their actions, understand the fear of being cancelled, for the most hurt they might have caused, take

Back in the early 1990s, British automotive minor disagreements. accountability, sincerely apologise, engineer and designer extraordinaire, Cancel culture doesn’t acknowledge and work on themselves. Bullying is Gordon Murray rewrote the supercar or believe in growth. Judgement not going to make someone a better rulebook with the McLaren F1. Powered by a outweighs justice. It’s become similar person. If anything, it makes people 6.1-litre, 620-horsepower naturally aspirated to a witch hunt in today’s day and manipulative, so as to avoid social BMW V12, the McLaren F1 offered intense age. It’s an attack, and zero chances media outrage. So does our cancel acceleration (zero to 200kph in less than at redemption. The influencers, campaign really help? I’ll let you be 10 seconds), and a scarcely-believable top in the engine, no vents, scoops, or other exacting standards. The slim gear change especially, bear the brunt of cancelling the judge of that. speed of 386kph. Between 1992 and 1998, superfluous design flourishes in the lever offers short throws and smooth, crisp The difference because let’s be honest, it’s hard to A much healthier way is to do only 106 units of the F1 were built, with each bodywork. Instead, the T.50, which boasts changes; no automatic can ever hope to cancel a big celebrity, and the former our own research, and fact-check costing more than $800,000 back then. extensive use of carbonfibre and titanium in match its moves. makes an easy prey. Let me give you before we jump on the bandwagon. These days, on the rare occasions when one its construction, features an electronically- GMA have not issued any performance between comes up for sale at an auction, the price activated 400mm ground-effects fan numbers claims yet, for the T.50. Nobody an example. Celebrity comedian Louis We need to express our opinion in can go up to as much as $25 million. that’s centrally mounted at the rear. This, really knows just how hard it’ll accelerate CK was accused of multiple sexual a way that asks questions, opens a Gordon Murray, the universally respected along with active underbody aerodynamics or what’s its top speed. Gordon chooses to cancelling and assault cases (which he admitted to), dialogue, and is a conversation, as genius behind the McLaren F1, set up and twin dynamic rear spoilers create put it simply. ‘It weighs less than a thousand and he received a lot of flak. He was opposed to a blind judgement passed Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA), a massive downforce at high speeds, thereby kilos, it has almost 700 horsepower. It’s not cancelled for roughly two years, only with the hashtag cancel. We need low-volume car manufacturing company in endowing the car with almost supernatural going to be slow,’ he says. And, of course, calling out to later sell out theatres for his shows. to understand that it’s a real person 2017. Last month, GMA unveiled Murray’s high-speed handling capabilities. There the T.50 will be more than just mind- Cancel culture doesn’t acknowledge or believe Despite the predatory behaviour, he at the receiving end, and our words much-anticipated supercar, the T.50. And are six aero modes to choose from, which bendingly fast; it’ll also offer exceptional still has an audience. and actions can contribute to a much auditory titillation. ‘The T.50 engine sound in growth. Judgement outweighs justice, and it this isn’t exactly your garden variety Porsche allow the driver to optimise performance, The consequences change bigger problem if we are not conscious or Lamborghini. The T.50, with a limited as well as a tricked-out V-Max boost mode. is going to be phenomenal. The intoxicating has become similar to a witch hunt drastically for an influencer or anyone about how we’re communicating production run of just 100 units, is powered When engaged, V-Max boost — with ram air growl that drivers love is introduced as By Shraddha Gurung on social media with a smaller Shaming and trolling will not bring by a Cosworth-built 3.9-litre V12 that revs induction — temporarily increases the T.50’s the throttle angle increases. The sound audience. Cancelling them doesn’t just real change, but an actual, open- to a stratospheric 12,100rpm and produces power output to 690bhp. intensifies as the induction sound kicks in 654 horsepower. Now, while that might Open the doors, which swing upwards and then, as you push towards the upper I was 19 when I first discovered the involve the social and professional minded, healthy conversation can. not sound terribly impressive in this age of for maximum dramatic impact in the best end of the rev range, the V12 will sing like world of social media, and content We need to boycott, it’s followed by threats, their It’s a given that influencers have a 1,000+ horsepower Bugattis, Koenigseggs supercar tradition, and you’re greeted by a nothing else on the road,’ says Gordon creation. It’s been five years, and while express our family is dragged and shamed, their massive responsibility on their and Hennesseys, consider the fact that the The GMA beautifully built cabin. With the driver’s seat Murray. ‘From the first touch of the titanium the influencer industry boomed, the opinion in a privacy is compromised, and in many shoulders with what they put out. Yes, T.50 weighs just 986 kilos. That’s almost supercar is placed in the middle, getting inside might throttle pedal to the V12 screaming at rise in trolling and online hate also way that asks cases, countless numbers of false it’s crucial for us to be even more 100kg lighter than a current Volkswagen built with be a bit of a challenge, especially for larger 12,100rpm, the driver experience will surpass massively grew. “Cancel culture”, as questions, narratives are built to add fuel to the careful and conscious of our Polo hatchback. The T.50 is a bit more individuals. However, once in the centrally- any supercar ever built,’ he adds. Somehow, a single- we know it, is now one of the most opens a fire. Very little fact checking is done, communication and actions, but the expensive than a Polo, though. Priced at placed bright orange driver’s seat, you’re we’re quite inclined to believe him. We’re toxic aspects of social media. While dialogue, and many people get caught in the fear of being cancelled can’t be the £2.36 million (Rs 23.11 crore) plus taxes minded faced with Gordon Murray’s minimalist sure the T.50 will be everything Murray I’ve been lucky enough (so far) to and is a crossfire. Where’s the scope for error? reason why someone has to agree with in the UK, the GMA supercar is built with intent – to design ethic. The perfectly weighted control claims it will be, and perhaps more. not have encountered it myself, I’ve conversation, It doesn’t exist. you. Call out, don’t cancel. single-minded intent – to be the best driver- be the best switches are of the highest quality, with At the time of writing this, more than half witnessed, as have you — many fellow as opposed What we sorely lack as a collective, focused supercar on the planet, delivering driver- zero spindle play and unmatched tactile of the T.50’s 100-unit production run is an unmatched driving experience. focused feel. No fancy colour touchscreens here, already spoken for, even though deliveries creators being cancelled — and it has to a blind is empathy. Put yourself in the place Like the McLaren F1, the GMA T.50 also supercar on since GM hates those for the distraction will only start in early-2022. Some units might left a bitter taste in my mouth. judgement of the person you’re set out to cancel. Shraddha Gurung aka features a central driving position, with the the planet, they create. Instrumentation consists of a still be available to pre-order, so if you want It’s unfortunate that something passed with If someone you know expresses LilMissGurung is a social driver’s seat placed right in the middle of the delivering an centrally-placed rev counter, flanked by the to get your hands on a T.50, and if you have that started o with the intention of the hashtag something that is extremely o ensive/ media influencer and

cabin, flanked by passenger seats on either unmatched speedometer, and a display for settings. approximately Rs 50 crore (including import holding people accountable for their cancel irresponsible, will you cancel them, content creator SHUTTERSTOCK side. And as with the F1, the T.50 sticks to driving The Xtrac-built gearbox is an old-school duties for bringing the car to India) lying idle purity in engineering, no turbochargers experience six-speed manual, engineered to GMA’s in your bank account, call Gordon now.

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today reeks of speciesism and — has been the biggest blessing for learn to see all species as equals. arrogance. Humans are animals non-human species. Nobody is less than you. Repeat A “bitch” is a too. And if our arrogance is born The problem with the term that. Respect every non-human from the fact that we are cerebrally “non-human” is that anything person you interact with. I like intelligent and have made scientific that isn’t human has always been using the Hippogri method. When female canine and technological advancements, seen as a beast, a degenerate, you meet a Hippogri for the first there is so much to learn about something unfamiliar, something time, you lock eyes, bow, and allow While we are relearning how to communicate love, nurturing, warmth, loyalty, inferior. “Human” has a positive correctly and sensitively with other human honesty, and trust from our non- connotation. Being “humane”. beings these days, it is important to do the human counterparts. While the “Humanity”. “Humanitarian”. same favour to our non-human buddies too human race's emotional intelligence So, we have tried to believe that By Arnesh Ghose has eroded over decades, standing compassion and love, generosity at a near zero right now, riddled and selflessness, are human with corruption, greed, anger, and qualities. But, interestingly, these When I sat down to write this hatred, non-humans have not had qualities exist in all species. piece, I realised how insuŠcient that emotional degradation. Their Humans are the only ones who the English vocabulary is when it love and warmth remain pure, have the intelligence to measure, comes to talking about non-human ancient, and unadulterated. Being restrain, perform, and manipulate rap songs. How is it that we species. For starters, earlier, we unaected by emotional evolution these qualities. Which actually have dealt such an unfair hand would use the word “animal”, which — something we have suered from makes us more inhuman than to the species that allowed us to anybody. This species-wide domesticate them so easily? This the Hippogri to return the favour. indoctrination of superiority has has translated to other languages, While I agree you don’t have to bow led to, among many other things, too. In Hindi conversations, we when you meet a four-legged fellow, an extremely incompetent and are uncomfortable using the words stretch your hand out, and allow insensitive vocabulary in most “kutta” and “kutiya” in non-cuss her or him to approach you. Would languages. Dissecting every connotations. Down south, calling you like a stranger to touch you all species will lead to a tome, so someone a dog is enough to pull the over the face, ru†e your hair, and let me just explore “dog” and guns out. The otherwise cuss-free slap your back, uninvited? No, you “bitch”. The word “dog” only has Malayalam has one powerful abuse would call that assault. Then how a definition connotation — “That — Poda. Dog. is it you think a dog or cat or horse is a dog”. Beyond that, in casual would — or should — be fine with conversation, “dog” is used to that? Approach them with respect. talk about unfaithful and callous Talk to them with respect. Non- men. “All men are dogs”. Or, “dog” denotes degradation — “the world is going to the dogs”. Which is why, been denoted genders in almost all most people use the term “doggo” languages. Hence, refer to them when they talk about, funnily, by their gender-specific pronouns. actual dogs. Exactly what about Just like we don’t like other people “Human” has dogs made us believe that the denoting pronouns for us, let’s not a positive whole species stands for asshole-y do “it” to them either. Secondly, connotation. behaviour, especially when they if you call yourself a “pet owner”, This species- have truly been the most beloved please do us all a favour and jump wide of humankind (this author is not o a cli. Just because you paid indoctrination a fan of cats, obviously)? No idea. money to bring home a pup or of superiority A female canine is a bitch. The kitten (hashtag adopt don’t shop), has led to, word has been reduced to a cuss, doesn’t mean you own her or him. among many humans pick up on respect, too. Yes, which is why we use the phrase So, if we can be sensitive enough You are a parent, not a Sheikh who other things, it’s going to be diŠcult for some of “female dog”, an outrageously to start using pronouns according bought himself an amusement. If an extremely you who believe that certain sections sexist misnomer. Would a woman to personal human preferences, you think making a four-legged incompetent of the human race itself are beneath like being referred to as a “female we have the capacity to learn addition to your family is anything and you due to their religion, caste, and man”? I don’t even need to how to talk about non-humans less than becoming parents, first insensitive the colour of their skin. explain the extensive usage of better. Firstly, while we have been educate and sensitise yourself, and vocabulary Lastly, and most importantly, a “bitch” in our daily friendly and taught to refer to our four-legged then bring a fellow home. Thirdly, in most bitch is a female canine. Let’s give unfriendly conversations, and buddies with “it”, they have also please lose your arrogance and languages the word back.

