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M A G A Z I N E

The Fine Art Of Dining

PRESIDENT’S NOTE

Rajiv Kaul President,The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

The New Year brings along with it a sense of new beginnings,

great expectations and immense possibilities. This year

promises to be a particularly exciting one for us as we look

forward to the opening of 3 Leela properties in Bengaluru, Hyderabad

and Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

In the past year, our hotels have garnered many awards and

accolades. On the heels of The Leela Palace Udaipur being rated the

‘Best Hotel in the World’ in the Travel + Leisure, USA Readers’ survey,

I have pleasure in sharing with you that The Leela Palace Udaipur has

also been voted ‘Favourite Leisure Hotel’ by Conde Nast Traveller India

in their 2019 Readers’ Travel Awards survey. This reaffirms the proud

legacy we have inherited from our Founder, Capt. Krishnan Nair who

shall always remain a source of inspiration to us.

In this issue we are delighted to provide you with stimulating

features, rich in content and supported by powerful, evocative images.

In the story on Fine Dining restaurants, we explore the changing face

of experiential dining and what the future of fine dining holds. In the

same story, discover why Leela restaurants Le Cirque and Megu are

much loved restaurants by food aficionados. Art lovers are in for a

treat as we explore the botanical significance in the artworks of one of

India’s most important artists, Raja Ravi Varma. Furthermore, leading

creative voices pay tribute to the Father of the Nation’s 150th birth

anniversary, while two in-depth features cover perspectives on two

celebrated personalities — businesswoman Schauna Chauhan and

tennis legend Vijay Amritraj.

Wishing everyone a rewarding and joyous new year.

Happy reading!

This year promises to be a particularly exciting one for us as we look

forward to the opening of 3 Leela properties in

Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Welcome to 2020!

THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 4 | WINTER 2019-2020

T H E L E E L A M A G A Z I N E — W I N T E R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0

34

10Luxe effect

The smartest eveningwear watches,and new fragrances for the year

16Proust Questionnaire

With food critic, author and seniorjournalist Vir Sanghvi

18Wheels

The most exclusivesupercars in the world

26Spotlight

Padma Shri awardee Vijay Amritrajon life beyond tennis

40Food

The changing face offine dining in India

34The Good Life

Art’s wunderkind Rithika Merchant on making waves internationally

48Culture

An artistic tribute to Mahatma Gandhion his 150th birth anniversary

54Business

In conversation with beverageczarina Schauna Chauhan

58Style

Men are no longer afraid offlaunting bejeweled accessories

66Design

What makes Sussanne KhanAsia’s Most Influential Designer

72Art

Exploring the botanical significancein Raja Ravi Varma’s artworks

CONTENTSCONTENTS


80

THE LEELAEDITORIAL & PRODUCTION DIRECTORShobha Patel

PRODUCTIONPrakash Bachche

MEDIASCOPEFOUNDERS Marzban Patel • Anita Patel

EDITORFarhad J. Dadyburjor

ARTCREATIVE DIRECTOR — Muhammad Jaan FaruquiASST. ART DIRECTOR — Vikas Hari KinjawadekarGRAPHIC DESIGNER — Vivek N. Deshmukh

ADVERTISING SALESDIRECTOR — Indu Joshi

MUMBAI (022 - 68468500)Katty Gia, Lamont Dias

DELHI (011 - 61319300)Sr. General Manager (North)Asha Augustine

(09654567819)Rishabh Malhotra

BANGALORE (09886041356)Nagesh Rao

HYDERABAD (08978866599)Sheetal Petkar

JAIPUR (09414069321)Sanjai Krishnan

MANAGER MARKETING SERVICES — Salim B.CLIENT SERVICING MANAGER — Reshma Malvankar

BACK OF THE BOOK

C O N T E N T ST H E L E E L A M A G A Z I N E — W I N T E R 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0

78

79

87

COVERThe best of fine dining at The Leela

78 Snapshot

79 Launchpad

80 Chef’s Corner

82 Jet Set Go

83 Insider’s Guide

84 Events

85 Accolades

86 Guest Speak

87 Perspective

88 Social Index

CONNECT WITH US ON

This Magazine is published by Hotel Leela Ventures Limited (“Leela”). Opinions expressed herein are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Leela. All enquiries about editorial matters, reproduction of articles and advertising should be addressed to The Leela Magazine.Material in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of the publisher. Leela doesn’t assume any responsibility or endorses any claim made by the advertisers herein. Printed at Parksons Graphics, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053.

This magazine is printed on environment- friendly, wood-free paper.

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SELL OR SWAP

We acquire artworks of Indian modern masters and senior contemporaries, for the gallery collection. Should you wish to sell, or exchange, please get in touch for a no-obligation valuation.


SELL OR SWAP



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Heaven scentStart the new year on a fresh note.

— Compiled by Pratishtha Rana

LUXE EFFECT

VALENTINOEvoking Rome’s street culture in one spritz,

Uomo Born In Roma by Valentino is an earthy

scent. Blended for the discerning new-age man,

this perfume bursts with the essence of citrus,

violet leaves and ginger and is contrasted with

notes of mineral salt and modern wood.

DOLCE & GABBANA Dolce & Gabbana’s latest addition K is reminiscent

of the Mediterranean landscape. With a decorated

king-like crown on top of the bottle, the scent is a

combination of citrusy blood orange and Sicilian

lemon, energised with touches of sage, geranium,

lavandin and juniper berry.

GIORGIO ARMANIA fancy reinterpretation of Armani Si from 2013, Giorgio

Armani’s newest Si Passione Red Maestro is fiery red

in appearance and bottles a passionate, sweet scent

for the woman of today. The irresistible notes feature

floral and fruity bursts of rose, vanilla and blackcurrant,

punctuated with pink pepper, musk and solar jasmine.

GUERLAINInspired by Angelina Jolie, Guerlain explores

the warm and sensual facets of a woman in Mon

Guerlain eau de parfum. Expect to discover the

magic of sambac jasmine, album sandalwood,

lavender, patchouli and vanilla packed

delicately in a quadrilobed curvy glass bottle.

HUGO BOSSSpicy yet elegant, Hugo Boss has introduced

for the new season a powerful fragrance for

men called BOSS The Scent Absolute For

Him eau de parfum. Wearable for day or

night, the aromatic mix celebrates a range

of exotic notes including spicy ginger, sweet

fruit of Maninka, mondia roots and the

eternal elegance of vetiver.


Watch out!These stylish new additions will

have everyone envying you.

— Compiled by Pratishtha Rana

LUXE EFFECT

BREGUETRevel in the understated yet

classy aesthetic of Breguet’s

Classique 5177 Grand Feu

model in blue. Amongst

its many outstanding

features, its self-

winding 777Q Calibre

with date indication

and 55-hours power

reserve makes it a

must-have from a.m.

to p.m. The sleek hour-

hands play against the matte

blue background, finished

neatly with a sapphire-

crystal caseback.

ROLEXPacked with technology and style

galore, the newest roll-out

by Rolex is for true watch

aficionados. Available in

42 mm for the first time,

Yacht-Master 42 is a

dapper, evening wear

accessory, adorned with

18k white gold bezel and

hour hands. Supported by

the brand’s iconic Calibre 3235,

the ultra-matte black watch has

up to 70 hours of power capacity.

The contrast of steel lug with the

black oysterflex rubber strap adds as a

remarkable feature as well.

CHOPARDNever a dull moment in this exemplary wrist watch

by Chopard. The 35.75 mm L’heure Du Diamant Round

piece has a self-winding movement and a power reserve

of 40 hours. Designed with an open sapphire caseback, its

18k rose gold bracelet is finely matched with the rose gold

case and encrusted diamonds around the dial.

JAEGER-LECOULTREA glamorous addition to your collection, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Rendez-Vous Celestial model

brings the night sky onto your wrist. With a 37.55 mm frame, the self-winding watch

is generously studded with vibrant sapphires and hand-painted mother of pearl. The

dial has two sections: the upper part is imprinted with numerals and the lower end

displays a magnificent star/zodiac chart. Crafted in two versions, the turquoise and

violet watches are limited edition, available in 18 pieces each.


Vir Sanghvi

What’s your current state of mind?

Exhausted, with all the book promotions.

What is the most marked characteristic

you look for in a person?

Honesty.

Who is your greatest inspiration in the

culinary world?

I am not someone who has one inspiration,

or a favourite dish for that matter. There are

so many, it’s hard to narrow it down.

What was the most challenging part of

putting together ‘The Indian Pantry’?

Worrying that articles that were written many

years ago would still be interesting to today’s

audience. Because the tastes and knowledge

base of the audience has changed. Whenever

you do a collection of columns, there’s always a

little worry, as they are written to be read once.

Which three words would you use if you

had to review your own book?

Buy this book.

No one writes about food quite like him, painting a picture of not just the flavours but what the entire

experience holds. Not surprisingly, a selection of his hugely-popular columns have been put

together as a book, ‘The Indian Pantry: The Very Best of Rude Food’, which comes out at the same time

as another of his books, ‘The Game Changers: Transforming India’. We caught up with the food critic,

senior journalist and author on the sidelines of the Tata Literature Live! festival where he was speaking.

What is the greatest misconception

when it comes to writing about food?

That it’s about recipes and how to cook,

and not about how to appreciate and

understand food.

What according to you is the most

overrated virtue?

Aggression.

Which words or phrases do you most

overuse?

Actually.

Which one quality should every man

have?

I don’t distinguish between men and

women when it comes to qualities. I

believe people of both genders should be

true to themselves.

What one experience would you like

to have?

Being able to take two months off and just

write in a small Italian or French town.

What is your greatest fear?

Abandonment.

Which food critic do you most

admire?

I used to admire the late Behram

Contractor enormously. His writing was

simple and I liked that he concentrated

on celebrating the ordinary.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Good wine.

What is the biggest love of your life?

My family.

What is your most treasured

possession?

I am not into possessions; I don’t collect

or keep things.

What is your greatest regret?

That I did not make a conscious attempt

to put my own interests higher when I

was younger.

THE LEELA MAGAZINE | 16 | WINTER 2019-2020 WINTER 2019-2020 | 17 | THE LEELA MAGAZINE

— Interviewed by Dhara Vora Sabhnani

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE

Haute supercarsLimited edition supercars like the McLaren 720S Spa 68, Bugatti Divo

and Lamborghini Centenario that move like quicksilver are the must-have member of any

uber-czar’s street fleet. Dhiram Shah takes a look at these million dollar beauties.

