Undlaka Undlige
Ingredients: Two cups of rice flour; about 200 gm of jaggery; 1 cup of grated coconut and 1 tsp of cardamom powder.
Method: Boil a cup of water and gradually add the rice flour. Continue mixing till there are no lumps and keep aside. Grease your palm with a little ghee and shape small dumplings. Brush the steamer (preferably idli steamer) with oil. Then, steam all the dumplings for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a deep pan. Add coconut and jaggery and let it melt. Finally, add the steamed dumplings and powdered cardamom. Mix evenly to ensure that melted jaggery and coconut coat all the dumplings.

Puran Poli
Ingredients: Four cups of wheat flour; 1 tbsp of ghee for the flour and salt to taste. For the stuffing, 1 tbsp of ghee; 1 cup of chana dal (split Bengal gram), soaked at least 4 hours; 100 gm of jaggery; 1 tsp of cardamom powder and oil for frying.
Method: Sieve the flour. Add the ghee and a pinch of salt. Add sufficient water and knead into a soft dough.
Now, boil the chana dal in the pressure cooker. Let boiled dal cool before grinding it finely. Next, heat ghee in a pan and add ground chana dal and jaggery. Mix well and add powdered cardamom. Make small balls of the dough. Make a incision in it and place 2 tbsps of the chana dal and jaggery mixture. Seal the gap. Make thick chapatis of the stuffed balls. Cook the puran polis on a pan by oiling them on both sides. Serve with ghee.

Nei-lieh Pitha
Ingredients: Around 2 to 3 cups of rice (soaked overnight); 100 gm of jaggery and 1 cup of til (sesame seeds).
Method: Grind the soaked rice to a fine mixture. Dry roast the sesame seeds. Grate the jaggery and keep aside. In a bowl, combine the sesame seeds and the jaggery. Next, heat a non-stick pan over a medium flame. Brush some oil on it; put in 1 ladle of the ground rice mixture. Spread it evenly like a dosa. Then, place some jaggery and sesame mixture in the centre. Roll it carefully. Allow the jaggery to melt and then remove.

On a warm autumn afternoon, as I walked down Esplanade, Kolkata, I noticed a line of customers outside a heritage food joint displaying a menu that read: "Mutton stew with bread". In my curiosity to know more, I asked an office-goer who was waiting in line about what the dish was exactly. Breaking into a smile, he said, "With the chill setting in, a steaming bowl of mutton stew cooked with vegetables is a satisfying lunch choice."

Use of spices

My mind instantly travelled back to the time when a bowl of some thick, flavourful and mildly-spiced mutton stew was savoured with bread by British officers stationed in India. This immunity-boosting mutton stew had all the traditional ingredients that were used by the chefs in the kitchens of British sahibs - mutton cubes, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower florets and beans, onion with a hit of green chillies and whole spices like cardamoms, cinnamon, peppercorns and bay leaf. Even today, traditional European cooking styles like slow-cooking and braising are followed, as these help blending the flavours of the fresh vegetables and spices with the meat stock.
The British influence in Indian cooking isnt limited to the mutton stew. Across Indian cuisine, dishes and cooking techniques that were once popular with the British, continue to be a part of our mainstream menu. In fact, for each Raj-influenced dish - served grilled, baked, roasted, steamed, fried or curried - there is a fine amalgamation of traditional English spices like cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, pepper, mustard, caraway, anise seeds, mace, nutmeg, herbs of parsley, mint or cilantro with local Indian whole or freshly ground spices and condiments.
Take, for instance, a plate of some mildly-spiced fish and boiled eggs kedgeree, garnished with chopped parsley, which was a popular protein-rich breakfast dish for the British troops posted at the Coromandel Coast, (stretching from Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh), way back in 1843. Today, in the coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh, for this classic dish, traditionally used haddock has been replaced by salt-water fish like tuna or cod. The thick fillets of these fish are smoked or steamed and later added along with quartered boiled eggs to a creamy-textured, porridge-like kedgeree . The kedgeree is cooked with sliced onions, cumin and curry powders and flavoured with aromatic whole spices like cinnamon, green cardamoms and cloves, tempered in butter or ghee.

Curry controversy

The talk of Raj-inspired dishes is incomplete without the mention of curries. The origin of curries is a controversial and debatable subject in itself. Several historians believe that the curry is a manifestation of the dishes developed by the British in 18th century India in collusion with their cooks and concubines. Irrespective of how it was invented, nothing beats a sumptuous plate of Malabar fish curry with a generous helping of rice. Once relished by the Britishers living in the Malabar region, this dish continues to define Kerala cuisine. Even today, in Thiruvanthanapuram, fish curry is recreated by simmering sweet water fish fillets in a broth of coconut milk and flavoured with mustard seeds, curry leaves and dried red chillies, tempered in coconut oil.
Just like the curries, rice dishes also figured among the favourites. According to historical records, the Parsi staple of dhansak is said to have featured on the dinner table in British merchants homes in erstwhile Bombay Presidency. The wholesome dish was made of mutton cubes, lentils like moong dal, toor dal and masoor dal, potatoes, spinach, pumpkin and eggplants, simmered in a smooth gravy of tomatoes, chillies and ginger-garlic. Dhansak is flavoured with a freshly ground aromatic spice mix.
On a visit to a heritage Parsi eatery in Mumbai recently, I discovered what goes into making this spice mix. A chef at the eatery explained, "Traditionally, we enhance the flavour of the gravy with a freshly ground spice mix of turmeric, cloves, roasted coriander, cumin, fenugreek, brown mustard seeds, black peppercorns and cinnamon. Also, after adding all the vegetables, the gravy is seasoned with ground nutmeg."
Apart from meat, the Britishers were big on vegetables too. On a look out for the vegetarian gastronomic delights of British Raj days, at one of the heritage food joints at Jalandhar, Punjab, I came across gobi alu adrakhi, an offering which was popular with the British soldiers deputed to the Punjab Province. Today, this dish of farm fresh cauliflower florets and potatoes cooked with tomatoes and ginger, is a local staple.
Then, there was dal makhani, a dish that was preferred by artists Thomas and William Daniell during their journey to British India to capture the Oriental culture in their paintings. This dish is prepared by slow-cooking black lentils in spices overnight and then topping it with whipped cream.
As for desserts, trifles, tarts and puddings continue to be served at private clubs that were once instituted by the British, for the officers and merchants who missed their home country. Native cooks in British households were taught to make puddings and cakes by the memsahibs who loved hosting high teas and dinner parties. Steamed ginger pudding is one such delicacy that is still made in Kerala. To make this delightful pudding dish, a batter of ground ginger, dry ginger powder, beaten eggs, flour, baking soda, milk, sugar, honey and a spoonful of any fruit jam, is placed in a heatproof bowl; covered with a parchment paper and then, steamed.
Indian cuisine is an amalgamation of Mughal, Chinese and European tastes and techniques. Whether, it is cutlets, curries or tea cakes, British influence is an undeniable part of our culinary heritage.

Hailing from the royal family of Jodhpur, Raghavendra Rathore is a name that needs no introduction in the world of fashion. Having created a niche for himself, Raghavendras designs reflect the cutting-edge styles of today and retain the traditions of the bygone era at the same time.

Recognised as the creator of the iconic Jodhpur bandhgala jacket that is a must-have in every gentlemans wardrobe today, the designer has now stepped into a new realm by opening his own design school called Gurukul School of Design in Jaipur. Here are the excerpts from a conversation.

How did you get into the world of fashion?

It was all thanks to the right mix of good advice at an early stage of my life and the ability to channelise my talent into a productive profession. The presence of good mentors also played an important role.

