The average modern homebuyer is a tech-savvy millennial marked by his or her need to be constantly mobile and connected. So, its quite possible that they hunted for the perfect apartment through their smartphones, took a virtual tour of the property and struck the deal with the builder online, eliminating the need for middlemen and agents. Clearly, homeownership is no longer the drudgery it once was. This new trend is sending the residential real market into a tizzy with annual property market sales projected for $462 billion by 2025. The new breed of homeowners will most likely earn double incomes and will not shy away from employing an entourage of domestic help, drivers and cooks. Majority of them now opt for shopping for their day-to-day needs online and have it delivered to their doorsteps.

What do the numbers say?

Builders must move beyond their plain vanilla properties and rethink their strategies for their apartments. Unfortunately, in most gated communities, there exists a gap between expected security and what is actually offered. Our research shows that 20% of domestic help and 30% security guards change jobs every month. There is a whopping 50% rate of annual decline among delivery boys.

Another layer of complexity is added when the quantum of inbound traffic is unmanageably huge. On a daily basis, a gated complex of about 400 flats is likely to experience 800-1,200 external footfalls driven by deliveries of all kinds, courier boys, cabs or autos and hundreds of maids, cooks, maintenance and other staff.

As a result, identity verification and security take a huge blow. Not only is the manual method inconvenient and inefficient, it is also a major guzzler of a communitys budget with a very little impact on crime prevention. Thankfully, rapid innovations in the home security space â€" both globally and locally - offer apartments and gated communities access to an array of hardware and software solutions to keep their premises safe and secure.
The most prevalent ones are:

Home alarms

Subject to where they lie in their spectrum of capabilities, home alarm systems provide the easiest protection against neighbourhood burglaries by protecting major points of entry on the premises. They are often connected to a cellular station for emergency contact. On the flipside, home alarms are essentially pieces of hardware that require the residents themselves to take responsibility for repair and maintenance. They are also suited for individual homes and can rarely be scaled upwards to gated communities with thousands of residents.

CCTV

CCTV has been one of the earliest entrants in the home security market. Owing to the relatively low costs of installation, businesses and homes alike have been invested in the concept of monitoring and cracking down on crime in the vicinity. CCTV camera comes with a monitor to which it transmits recorded images. The monitor, in turn, sends these images to the videotape or DVR which are rich sources of information (and legal evidence).

However, the CCTV depends on hired monitoring. A growing number of residents are also opting for fake CCTVs just to keep potential perpetrators at bay. But we must not forget that an experienced thief will be able to differentiate between fake and authentic devices in as much as a glance. Therefore, CCTV cannot solely serve at the first line of defence. Even when viewed from an ethical perspective, the jury is still out on whether CCTVs are a violation of citizens privacy or a necessity to deter neighbourhood crimes.

Keypad access control systems

Keypads work on the principle that is most familiar to users - on a password. We
already do it while banking and logging into our emails, so taking it a step further with a four-or six-digit passcode for home security is as straightforward as it can get.

Keypad access works with minimal glitches until it is extended to multiple users. Like most passwords, the one in your house can also be compromised if it is predictable or remains unchanged for a long period. There are also chances of your employees or guests memorising the pattern you key in each time or tailgating on the sly. Therefore, users of this kind of security must be alert and responsible with their passwords at all times. In most cases, standalone keypad access control systems are deal-breakers for communities that have a heavy footfall every day.

Biometric authentication

Biometric authentication is catching on as one of the more secure methods of authentication in bigger gated communities. Technologies such as face recognition, iris scan and fingerprint recognition essentially record the unique patterns present in an individuals respective body parts, store them as codes and tag them exclusively to the individual they belong to for future use.

Keeping imposters off limits with biometric authentication can be all too enticing theoretically but it comes with its share of logistical challenges. Though biometric authentication systems are highly priced, they still suffer occasional lapses in their read rates. This means you could well be presenting your body part to the reader several times before it recognises you and lets you in. It is perhaps the last situation a resident would want to be in, especially in bad weather or emergencies.

While there are myriad technologies emerging in the home security marketplace, they only offer one piece of the jigsaw in the big picture. They are also capital-intensive and their benefits tend to decline over time.

Where do we go now?

There is a dire need for homes of the future to make way for simple, comprehensive and intelligent solutions that address modern gate management challenges. Read real-time domestic help management, digital validation of all staff, complete attendance management, stickerless vehicle parking management and much more in an affordable manner.

Take, for instance, mobile applications based on algorithms such as behavioral intelligence augmented authentication (BIAA). They can be downloaded instantly on the users and security guards smartphones with the assurance that all exchange of data is securely stored in the cloud. Wherever a resident may be, he or she will be updated in real-time on the whereabouts of visitors on the premises. Communities that have already jumped the bandwagon have witnessed substantial savings in the range of 10-15% in costs. In addition to automated and digital attendance, time saved on the manual registry and intercom communication and avoidance of car stickers.

The way we see it, the gate management of the future will no longer need expensive, standalone technologies that call for tedious installation and maintenance. Think touchless residential security where people and their vehicles move in and out seamlessly without manual intervention yet authenticated with unseen technologies running in the background.