How does a luxury automaker make its already expensive

cars even more desirable? The answer to it lies in the

growing trend of car manufacturers building ultra-

exclusive automobiles, often priced more than a million

dollars. Credit it to the steady increase in the number of super-

wealthy in the world or the stunning growth of the Chinese economy

in the last two decades, the demand for limited editions and one-

off cars has never been higher in the history. Be it their huge price

tags or the bespoke features of these special supercars, the limited

editions are the new status symbols for the rich. They are willing to

pay unbelievable sums of money to buy the exclusivity that comes

with these special editions, giving them the bragging right of owning

such uber-rare machines. Premium car manufacturers often only sell

such cars to selected clientele to preserve the hype around these halo

cars, which further increases the desirability. And thanks to the huge

demand, these limited edition cars often sell off even before they are

publicly unveiled, which in turn hugely escalates the value of these

cars in the used car market.

Here are three ultra-exclusive supercars that have managed to

mesmerise the automotive world…

McLaren 720S Spa 68McLaren 720S Spa 68McLaren F1 Team over the last 55 years has won 12 Drivers’

Championships and eight Constructors’ Championships, making them

the second most successful team in Formula One history after Ferrari.

The British marque created a special edition version of the 720S

supercar to commemorate McLaren’s first F1 victory which took place

at the 1968 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps 50 years ago,

earned at the hands of the marque’s founder Bruce McLaren. Called

the ‘720S Spa 68’, it’s an uber-limited edition of only 3 examples that

were designed by the company’s customisation division — McLaren

Special Operations (MSO). The limited edition McLaren wears MSO’s

Anniversary Orange paint, a special paint job that celebrates livery

of the original 1968 M7A F1 car. In addition to that, the 720S Spa

68 features the outline of the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack on the

bodywork and on the headrests, along with a numbered plaque to

mark the series number, and an orange script on the carbon fibre sill

cover just inside the door. The special edition is otherwise identical to

the standard 720S and is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8

that produces 710 horsepower and 568 ft-lb of torque. The 720S Spa

68 collection was commissioned by McLaren Brussels and two of the

three were sold even before the official unveiling.

Bugatti DivoBugatti took the veil off a new ultra-exclusive spin-off of its luxurious

Chiron hypercar which has been purpose-built as a racetrack beast.

Called the Bugatti Divo, the track-focused hypercar has been

named after Albert Divo, a French racing driver who won the famous

Targa Florio race on a mountainous circuit in Sicily for Bugatti twice

in the late 1920s. The Divo shares the same quad-turbocharged

8.0-litre W16 engine with the Chiron. The French automaker decided

Bugatti Divo

Bugatti Divo, interior


WHEELS

The track-focused hypercar has been named after Albert Divo, a French racing driver who won the famous Targa Florio race on a mountainous circuit in Sicily for Bugatti twice in the late 1920s.

not to extract more power from the engine and it still produces

close to 1500 horsepower. Instead, Bugatti tweaked and changed

just about everything else to make it lighter and better handling

machine around technical racetracks. Although the Divo’s top

speed is limited to 380km/h, 40km/h slower than the Chiron’s,

Bugatti has managed to shave off 35 kilograms of weight from

the Chiron’s approximate 2.2 tonnes of mass. The re-tweaked

aerodynamic package adds 90 kgs of downforce compared with the

Chiron. As a result, the Divo’s eight seconds per lap faster around

the handling circuit of the Nardò Ring test track than the Chiron.

Bugatti will build only 40 examples of the Divo which were all sold

even before the car was known to the public. The price tag — a cool

US $5.8 million.

Lamborghini CentenarioIn 2016, Lamborghini arrived at the Geneva Motor Show with an

extremely limited hypercar created to commemorate the 100th

birthday of the brand’s founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini. The

Centenario, which in Italian means centenary, has a one-off design

built upon a carbon-fibre tub and uses carbon fibre for just about

every body panel to make it as light as possible. As a result, the limited

edition is almost 5 kgs lighter than the Lamborghini Aventador SV. It

also shares the same 6.5-litre V12 engine with the Aventador SV, but

the power is bumped to 759 horsepower — 19 more than the SV. It

was the most powerful Lamborghini V12 back when it was launched

in 2016. According to Lamborghini, the Centenario can go from zero

to 100km/h in a blistering 2.8 seconds and hit a top speed of over

350km/h. The Centenario is also the first Lamborghini to feature four-

wheel steering along with Apple CarPlay integration. In terms of looks,

the Centenario is just as wild and aggressive as you’ll expect from a

Lamborghini limited edition. With naked carbon fibre bodywork and

massive vents and scoops, the Centenario is absolutely perfect for

pin-up wall posters. Limited to only 40 e-xamples (20 coupes and 20

roadsters), the Centenario carried a price tag of $1.9 million, but they

were all sold ahead of the unveil to an exclusive clientele close to

Lamborghini.

Lamborghini Centenario

Lamborghini Centenario, rear view


Brand AmritrajThere’s much more to Vijay Amritraj than just tennis. From his

childhood ambitions, his role as a former United Nations ambassador

for peace, hosting a talk show with international celebrities like

Pierce Brosnan and Steffi Graf to the charity organisation he’s founded

and his historic relationship with The Leela Group, Joanna Lobo gets

in conversation with the Padma Shri awardee.

Vijay Amritraj is undoubtedly India’s most successful tennis

player. He was Asia’s top player for 14 years. He won 16

ATP tour singles titles (the most by any Asian) and 13 ATP

tour doubles titles. His career high ATP ranking was 16.

He played the Davis Cup for 20 years, leading India to two finals. He

defeated Jimmy Connors, Björn Borg and Rod Laver.

Beyond the court, he is a Padma Shri awardee, an international

speaker, sports commentator, an occasional actor, a former United

Nations ambassador for peace and the founder of the charity

organisation, The Vijay Amritraj Foundation. He also once hosted the

famous talk show ‘Dimensions’ that featured high-powered guests like

Pierce Brosnan, Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi, among others.

In person, Amritraj is a well-coiffed but modest man. He is just

as charming as his media-built persona, willingly sharing stories from

his playing days, meeting tennis greats and how a wine came to be

named after him.

Excerpts from an interview conducted at The Leela Mumbai:

Vijay Amritraj at The Leela MumbaiPhotograph: Bajirao Pawar


SPOTLIGHT

You travel across the world for speeches, brand engagements and

events. Don’t you ever get tired?

It’s a fun tired! I generally perform well when I exercise well and sleep

well, irrespective of the time zone. That’s what keeps me functional.

Work keeps me busy, and it keeps me engaged with different

age groups. I like visiting colleges and schools. I feel more energised

because the questions usually posed are about flying cars, artificial

intelligence and climate change. These engagements enable me to

keep a finger on the pulse of what’s going on. It’s education for my

own benefit.

You are also involved in a lot of charity work. Tell us more about The

Vijay Amritraj Foundation…

I served at the UN for seven years as a messenger of peace. Once my

term ended, I started my own foundation to be able to help causes in

India. We have an annual, high-end fundraiser. We have no employees

— it’s me and another volunteer, so all the money I raise goes to the

cause. The cost of the event is covered by my sponsors; I do an event

only if it’s completely sponsored.

About 95% of the causes we help support women and children.

We tie up with very small charities that don’t have the ability to raise

money or awareness for their causes. We do eye transplants for

children born blind in Chennai, help a charity in Hyderabad dedicated

to children born to sex workers and an AIDS orphanage in Delhi,

among others.

Is this something that you always wanted to do, to give back to

society in some way?

I grew up under unusual circumstances. I was very ill as a child. I’ve

often said that my greatest talent was being born to the right parents,

everything else is secondary. My parents gave me a life that I never

would have dreamt of, especially for someone who couldn’t go to

school properly or do well at class. I thought that when time comes,

I should hopefully be able to make a difference for those who didn’t

have parents like mine.

Is it true that your desire to help was born of a wish of becoming a

doctor as a child?

Yes. I thought it was the noblest profession of all. The greatest asset

you have in life is your health. When you go to a doctor, you’re putting

your entire life and trust in his/her hands. The worst part was trying to

study to be a doctor. I told my mother about this dream and she said,

‘Why don’t you hit enough tennis balls in the court and some university

will give you a doctorate’. And tennis did give me a doctorate — I have

one from Annamalai University! I wake up every morning hoping I can

put a smile on the face of someone I don’t know.

Has playing tennis taught you a lot?

It’s taught me that there should be no difference between winning and

losing as far as your behavior is concerned. I had my major failure at

18. All of Chennai came out to watch me beat Australia in the Davis

Cup. But I lost badly. The next day, I got laughed at in the papers and

on the streets. I was just 18 and not equipped to deal with this. It left

me in tears. Two days later, I traveled out of the country and had my

best year internationally, beating Connors and Laver. When I returned,

there were about 2,000 people at the airport to greet me. I realised at

that point that I have to take both victory and failure with a pinch of

salt. You’re thrilled when you win and disappointed when you lose but,

you should try and behave the same way irrespective of the outcome.

Oddly enough, I started my tennis for health and today I play for

health. It’s a full circle.

Do you still watch a lot of tennis? Has it changed since you were on

the court?

I keep up with it because I do a lot of TV commentary and I need to be

informed. There has been a monumental change in the way the game

has evolved over time. The only thing that has remained the same is

the dimensions on the tennis court and the height of the net. Oh, and

the pressure you feel at 3-4, 30-40. The one thing we as spectators

and audiences don’t realise is that we are looking at arguably the

greatest generation in (men’s) tennis.

You have acted in a Bond movie with Roger Moore, did a role in ‘Star

Trek’, are the first Indian actor in a TV series on American television,

and the only Indian on the Johnny Carson show. Among the many

highlights of your life, you also have a wine named after you.

Top: With actressDeepika Padukone (centre)

Above: With Hollywoodactor Roger Moore

Facing page: With his family

“I grew up under

unusual circumstances.

I was very ill as a child.

I’ve often said that my

greatest talent was

being born to the right

parents, everything

else is secondary.”

“I served at the

UN for seven years

as a messenger of

peace. Once my

term ended, I started

my own foundation

to be able to help

causes in India.”


The Vijay Amritraj Reserve Collection in collaboration with Grover Zampa

The one thing I’ve enjoyed post my tennis career has been wine. I

couldn’t get my palate to like anything else. As a senior I was perhaps

one of the few tennis players drinking wine while everyone else

was drinking beer. And then I got very involved with wines. Kapil

Grover (founder of Grover Zampa) and I are friends. He told me he

wanted to create a top-notch premium wine and I agreed as long

as I could be involved in the tasting. We launched the Vijay Amritraj

Reserve Collection at Wimbledon in 2014. When I do wine events,

people are surprised to see a good wine from India. I tell them I faced

a similar reaction when I came to America. People couldn’t believe I

was a tennis player from a country known for cricket. I had to prove

that I was good enough and could compete with the best. It’s the same

with wine.

