Actor Anu Prabhakar Mukherjee is celebrating her birthday today. The actor says everything around her birthday is exciting because she gets to spend the day with close family and friends.

The icing on the cake, she says, are the surprises her husband Raghu Mukherjee springs on her on the occasion.

The actor, who was last seen in the role of Vani in a daily television soap titled Triveni Sangama, is now busy working on her next project titled, Anukta, in which she appears in a cameo.

She hasnt signed any other project and is using her spare time to travel. In fact, she and Raghu have just returned from a bike ride to Ooty.

In an interview with Nina C George, Anu shares the plans for her birthday and talks about her future projects.

What plans for your birthday today?

I plan to have lunch with Raghu and a bunch of close friends from school. I am going to miss my mother because she is shooting. Later in the evening, Raghu and I have planned a quiet dinner.

What is the excitement like on your birthday?

I receive a lot of wishes and even after all these years, I am still excited about my birthday.

My mother usually gifts me money and wants me to buy something for myself almost immediately, before I spend it on something else.

My mother-in-law gifted me a bunch of lipsticks last year which I really loved. Raghu always manages to surprise me. All this makes my day special.

What new project are you working on?

I am doing a cameo in Anukta. It is a murder-
mystery in which I play an important role. Who is Anukta and what happens to her is revealed towards the end.

How did you get down to working on this project?

I met Karthik, who plays the lead in the film, earlier on at one of the events. He was keen that I take up the role because he wanted someone who could emote and perform the character really well.

Have you signed any other project?

I havent signed anything else because I found nothing interesting. I have had a couple of offers from Tamil and Telugu film industries but I wasnt too keen on it because I dont want to take up roles that are beyond my age.

How are you using your spare time?

I have been travelling quite a bit. Raghu and I recently went on a bike ride to Ooty. We went
on small rides in and around Bengaluru but this was our first big ride after buying his new bike. We went with my mother-in-law and a few of our friends. There were six people on four bikes.

Your favourite pastime at the moment...

I am catching up on my reading. There are a couple of books that I have set aside and now I am taking turns to read them all.

On my pinboard

Creator of the mohan veena and winner of the Grammy Award, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, is known for his pure yet strong music. He won the Grammy for the album A Meeting by the River with Ry Cooder.
He is also known for other fusion and pan-cultural collaborations with Western artistes such as Taj Mahal, Béla Fleck and Jerry Douglas. An impressive aspect of his style is his ability to play Tantrakari Ang and amalgamate it with gayaki ang on the mohan veena.

Musician

Pandit Ravi Shankar

"When it comes to Indian classical music, sitar maestro Ravi Shankar is someone I admire. He was also my guru for some time. His dynamic personality is something I look up to. Ustad Amir Khan is another musician I have great admiration for."

Inspiration

Amitabh Bachchan

"Amitabh Bachchan has made it big in the industry on his own will which is quite motivating. The way he carries himself is what I like about him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is another person I look up to. He is an example of
the fact that if one works hard, they can make things possible."

Travel

Switzerland

"I love to travel and it is an integral part of my life. I usually travel to at least 20 cities a month. This has helped me meet different people and experience different cultures and food. Switzerland is a place I love to go back to. It is truly the heaven on earth. Be it the climate or its people, the environment is safe and calm. Seoul is another place I like to visit. Its such a beautiful place and so developed."

Movie

Sholay

"Whenever we get time. My wife and I make sure to go to a cinema hall to catch a movie. My all-time favourite film is the classic Sholay. Mughal-E-Azam and the Hollywood film Ben-Hur are also evergreen movies which I enjoy watching. Of the recent movies we have watched, Dangal and Bajrangi Bhaijaan stand out."

Cuisine

Paneer butter masala

"I am a pure vegetarian and love to relish Punjabi-styled paneer butter masala. It should be spicy and should be cooked with a lot of butter. Turai ki sabji is another thing I like to have. When I am travelling, I usually like to have Cheese pizza. My breakfast usually consists of jalebi, poha, vada with coconut chutney and sambhar."

This photo was taken in 1965 when I was in class seven at Malleswaram Sishu Vihar (MSV). It was our send-off celebrations and every student was given an atlas.

At that time, our school was in 5th Cross Malleswaram and had a big playground. MSV was started in 1953 by Thirumalamma, an efficient and dedicated educationist.

Here we learnt self-discipline, self-confidence, humility, empathy, dedication and loyalty without effort. In addition to the normal curriculum, the children were taught shlokas and prayers, sports, dramatics, artwork etc.

Every teacher who taught us were dedicated, selfless and disciplined to the core including non-teaching staff.

After seventh standard, I went to Gandhinagar High School, then to MES College to complete B Sc and then to University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering for BE.

But after 1965, I was occasionally in touch with my classmates Prasad and C Sridhar for some years.

In 1978, I went to Bhadravathi to work with The Mysore Paper Mills Ltd and in those days as there was no email or WhatsApp I could not communicate with many of my friends.

Among my middle school classmates was D Balakrishna, the son of famous veena vidwan Doraiswamy Iyengar. He worked in the Reserve Bank and is a full- fledged veena artiste. Chandrakanth was a professor at UAS, now he is the director of Institute for Social and Economic Change.

In February 2013, I was in Bhadravathi and got a surprise phone call from my classmate Chandrakanth and Ramamani that a MSV Alumni Meet has been organised and the felicitation of our teachers have been arranged at Canara Union. I attended the Guruvandana programme and it was a joy to see our teachers being felicitated for the great service they had rendered.

I could meet some of my teachers and few classmates after 48 years. That was really wonderful time because we were small children when we parted in 1965 and met again in 2013 when we were on the verge of retirement.At that time, I could meet C Sridhar, Chandrakanth, Ramamani, Chandrika and Vijayalakshmi. I dont know where they are. Recently, I met S Anantharam at a function after a gap of 52 years.

I sincerely hope this group photo will help my middle-school classmates wherever they are to communicate to me through my email so that we can meet once in a while and share our post middle-school life with one another.

(The author can be contacted at bhamini07@gmail.com)

Would you pay Rs 30,00,00,000 to house your car? I suppose it would depend on what your car is worth and how much it means to you. A Canadian developer is banking on the very rich spending that kind of money for a luxury car building near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver is fast becoming the Luxury Car Capital of the world.

It appears there are enough interested people to warrant the project since about 80% of the units have already been sold. Construction of this pricey Garage is slated for completion by 2019, according to a spokesperson for the developer.