(The author is CEO & co-founder, myGate)

It is often said that a home is a true reflection of oneself and ones personality. There is nothing more exciting than decorating and doing up your own home according to your tastes and choices. However, many a time, in the quest for creating picture-perfect spaces, creativity and exclusivity take a back seat. Also, trying to keep abreast with the supposedly latest and contemporary trends could result in predictable, lacklustre spaces which are more akin to stage sets or conventional hotel rooms.

But with a little bit of ingenuity and innovation, you can create a perfect home that is warm, vibrant and completely individualistic. Such spaces are not only characteristic and colourful but also comfortable.

What is shabby chic?

This refers to a style of decorating that makes abundant use of elements like soft colours, pastels, whites, textured fabrics and distressed pieces of furniture to create an informal and casual ambience. Throw the conventional rules out of the window and unleash your creativity adding a personal touch to your home. For instance, you need not use a chair only for seating. Paint an old metal chair in soft pastels or give it a distressed finish and use it as a bedside table to hold your favourite books. Add in a vase of fresh flowers on top to enliven the space. You can also use it to hold your bedside lamp. Alternatively, you can convert your grandmothers worn-out sewing machine into a perfect bedroom table or a dresser by installing a mirror on top.

Source flea markets, ransack your attic or scour thrift stores to display collectables like old globes, ceramics, hats and wall plates. Old glass bottles can be painted or embellished for a refreshing look. You can use them for fresh flowers and water plants. Floral upholstery and lace tableware can give your home a country or a cottage look adding a rustic charm to the ambience. Painting an old bench and using it as a coffee table or framing an old map to be hung on your living room wall not only keeps the surprise element alive in the house, but gives it a relaxing and cheerful vibe. Remember shabby chic decor is all about making your place snug, welcoming and cosy.

Eye-popping decor

Bright colours, bold prints and whimsical styling can add a fun yet hip quotient to your home. Go in for large cushions in shades of turquoise or fuchsia, chunky pendant lights and oversized art to add a differentiating touch to your home. Colourful coasters, planters in striking hues, bohemian nameplates and boards go a long way in adding a unique character to your home.

Display vintage movie posters by framing old worn-out vinyl record cover sleeves. Use a drinks trolley in the living room to serve as an unusual side table or paint an old safe to turn it into a quirky accessory. Glossy finishes, mismatched chairs, comic prints and neon lighting are yet other design elements that can make your home lively and energetic. Be generous in displaying the souvenirs from all your travels to reiterate the personal touch in your house.

Vintage charm

Few accessories can match the charm of antiques and heirloom pieces. Brass and copper items used as decor pieces add a certain heritage value to any space. Old brass lamps, bowls and even utensils complement any style of decor. The beauty of fresh flowers and indoor plants is only enhanced when combined with such metal accessories. Displaying vintage telephones, typewriters, wall clocks and record players are some great decor ideas. If you are lucky to inherit some heirloom furniture like your grandmothers four-poster bed, teak dressing table or her antique cupboard or even your grandfathers writing desk, then you are in for a bonus. Adding them automatically enriches your space.

Power of upcycling

If you are looking to style your house with unique accessories and are not a fan of mass-produced store-bought stuff, upcycling is a great idea. The process of conceptualising a piece from something that is more often than not discarded makes the whole exercise appealing. This way, you not only end up adding an unmatched accessory but also one that conjures fond memories whenever you see or use it. Storage trunks of the yesteryears are a great option for creating statement pieces for your living room. Paint it in bright base colours and use your imagination to paint patterns on it on all sides. Once ready, enliven your corner with it. Place some books, fresh flowers and knick-knacks to add some zing. Ditch conventional vases, paint old aluminium measuring cans instead. Feel free to draw and paint with elements and objects you love. Old rusty iron pans can be cleaned and painted on both sides to serve as offbeat living room accessories. Old brass cauldrons are no longer used to heat water for bathing and it is common practice to demolish the structure to give way to the modern geysers. Grab the discarded cauldron and top it up with glass to give you a wacky side table. Similarly, old doors are great options for multipurpose tables and even side stands.

All in all, thinking out of the box can help you do up your home in a style that is inimitable, unmatched, singular and truly special.

The Architectural League of New York has awarded its Presidents Medal to Prince Karim Aga Khan IV on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The Presidents Medal is the leagues highest honour and is bestowed on individuals to recognise an extraordinary body of work in architecture, urbanism, art or design. Prince Karim Aga Khan is the current Imam of Ismaili Muslims. In the words of the medals citation, "for the extraordinary work of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and the recognition, scholarship and investment it has catalysed and supported, which has raised the quality of urban and rural environments around the world."

The citation added that the Aga Khan "has demonstrated the capacity for architecture to be encompassing and inclusive, through his probing search to conceive anew the nature of cultural identity and continuity, his openness to innovation and experimentation, and his unwavering commitment to pluralism as a foundational principle of human community." The Architectural League of New York nurtures excellence in architecture, design and urbanism, and stimulates thinking and debate about the critical design and building issues of our time.

