Padmaavat

Hindi (U/A)

Cast: Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Rating: **

Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Padmaavat doesnt play it subtle. Its relentless, compulsive need to make you see shuts out your options to imagine. Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor), the ruler of Mewar, describes the Rajput valour in glowing couplets - "You can behead him, hell still fight on. Thats a Rajput," he says in one of them. Later, in another scene, Bhansali shows you how these men do it. Thats pretty much the tone the filmmaker sets for this retake on Malik Muhammad Jayasis epic poem. Padmaavat is all surface and holds no surprises. At 163 minutes, its indulgence gets cloying, its visual splendour progressively numbing.

If Bhansali has a sense of irony, he wouldve already reflected on the pre-release clamour of hurt sentiments. This is, in fact, a film that extols the Rajputs; while venerating their honour and moral codes, it vilifies the invader/outsider (Alauddin Khilji, played by Ranveer Singh with manic flamboyance) as a depraved, one-note antagonist.

In terms of the classic good-vs-evil tradition, the absence of sub-text could be a minor grouse but Padmaavat is also short on the one key element which makes these period spectacles work - drama. Ratan Singhs first meeting with Padmavati (Deepika Padukone), the princess of Singhal, is nicely set. Their romance finds an interesting contrast in interspersing segments that build Khilji up as this marauder on the loose. We do get a sense of doom as the Sultan sets out to seize his next big prize, Padmavati herself.

The writing (Bhansali and Prakash Kapadia) lends some early sparkle, especially in portions establishing the new queens intelligence, that even impresses the rajguru. But by the time Khilji reaches Chittor, that easy playfulness has gone; what we have now are an overdressed king and queen, all stately and poseur-like. It all starts to get rather sterile from here, and part of it comes from Kapoors very affected performance. Singh, as Khilji, and his scenes with Jim Sarbh - who plays the Sultans slave - provide some amusement amid all this posturing.

The film pushes its morality and politics in bafflingly simplistic imagery and word-play. The native hero lives and dies with usool, shaan and swabhimaan while the debauched outsider is reviled as the shaitan, the asur. Bhansali does whip up some drama with his staging of the climactic jauhar. But, its all still, staging and detailing, with no perspective to add, no new politics to explore, Padmaavat meanders on in all its designer pomp. Its textbook-tedious, with no footnote to divert.

Simple, understated elegance, style par excellence are a few words to describe their clothes. In the business of design for more than 15 years now, the designer-duo Ankur Modi and Priyanka Modi are whom celebrities reach out to when they want to be dressed stylishly without appearing loud.

Weaving wonders

With their brand AM:PM, Ankur and Priyanka fashion clothes out of pure and luxurious fabrics like Kanchipuram, chanderi, dupion silk, duchess satin, georgette, and of course, the most popular one, cotton. They use very traditional embellishments. Embroidery has to be hand-stitched using pure thread in age-old embroidery styles like aari and dori, using a lot of mirror works. And if the clothes have to be printed, then the printing has to be done with traditional hand blocks, using traditional motifs and colours. So, in their collections, there is a lot of mustard, blue, red, green, black and ivory. All these colours may be common, but when you look at their clothes, the same colours look glorious because of the quality of the fabric and perfect cut and style.

There is something unique, something special and real different when you look at the clothes of this Delhi-based duo. For example, one of their recent collections was titled Zivar. Now, how many designers would really think of weaving pure silver threads in their clothes as Priyanka did? At that time, she was very fascinated by the traditional craftsmanship of bidri, a craft centred in Bidar, Karnataka. Bidri work uses the alloy of zinc and copper, and the fabric is then inlaid with pure silver to create a stunning pattern.

The Modis used this craft to design some 20-plus garments like jackets, capes, gowns, skirts, draped saris, lehengas, etc, using luxurious fabrics like organza, velvet, and different silk weaves interspersed with weaves of threads of silver and gold. These were embellished with heritage embroidery like mukaish and zardozi. The creations werent only stunning but have become heirloom pieces for their owners. And, of course, these garments certainly werent meant for ordinary people as the prices were steep. Laughing, Priyanka admitted, "Yes, the pricing was high as we really wanted to create exclusive garments. But we have had an excellent response to them."

This year too, they have come up with a collection titled Elil. "In Tamil, it means beautiful. I was touring South India, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and was very fascinated by the local weavers and fabric. The silks and kinds of cotton there are so beautiful and unique to those states. So, for this winter, I thought of creating clothes from fabric sourced from there, and of course, my all-time favourite, chanderi."

As exclusive as their clothes are, even the story of Ankur and Priyanka Modi coming together itself is so intriguing and filmy that it is easy to imagine them coming up with a unique style and have a huge fan following from the Hindi film fraternity. You name an actor and she swears by AM:PM brand - Jacqueline Fernandes, Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut, Nimrat Kaur, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Sonam Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sridevi, Dia Mirza and Shilpa Shetty are only a few of the names.

Ankur, an engineering graduate from an Australian university, wanted to grow olives and make wine in India. But he then met Priyanka at one of those big fat Indian weddings of a relative and so an engineer who wanted to become a farmer decided to join hands with a fashion designer. "Ankur has a designers genes. But I am the first generation of designers in my family, says Priyanka. So, after the cursory graduation degree in commerce, she joined the London School of Fashion and got into the fashion fraternity, whereas Ankur has grown up surrounded by clothes, sketchbooks and designs around him.

Ankur is the son of the famous senior designer Anju Modi who has a long list of celebrity clients, and was the designer of films like Bajirao Mastani and Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela. Ankur was assisting his mother when he met Priyanka. Initially, the duo worked with the senior Modi, but later decided to form their own team and brand.

For the feel of grandeur

"We joined the fashion world when minimalism wasnt a word in designing. But I didnt want to design the usual opulent clothes. I didnt want unnecessary embellishments and glitter on my clothes, recalls Priyanka, the design head of the duo. So, they have tunics, easy palazzos, dhoti pants, chic shirt dresses, skirts, asymmetrically pleated skirts, peplum jackets, wrapped and off-shoulder blouses, etc, in their collections.

From day one of their teaming, they had decided that she would be the creative head and Ankur would be the business head. Now they have a third person, Anirudh Birla, who looks after their business development. So, though she is the creative head, she gets lots of inputs from Ankur, who on his business trips, looks around and imbibes the changing atmosphere. In 2001, when they established their brand, it was only luxury prêt. "We started getting a lot of inquiries for couture and thats the reason why we have branched out into couture from the last two years." Today, they have outlets in many major cities of India and also supply to many stores abroad.

Priyanka feels that modern Indian women, who are health- and body-conscious, are ready for any type of clothes. So, designing for modern women has become easy, and almost every dress suits everyone. Her advice to women is, "Decide what suits you and find your comfort clothes. Buy separates and use a different combination. For example, a heavy velvet thread-work jacket can be teamed with a pre-draped light textured ivory sari. A peplum jacket can be worn on a chanderi skirt. So, depending on the occasion, you can change your appearance in the limited budget!

ARIES
Mar 22-Apr 20
The week may open with travel plans and an urgent need to take action in a project. Some may apply themselves diligently to the pursuit of a new target. Home improvement and attending to the needs of dependents figure strongly towards the end of the week. Lucky Gem: Red Coral; Lucky Colour: Crimson; Lucky Number: 9

TAURUS
Apr 21-May 21
It is a fairly favourable week. There are indications of financial gains. You will need to spend some extra time in sorting money matters. You may be focused on long-term goals and think things through quite extensively. Sibling-related matters may come up now. Lucky Gem: Diamond; Lucky Colour: Green; Lucky Number: 6

GEMINI
May 22-June 21
You are likely to take an initiative for self-development and image-building now. Orators, trainers, singers, performing artistes can you do very well now. There may be a public honour. There could be short-distance travel too. Purchase of an expensive asset is likely. Lucky Gem: Emerald; Lucky Colour: Yellow; Lucky Number: 5

CANCER
June 22-July 23
You may be a bit worried about the health of an elderly as well as increased expenditure during this phase. Watch your own thoughts as bitterness could create a dangerous spiral. Investments made in the recent past may yield handsome results towards the end of the week. Lucky Gem: Natural Pearl; Lucky Colour: White; Lucky Number: 2