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Kadakh is an urbane and clever ensemble Three films vied for film where conversation is as, if not more, attention last month. important than the plot. Cleverness, in its Fittingly enough, the KADAKH, least advertised film best sense, is the key to Kadakh was the best Mansi Multani in Kadakh MEE By Maithili Rao RAQSAM & SHAKUNTALA

Rajat Kapoor, director of Kadakh DEVI body that must be hidden and then disposed of, where adultery raises its ugly head, Raghav’s ghost appears during a film junkie now gets hooked on to different who persuades Sunil (who is alone at home) to let him poker game to harass Sunil, and old friendships are tested. streaming platforms — for the good, bad, and in for an urgent chat. The stranger, Raghav, informs Sunil The subtitle is “a-moral story”. Is it a moral tale (with Ranvir Shorey in a still from Kadakh indifferent movies that we now watch at home, that he is Chaya’s husband — Chaya being the colleague an unusual hyphen) or an amoral one that is ambivalent cursingA the dicey internet connection when it stalls at the with whom Sunil is having an affair. Claiming to be calm about definitions of morality? We are intrigued, and it only a game. Is this part of the amorality Kapoor is hinting at? most crucial moment. A new occupational hazard we have and accepting of the situation, Raghav pulls out a gun and deepens as the film progresses like a planned party veering That it starts so young? This amorality doesn’t make us to put up with. Three films vied for attention in August. shoots himself. What a starter to a party. Malti comes in off course with unwanted guests, almost forgotten relatives, uneasy but can be disingenuously engaging. Does it tell us But funnily and fittingly enough, the least advertised carrying flowers for the party, and Sunil passes off the dead Chaya, the femme fatale looking forlorn, and a mysterious something about ourselves? film was the best. A good, engaging film can survive the body as that of a man he had fired, who then shot himself in French woman (Kalki Koechlin) as the surprise plus-one Not that an inconvenient dead body is new. It was lack of media hype. Rajat Kapoor follows up the quirky, a state of depression. He stops her from calling the police. of the newly free Joshi looking for action. She adds spice central to Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. Around the same time was philosophical quest of Ankhon Dekhi, set in a lower middle Even as they are hiding the body in a large chest in the with her ability to sense auras and read minds — an unusual the Cuban classic Death of a Bureaucrat. Above all, the class family of a small town in the Hindi heartland, with bedroom, close friends have started trooping in to help with variation of the usual party tricks — palm reading, Tarot, Hitchcockian trope from Rope used by a lot of others. Kadakh. It is an urbane and clever ensemble film where preparations. Sunil is in a visible state of funk but he can’t astrology et al. It is these minor details and the casualness Now, Kapoor owns it with an updated homage — cynically, conversation is as, if not more, important than the plot. send the guests away. with which they are brought in, that creates an outer ring to judgement suspended. He makes sure we will remember Cleverness, in its best sense, is the key to Kadakh. We can’t think of a more inauspicious start to an evening the dynamics of the core group that stays, after the other the people, their conversations, and attitudes. A sustained Kapoor lives up to expectations of something different of celebration and conviviality. The blend of reality and the guests have left. They have to clean up the mess left by the dark comedy is rare in our cinema. Kadakh adds to the with a nice mix of genres, a film that stirs up a knockout surreal during the simultaneous ongoing conversations in dead body. distinguished, limited list. cocktail right for a Diwali party in a middlingly-upscale different corners, is not smooth. There are a few splutters and The means to dispose the body is courtesy Rahul’s Kadakh shows us the delights of complexity that is not Mumbai apartment. The hosts are Sunil (Ranvir Shorey), oddities that stick out like an afterthought in an otherwise young son. First, acid, that is shot down, and then the really all that complex on reflection. Mee Raqsam chooses a corporate type, and his wife, Malti (Mansi Multani). A skilfully written screenplay. The jazz background score hints casual suggestion of the railway track. What is shocking is the gentleness of heart-warming simplicity and yet avoids calculated shocker of a prelude to the evening, is a stranger at the shifting moods of the group. A thriller with a dead how the young boy seems to take the whole situation as the perils of being simplistic. It is a thin line, and Baba Azmi

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Naseeruddin Shah in a still from Mee Raqsam

Vidya Balan in Shakuntala Devi chooses the gentleness Mee Raqsam Bigotry is equal and opposite, till of heart-warming simplicity, and yet an innately civilized Salim finds a courteous way to combat it, avoids the perils of being simplistic determined to let his daughter have her dream. The loving but disdainful avoids crossing it adroitly khaala (Shraddha Kaul) asks Anu Menon, director of Shakuntala Devi for a first-time director. Salim: “Will you make your bhajan — was sung by Rafi, composed by Naushad and This approach inherits the daughter a tawaif?” It is an insult Vidya Balan with Sanya Malhotra in Shakuntala Devi written by Shakeel Badayuni. Our cinema had the spirit of a film like Sujata, to her late sister’s memory. The answer ages ago. where the blood of a Dalit lone sympathiser is Ashfaq (Kaustubh Shukla), a With Shakuntala Shakuntala Devi is the other film from which adopted daughter saves the Baba Azmi, director of Mee Raqsam young auto rickshaw driver. Ashfaq is resourceful. much was expected. It merely skims over the life of her mother who holds He and his friends get “stylish” shirts tailored Devi, Anu life of a child prodigy’s rise to fame and wealth her Brahminhood above gentle giant against the entire community that disapproves by Salim. He accompanies the father-daughter Menon gives as the human computer. This Shakuntala is humanism. Mee Raqsam dances its way to the much needed of his daughter pursuing a Hindu art. It bars his entry to to the performance, where once again, they are playful and wilful, whose motivation seems to message in our divisive times: art transcends religion. the mosque. You can bar me from the masjid but not take humiliated, and made to enter through the back. us a collage of be not voiceless, like her cowed down mother. Azmi’s sister, Shabana, presents the film and the screen me away from Allah, is his soft, but determined reply. Mee Baba Azmi picks out the pinpricks from In the process, a couple of romantic liaisons are flashes the line; the great Kaifi Azmi had wistfully asked if Raqsam’s strength is not a melodramatic rhetoric, but quiet condescending Hindus, but his main target is vignettes, which hinted at, as she wines and parties her way to a film could be in his native Mijwan? This nondescript place determination and dignity. This is more effective than high the Muslim community’s obduracy, equating a Vidya Balan success, till she pursues the man she wants to comes alive under the gaze of the camera that captures the pitched rants. classical dance as Hindu. It is easy to blame the marry, and father her child. Anu Menon gives us winding gallies, adjoining terraces and most importantly, The prelude shows ailing mother Sakina teach mudras majority (that has ghettoised Muslims), but it walks through a collage of vignettes, which Vidya Balan walks the mohol (atmosphere, ambience, ethos don’t convey to her enraptured daughter. After her death, Salim notices takes courage to confront the narrow prejudices through with panache. The film is interesting the richness of the Urdu word) of a community chained Aditi unconsciously practising mudras with her agile fingers, of the minority. Salim is dubbed kaafir, but with panache for its rare attempt (for our films) to portray to orthodoxy. At the heart of a beguiling charmer is a her face filled with rare sense of peace. There is a dance it is the “apostate” who upholds the Ganga the complexities of a fraught mother-daughter father’s love for his 15-year-old daughter who is in love with school on the other side, across a bridge — symbolic of the Jamuni tehzeeb that Kaifi Azmi symbolised and relationship. A dominating mother and a Bharatnatyam. The problem is the implacable hostility of the divide — and the devoted teacher Uma (Sudeepta Singh) advocated all his life. Mee Raqsam celebrates rebellious daughter ought to have made for a Muslim community at large, and of his late wife’s family to welcomes Maryam and soon notices how good she is. this legacy with sincerity and a lot of heart, if more vibrant dramatic conflict. The story had Maryam (Aditi Subedi) learning a dance that was practiced Mariam performs with another talented girl at the guru’s not sophistication. For the fairytale finale, it is this beautiful much more to offer, and perhaps the enormity of the saga by Devdasis and bhakti for a pantheon of Hindu gods. house, where guests, including the patron of the Natyashala, fusion of Sufi and Carnatic classical music (take a bow, pushed the director towards a narrative that needlessly How can a poor tailor Salim (Danish Husain) withstand the Jaypraksh (Rakesh Chaturvedi Om) is insultingly patronising Ripul Sharma) that inspires Maryam to perform as like a goes back and forth in time, a trick that adds not much collective diktat of a disapproving quam? His livelihood about a Muslim girl learning an Indian dance. Isn’t a Muslim possessed diva. This is yet another reiteration that art knows to the telling. Shakuntala Devi died in 2013, but sadly, not depends on them. Indian, is the quick riposte from his teenaged daughter, This no religion. The custodians of Hindustani music have been many seem interested in her eventful, achievement packed Unlike Secret Superstar, where the vindictive, uncaring upholder of Indian culture — read Hindu — is annoyed that the great Ustaads. Finally, to repeat another cliché that (adding astrology to math wizardry is questionable) life. father quotes Islamic strictures to forbid his talented his daughter is addicted to Sufi music. Another well-heeled is still valid: Man tarpat Hari darshan ko aaj — the sublime Celebrity is not forever. daughter from singing, Mee Raqsam’s father stands like a lady comments that Maryam’s parents must be educated.

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RANA A commercial success and a critic’s favourite, Rana Daggubati is not one to put all his eggs in one basket. This way of life has seen him through most obstacles, and especially now, when the world is reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic. Daggubati DAGGUBATI has gotten braver, gotten married, and is confident of a future that upholds his strengths IS ALWAYS BY MAYUKH MAJUMDAR LOOKING FOR A GREAT STORY

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ESHAAN GIRRI

Blazer by Brooks ART DIRECTION BY TANVI SHAH Brothers; jumper by FASHION EDITOR NEELANGANA VASUDEVA Jack & Jones; shoes by Roberto Cavalli STYLED BY GEETIKA CHADHA On the wrist: MAKE-UP BY S. VAMSI KRISHNA Tissot Seastar HAIR BY ALEX VIJAYKANTH CAR AUDI A6 48 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 49 COVER STORY COVER STORY

HE COMES FROM AN illustrious background, but he didn’t place himself in front of the camera till he could prove his worth. Acting was his goal, but it wasn’t a meet-big-director-get-audition-debut route. He started working in the film industry as a visual effects coordinator, began his production company — Spirit Media — and went on to produce a National Award-winning movie (Bommalata) before he made a fantastic debut in the 2010 runaway hit, Leader. To anyone who says they can’t help where they come from, meet Rana Daggubati, and maybe learn. Daggubati’s acting debut was a story about the conniving and dirty nature of politics — not exactly a safe decision for a debutant. And he has lived in that vein ever since. Grey roles appeal to him, and he refuses to be a cookie-cutter sort of romantic hero. From Baahubali to Nene Raju Nene Mantri to India's first underwater film, The Ghazi Attack, Daggubati has been one of those rare breeds of actors who's found commercial success and critical acclaim in equal measure. And that is because of his love for stories. Obsessed with mythology and tales of our land, the actor is a huge fan of spectacle — something that has stayed with him since childhood when he read Amar Chitra Katha comics while he lived in a "shooting house" — the top part of the house was where he used to live, and the bottom half was where film shoots used to happen. For 90 per cent of his school life, he had breakfast on a film set, and went to school. In 2018, Daggubati had told us that he believes that impossible is not a declaration, but a dare. Does he still think so in 2020? Hell, yes.

You are one of the few actors in India who’ve managed to achieve a pan-Indian appeal. What do you think has worked in your favour? I think my choice of films has been more story-driven than star- driven, in that sense. It was always about the content for me. From the beginning of my career, that was the path I took, whether it was Leader or Dum Maaro Dum, and language wasn’t really a barrier for me. Over time, you understand content that can travel places, and find films like Ghazi and Baahubali that break through the regional language barrier. I think starting my career like that really helped.

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“IN THE ENTERTAINMENT SPACE, THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN A HUGE EYE-OPENER FOR EVERYONE, ME INCLUDED. I WOULD HAVE NEVER DONE ANIMATION AT THIS SCALE IF NOT FOR COVID”

On the wrist: Tissot Seastar

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In your career spanning almost a decade into that, but there’s a lot of good also that’s come out. Whether if we only look at you as an actor and not a it’s understanding how you want to conduct yourself in business producer or visual effects coordinator, what or in life, what’s really important for you, what you want to spend kind of scripts excite you now? on, where your interests really lie, and who you really are. During For me, just the fact that no one has done this before or seen this the regular days, you don’t really get to think of all these things. before is what really excites me. Then, mythology or anything that In the entertainment space, this has been a huge eye-opener for speaks about the essence of who we are — these are stories I lean everyone, me included. I would have never done animation at this towards. I like big movies, and most of Indian mythology lead to scale if not for COVID. big fable telling. Why haven’t we seen you on an OTT Apart from cinema, you’re also invested platform yet? in businesses ranging from a business I will be, soon. Very soon, you’ll hear something very big and solid. accelerator programme for technology It’s been interesting for me as an actor because it’s been 10 years start-ups, to an entertainment agency, and and sometimes, we’re so cinema driven, and the storytelling stands a comic book company. How has COVID at about two and a half hours. OTT content is more plot-driven. affected them? When you get into OTT, the stories are a lot more character-driven. See, those are the things that kept me going when COVID-19 Next year, we have some cool things that we’re working on in the affected all of us. Amar Chitra Katha is doing its best right now in OTT space, and you’ll be one of the first few to know, for sure. terms of the app, because it has rich content that you don’t get anywhere except on the app. Most of my investments are content Tell us a little about the films you have driven, and tell my story better. There has been a slowdown in coming up this year. business, but there has been a rise in alternative stuff, whether you I have two films coming out this year — Haathi Mere Saathi, which see animation, or something independent. is the story of a man who lived in a jungle for over 25 years. As humans, we have a voice that we can use to go out, march, and Speaking of Amar Chitra Katha, what about protest but for animals, there’s so much that man does, and they your collaboration with them for two films? have nowhere to go. My character in the film becomes their voice, Where’s that at? and the story is set in the border of a jungle where there’s a city If not for COVID, we would have been much closer to being on that’s trying to grow, and encroach upon the forest. And this is set. The earlier idea was to start towards the end of the year. The something that’s happening pretty much all across India, whether process has changed for films now in terms of spectacle, and we it’s Kaziranga or in Coimbatore. We shot it in three languages. are now going into studios and creating these bigger sets. Then, Then, there’s Virata Parvam, which is a love story set in the Naxal there are the travel restrictions. So, we’re just taking it as it comes. backdrop in the early ’90s. Nobody ever really captured those But also, I feel like I’m the only actor right now who has two films stories, and this film is partly real and partly fiction. It’s a tale that ready, so there you go. Next year, you’ll see an array of films. takes you back in time, to the agitations and the anti-establishment movements that we’ve seen. When we last interviewed you, we asked you what was your one takeaway from That’s a very brave choice. 2018. You had said that it was the fact that When you pick a story, the question you need to answer is impossible is not a declaration but a dare. why? Why are you telling this story? Both these films ticked Given the current global scenario, do you that box really fast. Especially in a time like this, when the still believe that? environment is so important. Virata Parvam is a story from 100 per cent. See, the time that we’re living in right now, there a part of history that’s not really documented, but everyone are a lot of bad things associated with it and I’m not going to get knows about what happened.