An open art exhibition and sale organised by Saakar-Aakar Fine Arts (SAFA) was held at the Bal Bhawan, Cubbon Park recently. It was conceptualised by Sarika Ruia. It was a visual feast for visitors who had a chance to go through more than 700 paintings of various artforms laid out in artistic harmony.

Ace artist Shan Re was the chief guest for the day and spoke candidly to the artists about pursuing ones dreams and the importance of art in a youngsters life. Past president of Rotary Bangalore Junction Rtn Naval Saraf and current president Rtn Santosh Kejriwal were also present at the event.

The theme of the exhibition was dhARTi-2017, which showcased various indigenous and international artforms that are losing their prominence in the hustle and bustle of modern day life.

The objective of the exhibition was to educate the people of the city about the vivacity of the various art forms developed at community levels in various parts of the world. There were workshops organised by the artists of SAFA, aged between 5 to 16 years, where they invited the gathering to spend some time to learn about art forms like Warli from Maharashtra, Gondh from Madhya Pradesh, Madhubani from Bihar and Aboriginal from Australia, to name a few.

The exhibition saw more than 150 artists from various schools take part in a drawing competition. There were also performances by children from interact clubs of Bhavans Press School, Florence High School and Tapovan School. All these clubs were set up under Nitu Saraf from the Rotary Youth Service wing of Rotary Bangalore Junction.

Another highlight of the event was the Art Auction for Charity organised in aid of Rotary Bangalore Junctions efforts towards building science laboratories in government high schools.

Young and old artists won accolades at the event. The Junior Star Artist award went to Rachit Daga and the Shree Om Prakash Ruia Memorial Trophy for Super 4 was awarded to Ahan Rajgharia, Mihika Daga, Sania Ahmed and Avishi Rajgharia. The Shree Vijay Shankar Bajoria Memorial Trophy for Best Student was awarded to Shrutika G K.

These awards were in recognition of their performance in the annual drawing competition, monthly poster competitions, quiz competition and file submission.

When in Amsterdam, there is nothing more Dutch that one can do than to opt for the few free things one can participate in the city! And the Sandeman free walking tours are truly worth the two and half hours of sheer cardio that you are made to indulge in as you tread down the different alleys and experience the heady mix that is Amsterdam in a whole new way.

Bas, our tour guide who is a proud Dutch, provided the right mix of the old and the new, of the political and the archaic, of food and history, of people and traits. From the 17th century canals to the unravelling of the tolerant Dutch demeanour with their cannabis coffee shops to the bylanes of the Red Light District, the walking tour sure helps the onlooker experience the vibe of the city in a really short time.

Our walking group consisted of a mixed group of people from across the world! The first stop was at the Dam Square, the Royal Palace which is now undergoing some renovation followed by the New Church and the national monument that honours the victims of World War II. We briefly looked at the small reminders of World War II and spotted the names of the victims of Auschwitz. The brisk pace soon settled into a nice stroll and soon we were on the most picturesque part of Amsterdams Singel Canal and gazed upon the bust of Eduard Douwes Dekker aka Multatuli, one of Hollands great writers. We were soon given a brief bio of the writer who famously denounced the exploitative nature of Dutch rule in Indonesia in the early 19th century.

The group came with all kinds of answers to Bas question on why the administration has to have an annual clearing system for the canal and Bas reply surprised us, the canal supposedly is the biggest dumping ground of the citys most loved mode of transport "the humble bicycle".

It seems one may not drown in the canal, if one accidentally falls in but can be grievously injured because of the hundreds of cycles that lie in the canal depths! We were also cautioned that we had more chances of being run down by a cyclist in Amsterdam than a motorcar because the city is literally taken over by cyclists. That of course came as no surprise to all of us because the citys elaborate network of dedicated cycle paths are testimony to the pains the administration has gone to make it a cycle-friendly space and obviously the citizens love the ride!

At an innocuous turn during the walk, we ventured upon the Begijnhof Chapel that surfaces in one of the city alleys and soon transports you to the good old days. We also chanced upon the house where the great artist Rembrandt lived and worked for 20 years. Further down, we spot the serpentine queue that announces the path to the Anne Frank House, the place where the young girl went into hiding and penned her thoughts into the now world famous diary.

A short pit stop at a cheese store and we tasted the different varieties of cheese and sat by the canal belt at a cafe and looked around enjoying the sights and sounds of the bustling touristy city that is Amsterdam.

As the walking tour came to an end, we were requested to tip our tour guide and given the beautiful tour we all experienced, Bas was rewarded quite well by the group. So if you are in Amsterdam and you love to tread the different route, Id definitely recommend the free walking tour!

The 11th edition of Voices from the Waters International Travelling Film Festival 2017, that was inaugurated in the city on Thursday, will showcase 229 films from 60 countries including India, across different venues in the city.

The festival is presented by Bangalore Film Society in collaboration with Karnataka Chalanachithra Academy, ActionAid India (Bangalore), Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Jain group of Institutions and a consortium of partner organisations.

The festival will have film screenings, discussions, exhibitions and paintings - all of which will have themes connected to water scarcity, water harvesting/conservation, conflicts, floods, droughts, global warming and climate change, degradation of water bodies (oceans, ponds, beaches, lakes, rivers, etc).