In terms of the hospitality industry, you’ve had a long-standing

association with The Leela Group. Tell us more about that…

Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair (founder of The Leela Group) has been an

inspiration. He was one of those people who had the most incredible

energy and passion for what they were doing. We were friends

before we became business colleagues. I was the first director of this

company, outside of the family. When he built The Leela in Mumbai,

it raised the bar of hospitality in the country with the level of quality

and service. So, everyone then had to kind of reinvest and make their

properties match up to the standard. And he did this in the 80’s, which

was a really big deal!

The soul of the property is the way services are run. The quality

of the brand, the quality of the hospitality, the quality of the service,

and all of that has always remained intact over the years. It is still

spectacular. Today, all of the properties that were created across the

country are unique in their own way. To this day, I encourage people

from all over the world to come and stay here. Now, with the ownership

with Brookefield Asset Management, the potential to grow the brand,

both in India and internationally, is extremely positive. I look forward

to being part of the group for years to come.

“The one thing I’ve

enjoyed post my

tennis career has been

wine. I couldn’t get my

palate to like anything

else. As a senior, I was

perhaps one of the

few tennis players

drinking wine while

everyone else was

drinking beer.”


Rithika Merchant, Dark Land, 2016, 50x72cm/20x28 in, Gouache and Ink on Paper

Fashioning a new art

Her artistic collaborations with French luxury fashion house Chloé have made

headlines the world over. Sandhya Menon chats with Mumbai-born Barcelona-based

Rithika Merchant about coming into her own as an artist in an online age.


THE GOOD LIFE

If you haven’t seen the names Rithika Merchant and Chloé

splashed all over the glossies in recent times, you probably have

missed the big fashion-meets-art story from India. Allow us to

explain. First, a little background. Merchant, a Mumbai-born

Barcelona-based artist, is someone you should look forward to in

the coming years. Astonishingly adept at technique, Merchant’s work

captures what moves her in the world, transforming it to a canvas that

tells a myriad stories. Whether it’s the immigrant crisis that’s unfolding

around her or the interconnectedness of myths and traditions from

around the world, her expression is as fine as expert needlepoint and

her scale as vast as the world she wonders about.

The refinement of what she observes, processes and then

translates onto her canvas plays itself out in fine lines, intense

tonality of colour and layering that can be best described as delicate,

without being fragile. Often, her paintings have recurring botanical

motifs, mythical creatures, geometry and animals — pretty much the

idea of an untouched universe. Perhaps it is this folklore-influenced

style that caught the eye of Natacha Ramsay-Levi, Chloé’s new tour-

de-force creative director.

“Natacha came across my work while going through images on

the internet. She really liked my work and said that it fit what she

had in mind for the painted dresses. They sent me an email asking

if I wanted to come on board for the collection. It was totally out of

the blue for me and a very nice surprise,” Merchant told Vogue Paris

in an interview about her project with Chloé where her work became

part of the fashion house’s Spring/Summer 2018 boheme-inspired

collection.

Since much has been written about that and subsequent Chloé

projects, I decided to ask her instead what it was like to come into her

own as an artist in a world that is online all the time. To my surprise,

she says she was a late adopter of social media. “I grew up without

too much media at home. I, in fact, got on Instagram when someone

asked me, ‘Where’s your Instagram?’ in 2012; which is rather late for

an artist,” she says, adding that it’s fairly important for your work to

be present for people to see. “I sometimes see an image of a painting

I really like and it leads me to an old Blogspot address which was last

updated in 2010. And I wonder, well, your work is great but where can

I see what you have been doing in the last nine years.”

This is, perhaps, the biggest reason she regularly updates her

Instagram and has a solid website where you can find her work. “My

Instagram feed is almost entirely my work and very rarely my life. I

post pictures of me in the studio now and then; I share very little of

my private life and that’s how I personally prefer it. There’s no right

or wrong way for artists to social media. It entirely depends on what

you want to share,” she says when I ask her about how much of an

Rithika Merchant, Atonement With The Father, 2012, 70x50 cm, Gouache and Ink on Paper


Whether it’s the immigrant

crisis that’s unfolding

around her or the

interconnectedness of

myths and traditions from

around the world, her

expression is as fine as

expert needlepoint and her

scale as vast as the world

she wonders about.

influence does interacting online have on her life and studio practice.

Speaking of which, I ask her about her work ethic, especially

since the age-old stereotype of an artist or a “creative” type being

a disorganised, struck-by-inspiration genius refuses to go away. I

ask her this because of what I read in another interview, where she

is quoted as saying, “Just show up and work on [your craft] every

day, even if you don’t feel like it.” Is that enough, then, to make a

successful artist? “There are three things that make a successful artist,

according to me. The smallest bit is luck and it’s unfair to not take that

into consideration. But luck isn’t all. Natural talent, of course, counts

for something. But more than anything else working hard, showing up

and having a committed, dedicated studio practice is essential. Almost

all of the successful artists I know work very, very hard. Whether it’s

working on their work or with their galleries or buyers. It is what you

make your living from and there is no other way but to be professional

about it.”

Rithika Merchant, The Navigator, 2018, 50x50 cm, 19.5x19.5 in, Gouache and Ink on Paper

Made in Italy

taj magazine _1_CC_MAIL_26_11_2019_revised_mail__final_2019_CC

Friday, November 29, 2019 4:09:06 PM


Baigan Bharta Cornet

The fine artof dining

Once considered to be a snobbish hallmark of the

West, fine dine restaurants have redefined the

Indian culinary landscape. Madhulika Dash takes a

look at how India has adopted the French concept

and the changing face of experiential dining.


FOOD

What really is fine dining in India? Is it the French standard

white table cloth, understated formal luxury that comes

with buttoned up waiters, a carefully curated menu and

an exceptional list of wines (and whiskies)? Or is it a restaurant that is

an ode to a food philosophy with exceptional cooking techniques and

evolved ways of using simple ingredients?

Says gourmand and the man behind Old Monk, Rocky Mohan,

“The beauty of fine dining in India is that it follows the French pattern

of designing an exceptional formal place as a base and then infuses it

with a ‘dream like’ indulgence.” But the rules of a fine dining space have

remained sacrosanct. “A fine dine restaurant,” he adds, “is one that has

“Megu became the first and the

only restaurant in the country to

offer sparkling sake, available by

either carafe or bottle.”

— Chef Dharmen MakawanaExecutive Chef, The Leela Palace New Delhi

Manish Mehrotra, Corporate Chef, Indian Accent Restaurants Bombay Chuski reimagined as Amuse Bouche

Puchkas, five waters


attention to detail, high-end cooking techniques, evolving and cutting-

edge use of ingredients all put together in a formal environment.”

Recalls award-winning chef, Manish Mehrotra, “It was 2009 when

we opened Indian Accent to the public. I remember nervously asking

(owner) Rohit Khattar about how we would pull in the right kind of

people.” The resolution, he says, came with their concept. “Indian

Accent was put together as a cuisine-led destination. The décor was

kept understated yet elegant, in sync with the Japanese-designed

colonial boutique property we were in. The philosophy was extended

to other areas as well, like the uniforms of the staff, the plates selected

to serve the dishes, and even our communication.”

That married with a revolutionary approach to Indian cuisine —

locally sourced high-quality ingredients and cutting-edge culinary

technology made Indian Accent a beacon of fine dining in India, which

till then, says Mohan, “was identified mostly by the price point than

the other things.”

In one big swoop, the hospitality industry began taking note

of the custom-remade fine dine concept, which till then were

heavily French-style driven with heavy influences of royal dining (or

the idea of it).

Then came the path-breaking Le Cirque and Megu — two of the

most extraordinary international fine dining concepts that today are

known for its philosophy, experience and the brand that got them to

India, The Leela Group of Hotels. What they added to the space that

was getting defined with fine dine restaurants like Indigo then was that

single novelty that became a ‘wow factor’ and set them a class apart.

“With the F&B industry being

as dynamic as it is — with

evolving preferences, trends

and techniques — it’s been

pertinent to us to keep our core

concept at the forefront.”

— Gauri DevidayalCo-owner, The Table

Gauri DevidayalMegu main dining

Says Chef Dharmen Makawana, Executive Chef, The Leela Palace New

Delhi, “Megu became the first and the only restaurant in the country to

offer sparkling sake, available by either carafe or bottle. And Le Cirque

is the first Asian outpost of the world-renowned New York-based fine

dining institution, the only restaurant in Delhi to marry the Italian and

French cuisine served in modern European style.”

Their simultaneous debut in Delhi and Mumbai had a huge

effect on the Indian culinary landscape that was breaking out of the

traditional mould and experimenting. While Le Cirque laid the format

of easy marriage of styles and customised presentation, adds Chef

Makawana, “Megu presented the nouveau idea of innovative gustatory

experiences using high quality produce. It benchmarked the classic

rule of a great fine dining — impressive quality ingredients sourced

from the place of origin.”

In fact, Megu’s multi-layered format redesigned fine dining for

India, which by then was seeing a visible shift not only in the tight-

fisted French concept of fine dining, but also in the emergence of

diners whose preference for fine dining spaces wasn’t limited to

‘special occasions’ only.

It was into this vortex of evolving preferences, trends and

techniques that The Table, considered one of India’s top fine dining

spaces, opened its door with a dynamic menu serving global cuisine

with a 20-foot long community table next to the bar, a San Francisco

Bay vibe and an exceptional wine list. A novelty: The Table became one

of the earliest ingredient-driven destinations.

Pulled Kathal Phulka Taco

Chef Dharmen MakawanaExecutive Chef, The Leela Palace New Delhi

Jalebi Rabdi Pistachio and Aamras,crisp seviyan, summer berries

Besan Laddoo Tart, Saffron Cheesecake


“The decision to keep ingredients as our focus was deliberate,”

says co-owner Gauri Devidayal, who with her own farm as inspiration,

decided to dedicate her menu to showcasing the beauty of locally

produced and procured ingredients. “With the F&B industry

being as dynamic as it is — with evolving preferences, trends and

techniques — it’s been pertinent to us to keep our core concept at the

forefront always. This has aided us in providing our diners an

experience championing local produce while pairing delicious small

and large plates inspired from all over the globe, with impeccable

service.” Devidayal believes the concept of fine dining has always

been about the “finer details like changing our menus according to the

produce available.”