LEO
July 24-Aug 21
Its a week of mixed results. Social occasions bring out your charismatic side. There may be some discontent on the professional front. You may feel that you are sidelined despite giving your best. However, display of displeasure could cost you dearly. Handling things tactfully would be a better option now.
Lucky Gem: Ruby; Lucky Colour: Orange; Lucky Number: 1

VIRGO
Aug 22-Sep 21
It is a week that is completely dominated by work-related matters. You may have to spend long hours and keep a single-minded focus on attaining the goal. There could be a very important meeting slated towards the later half of the week. Dont answer proposals in haste. Some may travel abroad now.
Lucky Gem: Emerald; Lucky Colour: Blue; Lucky Number: 5

LIBRA
Sep 22-Oct 23
Its an excellent week. There is travel and you may profit through new connections. There may be a gain of a lucrative new project with better remuneration. You may be able to step out of a financially challenging situation. You spend some good time with friends. Lucky Gem: Diamond; Lucky Colour:
Sky Blue; Lucky Number: 6

SCORPIO
Oct 24-Nov 21
You may grapple with an issue from the past or deal with a personal mental monster. You turn towards religion/spirituality for comfort. There is relatively better health and a better frame of mind as time progresses. A new romance or a new friend is hugely motivating. Lucky Gem: Red Coral; Lucky Colour: Maroon; Lucky Number: 9

SAGITTARIUS
Nov 22-Dec 21
This week is all about interpersonal relationships. There could be misunderstandings with your partner and it could turn into a bigger problem unless handled well. Resolve differences between yourselves rather than roping in others. Work on your insecurities. Lucky Gem: Yellow Sapphire; Lucky Colour: Purple; Lucky Number: 3

CAPRICORN
Dec 22-Jan 20
This time is all about looking after others and working on your equations with people around. You may have to care for someone with a health issue and it will be better if you arent irritated. Domestic responsibilities, lots of work and travel may cause exhaustion. Lucky Gem: Blue Sapphire; Lucky Colour: Dark Blue; Lucky Number: 8

AQUARIUS
Jan 21-Feb 19
You may need to do some running around related to children and their needs. There is a greater interest in personal development, for which you might meet experts too. Long-term goals appeal to you and you may take certain impactful decisions in your personal and professional lives. Lucky Gem: Blue Sapphire; Lucky Colour: Black; Lucky Number: 8

PISCES
Feb 20-Mar 21
There is a great deal of emphasis on domestic matters. Issues related to mothers health may arise, but you handle the matter with exemplary balance and right thinking. Some may develop an exciting new relationship but whether it is genuine or merely out of dependence remains to be seen. Lucky Gem: Sapphire; Lucky Colour: Sea Green; Lucky Number: 9

Among those transfixed by the sentencing of Dr Lawrence G Nassar, the sports doctor accused of molesting more than 160 girls and young women, were children throughout the United States. Their parents were faced with a uniquely vexing question: how - or whether - to discuss such an abhorrent sex crime.

Over two weeks, Nassars very public sentencing hearing ripped through the gymnastics world. Young gymnasts watched their heroes recount experiences of molestation or read comments on social media, leaving parents struggling with how to broach the subject with their daughters.

Any major news event can present difficult parenting decisions. But the Nassar case was particularly fraught because it involved young girls and appalling violations of their bodies.

"Its a tricky situation," Adelia Matson, whose daughter Macy is a Level 8 gymnast, said in a phone interview from her home in San Luis Obispo, California. "I have definitely talked to her about abuse, but shes as innocent as they come as far as a 12-year-old. Its a bit of a balancing act of how to talk to them without revealing too much that they dont need to know yet, but that they know how to protect themselves."

Hours after a judge gave Nassar a sentence of 40 to 175 years in prison, girls in sparkly leotards swung from uneven bars, while others tumbled on the blue gymnasium mats at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. From an elevated seating area, two dozen parents watched their children practice.

Between gasping at falls and shouting encouragement, many parents were asking a variation of the same question: Had everyone seen the latest testimony in the sentencing hearing?

Matson and her husband discussed how they should talk about sexual assault with Macy after Nassar pleaded guilty last year. Another mother said she participated in the womens march with her daughter, but wondered if disclosing the details of the Nassar case would cause her daughter to fear men.

On top of that, parents of older teenagers wondered what their children may have seen on social media that they were not aware of.

"The Olympic team and the elite girls - they follow them on Instagram; these are their role models and their heroes," Kelly Craig said of her 12- and 14-year-old daughters, who practice at Chelsea Piers. "My 14-year-old has read all the statements. When they closed the ranch, my daughter showed me - she knew before I did."

Nassar was previously sentenced to 60 years in prison on child pornography charges. During his sentencing hearing in Lansing, Michigan, over the past two weeks, more than 150 women - including prominent Olympians - spoke about the abuse they endured.

There is no one set of guidelines to teach parents how to talk to their children about sexual assault. Laura Palumbo, director of communications at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, said that there was appropriate information to give children about sexual violence at every stage of development.

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that these conversations are too advanced or harmful for children to hear about," Palumbo said. "In reality, the more information that we can give children from an early age about understanding your bodies and your boundaries and what types of touch are appropriate - not only does it give your child that information, it also lets them know that these are safe topics to talk to you about."

Sienna Livengood, 10, had no idea why her idols were in the national spotlight. She worships the Olympic gymnasts so much that in her free time, she is creating a short film about the journey of the Fierce Five, as the 2012 US gymnastics team was called, to the London Olympics.

Siennas mother, Jen Livengood, said she talked to her daughter about sexual violence in general terms, but had not let her watch or read about the trial. The two of them talk about self-worth and having the confidence to speak up if something isnt right.

"Every parent has to be open to conversation, and not just in sports - its at church and in school," said Brandy Bauman, owner of Go for It USA gymnasium in Las Vegas and a mother of two. "Its everywhere you are trusting someone else with your child. Our sport is getting a wake-up call."

It boggles your mind as to where Graeme Pollock would have eventually ended up had he gone on to have a full career. In 23 Tests between December 1963 and March 1970, the tall southpaw left behind a great batting legacy. Pollock finished with an average of 60.97 which is the fourth highest behind three Australians â€" Don Bradman (99.94), Steven Smith (63.75) and Adam Voges (61.87). While Bradman will always be the ultimate batting specimen, Smith is still playing and it remains to be seen where and how he finishes eventually. Voges played his first Test when he was 35 and retired after 20 Tests in a career spanning from June 2015 to November 2016.

Pollock, on the other hand, was forced out of international cricket in 1970, when he was only 26, due to South Africas apartheid policy. Acknowledged by Bradman as perhaps the finest left-handed batsman ever, Pollock accumulated 2256 runs with seven centuries and 11 half-centuries. He amassed 20,940 runs in 262 first-class games at an average of 54.67. Watching the third Test between India and South Africa from the Presidents Suit at the Wanderers, the 73-year-old opened up on a range of issues in a chat with DH. Excerpts:

You were part of one of the finest teams ever in the late 1960s…

I played first-class cricket for 27 years, and I started (playing Tests) in 1963 and I was 19 when we went to Aussies. We ended up drawing the series. There was a bunch of new guys that were playing their first Test, I think we had an unexpected result in Australia. For the South African cricket, starting from 63 and till the isolation in 1970, it was the turning point when we drew the series against the Aussies.

We beat England in 1965 in England, we beat the Aussies here in 67 and then in 70. We had a quality side and we were playing a good positive cricket. The 1970 side had (Barry) Richards, (Eddie) Barlow, myself, Lee Irvine, Mike Procter, Denis Gamsy, my brother (Peter Pollock)… I mean Proccie (Procter) was batting eight and he batted for Rhodesia and Gloucestershire at four and got six 100s for Rhodesia in a row and equaled Bradmans record of getting six hundreds in a row. And he batted at eight in the South African batting line-up, so it was a formidable all-round line -up.

Many players of your era went on to play in county cricket but why did you restrict yourself to domestic cricket in South Africa?