Some of the films will explore the impact of deforestation on such water bodies, sanitation and health and the holistic revival of water bodies.

The festival has earlier travelled to Tokyo, Spain, Columbia, Gothenburg and Sweden. The inauguration began with water songs performed by Bhoomi Thaayi Balaga, a Bengaluru-based folk music band known for its rhythmic songs on environment, lifestyle and pluralism.

They rendered songs that were written on the importance of conservation of water and preservation of green cover. Speaking on the occasion, George Kutty A L, secretary and festival director, Bangalore Film Society, said the festival has opened at a time when the city and its people have woken up a sense of green consciousness. "I would like to stress that water crisis is a global phenomena. I didnt know that every dam that is constructed across the world, is done ignoring peoples protests. People have always come forward to protect the environment, but the government has worked towards taming and controlling water resources."

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Lakshman and chairman of KSPCB, said, "The festival will offer a glimpse into the struggle, the hopes, despair and the success stories of those who are carrying on a relentless fight for "access to water" as a basic right for everybody. The films will also take the viewers on the judicial use, conservation and management of water resources."

T S Nagabharana, film director and chairman of Voices from the Waters International Travelling Film Festival, said that there was a deep connection between cinema and water.

"I am sure that there isnt really anybody who doesnt watch films these days and I dont think anybody can stay without drinking water for a whole day. These two are integral parts of our existence today," he said. He points out that people should watch films that are not only entertaining but those that are made on socially-relevant issues.

The film screenings and discussions will be held at Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on December 15 from 10 am to 7.30 pm and will also be held at Jain University, Jayanagar 9th Block on December 15 and 16, from 10 am to 5 pm.

There is no entry fee and the admission to the festival is free on a first-come, first-served basis.

The unveiling of the carnival-themed Christmas carousel took place recently at The Oberoi.

This unique twist to the otherwise traditional celebration of the hotel garnered a lot of attention from people gathered for the event.

This was followed by cocktails and canapés to keep the audience entertained.

The unveiling also saw the choir of the hotel engaging the crowd with popular carols and Christmas songs.

Nitya David, a recruiter, says, "The highlight of the evening was the beautiful carousel made of chocolates and sweets. This was a great idea. I have been all around the world but this is the first time I have seen something like this. The carols singing in the background just added to the feel of Christmas."

Many in the crowd felt that the carousel was the highlight of the event and added a good element of surprise. "I am a regular at the Christmas celebrations of The Oberoi. Last time was also spectacular but this years celebrations took me by surprise. The mirth and cheer has given a joyful start to the celebration," says Ashish Dubey, official IPL emcee.

Actor Naveen Thirthahalli made his debut on the silver screen with Dushta. This was followed by movies like Manjina Honey, Aata, Kelade Nimageega and One Time. He was particularly noticed for his role as a district commissioner in Baragaala. Naveen will soon be seen as a tough ATS officer in Karigambaliyalli Midinaga and in the thriller Andhagaara.

A perfect weekend for me is about spending time with myself and the people I love. There are times when I am at a shoot or away for work but whenever I am in the city, I love to be at home or just chill with my friends. I like to keep my plans different always.

When I am home, I love spending time with my cousin Sowmya. She and I start the day with a cup of coffee. We spend time in the kitchen experimenting. Sometimes we manage to make some finger-licking creations, which include vegetarian dishes like sambhar or chicken specialities. Though I wouldnt call myself an expert in the kitchen, I cook decently. I dont like eating outside and I am a health freak, so home food is my comfort food too.

Sowmya and I chit chat and we pull each others legs. She tells me stories about work while I give her interesting tidbits from the film industry and tell her about my films. We also like watching movies and I encourage her to read books. I love reading autobiographies and biographies. My favourite authors are Yandamoori Veerendranath, SL Bhyrappa, Poornachandra Tejaswi and Osho.

When Im not at home, I go out with my friends. Im close to Rakshit and Kireeti. Rakshit works as a software engineer but is also working in short movies and Kireeti is a freelance photographer. We talk about movies and a lot more. We are like-minded people.

I am a dog lover and I love visiting Rakshit especially because of his pet, a Rottweiler called Stark. He is such a bundle of joy and one wont realise how time passes by when I am playing with Stark.

I also love going for night rides with Rakshit and Kireeti. Sometimes, we take off to NICE Road and chill at a cafe or just drive along. Night drives have a certain joy to it. There is almost no traffic then which makes most conversations interesting. One can concentrate more on spending time with each other than be bothered about bumper-to-bumper traffic. We love spending time at campfire sights.

When we are outside, we spend time at restaurants and hotels like The Watering Hole, Silver Oak, Chancery Pavilion, The Lalit Ashok, etc.

Solo bike rides is another favourite pastime. I love taking off on my bike to any destination, even if it is a familiar one or somewhere where I am going for the first time.

In the city or not, working out is a big part of my life. I workout at the gym for at least 90 minutes in the morning and evening.

If Im not pumping it up at a gym equipment, then I would be busy with my stunt classes.