The ingredient-driven concept matched with impeccable service

and an ambience that is both relaxing yet formal has also allowed the

restaurant to reinvent itself over the years. “The Table,” says Mohan,

“has been championing the cause of not only farm to table, which has

been the hallmark of some of the finest places to dine at in the world,

but also for encouraging people to eat clean.”

Masque, co-owned by Chef Prateek Sadhu who is also the culinary

brain behind the exceptional dining space, became the first to get

‘interaction’ into the other formal orifices of a fine dining restaurant.

He says, “Conceptually, we always wanted a space that broke down

the traditional wall between dining room and kitchen. We spent

almost a year-and-a-half redesigning dishes, presentation and the

menu that would be the icebreaker, without being in your face. With

Indian Accent and a few international brands as precedents, we had to

reinvest ourselves to learning how restaurants can cook sustainably at

the highest level using local produce and foraged goods.”

Masque did more than just play on the agriculture wealth of

the country; they defied the white gloves and starched table cloth

ambience to a more engaging experience where food spoke first.

Masque also brought back the art of tasting menus, which was used

to give diners the ‘wholesome rich experience’. “We became the

first restaurant to invite our guests to our kitchen and make them

experience the making of their food right from the ingredients used,”

says Chef Sadhu, who effectively married the concept of slow food and

sustainability with a high-end experience.

So, what finally can be termed fine dining today? Encapsulates

Chef Makawana, “A fine dining restaurant today or in the future

will be this brilliant lab of ideas that with time can evolve and yet

beautifully weave and waft to the traditional concept of making your

diners feel good.”

“We spent almost a year-and-a-half redesigning dishes, presentation and the menu that

would be the icebreaker, without being in your face.” — Chef Prateek Sadhu, Masque

Le Cirque dining


The recent exhibition ‘Santati’ was an artistic tribute to

Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. Featuring works

that best represent their interpretation of Gandhi and his message

amidst the primary canvas of khadi — all done by leading names

from the creative arts, left Mitali Parekh enthralled.

What would poet Navkirat Sodhi, French couturier Jean-

François Lesage, fashion designers Rajesh Pratap Singh

and Gaurav Gupta, and architect Ashiesh Shah talk about

if they met Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi?

The four floors of the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai

imagine this meeting (along with other artistic personalities) with the

exhibition ‘Santati: Mahatma Gandhi Then. Now. Next’. The artistic

interpretation of the Father of the Nation’s ideology marks 150 years

since his birth and brings together the works of pre-Independence

artists from the collection of Sir JJ School of Art and other art

schools, modern translations in visual installations and words, and

more fascinatingly, objects from Mumbai-based collector Kishore

Jhunjhunwala’s private collection.

The multi-disciplinary exhibition encompasses the interpretive,

the banal, the symbolic, the illustrative, meditative, humble and literal

depictions and translations of Bapu’s ideologies.

The exhibition rises from rural scenes such as cows coming

home and a young, tribal ‘Sabari in her Youth’ by leaders of the

conceptualism modernism movement such as Nandalal Bose and

Ramkinker Baij, and other artists such as Vasudev Gaitonde to the

broken negatives from the pictures of photojournalist Kulwant Roy

that capture Gandhiji deep in conversation with eminent leaders of

the freedom struggle such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhai Patel and

‘Frontier Gandhi’ Abdul Ghaffar Khan, to everyday utilities bearing

Gandhiji as a leitmotif, to installations by Klove, Rajesh Pratap Singh

and Ashiesh Shah, punctuated by the words of Delhi-based poet

Navkirat Sodhi and French couturier Jean-François Lesage’s offerings

of panels of khadi embroidered with Gandhiji’s handwritten letters

and the route of the Dandi March. The crowning glory, on the topmost

floor, is lithographs by Raja Ravi Varma, mirrored in the pallus of

silk jamdanis by Gaurang Shah. This visual feast is served to the

background score of waves washing ashore as part of the installation

on the ground floor depicting the Salt Satyagraha — a screen showing

the sea line lined by a ‘beach’ of sea salt bearing footprints.

Envisioned as a merging of the legacy of the Father of the Nation

and the Father of Modern Indian Art (Raja Ravi Varma), ‘Khadi A

Canvas’ was conceived by Lavina Baldota, custodian of the Abheraj

Baldota Foundation. Co-incidentally, October 2nd marks Gandhi’s

birth and Varma’s death anniversary. The body’s chairman, Abheraj H

Baldota was deeply influenced by his friendship with the Mahatma,

and the family business is built on his motto: “You are not the owner

of your wealth but a privileged trustee to serve the community with

The many waysof looking at

Bapu


CULTURE

it.” Lavina’s aim was to glamourise the fabric of the freedom struggle

and make a sought-after luxury product.

To do justice to the vibrancy of Varma’s iconic lithographs, a

palette of over 600 shades from vegetable dyes was created, and the

weavers laboured for six months to two years on one saree using the

Srikakulam jamdani technique. The saris are displayed on looms, their

pallus showing a “99.95% accuracy” according to self-taught fashion

savant Gaurang Shah who wanted to show that “we have weavers

who can weave anything”. The unseen connecting link between Shah,

Varma and Bapu is the legacy of Martand ‘Mapu’ Singh’s tireless work

to revive Indian weaves.

A visual contrast to Shah’s labour of devotion is couturier

Gaurav Gupta’s ‘Tunnel of Infinity’ built around Gandhiji’s ‘perfect

heartbeat’, a manifestation of Bapu’s legendary disciplined lifestyle.

Doctors expected him to live to 125 years and the heartbeat was

indicative of harmony with his inner and outer worlds. The simplicity

of his ideals is depicted by Gupta’s trademark pleating of pure white

khadi fabric, while the use of mirrors to reflect the fabric symbolise

their eternal value.

Rajesh Pratap Singh goes back to 1856’s Neel Vidroh or the Indigo

Revolt of Champaran, seen as the seed for Gandhiji’s Satyagraha. He

ties this with the khadi movement, seeing indigo as the colour of the

freedom struggle and khadi, its fabric. Woolen khadi threads from

Bikaner pass over Gandhiji’s likeness, made from a swarm of nails, to

become the Tricolour pulled by tiny human beings — a depiction of

the liberality of his ideal that can be applied by everyone.

Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth of Klove played with optics,

illumination and space to come up with a head-scratcher of an

installation that spells ‘Ahimsa’ in Devanagari script in metal and

handblown glass, suspended over pink rock salt, a nod to the Salt

March. The curves of the installation derive from the curve of the

Mahatma’s spectacles. Architect Ashiesh Shah’s atelier adds to the

contemporary conversation using rural craftsmen to create modern

objects using traditional techniques, such as a bench and the ‘Shanti

Totem’ made of threaded hand-moulded terracotta discs of off-white

Channapatna beads, a tribute to Gandhiji’s hand-spun khadi dhoti

and the meaning of ‘Santati’, a pattern which repeats itself in an

eternal loop.

An international voice comes by way of Chennai-based French

designer Jean-François Lesage, from the couture embroidery family

of Lesage. His khadi panels embroidered with Gandhiji’s letters,

words and the route of the Dandi March, underline the often invisible

Lithographs by Raja Ravi Varma mirrored in the pallus of silk jamdanis by Gaurang Shah; (inset) the designer

Gaurav Gupta’s ‘Tunnel of Infinity’; (inset) the designer

Gaurav Gupta’s ‘Tunnel

of Infinity’ built around

Gandhiji’s ‘perfect

heartbeat’, a manifestation

of Bapu’s legendary

disciplined lifestyle.


The multi-disciplinary exhibition

encompasses the interpretive,

the banal, the symbolic, the

illustrative, meditative, humble

and literal depictions and

translations of Bapu’s ideologies.

and unrecognised contribution of India’s

extraordinary craftspeople to the world

of haute couture. The act of recreating

Gandhiji’s handwriting was a reverential and

meditative ritual for the team, with his palm

print and signature in 11 languages being

the most intimate pieces.

Kishore Jhunjhunwala’s collection of

Gandhi-related objects links iconography

related to the Mahatma to everyday objects.

His collection spans nearly 60 years and

covers photographs, stamps issued by

several nations to mark his birth centenary

and other important dates and household

utilitarian objects such as locks, cigarette

cases, matchboxes with Bapu’s name on

it. On display at ‘Santati’ are bells with the

charkha, the Time magazine cover of 1930

showing him as ‘The Man of the Year’, a

paper cutting covering his reception by the

London committee of the Indian Women’s

Association on his 62nd birthday, stamps,

door locks, cigarette cases and cuttings from

international newspapers carrying articles

on the Mahatma, and most poignantly, an

urn carrying Gandhiji’s ashes and a pair of

his specs.

Kulwant Roy covered much of the

freedom struggle and the early years of the

newly-minted Republic of India in his role as

the head of Associated Press Photographs.

Party to many important meetings between

leaders of the freedom struggle, the

shattered negatives of such moments are

blown up and backlit to project a three-

dimensional view of Gandhi striding ahead,

deep in conversation with Nehru or Frontier

Gandhi, with Rajkumari Amrit Kaur in the

background, keeping pace.

This wealth of artistic manifestations

and representations, and the relevance of

his teachings 150 years after his birth spring

from the legacy of a man who simply strived

to find and live the truth.

Lavina Baldota

Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth

‘Shanti Totem’ by Ashiesh Shah; (above) the designer


The beverage baroness

Schauna Chauhan aka the ‘beverage baroness’ and the family-

led business she runs need no introduction. As the first born

to Prakash Chauhan — her mentor at Parlé Agro — it seemed

like the most natural course of life for her to join the company.

So, after graduating from Franklin College in Switzerland, Chauhan got

onboard as Executive (Operations) at 22 years of age. In the 20 years

since, she has grown to the position of CEO and been credited with

growing the company’s turnover from `600 crore circa 2006 to about

`4,200 crore now with 13 units and an array of beverages and snacks.

But there’s more to come, says Chauhan, as she’s set her sights on

creating a `10,000 crore top line for the company by 2022. In this

conversation, she details the arduous yet rewarding journey, what

working with her family is like and raising her young son.

Did you always know you’d join the family business?

I was sure that I would be joining the family business — it was certainly

one of the easiest decisions I’ve made till date. But it’s not like there

was even a discussion about it, yet every step I’d taken seemed to

lead me to it. Indeed, I was given an opportunity by my father and he

allowed me to figure things out on my own. I learned on the job and

understood the adage ‘nothing worth having comes easy’, which was

the best grooming I could have gotten. It has made me what I am today.

Most importantly, it has given me the confidence to make calm and

balanced decisions during crises.

Was it tough being inculcated into the system?

