Innholdsfortegnelse for October 26, 2020 i India Today

The INDIA TODAY annual ‘High and Mighty’ list chronicles the men and women who have an out-sized impact on our lives. Their clout results from factors that are more than just an outcome of their wealth or the positions they hold. It stems from their ability to wield influence in arenas outside their own. The 17th edition of the list comes in the middle of a global health crisis and the most significant reshaping of our lives in decades. The Covid-19 pandemic, the ensuing lockdowns and social distancing protocols have altered how we work, treat our health, educate our children, interact with friends, shop for food and provisions and consume entertainment. This year’s list reflects this disruption. We have our perennials, a tiny elite insulated from the vagaries of change…

Q. Your comment on how one should be more concerned about their state’s education and health budget than a film’s budget and box office collections struck a chord. These parameters don’t matter in OTT though. I don’t believe a film should be measured by its budget or box office. With OTT, there’s no concern of weekend box office collection. If your show isn’t good, the audience exits. You have to focus on keeping them engaged with your storytelling. Q. You’ve locked your Twitter account. Why? There’s a lot of politics and negativity on it. I am going through a phase where I switch on my social media apps only for half an hour or once in two days. It’s all good so long as we areusing mobile phones and social…

With the pandemic practically swallowing up the present, all things vintage have acquired new currency. This is what makes AstaGuru’s—one of India’s premier auction houses—annual online auction of ‘Heirloom Jewellery, Silver and Timepieces’, even more attractive. The limited-edition collectibles offer some of the finest selection of rare vintage Indian and European jewellery, fine silver, and exceptional timepieces. Some of the most coveted jewels and gemstones ranging from the legendary Golconda diamonds and Basra pearls to magnificent Colombian emeralds and Burmese blue Sapphires, included in the auction, were commissioned by important royal families in India, and are over a hundred years old. Leading the sale is a, ‘Four-row Basra pearl necklace’, (lot 50) circa 1940s, which is estimated between `1.25–1.3crore. The necklace (picture above) boasts 327 graduating Basra pearls and features…

Flora Fountain Colour me gorgeous with this hibiscus cuff from Faberge. It is a head turner. No other embellishment is required. Price on request Availability Brand boutiques Big Bang Theory An artistic collaboration between Hublot and Maxime Plescia-Büchi, translates into this All Black concept etched in black ink like a blackout tattoo. Welcome the Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu II. Price on request Availability Brand boutiques Lord of the rings This emerald and kinite bouquet Ring ring from Rose features a stunning emerald encircled by precious stones in a perfect harmony of colour and style. Rock on! Price on request Availability Brand boutiques Green Envy If you don’t like to be the belle of the ball then steer clear of these palm earrings from Bina Goenka. Flashing these magnificent emeralds…

Indulgence, excess and even celebration may seem like distant sentiments currently. And we may not be where we want to be, but we have still come a long way from where we were, and that is reason enough to cheer. As the crisp October nip in the early morning air makes way to balmy days, you know it’s time to ring in the season of festivities. You may have to contend with masked versions of your glory and shop online or settle for takeaways or home deliveries but there are options to be picked and choices to be made and that’s why Spice has curated some of the finest buys of the season. From the whimsical to the practical and from the extravagant to the eclectic, these vignettes of delight…

Nature’s bounty is the perfect muse for all aesthetes who believe that emulation is the best form of flattery. With the new Marine Haute Joaillerie Poseidonia, luxury watch marque Breguet offers an exquisite interpretation of the magnificent beauty of the seas. The depths of the Mediterranean harbour a natural treasure: Posidoniaoceanica—a fascinating aquatic plant integral to balancing the sea’s ecosystem. The new Breguet model depicts the plant’s arabesques through the art of mother-of-pearl marquetry and invisible setting. Exquisite in detail, the dial is set with 85 baguette-cut diamonds, and appears to ripple across the intense iridescence of the Tahitian mother-of-pearl, which reflects deep colours or more silvery undertones, depending on the light. If that isn’t lure enough, the mechanical heart of the Marine Haute Joaillerie Poseidonia beats to the rhythm…