How has your craft changed over the years?

A designer must have the flexibility to understand the needs of the changing market, because as the market evolves, the product needs to evolve too. It is this quality that makes a brand more sustainable and desirable.
Which is why I have designed my latest collection in such a way that every little detail can be customised as per an individuals requirements. Customers can endlessly add their own design inputs to create a special wardrobe for the coming season, making it so personal and so exclusive.

What made you start Gurukul School of Design?

Education is the best gift that one can give to an aspiring mind. As a student, I had the good fortune of meeting a person, who helped me get a world-class education in New York around 25 years ago. His support, with a condition that I would also help others garner quality education in the future, helped me conceive the idea of establishing a design college.
My father Swaroop Singh, who always told me to stay true to the land and give back to the society by utilising local resources, was an inspiration too. He instilled in me the need to improve the system and laid the first building blocks of giving back the gift of education through design.

What are the tips you have for budding designers?

Talent, when detected early, should be channelised in the right direction. Also, learning the other important areas related to designing such as business and marketing is also important.

Who is your style icon?

As a designer, I am like a sponge absorbing every idea and inspiration. Style is inherent and anyone who emulates it is an inspiration to me.

Is there anyone in particular you would like to work with?

People who value aesthetics are a pleasure to work with. Thanks to my school, I have invited a whole host of people with talent to join in and bring the change that we need in the field of design.

What are the trends of the season?

Sheen, vibrancy and light embroidery overtures seem to be the trend of the season. Heavy embroidery and clutter seem to be fading away.

What are the simple tips to keep in mind while dressing up?

Create a look for yourself that people remember you for - keep it simple and keep it comfortable.

There was a time men didnt care for grooming. A bald head and paunch were a sign of prosperity, a moustache was a sign of masculinity, while a beard just meant that you were either too busy or to too lazy to care. Few men thought about body hair. Although beauticians always offered male-waxing, it was not popular, as waxing was primarily seen as a female activity. Thus apart from a regular shave and haircut, men left hirsute and any other grooming pursuits alone. However, things have undergone a sea change over the past couple of decades. The man of a generation ago has morphed into the metrosexual male who googles "back hair removal options" with manicured fingers.

Media influence

With an increased exposure to western media, there developed a greater awareness of fashion, fitness and health. Gyms mushroomed in various neighbourhoods, which sparked a further interest in fitness. And then, in 1998, in what was regarded as the tipping event in mens fitness, a shirtless Salman with sculpted and hairless abs shimmied to "Oh oh Jaane Jana". Men, a decade younger than the star, returned home and looked at their bellies in dismay. Overnight a new craze of the clean-shaven six-pack gripped men of the nation. Men signed up for gym memberships in droves, and started the hunt for hair-removal options.

Istayak Ansari, director and co-founder, Lloyds Luxuries Limited, the company which has brought mens luxury parlour Truefitt and Hill to India, says that his business has steadily grown over the years, as more and more men flock the parlours for requirements that range from body waxing to a manicure. "Initially, clients came in for a haircut and a shave. Pedicure appointments, which once were few and far between, are now in demand. Men have more disposable income, and the awareness has increased. They want to look good, and are willing to pay for it." And for a well-groomed male, clean, trim nails, and feet without dead skin are non-negotiable.

Stubble & more

Another big trend is that of beard grooming, which first emerged around three years ago, and shows no signs of dying out. As more men sport beards, there has been an increase in the number of men flocking to parlours to get them trimmed. Smriti Puri, partner at Gentlemens Club, a shopping and lifestyle event dedicated to men, says, "Facial hair in any form, be it the goatee, the six-o-clock stubble, a moustache or a beard, is in. If youve always longed to look macho, nows the time! Play with different beard styles. Dont forget your sideburns. Leave them sharp and pointed to add a real edge to your look. Have fun and experiment!"

She suggests investing in an electric razor, which, much like a vacuum cleaner, comes with an assortment of contraptions in all shapes and sizes. Nicks and cuts are less common. An electric razor is also easier on the skin in addition to being faster, and makes trying out different facial hair styles a breeze.

Todays male has access to designer wear, parlours, beauty products. In fact, male beauty products are now a multi-billion dollar industry, proving wrong many who thought a man who wanted to apply moisturiser would just use his wifes. Every neighbourhood has a gym, filled to the brim with testosterone. Protein supplements for those who want to pump up are available at every chemist. And with the resurgence of the beard, albeit a much sharper, groomed one, men can hide a weak chin or highlight cheekbones with the help of a good stylist. With all the options available for men today, it seems fair to twist the words of Coco Chanel and say "There are no ugly men, only lazy ones."

The brain has the size and appearance of a small cauliflower, but thanks to its 100 billion nerve cells, it enables you to think, plan, talk, imagine, and so do much more. In our day-to-day life we meet many people, we come across new things and we have opportunities to learn, but we do not always benefit from it because we underutilise our brain.

Difficulty in memorising a persons name or recalling recent events are signs that the grasping capacity of the brain has slowed down. Often genetics, diet during infancy, vaccination, childhood illnesses, exam stress etc, affect the development of our brain. The only solution to overcome this situation is to exercise the brain. Similar to a gym workout and dieting to overcome obesity, we can also train our brain to exceed its initial intellectual capacity. You can enhance your thinking capacity through activities like learning new words, playing games that stimulate the brain, challenging your IQ and following a healthy diet.

Here are a few tips that will help you exercise your brain:

* Yoga & meditation: These are good sources of exercise for the brain, as they involve contraction and relaxation of different muscle groups and regulate breathing that help in keeping the mind and the body active and focused.

* Active reading: This provides mental stimulation, keeping your brain active and engaged. It keeps you focused in the present, takes your mind away from everyday stress and allows you to relax.

* Creative writing: This requires steady thinking and is an excellent source of brain workout. Writing one page a day about anything under the sun can also be fun. This is a real stress buster, as clears the mental blocks, helping you explore your creative side.

* Use your less dominant hands: Keep your left hand busy if you are right handed and vice versa. This stimulates the part of your brain that controls your muscles. Use your less dominant hand for activities like writing, drawing or playing games like badminton, carom etc. When you use the non-dominant hand, both hemispheres of your brain get activated, triggering improved memory functioning.

* Walking backwards: Walking in reverse will tease the sphere of the brain, and set a "red alert" . This activity will increase your problem solving skills, also involve one or more of your senses at a time. This is a fine example of a neurotic activity. Neurotic activities help the growth of new neural connections to your brain. You can try it for five minutes in between your daily walks.

* Physical workout: A healthier mind is a result of healthier body. Exercise at home, go to the gym or practice yoga. Choose any fun fitness routine that can keep your brain happy.

* Learn and memorise new things: Learning new words, trying out crosswords and puzzles for at least 15 minutes each day will prove beneficial. This will increase your learning capacity and improve your memory.

* Give your brain a break: Like every other part of your body, the brain also needs rest. It never really shuts down, but focusing on a single point or meditating can actually help you relax the muscles in your brain. It will up your concentration, make you calm and focused. Listening to soft instrumental music with your eyes closed for at least 10-15 minutes is enough to rejuvenate your brain.

* Increase your listening capacity: As you listen more you will be able to think and talk more with improved language. Listen to the news, speeches and songs at least once a day.

* Eat healthy: Consume healthy meals to sharpen your brain. Ensure you have a wholesome breakfast, as this will provide lot to energy to your body and mind. Fruits, vegetables and cereals that are rich sources of vitamins and minerals help by protecting your brain cells from damage. Walnuts, avocados, berries, olive oil, green leafy vegetables are excellent brain tonics.