My stunt classes made me realise that I was capable of anything. They helped me improve my performance in action sequences in films.
Though I would not call myself a great dancer, I do not miss out my dancing classes too.

I really love to swim. Swimming can leave one fresh and rejuvenated like nothing else. I am a nature lover. I am charmed by the dense forests and waterfalls. Spots where one can trek call out to me. I love going to places like Kodachadri, Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru, Agumbe etc.

One of my favourite places is my native place, Thirthahalli. There are many beautiful sights there as it is just 15 km away from the Western Ghats. I love spending time with my mother Shantha and brother Nithin, when at home.

I dont have to do something out of the way to feel happy. I am a simple person and my regular activities along with people who matter to me is a weekend well spent."

It is one of the most polarising questions that mankind has ever faced; a question which pits the best of friends against each other - tea or coffee?

Both beverages have a loyal fan following in the country but with International Tea Day here, lets put the spotlight firmly on this humble brew.

"Just thinking about a cup of tea brings a smile to my face," says Simrun Chopra, vice president, Equa Real Estate Consulting. "When I enjoy a cuppa, its my time to tune out of reality for a brief moment."

Simrun explains how her love affair with the brew started. "My tryst with this drink started with my grandfather teaching me to dunk biscuits into his tea. I would invariably leave it in too long and it would melt into his tea, after which I would try and fish it out with a spoon. Every day my grandfather would drink his tea happily with bits of biscuits floating around in it. It was our thing together and remains one of my most precious memories of childhood. I am now letting my son try his hand at it and drinking my tea with bits of biscuits floating in it. But it is not as nice as my granddad made it out to be," she confesses with a laugh.

Bhavana Rameshkumar, director, Chaitanya, says, "My memories associated with tea are from different occasions. Having long chai and conversation sessions with my girls, sipping a piping hot cup of tea by myself after an exam or having tea at work on a stressful day - I dont see any occasion where a cup of good old chai doesnt fit in."

Bhavana waxes eloquent about the strong hold that the strings of the tea bag have over her heart.

"It refreshes me like no other beverage. Tea is perfect for any mood or occasion. Although my favourite type of tea is the masala chai, I occasionally enjoy a hint of mint in my hot tea. Also, green tea is something I cant do without on a daily basis since it is healthier and easier to make," she says.

The quintessential chai has remained an Indian favourite and is a unifying factor across a deeply-divided country. However, tea lovers are becoming fastidious about their brew and have taken a leaf out of their foreign brethrens book (pun intended).

There is now an influx of names like peppermint tea, lavender tea, raspberry tea, bubble tea and so on.

Says Menaka Bhandary, "Drinking tea is a celebration of life - conversations and camaraderie around the bubbling teapot are a source of joy for people around the world and is no different for me and my family. I have always loved a cup of hot tea, be it green tea from China, matcha from Japan or oolong from Darjeeling. This is why I have
included exotic teas on the menu at my blow dry bar Blown."

"Fitness is a huge part of my life and tea helps me stay healthy by providing the necessary dose of antioxidants and other essential nutrients," she adds.

For those who cant get their fill of this drink, there are a variety of tea-infused desserts and dishes that bring the leaf out of the cup to the plate. Cakes, truffles, ice cream, popsicles, rolls, chocolate - the list is delightfully endless. Tea boutiques are also springing up all over the place and visitors there can indulge their eyes, ears and nose with a cuppa of the strong, hot drink.

Seems like a cup of tea is definitely everyones cup of tea. Bring out the fine china then folks, and start sipping!

Greg Proops doesnt really need an introduction. He has been an actor, standup comedian and television show regular in the UK and the US for over two decades now. His jokes have been making people across the world laugh and hes ready to make more people laugh for the first time in Bengaluru.

Popularly known for working on the show Whose Line Is It Anyway, Greg, along with comedian Jeff Davis, is all set to tickle some funny bones on December 16 at Manpho. The event is titled Black Dog Easy Evenings.

He spoke to Anila Kurian about how hes looking forward to entertaining the audience.

Are you having a good time exploring Bengaluru?

Yes! Weve been here for two days now and were having a great time. Theres a lot more wed like to see; hopefully time will permit us to do just that.

You have names like The Proopster and The Proopdog. Is there a name youd like people to call you by?

I do have a podcast called The Smartest Man in the World. I think Im good with that, especially because its not true.

The world of podcasts is slowly being introduced in India. Which ones do you recommend people should listen to?

Mine, of course! Its unbelievably amusing (laughs).

How do you think comedy has changed over the years?

Its definitely become better because you see a lot more women and coloured people performing now. Its great that a lot more people are given the opportunity now.

Do you think that the content has become more about insults than humour?

Its the matter of taste for me. I wouldnt punch anyone down. Having said that, if you are someone who has a powerful avenue to defend, you become the easier target of content. I wouldnt make jokes about poor people because I know they dont have a voice.

What are some of the topics you will never talk about?

I dont like sexist and racist humour. I really dont think its funny; there are millions of other things one can make fun of about instead.

How welcoming are international stages for Indian comedians?