Southern Flavour Designed by architects Kunal Barve and Mihir Barve of Interface by Kunal Barve, this foyer in an apartment in Mumbai is the embodiment of subtle sophistication. “The client’s brief was clear to incorporate vaastu and a south Indian character to the house. They have a huge affinity for old antiques and south Indian culture and traditions,” says Kunal. The foyer is spilt into two parts, using both sides of the main door. On one side are the Chettinad tiles and a hand drawn kollam (rangoli) and brass elements. On the other, a large wooden Ganesha adds the right vibes. Dramatic glass pendants light up both the spaces. Twice as Nice Architect Aparna Kaushik has designed two lavish foyers that differ from one another like chalk and cheese. The…

NOTHING TESTS THE TRUE mettle of leadership better than adversity. If the already slowing economy were not enough, the Covid pandemic and the lockdown further crippled businesses and left millions unemployed. GDP contracted 23.9 per cent in the first quarter of this fiscal. It is in this light that we need to see INDIA TODAY’s annual Power List this year. The 50 personalities featured here have one trait in common: rising above the ordinary in extraordinary times. Corporate czars like Mukesh Ambani or K.M. Birla are thinking ahead at a time when new-age enterprises threaten traditional businesses. Others, like Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal or Byju Raveendran are using the crisis as an opportunity to grow their business. Superstars such as Amitabh Bachchan or corporates like the Tatas…

A VISITOR WHO MET Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the height of the standoff with China says he was struck by how calm he appeared. The prime minister explained that as he had delegated critical tasks to his team—like any successful chief executive would—and had full faith in them, there was no need for him to micro-manage or worry unduly. As his government approaches the 18-month mark of its second term, the prime minister’s reliance on bureaucrats to execute his vision has only grown. This is despite the year’s unprecedented crises—a pandemic, a nationwide lockdown, an economic meltdown and a border standoff with China. Some familiar faces, like P.K. Mishra and Ajit Doval, have been elevated to cabinet rank. New power appointments have also been made—like General Bipin Rawat being…

TRADITIONALLY, THIS IS THAT time of year when no matter where you are or what you do, the last quarter of the year signals the season of cheer. A tamer sun welcomes balmy days that melt into crisp evenings, pleasurably populated with delectable food, colourful sundowners and exhaustive shopping lists. Granted, this year the sentiment is sombre and the mood more muted than usual, but celebration comes cloaked in many garbs. For our cover star, actor Radhika Apte, for instance, festivals are never about indulgent buys or big-bang merrymaking. “It’s about celebrating great food and intimate family gatherings, and savouring small joys,” she says. A self-confessed non-conformist, who enjoys new challenges and seeks unconventional experiences, she shares her journey in the performing arts with Spice, starting from theatre to digital…

Traditional Twist Ditch the overly opulent bridal jewellery for this necklace by RK Jewellers that you’ll find yourself reaching for even after the wedding festivities. Price On request Availability Brand stores Shape of You A sleek bracelet featuring hexagon shaped diamonds and white gold by Irasva is a study in simple elegance. Price On request Availability Brand stores City Girl Zariin’s capsule collection with Confluence features contemporary designs that are easy to fall in love with. Price On request Availability Brand stores Coloured View A pendant encrusted with luminious amethysts by Kohinoor Jewellers, Agra will elevate even the everyday basic jeans ensemble. Price On request Availability Brand stores Flower Power Inspired by the vibrancy of summer, Motisons compliments the easy breezy feel of balmy summer days with this flower shaped…

Innovation is the hallmark that exemplifies the mastery and mystique of any brand, especially when it comes to watches. Longines establishes itself as a true leader in this respect with a new face of its emblematic line—The Longines Master Collection. Empowered by a new self-winding movement developed exclusively for Longines, these timekeepers are characterised by a moon phase indicator and a honed aesthetic that draws the perfect balance between technical excellence and classic elegance. The sleek dial is available in two sizes (40 and 42 mm), with a range of options that include black barleycorn with painted Roman numerals, silvered barleycorn with painted Arabic numerals or blue sunray with applied indexes. The 40 mm version is also available in a version with diamond indexes for further refinement. The new models…