The base units are about 1,000 square feet and start at Canadian $600,000 with no added furnishings. But there are also 25,000 square feet units that include a mezzanine and decor themes. Owners can pay more to design their luxury garages, to reflect their own unique style. They can also choose from pre-designed interior packages. The Marinello package will allow drivers to store their luxury cars in double-width units next to furniture designed by an international chain.

The two-storey project is slated to be built in a neighbourhood of Vancouvers suburb of Richmond, which is home to Chinese Canadians. There are 45 units in total for sale and there will also be space for car-related storefronts on the ground floor.

Not everybody is so charitable though. Another reaction was, "We really are turning into a playground for the international elite, for a lot of very wealthy people."

When it comes to luxury furniture, the philosophy of less is more is perfectly applicable. Instead of investing in over-the-top designs, choose products that celebrate unique, quality materials that help you tell a story. Instead of crowding out spaces with excessive pieces and clashing designs, invest in a few synergetic pieces. This has an uplifting impact on the living space and by extension on the people inhabiting it. Another important point to keep in mind when selecting luxury furniture pieces is that design for the sake of design is often vulgar. Luxury furniture should effortlessly incorporate ostentatious design with functionality.

Material matters

It is the materials and craftsmanship that make products stand out. Superior quality materials are like couture clothes, inimitable with a sense of being created specifically for your needs. This design philosophy should be embodied into every luxury furniture design so that the element has its own unique essence. For instance, LOpulence uses an amalgamation of raw materials ranging from leather, fur, wood and other fibres with the utilitarian aspect of furniture design.

The approach to luxury furniture design can also be two-fold. An essential thing is to conceptualise and plan your space before actually manufacturing furniture, keeping in mind functionality and comfort without compromising on aesthetics. One of the most popular pieces at LOpulence is the Chaise Lounge, a truly unique piece that effortlessly marries the taught cracked leather with gentle hair-on cowhide to produce the most elegant lounging chair.

The other aspect that differentiates luxury designs from the rest is the ability of luxury pieces to provoke an emotion or start a conversation. This has always been the constant factor in the works of some of the best designers in the world, whether it be Maison Valentinas Newton Bath or the iconic mirrors of Christopher Guy.

Luxury furniture products should be designed to resonate the source of their inspiration. For instance, a popular favourite, the Chasm Table is inspired by the Japanese tradition of Kintsugi that treats breakage as part of the history of an object, and celebrates these imperfections by using gold as a medium for repair. Beautiful grains of veneer along with gold foil make this table an object of glory for the living space. Blending the luxury of gold as a material, the table also adds a breathtaking touch of glamour and elegance to any living room.

The satisfaction of owning a luxury piece of furniture does not come easy. These pieces tend to be expensive and delicate, making their care essential and complicated. The best way to protect your precious decor items is to prevent damage. We would highly recommend picking up your furniture when moving it instead of dragging it. Or even better, get professional movers for the large pieces. For tables and chairs made from leather, ensure a pad nearby at all times to ensure no writing marks or cup rings affect your leather as stained leather is a nightmare to clean.

Leather requires extra care. An effort should be made to clean all spills immediately. For overall cleaning, use mild soaps with no detergents, and remember to never use water or chemical solutions to clean leather. Avoid cleaning products made of fur and suede with water too as this can permanently damage the material. These pieces should be dusted with a feather duster or a soft cloth regularly. If dust begins to settle into the fabric, it becomes patchy and is difficult to clean.

Wooden products are probably the easiest to clean but sometimes this becomes the very reason for their damage. Of all the products available in the market, polishes that contain detergents, emulsifiers and mineral oils are the most reliable. The detergent cleans the dirt, the emulsifier gives its body that lasts long, and the mineral oil acts as a barrier for dirt and moisture.

(The authors are principal designers, LOpulence)

Indian winters are one of the most complexed seasons we have. Every corner of the country has a different feel to it during this season. The winters in the north are chilling cold, whereas in the south, it remains tropical. Hence, gearing up your home for Indian winters varies from city to city. However, few tricks here and there shall make your home ready for the cold season.

Here are some ideas on how to make your home winter-friendly according to different regions:

In the north

• Keep your flooring warm: The first thing that you notice in the cold winter mornings is that the floors get too cold. Therefore, one must keep the flooring warm near our beds, so that we dont catch a cold. To do so, one can have some stylish dhurries put over the tiles. This will not only give it a winter feel but also act as a functional and stylish decor accent.

• The Swiss log cabin look: One can have scented candles burning in some stylish candle stands. This will provide aroma and warmth as well as make the whole atmosphere cosy and welcoming. Let the aura of the place reflect that of a Swiss log cabin.

• Brighten it up: During winters, the atmosphere tends to get dull and grey. Get some brightness in the space by having bright or neon cushion covers on sofas as well as bright quilts on the beds. This will reverse the ambience.

In the south

• Flooring first: Tropical winters are really nice since you have the sun shining, and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold; its just perfect! For a winter like this, one also needs to take care of the cold flooring with colourful rugs and carpets made out of bamboo or cane, so that our feet do not touch the tiles first thing in the morning.

• The Mediterranean look: Burning aroma oil in dispensers makes the whole environment emanate a feeling of warmth, which is much needed during the tropical winters. Having a combination of subtle Mediterranean-inspired cushion covers will make for a bright winter.

• Accessories: Placing some nice and stylish candles on your coffee tables or your side tables will give you the ultimate winter feel. Also, having some colourful winter flowers in your ceramic or glass vases will provide a fresh feeling to your space.

The constant search for livelihood and better living conditions has been attracting population rapidly over the years to migrate from rural to urban locations. This inward migration may play a direct role in contributing to the countrys GDP, but it has also led to a cause for concern. This new socio-economic category of urban poor is facing a housing shortage.

The key obstacles faced by sector to provide for affordable projects for this segment are:

• Cost of land

• Construction and operating inefficiency

• Lack of access to low-cost financing

The effective solution to the above issues lies with both the governing authorities as well as private players. The fundamental idea behind Public Private Partnership (PPP) is to combine the strengths of the private sector with those of the public sector in order to overcome challenges faced by affordable housing, and achieve superior outcomes in the process.

There are limitations to directing privately owned land to affordable housing, keeping in mind the cost involved. The PPP model is thus required to incentivise utilisation of privately owned land as well as facilitate access to government land. The PPP model for affordable housing thus carries six generic PPP structures constituted for projects on government land and two models for privately owned lands.