“WHEN YOU PICK A STORY, THE QUESTION YOU NEED TO ANSWER IS WHY? WHY ARE YOU TELLING THIS STORY? BOTH MY NEW FILMS TICKED THAT BOX. ESPECIALLY IN A TIME LIKE THIS, WHEN THE ENVIRONMENT IS SO IMPORTANT”

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“I THINK MY CHOICE OF FILMS HAS BEEN MORE STORY-DRIVEN THAN STAR-DRIVEN, IN THAT SENSE. IT WAS ALWAYS ABOUT THE CONTENT FOR ME. OVER TIME, YOU UNDERSTAND CONTENT THAT CAN TRAVEL PLACES, AND FIND FILMS THAT BREAK THROUGH THE REGIONAL LANGUAGE BARRIER” COVER STORY COVER STORY

Suit by Herringbone & Sui; jumper by H&M; pocket square by Brooks Brothers; shoes by Ruosh On the Wrist: Tissot V8

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“THE NEPOTISM DEBATE IS QUITE MEDIA LED, AND DOESN’T REALLY STOP ANYBODY FROM WATCHING FILMS. THIS IS A TWITTER TYPE OF NEGATIVITY, AND NOTHING REALLY COMES ON GROUND. AFTER ALL, A GOOD FILM IS A GOOD FILM”

Your brother Abhiram is all set for his acting everybody in India is called Shah Rukh Khan. There’s an impact debut soon. Have you been giving him any that Bollywood has on the world, and it’s not right to rub the tips and advice? sheen off these achievements. No ya, like me, he has been influenced by cinema most of his life. He’s worked in the studios and distribution for a while. Cinema is an Tell us about getting married in the independent voice. I think he needs to discover things himself. middle of a pandemic. Did you think about postponing your wedding? What about your In the southern film industries, the honeymoon plans? conversation around nepotism is almost nil, I didn’t think about postponing at all. I thought it was a great time while it is such a huge deal in Bollywood. to get married. It was just us, and I shot the entire wedding in VR, Why do you think that is? and sent it all my friends and family. I stopped thinking about the According to me, it’s very media-led. The understanding of honeymoon about three months ago. I guess we’ll have a delayed nepotism and family structures is not for everybody because version of a honeymoon. Let’s see what the world looks like when there are only about five to 10 studios in India left. These are it opens up. structures that have been built over 50 to 60 years, with 300 to 400 employees that you run every day. It’s an extreme When did you know that Miheeka was the corporation that’s kind of led into, and you can’t treat as an one for you? individual job. And it’s there in every place. As a country, what Whatever I told MW last time about things that attract me in a does India do? We make money so we can give it to our children woman — interests in various things, and a sense of wanting to — that’s the concept, right? Mumbai is filled with so much news, learn and adapt to new things. She’s ticked all of those boxes. there are so many media networks there, and news that is quite Everything that I’ve said about the kind of person I want to be with, irrelevant also pops up. It’ll go away after some time; it doesn’t she is all those things. really stop anybody from watching the films. This is a Twitter type of negativity, and nothing really comes on ground. After all, What is the one thing you’d never do in front a good film is a good film. of a camera? I’ll never tell a story I don’t like for sure. But in Bollywood, you also see those who do mediocre work and yet continue The pandemic doesn’t appear to be to get work. going away anytime soon. How do you That’ll be in every place. There are people who will continue to think the film industry needs to adapt to fund people who they trust in, believe in, or they like. That is a this situation? person’s independent choice. And that’s not an industry — it’s Each one is doing their bit — some people have moved abroad with not a grant. Who you cast in a film is completely independent of units, and some have gone into studios with units. Slowly, you’ll see that film-maker or producer or ecosystem. What you culturally a recurrence in the kind of work that’s coming back. It’s a pandemic, understand as a person, you’ll continue to connect to people and going out for a movie is one of the last things on people’s like that. Whatever field of work you’re in, that’ll be the course minds. But this is life for us, right? Once life opens back, however, you take. What nobody understands is that the film industry is we’ll see a demand for entertainment in so many mediums. probably one of the most democratic places in the country. You can be a 10th fail or an MBA, or you can be from the greatest What does the future hold for acting school or learn it off the street — you all are at the same Rana Daggubati? place. The thing is that it’s easy to look at the bad, and forget It’s a great time to tell stories, and it’s the greatest time we’re in all the good. Bollywood song-and-dance has probably been the right now where you can tell any story on any platform, in any largest promotion of Indian culture overseas. There was a place length, language, or any format. 2020 will resettle the kind of I went to where they called me Shah Rukh Khan — they thought content we watch, and the things we consume.

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It takes two to tango, and A still from Yeh Ballet sometimes, to ballet. We’re finally realising that ballet is not a little girl’s hobby class. The Indian world of Boys ballet gives an insight into how men have adapted the dance form, and even excelled in it Who By Samreen Tungekar

hen Yeh Ballet had a touch-and- about ballet, so people couldn’t tease go moment on Netflix, there me much. I used to tell my friends it’s a Balletwas a chance that it’ll probably cool form, you get to do lifts, etc. I would do for ballet what Gully Boy tell them how we can use the moves in did for gully rap. But when it’s B-boying,” he says. notW glammed up with silver screen actors, or with Even after his film, people asked him how promotions that set the country going, it’ll reach long he can stand in “pointy” shoes. That’s those of us who decide to sit up and take notice. how little knowledge there is, about the role Manish and Amir are just two examples. What’s the of men in a ballet performance. “We have to reality of the art form in India? wear soft shoes, to do high jumps, and lifts. At the time of this interview, Yeh Ballet’s Manish Girls wear pointe shoes,” he says. Chauhan was locked down in Mumbai with his Manish feels like the infrastructure for instructor, Yehuda Ma’or, the man who made ballet is missing here. “We don’t have dance Chauhan the flawless dancer we saw in the film. “In companies who come here to perform, so my class, there were mostly girls, all so elite, they that kids can watch, and aspire to learn used to wear ballet shoes, and I had nothing. But it. It’s there for other dance forms, there’s I wanted the scholarship, so I did my homework. Bollywood, freestyle on TV. If you show I was a break dancer, so my advantage was my people the dance, they’ll want to learn it,” he flexibility,” he recalls. points out. Manish laughs, “Not many people know much Joshua John Salvador, 17, from Chennai,

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"THERE'S A COMMON a gender to everything, even art. “I love to dance, and I’m Shubhankar Chauhan, 27, is a ballet dancer and a teacher comes to boys, the demand for ballet is strength,” he says. NOTION THAT MEN going to continue doing it, and I’ll keep doing ballet. I’m in in Mumbai. He started learning at the age of 13, at The Urvil Shah, 22, joined The Danceworx when he was 16, and NEED TO EMOTE touch with a male ballet dancer in the US, to take online Danceworx, and has been teaching for eight years now. He is a contemporary dancer who has also taught ballet in the QUALITIES SUCH AS classes,” he says. explains that ballet is a foundational dance form to be a good past. Shah believes that internationally, to be a contemporary Karthikeyan Sudha has been doing martial arts for 12 to 13 dancer. However, pop culture has never really done for ballet dancer, you’ve to be a really good ballet dancer. “It was very POWER, STRENGTH, years now, and teaches taekwondo. He started ballet a year what it did for hip-hop, and can be quite French, literally, clear to me from the beginning, that ballet is something that’s AUTHORITY, AND A ago, and now, at 25, he’s completed the first level. “I started when you look at it from the outside. going to be very important to me,” he explains. CERTAIN MASCULINITY. doing ballet because since I teach taekwondo, the techniques In the past eight years, Shubhankar has taught almost 450 Shah says that after Manish Chauhan and Amiruddin SOME MEN WHO of ballet complement it. I saw a performance at the Russian students, out of which, 20 per cent have been boys. But in his Shah happened, more boys took interest in ballet. “In the WANT TO LEARN Centre in December 2018, and I thought this will help me with journey as a student and instructor, he has seen an increase in company (TDX), it’s mandatory to do ballet, if you’re doing my martial arts,” he says. the number of men pursuing ballet. it professionally. So I think only two or three boys would pick BALLET, ARE AFRAID Urvil Shah performs modern ballet OF BEING NEGATIVELY Deepika Ravindran is the co-founder and managing Shubhankar adds that now, every renowned company in ballet out of interest, or to get their postures right,” he says. PERCEIVED" director of Bombay Ballet Company, in Mumbai. She has India is ensuring that ballet is the first class their students Director of School Of Ballet & Contemporary Dance, Ann trained professionally from various international coaches, take, so the scene is surely changing. “I can see it even in my Toner, started learning ballet at the Russian Culture Centre In - DEEPIKA RAVINDRAN, and has been teaching ballet for nine years. As an instructor, classes. In terms of body structure, girls are very modest, 1980, when it was almost unheard of, in Chennai, and in India. INSTRUCTOR she believes ballet is being accepted by people as a dance presentable, and artsy. It’s more about grace. But when it Right now, her school has about 200 students, out of which, joined ballet when he was seven, there are eight boys, which, she says, is because when his sister joined ballet, a skewed gender ratio internationally, Miral Durlabhji with Khushcheher Joshua used to copy her. “My mom saw Dallas, director, The School of Classical as well. “When boys joined, they realise Ballet and Western Dance me, and she thought it’ll be good if I it’s not a girly art form, and actually join too. There were two or three other requires a lot of strength, and it’s quite guys when I joined, but they left two tough,” she says, adding that the world, years later. But in the last two years, in general, wants more men in ballet. a lot of guys have joined because the Devang Bhanushali, the executive curiosity has increased,” he says. director of The Lewis Foundation of Boys in Joshua’s school were Classical Ballet, Bengaluru, agrees. surprised when they learnt he went for “Even abroad, the cut off for male ballet classes, he recalls. “Even now, the dancers in schools is lower than notion that it’s a feminine dance form females, because they want more male hasn’t changed. You’ve to tell them dancers,” says. Shubhankar Chauhan what your role in a performance is. But Toner has male students who have been with the school for years. “But sometimes, when you have to go to a higher level, they quit, because they’re

Students Madhav and Joshua John Salvador "WHEN I SAW BALLET ONLINE, I SAW HOW IT during a performance TAKES A LOT OF STRENGTH, AND IT NEEDS TO LOOK ARTISTIC, NOT GYMNASTIC. I EXPERIENCED HOW BALLET IS SO FOUNDATIONAL" -DEVANG BHANUSHALI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF Sleeping Beauty performed by students of The Lewis Foundation of Classical Ballet, Bengaluru THE LEWIS FOUNDATION OF CLASSICAL BALLET not looking at doing it professionally. Even having eight or I’ve seen it get better,” he says. form that doesn’t have anything to do with gender. “There nine guys is actually quite an improvement,” she laughs. Madhav, 34, is from Hyderabad, and moved to Chennai a is a common perception that men need to emote qualities Bhanushali is an IT professional who met Yana Lewis, the year and a half ago, and he always wanted to learn ballet, or such as power, dominance, strength, authority, and a certain artistic director of the school and his partner, and took her kuchipudi, because he felt these dance forms were difficult. masculinity. Dance, however, is a form wherein artists express jazz classes and the fitness-based dance classes. “When I “I was told it’ll take me at least three months to know if their feelings and show vulnerability. Some men who would saw ballet online, I saw the male side as well, which has a ballet is for me, a trial class is not enough to know. That want to learn ballet, are afraid of being negatively perceived, different repertoire. I saw it takes a lot of strength, and it sparked an interest. There’s a guy called Sanjay Khatri, who and judged. needs to look artistic, and not look gymnastic. I experienced is one of the first male ballet dancers whose profile was She continues, “Gender stereotyping has been common in how ballet is so foundational,” he says. published in India, almost 12 to 13 years ago. That’s when I the ballet world for a long time. Most ballerinos I have danced Bhanushali partnered with Lewis because he felt like he knew I wanted to learn it,” he recalls. with have incredible strength and stamina, comparable to wanted to give boys the opportunity he didn’t have as a child,

As a student of ballet, Madhav feels people love adding that of professional athletes.” to learn ballet. The school has officially been around for over MEGHANA SASTRY SLEEPING BEAUTY:

64 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 65 FEATURE INSIDE: INTERVIEW WITH TARUN TAHILIANI IS THRIFTING THE FUTURE OF FASHION?