Everything requires effort and it was no different for me. It helped that

I intended to learn. It was like going back to school — a school of life.

From earning the team’s trust to recruiting and identifying the right

talent for the first time, from creating a great company culture and

retaining good people to dealing with the fact that everyone around

had more experience and that I had a steep learning curve ahead of

me. I knew I had to build my confidence, and I took my time to learn,

observe and even identify my own strengths and weaknesses. This led

Counted amongst the most powerful women in

business in India, Schauna Chauhan, CEO of Parlé Agro,

discloses the many challenges and accomplishments

over her two decade-long career that have made her a

force to reckon with. The tycoon tells Anamika Butalia

what it’s like to steer the ship singlehandedly, while

maintaining a healthy work-life balance.


BUSINESS

“When it comes to my son Jahaan, I ensure

we travel together, explore the arts, visit

automobile showrooms (because he loves cars)

or even our farm, where he loves the outdoors.”

to a whole lot of compromise in life, as there was never enough time to

do everything that I wanted to outside of my work arena.

Are you now able to achieve a work-life balance?

Yes, by prioritising and planning down to the details. I micro-manage

my calendar, plan in advance and spend even more time planning on

how it’s all going to work out. This ensures that everything is done

efficiently and correctly the very first time. When it comes to my son

Jahaan, I ensure we travel together, explore the arts, visit automobile

showrooms (because he loves cars) or even our farm, where he loves

the outdoors. Any free moment is spent doing something he loves. I

tell him about what’s happening around the world in a story format, so

that he stays interested. He travels with me on work…and has seen me

work since the day he has been born. In fact, he spends a significant

amount of time at my workplace (doing his own things), so I get to see

a lot of him there as well. I feel this way he learns by my example —

that whatever he has or gets, he needs to look after it with passion and

pride. When something is broken, he tries to fix it rather than replace

it. I have created an open channel of communication with him and he

knows I’m available to him anytime, even when I’m working.

Over the course of your career, what are the lessons you’ve learned?

To trust those whom I work with, and that time is everything. It’s also

important to keep learning, something I feel I’m still doing.

Which of your decisions have kept the company relevant in the face

of an ever-evolving industry and ever-changing consumer demands?

The first is to go green — we’ve set up two units with solar power,

committed to recycling and becoming a 100 per cent pet waste

free company, and invested in rain water harvesting projects. Three

years ago, we also invested in an internal quality audit department to

identify risks at a much earlier stage. We’ve also upgraded to newer

technologies to reduce wastage and increase output, re-engineering

engineering, and cost cutting.

Tell us, what was it like working with your father…

My father mentored me. He gave me an opportunity as well as the

space and freedom to take risks. He’s always my go-to person for when

I felt all doors had closed, and he’d pinpoint potential opportunities

that I may have missed considering. Most importantly, he involved me

in everything and always asked for my opinion, which boosted my

confidence.

How different is it working with your sisters?

Alisha is on the Prakash Jayantilal Chauhan (PJC) Foundation, while

Nadia is extremely focused on Parlé Agro’s brand strategy, distribution,

research and logistics, and I look after the operations. We all have our

roles and responsibilities well defined and demarcated. It’s created a

wonderful, positive synergy between us. Of course, at times, we have

differences of opinions but we diligently work towards resolving them.

How have Nadia and Alisha’s roles had an impact?

I remember when my youngest sister Nadia joined the business. Until

then, it was just my father and I. Along with her, the three of us took the

company to great heights. We divvied up the responsibilities on the

basis of our strengths and focused on them. It infused the company

with unbridled energy. Then, when Alisha came onboard, she founded

the PJC Foundation. One of the most crucial initiatives under it is the

work with anganwadis or rural child care centres. Through its network

of 1.4 million anganwadis, it provides a range of services for maternal

health and childcare that covers 80 million children in India currently.

Finally, what are the pros and cons of holding the top job?

The pro is that it’s the family’s company but, as I say, it’s lonelier at

the top.

Left-right: Schauna Chauhan with Amruta Fadnavis; Fortune India MPW Awards; Luncheon meeting with the First Lady of France - Valerie Trierweiler

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Blingmale

The

Diamonds have always been

considered a woman’s best friend.

But from bejeweled brooch pins

to Instagram-worthy chunky

rings, Nolan Lewis tracks the

growing market of luxury jewellery

designed exclusively for men.

Outhouse Jewellery


STYLE

The boundaries defining male wardrobe choices have

been pushed dramatically by the millennial man. Just

a generation prior, men’s fashion was curtailed in its

expression as a crisp business suit, a dependable

timepiece on the wrist, coupled with a pair of discreet

cuff links at the most. But unlike his predecessor, the young millennial

loves his bling! So, bring on the shiny brooches, Instagram-friendly

rings and chunky neck chains inspired by hip-hop singers.

And even though India is still warming up to the notion of the desi

man who wears opulent gems, it’s not something entirely new. Take

our flamboyant Maharajas and Princes for example — the medieval

Indian man embraced and adorned jewellery with much chutzpah.

Nowadays, it’s Bollywood stars and celebrities who are leading the

way, with the likes of Karan Johar and Amitabh Bachchan (spotted in

a necklace at the recent Ambani wedding), Irrfan Khan as the brand

ambassador for Abaran Timeless Jewellery’s platinum collection,

or boxer Vijender Singh who is regularly photographed wearing

rings and bracelets in his natty ensembles. With the male consumer

occupying an increasing market share in the jewellery trade, some

leading names in the business talk about their exclusive collections

curated ‘For Him’ only.

Baubles for praying“In my career of 17 years as a jewel couturier, I have observed that

men love to be involved in the jewellery purchase that women make.

They are always keen to buy jewellery for themselves, but it’s just that

they find it hard to find the right stuff, which is why I design for them,”

says designer Pallavi Foley (nicknamed ‘the Elsa Peretti of India’) at her

boutique at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, one of her three addresses

in the Garden City. Her ‘Wear your Prayer’ collection has 15 common

prayers like the Hindu Gayatri Mantra and Mahamritunjaya Mantra,

the Sikh prayer Mul Mantar, the Christian Our Father, and many more

inscribed on hand cut pendants. “I once found a shark tooth on a

beach while I was on a diving trip that inspired me to make a collection

about it,” she says. Her ‘Flame of the Forest’ brooch pin has an inherent

Indian aesthetic and has been a popular choice for many diplomats.

Hollywood glitterGoldie Hawn, Nicole Kidman and Kim Kardashian swear by him.

Versace teamed up with him at the Jakarta Fashion Week in 2012.

His jewellery has been featured in Oprah magazine. Amongst men,

Edward Norton and members from both Morocco and Dubai’s royal

families are some of the influential men that Pavan Anand admits are

his patrons. “I don’t think anything has changed in men. They have

always had the desire to dress (with jewellery). Recent stimuli around

them has ‘permitted’ them to explore their love for jewels again,” he

says. Pavan Anand Fine Jewel’s major chunk for men are bespoke

wedding rings and the designer is playing with the thought of ‘his and

his’ bands for gay couples too. Two-finger rings, knuckle dusters, stud

buttons, bejeweled leather or fur cuffs and nose rings for men should

be pretty popular this year, according to the designer. “Choose a

metallic hue based on one’s skin tone, would be my suggestion. Black,

grey, brown and, in some cases, rose gold are a great new option for

men rather than the quintessential white gold or silver that they have

been sporting for decades.”

Adorning the alpha maleA trusted bigwig like Tanishq foraying into making men’s jewellery

with Aveer is in itself a huge statement on the gravity of the trend. The

success of the twenty-year-old label relies on the fact that it creates

jewellery keeping a keen watch on changes in society and people’s

mindset, backed by ample market research. Aveer’s kadas, rings and

bracelets reflect the changing ethos of the Indian man. Kunal Kapoor

fronts the brand’s ad campaigns, Ranveer Singh wore Aveer traditional

Pallavi Foley Jewellery by Pallavi FoleyJewellery by Pallavi Foley

Jewellery by Aveer By TanishqPavan Anand


American Champion League rings for an appearance on ‘Koffee with

Karan’ and Rana Daggubati’s bejewelled character in ‘Bahubali’ was

stylised by statement pieces from the label. Revathi Kanth, Chief

Design Officer at Tanishq Jewellery, admits that even though boasting

bling can feel tricky to the introvert, “There are pieces designed to

be subtle and powerful with forms that appeal to the more reserved

man, while for the confident ones we have trophy rings like those

awarded to athletes.” Even a newbie at the accessorising game can

find inspiration on Aveer’s online lookbook — opt for a light casual

look with a polo-necked sweater paired with bolder chains or an edgy

leather jacket, matched with broad rings and a bracelet.

Penetrating pop cultureOuthouse, the unorthodox, design-forward label that is the talk of

New York’s fashion circles was started by sisters Kaabia and Sasha

Grewal in 2012. Their jewellery was featured on David Guetta’s

‘Hey Mama’ music video with Nicki Minaj and Bebe Rexha, and their

aesthetic uniquely penetrates pop culture. “Outhouse refers to a

space outside your home. It is for the man who is the best version of

himself even at home and pushes his comfort zone. It is a feeling of

being alive wherever you are,” the duo say. “Men need to think beyond

cuff links and tie pins and embrace the modern aesthetic, not being

limited by conventions,” the sisters say. They just launched Outhouse

Man in tandem with Kaabia’s wedding on March 9 of 2019. Crafting

signature pieces for the bridesmen, groomsmen and of course, the

groom, inspired the duo to do more for male audiences. “Outhouse

believes in weaving together head-turning statement jewellery that

can go well with strong linen suits or tuxedos. Carved gems in the

format of tulips, tusks, and the use of pearls in men’s accessories are

the season’s trends.”

Brooch pins and bravadoThe designer duo of Shantanu & Nikhil deck up the progressive

Indian male with a nuanced blend of contemporary style and vintage

fashion. “Historical illustrations dated back centuries ago show us

Indian men adorned opulent jewellery. Over the years, the concept

has evolved and men have chosen to accessorise their looks rather

than wear jewels, which in today’s day and age is deciphered as

brooches and cuff links, amongst others. The shift, we feel, is the

change in thought in being more accepting towards gender-neutral

fashion,” the brothers say. While Shantanu & Nikhil don’t have an

exclusive line of men’s jewellery, they’ve complemented their more

recent fashion collections with exquisite brooch pins. “The S&N

brooch pin evolves with every new collection we create, but the

leather detailing and chain tasselling are the binding elements for

most of our designs, drawing inspiration from military medallions

symbolising pride and honour. This season’s Recruit SS’19 takes you

on an empowering journey of modern authority in the contemporary

Indian framework of beliefs. Layering the nostalgic shapes and

structures of yore with sharp and contemporary fabrications makes

way for rather revolutionary couture,” the duo say.