Under the models based on government land, here are six main categories of housing:

Government Land-based Subsidised Housing (GLSH)

The public authority provides land to the selected private developer and provides for compensation on the satisfactory completion and handing over of the units, as per prescribed standards, cost and time.

Mixed Development Cross-subsidised Housing (MDCH)

The private developer will be allowed to build and sell high-end housing on a portion of the government land allotted. Developers can also utilise the entire land made available by the government for high-end housing in exchange for providing affordable housing at another location. Developers can also be provided with higher floor area ratio (FAR), transfer of development rights (TDR) as well as fast-track clearances for undertaking the development of high-end housing. In exchange for all this value creation, the private developer will be required to provide affordable housing free of cost.

Annuity-Based Subsidised Housing (ABSH)

This model enables developers to receive revenue from the government in the form of regular annuity payments for a particular period of time (up to 10 years) instead of a lump sum amount at the time of handover. It also requires the developer to maintain the assets during this period.

Annuity cum capital Grant-based Subsidised Housing (AGSH)

This model works similar to ABSH except for a significant proportion of project cost (40-50%) is paid to the private developer during the construction phase itself. The remaining amount is paid to the developer as an annuity for up to 10 years after the successful completion of the project. The developer will continue to maintain the assets during this period.

Direct Relationship Ownership Housing (DROH)

This model acts similar to GLSH except the allottee would be required to make payments towards the cost of the housing unit directly to the developer. The type of construction allowed under this model would only be of economically weaker section (EWS) and lower income group (LIG) units.

Direct Relationship Rental Housing (DRRH)

Designed to be similar to DROH, this model requires the allottee to make rental payments towards the usage of the housing unit directly to the developer, whereas these units continue to be owned by the developers.

For development utilising the private land, the credit-linked subsidy scheme allows for an interest subsidy for the allottees, whereas under the affordable housing in partnership (AHP) scheme, the public authority shall fix the cost of the dwelling unit.

In spite of the many benefits the above models project for private developers, there are still obstacles facing those who wish to aggressively foray into the value home segment. For example, the car parking requirement as per zoning regulations for Bengaluru insists on one car park for every two units (when units are below 50 sq mt), additional 10% as visitor car park and the size of the car park to be 5.5 mt x 2.5 mt.

Assuming a one-acre property with a road approach of 40 ft and applicable floor space index (FSI) of 2.25, the developer would be able to construct 98,000 sq ft, which translates to about 218 homes, necessitating the provision of 120 car parks. However, most of the consumers in this segment will not own cars and the ones who do own cars, surely will not own cars that require 5.5 mt x 2.5 mt size.

The current car park requirements necessitate the provision of a basement in addition to ground-level parking, thereby increasing the cost of construction and the price of an apartment unnecessarily. Developers are therefore forced to provide something that consumers in this segment dont need but will end up having to pay for.

The success of the affordable housing initiative hence depends on the proactive involvement and a healthy conversation amongst all its stakeholders. With the deployment of the Real Estate and Regulatory Act (RERA), which mainly focuses on completion of projects on time, there is hope for effectively covering the demand-supply gap for affordable housing under the PPP Policy. If all the acts under the PPP policy encompass, it will certainly succeed and help in the overall supply of affordable housing in a big way.

(The author is joint managing director, Legacy Global Projects)

A well-laid table is a visual delight. It is said that "you eat with your eyes first", and a visually appealing dish increases the appetite. Likewise, a well-laid table enhances the dining experience. Setting a fine table requires appropriate tableware. It is an integral part of the dining room.

There are a variety of tableware pieces available in the market. Often, we are spoiled by the choice available and get confused while picking the right piece. Setting the table tastefully while keeping contemporary trends in mind can be a challenge.

Basics first

Just like you, your home and space has its own personality. While picking tabletops, keeping the space in mind becomes essential. When youre choosing tableware, it is important to consider the shape, finish and style of your table. Tableware not only enhances the appeal of the tabletop but the entire space as well, and serves as a good opportunity to showcase ones creativity.

Janaki Kirloskar, CEO and founder of KIKA Tableware, says, "Create a beautiful table setting using jewel-toned linen to contrast against neutral-coloured tableware. Add metallic sparkle to your table decor for New Years Eve with black and metallic tableware. Use a mirrored charger, beaded napkin ring and a golden disco ball to contrast against the tableware."

A good centrepiece for the dining table enhances the overall look and provides for a grand dining experience. A spokesperson from Pepperfry advises, "Ensure that your centrepieces are noticeable but not too large or showy that they literally become the centre of attraction. Your dining room is the most important space in your home, especially during festivities. Prioritise a pleasing colour tone to give it a wonderful first impression."

Setting an appealing table is not difficult, nor do you need expensive tableware or silverware. Arrangement and creativity are the key to a good table setting. Smitha Murthy, creative and managing director, ANTS, says, "Combine different materials such as wood with ceramic, glass with metal to create an interesting table setting, and add accessories and table linen to existing tableware to refresh the look. Table runners add a nice highlight to the table setting. Accessorise with scented candles to bring in a nice, cosy feel to your dinner experience." Experiment with different shapes and sizes of tableware rather than the conventional out of the box set. Let the centrepiece be the star of the table.

Susan George, curator and store owner, Xanadu, says, "Add life to your tablescape with a vibrant centre-setting. Make use of one of those jugs or serving dishes you rarely take out and decorate it with flowers or fruits. These quick and easy centrepiece ideas will surely do the job. Make good use of potpourri. Just place a beautiful bowl and fill it with potpourri. Add a special touch to your table with some handmade crafts."

Setting up linen makes the tableware distinct. There is a vast range of table linen and runners in a variety of textures and colours available in the market, which help in setting up the table. "Place mats create a stylish space for each place setting and woven treated cotton works well too. Square place mats give a contemporary look while round place mats break up an angular table space," says Abhinav Mahajan, retail director, Maspar.

Trending now

Table linen, embellished runners, place mats, napkins, tea cosy, coasters with trims and additions like laces, cords and micro-surface detailing are trending. The latest trend in tableware is co-ordination. Co-ordinating the table decor with the cuisine you are serving is in nowadays. Mix and match various colours and textures to create your own look.

Mrinamayee Kundalia, CEO and founder, TUNI, says, "Our recommended colour for the season is a pop of deep blue. TUNIs latest collection has a range of deep blues, greens and a golden neutral along with a pop of yellow. The balance of colours should be maintained alongside the combination of decor and food. Quite often, the table setup looks lovely but we do not consider the colours the food adds to it. I recommend setting the table in a way that the food balances out the colours rather than causing chaos. For instance, in a breakfast setting, fruits bring out a robust pop of colour. Match the linen to accommodate the yellows or oranges."

