March-April 2021

IN CONVERSATION BROTHER-SISTER DUO DR. AMIT BHASIN & DR. AARTI BHASIN A GUIDE TO LUXURIOUS HOME DECOR

FUTURE OF FASHION INDUSTRY POST COVID-19 HIGH ROAD TO SUCCESS TÊTE-À-TÊTE WITH FATHER DAUGHTER DUO SAKSHI AND RAJIV VIJ

Dear Readers, Vol. 4, Issue 4 Times are looking exciting to me and I CHIEF EDITOR am sure that you will also be feeling a Parineeta Sethi positive vibe in the air. Spring is here and [email protected] hopefully, the dreaded C-word of 2020 is being fought against systematically. Our EDITOR-AT-LARGE vaccination system is the best in the world Ranojoy Mukerji and we are doing a great job here. To add [email protected] to this good feeling, we bring you the latest edition of PEAKLIFE, where luxury ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER meets life with style and hence inside Soumya Maheswari [email protected] everyone. our pages you will find something for EDITORIAL On the cover Rajiv Vij and his daughter Assistant Editor: Vidhi Gupta Sakshi tell us how they managed to found Contributing Editor: Shilpi Madan and successfully run one of India’s largest Editorial Assistant: Aaron Jacob luxury taxi services, and how the company Feature Writer: Vrinda Rastogi is now expanding into an exciting era of Editorial Submissions: car subscription services under the brand name of ‘Myles.’ Doctors these days [email protected] Bhasin and Dr. Arati Bhasin on how best siblings can work together to achieve ART aare common everyone’s goal. best friend and we find out from brother-sister duo Dr. Amit Design: CreativeZone [email protected] With Holi around the corner, it is the right time to infuse some gaiety in your home, so if you are looking for new décor ideas, turn to our section which SALES & ADVERTISING suggests what best you can do for a fresh, colourful look. Cooking has become Delhi NCR a WFH special, so of course we have some amazing ideas that you can whip 325 Star Tower, Sector 30, up like a true home gourmand. Want to chill with some interesting cocktails Gurgaon Haryana- 122-002 ? Well we have a section for that too! And if you are itching to travel, do look up our suggestions – with vaccinations in place, many countries are looking Vice President: to open their borders soon and it could do you a lot of good to be a global Vinit Pandhi nomad again. Travel within our spectacular country is also a treat, so be sure [email protected] to check out all sections. If you are looking for a cool staycation or just have the urge to step out, we have reviewed the swanky Aloft Hotel at Aerocity, Mumbai Office which has more than 250 rooms! For the Chocoholic in you, we bring you our 7th Floor, 705, Makani Centre, impression of Colocal, the newest chocolate destination in town. 35th Road, Bandra West Mumbai- 400-050 We know that the latest wheels drive many of us crazy, and we have top [email protected] luxury cars featured in this section. There is the new Volvo S60, the latest Land Rover Defender and the new MG Gloster. If you are looking for MARKETING something smaller, check out our review on the Nissan Magnite. Trust us, you Graphic Designer : Rohit Kumar will not be disappointed. I am of course excited with what the rest of the year Web Developer: Gaurav Sawariya will bring, new launches, innovations, events and more– so make sure you do Marketing Enquiries: not miss out on a single issue of PEAKLIFE! [email protected] Keep the faith! CIRCULATION Manager Admin & Circulation: Prakash Darge [email protected] Parineeta Sethi CORPORATE President & Publisher: Rajiv Sethi [email protected]

Chief Executive Officer: Abhinav Kaushal Follow us: [email protected] @Peaklife.India @peaklife_magazine Peaklife Peaklife Magazine PeakLife India

PeakLife is Published by PEAKLIFE is a bi-monthly magazine, printed and published by Rajiv Sethi on behalf of Pinnacle Connect LLP, Pinnacle Connect LLP Published at 325, Star Tower, Sector 30, Gurgaon, Haryana- 122002, and printed at UTILITY FORMS PVT. LTD. 602, DLF Tower- A, Jasola, New Delhi – 110 025. The views and opinions expressed or implied in PEAKLIFE are those of 325 Star Tower, Sector 30, the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Pinnacle Connect LLP. Unsolicited articles and transpariences are Gurgaon, Haryana -122002 sent at the owner’s risk and the pulisher accepts no libility for loss or damage. Materials in the publication may not Tel: +91 124 464 8592 be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of the owners- Pinnacle Connect LLP.

2 PEAKLIFE CONTENTS

High Road To 24 Success

8 The Soul of Outhouse

6 "Curating" Modern Menswear

Fashion Evolving role of 10 Forward 12

Family Office in India PEAKLIFE CONTENTS

12 Evolving role of Family

15 OfficeThe EveryWoman in India Forum 2020 31 Sibling Dream Team 37 A Legacy Worth ‘Defending’ 41 Explosive Magnite 43 Driving the S60 45 Choco-local at Colocal 47 Borne Aloft by Design 52 Discerning Décor 17 Passion Project 58 An Oasis Of Pleasure 62 A Masterclass Apart Post COVID Era: 65 Aviation from India

68 New You, New Dial

39 The Gloss of Gloster

58 An Oasis Of

4 Pleasure

PEAKLIFE PEAKLIFE FASHION

"CURATING" MODERN MENSWEAR Conceptualized to break down the illusion that men aren’t conscious about fashion, Curato is Mumbai’s first-ever multi-designer store for men, and the brainchild of Tanishi Rahimtoola Agarwal. Keen and determined, Tanishi through Curato has successfully created a niche platform for men’s most exclusive and diverse picks for their wardrobe today. In conversation with the entrepreneur, here’s how it all began and where it’s happily going… By Vrinda Rastogi

Starting off, how did Curato come about? It’s the only one destination you get styling What was the concept behind it? advice and have a wide array to choose from With menswear fashion riding at an all- never heard of names to emerging stars and time high, from street to runway, Curato is the established dinosaurs. answer to the millennial male’s sartorial needs. Curato aims to deliver a highly curated With Curato now going digital, what are collection of menswear ensembles including some challenges you’ve had to face? clothing, accessories and footwear from For any entrepreneur their first company revered designers to budding talent across is like a new-born child - you don’t know what India. We’re the perfect amalgamation of 40 of you’re doing while starting it and keep India’s finest designers; classic Indian wear learning and evolving in the course of time. from Rajesh Pratap Singh, Rohit Gandhi & The journey with Curato has been similar. Rahul Khanna, Kunal Rawal, Masaba & Payal Embracing e-commerce wasn’t a conscious Singhal; edgy formal wear from Rimzim Dadu decision but a natural transition for me to & Amaare; Indian-wear from Sva & Arjan grow and expand the operations. Having said Duggal; androgynous wear from Antar Agni & that, I didn’t realise how quickly we would Bloni; hip athleisure from Shivan Narresh, need to take the business online. The Nought One & No Grey Area , and trendy pandemic and closure of the store during the casual wear from Sahil Aneja, Country made lockdown made us re-evaluate the shifts in & Lacquer Embassy among others. consumer behaviour and patterns. One of the obvious things I noticed was a growing need What would you say is the USP of for consumers to shop online. With that, I fast- Curato? tracked Curato’s online platform. With price points ranging from 1,500 INR – 50,000 INR for their accessories and ready- What would you say encapsulates the to-wear collections in-store, and an additional “Curato” man? offering of pre-orders for custom designed People are staying at home more so it is bridal attire going up to 2 lacs INR, we aim to natural to assume that they want to be in gradually become the premier shopping clothes that are more comfortable and easier destination for all-things menswear in India. to wear. That being said, everyone is still

6 "MENSWEAR MARKET IS GETTING MORE EXPERIMENTAL AND INTERESTING. TIMES ARE CHANGING BUT AS FAR AS MENSWEAR IS CONCERNED, WE HAVE MILES TO GO."

attending video conferences, virtually celebrating friends’ birthdays, or having virtual long-distance date nights. Each occasion would warrant a different outfit, and we are working towards catering to these ‘new normal’ looks.

With 2021 approaching, what can we expect from Curato in the future? Any collaborations for us to look out for? Our website is just the start of our online journey. We are working on a series of IGTV videos and YouTube tutorials on styling tips, designer reviews, and testimonials. We are planning to use the data we have acquired about our users’ behaviour to create curriculums on men’s fashion by collaborating with EdTech platforms. Further, we also plan to collaborate with style influencers for a ‘Curated By’ section, whereby their top picks from the website will be displayed on the homepage. As virtual fashion shows are the future, we are working on a virtual Curato Red Carpet where we might even be able to employ augmented reality or virtual reality.

Lastly, any word of advice for those venturing in the same sphere as you? Menswear market is getting more experimental and interesting. Times are changing but as far as menswear is concerned, we’ve miles to go. Personally speaking, I would say there’s definitely a scope so, believe in your idea, believe in your philosophy, work hard, and be consistent.

7 PEAKLIFE PEAKLIFE FASHION THE SOUL OF OUTHOUSE

8 Sophisticated, sensible, and a right deal of dramatic – Outhouse has ingrained its niche in the industry, all the way from its opening in 2012 to glittering down runways, editorials, and more. The Grewal sisters – Kaabia and Sasha – have the most to offer when it comes to their brand. In colloquy with PEAKLIFE, the duo shine light on their journey, going sustainable, and the “Outhouse” philosophy. By Vrinda Rastogi

From 2012 to 2020, what has the journey been conscious steps towards a bigger goal are being taken like for you both at Outhouse? at every step of the way. Starting with our Mini Disco, Our passionate love for jewellery is what led to the and then joining hands with CERE (Center for inception of Outhouse. Ever since, we’ve focused Environmental Research & Education) with an greatly on our brand ethos and design philosophy. aim to plant more trees, to upcycling wasted metal and Staying true to ourselves and our brand narrative is creating the vegan OH V Birdy - we’ve always been what helped us down a path of exponential growth. passionate about the earth and are driven to create in When we started off, it was more edgy and avant-garde responsible ways. As an organisation, our objective is statement pieces. We do statement pieces now too, but to be more mindful and one has to take small steps as we have ventured into more categories of versatile it’s difficult to change things around in a few months. styles now. We have always focused on bringing But slowly steadily we are achieving processes and innovation by marrying our passion for jewellery with product lines that are going to help us go closer to our contemporary and modern trends that emerge. We goal. launched our first set of jewelled bags 2 years ago in honor of the brand turning 5 and in 2020, we launched As designers, what would you say encapsulates our first ever (ECO) Essential bags, the OH V Birdy. the “Outhouse” adorner? We’re looking to create a lasting mark by evolving into The Outhouse adorner is an empowering person - diverse product categories and be known as a lifestyle their aura, their vibe, and their persona exude brand in totality. evolution and growth. Chic, fashion-forward, and in- keeping with the world around them, the Outhouse You’ve recently launched cruelty-free, vegan adorner is audacious and well-versed. Our design leather bags. What was the drive behind that? philosophy has a unique story to it, with a brand The newest addition to the House is the OH V Birdy, narrative that empowers its wearer to be the best all made in vegan leather. When we designed the OH V version of themselves. The Outhouse adorner is anyone Birdy, the idea was really just two simple things: how who loves to wear functional pieces of wearable art. one can carry essentials freely and how we can make it eco-safe. With a renewed sense of purpose, we aim What are some trends you see emerging in the to be a sustainable and cruelty-free brand so we set off jewellery industry for 2021? on a path to create mindfully, with a purpose. Which is An emerging trend we’re seeing is why we ourselves are exploring new and sustainable multifunctionality. People want to purchase wearable ways and alternative materials to replace the pieces that adapt to a wardrobe that works as well as unsustainable materials we all depend upon. We parties, with jewellery that can be versatile and worn looked to source ethical materials from homegrown in more ways than one. As multifunctional jewellery is local vendors to support Indian artisanship. As we on the radar of most, people who like their accessories navigate through the world in its current scenario, it’s ‘exclusive’ to themselves are turning towards our responsibility to make positive changes in fashion personalisation - for personal use and gifting. by making environmentally sound decisions as creators or consumers. Lastly, any advice for those venturing in the same sphere as you? In general, what is Outhouse’s approach towards Visualize a goal, plan it well and stick to it. Be true sustainability? to your own narrative - the market adapts to you if We’re looking to be a sustainable company - small you’re a trendsetter.

9 PEAKLIFE EXPERT SPEAK FASHION FORWARD From back to the future to bringing back the 80’s and now moving towards sustainability, fashion over the decade has lived a constant evolution. But what will the future of fashion look like, post pandemic? Here’s what we’re thinking. By Maddie Amrutkar

hat we wear has always to look for an alternate reinvention. And yet, THE SHIFT IN MANUFACTURING revealed our values, there are still few better places to examine AND ON-DEMAND FASHION persona, and aspirations - consumer’s preferences, cultural change, Fashion on demand is a new trend to W regardless of times of and evolution through fashion. watch. While we’ve seen a lot of style turbulence and upheaval that has taken a toll While some of these changes may or may personalization options over the years, on our lifestyle choices. This year has not be permanent, certain tectonic shifts in fashion experts are now seeing a strong unarguably been one of the most challenging industries like fashion are inevitable. Maddie push towards size personalization and on- years in living memory, with countless Amrutkar, founder of GladUCame believes, if demand manufacturing. New technologies experts and leaders dedicating themselves ever there was a time for fashion to reinvent like automation and data analytics are to analysing our current upheaval in order itself, it is now. shifting consumer needs to just-in-time

10 physical settings – and with digital garments and filters in digital spaces. While the prospect of attending Lakme Fashion Week in any great number seemed far off this month, but this initiative in terms of the ‘new normal’ is set to stay. Virtual Fashion Weeks is an innovative approach to showcase talents in artforms in the fashion industry. Months of creativity and ideation of top-notch designer’s labels is one such trend that will shape the future of fashion!