Narayan Jewellers (by Ketan-Jatin Chokshi) A whimsical aesthete’s favourite, these diamond ear climbers, vine up the ear lobe but stop halfway, unlike a ear cuff. Price on Request Availability www.narayanjewellers.com Her Story jewels Poetry in motion medley rings plays out like sonnets in stone. Price on Request Availability Brand store Forevermark Tribute Collection Here’s everyday jewellery that makes each day an occasion to celebrate. Price on Request Availability www.forevermark.com Isharya Legacy Then and N.O.W is a customised collection of talisman jewellery inspired by ancient traditions and wisdom. Price on Request Availability www.isharya.com Zoya Rooted Light of the Rainforest is a dreamy neckpiece crafted in diamonds and yellow sapphire. Price on Request Availability Brand stores Jaeger-LeCoultre Marrying high jewellery and fine watchmaking, this bracelet set in diamonds is a vision in…

When I arrived in the US in 1993, New York City was similar to what India is today: A city in flux, ready to turn a new leaf; a food culture coming of age. A culture that gave me the opportunity to celebrate Indian heritage in ways, probably lost even in India itself. Mithai, the sweet culinary indulgences of India, are at the top of the world’s evolutionary food ladder. These sweets have existed as long as India and have brought comfort forever. At Devi and in my catering business in the US, Ghewar sundae, mawa pound cake, a trio of sweet samosas, halwa tarts, patissa Twix bars, kaju barfi bonbons, amras cheesecake, chikki bark, Bombay falooda ice cream, and other such creations kept me connected to my homeland and…

HAUTE SEAT Now you can own a chair made by artificial intelligence (AI) in collaboration with human beings. We are talking about Italian brand Kartell’s A.I. Chair. Designer Phillipe Starck collaborated with US-based software company Autodesk to use AI to design it. PRICE on request AT www.iotafurniture.com ONCE UPON A WALL Transform your interiors with UDC Homes’s festive collection called Tanishq. The range of luxury wallpapers has intricate Indian patterns, hues and finishes. The new collection has been inspired by baroque jewellery, Rajasthani architecture and ikat motifs. PRICE `80 to `100 per sq ft AT @udchomes (Instagram) LIGHT UP Crompton’s Star Lord has a Lumen Efficacy of 100 Lumen per Watt and it’s ultra slim rim results in a sleeker design. It also has a wide voltage protection, surge protection…

Updating the Decor Firm: Studio Osmosis Partners and Principal Architects: Sameer Balvally and Shilpa Jain Balvally Location: Mumbai Website: www.studioosmosis.com In this apartment in Mumbai the living room had a typical 1980s aesthetic—mahogany veneers and post-modern furniture, while the children’s room was designed when they were a lot younger. So a change was overdue. That’s when architects Shilpa and Sameer Balvally stepped in.“The first thing that the clients told us was that they wanted a complete turn-around of the space. While the living room needed a new life without much of civil work, the kids room needed functional elements, planning and bigger changes,” explains Shilpa. The designer duo shares details of the facelift they gave the children’s room. Bright colours, open shelves for books, plants and natural light, were the…

Gandhi on Top The state Congress headquarters on Lucknow’s Mall Avenue is being renovated at the behest of national general secretary and UP in-charge Priyanka Gandhi. A swank 1,000-seat auditorium and audio-video facilities are the new highlights. Priyanka wants the building to be ready before the party’s December 28 foundation day, where she is expected to launch the Congress campaign for the 2022 assembly election. In an interesting tweak of the earlier office layout, Priyanka’s office will be on the top floor while the state party president will sit on the ground floor. The Gandhis, clearly, will always be on top. PAST IMPERFECT Lalu Prasad’s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav can heave a sigh of relief. His estranged wife, Aishwariya Rai, is not contesting the assembly election. Yadav had even…