If you have to set your table for a formal dinner, creativity and innovation can help create a setting that is pleasing. "One of the most important things to note is the right placement of the dinner set. The right placement of the knife and fork along with the place mats, runner and coaster are what meets the eye at first, and some guests can be particular about it too. It does not hurt to bring out the fancy cutlery. One can light up a scented lemongrass candle if preparing Asian food to get the taste buds ready. The use of an elegant candle stand will enhance the table decor. A fancy dinner always calls for some special glassware. No meal is complete without something to wash it down. So, every fancy drink does require a special glass to grace the occasion," says George.

With so many options to get your table ready, all you need to do now is get cooking. Have fun!

It was her hard work and determination that got playback singer and lyricist Priya Saraiya huge recognition in Bollywood.
She got nominated for the best lyrics for Saibo, best singer for Piya O Re Piya and best female singer for Sun Saathiya.
Some of her latest songs include Bezubaan, Johnny Johnny and Baat Ban Jaye. She has also written the lyrics for movies like Bhoomi, Simran and Haseena Parker.

In a chat with Anila Kurian, Priya talks about how she likes to take everything slowly and continue to challenge herself with each project.

How settled are you in the industry now?

Im at a very comfortable stage in my career. I want to maintain the quality of work I do, so I dont take up a lot of work. Having said that, Ive never been too ambitious and thats probably what helps me stay grounded.

What are you busy with these days?

I am working on a few other films which will release sometime early next year. Im also trying to find some time to learn new instruments.

How would you define your style of music?

I like to experiment with genres and reinvent myself with work. Thats my only style.

A genre of music that you love...

Romantic songs. It comes very naturally to me.

A genre that you dont enjoy so much...

Item songs. I struggle to write the lyrics for that.

What do you prefer - singing or songwriting?

I do enjoy singing on stage because it helps me understand my audience. But songwriting helps me stay connected to music. Its hard to pick.

Do you ever have a writers block?

(Laughs) Yes! Thats when I take a break and go somewhere that inspires me.

Whats it like working with your husband Jigar?

I consider him more of my friend than my husband. Hes my biggest critic and its very hard to impress him. He gives me the motivation to work.

Is there anything about the way he works that bothers you?

He used to reject most of my work and weve fought about it a lot. Now hes nicer because he knows that he wont get food at home (laughs). We also understand that its for the song and our personal thoughts should not jeopardise it. We do compromise at the end.

What changes would you like to see in the industry?

We need more female lyricists in the industry. There are so many opportunities and I hope more women will explore it.

Your other interests...

Cooking, travelling and reading.

With the chill in the air, dry skin is a given. Cracked and chapped hands can often be a point to worry about during these times.

Here are some tips for smooth, soft hands this season.

Avoid soap: Avoid hand cleansers with synthetic fragrances and preservatives as they can be very drying. Foaming and antibacterial soaps will strip the skin of its own natural oils. Choose moisturising cleansers instead, and be sure you rinse thoroughly.

Moisturise: After washing your hands every time, moisturise them. If youre not at home, carry a moisturiser with you.

Avoid dryers: When at a restaurant or outside, just let your hands dry naturally. Though hot-air dryers are becoming popular as they save the environment and money, they can easily dry your hands out. Simply shake dry your hands and dab on some lotion.

Use gloves: One of the best treatments is prevention, so whenever youre gardening, outside or simply washing dishes, gloves are a must.

Wear them to bed: Damaged hands need serious attention and it is best to treat it overnight. Apply a thick moisturiser, some jojoba or vitamin E oil, then soak in the bath or put on some cotton gloves and go to bed. Rinse it off in
the morning.

Exfoliate: When most people hear exfoliate, they think of the face. The skin on the hands, especially on the back of them is thin and fragile. If your hands are severely dry and calloused, use a pumice stone. One can use one or two tablespoons of sugar, add olive oil and rub both them on the front and back of the hands to loosen up the dry, dull skin. Try this around four times a week and always apply a moisturising lotion afterwards.

Use coconut oil: Coconut oil is magical for the skin because of its combination of fatty acids. Apply it on your hands and wear gloves.

Actor Shalini Vadnikatti will be seen in an interesting role in Rajaru that has released today.
Cast alongside four male actors in the movie, she thoroughly enjoyed playing someone who is different from her. The role gave her an opportunity to discover another side of the actor in her. Shalini hopes that the kind of offers coming her way will change after the release of Rajaru. The actor is confident that the perception about love, relationships and women among youngsters is sure to change after watching the film.
In an interview with Nina C George, Shalini shares her experience of working in Rajaru.

What is special about Rajaru?

I play a character called Deepa in the film. She is an easy-going person who doesnt bother about the consequences of what she says or does till an encounter with four men changes her life. The story traces the transformation of the life of a woman.

How was it to work with four men?

It was an interesting experience because the character of each man is different and so are their emotions. I had to change my body language and work on my emotions to suit each of the four characters.

How was it working with director Girish Mulimani...

There was no stress working with Girish as a director because he knew exactly what he wanted from his actors. He has already worked with actor Sudeep and earned enough experience. I was impressed with his clarity of thought, confidence and hardwork.

Are there any films in Kannada that you have enjoyed watching?

Films like Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu, Kirik Party and RangiTaranga have set a precedent of sorts in the Kannada film industry. These films have proved that experimental cinema work well with the audience here. I hope to see more such films in the future.

What languages are you comfortable working in?

I am presently working in Tamil and Telugu film industries because I can speak both languages. I am more comfortable conversing in Telugu because we speak it at home. I am now fluent in Kannada.

What do you think has brought you so far?

No one in my family is associated with the film industry. I am the only one who chose a career in the entertainment industry. I wouldnt have been able to get this far without the support and encouragement of my family.

Other projects in the pipeline...

I am working on two Telugu films. I am yet to sign a Kannada project because I am waiting for the release of Rajaru.

Metalheads unite! The second edition of the Durance of Hate Tour of Proximity Productions is underway and it features some emerging yet impressive metal outfits, Mumbai-based death metal band Darkrypt being one of them.

Recently in the city to perform at blueFrog, guitarist Mihir Gaikwad and lead guitarist and vocalist Rishabh Ravi took time off to talk to Rajitha Menon about their journey in a genre that is as extreme as the reactions it evokes.

The origins of the band...