The weather is s**t. No 2: the Pound and the Rand were 1:1 in 1969 so you couldnt earn 17:1 for the Rand. So, financially it wasnt a good proposition. If I had a contract for 3000 Pounds, I would get 3000 Rands for that. In 18 hours of cricket, you cannot get a fair result without declarations. It was not enough playing time 18 hours to have four innings. County cricket was a game of declarations. I didnt like the declarations. We would bat and set targets. We would always set targets to keep the game alive. You couldnt get 40 wickets in 18 hours, it was impossible. I just think it was a bit of a farce for first innings if you tried to bowl someone out and you couldnt get them out, then theyll probably tell you well set you 280 in four hours. And the game would go on. I just think it wasnt the way the game should have been played. It wasnt an attraction.

Do you ever think you played at a wrong time and wrong place?

No, I dont. I never played full professional cricket. So, in 1970 when we were isolated, I had a settled job. Nobody knew how long we were going to be isolated. Because I was married and had kids. You never know ... You are anticipating that itll come back earlier than you thought. And then youll get back into it. It took just 22 years. Its the best thing that has happened to South African cricket. Something had to happen. The politics in the country was absolutely shambolic. And I think the good thing is that even after the 22 years, the standard of cricket was still reasonably good. The state of cricket survived irrespective of the isolation.

There were rebel tours though in South Africa…

Theres always a debate over the rebel tours but I think those games were needed for the game in SA. You needed some international flavour and overseas stars. There were politically and financially a lot of hassles. And after all these years, it showed that it possibly was the right thing to do. It maintained the standard of cricket. South African cricket didnt deteriorate badly because they were out of the league. They came back in 1991 and survived pretty well I would think. And since then, I think they have made some wonderful progress. A lot of guys that have been given the opportunities are taking it. Everybody has been surprised but the transformation has been needed for the country. Its just that people have contested how the transformation should work. And thats always debatable as to which route you go. A transformation was needed and the players that have come through in the last five years, have been unbelievable.

Your brother (Peter Pollock) used to make fun of your dodgy running between the wickets…

They also tell a story of when I was playing for Transvaal, the Johannesburg side. There was this guy Mandy Yachad who also played for South Africa (in one IDI against India in 1991), but he batted at No 3 for Transvaal. He was not used to hitting many boundaries but he was a quick runner between the wickets. We played in one game, and he played a ball and wanted to get three or four. I ran two and told him, Mandy, its not an athletics meeting. If you can run three and I run two, you will get only two. So, conserve your energy. These things are unnecessary. If you are not doing the basics right, you are going to have a problem. My running wasnt great, but I just believed if you run a three, you play the next ball and because having run three, your breath and breathing is a little uncontrolled. When you are facing the ball, you want to be settled and ready to do whats right. I just know batting as a job in balance, not overdoing the excitable.

Who was the toughest bowler you faced during your time?

Dennis Lillee, I would rate him as the best. I think he was a class act, he was quick, he had control and he was aggressive. Procky (Mike Procter) was a good one in the 1970s. John Snow bowled well. In fact Garry Sobers was probably the best opening bowler in world cricket in the 60s -- they had Charlie Griffith and Wes Hall but he used to open the bowling. If there were rankings in the 60s, he probably would have been ranked as the No 1 bowler in the world. He used to bowl these left-arm swinging deliveries… I mean we played in a World side, and we bowled England out for 100 and he got 6/30. He was just an incredible player.

You have been rated the finest No 4 ever, which other No 4 batsmen have impressed you over the years?

There is Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting… Greg Chappell was a good player, I played him in the 70s. England side in the 60s had Ted Dexter, Colin Cowdrey, (Ken) Barrington at three, four and five, and with (Geoff) Boycott at opening, it was a hell of a batting line-up. You didnt get those sides out twice too often. Barry Richards was a super player, Garry (Sobers), Rohan Kanhai was a very talented player. If he hadnt played at the same time as Garry, he would probably have been credited as the best player in the world.

With so much technology around, does it help a player improve or it gets complicated sometimes?

I think it can get too technical, when I was coaching the side and Hansie (Cronje) was the captain and Hansie said to me, I want to get back and across when the guy delivers. What do you think I should do? I said, why dont you start at where you want to get when the guy delivers? Why do you have to in less than half a second make that adjustment? Why dont you get into the position you want to before he delivers? How do you get into a decent position jumping around the crease?

So then what do you make of Steven Smith? He shuffles so much but still manages to get big runs…

Its a bit of mystery but it works for him. He does the basics right, he balances well, he watches the ball and has got sound technique otherwise. But yes, he is a bit of a mystery. I would have a go at him with the short stuff. If you look at world cricket, there are not many good players of quick bowling. Its an art. If you are a hooker and you want to take the fast bowler on, you are going to get out more times than youre going to get runs.

It was Vishwanath Keinchis love for handloom and concern for weavers that made him start an enterprise to support the traditional craft in Gadag district. He began as a micro-entrepreneur in 2007 to make handloom a viable livelihood option for the local people. What started as a humble effort with an annual turnover of Rs 1,50,000 has now become a major player in the field with a turnover of over Rs 75 lakh.

Dinesh Devadiga, an artisan from Bhatkal, didnt have high hopes when he started his lavancha (vetiver) handicrafts enterprise to sell his products directly to the customers. It was not a stroke of luck but a result of dedication and right collaboration that his business has seen a steady growth and, he is able to dream big.

It didnt take more than two years for Sunita Nair, a first generation entrepreneur in Hubballi, to make a mark in the areca plate manufacturing sector with quality products and good marketing skills.

These promising efforts based in different parts of the State are held together by a common thread: the Navodyami programme, a skill-development initiative launched in Hubballi in 2011, under the aegis of Deshpande Foundation. Aimed at creating a favourable ecosystem for small entrepreneurs through unconditional support, timely guidance and critical connections, Navodyami has so far reached out to over 5,000 micro-entrepreneurs and supported more than 500 innovators to succeed in their business.

Lending a hand

The objective of Navodyami is to nurture entrepreneurs from rural and peri-urban areas and help them carve their own niche. "The idea is to support small entrepreneurs who have unique products but may not have necessary means to make their business thrive," says Neelam Maheshwari, director of the programme. The entire process takes place in three phases: selection of promising rural entrepreneurs who stand out in terms of innovation and viability of the idea; providing necessary support through training, mentorship, networking, and credit and market linkages; helping them expand production and achieve financial stability. "Mentors at Navodyami bring in business knowledge in the language that is understood by these rural innovators. This facilitates the creation of vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystems in small towns and cities," Neelam says.

Handicrafts, textile, food, dairy and small business are the major sectors supported by the programme. While 55% of the entrepreneurs supported through the programme have studied till Class 12, 20% have not got any formal education. The programme claims that the income of Navodyamis (entrepreneurs supported under the programme) has increased six times after their association with it.

"Six out of 10 small enterprises working with Navodyami have created profitable businesses while two out of these six have grown significantly," says Neelam. The programme has created a ripple effect by creating job opportunities, reducing migration, particularly among youth, and improving the local economy.

Entrepreneurship & innovation

Sunita Nair saw the darker side of life after the sudden death of her husband in 2015. After several bad experiences while working in private companies, she decided to start her own business. "I wanted to do something new and while researching I realised that there is no areca plate making unit in this part of the State," she says. Though she was able to make quality products through constant effort and hard work, she lacked exposure when it came to marketing. Navodyami supported her with a proper marketing strategy. Now, she is happy with the growth of her industry and has created employment opportunities for other women.
Nagaraj Chakrasali, a potter, feels that he discerned the real value of his products after associating with the programme. Sharavva, a bag, quilt and dress maker, says that her association with Navodyami has helped her improve the designs.

It is not just the support but also networking opportunities the programme provides that is appreciated by the Navodyamis. "We get to know about other efforts, many of which are inspiring. Though the idea is to scale up our business, such platforms enrich our lives," says Sunita.

Deshpande Foundation has replicated this model in other states to empower those at the bottom of the pyramid. As part of its outreach programme, a Navodyami Summit is organised in Hubballi on February 3. To know more about the initiative, log on to www.navodyami.org.

Sightseeing in and around Raichur town is more like trailing heritage sites and structures. Among the numerous heritage sites here, the location of hill fort remains the most preferred tourist spot. Situated atop a rocky hill called Giridurga, the Raichur Fort is surrounded by hillocks, quaint villages and a historic lake named Aam Talab (Mavina Kere).