The key to successful management of brain is to keep it relaxed and calm. Each of us have our own mental capacity, so you should experiment with techniques that can help you maintain a balance, and learn what works best for you.

(The author is neurologist, Apollo Clinic)

With 2.1 million Indians infected with the HIV virus, India accounts for the third highest number of people living with HIV in the world. The country witnessed 80,000 new cases in 2016. Despite the availability of free anti-retroviral treatment, uptake remains low, as the clinics are inaccessible to many patients.

Hence, it is important now, more than ever before, to educate people about the condition. Here are five factoids that will help shed some light on the disease:

* HIV is a chronic manageable condition: In the late 80s and early 90s, AIDS was a deadly disease but since the invention of anti-retroviral drugs that arrest HIV in body, stop its multiplication and increase immune systems strength, HIV has become a chronic manageable condition. A person with HIV infection, who is on treatment, can live a healthy life.

* Stigma affects access to services: It is said that HIV does not kill people but stigma does, because people do not seek treatment for the fear of discrimination. This stigma is an outcome of ignorance or judgemental attitudes. It is important that we collectively fight against HIV not against people living with or affected by HIV.

* Free treatment is available across India: Top quality treatment is available in India. The treatment does not cure HIV, but it arrests its spread in the body and recoups immunity. Any person living with HIV can live a normal life with daily medication. There are 22,000 HIV testing centres in the country that are called Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) and 531 HIV treatment centres that are called Anti-Retroviral Treatment Centres (ARTCs) in the country, where you can test for HIV and get treated for free.

* There is also something called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis available in India now, although it is not within the government programme. It works like any other prophylactic medication that is used for malaria or flu. It is almost 100% safe to use PrEP to prevent HIV and many studies across the world have proved its effectiveness.

* HIV can only be spread through four body fluids: HIV can only be transmitted through four body fluids, blood, breast milk, vaginal secretion and semen. Only sex with an HIV positive or unknown HIV status person without condom, using same needle and syringe for injection by multiple people; transfusion of HIV positive blood or mother-to-child transmission can cause the infection. Shaking hands, using same toilets, clothes or utensils etc, do not transmit HIV.

* India has second largest burden of TB-HIV: It is crucial that India invests enough to ensure that we are able to control this co-infection. HIV also aggravates other co-infections such as cervical cancer and hepatitis B and C.

(The author is chief executive, India HIV/AIDS Alliance)

Sleeping at the right time and for the right duration has numerous benefits. Apart from physical health benefits, the growing evidence shows that sound sleep affects sexual health as well. In any given month, the chances of conception drop by 42% if men slept less than six hours or more than nine hours per night.

* The cause: Sleep seems to have an impact on male fertility and snoring may be the first sign. If a person has a disturbed sleep, he is twice likely to get his sperm count reduced by up to 30%, in comparison to those who have had a sound sleep.

* Symptoms: Snoring most nights and feeling excessively sleepy during the day are classic signs of obstructive sleep apnoea. Being overweight, drinking a lot of alcohol, smoking and allergies can trigger it further.

* Consequences: Poor sleep over a period of more than three weeks may lead to low sperm count, deformity in shape and decreased sperm mobility.

* Prevention: Appropriate sleeping hours (between seven to nine hours) helps optimise mens fertility. Eating fresh fruits and leafy vegetables yields better production of sperm.

(The author is gynaecologist & IVF Specialist, Indira IVF Hospital)

Keeping a check on our blood sugar and preventing diabetes has become one of the primary concerns for many of us today. Certain food products, which are packed with wholesome nutrients, can normalise the blood sugars levels. Here is a list of everyday super foods that can cut the risk of diabetes:

* Almonds: Give your day a healthy start by consuming a handful of soaked almonds, which help lower and maintain glucose levels, fight bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the body, keeping your heart healthy.

* Peanut butter: For a filling breakfast, go for a tablespoon of natural peanut butter with whole grain toast. Natural peanut butter and peanuts are also low glycemic index foods, which means they have a lower effect on blood sugar levels.

* Green tea: Avoid caffeine and drink green tea, as it helps prevent overeating, thereby stabilising blood sugar levels and aids weight loss.

* Vegetables: While boiled vegetables are recommended for people with high cholesterol and sugar level, you can make stir-fried vegetables or steamed ones too. Include bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, lettuce, baby corns, broccoli, sprouts and onions. Spinach contains lutein, which is essential for people with diabetes since they are at a risk of blindness. Curry leaves are also a must-have, as they reduce the blood sugar levels by controlling the bodys insulin activity.

* Greek yogurt & berries: Greek yogurt is packed with proteins that control your hunger pangs and blood sugar, as it is low on carbohydrates. Berries are all low in sugar and high in fibre. They are also low on glycemic index.

* Healthy oils: Use extra virgin olive oil or oils that are rich in mono-unsaturated fats. These oils helps in lowering the bad cholesterol levels.

(The author is consultant internal medicine & diabetologist, Fortis Hospital)

Increasing pollution levels and erratic lifestyle have fuelled a steady rise in the cases of respiratory disorders. India tops the list of countries with regards to deaths caused by lung diseases.

According to Indias National Health Profile, about 3.5 million people reported acute respiratory infection. Preventive care can help reduce the incidence of respiratory ailments. Here are a few tips that can help you deal with respiratory illness:

* A dash of ginger: Ginger contains an antioxidant called gingerol, which helps prevent throat and respiratory tract infections. It also facilitates easy breathing by clearing chest congestion.

* Magic herb: Vasaka, also known as Malabar nut, helps in soothing bronchial inflammation and opens airways that relieve chest congestion. It suppresses coughs, thins bronchial secretions and improves lung function.

* Consume oregano: Oregano contains all the vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to our immune system. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in lung cleansing elements.

* Go for garlic: When a garlic clove is crushed, it releases allicin, an antimicrobial that helps fight respiratory infections.

* Avoid smoke & pollution: It is advisable to stay away from smoke emitted by cars or factories by wearing a face mask. Avoid passive smoking, as any kind of smoke might trigger coughing and wheezing.

* Minty relief: Peppermint contains menthol, vitamins A and C, copper, iron and iodine, which help in soothing the muscles of the respiratory tract and opens the airways to breathe easily.

* Goodness of tulsi: Tulsi is effective in treating cough, cold, asthma and bronchitis. Tulsi leaves are used in tea and can be consumed directly.

Dr Hariprasad
(The author is research scientist, The Himalaya Drug Company)

The secret to being jaldi fit is to be jaldi disciplined," says fitness expert Namita Jain, who has helped people access their fitness goals through several of her books and workshops on lifestyle management.

Having overcome weight issues herself, Namita has guided people on a pathway to a disciplined and healthy life. Known for her no nonsense approach to fitness, Namita believes that there are no shortcuts to staying fit and maintaining your weight. According to her, mentally preparing oneself to follow a strict regimen is one of the first steps to fitness.

Namita has authored books including How to Lose the Last Five Kilos, Fit Pregnancy, Four Week Countdown Diet and Sexy @ Sixty to name a few. In a conversation, Namita speaks about her latest book Low Fat, Low Guilt: Recipes and Lifestyle, diet fads and having realistic fitness goals. Here are excerpts from the conversation:

Tell us a little about your daily diet and fitness regimen.

I walk for about 45 minutes and practice yoga and pranayama regularly. Yoga invigorates the body and mind. I look forward to my workouts. I prefer simple home-cooked meals. Nothing can beat a thali comprising dal, rice, roti, seasonal vegetables, salad and curds.