Mihir: The band was formed by Amey Bhole and Nachiket Bhave in around 2012. I started chipping in for some live gigs in 2013 when Nachiket was busy. That gave me a chance to know more about the kind of music they played. Finally, we decided to bring out an album in 2015. It involved some good writing, collaborations with some big names and high production value. I joined in as a full time member for the work on the album.

The bands USP?

Mihir: We are like a machine - everyone in the band has a part and we try to make sure that everyone fits in properly. We try to play music that is different but also old-school. There is a certain level of complexity in our riffs. All of us have different styles of playing and influences and we try to pitch in everything.

Any change in your audience over the years?

Mihir: Initially, we used to play more at college festivals. It was a younger audience which was not used to the kind of music that we played. But then, times changed and we also improved as a band. When we announced the album, people started taking us a bit more seriously. We moved on from being a college band to a more professional outfit.

How is metal doing in India- dying, surviving or thriving?

Mihir: It is difficult to judge the metal scene in India. We play something that is not easily accepted by the mainstream audience. To understand metal music, people need to have a certain level of knowledge in music. You can write really good intrinsic pieces but if the audience doesnt understand, its of no value. I dont think the scene is gonna die out though. There will always be a bunch of loyalists who will keep this alive.

What is the biggest threat to this genre of music?

Rishabh: Indians are concentrated on Bollywood and commercial music and they are not ready to give metal a try.

You played in Bengaluru recently. Thoughts about the crowd...

Rishabh: It was an amazing experience. The crowd was less but the people there were very energetic. Proximity Productions did a great job with the entire tour.

A common misconception about metal music...

Rishabh: Everybody thinks it is all about screaming and noise. But there are many types of metal. There is a metal for everyone. People just need to open up.

Craziest fan reaction...

Rishabh: In a metal gig, there are certain beats which drive the crowd crazy. People run around in circles, push each other around and have a lot of fun. Sometimes, it becomes insane. There have been gigs when people have been pushed on to the stage, crashed into my amplifier and mic stand, caused my guitars to unplug and so on.

Dream venue..

Rishabh: Wacken Open Air in Germany. That is the holiest place for any metalhead. Playing there would be a dream come true. Even if I die after that, I would die happy.

Any road in the city, during peak hours or otherwise, is the usual setting for a few instances of rule breaking.

A common sight are two-wheeler riders who feel that footpaths are included in their rideable territory. Apart from riding on the footpaths, some of these riders even have the audacity to honk at the pedestrians walking on the pavement. Some Bengalureans tell Tini Sara Anien the ways in which they react if they see a motorist on the footpath.

Divya BR, project
manager with an MNC

"Unfortunately, this is a common sight on every road now, especially on the stretch between KR Puram and Whitefield. As a woman, I try to be careful about the way I react when I see instances like these. But I do make it a point to take a picture of the violation and post it on the Bengaluru Traffic Police website and social media platforms. This is the only way the situation can attract attention. Its not easy to catch the rule breakers on the spot."

Simi Choudhury,
HR Leader for an IT firm

"I get startled when I see a vehicle
behind me on a footpath, where I believe that I am quite safe. In the last few years, I have noticed that this is a common sight. Whenever I encounter such a situation, I stare at the perpetrators, sometimes even gesture with my hands to ask them if they know what they are doing. Some stare back while others
give an apologetic look, as if trying to explain their situation. It is sad that
Bengaluru doesnt have many good footpaths and even the best ones see
vehicular movement on it. The worst part is when the lawmakers themselves break the rules. How does one react to that?"

Biju AP, businessman

"Some two-wheeler riders are so used to travelling on the footpath that even at 6.30 am, when there is no traffic, you can see them on the pathway. If I could, I would physically stop them from moving ahead and give them a piece of my mind. Even if the talk doesnt help, the lawbreakers will remember the quarrel for some time. Clicking a photograph of them and sharing it with the traffic authorities is the only way out."

Mohammad Mujahid Altafhusain Kittur, HR professional with a hospital.

"The first thing that my friends and I do when we see a motorist on the footpath is to shout out Superman, for the way they whizz past pedestrians. When we scream this, some riders turn around. Sometimes they pause for a few moments, where we approach them and explain that what they are doing is wrong. Most people know this but dont care anyway. I particularly dislike it when some are bold enough to even honk at pedestrians. Once a similar incident happened at Marathahalli and I didnt allow the motorist to go any further. Nothing happens even if you voice out though."

Namma Metro has been a big boon for Bengalureans, helping thousands of commuters avoid traffic gridlocks and save time. However, Metro users agree that most of the commuters dont follow the basic etiquette and create problems for fellow travellers.

From not being in a queue to pushing and jostling, there is flouting of rules by some sections of the travellers. Women travellers, especially, do not always have a smooth ride. While some say that they get pushed by male fellow travellers, others say that most men occupy the seats without a care for the women passengers.

Sini, a regular Metro traveller, recollects, "Some men travelling by the Metro clearly need lessons on respecting a lady. Last week, this was quite evident when I was on my way from office to home with two bags. When a passenger alighted, and I was about to sit in that space, one particular person slid into the vacant seat, making space for his friend as well. At the next station, when his friend alighted, I sat in that vacant space. No sooner had I sat down, than this particular person asked me to get up so that another friend of his could sit there. This kind of behaviour only shows the brazen attitude of some men and how they have no idea how to respect a woman."

Thrupti N S, an employee of Wipro, says that it is almost impossible to get space to stand
when travelling in the Metro during peak hours.

"Men and women get pushed around inside the Metro and sometimes it gets uncomfortable when men stand too close. People who get in with big bags make the commute even more uncomfortable," she says.

Elveera A V, a student of New Shores College, says that she finds most of the seats being occupied by men.

"There are very few men who offer their seats to women in spite of announcements being made to offer seats," says Elveera.

The scenario is quite different in other modes of transport in the city. Kailas H, a student, feels that people on the buses are more courteous and forthcoming than those travelling by the Metro trains.
"Most people who manage to get a seat on the Metro wear their earphones and detach themselves from whats happening around. Seats are never voluntarily offered, unless it is asked for," says Kailas.
Kantharaj, a software professional, another regular Metro traveller, agrees that travelling by Metro can be an exasperating experience.

"People never follow the queue system and always push their way into the train. They dont bother if the person in front of them gets hurt or even falls. This is rude and extremely discourteous," he says.

My wife Spandana and son Shourya are my world. If I am home during weekends, I relax with them. We wake up late and once we are up, we sit down for coffee and chit-chat for hours together. These conversations are really important for me.