The fort is about 300 feet above the plains. The Archaeological Museum in Raichur has an exhibit of a Telegu inscription which states that the hill fort was built in 1294 by Gore Gangayya Reddy, chieftain of Raichur during the reign of Kakatiya queen Rudrammanni Devi.

The sprawling hill fort has numerous ruins and remains of religious structures, tanks, caverns, bastions and stone inscriptions in Persian, Arabic, Telugu and other languages. Atop the fort, there is a huge stone slab with Telugu inscriptions, that can be traced back to the Kakatiya period.

The fort comprises inner and outer two-tier circuit walls extending to three sides of the historical defence terrain. The Hindu architectural-style inner fortification has two arched gateways named Sailani Darwaza and Sikkandari Darwaza. The Muslim style outer fortification has five huge doorways named Naurangi Darwaza in the north, Mecca Darwaza in the west, Kati Darwaza in the east, Khandak Darwaza in the south and Doddi Darwaza in the south-east. Except for Naurangi, Mecca and Kati Darwaza, most of the other doorways, once the grand gateways of Raichur Fort, havent stood the test of time. Ruins, inscriptions, images and archaeological museum exhibits are what remains of these monuments today.

Grand entrances

The Naurangi Darwaza is a Vijayanagar period monument named after its eye-catching entry gate that was once decorated with colourful artwork and sculptures. The monument has courtyards and a small towered defence structure. One can see numerous murals depicting Dashavatara, Ramayana and Mahabharata adorning the inner and outer walls of the 700-year-old Naurangi Darwaza.

The Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage has long been maintaining a museum here. The open-air museum has a rich collection of historical inscriptions, idols and religious sculptures.

The Mecca Darwaza has a small but an eye-catching dome set on a lotus petal design circular rostrum. The Arabic inscriptions attributed to the Bahmani king, Muhammad Shah III, is seen on the walls of the doorway. This doorway was built in 1470 on the orders of the king.

There is a small public library within the premises of this monument. It was opened in 2008, in collaboration with the City Central Library and Raichur district administration. From the terrace of the Naurangi Darwaza, tourists get a picturesque view of the citadel named Bala Hisar which stands on a hill. Built in the 16th century during the reign of Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, Bala Hisar is a granite monument. It comprises a durbar hall, a small mosque and the Panch Bibi Dargah, dedicated to five women saints. It also provides an overall view of the fort amidst the scenery of the town.

Tourists delight

Aam Talab is located adjacent to the fort. It is a scenic lake spread over an area of 150 acres and surrounded by hillocks and villages. This 13th-century lake is a major source of irrigation. It is also a popular tourist spot with boating facility and a childrens park.

Raichur town has many Muslim monuments of historical importance. The tomb of Pir Sailani Shah, Ek Minar Masjid, Fort Jami Masjid and Jami Masjid are some of the popular monuments. Built by the Bahmanis, the Ek Minar Masjid is said to be Raichurs oldest mosque, famous for its 65-feet high, two-storied Persian style minaret with a winding staircase.

Built by the Adil Shahi dynasty, Fort Jami Masjid is one of the biggest mosques in Raichur. It has two entry points leading to a six-pillared huge mosque surrounded by the ruins of an ancient palace and remains of a fort.

The historical Sikandari Darwaza and Daftakari Masjid are located adjacent to the palace ruins. Next to the mosque, there is a cemetery with graves said to be of the family members of Adil Shahi rulers.

The Bijapur-style Pir Sailani Shah tomb comprises a small shrine decorated with an artistically designed dome, arches and well-trimmed turrets. Named after the saint, Pir Sailani Darwaza is the main gateway leading to the tomb.Besides these famous tourist spots, there are plenty of scenic locales nearby to explore. They include Malliabad, Kallur, Koormagadde, Anegundi, Manvi and Mantralaya.

Museums are repositories of art, culture and history. Nowadays, we find a lot of specialised museums. From wax to coffee and toy museums, we seem to have it all. That apart, advanced technology is used to improve the quality of the display in these museums.

One such effort is made by Gandhi Bhavan in the Manasagangotri campus of the University of Mysore. This is essentially a replica of the Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati, Gujarat. Gandhi Bhavan was inaugurated here on January 31, 1966 in order to propagate Gandhian ideals among the students. It is the product of a joint initiative by Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and University Grants Commission, both based in New Delhi.

The ashram

The replica built here speaks volumes about the zeal of the Gandhi Bhavan in its attempt to promote Gandhian values of peace, love, non-violence, comradeship and Swaraj. The Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati played an important role in the life of the Mahatma. It was his third ashram, the other two being the Phoenix Settlement and Tolstoy Farm in South Africa. The Sabarmati Ashram is from where he organised various satyagrahas, and meetings to fight issues such as poverty, untouchability and the struggle against colonialism.

Gandhi and his associates started out as a small community at Kochrab Ashram, Ahmedabad. This later developed into an organised community in Sabarmati. A cowshed, library, a spinning-shed, kitchen and living quarters were added later. Here, Mahatma Gandhi promoted small-scale rural industries that play a crucial role in the upliftment of villages. All of these details were considered while building the replica of Sabarmati Ashram in the university campus.

In order to recreate the ashram in Gandhi Bhavan, the team collaborated with Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and procured memorabilia connected with Gandhi. The replica of Hriday Kunj, Gandhis home in the Sabarmati Ashram, stands out. In the Gandhi Room, one can find a display of rare and historical photographs.

There are photos of Gandhi with his mentor Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and other freedom fighters like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, J B Kripalani, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Dr Rajendra Prasad and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on display.

These photographs throw light on the freedom movement in India and showcase the political life of Gandhi. That apart, Gandhis personal belongings, again replicas, are on display in this room. His mattress, pillow, a pair of slippers, spectacles, a kerosene lamp, a stop clock, etc. are exhibited in an attempt to showcase his simple living. Through the exhibits, this ashram helps visitors learn more about Gandhian values in a time when they are diminishing.

Furthermore, Gandhi Bhavan has chalked out various programmes to reach out to more people and promote Gandhian ideals. It intends to involve students in its programmes. The team also intends to collaborate with Karnataka Shilpa Academy and build sculptures, to be placed in the exclusively created Gandhi Path.

There was a time when water sports enthusiasts of Karnataka had to go to a distant place to ride the waves. Not any more. On the contrary, people from across the country, and even outside, are visiting the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada to explore places that have emerged as the finest spots for water sports.

There are several beaches in this region that have a great potential for tourism and adventure activities. Right from Someshwar beach near Ullal (in Dakshina Kannada) to Majali beach in Karwar (Uttara Kannada-Goa border), there are more than a dozen beaches that could be the best in the country. Tannirbavi, Panambur, Surathkal, Mulki (in Dakshina Kannada), Kaup, Malpe, Maravanthe (in Udupi), Murudeshwar, Bhatkal, Gokarna and Honnavar (in Uttara Kannada) are a few to name. Besides, rivers such as Nethravathi, Gurupura, Nandini, Shambhavi, Swarna, Udyavar, Seetha, Sowparnika, Chakra, Kali and Sharavathi also offer water sports opportunities.

Unexplored areas

Though Jack Hebner, popularly known as Surfing Swami, started Mantra Surf Club or Surfing Ashram - Indias first surf club - in 2004 in Mulki, and famous people keep visiting the club, the sport came to limelight when Mantra Surf Club organised the first All Cargo Indian Open of Surfing at Sasihithlu beach in 2016.

The competition, recognised by the International Surfing Association and Surfing Federation of India, and supported by Karnataka Tourism Department, saw the participation of over 100 surfers from India and abroad. While surfing is a multi-billion dollar industry abroad, it was virtually unheard of in India until a few years ago. Because of the efforts of Jack and others, coastal Karnataka has emerged as a popular surfing destination today.

Besides surfing, stand-up paddle (SUP), kayaking, bodyboarding, wakeboarding and jet ski rides too have been introduced in some beaches and rivers of the region. Other recognised surfing training institutes in the coastal region include Shaka Surf Club in Kodi Bengre, Udupi, Stoked Surfers Club in Tannirbavi, and the one managed by Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project in Panambur beach.

Amritha Vidyalaya in Mangaluru is collaborating with Mantra Surfing Club to start surfing, kayaking and stand up paddle activities, and to include the same in the school curriculum, said Yathish Baikampady, chief executive officer of Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project. He also said that when the plan materialises, it will be the first school in the State, perhaps in India, to include surfing in the curriculum.