THE EMERGENCE OF LOCAL BRANDS Our Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi’s vision of going #Vocalforlocal would mean buying local products to help reduce the footprints of transportation of goods and raw materials. Moreover, the idea is to focus on adapting to products that grow locally and are naturally occurring. Meanwhile, factors such as quality and durability would "OUR PRIME MINISTER, MR. NARENDRA MODI’S also become more important. Therefore, though sustainability is becoming a VISION OF GOING #VOCALFORLOCAL WOULD MEAN necessity today, it might turn out to be the BUYING LOCAL PRODUCTS TO HELP REDUCE THE trend tomorrow. FOOTPRINTS OF TRANSPORTATION OF GOODS AND EMBARRASSING DIGITAL RAW MATERIALS." TECHNOLOGY/ PRESENCE Experts recommend investments in e-commerce in the fashion industry, 3-D design, and consumer data to improve production. Many brands are switching to footprint would register a fall. Fashion efficiencies, etc. to mitigate crises. In 2020, made-to-order production cycles. The result experts and retailers were advised to keep the pandemic has made many businesses go is a reduced level of overstock and less in mind the 4 R’s of sustainability that digital and having a digital presence became clothing that ends in landfills. Lately, we’ve pertains to reducing, reusing, recycling, and a crucial step for them in order to stay noticed an increase in the importance of the reviving. We were also advised to keep relevant to consumers’ needs and market small-batch production cycles. I think we’re innovating and adopting new technology trends. Data-driven inputs of consumers going to see a major shift over the next few that is sustainable in nature. Meanwhile, have made it easy for brands to understand years towards on-demand manufacturing so handmade and hand-repaired clothing consumer analyses and their requirements. people can go from personalizing the style became de rigueur, with the introduction of Fashion companies must have a compelling of existing clothes to making clothes the government-backed ‘Make do and mend’ value proposition to offer online – the AR/ specifically for them on-demand. scheme, created to encourage people to VR experience, lucid designs, revive and repair worn-out clothes. personalization, and fashion that is more SUSTAINABLE FASHION rooted! After the COVID-19 pandemic, fashion VIRTUAL REALITY FOR FASHION Fashion and an expression of one’s leaders would be expected to integrate WEEKS personal style that will remain as an sustainable business models with a unified Planning for the next season is no longer inherent nature of humanity. Although its approach that would factor in business as usual, but small steps are being nuances will change though. Online fashion environmental, social, and purchasing made. After months in quarantine, fashion therapy is rising, and customers are looking trends into core thinking. Furthermore, the houses have returned to work in France, for brands that can convey simple stories fashion industry was the second industry Italy, and India with an urge to rethink and connect to their thinking in the post that would be severely impacted after the everything, most notably the fashion show. COVID world. In my opinion, it will be a travel industry. However, a positive impact People will continue to be creative with renaissance of personal and futuristic of COVID-19 would be that the carbon clothing that prioritizes protection in fashion!

11 PEAKLIFE INVESTMENT

12 EVOLVING ROLE OF FAMILY OFFICE IN INDIA Family offices are increasingly gaining prominence in India. However, not many understand the purpose and role of this institution. They are setup with the primary objective of preserving and growing the family fortunes while also guiding with philanthropy and tax management. By Anurag Jhanwar

he Indian economy went through liberaaalization in 1991. Since then, liberalization and globalization continued in various forms, which supported family owned small businesses achieve exponential T growth. Wealth kept growing and these small businesses turned into empires. It was the same era when another trend had picked up - studying abroad. However, most of them were settling down away from their country of origin, once they completed a privileged education, given limited opportunities available in India. Now the scenario has changed in the last decade and more so predominantly in last 5 years. Our 2nd and 3rd generations are opting to return to India and prefer to take ownership of their family businesses in a distinct way to protect a legacy. Overall, since 2000, India has produced about 3.0 lakhs millionaires, totalling about 3.5 lakhs millionaires and in the next five years, the number is expected to swell further to over 5.2 lakhs millionaires. As more and more people are turning riches in the country, the need for family offices is also on the rise.

Culturally entrenched in India is the traditional concept of family business, which is mainly the attempt to preserve and grow the wealth within families, for generations to reap the benefits! However, the avenues of profit making from this wealth have changed dramatically over the years and this has revived the family offices culture and accelerated to the fore front.

13 PEAKLIFE INVESTMENT

to suit the family’s requirements, the pay-outs based on the pre-determined performance, rather than the current fixed pay-outs or brokerage models. As the cost of running or hiring a single FO is huge, the concept of multi- client family offices is also gathering momentum bringing in synergies and cost efficiencies.

The biggest responsibility for the family offices will be to assess the risk and opportunities and find the convergence point. Some of the themes we expect will emerge are –  Investment opportunities in social impact funds and businesses touching more lives.  Further boost to go digital mode as the New Normal will compel everyone to work remotely and virtually for longer than expected!  Market fluctuations have urged many offices to keep cash reserves. It will be With the millennials at the helm of affairs, critical how these cash reserves will get their global education has given a boost to the "WITH THE deployed in next 6-12 months’ time. concept of family offices which has its roots in MILLENNIALS AT THE  “Atmanirbhar Bharat” will open more the USA. Today, the investment options are no opportunities for existing business more limited to purchasing shares of their own HELM OF AFFAIRS, THEIR houses to expand and is also likely to listed companies, lower-risk assets such as GLOBAL EDUCATION HAS introduce a different start-up wave, which property, land, treasuries, and mutual funds. will be another area for family offices to Investing in start-ups, unicorns, international GIVEN A BOOST TO THE look into for investment opportunities. businesses, mines, crypto currencies CONCEPT OF FAMILY  Increased awareness and vigilance international hedge funds, arts, unique around succession plan will further collections and so on are the most favourites of OFFICES WHICH HAS ITS highlight the importance of family office these UHNIs. And with these changing ROOTS IN THE USA." set-up. dynamics, the role of family offices has  Another area of interest will be the expanded and contributed significantly to distresses assets or asset reconstruction recent trends in India. While different economic cycles brought in opportunities given many businesses different trends, Covid-19 is expected to change have felt the burns due to the lockdown In 2002, Mr. Amit Patni, part of the founding the risk contour completely and evaluating and other Covid-19 related obstacles (By- family of Patni Computers, was the first one to various investment options will also undergo a products). start a family office in India and by the end of significant change. This is one of the best times 2018, there were about 45 family offices for UHNIs to actually set up and invest in family Unforeseen conditions and crisis like COVID successfully operating in India. As per a latest offices. further emphasis that a structured approach to Credit Suisse report, total wealth in India has family wealth planning and management will increased four-fold between 2000 and 2019, The services of FOs are not limited to only pick pace. The Multi client family office reaching USD 12.6 trillion in 2019. This is managing family fortunes, but span across structure offers the perfect model of providing expected to touch 16 trillion by 2024 – which services like tax advising, succession planning, varied services under one roof along with being is 5 years from now. even philanthropy or any other financial/non- a single point of contact for meeting the financial advises that the family may need. FOs strategic objectives of the families being served. Given the steady increase in the wealth of manages complex family business structures, Family offices will continue to remain a viable UHNIs, establishing a family office is a great business liquidations, and assiduously takes and desirable way for HNIs/UHNIs to grow and way to ensure family wealth is properly care of the client’s wealth and their needs while preserve their wealth and assets for managed and eventually distributed to the clients focus on their core businesses. FOs generations to come and spearhead a successive generations. are evolving with flexible models customised sustainable legacy.

14 PEAKLIFE EXPERTS SPEAK

THE EVERYWOMAN FORUM 2020 Held as a digital event, the everywoman Forum India 2020 continued to ignite ambition– giving the women of India a chance to grow, expand their network, learn new skills, hear from an international panel of speakers, and to give them the support they need to thrive in these challenging times.

ndia currently stands at 120 among 131 almost 20 million women had dropped out over 30,000 members across 113 countries countries when it comes to dealing with of the workforce between 2005 and 2012. and one that works for advancing women in gender disparity at work places, thus, It has been widely observed that the sole business, hosted the "Everywoman Forum" Imaking the female participation in the solution to curb the economic crisis is to with the aim to provide aspiring women corporate sector one of the lowest among increase women participation for better leaders and entrepreneurs an opportunity to developing nations. productivity of any institution. Several connect with peers, industry leaders and According to a report by Annette Dixon, studies in recent years have shown that influential persons from a spectrum of fields. South Asia Vice President, World Bank, in organisations with narrower gender gaps 2012, only 27 percent of adult Indian women showed recorded higher outputs. Facilitated by Parineeta Sethi, Chief Editor had a job, or were actively looking for one, Keeping that in perspective, EveryWoman, & Publisher, Pinnacle Connect LLP, the compared to 79 percent of men. In fact, a United Kingdom-based organisation with thought-provoking interview of Ram Gopal,

15 PEAKLIFE EXPERTS SPEAK

the development of credible and impactful female leaders.

SESSION 1 Femin-Win Leadership delved into the emerging vulnerable groups in the current context of the pandemic, changes in the employee mindset and what it means to lead during these uncertain times.

SESSION 2 Role Model Panel & Interactive Q&A was a highly interactive and engaging panel wherein four international female leaders shared stories of their career journeys, and how they experienced some of the learning’s that they have taken away from them, and at last

SESSION 3 Talked about Managing Emotional Contagion for High Performing Teams.

The second week of the forum featured the virtual forum -spaced over 3 hours each afternoon, enabling participants to gain industry insights and share best practices, knowledge and development directly from global peers and thought leaders. Much like the real-world experience, the online forum provided a platform for thought leaders and trainers to provide practical insight and leadership advice to the audience via interactive role model webinars, roundtables and speed mentorship sessions. From discussing going beyond leadership in an Era of Change, The Business Case for Diversity, Thriving in the New Normal and Creating Healthy and Mindful Workplaces to Advancing, and empowering women in business, the enlightening forum ended on CEO, Barclays India and Dr Sumit Mitra, CEO, present themselves and their team more an introspective note with a session on Global Business Services Division, Tesco PLC effectively, as well as inspirational keynotes Reflection and Goal Setting – everywoman's and CEO of Tesco, Bengaluru discussed and career development stories from India’s Ambition Hour: Your Guide to Building & diversity and inclusiveness, women in most senior female and male business Executing Your Personal Development Plan. leadership, and the business case for leaders in the industry. With a not so encouraging GDP, the time diversity. has come to increase more women in the Spanning over two weeks, The EXECUTIVE LEADER corporate workforce and the earlier we EveryWoman Digital Forum witnessed PROGRAMME initiate this process, the better it will be for exciting case studies and panel discussions Running over two weeks, the first week the economy as many women in India who on numerous career topics, practical power offered Executive Leadership Programme of still face denial of basic rights would be hours led by expert trainers to help one high-level training designed to help further independent having a stable income.

16 PEAKLIFE FEATURE

PASSION PROJECT A passion project is not just a fashionable name for doing something that stimulates and motivates you. By Rupali Dean

PRATITI RAJPAL

arketing Communications initiative to support local craftsmen and take for granted in life. Being able to help evangelist with more than a artisans in India. In addition to her them in a small way and supporting their decade of experience across Marketing Communications role, she is also future and dreams has been an exhilarating Mluxury hotel brands. She pursued a part of the Hyatt Inclusion and Diversity journey”, shares Pratiti. Masters in Business Administration with India resource group wherein they have been specialization in Marketing from Birla Institute spearheading initiatives under Women at Where do you see it 5 years from now? in Noida, India. She followed her dream of Hyatt, LGBT and other groups. “My dream is to shape this community as building a career in hospitality with her first During the pandemic, there were so many a single stop for all things indigenous across job at ITC WelcomHeritage Hotels, where she craftsmen, artisans and small vendors who the country. The next step would be to train managed the 67 heritage hotels and set up the were impacted owing to closure of local and educate these craftsmen and artisans on marketing division at the Delhi office. This role markets and the lockdown. Most of them the basics of e-commerce so they can benefit helped her utnderstand the nuances of were unable to digitise their operations and through direct sales and reach and the scope hospitality. were unable to sell and promote their of middle men gets mitigated. Many milestones later, she joined the Hyatt products online. Supported with my hospitality Regency Chennai, from there Park Hyatt Goa She then decided to make good use of her professions, I would love to connect and Resort and Spa and Grand Hyatt Mumbai as a social media and marketing skills for the promote these local brands at luxury hotels cluster role. After several special projects and greater good and built an online community and restaurants to create a truly Vocal For many pre-opening support assignments, she of home-grown brands to support and Local ecosystem that is sustainable and decided to pursue a pre-opening assignment promote the promising brands and scalable”, she further adds. and moved to Delhi as Cluster Director individuals behind them. The impression is overseeing Andaz Delhi – the first Andaz brand to give them a collective stage among What next? hotel in India and Grand Hyatt Gurgaon (pre- compatible that will overlay the way for “I hope more individuals stride up and opening). During her tenure at Mumbai, she interactions and growth. share stories and specifics of their preferred enrolled for the operations leadership track native craftsmen and merchants who might and has been pursuing her passion for Food & Favourite part about your passion not have admission to social media and Beverage through the dedicated program in project? hence are unable to know about our addition to her current Marcom role. “I have encountered and got to know community of local brands. This support will several astonishing people and each of their help me grow the community in a more HER PASSION PROJECT inspirational stories has instilled in me more wholesome manner and ensure we truly The Home-grown List is a community humility and gratitude for everything we represent India”, adds dreamily.