During those weekends we make family visits and that includes visiting my parents and my in-laws place. Shourya loves playing with his cousins and we love spending time with our families and just being ourselves.

My father Chinne Gowda and mother Jayamma love hosting us and we have a fun get-together. I love visiting them as I also get to spend some quality time with my brother SriiMurali.

Though my father, my brother and I are from the film industry, we rarely talk about films. We are like any normal family talking about daily affairs and random things. Sri Murari and I share a very special bond. Even if we dont get to see each other often because of our schedules, whenever we do, it is a crazy occasion. We behave like kids, teasing and pulling each others legs. He is a very protective sibling and I let it stay that way though I am the older one.

My weekends also include spending time with my friends who are from the film industry and outside.

Sunil, Vishal Hegde, Meghna, Raj, Kiran and Archana are some of my closest friends. We all share a very close bond. Its always nice to have friends from outside your work circle too as it helps put things into perspective.

As for the actor friends who I like chilling with, Diganth and Prajwal top the list.

I met them 10 years ago when they entered the film industry and since then, they call me Anna. They respect me a lot and we share a very special bond.

Though our conversations start with films, it always moves on to unconnected topics like weather, politics and so on. We never run out of topics to talk about.

I love relaxing at cafes and I always ask them if we could meet at a cafe but we end up chilling at house parties.

The best part about all my friends is that they all connect really well with my wife Spandana. She loves spending time with all of them. As a family, we also watch movies together. While Spandana likes watching Indian films, my son and I dont miss out any action or interesting English movies.

I find silence in the chaos.

I also love being on my own at cafes. This could be after a film discussion or when I just want to escape the routine. I just sit around, listening to music and digging into goodies accompanied by a cold coffee.

I have a sweet tooth and I thoroughly indulge in desserts.

This is why I dont miss my workout sessions.

I was on a break for some time but now I religiously work out for 45 to 90 minutes.

This is how I burn down my calories and the guilt that I have gained after consuming the sweets.

My kind of perfect weekend is doing nothing but being with my family. After all, finding solace in things that are dear to me is all that matters."

My friend and I decided to trek the Hampta Pass in August. Monsoon in the mountains is a stunning sight. And the Himalayas hold a special appeal for trekkers.

The thrill of the Hampta Pass trek is not just about reaching the top; it is also in the journey. It takes around four days, through the picturesque valleys of Kullu and Manali to the arid landscape of Spiti and Lahual.

On day one, we started from the Rumsu base camp, where we had spent the previous night acclimatizing and loosening our muscles, at around 7 am. We had to reach the Hampta Dam by 8 am. The dam is an hours drive from the base camp and involves crossing several hairpin bends along the way.

The Hampta Dam trail is pretty easy with a mild gradient. We soon crossed the beautiful River Rani to reach a grass-covered flat terrain - Chikka, about 10,200 feet above sea level. From there, you can get amazing views of Indrasen and DeoTibba, two popular mountains in Himachal Pradesh. Chikkas night sky also offers the perfect opportunity for star gazing.

The next day, after a hot breakfast and few stretches, it was time for us to start the trek from Chikka to Balu ka Ghera. The name Balu ka Ghera means heap of sand. This part of the journey was a bit rough. But it is equally scenic, with rocky mountainous slopes to the left and the wide River Rani to the right. This trail is also adorned with wildflowers in varied colours. Day three was an important day of the trek and for the most part, we meandered through a tranquil valley until we reached the Hampta Pass. A sense of pride engulfed us as we stood at the Hampta Pass summit. Standing there at an altitude of 14,200 feet, soaking in the raw beauty was one unforgettable experience.

Soon, it was time to leave and we started our way back to Siagoru. The descent to Siagoru is pretty steep and takes around seven hours. As you descend, the surroundings change drastically-from lush green meadows to barren landscapes in Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Along the way, you also see shepherds, who visit the valley to nourish their sheep with the special grass that grows around the area. Following the roughly 14 km long trek through the Himalayas, we were exhausted by the time we reached the campsite.

It was time to part ways with the mountains but with a promise to meet again.

Its been over 25 years since chef Naren Thimmaiah joined the Taj Group of Hotels and with each day, he falls more in love with his job. A commerce graduate, Narens original aim was to pursue an MBA. However, fate had different plans, as he was meant to be one of the most loved chefs in the country in addition to being the executive chef of The Gateway Hotel.

Also the face of Karavalli, the iconic seafood specialty restaurant of the plush hotel, Naren believes in giving 200% to everything he does. "This was the first job I took up after completing my studies and I am still here," he laughs.

In an interview with Living, Naren speaks about his early years and experiences in the food industry.

Tell us a little about your childhood and your love for food.

I lived in Coorg throughout my childhood. So being in the lap of nature and eating seasonal and fresh produce was the norm - to me that was the way of life. Those were the days when all your produce was grown in your own estate, paddy fields and vegetable gardens. My mother being a great cook, really helped me develop a love for good food and understand it well. Almost every day, there was something to look forward to from moms repertoire!
My fondest memory of those days is plucking curry leaves from the backyard for her along with my two brothers. After completing 10th standard, I moved to a hostel where I saw how different cooking in bulk was from cooking for your loved ones at home. I also learnt to eat my dessert first since if you didnt get to it fast enough, it would get over!

How did you foray into the culinary world?

I graduated in commerce and my original plan was to pursue an MBA. But that was the time when Mangalore University introduced a course in Hotel Management. I looked at it as a great opportunity and decided to take it up.

When did you realise that you wanted to be a chef?

During my college days, we had six semesters and at the end of each one, we had to work in a hotel, which helped us realise our true strengths. It was during a campus interview when my principal told me to give cooking a shot since I was good at it.

How did you develop the fondness for coastal cuisine?

Soon after I joined The Gateway Hotel, I had to work in every section of the kitchen. Its a norm for the trainees to do so the first two years. That was the time I realised that south-western coastal cuisine (basically south Indian coastal cuisine) was my favourite. Not only was I familiar with it, but it was also a cuisine that showed great potential in terms of acceptability.
Being part of the opening team of Karavalli helped too. Thanks to the concept of the restaurant, which focusses on home cooking and digging out old recipes, I travelled to coastal areas like Goa and Mangaluru to learn the basics of home-cooked seafood. I was familiar with it anyway since I had studied in Udupi.

Who are your inspirations?