What was the motivation behind writing Low Fat, Low Guilt?

Low Fat Low Guilt is a book that provides tasty and healthy recipes. Many dieters find health food tasteless. The book features a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes, which have been given healthy twists, and the calorific elements are kept to a minimum. This book was written with the idea of showing you how to enjoy your food without guilt, in a sensible and practical way.

You are an inspiration for those aspiring to lose weight. Can you tell us about your personal battle with weight?

Like every other overweight person, I had my demons to fight. Friends in hip-hugging jeans sashayed their way through five years of college, while I trudged along the corridors knowing I needed to win the battle of the bulge. My journey towards weight loss has been one of discovery and experimentation. I was looking for alternative, non-invasive methods to achieve weight loss. The process did not evolve overnight. It has taken me several years to fully understand how the body responds to diet and exercise. I could not starve. What worked for me was eating well, but cutting out fatty foods and getting my daily supply of cereals, fruits and vegetables within a balanced diet plan.

What are the common mistakes that people make while following a particular diet fad?

All of us kick off our diet plans with enthusiasm. However, most diets promise more than what they can deliver. Most fad diets are not easy to sustain. This leads to disillusionment and finally, abandonment of the plan. Your diet experience then turns into a vicious cycle of starving, overeating, feeling guilty, and eating some more. You end up gaining all the weight you had lost. Whats worse, as your weight goes up, your self-esteem takes a nose dive.

What are some of the diet fads that one needs to avoid?

Diets that cut out food groups or focus on just one type of food should be avoided. I have always preferred a holistic, hands-on approach to good health. For dieters specifically, this means balanced nutrition and regular eating habits that ensure steady weight loss, as opposed to drastic calorie-cutting or erratic eating patterns, which can lead to health problems.

What are the things that one needs to keep in mind while taking up a weight-loss programme?

It is important to address your lifestyle and environment when deciding on your diet chart. You need to work around the constraints of daily life, and develop a plan that works for you and one that you can sustain. No two people respond to a particular diet in the same manner. It can never be a one-size-fits-all solution.

Can you share some easy-to-follow fitness and diet tips for busy working professionals?

* Make exercise a commitment. An early morning walk or workout will keep you energetic. If you prefer to workout at the end of your day, carry your gym clothes to office and then head directly for your exercise session.
* Tighten and relax all your muscles while sitting. This improves circulation and energises the body.
* Take the stairs and fight the urge to take the elevator. With practice, you will be able to climb without getting out of breath.
* Get up and walk around the room after every one hour of sitting. Remember to do this when you are watching television or at work to avoid stiffness and improve blood circulation.
* Take deep breaths when you are stressed. Slow, deep breathing results in the more efficient working of the heart and lungs.
* Remember to keep your abs tucked in at all times. This will help strengthen the muscles and maintain better posture.

What are some of the food myths that you would like to bust?

* Myth: Food is a comforter. It helps deal with stress.
Fact: Identify events and emotions that trigger the need to reach for food for comfort. Once you recognise these, find other ways to deal with stress. Write a list of distracting activities that work for you like, meeting a friend, reading a book or watching your favourite film.

* Myth: Eating at restaurants can lead to weight gain.
Fact: When you eat out, make special requests to get what you want. For example, ask for baked potatoes instead of French fries, honey and lemon dressing instead of mayonnaise, roti instead of butter naan. Learn to strategise and opt for lighter foods so that your outings are enjoyable and do not add extra calories.

* Myth: Skipping meals compensates for the previous days overindulgence.
Fact: You must eat regularly. Skipping meals just doesnt work. When the body is deprived of regular nourishment, it slows down the metabolism. Cut back… but dont cut out!

What is your advice to young Indians who are becoming increasingly conscious about their bodies?

Its never too late to make simple yet effective lifestyle changes, alter food habits, and most importantly, your way of thinking. Extreme dieting and exercise is not recommended. A sensible and balanced plan works best. Armed with willpower, you will soon be back on the road to good health.

I was feeling totally down and out last week. Not in the groove to work, not in the mood to hit the jogging track, not up to meeting friends! Not even that ultimate mood lifter - shopping - could do the trick. I was hit by the blues of the highest order. What do you expect - its the end of the year and I had just realised I had fallen back on so many of the to-dos on my 2017 list. Naturally, I wasnt at my sunny best. So I did what people do when they need an escape - chat with long-distance friends. Except this turned out to be a not-so-great idea because my friend is in Denmark. Its freezing cold out there and the spirits are not too high either. So while I spoke to him about my mood or the lack of it, he cribbed some more. To cut a long story short, it wasnt very fruitful.
That was till he said that both of us seriously needed some hygge. Pronounced hyoogah, it loosely translates into a feeling of cosiness. It could mean doing things that make you feel warm - sit around people, beer/hot mug of coffee, cycle around the town with friends, chat around the fireplace revisiting childhood memories, for heavens sake even wash clothes in the launderette together while catching up on anecdotes!
Trust the worlds happiest people to come up with a solution for everything. For people in Denmark, the hygge is a sure shot way to snap out of the winter blues that inflicts itself on most people struck by harsh winters.

SAD & with a reason

If youve stayed all your life in the sunny parts of India where seasons change from summer to summer to summer with some intermittent rains, it might come as a surprise to you that people suffer from a sort of depression thats actually caused due to the winter. Long stretches of no sun, bleak days, long, cold nights - perfect recipe for depression, it seems. Called the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it causes people to be listless, irritable and asocial. While largely seen as a by-product of winter, SAD apparently doesnt really discriminate when it comes to seasons. It could even affect people during the monsoon or the peak of summer too. Yet, mainly it is the winter that does people in.
And you can squarely put the blame on the lack of light, researchers say. Would you believe what the Scandinavians do to beat the winter blues? Positive thinking and light therapy clinics are fine, some people even use giant mirrors to reflect the suns rays down to their houses!

How do I beat the blues?

If installing giant mirrors is not your thing, fear not, we have other, more feasible solutions to beat the winter blues. If you are however thinking of curling up further under your blankets binge-watching shows or movies on Netflix, banish that thought. Think more on the lines of creating some hygge!

Friends

Not the show, silly, we are talking flesh and blood people. Inviting your friends over to your house is the best thing you can do to get over your frumpiness. One piece of advice - dont order food. Get together and make your own. The dish all of you used to trip on at the college canteen could be a good idea. Just sit together and spend time talking about life and times together.

Plan a vacation

Whether you pack your bags and leave immediately or not is not the moot point. The planning is crucial. Planning a vacation, exploring places to go to, detailing out maps... can you feel the joy already? Think about it, how much thrill and excitement goes into figuring those little things about a vacation! So do just that, if you are feeling the blues coming on. Think of a place, think of various ways of getting there, with whom you would like to hit the place and how you would spend your time there. Looking up places to stay in, eat at, and shop from, automatically creates a sense of exhilaration in your mind.

Turn up the music

Ever tried listening to Led Zappelin when you are feeling kind of low? What would you like to bet the blues wont remain for long! If you want to go from 0 to 100 in no time, music is your go-to tool. Put on something peppy, rev up the sound and watch your mood transform. Try not to go mellow or soulful with the music when you are feeling low. Pick out foot-tapping numbers for a change, will you?

Pump it up

Nothing like exercising to keep the sulkiness away. If gymming is not your thing, just wear your walking shoes and hit the track. Go jogging or spinning or take up a form of martial arts. A lot of people now rely on dancercise too. So go try the zumba or belly-dancing; it might just be your cup of tea. Shake your booty and shake off the sadness, may, after all, be serious advice.