17 PEAKLIFE FEATURE

GAURAV WASAN

he latest internet sensation for "ONCE THAT IS DONE I WILL THEN ROUTE TO THE REST helping many street food vendors earn their daily bread, Gaurav has OF THE WORLD AND PROMOTE MY PASSION EVEN MORE." T travelled the length and breadth of India in search of the best street food. HIS PASSION PROJECT abundant street food vendors who have He always focused on highlighting real Swad itself is his passion project. The goal beautiful stories to tell behind the amazing street food and the stories behind it and of Swad is to highlight the plight of the street food they make”, glistens Gaurav. started blogging on Facebook way back in food vendors who though have quality food but 2012 when there were only a few people who don’t have the marketing skill sets or reach to Where do you see it 5 years from now? were bringing the real street food and stories take it to the rest of the world. The “I want to cover each part of India and to the people of India. conceptualization of Swad was therefore to promote the street food vendors across our Food being his passion has always pushed bring these street food vendors to the masses. country. Once that is done I will then route to him ahead to find new street food vendors Food has always been his passion and he has the rest of the world and promote my passion every day and he has always tried taking their not thought of anything but how to take his even more”, says Gaurav candidly. food across to the world. He also began posting passion to another level. pictures of food on Instagram back in 2014 and What next? in 2017 came up with his own YouTube Favourite part about your passion project? “There are numerous new places and states channel Swad official where he started “Meeting fresh boulevard food hawkers and that I still need to cover. I believe the journey highlighting them even more. pushing their food to everyone. There are has just begun”, dreams Gaurav.

18 RAJVEER KAUR

amalgamation of many old folk dances which were popular in Sanjha Punjab (Pre-partition Punjab). The limited documentation of families and people who are keeping these traditions alive and the dance forms itself, propelled us to document them before it’s too late. Punjab is blessed with abundance and variety of vigorous folk dances and thrilling folk music. Nomadic over the span

an expedition which is a unique tryst with traditionof Punjab creatingregion, the a beautifulfilm takes symphony you through of Punjab - which is an emotion.

Favourite part about your passion project? “People and beautiful locations in Punjab. Through this journey I have met extremely passionate and loving humans who have been more than welcoming to help us give shape to this project. I have come across such beautiful places which otherwise I was never aware of ever existed in Punjab. The simplicity and rawness will be the highlight of this project”., smiles Rajveer.

Where do you see it 5 years from now? “Punjab both east and west, has more than 42 folk dance forms which are either lost with time or have disappeared or are preserved by families who are struggling to make ends ajveer boarded on her expedition in HER PASSION PROJECT meet. the world of Public Relations nearly Conceptualised and Directed by Rajveer My aim is to cover all these dance forms a decade ago. She always believed Kaur, The Project Punjab is a self- funded through different sets of documentary films by R in breaking stereotypes. When she unearthing its whereabouts and showcasing it was younger she felt boxed in by the the intangible folk culture of Punjab -. It’s to the world. It is not possible to bring all of classroom, this gave her the motivation to Documentary film project documenting this to life in one film, so I will be making a look beyond her Hyderabad schooling, it create awareness amongst youngsters about series of documentaries. It doesn’t just stop pressed her to go out and study Dutch from themore fast than dying bhangra. rich culture The to film take intends pride toin here, I see more content being produced on Leiden University, which gave natal to her literature, tradition of folklore and arts of the Folk music, songs and other tenets of Punjabi primary brand, Fusion by Rajveer. folk culture”, she says Four years in the Netherlands and then she The Project Punjab brochures the slighter came back to India to ascertain her upcoming knownland of fiveold-style rivers. folk dance forms were once What next? potential. She worked with reputed popular in pre-partition Punjab. They met “We are working on the post production companies and worked her way up to Director with families who moved from west Punjab at of Public Relations. In 2017, Rajveer founded the time of partition with a bag full of stories 8 prominent dance forms; we are aiming Nomad Consultancy and today with her and chronicles which are lost with time. atof ourreleasing first filmit next which year. covers The mainlyproject 7got to curated list of clients across various sectors, Though Bhangra is extensively prevalent delayed due to lockdown and pandemic. Rajveer is a name to reckon with, constantly across the world, the point rests that it is not forging relationships. the only Punjabi dance form. It is a beautiful shares Rajveer. We still have our last leg of shoot to finish”,

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NATASCHA SHAH

atascha is the Founder and Editor of an international luxury travel and life Magazine called TLF (Trip the Life NFantastic). Having travelled over 35 countries, Natascha loves to meet new people and connect to their culture; learn from it. Her interest lies in the streets, the people and the local experiences, that is where she feels the soul of a place lies. Natascha is also a certified Inner Child Healer and Manifestation coach. Her home and her heart are in Kashmir.

HER PASSION PROJECT The small business owners and specially the local artisans have been suffering since before Covid-19. It’s been more than one year of curfews and political unrest, and now it has come to the point that many of them have had to leave their art and find small time jobs to make ends meet. This project is an ode to art, to the artists and to the beautiful place called Kashmir. It’s an emotion. “From the Gypsy’s bag”, brings products from the local artisan’s world over- on a global, virtual platform. It was started in 2018. It is an effort to give back to the countries and people who have given me so much love during my travels. Currently, she is running a Kashmiri Pop Up called Chinaar on the page (@ fromthegypsysbag on Instagram) to help the local artisans and weavers of her homeland. You can head on to the page to find some beautiful handmade pherans, shawls, suits, papier Mache products, organic honey and dry fruits and much more, and support the cause. Favourite part about your passion project? "THE FACT THAT I AM and their families, from not just Kashmir but “The fact that I am able to give back to the from all across the globe”. place where I was born, to the people who ABLE TO GIVE BACK TO have been suffering since so many years. And THE PLACE WHERE I What next? the fact that as an artist myself, I am able to “I am working on setting up skill contribute towards saving other artists from WAS BORN TO THE development programs for street kids, through giving up their passion due to lack of my mother’s NGO- Mother’s Hug Foundation. resources”, says Natsacha. PEOPLE WHO HAVE We aim to take in young kids from the streets BEEN SUFFERING SINCE and train them in various fields like hospitality, Where do you see it 5 years from now? tourism, events, art and once they are of age, “Hopefully, successively running stores the SO MANY YEARS." make them intern under experts in these fields UAE and India, which upkeep these artists and then hopefully get them wonderful jobs”.

20 JAYANT SINGH

anaging Partner of Treehouse Education Centre) and the Founder & CEO of people are hooked to gripping content more Hotels, Jayant is constantly in Onlycefs. than anything else. search for the next big thing in Singh believes in disruption and his latest They need to be able to relate to the Mhospitality which enriches the venture is a reality game show training contestants and build an emotional connect industry in any which way. Singh ventured on programme. This is a cutting-edge training with them – and with the show. At ITH, they his own at the age of 27 where he became a programme for the hospitality industry that have managed to create a perfect balance of a junior partner of a headhunting firm. merges Reality Game Show with training. contest with enough depth and dimension to He then opened his own business each character and also a platform that consulting firm and was part of many HIS PASSION PROJECT imparts training in real time situations and not prestigious projects like the coronation of His India’s Top Hotelier (ITH) is an online theoretical ones. Majesty the Vth king of Bhutan, The first every training program in a game show format that The audience is made to feel the pressure Formula 1 racing in India and many more. covers key aspects of hospitality training. that the contestants go through. It is a new and Jayant started Treehouse in the year Jayant always wanted to get into training, but real format of imparting training, where the September 2007 and is also the India Business realized that a class room format or an online trainee subconsciously imbibes the right way Head of AWSEC (Asia Wine Service & format of imparting training was passé. Today of doing things. They also have a master class at the end of the show – conducted by an expert in the field – which recaps and helps to "WE HAVE STARTED PLANNING FOR SEASON TWO, cement the learning’s from the live show. Singh also believes this is an invaluable THE LOCK DOWN HAS PUT SOME ROAD BLOCKS, BUT combination of theory, practice, real time experience and expert guidance from a WE WILL START PRETTY SOON." connoisseur – all in one episode.

Favourite part about your passion project? “TH – has been bringing the hopes and ambitions of so many of India’s finest upcoming professionals to life – of giving them a platform to be recognized and excel in what they do best. From designing the format of each episode, to handpicking the contestants, connecting with their lives and aspirations to bonding with the fellow panellists – it has been one enriching journey”, explains Singh.

Where do you see it 5 years from now? “We have started planning for season two, the lock down has put some road blocks, but we will start pretty soon. Season two will cover more aspects of the hospitality operation. We will refine it further, based on the learning’s of season 1, pack in a greater punch and make it more gripping”.

What next? “We will endure to shape out the arrangement over the next few years and also build in more expert master class modules in key hotel operations. Our goal is to ultimately be quality content providers for hospitality training”.

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NOW THAT'S FUNNY With over 12 years of experience in operational restructuring, turnaround management, and strategic planning, Adnan Nalwala has played key roles in developing business units in the construction industry in Oman and UAE. By Aaron Jacob

rom being a successful businessman to a stand-up comedian. Please tell us about your journey. I think you do F certain things as a hobby and passion that’s what I was doing, I used to do comedy on the weekends and write all my jokes after I come back from work. I’ve been doing comedy now for 12 years. I started by doing open mics in Bombay in 2009 where people would play a musical instrument and I would do jokes for 10-15 minutes and I used to perform at venues every weekend, just doing a 15-minute slot. I used to live in Dubai or Muscat and I’d come down to India on the weekend, perform and fly back, for no cost and no money. I did this for years and over a period of time The Comedy Store which was the first standalone comedy club in India noticed who I am and my word got out and then I started getting more and more professional gigs. It’s been 12 years now and I’ve done more than 500 shows, I’ve done shows all over the Middle East, Bahrain, Oman, UAE, I’ve also performed in the US and several big cities in India, including Bangalore, Calcutta, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

How did your family react when you told because it’s easy or it’s glamorous but you are stand-up and an entrepreneur. I did a TED talk them about taking stand-up comedy as a actually good at it and you enjoy it even your where I felt that the overlapping attributes of profession? family supports.So there’s a huge learning an entrepreneur are a lot similar to that of a I come from a conservative family, I think my curve. Sometimes in life, not everything should stand-up comedian. First things first, they parents were very supportive about my be done for money, if you enjoy something, should have a great sense of humour because if comedy, it took some time for them to eventually, people will also see that and respect you don’t know how to laugh at yourself, and understand what I was doing but the moment you if you get good at it. For me, I’m lucky that you keep taking yourself too seriously you will they realised I was good at this, a lot of people my hobby has turned into a professional get hurt. are appreciating my comedy, I’m not neglecting success as well. The other thing is an entrepreneur and a work and I did not neglect my academics, they stand-up comedian is creative, they’re were very proud and very supportive. What did you learn/unlearn in transitioning constantly finding ways of either people joining It takes some time and once you start from entrepreneur to solopreneur? their company or selling more stuff and the showing that you are not doing something I feel there is a lot of similarity between same thing for comedy, keep writing new

22 content. The other thing is courage, you have "THE FACT IS THAT YOU HAVE TO BE PERSISTENT, to have courage in business because you are eventually betting on yourself, the same thing COURAGEOUS, AND ENERGEATIC AND ALL THESE in stand up you have to have the courage to get up and talk in front of someone even if you’re not being funny. AN ENTREPRENEUR. I DID A TED TALK ON THIS The fact is that you have to be persistent, THINGS ARE VERY SIMILAR FOR A STAND-UP AND courageous, and energetic and all these things AND THAT IS WHY I THINK TO SOME EXTENT are very similar for a stand-up and an I HAVE BEEN A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN entrepreneur. I did a TED talk on this and that is why I think to some extent I have been a successful businessman because I apply my MY COMPANY AND APPLY MY BUSINESS RULES stand-up attributes to my company and apply my business rules to stand up. TOBECAUSE STAND I UP."APPLY MY STAND-UP ATTRIBUTES TO