Above left & right: Aveer By TanishqLeft: Outhouse Jewellery

Above, left & right:Jewellery by Shantanu & Nikhil


“Carved gems in the format of tulips, tusks, and the use

of pearls in men’s accessories are the season’s trends.”

— Outhouse Jewellery

www.theleela.com

To experience The Leela and its feted hospitality, call:

( Toll Free ) India 1 800 1031 444 ( Private lines ) +91 124 4425 444

Mail us at:

[email protected]

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has been rated amongst the ‘10 Best Hotel Brands in the World’

in the Travel + Leisure, USA Readers’ Survey 2019 for the fourth consecutive year.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts: N e w D e l h i , B e n g a l u r u , C h e n n a i , M u m b a i , G u r u g r a m , U d a i p u r, G o a

Opening Short ly: Hyderabad, Bhart iya City (Bengaluru), Gandhinagar (Gujarat) | Future Developments: Jaipur, Agra

Meet A

sia’s Most

Influential D

esignerS

ussanne Khan hardly needs an introduction. The daughter

of filmmaker Sanjay Khan and interior designer Zarine

Khan carved a niche for herself in the design industry

when she pursued her dreams, following on the footsteps

of her creative mum, by venturing into interior design — a

passion, she says, that was cultivated during her

childhood.

“I remember thumbing design magazines

that my mum would subscribe to,” says Khan,

with just a hint of nostalgia. “While she was

acclaimed for baroque styles and an old-

world charm, these publications exposed me

to design movements and trends. Even today

I recall pouring over a feature on a ranch in

Texas… You could say that that exposure made

me aspire to be a part of that world.”

Her interest flourished during her younger

days, as she’d join her mother on site visits across

the city after school. “My mother observed

that I had a strong taste even back then, and

the fact that she would ask for my opinion on

occasion unwittingly honed my innate design

ability,” discloses Khan, pointing out how early

in life she’d been made to realise and trust her

sensibilities of colours, textures and fabrics.

That, she says, “had a huge influence” in the

choices that followed.

Khan opted for an Associate Art Degree

in Interior Design from Brooks College in Long

Beach, California. The year after she completed

her degree was when she designed her very

first project at the age of 22 years. In the almost

25 years since, she’s created an indelible mark

in the industry in India and abroad. She has

delivered a number of conceptual projects,

among which are residential private homes,

destination villas, commercial offices and show

homes for leading real estate companies from

across the world.

In fact, five years ago, she became the first Indian designer

to collaborate with YOO — the 1990-established designer brand

helmed by property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck

— for Panchshil Realty’s YOOPune project, and to be named among

venerable designers such as Jade Jagger, Marcel Wanders, Steve

Leung, Kelly Hoppen and Starck himself. Khan brought her signature

and organic design style to the apartment with an eclectic mix of

materials and elements such as velvets, leather furniture, prints

and statement lamps — inspired by “music, forests and architecture

through the ages”.

This trademark design vocabulary of hers was apparent when

she founded The Charcoal Project in February

2011. As the first-of-its-kind concept store

in India, the one-stop destination created a

significant fan following for having changed

how interior and product design was curated

for the Indian market. The 14,000 sq ft store

showcased collections by acclaimed designers

such as Andrew Martin, Abu Jain & Sandeep

Khosla, Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth of Klove

Studio, and Sussanne Khan pret home, her own

handcrafted furniture range.

The creative’s inimitable style was

evidenced in the quirky mix of edgy and

graphic furniture pieces she curated for her

brand. “After all these years, I would define my

design sensibility in-between quiet luxury and

shabby chic. It used to be rather eclectic and

object driven in the past, but it has now evolved

into one that is influenced by various eras and

is emotive. It responds to the occupant of the

space and what would bring them a sense of

serenity,” reveals Khan, who keeps herself

constantly occupied with ventures that uplift

design in the Indian context.

Take, for example, the launch of Bandra

190, the one-of-a-kind luxury retail boutique

in Mumbai in 2013, along with Maheep Kapoor

and Seema Khan. The six-storeyed store

emulates the shabby chic vibe of New York’s

SoHo district with its white-washed brick walls

and wooden flooring. The same year, she signed

on as ‘Editor of Style’ alongside Malaika Arora

and Bipasha Basu for retail venture The Label

Life. Then, in 2017, she collaborated with two

real estate developers to create uber-luxurious spaces in Mumbai. For

Rustomjee Elements’ project in Juhu, Khan created a show apartment,

using neutral and monochromatic hues with 26 shades of white and

charcoal that defined the high-living potential of the property. The

other was a warm and sophisticated apartment with a monochromatic

blend of yin and yang using hard and soft finishes for a sense of

Growing up around

her interior designer

mum wasn’t the

sole influence in

Sussanne Khan’s

design journey.

Indeed, her exposure

to the field at a young

age coupled with an

innate understanding

of colours and

textures as well as

an inclination to do

something different

played a vital role in

her success story. In

a conversation with

Anamika Butalia,

the creative opens

up about her many

design experiences

and being a force to

reckon with.


DESIGN

calmness and positivity for Priviera by Oberoi Realty in Khar. Among her

most recently completed interior designer repertoire is the makeover

of philanthropist Natasha Poonawalla’s farmhouse near Pune, which

is set on a 100-hectare property, complete with a stargazing cottage.

“This approach to my work, which is my passion, comes very

naturally to me. It’s also in line with the best advice I’ve ever got: ‘to get

your hands dirty because you have to put in hard work to be successful,

and be prepared to persevere and persist for every accomplishment,

small or significant’. My career trajectory is proof of it and I fervently

believe in putting in all my energy to get work done.”

Khan also believes in staying on-trend without compromising on

an aesthetic that blends industrial masculine with feminine edgy chic.

She works with “a mix of natural and organic materials such as metals

(like brass, steel, nickel and high-gloss chrome), wood, concrete,

Among her most recently

completed interior designer

repertoire is the makeover

of philanthropist Natasha

Poonawalla’s farmhouse

near Pune, which is set on a

100-hectare property, complete

with a stargazing cottage.

Vibrant hues and an art deco-esque pendant lamp over the table define this lounge

The concept of a four-poster bed gets a contemporary spin A green headboard offsets the pristine palette in this bedroom

A life-size sculpture of a horse and a flamingo-legged side table add an edgy appeal to this living room


stones (semi-precious ones that mix well with metals or can be inlaid

or carved), leathers and 100 per cent natural fibres”, and obviously

favours geometric patterned embellishments. It’s unsurprising that

her work has been lauded by a number of design platforms in India

as well as globally.

Most recently, she was honoured with the title of Asia’s Most

Influential Designer at the tenth edition of the prestigious Designer

of the Year Awards. The Malaysian entity is renowned for recognising

creative talents from its nation and around the world. “It was such an

honour to be recognised as Asia’s Most Influential Designer by the

Designer of the Year Awards 2019. Previously it has been bestowed

upon the likes of Zaha Hadid and Kelly Hoppen, and I was on top of the

world to be counted among these formidable and leading ladies of the

design world,” concludes Khan.

“It was such an honour to

be recognised as Asia’s

Most Influential Designer

by the Designer of the Year

Awards 2019. Previously it

has been bestowed upon

the likes of Zaha Hadid and

Kelly Hoppen…”

Sussanne Khan receives Asia’s Most Influential Designer award

from (L-R) Alvin Chang, CEO of ACG Media, Weng Hong Chan,

GM of ACER Malaysia and Juliet Hoog, CCO of ACG Media

Portable bar in leatherby The Charcoal Project


An artistic encounterwith the botanical

To commemorate the 171st birth anniversary of Raja Ravi Varma, the Father of Modern Indian

Art, The Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation created a special presentation ‘Encounters

With The Botanical’ as seen through his art. The project, launched in collaboration with

National Gallery for Modern Art, Bengaluru, also showcased a video presentation and lecture

by renowned historian and writer Rupika Chawla who tells us more in an interview.

Why did you decide on having the presentation ‘Encounters With

The Botanical’ on the botanical elements identified through the art

of Raja Ravi Varma?

This project began on a much smaller scale than what it has turned out

to be. The Foundation wanted to create an experience for its guests and

visitors (we have many people who walk in expecting to see a museum

housing Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings). But we wanted the experience

to be one that they could learn from. Hence, I got into a conversation

with Geetanjali Sachdev (Dean Postgraduate Program and the School

for Continuing, Open and Professional Education, Srishti School of Art,

Design and Technology) and we put our heads together to think of a

way to come up with a new experience for our visitors. What began

as an idea to create a flyer and booklet has finally resulted in a fairly

long video presentation and a botanical manual that gives so much

information on the botanical elements seen in Raja Ravi Varma’s art.

His works lend an insight on how to approach the study of plants.

What are the take-aways that a student of art can relate to?

There is so much for an art student to learn from Ravi Varma’s work.

Focusing on only the botanical elements that we have researched, a

student will learn about realism from every botanical element that

he has reproduced as close to the actual species as possible. The

use of colours and textures to enhance these (botanical) elements

in a painting and the manner in which Ravi Varma has effortlessly

incorporated these elements to enhance each canvas is in itself a

huge learning.


ART

Can you elaborate on what

goes into the 13-minute video

presentation of his ‘green’

works?

We have chosen 28 paintings

to research and identify the

botanical elements in each of

those works. Raja Ravi Varma’s

motivations to use plants

extensively indicate that plants

may have played a significant

role in his life. The puja thali, the

basket in hand, a lady’s hair, a

bay’s rattle, the female form, the

environment and the narrative

itself — these form receptacles

for the manifestation of a

range of botanical motifs in

his paintings. His motivations

in using plants across several

works could be attributed to

several influences:

• The significance of plants

in his Hindu cultural and

religious upbringing.

• His geographic proximity to

plants in the environment

and the vegetation of the

period. For example, peepal

trees and paddy fields were

part of the landscape that

he grew up in.

• His animistic beliefs about

plants and their power as a

force of nature.

• External cultural influences

of the British, Dutch and

other European artists he

was exposed to.

• The aesthetic preferences

of his patrons.

• Prevailing ideas, thoughts,

practices, myths and

cultural traditions he was

exposed to through his

“His mother,

apart from being

a poet and

artist, was also

an Ayurvedic

physician for

small children.

Ayurveda

uses plants

extensively as a

healing force.”


vast travels and encounters with diverse communities. He went

on voyages to gain inspiration, enlarge his visual repertoire and

expand his imagination, throughout which he built up his bank of

images and sources.