My mom for sure! I realise now that her delicious meals helped me understand food better. Her cooking methods, though laborious, gave me an insight into the finer nuances of cooking. My brothers inspired me a lot too, as it was along with them that I would often try out many dishes, not knowing that the process would help me later. My team is another source of inspiration for me because they have been with me during all my highs and lows in the kitchen.

What are the hottest trends in cooking right now?

Though trends must be followed because thats the way a cuisine evolves, one should also know when to stop. Having said that, the latest trends are regional food, niche ingredients, single-estate products and sustainable cooking.

How has travel influenced your cooking?

Though I travel more within the country to learn about regional food, I keep going to Singapore thanks to different food festivals and chef-exchange programmes. The city is culinary melting pot and every time I go there, its like a new Singapore with new concepts. Although our food industry is thriving, we are lagging behind when it comes to the latest concepts.
I learnt a lot from my journey to Europe too. I visited five countries there and learnt that you should stick to the concept that you believe in. They use the best quality ingredients and are still so proud of all their traditions.

How does one make cooking easy?

Cooking is an art as well as a science. Since most of us arent born with the innate skill of turning whatever we cook into an extremely tasty dish, practice is the key to perfection. Also ensure that there is a method to madness! Being organised in whatever you do is the basic mantra.

Any tips to keep in mind while cooking seafood?

Seafood is the most tender of all meats and can get spoilt real fast. So, ensure that the catch is fresh. Keep the marinade light. You need to taste the meat and not the masalas! Also, never ever overcook! Around five to seven minutes of cooking should do the trick.

Recipes

Allapuzha Meen Curry

Ingredients

Coconut: 1 (grated)

Red chillies (Byadagi): 25 gm

Turmeric powder: 5 gm

Raw mangoes: 2 (skinned and chopped)

Whole green chilli: 50 gm

Curry leaves: 1 sprig

Small onions (shallots): 75 gm

Rock salt: to taste

Coconut oil: 50 ml

Seer fish (cut into cubes): 300 gm

Method

* Grind grated coconut and red chillies to a fine paste and strain.
* Wash the fish and marinate with salt and turmeric powder.
* Add little water to the ground coconut and boil for 10-15 minutes.
* Add the raw mango pieces, curry leaves and slit green chillies.
* Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
* Heat the coconut oil and add the sliced small onion and fry till golden brown.
* Add the remaining curry leaves and temper it with the gravy.
* Add the fish cubes to the gravy and cook for 3-5 minutes and check the seasoning. Serve hot with boiled red or white rice.

Tiger Prawn Roast

Ingredients

* Tiger prawns: 6
* Onion (sliced): 200 gm
* Tomato (sliced): 100 gm
* Chilli powder: 50 gm
* Turmeric powder: 5 gm
* Garam masala powder: 5 gm
* Saunf powder: 15 gm
* Salt to taste
* Cooking oil: 75 ml
* Lemon juice: 15 ml
* Curry leaves: 1 sprig

Method

* Marinate prawns in lemon juice, salt, chilli powder and turmeric powder. Keep it aside for five minutes.
* Heat oil in a pan. Add the onions, curry leaves and sauté for 5 minutes.
* Add the powdered masalas, stir well for a minute. Add the tomato and cook it well.
* Add the marinated prawns and cook them in the masala till it reduces.
* Finish with a dash of lemon juice and check the seasoning.

Herb-tossed fries

Ingredients: Four large potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 quarts of oil; 2 tbsps of freshly chopped basil; 2 tbsps of freshly chopped cilantro; 2 tbsps of freshly chopped parsley; 2 tbsps of freshly chopped oregano; 1 tbsp of flaked sea salt and ½ tsp of garlic powder.

Method: Add the sliced potatoes to a bowl of ice water and let them sit for 30 minutes. Remove the potatoes and place them on towels, patting them dry. Add the oil to a large pot. Once the oil is hot, add the potatoes in batches and fry until slightly golden. Remove the potatoes and place them on the paper towels to drain. Let all the potatoes cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure the oil is still at 350 °C and fry them in batches again. This time, fry until they are even more golden and a little puffy. Cover these potatoes with lots of the herb salt. To make the herb salt, combine the basil, cilantro, parsley, oregano, salt and garlic powder in a bowl and mix.

Mexican bean-stuffed potatoes

Ingredients: Three large potatoes; 400 gm of rajma cooked; 2 tbsps of tomato salsa; 2 tbsps of coriander chopped; 2 spring onions chopped; ½ tsp of chilli powder; ½ tsp of paprika; salt; black pepper and 75 gm of cheddar cheese, grated.

Method: Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Thoroughly wash the potatoes, and prick each several times with a fork. Place them on a tray, and cook in oven for 45 minutes. Make sure you turn them over every few minutes to ensure they cook evenly. Meanwhile, add the cooked rajma to a large bowl. Mash them roughly. Add the salsa, fresh coriander, spring onions, chilli powder, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. When the potatoes are soft, cut the tops off. Use a spoon to create a hollow in the centre of each potato, leaving around a centimetre of potato flesh around the edges to help the potato hold its shape. Stuff each potato with the bean mixture, and top with the grated cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

Dauphinoise potatoes

Ingredients: Around 50 gm of butter; 350 ml of heavy cream; 350 ml of milk; 2 bay leaves; 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed; 500 gm of peeled & sliced potatoes; nutmeg; salt and white pepper powder to taste; 50 gm of cheddar cheese and 50 gm of parmesan cheese.

Method: Preheat the oven to 170 °C. Rub roughly 10 gm of butter around a 20 cm baking dish. Take the cream, milk, bay leaves and garlic in a saucepan and place over a medium-high heat. Slowly bring to the boil, then turn down and allow it to simmer for a few minutes before taking off the heat. Slice the potatoes into one-inch slices and transfer to the dish. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and toss them well before spreading them out. Discard the garlic and bay leaves and pour the cream over the potatoes and grated cheese, between the layers and sprinkle on top. Dot the surface with the remaining 40 gm of butter and place this in the oven for 45-60 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cream has been absorbed. Place the dish under the grill for a few minutes to get an even golden brown colour.

Chef Suresh Babu
(The author is executive chef at Clarks Exotica Resort and Spa)

Bohemian styling is for a person who is socially unconventional, especially someone who is involved and inclined towards in the arts, music, craft, theatre and other creative fields. Someone who makes his or her own rules, who lives for freedom and finds the beauty in everything he or she does, everyday in life. It is about adding vibrant colours and exotic patterns to the look and dressing according to your mood. Silhouettes are relaxed and styles made comfortable and casual for the wearer, patterns and colours are bold and expressive. Natural fabrics add to the comfort and ease. Details carry a vintage charm and accessories are artisanal and aplenty.