We always hear this that content is very important. How do you go about getting your content? model my parents are they made me realise would you have chosen? Content is definitely very important, I think that if you apply discipline and hard work to If I was not a comedian, I probably would’ve it is probably 80% but sometimes delivery and anything you will succeed. been some kind of an athlete. Of course, age style are also important. A simple joke can be In terms of comedy in my early stages, I was does not go in my favour anymore but I would a lot funnier if you pause in the right place. extremely impressed with Jim Carrey as just a have liked to be some kind of a sportsman Sometimes the best content can be diluted if comedian, the way he moves his body and his ideally a tennis player or cricketer that’s what I you don’t know how to deliver the joke but yes faces and through his voices and really love. content is very important. I got my content by impersonations that just made me realise that just living my life and paying attention, most comedy has got such positive and great people. What is your advice for someone who wants my jokes are things that I’ve gone through, my And purely in terms of stand up I have to take to take stand-up comedy as a profession? mother once called me a standby comedian in a couple of names one is Lee Evans, mad My advice to someone who takes stand-up front of my friends rather than a stand-up energy on stage, and my current favourite is comedy firstly is, don’t take my advice because comedian. Kevin Hart, I aspire to be the Kevin Hart of I still am figuring this out but just a couple of I had friends who said funny things that India. generic things I would like to say is, one, stay were just in my head and I just say that in my humble, do not give up on the first time you try real-life story. I had a friend who said “Adnan Please share with us the most memorable and I would say three specific, go and watch as shut up in your mouth” I haven’t forgotten that, gig you had? many other comedians as possible, especially how else can you shut up? So I think real-life I had many pleasant, memorable gigs and establish ones, see how they behave outside experiences, just keeping your eyes and ears also a lot of things I would like to forget but I also and not just on stage, not all of them will open teaches you a lot. I’ve been very blessed, think my first gig, I performedat ‘Jazz By The be accessible, I understand but most successful I have lived in 7 countries, travelled to over 35 Bay’ where there was an open mic night and I comedians listen more and talk less, they are countries and I’ve been studying in 5, when had to get people’s attention. I started talking very humble and also understand that they can you are forced to see and observe things that to the crowd, they started listening to me I’ve sell tickets. are different from all over the world and you been on my set for 10 minutes and after that, a So, just because you got a 10-minute set, learn to apply it in comedy. couple of people in front of the seating area got that’s fine it doesn’t make you any less of a Some things in some cultures they are up and came to me and said when my next comedian. How you are able to perform in considered funny and some cultures they are show was. multiple rooms, are you able to learn as you go considered taboo, so when I can place these As soon as I heard that I was pleasantly along and most importantly are you doing it to two things, I am able to enjoy narrating my taken aback and I felt very happy that this is have fun or are you doing it to make money or funny stories. worth the effort and courage. So, I’ll never get fame? If the latter two are the reasons that forget that. I also think about the first time I did you want to make money and get fame, it won’t Who has been the source of inspiration a solo in Dubai, about 350 people came, my work, you won’t last. It’s like any other business during this journey? first show that 350 people came to, it was a big or any other profession, you have to love what I think two sets of people have inspired me event. I felt very proud and happy about my you are doing and sometimes you will fail but throughout my journey as a comedian, one is journey as a comedian. that is totally fine. So, stay persistent, stay definitely my parents and my family.They have humble and be more eager to listen than to been very supportive and the kind of role If not a comedian what other professions speak that’s the only advice I’d give.

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HIGH ROAD TO SUCCESS Rajiv Vij, Managing Director and CEO of Carzonrent, a successful businessman who has not only carved out his own niche, but also encouraged daughter Sakshi Vij, Founder and CEO of Myles at Carzonrent, to follow his footsteps. Vij and his daughter talk about how they inspire each other in the personal as well as professional spheres.

By Ranojoy Mukerji

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The automobile industry has flourished over the past been my closest connection with cars from the good old two decades. Could you take us on a journey of Ambassador to the Contessa Classic, the Maruti 800 and the CarzOnRent and how did you get this idea? Zens - all these vehicles that came in those times right to Rajiv Vij - As an idea, I think this was something that the present scenario where global automotive leaders exist happened over the end of the last century, which is between in the country. 1995 to 2000. In 2000, I decided to set up this business, but Now after having spent over 10 years in the mobility 1995 is when I got into this industry. And prior to that, I space within CarzOnRent, I started Myles which is changing used to sell good old Ambassador cars. I think the the way we own vehicles through subscription and self automotive industry at that time was also a very different drive car rentals. So my relationship with cars has really kind of industry with the car rental industry being almost been what are the cars Indians really like to use and figuring non-existent. You know, I remember in 2004-2005, when out what is the best way for them to own those cars. The at CarzOnRent we went to pick up our first round of subscription model is something that I am promoting right investment, financial investors were laughing at the now. possibility of their making an investment into a car rental company, because the only thing that they knew were the How is India adapting to the potential of chauffeur black and yellow taxis in Delhi and Bombay. But we have driven car trends? had a very interesting journey in the last 20 years, which I think mobility in general is becoming entirely diverse, we completed in October 2020. We have done corporates, with the Indian customer more accepting of alternative uses hotels, leasing, taxi, self-drive, airports - some very of vehicles. When it comes to chauffeur drive, a customer is interesting stuff. We also raised money three times. We sold more interested in a technology enabled product. They are our leasing business to Sumitomo Corporation and are looking at convenience, flexibility, affordability - a more looking forward to the next 10 years. diverse set of products. People want flexibility in the way they commit to a vehicle. Most self-drive or chauffeur driven What is the philosophy that governs CarzOnRent? products in the country today provide the consumer with Customer service and innovation. We innovate and bring all these options. in global products and services for the Indian consumer. We make investments in technologies to standardise and make How do you see the growth of the car renting industry sure that our customers can be given completely reliable post these different times? services at transparent pricing without hassles and I think I think that for the duration of the pandemic, the that is what broadly defines our philosophy. industry has been impacted differently but I think post- lockdown the standards of the industry have improved. In How do you describe your connection with cars? fact if you see domestic tourism has grown in these times Sakshi Vij - My connection with cars goes from the time and most of the travel is by road with people travelling I started understanding what my father used to do that is taking cars/taxis etc. That growth of domestic tourism is from when we started selling cars. The entire journey of the something that will definitely expand the market including entire mobility of the automobile industry in this country those of corporates. All of this will result in significant through the eyes of my father’s career is what has really expansion of the industry.

"MY CONNECTION WITH CARS GOES FROM THE TIME I STARTED UNDERSTANDING WHAT MY FATHER USED TO DO THAT IS FROM WHEN WE STARTED SELLING CARS."

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"THE BIGGEST LEARNING FOR ME DURING THIS PERIOD HAS BEEN THE STRENGTH OF HUMAN SPIRIT. THE PASSION AND COMMITMENT WHICH OUR TEAM WORKED DURING THE EARLY PERIOD OF LOCKDOWN AND WHAT THEY DID DURING THE TIME WAS NOTHING SHORT OF REMARKABLE."

How did you overcome challenges during lockdown? Who has been the greatest influence and critic in your Rajiv Vij - The biggest learning for me during this period journey? has been the strength of human spirit. The passion and Rajiv Vij - For me the influencer and the critic have both commitment which our team worked during the early been my customers. I think whatever I have built over the period of lockdown and what they did during the time was last 20 years at CarzonRent has been based on feedback on nothing short of remarkable. We were one of the first to what our customers want as deliverables including come out with complete sanitising of vehicles that helped improvements, new product offerings etc. and I think that us service segments like the media industry, financial is the most powerful factor that drives us. I love listening to services industry - most of whom were open during this my customers because I believe that they are always right period. We were helping some police departments in some since they are paying for your services. I listen to them and states - I think even post that the kind of work that the team try and respond to that - that has always worked well for has some with working from home to deliver our standards us. to customers, that is something remarkable and I have no Sakshi Vij - For me obviously, my biggest influence and doubt that it will go a long way in cementing our customer critic has had to be my father. I think the journey has been base. fantastic and I have learned a lot from him. Especially over Sakshi Vij - I think the lockdown is probably a very big the last year, to be able to see the resilience with which he learning on a few aspects for us. One, the fact that we, in goes about his business and the way he reacts to challenges spite of being in the service industry and in a very human will go a long way in helping me meet challenges. capital oriented business, could actually operate remotely. I think the other thing that became very prevalent for us As a Father-Daughter duo, what are the things you both was how intertwined mobility and travel with the daily life like to indulge in beyond work? of consumers in different parts of the world and across the Rajiv Vij - Travel is something I love but I feel that you board. must travel when your mind is free. During this period So even though corporates stopped travelling and when one was listening to stories of all kinds of people everyone was working from home, there still would be a suffering due to the pandemic and all kinds of media large number of travel requests. For example, there were a reports on what COVID is doing, one could not enjoy travel lot of people who wanted cars dedicated to them as they because travel is about making memories and you cannot were stuck in different parts of the country and wanted to do that when you are stressed out. So we have not been get back home by road. There were so many more uses of travelling out this past year. We also enjoy food and love to the product that we had kept and created. We studied all try out all kinds of food. segments closely and were able to repurpose a lot of Sakshi Vij - I ditto the travel part. We both love to travel outcomes for frontline workers. Some of our cars actually and initially I had made some plans with my friends to visit worked to transport COVID flight passengers coming back Lake Como in Italy which I am looking forward to doing into the country. It has been a learning period and all these perhaps later this year. Also, another place which I am learnings helped us meet new challenges. looking forward to visiting is the beautiful North-East.

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PEAKLIFE COVER STORY

Sakshi Vij - We are seeing some trends already. there is a huge vengeance with which people will start travelling. I think it is going to be a significant part of domestic travel that will see a boost. A significant part of self driving will take off and I also see flexible vehicle ownership as a way of going forward. Subscription based automobile ownership will definitely increase significantly - that is something which we are doing well and there I see a big growth. While people want a personal vehicle, they want a flexible ownership plan. These are the primary trends I see happening.

What is your opinion on the new 20 year old car scrapping policy in India? Rajiv Vij - I think while the details of the policy are not available as of now but at a broad level my understanding is the policy is going to be good for the automotive industry. This is also why we decided to get into subscription rentals and as far as these are concerned, they are calculated based on the life of the vehicle which is less than what the policy is going to be defined and therefore it is not going to impact the pricing for subscription. Right now we are speculating that the scrappage policy could define the life of a vehicle as 15 or 20 years, but it could easily be changed to 10 years and hence demand for subscription products will grow, as then there is no risk of commitment from the customer’s end.

What advice would you like to give to our future What are the prospective trends that one needs to be entrepreneurs? looked out for post the pandemic? Rajiv Vij - I really love what our Hon’ble Prime Minister Rajiv Vij - Health and transportation are the next big said a few days back. He said that the focus of many of our ideas and people will pay for services which take care of budding entrepreneurs is: start, build, raise money and exit this. The trend we see here is people wanting to have and I think that focus needs to change to building personal vehicles, dedicated vehicles but do not necessarily something that gives high quality products to consumers. want to go for traditional methods of ownership like a loan Exits will still happen but the focus cannot be on raising or lease. They would much rather look at alternative money and exiting - that focus needs to change. When that options of owning the vehicle, rights to its use but not changes, India will start building great products. necessarily making a long term commitment on the vehicle. Sakshi Vij: I agree on that totally. One of the things that People are going to see a lot of domestic travel by road. I have been wanting to explore is how to create businesses More than 25 million travelers routinely travel overseas for that enable serial entrepreneurs and sustainable products vacations but this time even the richest amongst them have - instead of focussing on a 5-year vision, why not work on been forced to take domestic holidays and what this also creating the next Google, Microsoftor IBM? Leave the idea doing is that they are seeing more of India and this will of serial entrepreneurship on investors who are leading the definitely help promote domestic tourism and many hotels change. Entrepreneurs of tomorrow should work on will start respecting indian tourists as much as European building a sustainable business rather than short term or American tourists. goals.

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SIBLING DREAM TEAM Having a co-founder in business can often be a huge bonus – two heads are generally better than one and what about a partner who, quite possibly, knows you better than anyone else in the world? We speak to brother-sister duo Dr. Amit Bhasin and Dr. Aarti Bhasin to find out what doing business with a sibling is really like. By Aaron Jacob

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32 leading celebrity Cosmetologist and Dermatologist by profession, Dr. Amit Bhasin dawns a multifaceted personality. A Having achieved many laurels to himself by making a mark in multiple spectrums of life, he has been honoured with multiple National Awards-Indian Excellence Award 2016, National health awareness programme and health leadership award 2016) Indian Icon Award 2015, Indian Achievement Award 2014, etc and has been nominated for Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award for his services par excellence in the field of Cosmetology and Dermatology. Dr Aarti Bhasin is a celebrity cosmetologist, face sculptor, CEO of Prive Skin and Wellness Clinic, managing director of Skinford by Dr Bhasin’s and JMD of Skinford Ayurveda. She has received many awards in the field of cosmetology, skincare and wellness. Besides her medicine degree, she has an MBA with advance diploma in hospital management. She has keen interest in philanthropy and has participated in several events for the welfare of the unprivileged.

Dr. Bhasin could you take us on a journey of Prive and how do you both work together? Being blessed in a family of 26 doctors and in 3 generations, starting our clinic was a natural choice for both of us. And skincare is something that we both have always been passionate about. But from the outset we were very clear that we want to set up a

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place where we not just treat the symptoms, needs and not just the area of our core up to date & keen to stay ahead by learning but the entire condition that is afflicting a competence: cosmetology. We recruited a new procedures and acquiring new state-of- patient. dietician, a physician, a dentist and a the-art machines. I had worked/studied at John Hopkins physiotherapist. Hospital in Baltimore, US, and was With both of us working together, the Before opening Prive Skin & Wellness impressed by the way of functioning there patient gets a second opinion too, be it in the Clinic had you ever thought about and wanted to bring in the same best field of dermatology or cosmetology. We starting a business together? practices to patients here in India. both are face sculptures; the idea is not to Yes, we have been working together as a We wanted to provide a safe place for change the look but to give them the best team since childhood. Both of us have always patients where they are assured of utmost version of themselves, hence enhancing and had an entrepreneurial bent of mind and at confidentiality and privacy, a place where building patients confidence. the age of 7-8, we both opened a stall patients get treatment, but not in the We both have the same goals and a together outside our father’s clinic and ended impersonal manner that it is provided in patient-centric approach. And with both of up selling a lot of our household items! several hospitals. us here, a patient never feels neglected as Even in our first international trip to We wanted a congenial environment. one of us is always there to take care of Middle East when we were 11-12 years , we Besides, we wanted to provide a one-stop them. We keep each other motivated, are sold newspapers. Post our studies when our shop that can fulfil most of our patients’ each other’s sounding board and are always Gulf-based uncle flew down to India to open

34 technologies and procedures for our patients, and provide a customised service to them based on their need.