"BALLET IS A CREDIBLE STYLE IN SOME PEOPLE'S MINDS, BUT WE'VE YET TO COME TO A POINT WHERE CREDIBLE STYLE IS ALSO THE POPULAR STYLE. SO IF A RANVEER SINGH DOES A YEH BALLET, IT WILL PROBABLY BECOME THE NEXT BIG THING" Style -URVIL SHAH, INSTRUCTOR

10 years now, and they have over 1,000 students, and in ballet, out stereotype. “In the 19th century, the West had adopted the

of 800, they have approximately 10 boys in ballet. male dancer’s perception as weak, fragile, and homosexual. LACOSTE ACNE STUDIOS The Lewis Foundation has an outreach programme, where they But that has changed. I’ve seen a number of actors, footballers, work with non-profit organisations, like the Parikrama Humanity bodybuilders, and other celebrities that started studying ballet. I Foundation. “There are more boys in our outreach programmer know two body builders: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Colombo. than in regular classes, so they are definitely more open to the idea Christian Bale has taken ballet lessons, and of course, Jaime Bell, of the dance form,” says Bhanushali. from Billy Elliot,” he says. Khushcheher Dallas is the director of The School of Classical Ravindran believes the media and the movies have the power. Ballet and Western Dance in Mumbai. Her mother, Tushna Dallas, “Movies like Billy Elliot, which was about a young boy fighting the started the school in 1966, with four students. Many years later odds to pursue his passion, can make a huge impact in the way we now, their school’s strength has grown to 250 students. And out think. Even Yeh Ballet. I think movies like these would encourage of the 250, the school has only 3 boys. About the gap bridging more boys to take up ballet,” she says. between genders pursuing the art form, she believes it’s getting Shubhankar thinks it’s not the dancer’s responsibility to convince better than what it used to be. “Yes, the boys in our school are very people. “Parents should be more open to children not pursuing few, but it also depends on the institute and the setup. Ashley Lobo conventional careers, and support them to pursue an art form, of TDX has a full company where they have a male instructor. So, if that interests them. It needs a lot of effort to make it a career. the very fact that you have a male instructor, a male idol and you Also, ballet awareness in India is still evolving, and will take some have committed dancers who are actually taking it up seriously, time to get where the West is,” he says. then you are going to find many more. In fact, even at Shiamak Shah believes that in India, it’s still the popular thing that Davar, when my mum used to teach at the one-year program, works. “We’re in that phase where we want to do the popular there were a lot of boys there. In fact, in some of the batches, there thing, which is hip-hop and Bollywood here. Ballet is a credible were more boys than girls. An institute or setup makes it so much style in some people's minds, but we've yet to come to a point EMPORIO ARMANI EMPORIO easier,” she says. where credible style is also the popular style. So if a Ranveer But do ballet schools and instructors see ballet as a career Singh does a Yeh Ballet, it will probably become the next big opportunity in India? Manish believes it’s still looked at as a dance thing," he chuckles. form that’s nice to learn as a hobby, but that’s about it. Madhav Bhanushali feels when it comes to children, it’s difficult to cites Khatri as an example and says, “There are opportunities for break the stereotypical mindset. “Parents haven’t seen enough sure. Sanjay Khatri, the person who influenced me, runs a school. If of male dancers doing ballet, that’s the biggest hurdle. They will PARKAS ARE THE NEW he can do that, so can anyone who is confident enough.” understand ballerinos and how they perform, the strength it MW Ravindran feels that right now, the career opportunity for both needs, when they see more ballet performances,” he adds. PUFFER JACKETS LIKES men and women in ballet in India, is teaching. “India is still very far Every three months, Dallas’ school has an Open Day, where she For the last few seasons, designers experimented with from having a theatre for ballet arts and producing ballet shows,” encourages parents of existing students to send in boys and their the seasonal parka in a way that it has become a must- she says. Bhanushali agrees, and adds, “In fact, we want to start sons as well. “Some laugh, some say their fathers would never have piece in men’s wardrobes. With a multi-pocketed that at a root level and make a career in ballet, because someone allow it. But I tell them, you have to be really strong for ballet. royal blue parka at Acne Studios, paired with a suit at has to take the responsibility. That being said, I can see a lot more guys in dance these days. MSGM, and an all-black overlay at Givenchy, this choice These stereotypes, when it comes to ballet, can be broken, Now whether it's Bollywood or Hip-Hop, we are seeing a lot of of layering has dominated the Fall/Winter 2020-2021 runways. Similar to trench coats, parkas can be mixed and a unanimous vote from all the voices goes to awareness. boys. I have had this idea of having a ballet class only for boys, OFF-WHITE and matched with almost everything, from formal suits Yes, Shubhankar says, the perception of being a feminine form with a male teacher, it’ll help them get more comfortable with the to satin shirts and jeans. The key to winning the parka HERMÈS hasn’t changed, but there are many examples that also break the dance form, and maybe then they will pursue it,” she opines. trend is to experiment with its style potential. It’s time to parka up your wardrobe.

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BURBERRY LAUNCHES FIRST SOCIAL RETAIL STORE IN CHINA Burberry has launched its first social retail store in Shenzhen, China. The store aims to blend physical and social worlds, a concept that the British label has been exploring for quite some time. In July, it posted a video of CGI digital avatars, one of which was Kendall Jenner, and a set of self-portraits shot by Jenner. The 5,800-square-foot store is split up into 10 rooms for customers to explore and LUXURY BRANDS TO OPEN SHOPS ON AMAZON interact, in person, or through social media. “Burberry has always been a brand of IN SEPTEMBER DURING FASHION WEEKS firsts, built on a belief that creativity has the power to open spaces. We test new ideas and push the boundaries of what’s possible. When it came to innovating Amazon is reportedly planning to take its first major step into the around social and retail, China was the obvious place to go to, as home to some of luxury space, as reported by WWD. Luxury labels from Europe and the most digitally savvy luxury customers,” CEO Marco Gobbetti said. US will operate on Amazon with a model that is similar to the Farfetch marketplace. The brands that are partnering with the e-commerce platform will also have access to a centralised warehousing in the US, GUCCI REVEALS FALL/ operated by Amazon, and will be able to benefit from their delivery services. Initially, the platform will be launched in the US. As reported, WINTER 2020 CAMPAIGN NET-A-PORTER AND ARMANI ANNOUNCE sources said that a sprawling warehouse is being built in Arizona NEW DISTRIBUTION MODEL Gucci’s latest advertising campaign for Fall/Winter explores the idea of to accommodate the platform, whereas a $100 million marketing looking at things from a di‡erent point of view. Titled as ‘The Ritual’, it Net-a-Porter and Armani group have announced a new strategic phase in campaign is also in the works. captures the daily lives of models in the comfort of their homes. They are their 20-year relationship. The duo will be introducing a new “distribution shown knitting, gardening, cleaning, jumping o‡ a bed, or skateboarding model for the future” by developing the ‘Next Era’ omnichannel business indoors. Creative director Alessandro Michele explained in a statement: “I model. It will see both companies redesign and develop a “revolutionary, decided to let the clothes travel towards the houses of the cast of models — digital, and integrated shopping experience for customers”. Giorgio Armani the characters that have embodied my stories for years; individuals I chose said in a statement: “In the past few months, I have been redesigning the precisely, over time, for their uniqueness that usually brings my campaigns to Armani Group’s business model based on a concept that is very dear to life. I asked them to represent the idea they have of themselves, to go public me: do less, but better. Mine is an invitation to consume more responsibly, with it, shaping the poetry that accompanies them. I encouraged them to focusing on authenticity, and change. In Yoox Net-a-Porter, I’ve found a play, improvising with their life.” partner that allows me to transform this principle in a new multi-channel shopping project where the relationship with the customer is increasingly personal and direct, while e-commerce and boutiques are integrated in a dynamic balance, which will have a positive e‡ect, also on the environment.” Federico Marchetti, Chairman and CEO of Yoox Net-a-Porter said: “After a partnership that has lasted for two decades, we are still both driven by the desire to revolutionise the world of fashion with continuous innovations, as we MYNTRA LAUNCHES FASHION have done since the first day we started working together.”

BRANDS IN THE MIDDLE EAST Myntra is entering international markets with the launch of its fashion brands in the Middle East. It has partnered with the leading regional e-commerce platforms, noon. com and namshi.com. Noon is a horizontal e-commerce platform with o‡erings in multiple categories, while Namshi is a vertical platform that focuses on premium fashion. Noon has seen the launch of homegrown brands such as Dressberry, Mast & Harbour, Moda Rapido, Here & Now, Sztori, and HRX, while Namshi will list out Dressberry, Mast & Harbour, Wrogn, and HRX, over the next few weeks. According to YourStory, Amar Nagaram, CEO of Myntra, said in a statement: “This is a significant milestone in our journey so far, and marks the next phase of growth STELLA MCCARTNEY AND THÉLIOS for Myntra. Our research identified high levels of potential channels across the globe PARTNER FOR AN EYEWEAR COLLECTION o‡ering significant opportunities in the online fashion segment.” Stella McCartney has signed a partnership with Thélios, the eyewear division of LVMH, to create sustainable eyewear collections starting with the spring/summer 2021 season. The eyewear collection will make its debut in November. It will include sustainable features such as bio-lenses composed of 39 per cent castor oil with a reduction in carbon emissions by 40 per cent on the raw material, as well as frames featuring an ecological version of bio-acetate, composed of fibres ISSEY MIYAKE SHUTS DOWN REEBOK AND PLEASURES REVEAL derived from wood and cotton seeds, plant-based plasticisers, and MENSWEAR LINE COLLABORATIVE BEATNIK SLIPPERS 68 per cent organic carbon content. She said in a statement: “Since Reebok and Pleasures have come together to introduce the Beatnik Issey Miyake has announced the end of Issey Mikaye Men. The line was started day one, we have been committed to creating materials that are the slippers. The Pleasures x Reebok Beatnik was initially teased by Pleasures back in 1976 when the Japanese brand was first launched and debuted at Paris most desirable, with the least impact on the planet — including in on its Instagram handle, in May. The slipper’s key features include a Men’s fashion week for Fall/Winter ’85. The company stated that the decision the plastic-heavy luxury eyewear category. We introduce to Thélios removable heel strap enabling easy slip-on and clog-style wear, along had been made prior to the coronavirus pandemic, and that the shutting down our bio-tech solutions and sustainable innovation, and are thrilled with an all-black canvas upper and rippled rubber outsole. “The Beatnik is of the line will lead to new possibilities in Miyake menswear. In January 2020, to have their experts join us in growing Stella McCartney eyewear’s comfort interacting with style on a new level,” said Alex James, co-founder creative director Yusuke Takahashi departed from the menswear line after six eco-friendly vision.” Thélios chief executive, Giovanni Zoppas, added: of Pleasures. About the evolution of the partnership, James explained: “The years, leaving the design team to take over the last Fall/Winter ’20 collection. “We are delighted to welcome Stella McCartney to the Thélios family history and technology of Reebok enables us to create in a new and unique Despite the end of the line, the brand will continue the popular Homme Plissé at a time when sustainability and protecting the environment could not way every time. The projects keep evolving as our partnership grows.” possibly be more important for us and our industry.” Issey Mikaye’s menswear collection.

