Brake with the past
Swedish carmaker Volvo rolled out two new sedans and an SUV in India recently. Apart from luxury, the trio offers a state-of-the-art braking system 
for safety
H. Kishie Singh

Unknowingly, almost every motorist around the world has been driving a bit of Volvo. Volvo was incorporated in 1915 as a subsidiary of AB SKF, a Swedish ball bearing manufacturer. In 1924, Assar Gabrielsson, a SKF sales manager, and engineer Gustav Larson, decided to start construction of a Swedish car. The vision of the two founders was to build cars that could withstand the rigors of Sweden’s rough roads and cold temperatures. This has become a feature of Volvo products ever since. However, the auto manufacturer considers itself officially founded on April 14, 1927, when its first car, the Volvo ÖV 4 series, affectionately known as Jakob, rolled out of the factory in Hisingen, Gothenburg, Sweden.

In 1944, when Europe was under the Nazi jackboot, Sweden was neutral and life was business as usual. Volvo concerned itself with its consummate passion; safety for the occupants of its cars. That is the year when Volvo invented the Roll Over Protection System – ROPS. It is a built-in roll cage. In case of a complete roll over, the roof won’t crush. The passengers are safe. The same year, Volvo introduced the laminated windscreen. There is hardly a car on the roads today that does not have a laminated windscreen. No car can be sold around the world that does not have three-point seat belts. Volvo invented them in 1959! 

Volvo has recently introduced three new models, two sedans and a SUV, called the S60 and S80 for the sedans and XC60 for the SUV. At the heart of all three vehicles is the power plant that is the 2-litre diesel turbo- charged D3 5 cylinder engine. There is an option of a 2.4-litre diesel turbo engine designated D6. The flagship model S60 offers a 6 cylinder turbo charged petrol engine with a 304 hp and 440 nm of torque, designated as the T6. In each of the cars, two variants are available, the standard kinetic and the summum, the top end variant. The D3 engine puts out 163 hp and 400 nm of torque. The D5 engine puts out 215 hp and 420 nm of torque. 

On the launch of the D3 variants that further strengthen Volvo’s model offensive for India, Tomas Ernberg, Managing Director and CEO, Volvo Auto India, joked, “Kitna deti hai?” But he made it abundantly clear that Volvo understands the Indian buyer’s mind and pat came the answer to his question “18.5km per litre!” That will surely warm the cockles of the heart of any diesel addict in this country.

The18.5 km/pl figure is for the S60, 17.8 km/pl for the S80 and 14.7 km/pl for the XC60, which is a luxury compact SUV.

Automotive safety has been at the core of Volvo philosophy and its forte. So, it should not come as a surprise that Volvo offers a completely new and unique safety feature not found on any other car. It is called the laser assisted automatic braking – city safety. Here is how it works. In city driving, at speeds up to 30 km/ph, if the driver is not attentive and a pedestrian suddenly walks across the road, or a dog runs in front of the car or stray cattle stumble in your way, the Laser Assisted Automatic Braking (laab) will bring the car to a halt.

On the highway, if the car in front slows down suddenly, this feature will slow the car down and prevent a collision. 

In addition to this unique safety feature, other top-of-the-line safety features are interior air quality system for clean-cabin air to prevent hay fever and allergies! There are features like whiplash protection against rear-end collisions, the Dynamic Stability Traction Control that provides road holding on a wet road and active bending lights, lights that turn with the steering. These features should be a boon on the Kalka-Shimla road on a dark and rainy night. Roll stability control, emergency brake assist are all part of what Volvo refers to as ‘designed around you.’

The XC60 has a high-ground clearance of 230 mm, with Indian roads in mind. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with instant traction and hill descent control is available only on the XC60. 

Additional safety features include two-step air-bags in front, side impact protection air bags, inflatable curtains and an intelligent driver information system. In that, Volvo may face its greatest challenge. Where will they find an intelligent driver in India?

The transmission for all models is a six-speed geartronic with manual shift and a neutral control function. All cars have disc brakes on all four wheels, only the front ones are ventilated.

However, with such concentrated efforts on safety, luxury does not take a backseat. Interior spaciousness creates a cocoon of luxury and safety. The Volvo Sensus infotainment system provides a new dimension with just a touch on the screen. Plush, ergonomically designed leather seats, with deep contours and wide bolsters provide extreme comfort for long drives. Both front seats are electronically adjustable with the driver’s seat having a memory. 

Sun roof, rear-window sun curtain, water-repellant, front-side windows, electrically adjustable and heated outside rearview mirrors, headlight washers and fog lights complete the offerings from Volvo.

Big time
The recent Baselworld 2012 offered a dazzling display of high-end watches that redefined time-keeping. A look at a few of these prized possessions:
Seema Sachdeva

A watch is a piece of art. Far from the simple timekeepers that watches were originally meant to be, these are, today, an essential part of the wardrobe. While a smart watch can help you make a style statement, a high-end luxury watch can be a status symbol and a treasured possession to be passed on as an heirloom.