As open as people are ready to go over and do it. But I think London is a good place for international comedians because English is the dominant comedy language. People are a lot more open there. Having said that, America has been seeing a lot of Indian comedians lately. But I must say, with showbiz not being what it used to be, they are forced to promote more women and people of colour on television.

Which is your favourite place to perform?

Paris. Its absolutely beautiful and after the show, well, youre in Paris!

What about the show part?

Who cares! Youre in Paris (laughs)!

What can we expect from the show this weekend?

Lots of cheers, regret, shame and then we go on stage (laughs). There will be a lot of audience interaction too which one can look forward to.

The start of the weekend was an exciting affair for many film-goers as the latest instalment of the epic sci-fi series, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, hit the theatres. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, the American space opera film has been garnering many positive reviews.

Many fans planned their day in such a way that they could catch the first day, first show. Amogh Ravindra and his friends had a movie marathon the day before where they rewatched the previous episodes.

The designer says, "Weve been waiting for a long time for the film to release and we knew that we had the catch the first show. I took the day off from work just for this."

Chandendu Arteev, an architectural designer, adds, "The Star Wars: The Last Jedi was one of the most gratifying movies where every section had a surprise element to it. There was a point where we did think it might not make sense but everything came together at the end."

"What I loved most about the movie was that it answered all our questions. The only thing left was anticipation about the upcoming episodes," he adds.

Amogh adds, "Everything from the character designs to the other details of the film was brilliant. New creatures were introduced. The return of Carrie Fisher was quite nice too."

For Salim Mohammed, a delivery manager, this was a movie that he had been looking forward to for a long time. "I saw the movie with my friends on Friday morning and it was a great start to the day. I wouldnt say that the movie is brilliant but it had everything I was expecting. Im not much of a Star Wars fan but as a movie buff, its a film I would recommend to others."

Those who couldnt watch the movie yesterday are eagerly waiting to watch it over the weekend. Communication consultant Sandeep Deb Varman has been staying away from social media for the fear of spoilers.

He says, "Ive been watching the series since childhood and the way I look at the films has changed over the years. As a kid, it introduced me to a new world but now my focus is the way the story is told and how a new character is introduced. Im looking forward to some of the new elements that have been added."

Sadiq, a gamer, is also looking forward to watching the film this weekend with his friends. He says, "I love that the films have been turning darker and the content is also maturing with each film. The trailer was absolutely brilliant and didnt give away much. It seems like a long wait but I know that the film will be amazing."

Emerging as a popular hub for art and culture, Bengaluru has found a special place in every art lovers heart. Keeping this in mind, Bengaluru Fantastic, a Tech-Arts Festival was launched recently at the Rangoli - Metro Art Center, MG Road.

The event envisages a positive, sustainable future leveraging creative tech in open city spaces. The organisers envision this as a biennial event in the city. German artists and former bangaloREsidents Jérôme Chazeix, Thomas Heidtmann and Felizitas Stilleke were among those who exhibited their works.

Sofy Yuditskaya has collaborated with Ria Rajan for Spectra, a multimedia work. Sofy says, "This place is charming and fun. People of Bengaluru are very enthusiastic about art. The best thing is that there is space for a lot of different interpretation. Our work centres mostly around installations, performances, live drawing and projection art. We would like many people to come and participate in our performances. I dont have any expectations as of now. Lets hope for the best."

Ria pitches in, "I am hoping that people come out and experience all the installations and performances. I am personally excited to see people of all age groups coming in for the festival."

This interactive festival see many international and local artists showcasing their exquisite works. It will also see curation of digital art installations, interactive projections, workshops, panels and electric unicycle dance performances.

Marguerite Courtel and Erica Johnson of Art of change 21 showcased their project Mask book at the event. Talking more about it Marguerite says, "We aim to merge the universe of art, environment, entrepreneurship and innovation. ."

Highlighting more on Mask book, Erica adds, "Our work aims to raise awareness about air pollution and climate change. We work with dust masks and through DIY workshops, the participants transform the symbol of pollution into a means of expression and a symbol for a solution."

The shooting of director Hemanth N Raos next film, Kavalu Daari, is progressing at a brisk pace. After two succsessful schedules, the cast and crew are preparing to start the third leg of shooting. The film, produced by Puneeth Rajkumar, has actors Anant Nag, Rishi, Roshini Prakash and Achuth Rao playing prominent roles.

The project explores the life of a young traffic cop who aspires to do more than just manage traffic. He wishes to get into the criminal investigation wing of the police department because he feels that his skills are better suited there. The young traffic cop is played by actor Rishi, who says that he is thrilled to be part of a project that not only has a unique concept, but also some wonderful actors whose work is worth emulating.
Sharing his experience of working with Hemanth, Rishi says, "It has been a wonderful experience.He knows how to steer the story forward and has an in-depth knowledge about his character."

"This is completely Hemanths film. It is amazing to watch how he goes about achieving his vision and his passion automatically rubs off on the others as well," he adds.

The project also has actors Anant Nag and Achyuth Kumar. Rishi points out that it is absolute delight to watch these two veterans go about their job.