Till recently, scuba diving was considered as a foreign sport (even though the Andamans and Goa had the facility). Uttara Kannada district administration facilitated scuba diving in Murudeshwar (Netrani island) last year. Two more places (an island about 8 km from Kaup beach, and Sadashivgad in Karwar) followed suit. Plans are on the anvil to start scuba diving at about 16 km away from Panambur beach in Mangaluru. "A trial run has already been done," said Yathish.

Snorkelling activity is also organised in all these places. Snorkelling is the practice of swimming on or through a body of water with a diving mask and a shaped breathing tube called snorkel.

Uday Shetty of Tourism Department, Dakshina Kannada said that the district administration has given permission to maintain beaches in Panambur and Someshwar to two companies and they can take up any activity on the beaches with appropriate infrastructure and adequate safety measures. He said that plans are also on the cards to start a surfing training centre in Mangaluru.

Anitha of Tourism Department, Udupi said that there is a good response for water sports activities in the district. House boat at the backwaters of River Swarna near Kallianpur too is becoming quite popular, she said.

Safety measures

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Kannada district H Prasanna said that some of the beaches including Murudeshwar, Om (Gokarna) and Karwar are safe for water sports. "Due to the existence of islands nearby, tides are normal, following which they are ideal and safe for water sports activities," he said.

Stating that there are three operators in Uttara Kannada for scuba diving, Prasanna said that the district administration has been providing training on life-saving skills, first aid and rescue operations so that the operators are better equipped to handle emergency situations.

"I was thrilled and fascinated to see a different world just 30 feet below the sea surface near Nethrani island. Colourful fish, pelagic fish and coral reefs mesmerised me," said Shivamogga District Information Officer Shafi Saduddin, who recently tried scuba diving at Nethrani island. He is also happy that such a facility is available in the State.

Water sports in River Kali is the most sought-after among the urbanites, and people visit the place for activities like kayaking, speed boat and rafting. Dr Rabindranath Tagore Beach Development and Conservation Committee in Karwar, in association with Leisure Routes in Mangaluru and Uttara Kannada District Tourism Development Committee, has been organising kayaking for tourists.

The kayaking festival organised last year in Dandeli evoked an overwhelming response, with the participation of more than 100 enthusiasts from India and abroad. The route for kayaking is from Siddar to Karwar on River Kali, crossing picturesque locations and tiny islands. There are two island stop overs during the trip. To ensure the safety of riders, life jackets are provided and life guards will also be present. Interestingly, it is not compulsory for the participants to learn swimming for kayaking or scuba diving.

A park, pathway, watchtower, food park and other water sports on the bank of River Kali near Karwar, just before the river joins the sea, are an added attraction for tourists. With Karnataka emerging as a destination for water sports, adventure enthusiasts can head to scenic places this summer to experience the adrenaline rush.

Gaarudi Gombe (which translates to magical dolls) is an intriguing folk dance prevalent in many parts of Karnataka. The origin of the Gaarudi Gombe lies in the epic Mahabharata. When Krishnas wife Satyabhama was angry with him, he is said to have pacified her by wearing a giant doll suit. Gaarudi Gombes are usually seen during temple festivals and processions. The dance usually depicts various characters from Indian folk stories and classics. This dance is usually performed as a way to ward off evil spirits while keeping the tone of the tale fun. While it is known as Gaarudi Gombe in some places of the State, it is called as Tattiraaya in some other areas.

So, what are these giant doll suits made? The doll is entirely made of bamboo sticks. Using appropriate sketches and colours, the face of the doll is created by applying a layer of papier-mâché on top of the bamboo frame created for it. Making the face can take up to a week. The dolls costume makes use of bright colours and is at times made similar to the costumes that Yakshagana dancers wear.

The dolls are around 12 feet in height and can weigh nearly 40 kg. As the bottom is left open, a person can fit himself into the frame from the underneath and perform the dance. He carries this huge structure on his shoulder. Provisions are made for the performer to see outside. As the dolls weigh a lot, most of the performers are usually men. The dancers also take turns carrying the dolls as the performance can go on for almost eight hours.

Our skeletons may help to keep our weight under control, according to a fascinating new study with animals. The study suggests that bones could be much more intimately involved in tracking weight and controlling appetite than scientists realised. It also raises interesting questions about whether a sedentary lifestyle could cause us to pack on pounds in part by discombobulating our sensitive bones.

There is no question that our bodies like to maintain whatever weight they have sustained for any period of time. This is in large part because of our biological predilection for homoeostasis, or physiological stability, which prompts our bodies to regain any weight that we lose and, in theory, lose any weight that we gain. To achieve this stability, however, our bodies have to be able to sense how much we weigh, note when that weight changes, and respond accordingly. It has not been clear how our bodies manage this trick.

Some years ago, scientists did discover one of the likely mechanisms, which involves leptin, a hormone released by fat cells. In broad terms, when people add fat, they produce more leptin, which then jump-starts processes in the brain that reduce appetite and cause their bodies to drop that new weight. But obviously, this system is not perfect or no one would hold on to added pounds. So for the new study, which was published earlier this month in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a group of researchers began to wonder whether there might be other processes at work.

To find out, they first gathered groups of mice and rats. They chose both species, hoping that, if any results were common to each, this might indicate that they also could occur in other mammals, including, potentially, us. Then the scientists implanted tiny capsules into each rodents abdomen. Some contained weights equaling about 15% of each animals body mass. Others were empty. In effect, some of the animals had just gained a big chunk of weight. The scientists then left the rodents alone to deal with these added ounces as they would. And their bodies quickly went to work. Within two days, the animals containing the weighted capsules were eating less and after two weeks, had generally lost almost as much weight as the capsules contained.

When the scientists subsequently removed the weighted capsules from some of the animals, those mice and rats began eating more and soon added back those ounces. Their homoeostatic weight sensors clearly were working well, in both directions. The researchers next repeated the procedure, but in mice that had been bred to produce very little leptin. Again, the animals ate less to stabilise their weights after the capsules were implanted. So, their bodies were not relying solely on leptin to track and respond to weight changes.

A gravitostat

Finally, the scientists considered bones. As they knew, most animals skeletons readily sense when they are being stressed by such things as strenuous weight-bearing exercise and will add extra bone cells to handle that pressure. Osteocyctes, a type of bone cell, are thought to be the cells that recognise when outside forces are affecting the bone and send out biochemical signals prompting the creation of new bone. To see if they likewise detect and respond to changes in body weight, the scientists bred a group of mice with unnaturally low levels of osteocytes. Then they again implanted the weighted capsules.

This time, the animals did not drop that added weight. Their bodies did not seem to realise that they had become heavier, presumably because of the low levels of osteocytes, and the animals remained artificially plump. The implication of this result is that healthy bones seem to sense changes in body mass and then somehow initiate alterations to appetite and eating that can return the body to its previous weight, says John-Olov Jansson, a neuroscientist at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, who led the study. He and his colleagues call the bones sensor a gravitostat, which is triggered by body weight bearing down on bones, a result of the inexorable pressures of gravity. And they suspect, he says, that a similar gravitostat exists in people.

The possibility could help explain why sitting for hours is associated with obesity, he continues. When we sit, much of our body weight is supported by cushions rather than bones, leaving our skeletons unaware of how much we actually weigh and whether that amount has changed or should change. Of course, that theory is purely speculative at the moment, since this study involved rodents, not people. It also cannot tell us how, if our bones do keep track of our poundage, they manage that feat, or how they communicate the information to the brain and its appetite centres.

A new class of light-bending materials

Researchers from Northwestern University, USA have developed a first-of-its-kind technique for creating entirely new classes of optical materials and devices that could lead to light bending and cloaking devices.

Using DNA as a key tool, the interdisciplinary team took gold nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes and arranged them in two and three dimensions to form optically active superlattices. Structures with specific configurations could be programmed through choice of particle type and both DNA-pattern and sequence to exhibit almost any colour across the visible spectrum, the scientists report.

The technique combines an old fabrication method (known as top-down lithography) with a new one - a programmable self-assembly driven by DNA. The team is the first to combine the two to achieve individual particle control in three dimensions. The study was published online recently by the journal Science. This new method can be used to build metamaterials - materials not found in nature - for a range of applications.