68 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 69 STYLE / SARTORIAL MAN STYLE / GROOMING Up Your Mask Quotient EIGHT GROOMING ESSENTIALS Never did I ever think that this column would be dedicated to discussing masks. Okay, let me amend that, there was a point in my life when I loved masks, but it had more to do with ninjas and superheroes and even then, I A quick lowdown on the best skincare, body care, and ultimately, self-care products to try never thought of them in the same breadth and length as something sartorial. But here we are, nearly six months By Magandeep Singh into the pandemic this month, and things could not be gloomier. So, I decided to max out my mask quotient and get everything that came recommended under the sun My clean-shaven head gave me one XIAOMI MI less reason to be perturbed through By Magandeep Singh the lockdown, as I didn’t have to TRIMMER Although it’s more worry about salon woes. But the conventional8 in shape, it has stubble still doesn’t groom itself, and excellent battery life and super SilverPRO (@silverprohealth): skin always needs pampering. But 2 pricing. What I like about this Super comfortable in easy hey, if you aren’t taking care of the model is that it has a unique locking breezy prints, these were a great largest organ on your body — again, 1 system, so that the machine doesn’t find for the summery and sultry months. it’s skin — then are you appreciating accidentally come on in your packed The manufacturers claim that the nano the gift of life enough? These then luggage, and discharges completely silver formulation coating kills harmful have been my go-to products for en route. Travel might be curtailed microorganisms, thereby making them as self-care during the lockdown. effective as N95 masks, but with greater for the moment, but I was tired of comfort and breathability. They come in arriving at my hotel for short trips and finding that my trimmer was three sizes. ₹999 for set of 3 ARATA Arata is an all-plant based juiced out, and I hadn’t carried a range of products, vegan and charger for the sake of compactness. 1cruelty-free, as also gender agnostic. I have enjoyed their shower gel, body Dudis (@the.dudis.shop): An cream, and face wash, and now I am established clothing brand from 3 PHILIPS March Tee (@marchtee): The going to up the ante by getting their Gujarat, they decided to foray into ONEBLADE brand with the best Indian toothpaste too. The aromas were masks and have done designs in black, white, Every time I hold this device, tees I have owned, I just 7 always soothing and natural, nothing 7the line ‘One Blade to rule them all’ and blue, that can pair almost universally. had to jump and pre-order when they too forced or heady. Premium The OSFA masks come in four distinct cuts oddly echoes in my silent conscious, announced masks in the making. Fabric, packaging at modest prices, this is a (arc, comfort pleats, snug, and small face), like some hallowed announcement comfort, utility, all had been mulled good homegrown eƒort. 4 all very well thought out. The materials are from above. It’s a small little thing, over for months, and they seem to have 8 of high quality and the prints are absolutely but does a brilliant job of shaving eschewed the ear loops for head bands. zany, yet nothing too outlandish. My favourite or stubble maintenance. It The masks are yet to turn up so I can’t is their Dahlia arc mask with a gold leaf feels and moves like a regular speak for their fit or comfort, but I can pattern, which has a nice festive touch to it, THE SKIN shaving blade, so the handling share that they will launch in muted something you’d wear to a function, if you PANTRY feels much more intuitive than pastels (something très March Tee) and 6 were attending one. It helps that they are The Skin Pantry other trimmers. The blade going by their track record, they should 2has a great range of very sensibly priced. ₹150 Turnblack (@turnblackofficial): is sharp and lasting, and not be (hopefully) good. ₹1,500 for 5 A brand whose entire aesthete premium products — vegan, frightfully expensive to replace. philosophy is based around the cruelty-free, and organically It’s just a tad noisy, but it works tone black, is one that's always close to my farmed plant-based. Go for surprisingly fast, so one really heart. They do lovely apparel and this time, their body milk, and face 5 won’t need it on for too long. they have really applied technique to the moisturisers. They aren’t mask category. You can choose from three cheap, but they are a different styles and sizes (they do custom worthwhile investment. sizing for masks too). Done up in linen with PAHADI cotton linings, they are comfortable yet LOCAL classy. ₹570 This is another autochthonous6 favourite, SUNBLOCK The earning of the lockdown and their Himalayan clay mask 3has seen us all get out to walk, cycle, and apricot meal scrub became or run, and all three mean sun SKIN ELEMENTS MANICURE SET excellent face care regimens during exposure. My go-to product here This is another good Beauté Secrets sells extensive the lockdown. Naturally sourced, Donut (@crafted_donut): A Naina Redhu Handpainted has been the Neutrogena Ultra homegrown brand. The two kits, but if you find that hand-worked to grind or sift, they simple brand from Kerala, they are Sheer Dry Touch. Then there is Sun unique4 products that I love are the 5excessive, you can compile a set (like are low-intervention products Masks (@naina): Naina’s masks doing some rather understated can be sourced from her Insta Fluid by Forest Essentials, a natural anti-chafing cream (which is excellent I did), and here is what you need in with time-tested benefits. Or, yet elegant masks, featuring okay prints to profile. Made using 3-ply cotton and in materials based product, but heavy for sports activities in areas where order of what you will keep longest otherwise put, given their chemical- — my favourite — the traditional festive garb various sizes, they may offer nothing perspiration will wash it right oƒ. friction and seat can lead to a painful to what you may replace quickest: free origins, you can’t come into (mundu) replete with red and gold border, et technically unique, but the hand-painted Sports Sunscreen on the Ustraa site rash), and the hygiene wipes (well, Victorinox and Zwilling make great any harm using them. The Lake al. Instead of elastics, they have simple bands designs make them more pieces of art is a paraben and sulphate-free option they were even more relevant when clippers and nail files, Tweezerman for sediment salt face wash is very that can be adjusted, and that ups the all- than a mere utility object. The aesthetic that fared much better. Most of these travel was more frequent, but now tweezers, and just about any buƒer unconventional and yet, day-wear factor. Modest pricing, great quality is minimalist yet vibrant, and each are SPF 50, or higher. they accompany me on all road trips). you can find online. quite rejuvenating. and a high comfort quotient, do check them individually unique mask is personally out online. ₹80 done by her. ₹2,000

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models, suppliers, workers, press, and Gucci employees. Additionally, the event was 100 per cent plastic-free, and all the leftover Gucci’s food was sent to charities in the city. There was zero wastage. Road To Then, in June this year, Michele unveiled Gucci O The Grid, the brand’s first Sustainability collection from its Circular Lines initiative to support circular production. Circular fashion, or circular production, is a new-age In an industry that is term that refers to clothing made from responsible for 10 per cent sustainable materials, where the entire of the global greenhouse supply chain can be monitored for its eect gases, the Italian luxury on the environment, and where recycling giant is a shining example and upcycling plays critical roles. of how companies can Gucci says its vision for the future “is to move further and further away from tackle their environmental fashion’s linear model and to a circular one, impact successfully where circularity is not the exception to By Sanika Achrekar design and creation, but integrated as part of the process. A future where the beauty of old materials is celebrated in an everlasting Alessandro Michele at the cycle, and new natural resources are not a SS 2020 show in Milan requisite for appeal and quality.” In May this year. the Gucci Instagram handle The 37-piece Gucci O The Grid carried a series of posts excerpted from collection including genderless sneakers, Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s diary bags, accessories, and ready-to-wear were written during the pandemic, in which he made using recycled, organic, bio-based evaluates his work, and the future of fashion. and sustainably sourced materials. Notable “These days of confinement, in a suspended among these are ECONYL, a 100 per cent Gucci President & time that we can hardly imagine as free,” regenerated nylon obtained from consumer CEO Marco Bizzarri Michele wrote, “I try to ask myself what is waste like abandoned fishing nets and the meaning of my actions. It’s a vital and carpets, and nylon ocuts from Gucci’s urgent questioning of me, which demands a production lines. Gucci was the first luxury Several companies have made supply chain, including GHG emissions, careful pause and delicate listening.” brand to use ECONYL in 2016. commitments to become net carbon zero by water use, air and water pollution, waste A few days later, in another excerpt, he Michele’s eort towards creating 2040 and 2050, but Bizzarri is not happy. production, and land use. The company made a startling announcement: “I will sustainable fashion is part of Gucci “Science is telling us that long-term targets started implementing an EP&L for internal abandon the worn-out ritual of seasonalities President & CEO Marco Bizzarri’s forceful are just not good enough and that we have monitoring back in 2011, and was one of the and shows to regain a new cadence, closer drive to push his own company, and the 10 years to change the trajectory of climate first fashion brands to publish it externally. to my expressive call. We will meet just fashion industry in general, towards carbon and biodiversity crises. By 2040, I will be Gucci’s most recent EP&L shows that twice a year, to share the chapters of a neutrality. The fashion industry is the almost 80 years old. I do not want to leave the company is on target to achieve its new story... I would like to leave behind the second-largest consumer of the world’s this responsibility to my successor. I want to Last year, Gucci 2025 goal much earlier. By last year, it had paraphernalia of leitmotifs that colonised our water resources, and is responsible for create a plan of action that brings serious made history of already achieved a 39 per cent reduction prior world: cruise, pre-fall, spring-summer, around 10 per cent of the global greenhouse results in the short term.” in its overall environmental impact, and a fall-winter.” Gucci, as he announced, will be, Gucci's Carbon gas production. About 90 per cent of the greenhouse sorts by turning 37 per cent reduction for greenhouse gas Neutral SS 2020 show going forward, cutting down the number of In November last year, Bizzarri issued gas emissions for fashion companies its Spring/ emissions. Compared to the 2018 EP&L, the annual fashion shows it organises from five a public announcement inviting CEOs are generated at the start of the supply Summer 2020 emissions were down by 18 per cent and the to two. It was a piece of news that stunned Though the Covid-19 pandemic social, and economic aspects. from across the world to participate in a chain. Soon after he arrived at Gucci as fashion show total impact by 21 per cent. the world of fashion. Gucci was upending a might have been spurred into making The show, which was termed a Certified programme he called CEO Carbon Neutral CEO in 2015, Bizzarri drew up a 10-year entirely carbon But importantly, Gucci has been carbon tradition that went back decades. the momentous decision, Michele has Sustainable Event, was carbon neutral. Challenge. Companies from across sectors sustainability strategy for Gucci. Its neutral. It neutral since last year. The company Michele’s main reason for making this been tireless in his eort to promote to Its entire environmental impact was 100 were asked to o¥cially join the fight ambitious target called for reducing the achieved this feat by osetting its remaining decision, a careful reading of his diary sustainability at Gucci, and the fashion world per cent o-setted, meaning all the CO2 against climate change and greenhouse gas company’s total environmental impact by 40 even boasted of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) with investments in reveals, was his fears about climate at large, since he took over as the Creative emission from the activities at the event, emissions. “The reality is that the majority per cent, and greenhouse gas emissions of an ISO 20121 four REDD+ projects it has been involved, change and a desire to work towards Director in 2015. Last year, for example, including transportation of the participants, of the GHG emissions linked to day-to-day its supply chain by 50 per cent before 2025. certification, an in Kenya, Peru, Indonesia, and Cambodia. sustainability. “Our reckless actions have Gucci made history of sorts by turning its catering, accommodation, printed materials, business activities are created upstream in As part of this eort, since 2017, international REDD refers to reducing emissions from burned the house we live in,” he said in Spring/Summer 2020 fashion show entirely and energy consumption was compensated the supply chain,” Bizzarri said in his letter Gucci has been publishing an annual standard that deforestation and forest degradation, and another post, “We conceived of ourselves carbon-neutral. It even boasted of an ISO for by Gucci. The company planted 2,000 to them, “I firmly believe that we must all Environmental Profit and Loss (EP&L) report REDD+ relates to conservation of forest as separated from nature, we felt cunning 20121 certification, an international standard trees in the city of Milan to make up for be accountable for these emissions and that publicly reveals the environmental defines the carbon stocks, sustainable management of and almighty. We usurped nature. We that defines the sustainability of an event the carbon impact of the people who redefine corporate carbon neutrality to impact of the company’s operations. These sustainability forests, and enhancement of forest carbon

dominated it and wounded it.” taking into consideration its environmental, participated in the show, including guests, GETTY IMAGES encompass the entire supply chain.” impacts are measured across its entire of an event stocks. Companies that invest in the

72 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 73 STYLE / ADVICE

ASK THE EXPERT Wellness and grooming conundrums, deciphered and explained, by celebrity hair stylist Vikas Marwah

preservation of forests and its sustainable management are given carbon credits, The 37-piece Gucci u Also, keep in mind to pick a colour that which they can oset against their own O The Grid collection is made I am facing severe hairfall during this enhances your skin tone (warm/cool GHG emissions. Gucci investment covers a entirely using pandemic. How do I thicken my hair and or neutral). forest area of more than 1.1 million hectares recycled, organic, prevent hairfall? across the four countries. bio-based and sustainably There are many contributing factors u Further, the company’s internal sourced materials to hairfall. It is important to tackle this I want to start using face masks on a programme of reducing carbon footprint problem holistically. Start by enriching weekly basis. How can I include them in is based on the philosophy of avoiding your diet with protein, use a mild and reducing environmental impact. my routine? For example, it plans to shift entirely to alternative raw materials like ECONYL. shampoo, massage your scalp regularly to You can use a natural face mask that suits renewable energy in operations, stores, “A new era of corporate accountability is improve circulation, and make sure your skin type. For instance, neem and oces, and warehouses by the end of upon us, and we need to be diligent in you exercise to de-stress. Diligently aloe face mask is great for acne-prone this year, and other. Similarly, the Gucci taking all steps to mitigate our impacts, following these habits can help reduce skin, while orange and papaya face masks scrap-less program targets reducing the including being transparent and responsible hairfall, over time. enable skin lightening and de-tanning. use of water and chemicals to treat leather for our GHG emissions across our supply You can also make them from simple and reduce the GHG emissions related chains,” Bizzarri says, “Gucci will continue to u is significant to take to transport. Then there is the scale-up work in a smart and strategic way to avoid I want to experiment with temporary care of your body, and initiative around circularity, including and reduce our impacts, while hair colours but I'm really worried that stay committed to the the Gucci-Up program, which up-cycles simultaneously investing in innovation as a Vikas Marwah it might ruin the quality of my hair. process for growing the leather and textile waste generated during driver for sustainability. However, in my is an award- What should I look for when picking a perfect beard naturally. manufacturing. view, this is just not enough, nor will it winning hair colour? Avoid smoking, and celebrity hair On the raw material sourcing front, the happen fast enough given the sustainability The first step to get the perfect hair drink plenty of water. eort has been to maximise recycling challenges we are up against in our industry stylist and hair enthusiast, colour is to choose the right hair stylist, Moisturise your beard technologies such as switching to recycled and the reality of our global climate and who believes with good expertise. Always make regularly. plastics as an additional complement biodiversity crises. To address the need for “hair is art” sure you use good quality hair colour. to Gucci’s ban on PVC since 2015, using urgent solutions, Gucci is setting an recycled metals in accessories and ambitious new precedent through our jewellery, ramping up using of organic carbon-neutral commitment. This is based fibres, such as organic cotton and silk, on a clear strategy to ensure we account for ensuring that cellulosic fibres such as all of our GHG emissions across our supply viscose are sourced from approved chain, act to first avoid, reduce and restore, producers; finally to shift continually and then oset the unavoidable emissions to low-impact and more sustainable through important REDD+ projects.”