Who is responsible for what in running the business? I always tell everyone that Dr Amit can’t run the clinic without Dr Aarti -- she manages the whole show and has been the CEO from day 1. For my part, I was associate director, lead clinician and clinic head at Bharat family clinic (years) and at HCL (years) where I learnt how to run a clinic. We have both also done an MBA and an advanced diploma in hospital management, and this collective experience has helped us in smoothly managing the clinic.

Would you say your relationship has changed after establishing your business? Well, with barely any difference in our respective age, we were already very close. But this business has enhanced our relationship further, given it a new dimension. I can definitely say that the fact that we work together has helped cement our bond.

If you asked your sibling to do one thing differently for you or your family business what would it be? I wouldn’t change a thing about what my sibling has done for me; she has been selfless when it came to supporting me in all my endeavours. As far as the business goes, we are just getting started; we both strive to change and better ourselves and expand into new exciting areas.

How do you balance your work and personal lives? A huge credit for that goes to our roots in Yoga. Because of it, we have learnt the TOGETHER OUTSIDE OUR FATHER’S CLINIC AND philosophy of ‘connect and disconnect’ and "AT THE AGE OF 7-8, WE BOTH OPENED A STALL incorporate it in our daily life. When we work, ENDED UP SELLING A LOT OF OUR HOUSEHOLD we give our 100% and when we party we ITEMS!" enjoy and focus that.

Between the two of you who’s the more a chain of clinics with affiliation of John brand. During the lockdown last year, we stubborn and who’s more calm in handling Hopkins, both of us once again worked even started our own food channel and difficult situations? together in management as associate yoga channel. I don’t think any of the two is stubborn, we director & lead clinician and realised how both are firm in our decisions but also willing well we get along professionally. What is the philosophy of your venture? to modify them based on circumstances. When Cut to today, we have the most luxurious Our philosophy is patient first and we it comes to calmness, though, Dr Amit is cosmetic clinic Privé & we have a joint are willing to go that extra mile to ensure definitely calmer. Dr Aarti is a little strict but skincare brand (Skinford) and are on our overall wellness of our patients. As part it’s a desirable quality if you have to run a way to launching our own Ayurvedic of this, we always strive to bring in new business. So, can’t complain really.

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Have you ever considered practicing acceptance with your sibling, accepting them with all their imperfections? Of course! Nobody is perfect, my father, who is 80, still reads and updates himself, and we have also inherited that habit from him. So, we don’t need to practice anything as such. It just comes naturally to us. We don’t see any imperfections in each other at all, we admire each other for who we are, what we have achieved and what we intend to achieve. We accept each other’s imperfections but at the same time are there to motivate and push each other towards further accomplishments.

Do you have any favourite activities you like to do together? We are both fond of singing and cooking and travelling. We have been to many domestic and international destinations together and love to explore new places. Also, we love to dance and can break into impromptu dance routines on cue. Both of us are Bollywood buffs and know all songs from the 90s like the back of our hand.

Have you ever considered accepting who they chose as their life partner? Absolutely, we believe that everyone has their own choice and freedom to choose whom they want to spend their lives with. We will always support each other in that decision, knowing very well that each will choose wisely.

Are there any misconceptions about starting a company with your sibling that you’ve found not to be true? That working together can cause rifts and misunderstanding. Rather, I believe that in our case 1+1 is 11. You need to recog nise each other’s strengths and what the other brings to the table and nurture it. I feel we have come to appreciate and value each other more after we started working together.

What’s your best advice for other siblings looking to start a business together? Amit’s advice would be loyalty and Aarti’s advice is transparency and together we have one belief that anything can be achieved, the only secret is consistency. Our advice: Never be scared of failure, we both have failed but that doesn’t discourage us from trying again and again. Complement each other, respect each other’s contribution and always strive to do better each day. Never stop learning and work towards becoming the best in your field.

36 PEAKLIFE MEAN MACHINES

A LEGACY WORTH ‘DEFENDING’ From modest off-roader to luxuriously appointed overlander, the 2020 Land Rover Defender offers is an adventure-mobile with undeniable capability—and desirability. By Aaron Jacob

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Rover lineup to make those familiar with the brand feel right at home. Exposed rivets in the door panels add a particularly rugged appearance, and a magnesium beam that runs the full width of the dashboard isn’t entirely cosmetic—it’s also structural. Under the infotainment display, a trapezoidal extension of the dashboard provides a place for buttons and switches for the climate- control system and driving mode. The shift lever and ignition switch are also mounted on this center stack rather than the center console. In some models, the center console can be flipped back to create a jump seat between the driver and passenger, similar to a three-across bench in some full-size pickup trucks. Cargo space behind the rear seat is he Defender has few rivals, with somewhat limited, but on par with rival off- several of them also wear Land roaders such as the Jeep Wrangler; the rear Rover badges, but when it comes seats can be folded to open up a much larger T to conquering difficult terrain, few cargo bay, but those seeking to haul people SUVs can truly keep pace. Its design is and gear may want to look at the larger Land technically retro, but it represents a modern Rover Discovery or invest in a roof-top cargo twist on the legendary Defender from the carrier. previous generation. Infotainment and Connectivity Land Rover reopens the book on one of its The Defender’s dashboard sports a 10- most iconic nameplates with the all-new inch touchscreen infotainment system that 2020 Defender. It’s boxy shape and retro runs a brand-new interface for Land Rover details recall the 1950›s original and called Pivi Pro. Compared to the rest of the combine with Land Rover’s modern design Land Rover lineup’s Touch Pro Duo interface, language to create an appearance that›s both the Defender’s system relies on a single sophisticated and nostalgic. touchscreen instead of two, offers quicker response times, and can handle over-the-air While the 2020 Defender looks like an software updates for future releases. Apple ordinary crossover, it has serious off-road CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, capabilities and rugged components that as is an in-dash navigation system, a six- help it live up to its go-anywhere heritage. system. The next-generation Defender, unlike speaker stereo, and an onboard Wi-Fi The Defender boasts durable cabin its predecessor, will have a unibody hotspot. Both 10- and 14-speaker Meridian furnishings, but also upscale materials and construction versus a body-on-frame setup, stereo systems are optional features and numerous luxury features. and it replaces the old solid axles with a fully buyers of higher-end Defenders receive a independent suspension. The latter comes digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. Engine, Transmission, and Performance standard with coil springs, but it can be The 2020 Defender is powered by a upgraded with an air suspension that allows There is nothing more British than the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine adjustable ride height. The Defender also has Defender. mated to an eight-speed automatic 11.5 inches of ground clearance and the Inspired by the Willys Jeep, they transmission. Of course, every model ability to ford through 35.4 inches of water, developed the first Land Rover, an features all-wheel drive and locking which exceeds both the Jeep Wrangler’s agriculturally focused four-wheel-drive truck differentials for navigating treacherous maximum clearance and its wading ability. with a steel frame and an aluminum body. It terrain. The Defender will also be available entered production in 1948 and what would with Jaguar Land Rover’s new 3.0-liter inline- Interior, Comfort, and Cargo come to be known as the Land Rover Series six-cylinder engine. Along with The Defender’s cabin walks the line I was born. It was offered in various turbocharging, the upgraded engine utilizes between premium and utilitarian, with just configurations that differed in wheelbase, an electric supercharger and 48-volt hybrid enough design cues from the rest of the Land door count, and body style.

38 PEAKLIFE MEAN MACHINES THE GLOSS OF GLOSTER If you are looking for a big, butch SUV, then the Gloster by MG is the right answer. Now the point is that the basic reason to buy a SUV is that besides the ground clearance, you need something that looks big and powerful…and nobody does it better than the newly launched MG Gloster. By Ranojoy Mukerji

ith a length of nearly 5 metres, a width of 1.9 metres and a wheelbase of W almost 3 metres, this is one big, spacious vehicle! Two engine displacements – one without a twin-turbo makes 163 horses and the one with it makes 218 horses available along with an amazing 480Nm of torque…but what about the rest of the car?

The exteriors look classy. They are not overdone; simple straight flowing lines keep the design simple and elegant. I liked the big, octagonal shaped front grille in a satin aluminium finish – gives the car an imposing presence. It has got full LED front headlamps, LED tail lamps, steering assist lamps to illuminate corners as you turn and for the narcissists amongst you, there is even a “MG’ logo projection built-in into the front mirrors. Illuminated tread plates on the inside also remind you as to what you are driving. There is a nice running board on the side, with enough grab handles on the inside to make you alight and exit with some grace.

Insides are quite plush – the tan leatherette coats the front dashboard, door inserts and seats and gives a really nice, rich look. Features are galore – everything except the proverbial kitchen sink…so you get a 12-way power driver’s adjustable seat with memory and a massage function, which is quite useful. Then there is the 8-way power adjustable front passenger seat. Of course let us not forget that there are 64 (yes, 64!) ambient colour cutomisation possibilities

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"SAFETY HAS NOT BEEN IGNORED EARLIER AND on this later. You get automatic air-con, a PM2.5 filter based purification system, 6 FEATURES MENTIONED ABOVE ARE STANDARD cup holders and 4 bottle holders, a sound ON THE TOP MODEL INCLUDE ADAPTIVE CRUISE absorbing windscreen, to name just a few. Features of course are grade specific. CONTROL AND AUTOMATIC PARKING ASSIST. " Safety has not been ignored earlier and features mentioned above are standard on the top model include adaptive cruise control and automatic parking assist. Appreciably, all models (Super, Smart, Sharp and Savvy) get dual front, side and full length curtain airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), hill-hold, hill descent control, traction control, roll movement intervention (RMI) and of course rear disc brakes as standard. This definitely deserves applause. A driver fatigue reminder system is also standard, as are ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Performance is quite good. Though I drove only the 4x4 version with 218 horses and 480 Nm of torque, the BorgWarner transfer case does a splendid job of thrashing it out in the rough, with its electro-mechanical differential lock. You can select between Eco, Sand, Mud, Rock or Sport mode, or just leave it in Auto for the computer to decide. That is of course on the upper two trim lines – the Sharp and the Savvy. The heart of the matter is the 2.0-litre diesel turbo, mated to an 8-speed automatic and well, the performance frankly surprised me on the twin turbo. Braking was good too – now I cannot tell you the fuel efficiency as did not drive it that much, but 8-10kpl in the city remains a distinct possibility in the city, depending on engine config.

So is the Gloster worth your money? That depends. Even the base version is very well loaded and at the other side of the spectrum, the fully-loaded one comes with features which even 1 crore plus SUVs don’t and if you want light in the day or want to standard, the Gloster goes a stage further. have in India, so the pricing has to be observe stars in the night – just open the The main instrumentation is quite futuristic, analysed with that perspective. Sure INR 29 huge panoramic sunroof. I mean huge, and in between the standard speedo and lakh to 35.4 lakh is quite a lot of money, but because even the 2nd row passengers get a tacho, there is this large 8-inch display then you get a lot of bite for your buck. Sure, roofless feeling and a lovely light in winters. which gives you every information, from the there are quirks in the Gloster like any other Good for smoking cigars, too, but certainly status of the vehicle to lane departure car – for example the built-in wireless not for letting your children stand through warnings, cruise control, automatic charger only takes very slim phones – but the roof. emergency braking, forward collision then every vehicle has its oddities, right? So warning – phew! All these are part of the my verdict? Feature and performance wise, Besides what other vehicles have as Advanced Driver Assistance System – more this one is hard to beat!

40 PEAKLIFE MEAN MACHINES EXPLOSIVE MAGNITE The sub-compact SUV market in India is booming, of that there is no doubt. Many feel that there is already a lot of choice available in the market, but the market is now thoroughly shaken if not stirred by the arrival of Nissan’s new Magnite sub-compact SUV. By Ranojoy Mukerji

he last entrant, Kia’s Sonet had competitors offer but at a great price. And top version also makes this vehicle look also caused quite a stir when they some features that even its competitors do great. At the rear, the split spoiler looks came in last year, but Nissan now not. Like wireless connectivity for Apple good and the two-tone paint version makes T seems to have taken it upon to CarPlay and AndroidAuto, which is not the ‘floating’ roof look great. The roof rails cause a disruption here with the Magnite. available in India in most vehicles, bar a few also play their part in making the SUV look The Magnite is also Nissan’s biggest lunge luxury ones. But let us first get to some the part. to succeed in the highly competitive and specifics. Number one in my list is the tricky Indian automobile market. ground clearance – at 205mm, this one is no Inside, the Magnite has plenty of space slouch and the height is comfortable – you and its spacious 2500mm wheelbase gives Nissan’s Magnite is an incredible value don’t have to clamber in, but you don’t need you adequate legroom at the back. The for money offering. Starting at just INR 4.99 to slouch as well. I love the big sixteen-inch seating position is upright and the cabin has lakh ex-showroom, this compact SUV offers wheels and the large front grille – gives a good packaging in terms of headroom, all the bell and whistles which its other great silhouette. The LED headlights in the shoulder room and legroom. The doors

41 PEAKLIFE MEAN MACHINES

IN TERMS OF SAFETY, smartwatch. The glovebox is big and the denim-style door pads add a touch of YOU GET A DRIVER AND youthfulness to the car.