Faster assembly line work

Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed a novel electric propulsion technology for nanobots. It allows molecular machines to move 1,00,000 times faster than with the biochemical processes used to date. This makes nanobots fast enough to do assembly line work in molecular factories. The results appear in the journal Science.

TUMs new technology moves the machines by applying electrical fields to the DNA molecules, which have a negative charge. "By applying electric fields, we can arbitrarily rotate the arms in a plane," explains Professor Friedrich Simmel, an author of the study. His team has for the first time managed to control nanobots electrically.

Are earthquakes more likely during full moons?

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1 ruptured the ocean floor off the west coast of Sumatra. The resulting tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. And it occurred during a full moon. The Sumatra earthquake isnt the only large earthquake to have occurred beneath the moons bright glare.

Both the 2010 earthquake in Chile and the Great Alaskan Earthquake in 1964 also happened on a conspicuous lunar date - making it tempting to argue that large earthquakes occur during the full moon. But a new study published in Seismological Research Letters finds that the connection is nothing but folklore.

To analyse the supposed link, Susan Hough, a seismologist at the US Geological Survey, scrutinised 204 earthquakes of magnitude 8 or greater over the past four centuries. She then matched those earthquakes to the lunar calendar and found that no more occurred during a full or new moon than on any other day of the lunar cycle.

During full and new moons, earth, the sun and the moon fall along a nearly straight line. This celestial alignment tugs at our planet, raising tides in the oceans and in the solid earth. That effect is far too weak to cause an earthquake on its own. But should the moons gravitational pull tug at a fault that is close to rupturing, a temblor is not impossible.

Advancing with sound waves

Researchers from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA have demonstrated that sound waves can be used to produce ultraminiature optical diodes that are tiny enough to fit onto a computer chip.

These devices, called optical isolators, may help solve major data capacity and system size challenges for photonic integrated circuits. Isolators protect laser sources from back reflections and are necessary for routing light signals around optical networks. In a study published in the journal Nature Photonics, the researchers explain how they use the minuscule coupling between light and sound to provide a unique solution that enables nonreciprocal devices with nearly any photonic material.

Cloning the Woolly Mammoth

Scientific research and practices are advancing at a rapid pace. Many of the breakthroughs have exceeded the expectations of our imaginations, and have forced us to grapple with challenges related to ethics. The most glaring example of this lies in the field of cloning.

Directed by Stephanie Brown, Ben Makuch and Ksenia Yurganova, Cloning the Woolly Mammoth tackles this debate by exploring the strides that researchers are making in replicating various species in their laboratories, in particular the woolly mammoth. Can advances in cloning allow us to resurrect a long extinct species like the woolly mammoth? This documentary explores the many controversial variables involved in this research and what can happen if it becomes successful. To watch it, visit www.bit.ly/2DzrwkC.

Actor Aishwarya Arjun, who has been working on Prema Baraha for over a year terms her role in the film as intense. Prema Baraha which has released today is written and directed by actor-director Arjun Sarja.

Aishwarya points out that she was given three scripts by her father and she chose this one because she found the story and characterisation extremely challenging. The film is a love story but a very different one.

In an interview with Nina C George, Aishwarya talks about her foray into the Kannada film industry.

How do you feel after the release of Prema Baraha?

The reviews are still pouring in but somehow I feel still and many people say that its a good sign . The film belongs to my father because he has worked to make every little detail interesting.

How was it to play a journalist?

Portraying my character has made me a stronger person. All the films made by my father have a patriotic flavour to them and this one is no different. It is not easy to portray the life of a journalist because they have to report and ensure that the story flows in a certain format. I am sure any actor would have loved to play such a character because it is versatile and intense.

How was it to have Chandan as a costar?

Chandan and I had to attend a lot of rehearsals and workshops. These sessions helped me know him better. The good rapport that we shared off screen has strengthened our performance.

How was it to work under the direction of your father?

I belong to the third generation of actors and theres a lot of expectation from family and friends. I knew that I had to excel in my work because I was being introduced by my father. I couldnt afford to falter.

The film has a lot of songs. Let us about it?

Every song in the film has been strategically placed and has a purpose for being there. The introduction song has my father, Chandan and me grooving to peppy tunes. Theres another song with Darshan in it. The Hanuman song has become a favourite among the youth and Manase Manase has already crossed five lakh views online.

In a scenario where construction of high-rise structures is rampant, a lush green space is like an elusive idea. On close introspection of our lifestyles, we realise that youngsters are trapped in the professional world, and the children are engrossed in books. Amidst all this, urbanisation has taken away all our green spaces and eventually our source of fresh air.

However, if you are blessed with the luxury of space for terrace gardens, then the concrete walls cannot hold you from having your very own nature corner. Having a well-designed and curated terrace garden in your home is like a treat for the eyes as well as a boon for the inhabitants.

Its quite unfair when a vast space like a terrace is left barren. A terrace, irrespective of its size, can be utilised in a beautiful manner with some creative ideas. To bring out the best in a terrace garden, one needs to utilise its maximum potential. How does one do that? What can we do to design a luxury terrace garden?

First, we need to get rid of the misconception that a terrace garden is only about plants and grass. A homeowner and the terrace garden designer need to understand that a barren terrace is similar to a plain canvas ready to be embellished and beautified. There are a lot of elements that can be incorporated to make your terrace opulent.

With careful planning and designing, the outdoors can imbibe the comfort of your indoors. Now, luxury can be defined by magnificence, comfort, ease, splendour, indulgence, grandeur, bliss and embellishments. All these aspects can be included in your terrace garden to make it luxurious.

Here are a few pointers to help you create a luxurious terrace garden:

• Seating first: Develop your own relaxing zone by designing an outdoor seating area on your terrace. Wouldnt it be amazing to have your morning coffee amidst some greenery? A beautifully designed raised deck with steps making your way towards an outdoor open-air sitting becomes your gateway from a hectic day. Make this corner opulent by adding rich stone wall murals and statues around the sitting. You can also go for different seating zones. You can have fixed furniture for a big gathering or some loose furniture in groups of two or three for a small gathering. A dining area with a terrace garden will also add an element of luxury to your terrace. A separate lounge and dining area makes it look visually spacious and functional.

• Creative add-ons: How about enjoying the drizzle and aromatic flowers while sitting in a covered outdoor setting? Designing a covered seating space on a terrace increases the functionality of the space. Pergolas and gazebos become an artistic way of covering your outdoor sitting zones. These outdoor covered structures can further be enhanced with beautiful creepers.

• Keeping it party-ready: Rooftop spaces present a unique atmosphere for entertaining and relaxing with friends and family. Throwing an open-air party where your guests are surrounded by greenery under the twinkling stars or the soothing sun on a winter afternoon will make your
terrace garden an enchanting party venue. Equip your terrace garden with a well-curated barbeque, an open-air kitchen along with a buffet counter for a lavish display. Install a well-designed and visually appealing terrace bar equipped with proper storage. A terrace bar will add on to the fun and fervour to your solitude as well as to your parties.

• For the bookworms: Reading your favourite book in your terrace garden on a winter evening with an outdoor fireplace beside you will revive the old world charm. Dedicating a corner of your terrace to a cascade will lure you to your terrace on summers. The warmth of the fireplace or the tranquil sound of water is an added luxurious feature for your outdoor terrace space.

• Into the blue: A terrace garden with a swimming pool, plunge pool or a jacuzzi surrounded by lush greenery is nothing less than sheer luxury and self-indulgence. Nothing can beat the joy of having a lap in your own terrace pool or just soaking yourself in an open-air jacuzzi. In addition to self-indulgence, a terrace pool lures you to throw some of the most fun summer pool parties in town.

• For the fitness freaks: Utilise your terrace to its maximum potential by designing a functional utility area. You can develop a covered gym in your terrace garden. Exercising in the lap of nature with your treadmill facing green plants rather than enclosed gyms will definitely be an add-on to your exercise regime. You can even create a dining room on a terrace, whether enclosed or with a retractable roof.