home-based ingredients such as turmeric, lemon, rose water, and oatmeal. Do not forget to moisturise your skin after removing the face mask while it's still damp to arrest the moisture, and keep your skin soft and supple. u u What DIY hair masks really I want to grow the perfect beard, work? Can you suggest any? without any patches. How do you Hair masks are used to nourish and recommend I do that? strengthen your hair from deep within. As opposed to popular belief, shaving Some of the easy and amazing DIY hair is not the correct solution to patchy masks are Vitamin E-rich avocado- beard. Perfect beard needs exercise, rest, coconut milk and olive oil hair mask, super patience and good diet rich in proteins. nourishing yoghurt-honey mask and the

You could also try beard oil or balm. It soothing aloe-cinnamon hair mask. SHUTTERSTOCK

SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 75 74 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW

Style - Gucci new 1.indd 74 08/09/20 9:20 AM Style-Expert Speak.indd 86 08/09/20 1:42 PM STYLE / THE DESIGNER

THE QUIRKY

the brides, I say, why should you stand with colours in embroidery. I have seen men COUTURIER a head cover, from 50 years back? Wear wearing these bright coloured kurtas with Unabashedly Indian in his fashion and sarees with sneakers. You have got equality gotas, and I find it extremely vulgar. It’s too and interpretation. Don’t cry wearing 25 much. Bollywood is an influential space, expression, Tarun Tahiliani believes in kilos, because you cannot walk. Why should and being part of Bollywood should give moving forward with the time, even if you do it? It’s symbolism of the past. the country a good taste, not a bad taste. that means making your model walk in For example, look at the beautiful white a boardroom instead of the runway, and So, when it comes to menswear, what outfits of the peshwas in Bajirao Mastani. shine through anyway does your brand believe its focus to be? I like slightly funkier menswear. Layering How was the experience of doing India’s By Samreen Tungekar in an Indian way. I love crazy pants, drapes, first fully digital fashion show? What were bundis, different shapes and sizes of kurtas. the challenges that you faced? I think men look better in Indian clothes, We were working with fewer staff If there is a personality larger than life, without a doubt. I want to do a more members, and we had four cases of very chirpy, happiest in his track pants accessible line — from linen to malkhas. I Covid in the factory in May. So, we that look like trousers (he said it, not don’t like big floral prints on kurtas, it’s not had to shut the factory and fumigate. me) and full of love for the culture and my taste. I feel it’s too much in an urban The only challenge was to do such a heritage of his country, it’s Tarun Tahiliani. mileu. If you are sitting in a garden in big shoot and make sure nobody falls A conversation with him about couture, Rajasthan, maybe it’ll work, but if I’m in my sick. It was such a leap of faith. clothes, or the evolution of the Indian bedroom, I’ll go for a beige palette. We shot in the mood board aesthetic, will be full of stories (some only room, which was created meant for personal chatting), anecdotes, in Banaras. So, my life will have a churidar constructed like What are your favourite fabrics to with only four painters and devoid of any fashion jargon that is rich in many ways, a trouser, with some lycra in it, so it’s work with? and carpenters, and they you might otherwise expect. Extremely but the biggest gift comfortable. The kurta sherwani will I like fabrics that have crepe. I love had to maintain social sure of his craft, and even surer of his eye was that through this, be cut a bit wider from the front so heavy cotton and fabrics with cutwork, distancing. It brought out for detail, Tahiliani is one of the biggest I discovered the India when the groom sits, it won’t look flat wool crepes. I feel heavy silks can be creativity in the most couturiers from our country, and the that I love. and stiff. The emphasis is on making tailored beautifully for men. I also fabulous way. In fact, warmest one too. it comfortable, and bringing out the love muslins, heavyweight dupion for my sister said she could In July this year, Tahiliani became And the elegance of masculinity. My groom embroidery, etc. I treat a lot of my fabrics see the clothes better the first Indian fashion designer to biggest lessons? outfits are always about subtlety, to make them softer. on video, than when we difference. Events and have had a full-length, independent, Ego will destroy comfort, and elegance. watch the show festivities will be intimate, digital fashion show, given the anything. People Do you think menswear, especially in in person. and that’s the idea. A lot current scenario. Tahiliani counts who you work with You were a part of India’s first the wedding space, has become more fluid of these occasions are a bit his blessings and lessons, explains everyday, are not fashion week in 2000. Can you recall with its silhouettes? How do you see the of a show off, which will where we’re at in the menswear trained the same way the experience? Grooms have a lower tolerance level, and business of the wedding hopefully change. space, and looks forward to the newer as you, or educated It was so much fun. I did the finale. as things get better, they are going to buy wear and the festive normal in the world of fashion. with degrees. You need It felt like the birth of something clothes that they can repeat. I have seen a market change Do you think the to oversee everything exciting was happening. Almost every lot of grooms in simple tailored achkans, this year? current time is You’ve completed 25 years meticulously, till you designer has been born out of these and just wearing it plain, not even with Weddings are going making us go back in the industry. What have been have a few people fashion weeks. necklaces. That’s the way forward. They to be smaller, so the to minimalism? your biggest blessings? that you can trust. don’t want to be a faux maharaja, but be level of dressing up I think in today’s My biggest blessing is that I The biggest What kind of fashion choices contemporary Indian chic, and do what will be smaller as well. fashion, we are sitting at home in ended up doing what I love. The lesson for me does the groom of today make, as suits them best. The brides and grooms sweatpants and during Zoom calls, second biggest blessing is that that sometimes compared to a decade ago? will be dressing the people are wearing business shirts it's a lot of hard work, but so much backfires, is that I A lot of young adults have the You are a fan of bundi jackets, you wear same. But I think and boxers. So, people are becoming fun. Since you’re from Mumbai, you treat everybody equally. exposure to the best of the world. them all the time. How has your personal people are hoping comfortable and wearing casual. They will understand this — We were from They are highly educated, they travel. style influenced your aesthetic? that it will be done by don’t like to dress up, and athleisure Colaba, we were very westernised. We What is a classic Tarun They are constantly after things that For me, the bundi is like the choli for January, and there was already here. I have been wearing never wanted to speak Hindi, and I was Tahiliani groom outfit? look good. They like good tailoring, a woman. With womenswear, I can do will be an explosion. it since a long time even with my bundi not interested in India. But, I discovered I have always loved they are sophisticated, and are not anything, because I am a man. With There’s also very jacket. I don’t think people will dress the beauty of the country I was born in, layering. I don’t like looking to impress someone else. 10 menswear, I have to ask myself if I would bad depression, down, when they do get the chance, and I learnt the compassion and heart of embroidery just for years ago, it was all about bling, and wear what I’m designing. My colours are so in the upper they will be back to their Indian clothes. this country, when I was sitting in Kutch the sake of it. So, my over-the-top attires. We must accept more muted and toned down. Not that middle and middle In their western clothes, it’s more and learning block painting, or when we were classic groom outfit contemporary Indian fashion. Even to I mind colours, but I don’t want bright class, it will make a more casual.

76 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 77 STYLE

per cent.” There are a few brands that are not o¢cially available in India, but buy products from international markets directly, or some resellers provide them to the consumers through Instagram shops. Kbeauty India (@kbeautyindia) has a variety of brands that are not available here. The most popular brands from the store are Tiam, Purito, and Krave. The industry’s unique products, ingredients, pairing products, and layering techniques have gradually gained awareness in India through the entry of more brands. Men are doing their research, and thinking about how to feed their skin the right products. Vineet Shah, a practicing chartered accountant, never used any kind of skincare products before being introduced to K-beauty. He started o˜ with popular brands like The Face Shop and Tony Moly, and his favourite products are Tony Moly’s Egg Pore, The Face Shop’s Sheet Mask, Tiding The Neogen Dermalogy Pore Toner and Serum Set. Similarly, 27-year-old Rahul Jaisinghani Korean got his information from Reddit and Skincare

the importance of skincare, but believes Wave that there still a market for men that’s From snail slime to horse oil untouched. Their customers include 14 per cent male consumers. “Our products are hydration, Korean skincare made keeping in mind the customer’s skin is the route to achieving that concern, that is what has helped us grow,” glass skin, and men are not the brand explains. far behind Nykaa’s specialised website for men, titled ‘Nykaa Man’, has been instrumental in According subreddits, and started o˜ with products By Sanika Achrekar making K-Beauty a household phenomenon to market from Etude House and Hydro Barrier Cream. in the country. “We were the first to make research firm He adds that the products have made a huge leading Korean brands available online to Flawless Coat Boutique, an emerging beauty di˜erence on his skin, and would continue to customers across India. The trend has had Nielsen, the use them. e-commerce platform, explains that within size of the Everyone loves the glass skin filter, right? care products continue to account for over a significant impact on beauty routines, the last five years, the South Korean skincare Celebrity make-up artists and grooming From snail mucin essences to fermented 50 per cent of the male grooming pie, new introducing customers to new products like industry for men has grown to become the branded male influencers also have only good things to say toners, K-beauty is known for infusing categories such as body care and hair care, sheet masks, and to new ingredients like world’s largest. “Many Korean brands now grooming about the onwards and upwards trend of di˜erent combinations in their skincare are also fuelling the growth. green tea, volcanic clay, snail essence etc.," produce all manner of cleansers, toners, segment has Korean skincare products. Rashmi Shastri, a products. It’s been a few years since Korean Innisfree launched in India, in 2013, and said a spokesperson. moisturisers, and more specifically, for male crossed the celebrity make-up artist, has a great personal skincare hit the Indian market, and with became all the rage once it became even Ritika Sharma, founder and CEO of clients. These beauty products resonate Rs 5,000 experience with the products. Fashion and every new brand, the interest and intrigue more accessible, through online portals. e-commerce beauty website Boddess that with millennials and the Gen X population. crore-mark in grooming influencer Abhinav Mathur has in achieving hydrated, good skin has only Mini Sood, assistant director and marketing was recently launched by House Of Beauty, It’s an advanced beauty market with urban India used sheet masks, and has seen a change in peaked, even for men. head, says male consumers want personal says Korean brands make for some of their advanced products that satisfy skincare his skin texture. “I have seen a lot of Indian Grooming products for men are no more a consultations as well. “As a lot of men view top sellers on the platform. “15-20 per cent needs of men,” she explains. men who go through skincare issues, and new thing. Yes, you’ll occasionally find some online video tutorials on skincare regimes of our male customers purchase Korean Another beauty website, Maccaron.in, they have a hard time finding the correct still using their girlfriend’s face wash, but for men, and we have also started targeting products, as compared to 50 per cent discusses, “Due to the popularity of K-Pop products. Korean skincare is renowned, and I hey, you’ll also find some of them masking and working with male influencers,” she says, of female customers, and we expect this & drama, the visibility of Korean skincare highly recommend it,” he says. after a heavy night out, to replenish. It’s all adding that they have curated men’s skincare number to increase as our brand mix evolves for men is becoming more outwards. We The concept of skincare for men in general about balance. line with products suited for them as well. in the coming months and years. We do have seen a very bleak di˜erence in the has seen tremendous growth, and Korean According to market research firm Nielsen, While Innisfree brought the goodness of expect that an average skincare routine for percentage of male and female consumers brands ensure that it will continue. All you The size of the branded male grooming Jeju to us, The Face Shop is one of the men will include one to three K Beauty-led when they purchase Korean skincare need to do is religiously follow the skincare segment has crossed the Rs 5,000 crore- brands that introduced sheet masks. The products in their regimen.” products from us. During the pandemic, our steps to get the glow. Here’s to hydrating,

mark in urban India. While shaving and face brand has witnessed men taking interest in SHUTTERSTOCK Founder and CEO Dr. Aditi Sinha Nigam, of male users spiked from five per cent to 20 and glowing some more.