PASSENGER AIRBAG AS In terms of safety, you get a driver and STANDARD ACROSS ALL passenger airbag as standard across all versions, as well as anti-lock braking (ABS) VERSIONS, AS WELL AS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Top variants get vehicle Dynamic Control, hill-start assist for the CVT and a tyre- pressure monitoring system. ISOFIX BRAKEANTI-LOCK DISTRIBUTION BRAKING connectors for mounting child seats are (ABS) WITH ELECTRONIC standard across all versions as well. I definitely prefer automatic open wide, so even if you are dressed transmissions and while my colleagues may traditionally, ingress or egress is not a accuse me of being lazy and a softie, I would problem. However, the rear seat I would say like to remind all that manual transmission is good for two rather than three, as it could cars will be extinct in a few years, especially get quite cramped. A 12-volt charging point as a new crop of electric cars emerge. The takes care of your mobile juice needs. The future is automatic. Interestingly, in the rear seat can be split 60:40 to load bulky Magnite, what you get is a continuously items in the boot. The dashboard is set variable transmission (CVT) which is a quite high so smaller people might have a Nissan favourite. Called the X-Tronic here, it problem with the height, so if you are features a small tucked-away button for shorter, check for the presence of driver’s ‘Sports’ mode, wherein the performance seat height adjustment on certain variants. becomes quite brisk in the turbo version of The air-con knobs are pretty stylish with the 3-cylinder power mill. With 100 horses built-in displays like luxury cars and the on tap, power is adequate too and whether large 8-inch touchscreen gives a feeling of you are stuttering around the city or luxury. Incidentally, this is the first vehicle covering distances on the highway, it is a in its segment to offer wireless Apple competent runner. CarPlay and AndroidAuto on top variants if you opt for the ‘Tech’ pack. You of course, The suspension is quite good as well, also get a Qi certified charger for phones especially for city driving. It is a little firm, that support wireless charging, besides an which means you get great stability and air purifier, front puddle lamps and other lesser roll in the corners compared to its small features. The instrument panel is competition. This also means that the ride totally digital and you can change its may feel a little unsettled at times over various modes to get a display of your bumpy surfaces, but the handling does liking. Another great feature is the inspire a lot of confidence. Braking is good 360-degree cameras that help you in too and although the rear has drum brakes parking and you also do get smart instead of discs, stopping distances are on connectivity features for your phone and par with the class.

Overall, the Nissan Magnite is quite a number and not an item number. By this I mean that this is a very well-built compact SUV with a lot of features for the price. Priced from INR 4.99 lakh ex-showroom for the base variant to INR 9.59 lakh for the top end, the price is as alluring as the product. Is this the segment winner? Compared to its rivals with its mix of features vs. performance vs. price, I definitely think so!

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DRIVING THE S60 Volvo’s S60 has been the kind of car, which I feel that everyone should have. Right now, Volvo has opened bookings for the car, which I got a chance to drive in December of 2020. By Ranojoy Mukerji

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he S60 now is clearly identifiable as a younger sibling to the S90. chauffeur-driven types, you will enjoy The infamous ‘Thor’s Hammer’ sitting at the back.It is a car that suits a T headlights have now made their luxury car temperament quite well, where way here as well and give a certain you are not hustling most of the time. personality to the car. The laid back front Interiors are quite quiet and the heat grille with the bright chrome Volvo logo insulating glass does a fine job. looks classy here. The ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlights are Volvos come loaded with a lot of driving particularly eye-catching. At the rear, the aids and you get adaptive cruise control, identity of the S90 is carried over and the radar based emergency braking and large taillights now mirror their elder avoidance, collision avoidance, lane- sibling. Looks spectacular even in the S60. keeping assist (the steering wheel vibrates if you veer off the white lines) and a whole Let us now peep into the interiors. after all Volvo uses orthopaedic doctors for lot of other features. Interestingly, the car Volvos have always been very well made its seat design – but the whole posture and can also ‘read’ road signs and display them and the new car carries this legacy forward. the way the seat moulds itself around you on the centre display – this is a feature Simple, clear cut lines means that the is commendable, and easily one of the best which I personally loved. Of course, with a interiors are planned very well and though seats I have ever sat in. The dashboard is a Volvo a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating is a that large centre screen remains the party little high, but never obtrusive and gives given, but you also get other safety stuff like trick, everything else is ergonomically you a super view out of the long bonnet. At front, side and full-curtain airbags, ABS, superb. Of course, you would need a minor the rear, the super-comfy seats encompass ESP etc. etc. Incidentally, you get valet keys degree in physics to operate the you very well and the 4-zone air-con makes as well so that you need not part with your touchscreen and its myriad functions, but a sure that you are comfortable. There is complete car – you can restrict valet speeds few days into it, you get the hang of it. sufficient legroom, although you sit quite and what they have access to! Those who are primarily chauffeur driven low. might find that their older chauffeurs could So should you invest in a Volvo S60 if you feel a little challenged here. That said, the Lets now come to the driving part. I are looking to get into the compact luxury front seats are amazingly comfortable – noticed a nice thrum when you switch on segment.? Depends on what you are the engine and the sound is sporty and looking for. If luxury and safety is on top of oddly satisfying. This 2.0-litre unit pumps your agenda, look no further. The plushness out 190bhp and a nice 300Nm of torque, so of the ride, the features of the car, the safety performance is surprisingly good. An – all these are factors which would 8-speed auto drives the front wheels and personally make my decision sway towards you can run a nice tactile feel switch to the S60. At INR 45.9 lakh ex-showroom choose between Eco, Comfort and India, it is a slightly expensive car, but then Dynamic modes. Performance is what you get back in terms of value and smooth and adequate. You are not safety is something that cannot be racing here, but the ride quality is compromised. This is certainly the pick of quite plush and if you are the the segment.

44 PEAKLIFE EXPERIENCE

I love my chocolates and have been craving for good chocolates for some time, though of course in modern India you do have access to some of the world’s chocolates. CHOCO-LOCALBy Ranojoy Mukerji AT COLOCAL

o, it came as a pleasant surprise Colocal sources its cacao beans from However, their food is also worth trying. when I was invited to Colocal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, ferments them in- While we were there, we tried the Caesar a modern chocolate roastery house, roasts them, crushes them and salad with prawns to start with – the taste S with a bespoke menu. A makes the final chocolate out of them. All was delightful…crunchy, super fresh greens brainchild of Sheetal Saxena and Nishant this is viewable at their outlet at Dhan Mill and prawns which were so flavourful – Sinha, Colocal aims to provide chocolate compound in Chhatarpur. Colocal also has although I am no big salad fan, I found the in every form – edible, drinkable and of an extensive continental menu of food taste amazing. Next up were Jerk chicken course all of it is sourced from local Indian including sourdough pizzas, burgers, an wings. The chicken was soft, flavor-packed grown beans – this makes it a pride for extensive chocolate drinks menu and of and very tender. The jerk marination was many of us. Some of the finest chocolates, course coffee. Their desserts are sinfully just right, not too much, not too little – home-made. good as well. overall yummy. Even my daughter Resham,

45 PEAKLIFE EXPERIENCE

who accompanied me and who is a big Chocolate, which is basically a 55% hot chicken wings fan, pronounced it very chocolate with smoke…what a visual tasty. Then we had the Tacos (another treat. Needless to say, both tasted family favourite) with chicken.Again a outstanding! Greedy as we are, we also superlative experience. tasted the twice-baked chocolate pastry, which is pure heaven and something I For the mains, I decided to go with a highly recommend to everyone. burger, while Resham settled for a Pepperoni pizza. The meat in the burger So, if you are a chocolate lover like me, was cooked very well and along with the then Colocal is the place to be. In winters fries and caramelized onions in a fresh they have some amazing but limited bun was finger-licking. As for the pizza, seating outside while the interiors are Colocal makes its dough in-house so the done in a simple white and yellow, which freshly made base and excellent gives a very Pondicherry type of feel. You peperoni made the pizza a treat for the somehow feel the colonial influence here palate. Now when we have come to a and I say that in a very positive sort of place like Colocal, we cannot but way. It is a place to lay back and relax and experience their signature desserts. So, just gently let the world go by. Of course, two type of hot chocolates were ordered your senses are relaxed by some excellent – a 55% dark hot chocolate and the chocolate – whether you eat it or drink it intriguingly named Colocal Campfire Hot is completely up to you!

46 PEAKLIFE EXPERTS SPEAK

BORNE ALOFT BY DESIGN Different by Design, Aloft New Delhi Aerocity welcomes you to a refreshing blend of form and function in work, play, and relaxation. By Vidhi Gupta

he past year has made me in accepted an alternative- small weekend located in Aerocity, within 10 minutes desperate need of a holiday getaway at frequent intervals! from the airport, the hotel is in close more than ever. And yet, I proximity to Gurgaon’s major T seem far away from the call of After a warm greeting and a quick attraction, Cyber Hub, and residential the mountains and the tingling temperature check, I checked-in at Aloft areas of Gurugram. You can even visit sensation of sand on a beach. I realised New Delhi Aerocity, a next-gen hotel nearby shopping malls, clubs, that planning long vacations seems with a fresh, purposeful environment to restaurants, all at a walking distance difficult sometimes so I readily bring people together. Conveniently from the hotel.

The quirky colours of the carpet and the infrastructure. You can either pick an Aloft amenities, the room were all in all beauty reception desk, in sync with large glass Room, Premier Room, Club Room, Aloft and comfort through a thoughtful interior. windows giving a glimpse of the central Studio, or Aloft Residence. The vibrant courtyard, the lobby itself is proof that Aloft attributes of the hotel were amplified when After freshening up in my room, I headed New Delhi Aerocity is more sophisticated I entered my room. The bright and breezy for lunch at The Nook. A well-lit restaurant than your average hotel. The lobby has a space with views of an open field and a serving rich international flavours at any cozy Grab & Go outlet called Re:fuel by Aloft, distanced flyover, seen through a large glass time of the day, The Nook features live a 24x7 snack shop where you can choose window giving optimum natural light was cooking stations and extensive buffet. As I from an array of fast-and-fresh options. just perfect. The signature platform bed sat down amidst the modern aesthetic Furthermore, the lobby transforms into an featuring comfy linens and fluffy pillows had setting, I was introduced to Executive Chef art gallery as you can buy the paintings at bedside plug-ins where I could easily plug all Amit Kumar who is famed for his fusion and display. The hotel has 253 guest rooms to my electronics and binge watch TV on a authentic food experiences. His experience choose from, which illustrate the ideal large flat screen just in front of my bed. The in the culinary industry has helped him pair combination of contemporary and futuristic walk-in shower, work desk, basic room ingredients from different cuisines which

48 never fail to take you on a gastronomic pool where you can soak and splash while journey. I was served Dahi ke Kebabs as an enjoying snacks and soft beverages from an appetiser where the kebab was delicately RESTAURANT SERVING outlet near the pool called Splash Pool Side. soft and blended deliciously with a tangy RICH"A WELL-LIT INTERNATIONAL It even houses a gym, Re:Charge, which has chutney. Next I had on my table a Salad with cardiovascular equipment, free weights, a leafy vegetables and avocados, adorned with FLAVOURS AT ANY separate Yoga room, and a personal trainer edible flowers, where I could clearly taste available for specified timings. There are 13 the farm-to-fork concept. Chef Amit TIME OF THE DAY, THE event rooms where the hotel provides explained to me that all their greens and NOOK FEATURES LIVE customized event solutions and seamless vegetables are fresh from a Chattarpur farm service for your meetings, events, and with whom the restaurant has associated COOKING STATIONS AND celebrations. with, bringing a sense of sensibility and EXTENSIVE BUFFET." organic dining to the table. I was then served At last, I ended my day spending the with Palak Kebab followed by risotto with evening at W XYZ Bar munching on light wild mushroom and parmesan fonduta. I prime focus has been ‘Commitment to Clean’ bites, playing pool, and grooving to the was taken away by the flavours of these which is a well-established endeavour by music. Sauntering on the streets of Aerocity articulate and smooth dishes. By this time I Marriott International and under this in a quiet and urban surrounding, I walked was already satiated, but as soon as I saw initiative, we have taken extraordinary care back to my room from where I could get a the dessert, I could not resist! I savoured on and precautions to make our hotel safe for glimpse of the city lights, and was ready to Rasmalai Cheesecake accompanied with our guests, diners and associates. Guests turn in for the day. Strawberry jam which melted in my mouth, have appreciated the hygiene standards an unlikely combination that belonged which are being strictly adhered to in every The next morning after a healthy and together. realm of operations. Along with hygiene spoilt for choice breakfast buffet, I was After having a hearty and scrumptious programs, we also have special wellness checking out of my weekend staycay from lunch, it was time to discover the hotel. Aloft menus and dining options for guests to Aloft New Delhi Aerocity. New Delhi Aerocity is definitely a property choose, like healthy gourmet experiences ‘Different By Design’, which has ensured the and preferred diets. The hotel attracts many All in all, spacious and arty interiors, safe safety of its guests amidst the pandemic. clients from across the country and globe touchpoints, comfortable rooms, and Headed by a dynamic lady, Ms. Suman Gahlot through its renowned culinary expertise, delicious food, Aloft New Delhi Aerocity is the General Manager of the hotel has offering diners an experience in luxury, food beyond compare for new-age travellers, prioritized the safety of the guests “Our and beverages.” The hotel has a swimming whether for business or leisure.