Bring in the new

When was the last time you did something totally new? If it took you more than 10 seconds to think up something, it means its been ages. So, now is the time to! Even though you dont feel like it, pull yourself up and sign up for that kick-boxing class or drumming workshop you have been postponing since a long time. Doing something new with yourself will give you a goal to look forward to everyday, to pull yourself out of bed and dress up formally and make an effort to go to class. That effort will be quite enough to send the blues a-packing.

Eat well

Dont look for quick-fix solutions when it comes to food. Eat foods that are known mood elevators. Chocolate is okay for a bit but not for too long. So look for a lot of fresh fruits and veggies. A big thumbs up also for foods that are heavy on Vitamin B 12 or folic acid. Think chicken, lean meats, lettuce, spinach or salmon.

Open up

Open up to happiness - could be the turnkey solution to your winter depression. Draw open your curtains, let the light flow in. Open up your purse strings to help those who seem in need. Open up your heart to allow more compassion and understanding. Small steps in the direction of opening up will help you in creating a sense of warmth and a sense of community well-being. Watch your blues taking flight to outer space then!

Read a comic series

Have you stashed away all your Archies, Asterix and Tinkle comics in the attic? This is just the right time to bring them down and read up. If you are all by yourself and do not have company to entertain you, dont sulk. Comic book characters have been my companions for ages. If not comics, read a humour writer you love.

Throw a hygge party

And when struck the worst by the blues, do as the Danish do! Throw a hygge party. Get together everyone and spend time with each other discussing the good things in life - books, art, people and places. Stand by and watch the food, banter, music and laughter chase the winter blues away.

A familiar galaxys glorious saga

The dark and light forces in the galaxy are at war and it is much more than zipping war machines in space and exploding planets. There are confrontations with the past, telepathic battles and a force that is much stronger now.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is the eighth episode of the Star Wars Saga. It begins with a battle between the Resistance army-led by Princess Leia Organa (late Carrie Fisher) and the evil First Order under the command of General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson). It takes some unexpected turns with Poe Damerons (Oscar Isaac) heroic stunts. But no heroism helps the resistance as the First Orders sinister plans do not seem to end.

While the rebels are finding the galaxy a smaller place to hide, Rey (Daisy Ridley), Resistances only hope, is with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) on an isolated island. The seventh episode of the movie ended with Rey handing the lightsaber to Luke. In this episode, Lukes reaction is startling. He is consumed by guilt because of his wrecked mentorship of Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and spends his days on the island with the Jedi sacred books and lots of pessimism.

As Rey is trying to convince Skywalker to be the guide she needs, a troubled Kylo is having psychic clashes with Rey. The tug of war between the dark and light forces is obvious as Rey and Kylo try to turn each other to their side. Driver plays the role to perfection as the audience is left guessing will he turn, will he not. Till the face-off between Kylo and the Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis).

Between all of this, how can we forget the plotline of the unlikely duo - Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran), a resistance soldier, and Finn (John Boyega), the reformed stormtrooper, who set out to find a codebreaker on a distant planet. The side plot is entertaining with its part of action sequences.

The Last Jedi is an excellent tribute to late Fisher, who obviously had a powerful screen presence. Hamill played the guilt-driven Jedi with excellence. Oscar Isaac as the hot-headed fighter reminded one of Han Solo in the earlier instalments. Drivers intense expressions and Reys energy are the dark and light forces in action. The light moments in the movie with Gleeson are welcome as well.

The movie is an adventure that keeps the audience (especially fans), hooked till the very end. The depiction of the force narrated by Luke to Rey makes for a visual spectacle. The climax is beautiful, with all its victories and defeats. The theme of good vs evil plays out throughout the movie on different levels and even touches a spiritual chord.Well, director Rian Johnson does not disappoint as he creates a galaxy far far away, yet, with characters and inner battles we all face every day.

Making short films is as satisfying and challenging a project as a full-length feature film," says film-maker Varun Tandon whose movie Syaahi won the National Award for Special Mention in Direction in the short-film category last year. And having garnered a lot of praise at various film festivals, it has now been launched on social networking sites. "This makes us proud because the film will now be accessible to many more viewers, who, without spending a penny, can watch it anytime, anywhere," he says.

Simple but hard-hitting

Tandons experience with Syaahi began when he decided to write a short story - a genre hed been dabbling in for a while - about a little boy called Vansh and his small family, comprising his father, an aspiring writer, and his mother, a simple housewife. Denied the chance to go on a school trip because money is scarce, the 10-year-old decides to take matters in hand. "It was just a simple story but I knew that it could be made into a film," says the 26-year-old Mumbai-based film-maker. His tale is based in one of the villages of Uttarakhand.

Talking about Syaahi, Tandon says, "I realised that it had echoes of my own childhood too, though I wouldnt call it autobiographical." And with more and more people watching it, he feels that almost everyone seems to be connecting with it in their own little way. "Like my character Vansh goes through a little adventure that changes his perspective on life, many of us also go through certain events that change our view of things. It could be a train or a bus ride, something our parents said, or a quarrel with a sibling or friend that left a deep impact on our psyche," he adds.

Tandon has a special word of appreciation for the child artiste Himanshu Bhandari whom he selected from one of the Uttarakhand villages itself. "Other than the innocence, he had a certain spark and confidence that we needed for our film." Special care was taken by his entire team to treat the entire process of making Syaahi "like a simple project workshop or project so that the child artistes dont get starry-eyed. We were very sensitive about ensuring that their childhood innocence remains intact because the children still had their whole life ahead of them."

And Tandon is happy that their effort has been successful because little Himanshu is back at school and is doing well. Talking about his tryst with film-making, Tandon says it took root during his childhood days spent in the small town of Kannauj. "There wasnt much to do there other than watching films on television, and of course, listening and re-listening to kissas that our parents and grandparents would regale us with," he explains.

Love for stories

While studying mass media, Varun also started dabbling in making "tiny films, of say, one-to-two minute duration, that was quite a challenge but great fun." Tandon mentions his short film on Mumbai post-26/11 that explored the resilience of the Maximum City, and another one called Ringa Ringa Roses on child abuse that fetched him a lot of appreciation. So strong was his "addiction" that by the time Tandon finished college, he had over 15 short movies to his credit.

The turning point came with Gulcharrey "that eventually got a lot of people interested in our work," he informs. Exploring the idea of space shortage and the self-proclaimed moral brigades treatment of young lovers in Mumbai, the film was made at a small budget of just Rs 5,000.

"It not just got screened at several film festivals but also made an instant connect with hundreds of viewers who empathised with the films characters. Many told me how watching the film was a very emotional experience for them," remembers Tandon. He even got invited for a tete-a-tete with senior film-maker Nagesh Kukunoor about Gulcharrey. "All this appreciation was a great humbling experience and greatly timed since it helped us get co-producers for Syaahi." he smiles.

While his romance with short film-making shall continue, Tandon has plans of moving into the feature film arena as well. "I am already working on some ideas and will definitely explore the one that lends itself to the feature format," he informs. "However, I must also add here that I dont look at short films as a stepping stone to features, the way some film-makers do. Shorts are a beautiful and challenging art form that many great film-makers like Satyajit Ray have also made their contribution to."

It is not easy to get Salman Khan to do your third, fourth and fifth films. But Ali Abbas Zafar, son of an army officer from Dehradun, has managed this trust from the megastar. After the 2016 superhit Sultan, he is all set to release Tiger Zinda Hai with Salman Khan, and has been confirmed for the next Salman Khan home production, Bharat.