78 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 79 Vintage Laundry STYLE / TRENDS STYLE / SUSTAINABILITY

Denim’s Play our base is growing.” Bygone Echoes, founded by fashion If denim is a solution to all problems, double THRIFT stylist Dennis Hauzel, is known for denim makes the problem disappear its unisex printed shirts along with By Sanika Achrekar womenswear such as dresses and FOR LIFE blouses. Since the lockdown, his customer base has increased by 70 per It’s been 19 years since Justin Timberlake patches, logos, and embroideries. “The cent. He says, “The number of male and Britney Spears walked on the red carpet embellishments give the outfit a Online thrift stores are flooding the Indian fashion members in the thrift community is still of American Music Awards in a head-to-toe visual point of difference, especially quite low, but I’ve seen a significant matching denim-on-denim ensemble, which when wearing matching denim. scenario. There's a constant increase in the past few months. gave birth to an iconic fashion moment. This look especially comes out upsurge of new stores selling Around 20 to 30 per cent of my Fast forward to 2020, and the trend well with mid-blue, Japanese- vintage, pre-owned, or customers are men.” has been made even more popular by inspired denim. If you want to locally sourced clothing. These are a few from before the celebrities wearing it as street style. experiment with a rare choice, Does this mean we’ve finally pandemic. But during, and as it Brad Pitt’s squared denim outfit in it’s double denim in white. mastered the art of giving up continues, the thrift culture has seen Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Then you don’t have to a rise in new stores. Lust Thrift by Time in Hollywood was the moment we worry about shades of fast fashion? Are thrift stores L.J, Paradime Thrift by Anshuman knew that this one’s sticking around. blue melting into one the new way to shop? Chakravarty and Muskaan Arora, are disco>ery Denim on denim is everywhere, but the another. Lastly, you By Sanika Achrekar two such stores that started in the trend needs to be curated carefully, could do an all-black beginning of the lockdowns. “Buying as it’s tricky. Celebrity stylists denim look with skinny second-hand clothes was something Akshay Tyagi and Sukriti Grover fits, skinny jeans, and a Thrifting is not a new concept in India. we've done all our lives. Our town had From streetside pop ups to small shops small thrift stores where we would decode the rules of perfecting snug jacket paired with selling eccentric pieces, our cities have had always manage to find cute pieces for denim on denim. Tyagi says boots, channelling your inner these establishments forever. However, prices that were a steal. So, when we when doing double denim, it’s rockstar,” she suggests. thanks to the pandemic, thrifting on the saw a whole community of thrift stores always good to break it with a Discussing the do’s and dont’s of streets is not really an option. In such on Instagram, we decided to do it too,” neutral layer, or with a pattern. double denim, Anisha Jain says that times, online thrift stores are becoming disco>ery says L.J. Pair a lighter jacket and Henley, using the right colour palette is the key. our obsession. And is there a lot of in white or beige or black, “I remember doing denim on denim on Instagram has thrift stores that sell Paradime Thrift competition? Paradime Shahid Kapoor a couple of times, and with darker denim, with a clothing from the ’70s and ’80s. Vintage Thrift founders said, few rips and tears for extra it was such a big hit. So, it is all corsets to unisex baroque-printed satin “We’ve noticed many style. “While wearing a about playing with the cor- shirts, everything is available at half the new thrift stores being denim shirt with jeans, you can rect colour scheme,” she price as compared to the malls. And the founded every single break the consistency with a says. Grover suggests: popularity is such that pieces get booked day. That increases floral belt, or a scarf, or with “Do the distress denim, within 30 seconds after they are dropped. competition, but also accessories on your wrist,” and keep your other Riya Rokade, a freelance fashion stylist, increases the influence of disco>ery he adds. clothing casual. Don't started her thrift store — Vintage Laundry the community, so it’s a According to Grover, dressing in take inspiration from — in February this year. She drops pieces double-edged sword. We the same shade of denim from top to the Texas West-like that are statement, vibrant, and really promotes and programs underground dance realise the importance bottom is a big fat no, and you should cowboys. Stay away affordable, every weekend. Her motive is to music in the city. When asked about the of reinventing ourselves, choose your washes wisely. “Double denim from accessories be as inclusive as possible, and all of Vintage number of consumers that have increased and the competitive is a play of proportions. Pick heavier jeans like cowboy boots, Laundry’s pieces are gender fluid. Why did since the lockdown, he said, “We’ve been edge. Hence, we and lighter shirts or jackets. The three go-to cowboy hats, bolo she choose to open a thrifting store? “I've able to maintain a more or less a consistent customise acid wash and options would be a fitted jacket/fitted jean, ties, and Western always been intrigued by fashion, and I see 70 per cent of return customers, even as tie-dye clothing items, clothes as a way to express my creativity. I a boxy jacket/slim or fitted jeans, or fitted belts,” she says. which we can guarantee gave up fast fashion a year ago, and started Vintage Laundry nobody can replicate.” jacket/relaxed jeans. As a rule, the jacket Tyagi cites examples thrifting pieces for myself. Whenever I And is thrifting a way to should be fitted enough so you can do it up, of celebrities sporting was out wearing one of my vintage pieces, "Fast fashion promote sustainability, especially in such a but short enough that it rests on your hips, the trend, like when Varun people always asked me where I got them creates 10 fragile time? Rokade says, “Given the current allowing your shirt underneath to separate Dhawan wore Scotch & from, and I thought hey, since people love per cent of conditions, people have become more the two denim layers,” she explains. Soda’s matching set of jacket what I wear, why not create a medium where global waste, conscious about the way they're harming the Tyagi’s suggestion is wearing a basic and jeans as an airport look, or I can curate pieces for them?” she says. so in order environment. Fast fashion creates 10 per cent jacket with a shirt, and jeans that give more the early HRX campaign looks, Disco>ery was launched by Ravi Rajpal to consume of global waste, so in order to consume more of Country Western vibes, and a denim where Hrithik Roshan sported in Bengaluru, in 2018. The pieces are largely more sustainably, people have started thrifting.” allover that breaks with a suede or leather the trend. influenced by the Disco scene of the ’70s sustainably, More millennials and Gen-Z have been boots, along with metallic accessories. Now that you know and ’80s. The store was an impulsive plunge indulging in thrifting. Maybe we’ll finally

GETTY IMAGES people have Grover’s take is about prints and embellish- everything about double denim, into a space that Rajpal resonates with, started alter the old is gold phrase to “old is gold, ments on denim that include patchwork, what’s stopping you from trying? given that he also co-runs an agency that thrifting" and sustainable”.

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Double denim 1.indd 1 09/09/20 11:30 AM Thrifting.indd 116 08/09/20 3:15 PM INSIDE: SUKET DHIR INTERVIEW India’s original men’s magazine TRACKINGTHE TIE-DYE TREND TIME

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TIGER BEST CARS & BIKES ROSHAN 2277MW 1840 ISSN MAHENG/2008/26535 NO. RNI OF THE YEAR SHROFF 72 WANTS TO BE A PERFECTIONIST OPENS UP BARBEQUE "I'M AT PEACE AND IN LIKE A BOSS HOURS LOVE WITH EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS BEEN THE INTERVIEW IN A PART OF MY LIFE." SUJOY GHOSH MIAMI

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COVMWDec_Final .indd All Pages 05/12/16 4:59 PM HELLO BLUE 2020 Blue has been a CINEMA TRAVEL FOOD FASHION ADITYA ROY KAPUR • HELLO 2020 • DE NIRO AND PACINO / JANUARY 239 AND 2020 / ISSUE NIRO 2020 • DE • HELLO ADITYA ROY KAPUR FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com CARS JANUARY 2020 | K 150 noticeable trend in MW EXCLUSIVE FASHION VALENTINO IN CONVERSATION WITH WINTER Style ROBERT DE FENDI ESSENTIALS NIRO AND AL PACINO MUSIC RITVIZ'S DESI watches in 2020. BEST FILMS OF THE DECADE SOUND

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FULL PG BLEED 230 X298.indd 1 07/01/20 11:18 AM MW January 2020 Aditya Cover Final.indd All Pages 06/01/20 4:52 PM ranging from azure FARHAN AKHTAR to ultramarine RIPPED TO PLAY A BOXER IN HIS NEXT FILM celebrating KAMA S U T R A 20 FOR THE INTERNET years THE VERY of success HAUTE RAHUL MISHRA

FEMALE NOISE MAKERS

JULIAN ZIGERLI

MUMBAI'S FORGOTTEN CLOCK TOWERS

MW Febraury 2020 Farhan Akhtar Cover.indd 2 05/02/20 5:57 PM

THE GROOMING SPECIAL COPY SUBSCRIBER’S

SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT • GROOMING SPECIAL • BOLLYWOOD CONNECTIONS / CONNECTIONS BOLLYWOOD • SPECIAL •GROOMING RAJPUT SINGH SUSHANT THE BEST MOONPHASE WATCHES FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com FOR THE MAN IN FULL | www.mansworldindia.com SEPTEMBER 2017 | K 150 AUGUST 2017 | K 150 WHEELS

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Farhan A Sept COVER 2017.indd All Pages 07/09/17 4:16 PM DIOR HOMME SSR Aug COVER 2017.indd All Pages 04/08/17 6:05 PM BLANCPAIN FIFTY FATHOMSTranscending The Season BATHYSCAPHE IN LOUIS VUITTON SEDNA GOLD With The Crossbody Bag For the first time, this 2013 watchWe that have was called this accessory a fanny pack, bum bag, man bag, and even a murse (man launched to celebrate the 60th anniversary purse). After its presence on the runway for the past few seasons, it has been agreed that download your digital issue now of the Fifty Fathoms, combines a blue Available on: iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Android devices dial with a 43 mm case in Sednathis gold. bag, is a crossbody bag. It is one of the most practical bags to carry during a regular Sedna is a gold, copper, and palladiumevening outing, where most of us carry a phone, keys and a wallet. Louis Vuitton’s Virgil alloy that guarantees the durabilityAbloh of red has been experimenting with crossbody bags by pairing them with everything, gold. The unidirectional rotating bezel is Subscribe through Magzter, the Digital Web Store, on iTunes and Android Market fitted with a ceramic insert, andfrom features tracksuits to tailoring. Pair it with utility wear or streetwear, it’s a classic accessory a Ceragold® time scale and hour-markers.

GETTY IMAGES GETTY that goes well with any outfit. A crossbody bag is a statement in itself. www.facebook.com/mansworld.ind | www.mansworldindia.com | on ipad at magzter.com MSGM Water-resistant to 300 meters, the watch is powered by self-winding 1315 movement, with a five-day power reserve.

Ipad forDecember 2019.indd 1 06/03/20 5:39 PM Tracking Time September.indd 83 08/09/20 10:25 AM JAQUET DROZ "FLEUR DE LYS" GRANDE SECONDE PAILLONNÉE Part of two new very limited series, this watch immortalises the art of paillonné enameling, an ancient decorative technique that showcases floral motifs. Created at the Jaquet Droz Ateliers d’Art, its silver opaline dial features the lily flower, as the name indicates. Paillonné enameling starts with guilloché work on a FREDERIQUE CONSTANT gold dial. It is then covered in translucent coloured enamel that lets the guilloché AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK patterns shine through. Next, several SMARTWATCH VITALITY layers of enamel are applied, each Frederique Constant’s fourth smartwatch in five years comes with an one individually fired in the oven. In OFFSHORE SELFWINDING integrated sensor, developed by Philips Wearable Sensing, which measures the next phase, dainty motifs cut from the heart rate from the wrist. The watch that comes in a 42 mm stainless-steel a thin gold leaf (the paillons or strips) are CHRONOGRAPH 44 MM case features — for the first time — a dial with two faces. The first face is placed by hand, one by one, to create a characterised by Roman numerals, and hand-polished hour and minute hands. This Royal Oak Offshore collection watch with a smoked blue dial comes figure. The figures are then covered GRAHAM CHRONOFIGHTER A press of the crown reveals the second face, with a digital display on its lower in a 44 mm ceramic case with matching ceramic bezel, pushpieces, and with another layer of enamel, and fired part that allows the user to access information like the heart rate, the activity screw-locked crown. The pushpiece guards are in titanium. Powered by in the same oven. This translucent tracker, a second time zone, and the last five messages from chosen apps. the self-winding Manufacture Calibre 3126/3840 with a power reserve of GRAND VINTAGE coat will protect the paillonné motif for 50 hours. Accompanied by a colour coordinated textured rubber strap. Inspired by historical airforce watches, this automatic centuries. The watch with the distinctive chronograph with a prominent date display at 9 o’clock with a off-centred hours and minutes at 12 magnifier, comes in a 47 mm steel case with a distinctive start / o'clock, and a large off-centred second at stop trigger and reset pusher. Powered by the G1747 automatic 6 o'clock, comes in a 43 mm, red-gold case, chronograph movement with a power reserve of 48 hours. and is powered by an automatic movement with ZENITH DEFY MONTBLANC 1858 SPLIT SECOND a power reserve of 68 hours. Limited to Jaquet Droz’s symbolic 8 pieces. CLASSIC BLUE CERAMIC CHRONOGRAPH LIMITED EDITION 100 The iconic Zenith skeleton watch has just been launched with three The sporty vintage style watches in the Montblanc 1858 line are inspired by the new scratch-proof ceramic case variations. The all-blue faceted 41 mm trend of reconnecting to nature, and the Montblanc heritage. The 2020 version case and bezel, with polished and satin-brushed surfaces, encloses a features a blue theme, as a nod to glaciers and snowy mountain environments. blue open, star-shaped dial, with a date display at 6 o’clock. It provides This watch is a reinterpretation of the 44 mm historical Minerva military a monochromatic cast to the timepiece. Powered by the automatic mono-pusher chronograph from the 1930s, with a very distinctive dial Elite 670 SK movement with a power reserve of 48 hours. comprising a snail-shaped tachymeter scale in the centre, and a telemeter scale CARL F. BUCHERER MANERO FLYBACK on the internal flange. The vibrant blue colour of the dial in gradated enamel The chronograph line that was originally launched in 2016, has been extended this provides an interesting contrast to the 44 mm full satin-finished titanium case. year with two new blue versions. The 43 mm diameter stainless steel case frames Powered by the manually wound chronograph Calibre MB M16.31. the blue dial, which features a chronograph counter, small seconds sub-dial, date display, central hour, and minute hands. The flyback mechanism allows the timer of the chronograph to be reset and restarted with just a single push. Powered by the CFB 1970 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve.