49 Also available on Magzter, Jio, Readwhere.com, and Amazon.in

March-April 2021

IN CONVERSATION BROTHER-SISTER DUO DR. AMIT BHASIN & DR. AARTI BHASIN A GUIDE TO LUXURIOUS

HOME DECOR

FUTURE OF FASHION INDUSTRY POST COVID-19 HIGH ROAD TO SUCCESS TÊTE-À-TÊTE WITH FATHER DAUGHTER DUO SAKSHI AND RAJIV VIJ PEAKLIFE tells the story of people who have strived to reach the pinnacle of their career through hard work, grit and above all ‘ATTITUDE’.

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DISCERNING DÉCOR Less is more this season, and nothing encapsulates the spirit better than sleek and sophisticated home spaces. Built to quality and taste, choose your finest pick from the hottest décor brands in India.

ALSORG Leading in hi-end bespoke furniture, alsorg has launched two stunning glass wardrobes – the APERTO, and the FERRADO. Characterized by warm and subdued colours, the latest walk-in wardrobe designed by alsorg aims to open up your bedrooms and merge them with your dressing area. Another variation of alsorg’s glass wardrobes comes with added vertical profiles, while still retaining its minimal and sophisticated look. The complete wardrobe is loaded with storage solutions for all your dressing needs, which can also be configured as per your personal requirements.

NIVASA Spark your imagination with Nivasa’s novel new collection Le Reformage – aiming to blur the lines between art, object, and functionality. From exploring materials ranging from onyx and wood to hand knotted art in leather and brass, the pieces in this collection reflect an urban aesthetic and are influenced by the rich heritage of the past. A seamless blend of the past and the future, traditions and technology, the unconventional and the elegant, Le Reformage is all about being futuristic and imaginative.

52 APARNA KAUSHIK New-Delhi-based architect Aparna Kaushik, known for her elegant and minimalistic yet impactful interiors, presents stunning foyers to stop you in your tracks and coax you to take in the exquisite design features. Foyers might simply receive one and guide them into home, yet they do reveal a lot about its owners. So whether you’re exuding contemporary Gothic charm, inspired by the exotic grains of the marble on the floor, or in love with striking black and white patterns, these foyers by Aparna Kaushik are your one true calling.

ASHLEY FURNITURE HOMESTORE Ashley Furniture Homestore has launched a new collection of versatile coffee tables that come with a smart lift-top mechanism. Not only do you get an extra surface, but also an option for using it for practical purposes like dining or working, as well as a shelf to prop up your treasured accent pieces. Choose from the traditional looking Barilanni, stylish and functional Gately, earthy and contemporary Stanah, weather-washed pine wood and veneers Todoe, or the rustic Urlander coffee table and the charming Vailbry table.

53 PEAKLIFE HOME DECOR

ASTER CUCINE Make your kitchens as luxurious as the rest of their home with Aster Cucine’s Brera Academy Collection. Exhibiting one-of-a kind craftsmanship, high-end materials, attention-to-detail, functional design and utmost comfort, the collection boasts strong geometric lines combined with resilient materials to pay homage to the highest traditions of Italian art and culture. Clean lines, sleek proportions, geometric patterns, tactile surfaces and innovative details are the trademark of this collection.

SANS SOUCI Czech lighting giant Sans Souci has launched in India an imposing statement light – Haida – symbolizing its return to Nature where the brand originated. Not only does this extraordinary piece epitomize meticulous handmade craftsmanship of glass-blowers, it also implants the unconventional print of nature from the place Haida. Designed by Tomáš Sákra, each bulb in the light represents an impression of a basalt stone, carefully imprinted with brass or decorated with a soda effect.

54 MOMENTI Making your home winter ready is easy with the Italian brand Momenti. Brought to India by Ottimo, Momenti is an art powerhouse offering an artistic collection of designer wallpapers, digital prints and furniture to make your home stylish and inimitable. Best part? Momenti’s woven wallpapers are easy to install and maintain, and so are the digital paintings. Most importantly, the health friendly resin coatings used in the wallpapers and paintings make them ideal for these pollution and microbes riddled times.

42MM ARCHITECTURE New Delhi-based firm 42mm Architecture has unveiled a set of gorgeous living rooms that redefine the meaning of luxury with their exclusive and bold design attributes. As a reflection of the owner’s personality, these living rooms showcase lavishly laid out spaces with elegant and plenty extravagant features. Giant artworks, interesting wall art, mini landscaped gardens, sculptural potted plants, a water fall and a gurgling water body become part of the large living room canvases - creating way for exotic and indulgent experiences.

55 PEAKLIFE HOME DECOR

A SQUARE DESIGNS Just in time for the winter season, A Square Designs unveils a range of awe-inspiring bedroom setups for apartments and villas. These chic bedrooms are designed as ideal spaces for the modern home, impeccably dressed and inviting. Every piece is meticulously curated with an elegant range of furniture and home décor accessories of the finest aesthetic sensibility. The combination of traditional and modern reaches a new dimension with the interesting interplay of rich materials - enhanced by sculptural silhouettes, richly composed furnishings and fine details.

YASANCHE Inspired by the purity and kinetic form of water, Yasanche launches the ‘Magic Bubble Flower Vase’ from its Water Series. This unconventional home décor accessory is moulded in translucent resin using eight intricate techniques to achieve the final product. Since these techniques are hand-processed, each piece has its one-of-a-kind features. The piece in itself is awe- inspiring and distinctive– mesmerizing at each glance and angle - thanks to its playful shape.

56 POGGENPOHL With over 120 years of glorious history, Poggenpohl has constantly transformed the most important part of the home, the Kitchen. With their new range called +MODO and with the motto, “An open kitchen means being able to keep an open mind too!”, the worktop can be staggered over the base cabinets so that it creates a gap on one side, allowing the trays to work to your advantage. A matching overhang is created on the other side. At the same time, everything follows a structure, without leading to any chaos. There is specific space for everything in this kitchen, and enough room to include varied ideas and plans.

INHABIT With her keen anti-minimal and passionately original approach to design, Founder Neeta has introduced a fresh aesthetic with her latest collection of statement consoles. Inspired by Quatrefoil, an architectural design motif integrated in woodwork combined with straight lines, the consoles exhibit a blend of modern hues and industrial design to offer a unique appeal. Featuring features hues like sapphire, emerald, turquoise, ruby, quartz and opal, the collection aims to bring richness and sophistication to any home.

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AN OASIS OF PLEASURE “There is no sincerer love than the love of food”, and we couldn’t agree more with George Bernard Shaw whose quote is famously used by food lovers across the globe. Food has the power to not only nourish one’s soul but also bring people together. By: Aaron Jacob

RED SAUCE SPAGHETTI

INGREDIENTS oil and keep aside.  250 grams Spaghetti Pasta The next step is to make Tomato basil sauce.  1 Carrot, thinly sliced Into a pressure cooker, cut the tomatoes into  1 Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced half and place the tomatoes into a pressure  1 teaspoon Dried oregano  cooker. Allow the tomatoes to pressure cook just for one whistle.  1/4 cup Fresh cream  Salt,1 teaspoon to taste Red Chilli flakes, optional  1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil immediately and allow the tomatoes to cool. OnceAfter cooled, the first drain whistle the water release from the the pressure toma- TOMATO BASIL SAUCE FOR toes. Remove the skin from the tomatoes and PASTA place the pulp into the mixer grinder and  500 grams Tomatoes, get red ripe ones make a smooth puree.  Once the puree is ready. keep this aside.   46 sprigcloves Basil Garlic, leaves, finely roughly chopped torn Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium  1 tablespoonOnion, finely Extra chopped Virgin Olive Oil heat. Add the garlic and onions. Saute the on-  Salt and Pepper, to taste ions until the onions become tender. At this stage add the carrots and capsicum METHOD and roast the vegetables until soft and is To begin making the Spaghetti Pasta Reci- cooked. Once cooked add in the freshly made pe In Creamy Tomato Sauce start by boiling tomato puree, the basil leaves, red chilli the Del Monte spaghetti pasta in hot water the mixture to a brisk boil for 3 to 4 minutes. with water over a medium heat. flakes, oregano, salt and pepper and bring and a little bit of salt. Keep a saucepan filled Stir in the cooked spaghetti pasta into the to- Drop in the spaghetti pasta and a pinch of mato basil sauce. salt and leave it to boil. Boil the spaghetti pasta till it just the biting consistency Stir in the cream, and stir fry Spaghetti Pasta which is the al dente. the on high heat until the spaghetti gets well coated with the sauce. Strain the water and rinse the cooked spa- ghetti pasta over cold water, to stop cook- Serve the Spaghetti Pasta hot with garlic ing the pasta. Drizzle the pasta with olive breads. CREDITS: CHEF CEICIL RAJ, I SACKED NEWTON PEAKLIFE GASTRONOMY

CREDITS: HYATT REGENCY, DELHI SMOKED SALMON FISH CAKES INGREDIENTS wooden spoon. • 400g smoked salmon • 300g mashed potatoes Remove the Kabocha from the oven, peel • 2 tbsp melted butter off the skins and place into a bowl. Then • 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard mash well, adding the white miso, sesame • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped seeds, a pinch of salt, chopped chives and • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped the sautéed onion and mushrooms. Let the • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped mixture cool, before the next step. • ½ lemon, juice and zested • Salt and freshly ground black pepper Heat a Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Fry- ing Pan with the oil and add the panko • 2 eggs, beaten breadcrumbs, spreading evenly. Cook until • 1½½ cup cups flour, breadcrumbs seasoned the panko breadcrumbs are a light brown • 100ml oil without the need for deep frying. Pour the METHOD crumbscolour. Thisonto a will large add plate. some colour first Cut the kabocha squash into quarters leav- ing the skin on and then remove the seeds. Take a small handful of the kabocha mix- Place on the roasting tray and cover with foil. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees/ Fan each shape in the panko to coat each pat- 160 degrees/ Gas Mark 4 and put the Kabo- ty,ture making and make about a 8-10 circular Croquettes flat shape. in total. Pat cha in for 50- 60 minutes until completely Place on an oven sheet with non-stick bak- soft. Roast them slowly to improve the ing paper. Put the Korokke into the oven at creamy texture. 200 degrees/ 180 degrees/ Gas Mark 6 for 15 minutes until they become a rich golden In the meantime, dice the onion into small brown colour. pieces and remove the stalks from the mushrooms. Cut the mushrooms into small To make the sauce, put all the sauce ingre- pieces. Over a medium heat, sauté the on- dients except the sesame seeds in a sauce- ion and mushrooms for 5 to 7 minutes pan. Bring to the boil and remove from the or until tender, stirring frequently with a heat. Add the sesame seeds and serve. CLASSIC TIRAMISU

INGREDIENTS  Mascarpone 250 gms  Egg Yolks 6 each  Sugar 60 gms  Amaretto 3 ml  Finger biscuit ½ packet  Strong espresso coffee not sweetened 200 ml  Cacao powder to sprinkle

METHOD In a bowl combine the egg yolk with sugar and mix till creamy. Add the mascarpone and mix well. Dip the biscuit in the coffee and layer on bottom of serving plate of the tiramisu. Cover with half tiramisu mixture and again place biscuit dipped in coffee. Finish with the remaining mixture and let rest for 3 hours in the fridge. Before serving sprinkle with some cacao powder CREDITS: LE CREUSET

60 RASPBERRY MATCHA INFUSED ICE-CREAM WITH CARAMELIZED FENNEL, MERINGUE CHARDS

INGREDIENTS raspberry green tea and let it simmer for 2-3  400 ml Coconut milk mts, whisking often. Remove from heat and  ¼ cup Coconut cream let it infuse for 45 mins. Strain the tea leaves.  2 tbsp Raspberry green tea Add the tea infused milk to blender along  1 cups Frozen raspberries with the frozen raspberries, honey and  40 gms Honey vanilla. Blend well. Pour into a pre cooled  1 tsp Vanilla extract ice-cream maker and churn. Transfer to a  120 gms Fresh raspberries container and let it set in a freezer.  3 Egg white  Sugar 120 Gms MERINGUE CHARDS  Fennel 50 Gms Cut the fennel into small brunoises and let in simmer in a sugar caramel for a few minutes. ASSEMBLY METHOD Put the fennel pieces on a tray to set. Make a Crumble the meringue chards and arrange Mix the coconut milk and the coconut cream meringue and spread it on a silpads. Sprinkle at the base. Scoop out a quenelle of the together in a saucepan over low heat. Add the fennel brunoise over it and bake it at 120C. raspberry Matcha ice-cream over it.