Ali was a mere two-films-old film-maker when Salman green-lit his Sultan. "Today, I consider him like my elder brother and have become a member of his household. Salman-bhai and his father Salim Khan have 30 and 50 years of experience in cinema, respectively. They give me feedback."

In the big league

Alis next film, Bharat, already has Salman in the lead and is being produced by Sohail Khan. Adapted (and Indianised) from the Korean original, Ode To My Father, it will be made on a big scale, and Ali reveals that Salim Khan loved the original and suggested that it be made with Salman. "There are so many father-daughter and mother-son stories in our cinema," says Ali. "But there are very few father and son films. Bharat is a simple, family movie."

Alis forte is to make a completely different genre each time: his track-record, as of now flop-proof, is of Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011), Gunday (2014) and Sultan (2016). "That way, I can keep approaching every film like my first because I can never get overconfident, or think of doing any part of a film on similar lines as some earlier film of mine," he smiles. "Emotions are the core of every film. Whether the film is a comedy, action drama or romance, that angle should be just right."

In fact, Ali wrote the story of Tiger Zinda Hai way back in 2014 when even Sultan had not taken off. "I read about how 21 Indian nurses had been taken hostage in Iraq, and though our prime minister intervened and got them released, I used the incident to build a completely fictional tale around it - what would happen if they needed to be rescued by our forces? A new world of action opened up. After writing this, I got busy with Sultan. Later, when (producer) Aditya Chopra asked me what else would I like to make, I told him about this story that was close to my heart."

Aditya loved the story and that is when Ali had an idea and asked him whether he could rewrite this as a sequel to Ek Tha Tiger, as his script also had Indian and Pakistani agents. "He told me to work on it and was really impressed by the revised script of what we now call Tiger Zinda Hai. When I took it to Salman and Katrina, they not only loved it as a sequel, but were primarily impressed by a global and very human story."

He is making a sequel to a blockbuster: is there any pressure? "There is a bit of fear," he concedes with a smile. "This year has not been good for films, and my film will round off 2017. The budget is high, and though thats the producers lookout, my responsibility is to see that he makes money. But my experience tells me that good films always make money. Though I do get nightmares in which a show has no audience!"

About differences between Ek Tha Tiger, directed by someone else, and this film, Ali is candid. "That film had the love story between Tiger and Zoya dominating, but this time romance is on the backburner and the focus is on the action and story," he declares. Deep research has been done on spies and how they operate through several books that Ali gleaned on the intricacies of how RAW, MI, CIA, Mossad and ISI work.

"Salman is no superman here," Ali lets on with a grin. "You will not find 10 people flying after one blow. The action is realistic, and he has to look like a real trained agent in the way he uses martial arts and gun technology, and handles explosions. The action is war-like. Similarly, Katrina Kaif, who I feel is one of our most underrated actors, always excels when pushed. Just look at her in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara or Raajneeti. She has excelled even in her close-ups when she has no lines to speak."

A matter of chemistry

What about the Salman-Katrina chemistry visible in the few romantic shots we have seen in the trailer? "Oh, both of them have known each other for so long!" grins Ali. "They really do not have to even try, and their chemistry escalates especially if the right script, scenes and music are given to them. Actually, Salman has the knack to create chemistry and anyone would fall in love with him. Look at how Anushka Sharma and he had such a crackling rapport between them in Sultan."

In this respect, Ali terms Salman as someone who is not only focused and satisfied only when he and everyone else give their 100%, but also an actor whose special forte are emotions and romance rather than action. "How Salman handles romance is beautiful and he does it in a sophisticated Indian way. It is not at all obnoxious or cheap and can be watched by the entire family."

We ask him what is the need to show a Pakistani agent in a film in which Indian nurses are taken hostage in Iraq and an agent is sent to rescue them? "Oh, that justification will be seen only within the film," he says. "In any clash between good and evil, it is humanity that suffers, and humanity has no nationality or creed. Humanity is beyond political or even national parameters, and India is a great and secular country because we believe in that," he adds.

Which are Alis favourite films? "Deewaar, Pyaasa, Sholay, Mughal-E-Azam. A few foreign films like Rambo. My Rambo is this film. I also loved Rocky, and Sultan was my Rocky."

Does he think that not many film-makers today are connected to Indian roots, and this is what explains the dearth of audience connect? "I would just say what my parents have taught me: one must first be familiar with ones nation and roots," he answers. "My films are always connected to our country and that is what makes a mark. If you observe, Satyajit Ray is the biggest crossover film-maker we ever had because he only made stories about India!"

Its an engrossing tale of a small-town youth who is today one of the most popular actors in the Kannada film industry. Achyuth Kumar was born and educated in Tiptur, well-known for its coconut plantations. He quit his BCom degree course after two years and chose to train in theatre at Ninasam in Heggodu. His father Keshavamurthy was a Sanskrit teacher at the Tiptur Boys High School. He tried to dissuade his son from a full-time career in theatre, and instead suggested he pursue it part-time with a salaried job after completing his degree. There were many discussions between the father and son on this.

But Keshavamurthy was a man with a literary bent of mind and had himself performed in a few plays. He could see that Achyuths mind was made up. "So, he used to introduce me to his friends as my son, the dramatist! Half the people there did not know what dramatist meant and were quite impressed," he chuckles fondly. Like his acting style, he underplayed the uncertainties he had faced in his creative journey.

Roots in theatre

After completing his theatre training, he performed numerous plays with Ninasams travelling troupe Thirugaata. He came to Bengaluru to see what it could offer in terms of a career. He worked in single-episode TV serials aired on Doordarshan and assisted TV productions in various capacities. He stayed with actor-director Aasif Kshathriya Aksha. Aasif also supported several other theatre-persons who had come to Bengaluru in search of a career in TV and films. He has fond memories of his one-year Bengaluru stay. "None of us had a regular income. Aasif was the only one earning a regular salary as the head of the department of electronics at SSMRV College. He used to look after all of us like the head of a family. We used to cook, eat and discuss theatre, films and acting," he exclaims with a broad smile.

Rather than try and get a foothold in an unfamiliar city, he returned home to Tiptur, where he had already made a mark as a theatre actor. He worked for two years at his friend Nataraj Honnavallis printing press. Honnavalli was deeply involved in theatre and many farmers movements. "It was an interesting period," he reminisces. He had no plans of going back to Bengaluru. Fate, however, had other plans.

Girish Kasaravalli had worked earlier with Achyuth in a documentary series called Kannada Nataka Kannadi on theatre. He wanted to cast him for his TV serial Gruhabhanga. "He was very persistent. He kept calling me to come to Bengaluru and play a role in his serial. I dont know why," he laughs modestly. Some of his theatre friends persuaded him to "go and see what would happen."

What happened was the momentous entry of a serious student of theatre and acting into the world of television. Audiences were enthralled by his style of acting. He continued with memorable roles in Moodala Mane, Preethi Illadha Mele and other popular serials. But after completing Preethi Illadha Mele, he lost interest in television when the style of directing, filming, and editing changed drastically.

"Dramatic camera movements and music, for instance, have special significance. If you use them once in 25 or 50 episodes, they will have an impact. But if you overuse them, it has no effect on the viewer," he remarks ruefully. "All the serials being aired now look alike: loud and crude. There is no room for subtle serials. I decided to stop working in television eight years ago," he states quietly.

On the big screen

His film career took off shortly after this point with two roles that were diametrically different: underworld gangster Oil Kumar in Aa Dinagalu (2007) and a father in Moggina Manasu (2008). There was no looking back after that. He has won several acting awards including three Filmfare awards for Best Supporting Actor: Josh (2009), Lucia (2013), and Drishya (2014). He works in at least 10 films a year. Film-making styles and technology have also changed dramatically. "But even if it is a story about robots, it is still to do with human emotions and drama. Technology cannot change that basic rule for a good story."