Doting on You This polka dotted dress from Alessandra Rich is the epitome of summer cool. The peplum details adds a timeless flair. Price $2,089 Availability www.farfetch.com Sound Choice A thigh grazing hem and oversized sleeves equal the perfect party dress. Find both in this Rotate Birger Christensen piece. Pair with black block heels for full impact. Price $407 Availability www.farfetch.com Ruffled A dress that puts a spring in your step, Ulla Johnsons printed ruffle dress is a girly girl’s joy. Price $1,014 Availability www.netaporter. com Work of Art This yellow and brown Issey Miyake Homme Plissé draped pleated open jacket is the perfect transition weather cover up. Price On request Availability www.brownfashion.com Tie and Dye Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour as spring arrives with this mini dress…

Whether she’s playing Sophie, the girl next door who falls in love with a pianist pretending to be blind in 2018’s smash hit, Bollywood thriller, Andhadhun, or Kalindi the obsessive married college professor who has an affair with her student, that won her an Emmy nomination for Netflix film, Lust Stories. Or even the enigmatic, part femme fatale, part reckless, Samaira, in British-American action thriller, The Wedding Guest, Radhika Apte simply can’t be pigeon-holed. Aptly, she dismisses the title, ‘Queen of OTT’. “I’m not a great fan of labels, but I welcome them when they come because I don’t make a big deal out of them,” she says. Adding that she has done more feature films than digital,“but when the digital platform was still new I did quite a few…

Daum A rose by any other name would invoke as much drama, so also with this crystal rose passion vase by Daum in a delicate shade of golddust. Price on request Availability Emery Studio Cipriani Homood A metal chain chandelier with geometric design offers the kind of light interplay that’ll sass up any room. Price on Request Availability www.ottimo.in Sans Souci A hand-blown curtain of cut beads of glittering crystal and amber makes a flash: a flaming swarm that adorns the the room with mood lighting. Price on request Availability http://ss-gd.com Sarita Handa A statement bone inlay round coffee table in ivory tones that is a testament to true-blue taste. Price `78,100 Availability www.saritahanda.com Louis Vuitton A lounge chair by LV called Lune and designed by Marcel Wanders in soft…

Cocktails are a close metaphor for life; colourful with a bittersweet aftertaste and layers that include varied textures, this is a world that leaves its garnishes open to imagination. No wonder then, everyone has their own version and favourites. For a long time, these ‘decorative drinks’ were primarily made with white spirits and clever garnishes, but over the last few years, they have evolved as a craft to be shaken, stirred, savoured and served as your personal signature. As a result of this evolution, the global cocktail circuit has impacted bars and beverages, with unique food and cocktail experiences. Ever ready to seek the stories behind the spirit, Spice shares some exciting key trends to stir up some drama... Staying in is the new going out With Covid playing truant,…

What does a fashion label have in common with a furniture designer? Or an architect with a graphic artist? Cards for Humanity, of course. But what is it? It’s a deck of 50 cards, each card has a thought on it, where 50 creative stalwarts have contributed their artwork and a good deed that resonates with them at a personal level. The brains (read co-founders) behind it are Saloni Ganatra and Hiren Ganatra, principal architects Colab Company. “The process took three months which encompassed ideation, curation and production stages effectively,” says Saloni. The list of collaborators includes architecture and interior design studios such as MuseLAB, The Busride Design Studio, FADD Studio and Sanjyt Syngh, architects-cum-product designers such as Rooshad Shroff and Kunaal Khyaan, interior stylists such as Samir Wadekar and…

Whether you pick avocado toast or burnt sunset, prefer lemon curd to morning glory, these days, paints not only come with imaginative and emotive names, but also have the power to transform your interiors. Truth be told, they offer the quickest method to make any room feel fresh, new and give it that je ne sais quoi. With the festive season approaching this is the time to pick your favourite hue, technique and texture so that your walls can do all the talking. Experts share trends, advice and recommendations. DO IT YOURSELF Designer, blogger and influencer Rukmini Ray Kadam has been painting walls to personalise her interiors for quite some time now. She says that the greatest mistake we make while painting is to directly apply the colour all over…