• Embellish it green: Just like your indoors, you can accessorise your outdoor space too. One can choose from plenty of garden accessories and embellishments. Apart from lush green plants, you can also go in for vertical landscaping. Green walls will be an addition to the concept and essence of designing a terrace garden. A vertical green wall adorned with real plants or artificial green panels will enhance the beauty of a barren wall as well as your terrace garden. Add-ons like wall murals, garden statues, rich and elegant mosaic flooring patterns amplify the beauty of your outdoors.

• Light it right: Carefully planned and meticulously installed outdoor lighting systems are what you need to complement the beauty of your terrace garden at dawn and night. Outdoor lighting can be turned into a luxurious aspect of your terrace by going in for automated systems, where you can create the grandeur of lights and different moods with just a click of a button.

If you have space, then convert your terrace into a charming garden. Seek the help of professional terrace garden designers, put in your creativity and do wonders with your terrace.

(The author is architect & director,
Studio Machaan)

Its an invigorating new year and the Pantone colour of the year has been announced: its the rich and vibrant shade of ultraviolet. And whats a home that does not evolve with changing times? So, here are some ways in which you can incorporate this royal shade into your home:

Let it blend

There are plenty of ways to incorporate ultraviolet into the interiors of your home and make it look classy and trendy. This jewelled tone colour can be used in a graphic oversized rug to add drama, while the amethyst-toned pillows can be used as accents. Accessorising with uncut amethysts can add some energy and embellishment to your home.

Kunaal Kyhaan Seolekar, founder, architect and creative director, studio HAUS and KOY, Pune, says, "Create a distinct identity by combining the graphic rug with contemporary furniture and metallic accents. Quilted pillows in suede amethyst tones add a luxurious touch to any interior space. A statement floral arrangement with jacarandas, hydrangeas and tulsi flowers can be an interesting addition to the dining table too."

Multiple elements

This colour of the year can be incorporated in many ways to give your home a mysterious, creative and powerful look. "So, if you are planning on revamping your home or just want to add a touch of this smooth shade, then incorporating ultraviolet furniture could be one of the best ideas. Artwork, accessories, wall paints can be good for giving a touch of the global trend to your interiors," says Sameer Hora, MD, IDUS.

Arpita Bhandari, design energist, consultant, interior designer and founder, One by Arpita, avers, "This colour helps one to become more clairvoyant, evokes spirituality, clarity, mindfulness, visualisation and creativity. It should be used in the mandir, living room, den, kids room or master bedroom by having it as a highlighter or one furniture piece." Ultraviolet shades can also be used to brighten up a room. "I prefer more of subtle and warm tones in a house, so I would use a pop of ultraviolet colours in the decor, accessories, or even a vase with flowers in that shade," says Sukriti Sharrma, director, Plüsch.

The room story

Piyush Roy, founder, Jumpinggoose, opines, "For the living room, you can have ultraviolet curtains and match it with mauve or a light shade of tiebacks. The upholstery for the furniture can then be white, off-white or beige. Ultraviolet cushions can also be used to add a dash of royalty to the decor. You can also choose to have a purple swing to add a boho look, or some purple scented candles with lavender fragrance to add freshness to the place. Kashmiri carpets with an ultraviolet shade can be used against an all-white decor."

Abhinav Mahajan, director retail, Maspar Industries Pvt Ltd, adds, "For the dining area, grey tones in furniture with placemats or runners in accent ultraviolet colours represent the value-added products in your dining area. The bedroom can again be an interesting area where you can play smart with ultraviolet tones. Decorative cushions of bedding in embellishment work of ultraviolet tones, along with some sheer in lighter tones of the shade adds to the beauty of bedrooms."

Bits & bobs

Add ultraviolet chandeliers and table lamps to your living room, dining area or bedrooms to give your home an elegant and sophisticated look. "You can also add rugs in the same colour or go matching it up with the walls. To give your home a creative look, add wallpapers, wall art in the same colour instead of painting the entire wall," says Nomita Kohli, co-founder and interior designer, Wisma Atria Interiors.

Jasmine Jhaveri, interior stylist, Jasmine Jhaveri Design Studio, says, "Contrast hues like greens, pinks and yellows look great as eclectic pairings and add depth to the decor. For a more refined take, style ultraviolet with rose pinks, bronzes and copper for a warm yet classy touch."

Using the Pantone shade with your existing colour palette is the perfect way to incorporate the colour into your home. "Be it creating a standalone corner or a wall in your living room, or placing some subtle violet colour candles, or even mixing the violet shade with your curtains and upholstery is a perfect way to break the monotony and incorporating this lively colour into your living space. A perfect mix of the violet shade with the existing colours of your dining upholstery is a practical and innovative method of creating a style statement in your dining area. Further, use of the Pantone shade for your runners and table mats is also a vibrant method to break the monotony. Similarly, use of this colour in your bedspreads or blankets is an innovative method of introducing colours according to your mood," explains Ankur Shingal, managing partner, Ansavv Inc.

Go big, go bold

Dushyant Mehta, CEO, Mahatta Art Galleries, explains, "Selection of colour depicts your personality and ultraviolet paintings are perfect to add charm and personality to your interiors. Refurbish your living room with ultraviolet curtains and pillows that complement your other room interiors and make your home interesting."

Adding an ultraviolet hue to your bathroom decor can rejuvenate the mood in your bath space. "A scented ultraviolet candle can be a simple but refreshing addition to your bathroom and can fit seamlessly into any kind of bath decor that you choose," says Pradeep James, director, design & VM, Urban Ladder.

Designers and customers could find it tricky to adapt the bold hue of ultraviolet to their homes. "If one is afraid to invest in a big piece, a low-key method of incorporating this colour could not go wrong; maybe with a piece of art or a painting. This colour could also be used in luxury projects to define boldness and elegance," says Alok Duggal, COO, Homestudio.com.

So, what are you waiting for? Its time paint the town ultraviolet.

Homes are considered a window into our personalities. The look and feel of a house are asserted by the choice of colours, fabrics and the design and aesthetics of our furniture and home decor. Colours are an insightful indicator of what emotion we want our homes to reflect. Be it a warm cosy ambience or a spacious contemporary design or a minimalistic setting, there is always a colour that defines every kind of home.

Pantone has declared the colour of the year as ultraviolet. The next obvious question is, what kind of a home would the colour suit best for? Well, the radiance of this rich shade can fit seamlessly in various parts of the home, provided the shade is blended well with the furniture and decor pieces in the room.

So, heres a quick lookbook to bring the magnificence of the shade to life in different sections of your home:

For the living room

First impressions are vital. Whether you have a flair for the bold look, or youre up for a soothing minimalistic aura, an ultraviolet sofa or couch is your best bet to enliven your living space and create an impressionable first look.

Bedroom matters

Bedroom designs typically involve a lot of aesthetic value and embody the true sensibility of the owners. An ultraviolet upholstered sofa chair can be a quiet companion to your bedroom decor, which will not only be subtle but will also add a dash of brightness to your space.

A touch of violet in the bath

Bath decor is no longer a compartmentalised afterthought in the home furnishing space. Adding an ultraviolet hue to your bathroom decor can instantly rejuvenate the mood in your bath space. A scented ultraviolet candle can be a simple but refreshing addition to your bathroom and can fit seamlessly into any kind of bath decor.

When you work from home

In todays times when work from home has become a popular concept, it is imperative to create your own workspace at home. But there needs to be a balance between making the space work-ready and blending it in with the rest of the home decor. A minimalistic room setting with functional furniture will facilitate productivity, while a dainty touch of ultraviolet on your chair can add some drama to the monotony.

A personalised nook

Finally, its time for the most important part of your home. No matter where and how you live, everyone has a corner in the house that belongs to them. Typically, this space is decked up with intricate detail and reflects the most authentic version of the residents. While your personal nook is entirely done up at your discretion, a comfortable and cosy ultraviolet cushion will blend it perfectly in it and add a spirited look to your space.

Bring the liveliness of the Pantone colour of the year into your home and brighten up different sections of your living space.

(The author is director - design & VM, Urban Ladder)

This year, Pantone has chosen a futuristic shade, ultraviolet, as the colour of 2018. The shade signifies originality, royalty and the cosmos. Infusing this colour into your interiors can be challenging. Hence, it needs to be used strategically around the house so that it stands out and makes the space uplifting.