Theatre continues to be his passion. But he is not happy with the current scene. "Theatre today has also become crude, loud and exaggerated. Many theatre groups feel that subtle gestures would be lost on audiences. This includes repertories from Rangayana as well as from Ninasam. Theatre should be subtle. It is not as if we are performing a play at a stadium," he exclaims.

Achyuth and a group of like-minded artistes formed a theatre group that has performed a number of plays in Bengaluru and other centres. Not just Kannada plays, but also recently translated Marathi plays in Kannada like Mahesh Elkunchwars Wada Chirebandi and Magna Talyakathi. Interestingly, since the group urgently needed a name for the production, it came up with a name that also relates to its mission: Theatre Tatkal.

"Each one is trying to bring subtlety and meaning to whatever work they are doing in television, cinema and theatre: acting, directing, camera. It is being reflected in their work. Right now, corporate TV channels, heads, TRPs and marketing experts are deciding on the content and how these mega-serials should be run. The formula is to rake in revenues. These formulas dont benefit art. Formulas are for maths," he remarks.

Achyuth Kumar is clearly a man with a mission. He is definitely not resting on his laurels. Watch this space.

Kumail Nanjianis movie The Big Sick was among the bigger indie hits of 2017, earning $55 million worldwide and holding steady at a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It stars Nanjiani, previously known for the HBO series Silicon Valley, and tells a fictionalised version of the early stages of his relationship with his then-girlfriend, and now wife, Emily V Gordon. She had been put into a medically induced coma after coming down with an extremely rare illness, adult-onset Stills disease. At the time, Nanjiani, a Pakistani-American, was hiding their relationship from his parents, who wanted him to enter into an arranged marriage. Nanjiani wrote the screenplay with Gordon, who is played on-screen by Zoe Kazan, and the film is a strong contender for various awards nominations.

Nanjiani sat down with me at the Lambs Club in Midtown Manhattan recently to talk about what its like revealing a deeply personal story to the world, the challenges of bridging two cultures, especially when one is demonised in this country, and how he learned to shut down racist hecklers. Here are excerpts from our chat:

Was it when Emily was sick that you told your parents about your relationship?

It was pretty similar to how it happens in the movie, except it was on the phone.

And did they temporarily disown you the way they seem to in the movie?

No. In real life, my mom was immediately very concerned about Emily, asking, Is she OK? And then as soon as Emily woke up, she was, like, Why did you do this to me? How could you?

Was Emily on board from the beginning, to tell the story of your lives?

It took a little convincing. Emilys a therapist, so in a way, shes very good at not revealing herself unless she wants to. And even though I had a big problem talking about myself, Im weirdly less private. I remember we were sitting at Sundance, the first screening, 1,500 people, a real audience seeing the movie, and she was, like, This is the last time this story will be ours.

One of the things that was so refreshing about the movie is how you were one step ahead of the racist hecklers in the audience. How did you get to that point?

Go back to ISIS, that thing? Id been heckled like that a few times in my stand-up, and at some point, I realised, This is happening enough that I cant be rattled by it. Heres the problem. When someones racist to you, even though you know its their fault, it still hurts your feelings. It still flattens you. It still reduces you. You still feel weirdly bad about yourself. Onstage when you really need to be in control, when someone heckles you, its a big loss of control. So, I had anticipated the lines based on what people had yelled at me before, and Id written comeback lines.

What was your response again?

The response was, Thats right, I am a terrorist. I just do stand-up comedy on the side to keep a low profile. I had others. Before (Osama bin Laden) was caught they would yell, Where is Osama? And I would be, like, I dont know; he hasnt texted me in forever.

That must be in your past now, right?

Yeah, it doesnt happen, mostly because most people come to see me now.

Why do you think people liked the movie so much? What are you hearing back?

I think first-generation or second-generation immigrants, people who are in my parents position, connect to it because they understand the struggle of trying to hold onto a culture when youre in a culture where that culture is not valued, in fact, is actively demonised and attacked. So thats, I think, a very noble struggle.

People connect to my situation, where youre negotiating the culture youre from and the culture youre in, and how you forge an identity that services both of those, which is sort of the current challenge of my life. People generally understand disappointing your parents. People connect to it because theyve been sick or they know someone whos been sick. After the first screening at Sundance, as we were walking to our after-party, people were coming up to Emily and showing her their surgery scars, like, immediately.

You hear stories of people who opened a food truck together, where one of them is Pakistani, one of them is a white American person. You hear from people where the clash was too much, where it didnt work out.

Its a real American story, in the best sense.

Whats been really satisfying is we gave up our story to the world, but then we got thousands of stories back.

The teeming industrial township of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh lays claim to being the largest maker of hand-forged scissors in the world. In small workshops across the city and in its neighbouring villages, the process of forging over 16 different varieties of these sharp-edged scissors is part of a four-century-old tradition. Shipped across the country and overseas, these scissors are reputed to last beyond a century of use.

From the culture

The root of the Meerut scissor lies in the culture of betel-leaf offering and eating. The making of the paan was and remains an elaborate procedure even today. Its ingredients include fragrant spices, rose preserves, tobacco, coconut shavings and finely cut betel nut. The tools were equally important and the finely crafted betel nut cracker was an essential component. From the elaborately ornamented to the most basic one, all kinds of nutcrackers demanded high-quality crafting that included sharp blades and a pivot.

Apocryphal legend talks of the inventiveness of an Asli Akhon who first produced the scissors. His technique was rapidly copied and the industry grew, as did its reputation for strength, versatility and the sharpness of its products. The nutcrackers, razors, knives and scissors of Meerut followed the same processing principles and the products continued to flourish till World War II. Soon after, competition from other makers, both in India and overseas, triggered a decline till the government set up a heat treatment workshop in 1951 to improve the quality of these scissors.

The Meerut scissor hasnt looked back since, with demand constantly outpacing supply. Over 250 small-scale units employ over 70,000 people, both directly and indirectly. Men forge the scissors while women pack and check the quality of the products.

From barbers, tailors, paper-workers, leather units, housewives to students, the users swear by their Meerut scissors. What more, theres a variety of Meerut scissors too. Each type is suited to its purpose with specific blades, weights and lengths, either tapered or blunt-tipped, matched to its use.

The crafting process uses minimal machines with the cut blades being arched and twisted slightly by the craftsman along the cutting edge to achieve a tension and friction between the two edges. The precision grinding of the cutting edge and its angling depends on its final use.

Shaped and balanced, the craftsman then rivets the two blades together with an adjustable metal screw. This allows for replacement of broken blades, rebalancing and repair. The blades are made of carbon steel that is sourced from scrap salvaged from railway rolling stock and automobile industry. Most of such scrap is upcycled as toughened scissors. The off-the-shelf sizes vary from 6 to 16 inches and are angled according to its required practice with the handles cast in brass and fused on to the blades. Ergonomically designed, the grip of the handle is fitted to exert power and precision.

Important tools

Scissors are always taken for granted till they start to malfunction, and the bane of every scissor-user is an uneven cut, superfluous effort or a damaged blade. That is what makes the Meerut scissor so extra special and a must-have in tailoring units, leather factories, barber shops, offices and homes.

Barbers are aware that using incorrect scissors will result in split ends or damaged hair. Special heavy-weight tailor scissors can slice through 16 folds of fabric!

Unlike most other scissors available in the market, the Meerut scissor is not a throwaway item as it is repairable and readjustable, while its blades can be resharpened as many times as required.