• His own vibrant imagination and personal aesthetic preferences.

• His specifically personal or particular experiences with plants. His

mother, apart from being a poet and artist, was also an Ayurvedic

physician for small children. Ayurveda uses plants extensively as

a healing force.

You’ve said, “Varma also used plant representations as design

motifs on different surfaces and materials...that does not share a

visual correspondence with real plants, and are often abstract and

stylised.” Could you elaborate a little more on this…

Along with real plants, Ravi Varma also used plant representations

as design motifs on different surfaces and materials. Motifs that

used plant shapes are seen in textiles and furnishings, metal

and gem jewellery, architectural details in buildings exteriors,

and interior spaces and structures. Designs with floral and

vegetal motifs are used in embroidery, printed furnishings,

woven carpets, jewellery, and architectural details in mouldings,

carving and woodwork in buildings and interiors of residential

spaces. The artist’s depictions of real plants in contrast, are those

seen in forests, planters placed in people’s homes, garlands, vases,

and in women’s hair.

Raja Ravi Varma’s motivations in using plants in varied ways — what

would you say were his influences for this?

Ravi Varma told a story through his painting and depending on the

story, the botanical element in the painting played a huge role. If there

was no story to a painting, then the botanical element was used purely

for decorative purposes.


Photograph: Bajirao Pawar

SNAPSHOT

ThepianomanAs the sun goes down in the

evenings, you’re bound to hear

some melodic strains of music in

the lobby of The Leela Mumbai. A

wonderful tickle of the ivories, so to

speak. William McRae, the piano man,

has been with The Leela Mumbai

since 1996. In fact, he not only plays

the piano but sometimes sings as

well. Having graduated from Trinity

College, London, he started his music

career as a violinist. Having played

piano in different countries like

Dubai, Bahrain and France, he says

that in total he has been playing the

piano for 55 years. That feat in itself

deserves a standing ovation.

LAUNCHPAD

Have a yearning for some mouthwatering Chinese

cuisine? The Leela Ambience Convention

Hotel, Delhi has recently relaunched its

Pan Asian restaurant Mei Kun as a Chinese only-

specialty fine dine restaurant. The menu is

curated by none other than the Chinese master

chef Hsiung Chan Khyage “CK”, a renowned

culinary maestro.

A delicious range of delectable delicacies

are now available for both lunch and dinner. In

addition to the a la carte offerings, the restaurant also

offers an unlimited set menu. With the growing trend

of people now taking to vegetarianism, the restaurant also

boasts an array of vegetarian dishes otherwise unheard

of, in addition to the best of non-veg delicacies.

Mei Kun (Chinese for ‘beautiful universe’) is a

delightful treat, not just to the palate but also to

the eyes. The ‘beautiful universe’ begins as soon

as you walk towards the restaurant amidst the

lush greenery with a gorgeous koi fish pond on

the side. The koi fish, as per Feng Shui, are said to

bring in a lot of happiness and prosperity to one’s

life. The restaurant in fact has a special fish feeding

ritual at the pond.

Best of Chinese gourmetChinese master chef Hsiung Chan Khyage “CK” gives the menu of Mei Kun

at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi a delicious new twist.

WINTER 2019-2020 | 79 | THE LEELA MAGAZINETHE LEELA MAGAZINE | 78 | WINTER 2019-2020

What drew you to specialising in desserts?The creative aspect of desserts

is what drew me. When it

comes to cakes and pastries,

there are no limits as to how

a pastry can be finished. It’s

like a canvas and you’re the

painter, you can paint it the

way you want. Plus, when I

was a child, relishing desserts

always brought a smile to my

face; it gave me happiness. It’s

the same happiness I like to

see in my guests.

The Executive Pastry Chef at The Leela

Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences

reveals his standout dessert, creating a

dessert buffet in the pool, and more.

StephensonSimson

Which kitchen tools can you not do without?Knives. It is an integral part

of my kitchen. All the cutting,

chopping, slicing, carving

etc begins with this simple

tool. I think no kitchen can be

complete without this piece of

equipment.

Which dessert would you consider your pièce de résistance? Xocola. It is one of the desserts

that I created for a very special

event and was appreciated

by everyone. It’s always been

a part of most of the menus

I have curated. It consists of

Madagascar Dark Chocolate

Mousse, Spiced Chestnut

Cremeux, Salted Caramel Gel

and a Chocolate-Coconut

Dacquoise.

Nowadays, everyone wants healthy and guilt-free desserts. How do you cater to those demands?

As you know, nowadays

everyone’s focussed on

healthy eating. Most of the

guests are counting their

calorie intake. So, it’s my duty

as a chef to ensure that we

deliver as per what our guest

demands. We have three to

four desserts on our buffet

that are guilt-free and healthy.

We have guilt-free breads

and muffins for breakfast that

cater specially to the needs

of such guests. Also, if anyone

has any specific dietary

CHEF’S CORNER

Chef Stephenson Simson comes with 16 years of experience, having worked with reputed Indian and International hotel chains in the past. He has a strong knowledge of modern food trends, techniques and excels in delivering the best gastronomic experience to his patrons. In his role overseeing the bakery operations, he works towards enhancing the dessert offerings across outlets through innovative initiatives.

Profile

requirements or allergy, we

tend to cater to those needs

to ensure complete guest

satisfaction.

Personally, which is your favourite dessert? Warm Chocolate Brownie

with Vanilla Ice-cream. It’s

a simple comfort food that

can be whipped up in an

instant and it’s got loads of

chocolate in it. After all, who

doesn’t love chocolate?!

Which has been the most challenging pastry that you’ve made in your career?During my time in Doha, I

was once asked to deliver

48 miniature wedding

cakes and pastries in less

than 24 hours for the

Queen’s wedding. It was

one of the most hectic

days of my life but there

was a lot of learning from

this experience.

Who has been the greatest inspiration in your culinary journey?My mom without a doubt has

been my greatest inspiration

in my culinary journey. She

has been a pillar of strength

throughout my career.

What is the most unusual request you’ve received from a guest?During my time in the

Middle East, I was once

asked to create a dessert

buffet in a pool. So, along

with my team, we created

a miniature pool with

various desserts in small

plastic containers that were

actually floating in the pool.

The guests loved the new

and innovative concept.

If you had not been a pastry chef, you would be…I would have probably

joined the army and served

the country.


When traveling, what do you look for while choosing a hotel?While opting to choose a hotel, I would lay

special emphasis on a bouquet of 6 C’s:

Convenience, Compassion, Care, Comfort,

Cuisine and Customer-centricity. You are

happy if you experience all the characteristics

rolled into one.

How was your stay at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences?The first thing that catches your attention

when you land in New Delhi and step into

this city, is the grand and magnificent hotel

that invitingly welcomes you to stop, relax,

and recharge before you move on.

Every time I stay at The Leela Ambience

Gurugram it turns out to be a different and

ecstatic experience. There is never a dull

Vijay Rai

JET SET GO

moment out here. I always ask my friends

and colleagues to choose The Leela as

their destination stay both for leisure,

conferencing or social get-togethers. Over

the last ten years, my family and I have had

some of our best and memorable stays for all

those special occasions that one can imagine.

What did you love most about it?The green expansive ambience-cum-porch,

an opulent lobby and the ever-courteous

team that greets you with the spirit of “Atithi

Devo Bhava” with a beaming smile. On all

my parameters of 6 C’s, the hotel stands

exceedingly tall. This is ‘the ultimate place

where you have everything in place’, be it

the gym, pool, food, relaxation, celebration,

meeting friends, shopping…you name it.

This hotel is the gateway to the city and one

of the finest in the region. I enjoy dining

leisurely at Spectra, sipping coffee in the

VVIP Elitaire Lounge and celebrating some

special moments at the Royal Club Lounge.

The health club, swimming pool and the

stunning 360-degree views of the city from

the amazing Skydeck are the best in town.

Everything seems refreshing, when it comes

to such a caring and committed staff and an

outstanding leadership team who make sure

that each stay-experience of mine is better

than the best.

Do you travel a lot? What are your must-pack items?Working with an international company

entails travel, indeed. I am meticulous when

it comes to packing my travel accessories. I

try to maintain a log of each and everything

that is worth carrying based on the need

and place of travel. A few things that I try to

carry along are: Notebook, passport, driving

license, deodorants and perfumes, pens

and watches, wallet, gym/swim gear, laptop

and tablet, besides adequate clothing as

per weather conditions. The best one is the

positive attitude and humility that I carry

without a miss.

What are some of the most interesting destinations you’ve been to recently?While in India, traveling to hill stations,

deserts and by the seaside is my all-time

favorite. Dharamshala, Udaipur, Mukteshwar,

Goa and Mumbai are the ones that I travelled

to in the recent past, besides UK, US,

Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai that are

always on the cards.

Managing DirectorEnterprise Business(APAC & EMEA Markets),Saviour US INC.

The Leela Ambience Gurugram

Charmedby Chennai

OAR and of course I’m going to be a little

less modest and go ahead and recommend

my store, Vivek Karunakaran. For anything for

the home, I head to MaalGaadi, Kalpa Druma,

Good Earth, Address Home and Nicobar.

Which restaurants should one definitely

go to?

Kappa Chakka Kandhari is definitely a

must. Avartana is the perfect place to try a

traditional yet contemporary take on South

Indian cuisine. There is a hole in the wall

called North East Kitchen that dishes out the

most exotic North Eastern food I have ever

feasted on. If you are looking for a true-blue

Chennai noon meal experience, have a go

at the Nair Mess right next to the Chepauk

stadium. Finally, for the perfect Sunday

brunch, head to The Leela Palace Chennai

overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Which heritage sites should one visit?

Undoubtedly the pride of Tamil Nadu,

Mahabalipuram is a must. In the city you see

some lovely heritage buildings like the Senate

House, Ripon Building, Higginbothams, Fort

St George, Museum Theatre and many more.

One thing you recommend visitors should

definitely do in the city?

I’m going to take the liberty of making that

a few… Sunrises on the beach, go surfing at

Surf Turf, and visit the Kapaleeshwar Temple

and soak in the charm of Chennai.

Vivek Karunakaran has carved a niche for himself in the world of fashion with his impeccable creations that have been featured at LFW and India Fashion Week. Voted among the 50 Best Dressed Men in India by GQ, he has styled eminent personalities like Christian Louboutin, Ranveer Singh, Sonam Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, AR Rahman and many more.

From old-world heritage buildings to

modern restobars to the sweeping

Coromandel Coastline, fashion designer

Vivek Karunakaran tells Farhad J.