Ultraviolet is a colour that could be used as part of the furnishings. It can also be used on walls with some rustic wall decor items. One can also revamp their whole space by including this colour into various home decor items and accessories. You can also create a royal-themed space, use the colour paired with a little gold. Use the colour to design a cosmos-inspired bedroom. Use the shade wisely.

Here are some quick tips to help you incorporate the colour into your home decor:

Living room

The shade could be used as part of the furnishings. Having grey walls with a dining table whose chairs are ultraviolet will define the space. Also, using such a colour on one of the walls with some rustic wall decor items will make the whole area stand out.

Bedroom

Ultraviolet colour will create a vibrant ambience in your bedroom. Creating a night sky with concealed LED lighting will make you think of the cosmos. This will give you the illusion of sleeping under a starry night. This concept is ideal for the childrens bedroom, making it fun and magical.

Accessories

Having home decor items in this colour will help revamp the whole space. For example, cushion covers or rugs under the coffee table will give the whole space an elegant and royal look. Combining ultraviolet with golden accessories will also give your space a regal look.

So, use the colour right and make your home bright! Happy designing.

The much-awaited social drama Pad Man, starring Akshay Kumar and directed by R Balki, is finally reaching the audience today. The story of a man on a mission who broke all social taboos has been garnering attention on social media.

The saga of the real pad man, Arunachalam Muruganantham, goes back to 1998 when he got married. He noticed that his wife Shanthi was collecting filthy rags and newspapers to use as sanitary napkins since the ones available at the store were expensive.

Thats when he made it his mission to make sanitary napkins. He started by making pads out of cotton which were rejected by Shanthi and his sisters. He even went to a few medical students to be test subjects but they too refused to help him.

He looked for female volunteers who could help him but, as many would expect, they were too shy to discuss their menstrual issues with Arunachalam. So he decided to test it on himself. He created a uterus for himself by using a football and filled it with goats blood. He roamed with this tied under his clothes. This was his way of checking the absorption rate of the napkins. When this became a problem with the villagers, he decided to distribute these cotton pads to medical students for free as part of his research.

It took him nearly two years to understand that commercial pads used cellulose fibres derived from pine park wood pulp; it helped the pad retain the shape. But as the imported machines were expensive, he devised a low-cost machine that could do the same thing.

His hard work finally paid off and in 2006, he visited IIT Madras to present his idea and they registered his invention for the National Innovation Foundations Grassroots Technological Innovations Award. He won. He then founded Jayaashree Industries and his commitment has since earned him several awards.

Arunachalams story became the subject of the prize-winning documentary Menstrual Man by Amit Virmani and Phullu by Abhishek Saxena. The rest is history.

As Balkis Pad Man releases today, a delighted Arunachalam says, "This is the first mainstream movie being made and when a superhero does it, the awareness will spread."

He recalls that he had more failures than successes in convincing people. He says, "I always believed that if you are committed to making something happen, you will find the power and strength to do it. Menstruation is not a taboo. One man can make a difference."

"We had to talk to husbands and fathers of these women before we could speak to them and explain the advantages of using sanitary napkins. My curiosity to do something in order to gift my wife a pad led me to understand that women are the strongest creation," he adds.

Asked about the #PadManChallenge undertaken by celebrities, he says, "Its good that people are talking about this. Menstruation and pads which were considered taboo are being talked about a lot these days. This is bringing a change in the mindset. We hope that this is going to be a movement that will revolutionise the menstrual hygiene awareness."

Hes also happy that there are other entrepreneurs like Maya Vishwakarma, a scientist from Madhya Pradesh who is recognised as Padwoman, are trying to make a change. "In the last few years, many people have started voicing their thoughts about menstrual hygiene and are offering pads. Im happy to see that and look forward to many more to join in. The cause we are addressing is a big one," he exclaims.

He also has a word of advice to the society. "If you want to do something to make a change, help our farmers. Its important because one day we will have everything but no food to eat. I have a few ideas that Im working on and hope to bring about a change."

A recent survey by an adult website reveals that more and more women are watching online pornography. Several intriguing aspects come to light with the survey, one of them being that women have a special preference for videos that show violence against or submission of their own kind. This was also revealed in a study by a Harvard economist last year which said that womens viewing choices in this area are mostly dictated by a desire to watch aggressiveness against women themselves.

"Watching such videos is a way for me to escape from my less-than-satisfying domestic life," says a 38-year-old housewife. "It allows me to live out my somewhat rough fantasies, which I am not otherwise allowed to voice out, being the mother of a teenage girl."

While viewing choices are a matter of personal choice, some others are worried about what the pattern says for the general attitude of women.

"Is it just curiosity or is it something deeper, brought about by milleniums of subjugation? If it is just interest, would they consent to be in a similar position? If yes, then can their browsing history work against them in a court of law in case of an adverse situation?" wonders Cleetus, an MNC professional.

While some may argue that this would not have any consequences in real life, others opine that it is a worrying trend since one never knows when it will go out of hand. "Especially in a country like India, where the concept of consent is still not properly understood," says D, a young female.

The fact that Indian women are among the most prolific consumers of porn comes as a surprise to many, though it should just be seen as an indication of their increasing economic independence, awareness and acceptance of their sexuality, points out Sangita Unni, psychologist/counselor.

"Watching porn satisfies many needs of the urban career-driven woman. Cortisol, a stress relieving hormone, is released, dopamine levels and it takes care of loneliness, an offshoot of having a stressful professional life," she says.

Another male user also feels that the easier access to internet and personal devices made it easier for women. "This revelation doesnt surprise me. It is a trend which bucks the age divide while the younger lot may see such videos to pick up new stuff, the older females may be surfing to satisfy their curiosity," he says.

"Its still very debatable," says Sangita, when asked whether watching porn is a harmful act. "However any behaviour that interferes with your day to functioning effectively is detrimental e.g. Sometimes watching too much porn may make you anti-social or restrict your ability to read non verbal cues of another person," she says.

New York-based Indian guitarist and composer Shubh Sarans musical career has been shaped by a variety of influences, including a childhood spent in six different countries and formative years spent listening to Indian fusion music.

An alumnus of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Shubh plays intricate compositions that fuse sounds from modern jazz, neo-soul, and rock with classical and contemporary Indian music.

In the city recently to perform at BFlat, the artiste took time off to chat with Rajitha Menon about his journey till now.

When did you realise that music was your calling?

Growing up, I was deeply fascinated by the life of musicians. Watching some of my favourite bands made me realise that I was meant to pursue music. I remember watching Indian Ocean live at the India International Center in Delhi when I was fifteen and being completely blown away by the concept of
being a professional musician.

Six different countries while growing up. Which one influenced you the most musically?

I started learning the guitar while my family lived in Geneva, Switzerland which gave me a strong sense of identity when I lacked it the most. But the musician in me was born when my family moved back to Delhi after many years abroad. I was excited about mixing the Indian classical and contemporary music I was raised on with my love for pop, rock, and blues.

Your favourite genre?

I cant say that I have a favourite genre, but I have favourite sounds, rhythms, harmonies, and textures from a wide variety of genres.

There is a constant influence by music from all over the world at all times. I tend to listen to a lot of
contemporary jazz, neo-soul, RnB, funk, rock and Indian fusion music.

What are your musical influences?

Im heavily influenced by music with interesting rhythmic and harmonic ideas. Tigran Hamasyan, Jacob Collier, Avishai Cohen, Snarky Puppy and Moonchild are some among the many I like.

What do you listen to in your spare time?

In my spare time, I listen to a lot of jazz, fusion, neo-soul and other crossover genres within those. I try to actively look for new artistes to obsess over, my current one being Anomalie.

How does it feel to perform in India?

Going on tour to India with my band from New York is a dream come true. My Indian-musician-life and American-musician-life have always been two separate things. Thanks to this tour, I am finally able to merge these two worlds.

What did the itinerary look like?

We performed almost every night, conducted workshops and also did a live video recording session. The recording session featured five artistes from Delhi and my band arranged and performed their songs. The songs will be released online after the tour.

We hear you have Bollywood dreams...

I have Bollywood dreams! The idea of working on films, that are watched by millions, is extremely exciting. I look up to a lot of music directors in India like A R Rahman, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Clinton Cerejo, Sneha Khanwalkar, Raam Sampath, and many others. Its challenging work that requires great patience.