BVLGARI OCTO FINISSIMO AUTOMATIC IN STEEL The blue dial of this watch is framed against a 40 mm extra-thin satin polished steel case with transparent back case, and polished steel screw-down crown set with ceramic insert. Powered by an automatic mechanical movement. Water resistant up to 100 meters. Integrated satin-polished steel bracelet with folding clasp.

84 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW TAG HEUER STYLE / ADVICE SWATCH SISTEM51 AQUARACER 43 MM TORTOISE SHELL PETITE SECONDE BLUE MUSIC l GADGET l STYLE This watch stands out for its unique design, blue dial, and the small seconds display. Comes in a 42 mm steel case that is water EFFECT CALIBRE resistant to 30 metres. The automatic Sistem51 Caliber ASK THE EXPERT has a power reserve of 80 hours. 5 AUTOMATIC Fashion and wellness conundrums, deciphered and explained, by celebrity stylist Eshaa Amiin ★ ★ NOISEWARE # AGAM # SONAM KALRA 9TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE ZYGNEMA # MARK RIDDICK # FRONTIERER WINNER # ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY # ARJUN RAJA KUMARI / BLOODYWOOD / ALICIA KEYS METAL SPECIAL > ISSUE 00119 > JANUARY 2018 > ISSUE 00109 > MARCH 2017 > ISSUE 00108 > FEBRUARY 2017 > ISSUE 00123 > MAY 2018 > ISSUE 00106 > DECEMBER 2016 > RS 100 > rollingstoneindia.com IN BLUE > RS 100 > rollingstoneindia.com > RS 100 > rollingstoneindia.com > RS 100 > rollingstoneindia.com > RS 100 > rollingstoneindia.com SUBSCRIBER’S COPY SUBSCRIBER’S SUBSCRIBER’S COPY SUBSCRIBER’S SUBSCRIBER’S COPY SUBSCRIBER’S SUBSCRIBER’S COPY SUBSCRIBER’S TAG Heuer has provided COPY SUBSCRIBER’S

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> ISSUE 00120 > FEBRUARY 2018 > RS 100 > rollingstoneindia.com > ISSUE 00127 > SEPTEMBER 2018 > rollingstoneindia.com that is enhanced by the blue sunray COPY SUBSCRIBER’S work well for layering. Layer with denim sports pieces with items from your usual brushed dial with horizontal lines. > ISSUE 00143 > DECEMBER 2019 > ISSUE> ISSUE 00129> 00133 rollingstoneindia.com > >NOVEMBER FEBRUARY 20182019 >> rollingstoneindia.com rollingstoneindia.com and leather/moto jackets for a fun, weekend wardrobe. Opt for a bomber The unidirectional rotating bezel comes relaxed look. Play with textures, patterns Stephen with a 60-minute scale, while an angled Colbert The Rolling Stone Eshaa Amiin Interview Sia and prints of various sizes and kinds to magnifying lens covers the date window How The Pop Star is a celebrity Saved Herself enhance your outfits and, add more style. at 3 o’clock. The 43 mm case is in brushed The THE RISE ROLLING stylist and STONE Why Bryan Adams AND RISE OF INTERVIEW stainless steel. Powered by the Can’t Get Enough of India celebrating Bono consultant who automatic Aquaracer Calibre 5. By JANN S. WENNER Sept Final Cover.indd 1 21/09/18 4:11 PM BLAKC LAY RSCoverFeb2018.indd 1 has her own u MAVIS STAPLES | CHUCK D TESSERACT | DUA LIPA | MIGOS 11 CHANGE ZHANG label. She has What colours would you suggest during DIRECTION THE MANDARIN years styled stars like SINGER WHO’S of success months when the rains are approaching, REMEMBERING MAKING CHINESE POP Sridevi, Ishaan ARETHA THE NEXT BIG and the summer is fading? ASIAN STORY Khatter, Saif Ali FRANKLIN Khan, among During a season that’s transitional, I The would suggest that it’s best if you avoid LONGINES SPIRIT JOHN BLACK PANTHER others, and The new Spirit collection recalls the brand’s rich aviation watch heritage LENNON & Revolution wearing light colours like white and YOKO ONO’S CHADWICK BOSEMAN and the has been the PERFECT MAKING of a RADICAL SUPERHERO featuring the likes of Amelia Earhart, Paul-Emilie Victor, Elinor Smith, YEAR fashion director beige, because if it rains, they become RSCover_March 2018.indd 1 05/03/18 6:06 PM

NEIL YOUNG’S GODDESS GAGGED // KEITH URBAN // GWEN STEFANI NEW HARVEST and Howard Hughes. The new models take traditional features from for Femina transparent, which can be problematic. I

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SUBSCRIBER’S COPY SUBSCRIBER’S Miss India. MADCAP The oversized crown, the flanges, the font of the dial, the diamond- NEW ALBUM shaped indexes and the large, luminous ‘baton’ hands are all elements TIME A.R.RAHMAN THE SKA VENGERS drawn from the pioneering days of aviation. The collection is fitted with STORM XX RATED VADER THORGERSON’S IN A WAR ZONE THE MENTOR DAVID GILMOUR MAKING HISTORY a self-winding movement, with a power reserve of 60 hours. MONUMENTAL AT POMPEII EXCLUSIVE Q&A ALBUMThe maestro is on a nationwide talent hunt for promising DUALIST INQUIRY INDIAN HIP-HOP’S COVERS young talent he will mentor for Nexa Music RISING STARS DIVINE * NAEZY * ACE * BOBKAT * STONY PSYKO

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RSCoverAug2017.indd 2 07/08/17 11:10 AM RSCoverOct2017.indd 2 06/10/17 2:09 PM RSCoverNov2017.indd 2 03/11/17 6:58 PM RSCover July 2017.indd 2 05/07/17 5:17 PM yellow, orange. Navy blue and Make sneakers your You can try suede bomber jackets, shirt tans work well. go-to footwear. Swap jackets (shackets), shoes, chelsea boats, suit pants and jeans for biker jackets, topcoat belts, pouches u more casual and sporty and clutches, if you want to experiment Is satin a good option for the styles of trousers, such with suede. month of June? as joggers and chinos. Satin is a strict no during the Turn a casual outfit u hot and humid weather of June. into an athleisure look How can I try both summer clothing as Like silk, satin is prone to show with sports-influenced well as winter clothes irrespective, of water spots, hence it would accessories, like duŠe the season? TISSOT SEASTAR 1000 show the sweat stains and bags and baseball caps. Trans-seasonal layering is the key to download your digital issue now won't even absorb the sweat. achieve such looks. Jersey and trousers QUARTZ CHRONO It’s much better if you opt for u work for every season. Plus, stoles, This chronograph, in a 45.5 mm steel case with an aluminium Available on: iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Android devices breathable fabrics, like chi„on, What are the ways overcoats, and jackets can transform rotating bezel, is powered by a quartz movement. It is water georgette, cotton and cotton to wear suede? How any menswear summer essential into a resistant to 300 metres. Minutes until 20 are marked on the face, blends this month. should I wear it without winter outfit. after which it is marked every five minutes, in a scale that is typical Subscribe through Magzter, the Digital Web Store, on iTunes and Android Market and helpful for divers. A subtle sea horse is engraved on the back case, hinting at underwater adventures. The dial is in deep blue. www.facebook.com/rollingstoneindia | www.rollingstoneindia.com | on ipad at magzter.com JUNE 2020 • MW 60

Mud.indd52 RS IPAD.indd 22 41 07/11/1911/12/19 3:594:03 PM Tracking Time September.indd 86 08/09/20 10:29 AM THE BRAND TRACKING TIME THE BRAND

Oyster Perpetual A CLASSIC GETS Rolex A NEW LOOK Perpetual Concerts The iconic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Collection gets a In keeping with its commitment to the world of art, and to support musicians makeover, along with new movements affected by Covid-19, Rolex recently organised three operatic concerts in Europe. The concerts will be free on streaming platform medici.tv through October Rolex Oyster Perpetual is one of the world’s travelled across time zones. 1967 saw the most iconic watches with a history like no launch of the Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller, other. It started life in 1926 as the Oyster, with its pioneering helium escape valve that the world’s first waterproof watch. The allowed it to be waterproof to 610 metres. hermetically sealed case system — that Since then, the collection has undergone Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf invented — periodic iterations in keeping with consisted of the screwed-down bezel, case technological advancement and back, and a winding crown. changing tastes. The new Oyster By the 1930s, the frequent unscrewing of Perpetual collection that was launched the crown every time it had to be wound was worldwide on September 1 sees the creating problems for the waterproofing of redesigned version of many of the the watch. To get around this, Rolex invented models. Oyster Perpetual Submariner the world’s first self-winding mechanism with and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date are a free rotor. The watch was named Oyster presented in slightly larger 41 mm cases, and Perpetual. In 1945 came a date indication, a bracelet with a broader centre link. It comes and the birth of Oyster Perpetual Datejust. in three versions — Oystersteel, Rolesor (a A cyclops lens above the date led to Oyster combination of Oystersteel and 18K yellow Perpetual Day-Date, in 1956. gold) and 18K white gold. The dials are in It was followed by the Oyster Perpetual black and blue, with cerachrom bezel inserts Submariner, created for professional divers in green and blue. While the Submariner who wanted a watch that could work at a is equipped with the recently launched depth of 200 metres, and Oyster Perpetual calibre 3230, Submariner Date is fitted with GMT-Master for pilots and businessmen who calibre 3235. Both have a power reserve of Renaud Capuçon Rolando Villazón approximately 70 hours. Oyster Perpetual 41 is a new addition Oyster Perpetual Juan Diego Flórez Sonya Yoncheva Sky-Dweller to the Oyster Perpetual range. The watch is in Oystersteel, with the sunray-finish dials either in silver or bright black. The hour markers also come in two versions, Oyster Perpetual s part of a project to have music as an integral part Recordings of the concerts are available free on the Datejust retro-style 18K yellow gold, and in 18K of everyday life, luxury watch brand, Rolex, recently streaming platform, medici.tv, until the end of October, white gold. For those with a playful side, Aorganised three Rolex ‘Perpetual Music’ concerts across and are expected to reach thousands of people in over 180 the watch is also presented in lacquer complex movements to be developed, and Italy, Germany, and France. The concert featured three Rolex countries. “Our aim is to support the world of music and dials in five original colours — candy pink, manufactured by Rolex, with a power reserve Oyster Perpetual Testimonees — Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez, Mexican tenor provide the opportunity to musicians and singers to have Submariner turquoise blue, yellow, coral red, and of approximately 72 hours. Rolando Villazón, and Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva, who their art live on by performing at prestigious venues with green. All are equipped with the calibre The 2020 Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 is in have supported this project from the outset. They presented the finest acoustics,” said Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex Director of 3230 movement, with a power reserve of white Rolesor. It comes in four different a repertoire with singers and musicians, followed by solo Communication & Image. approximately 70 hours. They are fitted versions. The first features a diamond-set performances in various ensembles. French violinist Renaud “By broadcasting the concerts via medici.tv, a Rolex partner with Oyster bracelets that feature the bezel with an aubergine, sunray-finish dial Capuçon participated in the Paris concert. for over a decade, the artists supported in this project will benefit Oysterclasp with the Easylink comfort with 18K white gold Roman numerals, VI The concert in Teatro Rossini, in Pesaro, featured Juan Diego from worldwide visibility. Significantly, this gift of time and extension system. being presented in 11 diamonds. The three Flórez with an orchestra while at the Berlin Staatsoper, Sonya exposure is in keeping with the company’s pursuit of excellence The new Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller other versions — all with a fluted bezel — are Yoncheva sang in a recital programme, and at the Opéra national and its long-term commitment to foster the work of those who is in 18K yellow gold with a bright black, fitted with mint green, sunray-finish dial, a de Paris Rolando, Villazón was accompanied by Renaud Capuçon aim to reach the pinnacle of their profession. Last but not least, sunray-finish dial, and a high-performance white lacquer dial, and a dark grey, on the violin, featuring a repertoire of baroque and chamber within the context of these unprecedented circumstances, this elastomer bracelet with an Oysterclasp and sunray-finish dial, respectively. The watches music. These concerts involved approximately 100 artists whose project is also a way for us to help keep music an essential the Rolex Glidelock extension system. It is are powered by calibre 2236 with a power work and lives have been adversely affected by the pandemic. element in our daily lives.” powered by calibre 9001, one of the most reserve of approximately 55 hours.

88 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW 89

Rolex_Final NEW.indd 1 08/09/20 10:08 AM Rolex.indd 88 08/09/20 1:38 PM BOOKEND / THE SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILE HARDIK PANDYA What Hardik Pandya’s Instagram say about him

The cricketer is thoroughly in love with his fiancé Natasa Stankovic, and their newborn

He’s also very proud of his body and well, we would be too, if we had his set of abdominal muscles. So hot

Going Get yourself a man by the who loves you as occasional much as Pandya loves his customised aww-worthy men’s chain picture with animals, Pandya is clearly a pet person

Of course, the man loves his sport, given that he is damn good at it

90 SEPTEMBER 2020 • MW

Celio.indd 1 08/09/20 9:18 PM Bookend .indd 90 09/09/20 7:02 PM