Untucking your shirt, letting a scarf drape loosely around your shoulders, wearing relaxed fits, going sockless, or even not shaving for couple of days will help you develop that look. Also the most important aspect of this style is ensuring you dont look too coordinated or put-together.

Must-haves

This autumn-winter, try investing in a classic pair of light-wash jeans in shades from midnight-blue to faded blue. In addition to this, pick another pair of ripped denims with distressed detailing that gives you a relaxed, devil-may-care attitude.

To pull off the bohemian look, ensure that your jeans are the appropriate off-duty style. Forego the sharp, dark denim you wear to work and opt for a rugged ripped, faded and distressed, light or mid-blue jeans instead. A slim silhouette is the best, try getting into a Rico or Kano fit of denims.

Hand-painted details, badges, inscriptions, messages and graphics whether literal or abstract, all have a place in bohemian style.

A pair of shorts is must to create the perfect lounge and laid-back bohemian effect. Shorts are comfortable and practical, plus they look less formal. For bohemian style, big floral printed shorts are just perfect. They can be worn with floral shirt or monotone T-shirt. If you are not ready for dramatic makeover, try out darker colours of shorts with shirts. The mixture of classy and bohemian styles also looks cool.

Floral fantasy

Nothing says free-spirited like a floral prints or conversational printed shirt. Team up the floral printed shirt with chinos, jeans or khakis. Keep it relaxed and mellow when it comes to styling.

A suede jacket, particularly one in shades from tan to dark brown, is the must have in your wardrobe this winter, and it makes a perfect layering for the Bohemian look. Theyre not suitable for late winters, but are perfect choice for the autumn. It takes a good bit of confidence to team them with jeans, but if you manage this one, then you will nail that perfect bohemian look.

When it comes to footwear, the look is incomplete without sandals, especially the leather ones. Leather sandals team up pretty well with the denims and khakis.

Accessories are crucial to the bohemian style. Leather, beaded bracelets and other kinds of jewellery add to the relaxed appeal. A slouchy leather or canvas bag, loafers and printed scarves will complete the look.

To summarise the styling tips for perfect bohemian look:

* Aim for a look thats relaxed and expressive with vintage and artisanal details.

* Keep the fitting loose, lightweight and unstructured that will give you freedom of movement and exude that "I dont care" attitude.

* Always add some pattern, whether geometric or floral to the clothing or accessories.

* Keep your grooming to a minimal with stylishly messy hair and an unshaven face.

* The best part about going bohemian is that your clothes need not be perfectly ironed. Crinkles and creases are your cool new best friends.

Style like you dont care about the way you look. The bohemian style of dressing gives you the freedom to just be yourself. Crumpled or unironed clothes that are slightly wrinkled work well, and it is every bachelors dream come true. The out-of-bed hair, unshaven face works too. So this winter, go for uncoordinated pieces, or loosely coordinated pieces of clothing, untucked or partially tucked shirts, loose dresses, funky, mismatched socks or even go sockless.

(The author is design head, Spykar Lifestyle)

Its 2 pm on a sultry Friday afternoon when I am ushered into the spacious reception of Shine Spa, located on the fourth floor of Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway. Migmar, the spa manager, tells me I am booked for the spas signature massage: the shine massage. "This 60-minute massage is designed to tackle tension and uses the fragrant lavender oil to nourish your skin and make it shine," she says.

I am then greeted by my spa therapist, Cracy, who leads me down a spiral staircase to the floor with all the treatment rooms. As I descend the steps, the noise of the world outside is replaced with soothing Tibetan music. My soft-spoken therapist leads me into a room, where muted lights set the tone for relaxation instantly. After I change into a comfortable robe, my shine therapy begins.

Cracy begins the treatment with a foot ritual, which is designed to familiarise the masseuse with the customer and their preferences. Cracy washes my feet with some sweet-smelling soapy water and then washes them off with warm water. She wants to know if I have any problem areas that she could focus on during the massage.

My back and my legs, I tell her, and nodding her head, she leads me to the massage table. "Would you like the oil to be applied to your face too?" she asks. When I hesitate, she asks me if my skin is generally oily. When I nod yes, she tells me I could opt out of that particular process then. Migmar tells me that pretty soon they are going to be making this particular foot ritual a little more luxurious by adding Himalayan salts and some fragrant essential oils. But for now, I had to make do with the soapy water.

Lavish lavender

Keeping my preferences in mind, Cracy begins the massage by pouring warm lavender oil on my body. Why lavender oil, I wonder, and Cracy explains, "Lavender oil relieves pain thus helping the body to relax. It is also a great detox oil. It hydrates your skin, leaving it glowing from within." Succinctly put, lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that work wonders in treating acne, body stress and insomnia.

Surprisingly, the oils fragrance isnt as strong as I expected it to be. Cracy gradually increases the pressure of her strokes and keeps checking with me if the pressure is alright.

Soon, I can feel the warm oil and the gentle and hard strokes loosen my body, one muscle at a time. Her strokes go from gentle to intense and then gentle again, ensuring that I dont feel discomforted at any point in time. With more focus on my back and my legs, Cracy ensures that my problem areas are treated with care.

In many ways, the shine massage reminds me of the good old tel maalish from my childhood, when my grandma used to massage my body with hot oil right before my bath. With no other extravagant elements or procedures, this treatment, I believe, focuses on the core principle of massage: to de-stress the body.

My 60 minutes of relaxation are coming to an end, but not before Cracy gives me one more round of oiling and massaging. I am then directed towards a hot shower to help get rid of all the oil. If the intensive massage had missed out on de-stressing any part of my body, the hot shower covered it all. Once out of the shower, my body is a little worked up from all the heavy-duty action, but also much less stressed out than before.

If you expect a little more indulgence from your spa treatment, you could go in for the 90-minute version of this massage that involves a 20-minute jacuzzi ritual. A cup of hot green tea brings down the curtain on my shine massage.

While this particular treatment may not seem luxurious on the outset, it quietly does the deed.

After a good nights sleep, I could notice the difference in my body: my muscles werent tight anymore and my problem areas felt like they had been through a good workout. And as Migmar said, my skin did glow from within.

In all, I would recommend this quick and simple massage to those who are high on stress, but short on time.
Shine massage might just be the solution for that throbbing back ache or sore neck or that irritating pain in your legs that never seems to go. As an added benefit, shine massage might also leave you feeling weirdly nostalgic!