Several other factors combine to make the Meerut scissor a great Indian success as a corollary to its crafting is the huge network of tertiary jobs and skills it has spawned. Across India, from large urban cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru to Chennai, and on to the smallest village, scissor-sharpeners in small workshops or moving around from door-to-door on cycles call out their services of sharpening and repair.

Heres to Indian ingenuity at its best!

Khalid, the breakout pop-soul and R&B singer, was not yet 16 when he tweeted a stray thought: "I want to go to the Grammys one day." It was early 2014, and he didnt even mean as an artiste, let alone one who was nominated. "Just to watch, just to see," he recalled recently of his mindset then.

Now 19, Khalid will make his first trip to the ceremony - on January 28 in New York - as a five-time nominee, up for awards including best new artiste, best R&B song (Location) and song of the year (for his guest feature on Logics suicide prevention song,
1-800-273-8255).

The industry recognition caps a year in which Khalid Robinson went from an everyday teenage misfit to an internationally known one, carrying the relatable-outcast torch alongside artistes like Lorde, Alessia Cara, Lil Uzi Vert and Julia Michaels (all of whom are also up for Grammys).

Jon Caramanica, writing in The New York Times, said Khalids debut album, American Teen, "most vividly recalls the promise embedded in the soundtracks of John Hughes films - that an outsiders story might in fact be the thing that can unify and move millions." That was certainly the case for Location, the three-times platinum single that peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its follow-up Young Dumb & Broke, which also reached platinum status and has been streamed more than 290 million times on Spotify.

He has also been a near-constant presence on the award show circuit, including the MTV Video Music Awards and the BET Awards, and has proved himself a cross-genre chameleon with appearances not only on 1-800-273-8255 but also Alina Barazs Electric, Calvin Harriss Rollin and Marshmellos Silence.

Over the phone on his way to the airport not long after the Grammy announcement, Khalid was ebullient and bursting with praise for his fellow nominees as he discussed the diverse crop and looked back on his dreamer days. These are edited excerpts from the conversation:

So how did it feel? Where were you this morning? Take me through it.

I woke up at like 5:30 in the morning in LA. It was one of those anxious moments, like Christmas, where you wait to go see whats under the tree. I was very excited, but it doesnt feel all too real right now. Not long after seeing the nominations, I got a phone call from my mom congratulating me - that was very special. She was screaming on the phone, telling me how proud of me she was and how all my work paid off. And saying that she has to go find a dress for the award show.

So, shes your date then?

Definitely.

Take me back to January 2014, when you wrote a tweet about wanting to go to the Grammys. What was your life like then?

I was in high school in New York - I think I was a sophomore. I was very confused with where my life was heading, but I knew that whatever I did, music was going to be involved. I didnt know if Id be singing my own songs or writing for others. I was super into Broadway. I dont even remember tweeting it. It was just off of energy.

In 2015, thats when I started writing music. I didnt remember the tweet until 2017. I couldnt have prepared myself for the roller coaster that I just rode this whole year. Even as a young boy who was very confused, I put that out in the world, and it came true.

How many times do you think youve performed Location this year? Are you sick of it yet?

I wouldnt say Im sick of it - it changed my life forever. But Ive performed it a lot. Every time I feel a special energy to see everybody in the audience sing every single word super loud. Its almost like that song is competing with Young Dumb & Broke at the shows - some days Location will be louder, some days Young Dumb & Broke will be louder. They love Silence, with Marshmello, too.

When you look at the slate of best new artiste nominees - none of whom are white men - what does that tell you about where music is right now?

I feel like music is in a place where - I mean, I feel like its crazy that Im nominated. Im not the most attractive, Im very young - Im only 19, and I am an African-American artiste. The categories are just filled by so many versatile artistes - minorities - who accept their own individuality. Uzi is insanely good and super creative. Im so glad hes nominated, because its a win for hip-hop music. SZA is a win for R&B and hip-hop. Julia Michaels, so amazing - a win for pop music. Alessia Cara, a win for soul and pop.

And what about where the Grammys stand in general? Theyre always fighting the criticism that theyre out of touch.

They definitely got it right. They got it right this year. All the way down from rock to hip-hop to R&B to pop, they got it right. Theres so many amazing songs in 2017. Im very excited to see who wins, because its tough - every song is good.

Do you have personal favourites among the nominees, people youre really rooting for?

Oh, Kendrick. Kendrick Lamar deserves a Grammy. Hes one of the biggest, most influential rappers of my generation.

How are you going to celebrate tonight?

Im actually heading to Chicago. Im probably just going to chill with my best friend. I dont want to psych myself out, and I dont want to step away from normalcy. Im not really the type to - Im only 19, so I cant pop bottles at the club.

The New York Times

When he burst onto the scene in the early 90s, photography wasnt really considered a lucrative profession. "The only photographers present those days were function photographers," recalls Dabboo Ratnani, a name that needs no introduction. Though he was supposed to join the family business, he decided to follow his heart and pursue his true calling - photography. "Thankfully, my parents were really supportive and when I had three years of college left, I decided to study via correspondence and assist a photographer. A lot happened in those years and there has been no looking back ever since," he exclaims.

Today, he is one of the most popular photographers in India and has worked with almost every actor and supermodel possible. Taking his love for photography to a different level, Dabboo even made his first appearance on the small screen as a judge on MTVs Indias Next Top Model (INTM) in 2015. Now, back on the telly with the third season of the show, Dabboo promises that this season is bigger and better than ever.

"It has been a superb experience this time. The participants are raw and mouldable. Most of them havent even done a photo shoot unlike the participants of the previous seasons. So, you can completely convert them into real talent," he says. "You can see their desire to get to the top and the fact that they truly value being on the show. It gives an added edge to them and subsequently, the show as well."

This is the only television show that hes part of and the fact that he plays himself on it is what attracted him to it in the first place. "I am pretty much me and have to look at the participants from the eyes of a photographer. I completely enjoy shooting and interacting with them. Its a part of my personality," he says.

Dabboos advice to aspiring models is that modelling is largely misunderstood and not as bad as its made out to be. "Many worry that the profession isnt right but there are good and bad people in every industry. Budding models just need to be street-smart, aware, and choose the right platform like INTM, which is a great way for them to interact with the biggies of the industry this early in their career," he points out.

His brother, chef Vicky Ratnani, is an equally popular personality and the two share a wonderfully warm relationship. "We meet on a daily basis and are interested in each others fields of work. While I am a foodie, he loves photography. We have similar interests in music and I am his go-to guy for technology. My wife Manisha and I are coffee junkies and since he travels a lot, he gets coffee of all kinds for us."

While today, there are millions of budding photographers armed with the latest equipment, Dabboos advice to them is to not take photography for granted. "Many photographers largely depend on the post-processing of photos. But as someone who started his career shooting stills, I prefer correcting the flaws instead of relying too much on technology. In fact, my photos look 78% of what was originally shot. So, dont be lazy and depend too much on technology," he says. One should also be passionate about the art, he advises. "When you get into the field, do it for the love and passion of photography and not to meet celebrities or models, or to be cool."

Speaking of celebrities, Dabboo will soon start working on his Bollywood calendar, which has become an icon of sorts in the industry. When quizzed about his favourite star to work with, he replies, "I am friends with most of them, be it Mr Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan or Priyanka Chopra. They all work with me not for money, but for the love of creating a great picture. But if I really had to pick one celebrity who I really enjoy working with, it has to be Akshay Kumar. He is really crazy and experimental. In fact, he is half a photographer himself!"