Dadyburjor why Chennai has it all.

What do you love most about Chennai?

The beach, the beach and the beach… So

proud to be living along this wonderful

Coromandel Coastline which happens to be

the third longest coastline in the country.

With its share of fame from the world of

cinema, cricket, theatre, art, music, textile and

politics, this amazing city has something to

offer for everyone. Over the years the city has

transformed into a beautiful amalgamation

of different cultures with a lot of expatriates

making Chennai their home.

Which are your favourite haunts?

The Wild Garden cafe at Amethyst tops that

list. The ideal place to sit down to ideate,

connect and debate about almost anything

under the sun, this granary warehouse has

been transformed into an idyllic retreat in

the heart of the city. Two restobars share the

second spot for me — Radio Room and Off

The Record. Perfect places for people with

a love for all things fabulous from both the

bar as well as their kitchen, as you groove

to some really good music set in a great

ambience.

Which are your favourite stores to shop at?

My pick for fashion and textiles would be

Evoluzione, Collage, Tulsi Silks, Kanakavalli,

INSIDER’S GUIDE


EVENTS

It was an evening of scrumptious

cuisine, the spilling of trade

secrets and plenty of bonhomie.

Travel + Leisure India & South Asia

conducted an exclusive masterclass

with Singapore Airlines, hosted by

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Singapore

Airlines’ International Culinary

Panel Chef at The Leela Ambience

Gurugram Hotel & Residences.

Guests and food lovers from around

the city joined in at Zanotta — a

specialty Italian cuisine restaurant.

Chef Kapoor was accompanied

by Executive Chef Ashish Bhasin

along with his team wherein the

duo entertained guests over an

informative masterclass.

A Padma Shri award-winner,

Chef Kapoor also shared a few trade

secrets with participants while

preparing some delicious gourmet

dishes. Eminent guests such as David

Lim (Singapore Airlines’ General

Manager India), Wesley Watkinson

(Singapore Airlines’ Station Manager

Delhi), Varun Chhibber (General

Manager of The Leela Ambience

Gurugram), Marryam H Reshii (food

critic) amongst many others were part

of this highly enjoyable evening.

Insider secrets ofgourmet food

ACCOLADES

The Leela Palace Udaipur

Jaideep Anand, VP, Development and Pre-Opening and Varun Chhibber, General Manager receiving the India’s Best Award for Best Hotel For Women Travellers 2019

Chef Stephenson Simson winning The Pastry Chef of the Yearat the Food Food Awards Grand Finale

Alok Chakravarty, Director of Sales & Marketing recieving the award for Best Luxury Hotel at the Hospitality & Travel Awards 2019

ACCOLADES

Winners all the way!

I t was a bouquet of

big wins for The Leela

Ambience Gurugram

Hotel & Residences.

Recently, Travel + Leisure

India & South Asia

announced India’s Best

Awards for 2019, that

celebrate and honour

the best in hospitality,

travel, trendsetting and

conscious travel. And

receiving top votes, The

Leela Ambience Gurugram

Hotel & Residences was

awarded the Best Hotel

for Women Travellers by

the readers.

Executive Pastry Chef Stephenson Simson received the Editorial

Choice Award for The Pastry Chef of the Year from India’s foremost

food author, Rashmi Uday Singh at the Food Food India Awards 2019

(North & East edition) on September 28. This was a double-whammy

as Chef Stephenson also won the Editorial Choice Award for The

Pastry Chef of the Year at the Food Food Awards Grand Finale 2019

on November 26.

A t the 15th Hospitality India Annual International Travel Awards,

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences was awarded

the Best Luxury Hotel in India. Senior government officials presented

the award to Alok Chakravarty, Director of Sales and Marketing. This

was yet another accolade added to the hotel’s list of awards and

recognition.


GUEST SPEAK

The Leela Palace New Delhi

Lotay TsheringHon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan

“Thank you so much for the wonderful experience. The friendly nature of your staff

complemented by your excellent infrastructure makes The Leela

Palace New Delhi a much better place — will come again.”

The Leela Palace Chennai

Ian BishopCricket Commentator

“The stay was wonderful and relaxing. Facilities

were brilliant.”

The Leela Palace Chennai

Kangana RanautActor

“Beautiful property. One of the most gorgeous hotels I

have stayed in. Also, amazing hospitality and great food. Thank you all for the love.”

The LeelaGoa

Hrithik RoshanActor

“A great experience once again, at The Leela Goa. It was AMAZING!”

The Leela Palace New Delhi

Wilbur RossUnited States Secretary

of Commerce

“It was a joy to stay at the beautiful The Leela Palace New

Delhi. We loved our stay.”

Brompton Road where I worked as a salesgirl. I had decided to move to

London at the rather young age of 18 to follow my boyfriend, whom I

married eventually.

One fine day, Laura told me “go back home to Belgium and open

your own boutique,” which I did with a small loan from my dad and

a lot of help from his Indian friends. By the age of 21, I had opened

Santosh, a successful Indian handicrafts shop in Brussels where I sold

jewellery, antiques and textiles. I then turned my attention to fashion

design, creating European dresses made from Indian fabrics for Jaipur-

based brand Anokhi.

In 1999, I moved to Goa to start a small beach restobar called

the Olive Ridley (after the turtle that nests there) in Morjim. My next

project, a guest house called Panchavati on the secluded island of

Corjuem, offered a sanctuary away from Goa’s tourist crowds for the

next nine years. Goa was changing faster and faster to a busy, noisy,

restless, crowded and dirty place. My quest to live in a remote place

became stronger in opposition to the changing scene in Goa, which

is why I am where I am right now, in the same hills of Kodai where I

was born.

My day begins at 6.30 a.m. with a cold shower, a cup of hot water

with lemon, half an hour of pranic breathing and eye exercises,

followed by 40 minutes of yoga. I then enjoy a sumptuous breakfast

in the garden, check and respond to emails, follow the world news and

then work on my design projects pausing to have a salad for lunch

and some homemade cake and biscuits at teatime. I work hard in the

garden and vegetable patch before I cook my

dinner exactly twelve hours later at 6.30 p.m.

An hour later, I pour myself a drink and let out

a sigh of satisfaction.

I love vacationing in Hampi, which is

a never-ending joy and I wish to visit the

North East of India which I find fascinating. I

always enjoy a good Indian meal, but not on

a daily basis. Even then, I always add a dash

of turmeric to many dishes from international

cuisines because of its health benefits.

I think one of the secrets to remaining

beautiful is to age with joy and dignity.

Needless to say, lead a disciplined life: eat

healthy and exercise regularly. But most

importantly, stay positive, never take life too

seriously, adapt to change and move on, have

fun and laugh a lot, accept the inevitable

physical that happens gracefully whilst

feeding on la joie de vivre.

My name is Isla Maria Van Damme, but I’m fondly known as LouLou

by my friends and family. I was born in British India. My parents

settled in Bombay from Belgium in 1938. It was a colonial trend for

British mothers to have their babies born in the healthy weather of hill

stations, thus my destiny was to be born in Kodaikanal.

Bombay (never ever Mumbai!) is my big love. Childhood memories

abound: studying at Walsingham School located in the former palace of

the Maharajah of Kutch on Malabar Hill, socialising at clubs, swimming

lessons at the Wellington, but above all, our house at Shapoor Baug in

Marol. In those days we rode through the gates into the fields and off

to Powai lake.

The iconic lifestyle store and home decor label Malabar that has

since moved to the quaint lanes of Chowpatty, had a 60-year legacy

as one of the first luxury boutiques. Run by Lisbet Holmes and Laura

Hamilton, the boutique was the talk of the town. Lisbet moved on

to launch her own label called Malabazar in the ’70s on London’s

PERSPECTIVE

A self-confessed Indophile, LouLou Van Damme is one of the most enigmatic designers in the country. Her designs aesthetics have been seen at high-end stores like Bungalow 8 and Raw Mango in Mumbai, and the Ishavilas spa in Goa. With an artistic career that has spanned close to four decades, the ‘Doyenne of design’ shows no signs of slowing down.

At 72, LouLou Van Damme still models for magazines like Vogue and Architectural Digest in their editorial shoots. Her decades of experience in India as a fashion designer, restaurateur and interior designer have made her one of the most sought-after style mavens.

The stylish septuagenarian

— As told to Nolan Lewis

Phot

o co

urte

sy: R

oli B

ooks

(Kar

am P

uri/

Glo

riou

s H

otel

s of

Indi

a by

Cos

mo

Broc

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and

Har

riet

Com

psto

n)


N GO Animals Matter To Me (AMTM) was

established in 2010 in Mumbai to help street

dogs and cats who had no one else to care

for them. Over 50,000 strays roamed the city, with the

number growing alarmingly due to a lack of sterilization

programmes. AMTM was created to provide a humane

and sustainable solution to manage the stray population

and to address their medical needs. Funding then, as it

is now, came entirely from individuals who shared, and continue to

share, the vision of the founders.

It was one lady’s lifelong dream to help animals in distress,

especially the homeless ones. The visionary lady started the practice

by helping the ones in her locality and in time imbibed her ideas to

her growing son Ganesh Nayak who, with the help of his wife Dheeraja

Nayak, one day made the dream come true by establishing AMTM.

AMTM shelters terminally ill dogs and cats which are in desperate

need of help and a home — this includes not only strays but also

pedigreed animals who have been abandoned and left to die. Today,

AMTM houses 184 animals who are either seeking treatment or on

the road to recovery. To take things to the next step, AMTM started

a new project called AMTM Sanctuary: The Cage

Free Land. The 17 acre sanctuary is based in Kolad,

which is in the interiors of Maharashtra, and this

sanctuary will be a permanent home to disabled

animals who will live the rest of their lives cage-free.

The sanctuary will also be open to animal lovers who

would like to spend their free time in the woods with

these ‘four-legged humans’.

Services offered by AMTM:

• DOG AND CAT ADOPTION: Stray and abandoned pets are

re-homed under the AMTM adoption policy.

• STERILIZATION/SPAY NEUTER: Low cost spay neuter/trap neuter

release and sterilizations are done with appointments.

• PET HEALTHCARE: A fully functional and equipped veterinary

hospital awaits strays and abandoned pets.

• AMTM AMBULANCE: Ambulances are used for pick up and drop off

critical and emergency cases.

• FOSTER CARE: Limited foster parents are listed with AMTM for

extreme care cases.

The animal saviours

To volunteer, donate or for more details: Email: [email protected]; Website: https://www.amtmindia.org

Animals Matter To Me is a clinical rescue facility for strays and abandoned

animals, birds and reptiles in need of help in Mumbai.


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