"Both Anant sir and Achyuth sir have a very different style of acting. While the former thinks a lot about the scene and gets immersed in his role and gives the character his
own interpretation, the latters improvisation is something to watch out for. He is always pushing the boundaries of creativity," says Rishi.

Asked about his role, Rishi says that his character becomes more intense and interesting after he stumbles upon a case.

"The case like a crossword puzzle and I dont rest till I get to the bottom of it," he explains.

Rishi says that he prefers to work on one project at a time and wants to do only meaningful cinema. "I want to do good cinema and I am passionate about working on realistic stories and good scripts," he says.

The menu at the New Friends Restaurant in J P Nagar is something to die for. The restaurant that originally started dishing out only Italian food soon branched out into serving Chinese, Indian and continental fare.

Thanks to the demand in every category, the restaurant has now become a favourite hangout with youngsters and families.

Started by Borkatte Sundar Poojari a while ago, the eatery serves authentic Italian dishes, some of which are given a desi twist.

"There are authentic Italian dishes for those who are familiar with and love Italian food. Some of our customers dont like the original way of making Italian food, so we give some of the dishes an Indian flavour. We make it a wee bit more spicy and maybe cook it a bit more than usual," explains Poojari.

Asked why he chose to start his restaurant with Italian food, Poojari says that he found the Italian cooking method easy and quick. There are a few dishes that are exclusive to this eatery. The Hot pepper chicken is chicken cubes cooked and coated with crushed pepper, cashew paste and chilli flakes. The Stuffed pocket chicken is another must try. "Here the whole chicken is stuffed with mushroom, capsicum and other vegetables and then cooked in tandoor style," says Poojari.

The restaurant also serves lasagne in vegetarian and non-vegetarian, potato and cheese croquettes and Chicken and vegetarian hot pot, Mexican soup pot in vegetarian and non-vegetarian and Italian pasta. "A lot of thought goes into preserving and serving the real taste of all the dishes," explains Poojari. He adds that the flavour of every dish is changed now and then just to break the monotony."Effort is made to present as much variety as possible," he says.

Poojari says that all dishes on the menu are tried and tested by him. "I dont want to serve anything that is not popular with the people. We make sure that all the ingredients that go into the dishes are natural with no artificial flavour or colouring," he adds. There are also a wide range of salads and starters.

New Friends Restaurant is located at No 12/11 20th main BTM Layout 1st stage, opposite Citi bank ATM. For details call, 9481287232.

Winter is here; December is here; Christmas is here! What better way to welcome the season than to sink into a plush sofa, listen to some soothing melodies and cradle a hot cup of aromatic tea in your hands!

If this sounds as heavenly to you as it does to us, waste no time and head to Infinitea on Cunningham Road (they have a branch in Indiranagar too). The first-of-its-kind chain of tea rooms and stores, this unique retail-restaurant concept has an objective of introducing people to the best of teas.

The decor is the first thing that strikes you when you walk in. A vintage appeal has been given to the place with old-fashioned fans and solid wooden furniture. A bunch of framed pictures and posters and tea packets in a shelf add to the serene feel. Theres even a tea moment from Lewis Carrolls Alice in Wonderland.

Coming the food, the new winter menu is sure to warm the hearts of even the most hardened of foodies. The best of the culinary heritage of myriad countries makes its way to your plate, courtesy the lineup of dishes specially curated by Gaurav Saria, chef patron and tea master at Infinitea.

"For the cold season, I have introduced hearty and nutritious soups like French Onion and Italian minestrone. Both are classic comfort foods and serve as a wholesome meal by themselves," he says.

Next on the menu is an array of salads which tease your tastebuds with a combination of fresh and crunchy ingredients. The Green papaya and raw mango is a good option for those who are fond of a strong peanutty taste.

The lovers of Arabic cuisine can choose from snacks like Hummus, Falafel, Pita, Tabbouleh and Tahini. The soft warmth of the bread is complemented by the keen flavours of the dips, of which there is a good variety. Special shoutout to the in-house ingredients which ensure that the food retains its fresh and authentic taste.

Tea time favourites like Cheese and jalapeno samosas and Herbed potato wedges make their presence felt on the menu along with the classic Risotto. Burma comes calling with KhowSuey which is a mild coconut curry with your choice of toppings, proteins and carbs, so you can create your dish a million different ways, right there on your table. Chicken and seafood options galore so non-vegetarians can try out a range of dishes without worrying about wastage as the portions are just right.

With a name like Infinitea, it would be blasphemy to not talk about their beverages. The place is rightfully famous for its line of teas which ranges from the quintessential milky chai to Passionfruit iced tea and the silvery white tea.

Make sure you have enough room to try their delicious paired desserts which combines a sweet delicacy with a complementing tea. The Chocolate coffee ganache tart and Darjeeling gold oolong tea is highly recommended. The coffee crust topped with hazelnut praline and creme chantilly finds the perfect match in a full bodied oolong. They also have an artisanal bakery where they make gourmet breads daily, both for in the tea room and for sale.

Infinitea is located in Shah Sultan Complex, Cunningham Road.