CREDITS: CHEF DANIEL KOSHY, JW MARRIOTT HOTEL, BENGALURU PEAKLIFE GASTRONOMY

A MASTERCLASS APART Apart from friends, food, an array of drinks is also vital for a perfect get together. A range of mixers, ice and a few handy tools can make all the difference in creating some of the best cocktails. By: Aaron Jacob

REBELLIOUS FISH INGREDIENTS METHOD 60ml Orange juice  Add the orange juice, chinola 15ml Chinola Passion fruit passion fruit, vodka and Cointreau 30ml Vodka to the cocktail shaker and shake 7.5ml Cointreau with ice Prosecco  Strain your cocktail over ice into Berries, to garnish your glass and top with prosecco  Garnish with fresh berries

CREDITS: NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE BRAMBLE

INGREDIENTS 45 ml Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin 25 ml Lemon Juice 15 ml Sugar Syrup 7.5 ml Creme de Mure/ Creme de Cassis / Black Currant Syrup

METHOD Add the Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup into a rocks glass. Add crushed ice. Mix well. Add more crushed ice. Float the creme de mure/ cassis/ syrup on top and garnish with fresh blackberries.

CREDITS: PERNOD RICARD INDIA THE NORTH POLE INGREDIENTS 2 ounces vodka 1 ounces Kahlúa or more to taste 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup 1 ounce espresso 2 teaspoons Hazelnut syrup 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk, Mascarpone cheese & Nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS  In a cocktail shaker combine the vodka, Kahlúa, chocolate syrup, shot of espresso, hazelnut syrup. Shake until well combined.  Add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled glass.  In a cream syphon add heavy cream, cheese, nutmeg for flavour, charge the syphon with nitrogen syphon and whip up on the glass, garnish with nutmeg dust (instead of a siphon you can use a hand blender and blend whip cream with cheese and nutmeg powder till soft peak and rest the dollop on the brim of the glass).

CREDITS: MERAK, JW MARRIOTT HOTEL, BENGALURU PEAKLIFE IN TRANSIT POST COVID ERA: AVIATION FROM INDIA As a fresh year begins, travelling might look a lot different for both travellers and the aviation industry. Voiceback Analytics in partnership with The Moodie Davitt Report has brought forth what international travel and aviation industry would look like to and fro India in 2021. By Vrinda Rastogi

he world came to a standstill as RESEARCH MODE interviews using an online web link to the pandemic escalated, and  2,000 respondents in major Indian record data entry amongst the target aviation saw a major hit as cities that contribute to 94% of audience. T travellers chose to travel lesser outbound travel from India across and safer. Voiceback Analytics, Bengaluru Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Audience Profile based data analytics company, partnered Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Cochin,  Respondents were both Male (61%) with Moodie International, publishers of Hyderabad, Calicut, Trivandrum, Trichy and Female (39%) - in line with The Moodie Davitt Report, to present a and Amritsar. passenger profile coming out of India. report on post COVID-19 International Air  The research was conducted amongst  75% respondents were married travel out of India – keeping in mind those who have made at least one individuals. Behavioural Changes and impact on Travel international air travel out of India in  Income level demographics was well Retail revenues by studying and estimating the past one year. spread with monthly Household traffic and revenue shaping the  This quantitative research was Income ranging from USD 570 to USD International Aviation Industry in 2021. conducted through face-to-face 1500 (INR 39,528 to INR 1,09,778).

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 Occupation profile of the respondents includes executive/business/ industrialists who travel mostly for business; students who travel for attending graduation/post- graduation in US/Europe and Housewife and Self Employed professionals who mostly travel for pleasure and holidays.

Focus Area of Report  Impact of COVID-19 risk by product category in Travel Retail.  Impact on turnover of aviation business (Airlines, Airports, Retail, Duty free, etc.) by product category.  Future of Retail Design and importance of technology in developing non- human interaction aspects to the environment.  Usage of self-operated applications or robotic dispensers over human intelligence  Change of travel destination choices for Indian vacation passengers  Changes in consumer purchase behaviour/perception resulting from the global surge in e-commerce usage and retailer deployment  Breakdown of travel retail by leisure and business travel in terms of the impact from COVID-19.

KEY FINDINGS OF THE REPORT Income of Travellers  COVID-19 has impacted incomes of international travellers which would impact their behaviour of travel over the coming year. While almost half of the travellers have said that their incomes have dropped post COVID-19 hit, almost one third respondents have reported no impact on their incomes. With negative impact on income and passengers of different risk profiles  44% Drop in International trips in next the disposition to travel, the report travelling at different points. year post COVID reveals: The first group includes those who are  33% Drop in Domestic trips in 2021  17% Travellers from India ready for ready to travel now, next are the ‘undecided’  25% Drop in share of BUSINESS International Travel - who would travel if necessary, the third are amongst International trips from India  14% Travellers already travelling the ‘Vaccine Watchers’ – who would travel  10% Growth in share of PERSONAL domestic when a vaccine is available and the fourth amongst International trips from India.  37% Travellers open to domestic air are ‘COVID-19 watchers’ – who would travel travel only when COVID-19 is firmly under control. Travel Behaviours Simulating the responses, the research Risk concerns are high amongst the Travel in 2021 brings up the following: travellers from India – the traveller will Air Travel would resume in phases with  83% Drop in International Travel come back looking for contactless

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At reduced traffic, there would be pressure on the retailer leading to a more demanding customer. The buying behavior would change drastically with a sudden acceptance of contactless protocols like Pre Order, Webshop Pre Order, Robotic Dispenser, reluctance to stand in a queue, etc. Brands that rely on the physical interaction of a makeup artist or a promoter to upsell the product would have to redraw their sales techniques since passengers would avoid person-to-person contact. The customer would have also found alternate channels e.g webshop during the shutdown to source their products. These would also compete for a share of the wallet of duty-free and travel retail customers. Brands & Retailers who are aware of these changes and consciously working to develop alternates would succeed as and when international travel opens up.

"AT REDUCED TRAFFIC, THERE WOULD BE PRESSURE ON THE RETAILER LEADING TO A MORE DEMANDING CUSTOMER. THE BUYING BEHAVIOR WOULD CHANGE DRASTICALLY WITH A SUDDEN ACCEPTANCE OF CONTACTLESS PROTOCOLS LIKE PRE ORDER, WEBSHOP PRE ORDER, ROBOTIC DISPENSER, RELUCTANCE TO STAND IN A QUEUE, ETC."

operations. An increase is expected in the these categories unsafe. The acceptability to Manishi Sanwal, Managing Partner, use of self-check in kiosks, automated / testing is low, particularly if accompanied Voiceback Analytics, and the man robotic dispensers, pre-ordering and by any human interaction. Openness to behind the report concludes, “Despite collecting, making purchases on app and buying cosmetic products is lukewarm the fears of COVID waning, it would collecting at the counter. Decline is amongst international travellers from India: take some time for Travel Retail in expected in the use of Airport Trolleys, testing cosmetics/fragrance and interacting general and International Travel Check-In luggage facility and staff with make-up artist is very low. Most Retail in particular to recover. The interaction. Safety measures like travellers international travellers from India do online year 2021 would see a big drop in and staff wearing mask, sanitizing store search before making significant purchases passengers traveling, however and products will make them feel very safe. at the airport – for many, this is done from average trips per person would  23% Increase potential in usage of self- within the airport. Disposition to spend on increase to give some upside. The check in kiosks purchasing liquor is much higher than travel retail industry would have to  60% Drop in travellers using airport average pre COVID-19 time. be creative, innovative and aware of trolleys in airports  37% of travellers consider buying the new normal to ensure that they  50% Drop in travellers using checking listed products (MEAN) in the airport maximize their spending on this in luggage facility in airports UNSAFE reduced number of travellers. There  44% of travellers consider buying are different kinds of travellers as per Shopping at Airports and Duty Free liquor in the airport duty-free UNSAFE their risk perception. These would Safety perception associated with  33% of travellers consider buying travel at different points of time and Shopping at Airports and Duty Free is chocolate in the airport duty-free would have a different demand and moderate with only 37% consider buying UNSAFE expectation from the retailer.”

67 PEAKLIFE HAUTE HOROLOGY

NEW YOU, NEW DIAL Complex works of horology combined with a fine taste for details and craftmanship, nothing beats a showstopper wrapped graciously around your wrist. This New Year, applaud your watch-drobe with the season’s hottest picks.

A GENTLEMAN’S CHOICE Inspired by free diver and Brand Ambassador Guillaume Néry– the Panerai Luminor Marina Guillaume Néry Edition – 44mm draws inspiration from its illustrious history and capitalizing on a wealth of technological know- P.9010, a self-winding movement measuring how. While recognizing the critical importance only 6 mm thick and designed and developed of legible diving instruments, Panerai entirely within the Panerai Manufacture in celebrates the 70th anniversary of the birth of Neuchâtel, completes the new Luminor Marina Luminor with the introduction of this evocative limited edition model available in 70 pieces. An resistant up to 30 bar (about 300 meters deep), expression of contemporary horology, this 44mm − Guillaume Néry Edition. Water- timepiece reflects the sophisticated approach Edition is equipped with a strap made from to working with advanced materials cultivated blackthe Luminor recycled Marina PET 44mm material − Guillaume with white Néry by the Panerai Laboratorio di Idee. Caliber stitching and a trapezoidal pin buckle.

68 SIMPLY CLASSY Within the framework of the holistic and long-term alliance, the premium manufacturers intend to jointly approach both sports competitions and the development of products. As a first step, the partners unveiled a new watch, the TAG Heuer Carrera Porsche Chronograph. Carrera as an icon of a name has been associated with Porsche and TAG Heuer for generations – so it was a natural choice for the first creative product collaboration. Porsche’s engraved inscription is visible on the bezel and the unmistakable font is also used for the indexes. The Porsche colours of red, black, and grey – which also recall historic Heuer models – are incorporated throughout the watch, and on clear display through the transparent cristal case back is the oscillating mass, which has been redesigned in affectionate tribute to Porsche’s celebrated steering wheel. It is printed with “Porsche” and “TAG Heuer”.

69 SUNSHINE ON YOUR WRIST BOVET Récital 26 Brainstorm® Chapter Two Sunshine Collectionproudly presents a limited edition 7 BrainstormChapter Two, featuring a magnificent Yellow Dial. Yellow is the most luminous of all the colors of the spectrum; it is the color of happiness, optimism,enlightenment, creativity, and sunshine. The watch boasts a patented double-face flying tourbillon, a radial guidance system, a three-dimensional moon phase with five days of power reserve, and apatented three-dimensional V-shaped needle that allows the collector to display the time zone of theirchoice. With this timepiece, the House of BOVET honors its dedication,passion, respect for tradition, and care for the minor details that are the hallmarks of exquisite andunparalleled high watchmaking.

70 COOL, CLASSY, CHARISMATIC Ulysse Nardin DiverX ANTARCTICA introduces an ode to the essence of exploration and all it entails. An avatar in the world of watchmaking, the Antarctica model of the Diver X is a watch that brings the “X-factor” to tackle the world’s roughest seas - in honour of the modern-day Ulysses who choose to risk exploring this daunting, dangerous place, literally located at the end of the Earth. A matte white rubber strap recalls the austere lines of the Earth’s Southernmost Continent with ice blue touches on the dial reflecting the icebergs floating in the sea there. Its UN-118 movement guarantees accuracy in any hemisphere at any time of the day or night. What’s special is the stamp on the back of the watch details not only the coordinates of the AntarcticContinent: 90° latitude, but also the route of the Vendée Globe sailing race.As close to nature as it gets.

71 BLACK IS BACK Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Open worked unveils its new version -combining an elegant black ceramic case with a dial design full of subtle contrasts. For the first time, the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked is offered with a black ceramic case and bracelet, both meticulously hand-finished with the Manufacture’s trademark alternation of satin-brushing and polishing. The watch’s titanium caseback also presents a new engraving: “Royal Oak Double Balancier,” in honour of the complex mechanism ticking within. In addition, the blackened openworked bridges reveal part of the rhodium-toned gear train on both sides of the watch – a fine specimen of detailed craftmanship.

72 EVERLASTING SPIRIT Porsche Design presents a revolutionary Custom-Built Timepieces concept that allows Porsche and watch enthusiasts to design their own chronograph perfectly tailored to their liking for the first time. The menu navigation and overall design of the new watch configurator are based on the well-established Porsche car configurator. Just like the Porsche 911 range, the watch is digitally visualized down to the smallest detail to provide customers with a realistic depiction of their dream timepiece. The first step in the virtual timepiece configurator is to select the 42mm case. The customer can choose between a glass bead-blasted natural titanium case or a black titanium case coated in titanium carbide via PVD.

73 TO KEEP YOU CLASSY Frederique Constant Slimline Power Reserve Manufacture powered by MotionX®,pushe sits boundaries to produce some of the finest mechanical and complicated timepieces at competitive prices. The Slimline Power Reserve Manufacture is a proud addition to its 28th in-house caliber within the Manufacture collection. This model is designed in keeping with the classical watchmaking principles and further innovating the timepieces with an extraordinary 50-hour power reserve function in-house movement. Frederique Constant has created a simple watch to create a real legacy for the future generations.

74 CRAFTED WITH EXCELLENCE Celebrating the Chinese New Year with a limited series of 50 watches dedicated to this tradition and its festivities and housed in a precious platinum case, the Traditional Chinese Calendar bearing the effigy of the ox features an exclusive complication appearing on an elegant Grand Feu enamel dial. Blancpain’s Traditional Chinese Calendar watch pays homage to the age-old culture of the Middle Kingdom. The Grand Feu enamel dial of this exceptional timepiece reveals the complexity of a display combining Chinese calendar indications with those of the Gregorian calendar and moon phases – all specialties of the Manufacture Blancpain.

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