Abhijna Bhat is on a roll these days. After debuting with College Kumara recently, the young lass is excited about her role as Nayana in Ashwin Rao Pallakkis Curious Cases of Yedebadita. In a candid chat with Tini Sara Anien, she sheds light on the world of movies.

How did you get interested in acting?

I was never attracted to the show business. It was my father who inspired me to act. I think he wanted to get into films himself but was never able to, so he encouraged me. I was into theatre and my father always found me capable of making it big in the film industry.

How did College Kumara happen?

I had acted in a serial called Niharika and was lending my voice to another serial, when the director of College Kumar started looking for a fresh face. The producer of the serial suggested my name and then it all fell together.

From a cameo in College Kumar to lead role in Curious Cases... How does it feel?

On the first day of shoot, I didnt even know where to sit or stand or how to greet people. I am much more confident now but I do still feel lost sometimes. I have a long way to go. Thankfully, I am on Ashwins sets now. I met him on the sets of College Kumara. He is one of the coolest people. He treats everyone with respect; there are no big or small artistes for him.

What attracted you to Curious Cases of Yedebadita?

It was my role and the films script which got my attention. I will be playing Nayana, a bubbly and bold person. I am not scared to say things to someones face.

Have you faced any discrimination as a newbie in the industry?

From stereotypical comments to constructive feedback, I have seen it all. Ive tried to take the positive lessons from everything and let go off the negativity.

What are your biggest strengths?

I dont compare myself to anyone. Everyone has their own positive and negative traits. Comparing myself to others is unfair. I do have some strong points -- I have strong dancing skills, I am a dedicated person and have a sparkling smile.

Things you feel you need to work on...

I need to emote more subtly. Acting in theatre is more dramatic so I am working on that now.

If not an actor...

An airhostess! I would still love to be one.

Ingredients for Cranberry roll

* Eggs, 4 (large, at room temperature)
* Egg yolk, 1 (at room temperature)
* All-purpose flour, 1/3 cup
* Corn flour, 3 tbsp
* Granulated white sugar, 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp
* Vanilla extract, 1 tsp

For the filling
* Del Monte cranberries, 1 cup
* Sugar, 1/4 cup
* Water, 1/2 cup
* Whipped cream, 1 cup

Method

* In a pan, add cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and water. Cook until thick.

* When the cranberries are soft, take it off the heat and cool. Blend it to a pulp to make the sauce. Set aside.

* Preheat oven to 230 º C. Grease a 17×12" baking pan, line it with parchment paper and then grease the paper.

* Separate two of the eggs, placing the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another bowl.

* To the separated yolks, add the remaining one egg yolk, and the two remaining whole eggs.

* Now, in a small bowl sift corn-starch and set aside.

* Whisk the egg yolks using a hand blender on high speed for five minutes, or until thick, pale yellow, and puffy.

* Add the vanilla extract, half of the sifted mixture over the beaten egg yolk mixture and fold in gently with a spatula. Sift the remaining mixture into the batter and fold in.

* Now in a separate bowl whisk egg whites until foamy.

* Sprinkle the remaining one tbsp of sugar and beat until stiff.

* Gently fold egg whites into the mixture without beating the egg whites.

* Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula or spoon.

* Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. When the cake is lightly pressed it should spring back.

* Remove the cake from the oven, invert the cake on to a clean dish towel.

* Remove the parchment paper and roll up the sponge, with the towel.

* Let the sponge cool down in the towel for 5 to 10 minutes.

To assemble the jelly roll

* Unroll the sponge from the towel, spread a thin layer of whipped cream followed by a thin layer of cranberry sauce.

* Cover with a lightly moist kitchen towel and let cool in the refrigerator for a few hours.

* Just before serving, dust with confectioners sugar. Slice and serve.

Recipe courtesy â€" Del Monte

Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu seems to be in love with her childhood. The artiste recently visited her school in Delhi to see her favourite English subject teacher who has now become the Principal.

Says Taapsee, "I have always been grateful to my school teachers for being an important reason behind the person I am today. And I have really fond memories of my English teacher. She was very supportive and honed my public speaking skills which helped me gain confidence. I was very touched by the show she organised for me in such short notice."

The B-Town girl has completed the first schedule of Soorma, based on hockey star Sandeep Singh. It is slated to release on June 29.

(Compiled by Jaideep Pandey)

After securing her place as the worlds sexiest Asian woman for the fifth time in a row, Priyanka Chopra has now grabbed the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice.

UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie was among the first to take up the cause of fighting for the rights of refugees and displaced people. Priyanka will now take the baton from her as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

As per reports, PeeCee received an invitation from the Harmony Foundation for lending her support towards social causes.

"I humbly accept the award on her behalf. As a mother, I am immensely proud to have a child who is so compassionate and has so much kindness in her. She exemplifies the fact that the more you give the more you get. Even
as a child, she was influenced by Mother Teresa and has been supporting Prem Niwas in Bareilly", said mother Madhu Chopra, who collected the award on behalf of the B-Town girl.

She further added, "It is justified for her to receive this honourable award and I am immensely proud of her. Im thankful and Im sure she is humbled that
her efforts have been recognised by the foundation that believes in helping the needy and supporting the deprived and raising funds for those who are impoverished."