The good old HMT watches remained the 'Timekeeper of the Nation' for decades. These were followed by Titan, which was the key player in the Indian watch industry till 2009. The entry of multi-national companies, however, opened the floodgates of several Swiss brands into India. Today international luxury brands like Rolex, Omega, Zenith, Rado, Tissot, Longines, Baume and Mercier are available over the counter at numerous company retail stores in the country. The booming Indian economy has also seen the entry of high-end super luxury brands like Patek Phillipe, Vacheron Constantin, Girard Perregaux, Chopard, Blancpain, Breguet, etc, though their availability is limited to a few select stores. 

According to estimates of the Indian Time Wear Industry 2012, current size of the watch market in India is nearly Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 4,200 crore. The industry has been witnessing a growth of 8-10 per cent for the past few years. It is expected to grow at 12-15 per cent in next few years. 

According to Vinod Arora of Packard's, authorised dealer for Rado Watches, "India is one of the hottest luxury watch markets. Besides Swiss watchmakers, many fashion brands are also coming up with their own watch brands to capture the growing Indian watch market. A booming economy and increasing income patterns have brought about a change in consumer dynamics."

That the watch industry in India has a tremendous potential can be gauged from the fact that 50 million wristwatches are sold in the country every year. Presently, more than 60 international brands are catering to the high-end Indian watch market. With massive marketing and retailing, these brands are all set to capture the Indian market. So while on the one end, we find Shah Rukh Khan endorsing a Tag Heuer, one finds Deepika Padukone selling a Tissot on the other. Then, there is the husband-wife duo of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai who can be seen endorsing brands like Omega and Longines, respectively. Not to be left behind, Aamir Khan can be seen doing an ad for a Titan watch while Katrina Kaif is the brand ambassador for Titan Raga. The latest celebrities to join the bandwagon are Neil Nitin Mukesh and Preity Zinta, who are endorsing an Italian watch brand Morellato. 

With celebrities selling high-end watches, these have become lifestyle products.

While an expensive watch does not always mean an accurate watch, spending lakhs on a watch will surely buy you a timepiece that you can cherish as a worthy possession. Buying a watch is a matter of the heart since a watch is an expression of your feelings, emotions and attitude.

From the chronometer to the tachymeter to a tourbillion, there is no dearth of choices but there is a price one has to pay for these beauties. While there are watches with astronomical prices as high as $25 million (Rs 113 crore) for the 201-carat Chopard, a tourbillon would come for the cost of a Ferrari, or even more. Similarly, the Patek Philippe's Platinum World Time, which can display 24-hour time zones in different countries, comes for a whopping price of $4 million (Rs 20 lakh), while the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon, of which only two pieces are produced in year, will make a billionaire's pocket lighter by $1.3 million.

A quick survey of the timepieces available in the market will surely help you track the best piece for yourself. While those who want to make a style statement can go in for the classic look, the limited edition watches will definitely give you an edge over others as these are the ones which collectors are on the lookout for.

You can go heavy duty bling with studded dials, rich metallic and ceramic straps and jewelled bezels, which will make your watch the perfect accessory for a special evening. For the sporty types, there are dials that look like speedometers. Then, there are the tachymeters, which will rapidly survey changing distances and elevations.

Make the environmentalist in you happy by going green with a solar watch from Seiko. Or you may opt for a Breguet, which has dials well-known for their intricate and finely executed engraving, guillochage.

These little machines can now count your calories, and even measure the rate at which your heart beats. While the 3D watches are sure to delight the geeks, the depth alarm in diving timepieces is a lifesaver as it warns a diver when the pre-set depth is exceeded. There are watches that can measure 1000th of a second while there are others that can track planetary movements. The list is endless. Here's a random survey of the latest time pieces in the market and their specifications that help you in selecting a watch:

Dior 
VIII 33mm automatic Gold and Ceramic — Tsavorite Garnets Baguette 
The Dior VIII 33mm — Gold and Ceramic — Tsavorite Garnets Baguette draws its inspiration from a cocktail dress designed at the House of Dior. The watch has a white gold case, a bracelet made of high-tech ceramic with diamond head shape and a gold unfolding clasp. The bezel is set with 60 tsavorite garnets baguettes of 3.21 carats. The black lacquered dial has hand-applied diamond shaped indexes with the central ring set with diamonds. The crown is set with a black ceramic insert. The green lacquered oscillating weight is lacquered in the same colour as the bezel ensuring the inside is as beautiful as the outside. The stones of the Swiss-made Dior VIII Baguette collection are exceptional as these are natural and untreated, selected among the best existing quality. The watch comes with a 40-hour power reserve and 50 metres water resistance. There is "VIII" marking at 8 o'clock.
Price: Rs 30,90,000 

Dior
La D de Dior with Steel Bracelet — 25 mm
The new version of the Swiss-made 25mm La D de Dior has a diamond set bezel on a steel bracelet whose flexibility and pattern are inspired by the couture ribbon and its weave so dear to the House of Dior. The watch is designed in a classic vintage style, thanks to the satin finishes. It has a thin case and an anti-reflective glass. It has a classic shape and the timepiece follows the strictest watch-making standards. With its precious stones and lacquered finishing, this timepiece carries the poetic signature of Dior Fine Jewellery. The watch, with bezel and crown set with 86 diamonds of VVS clarity and 0.81 carat, comes with a water resistance of 30 metres. The dial is silver set with 4 indexes in diamond and polished Dauphine hands in steel.
Price: Rs 3,00,000 

Longines 
Column-Wheel Single Push Piece Chronograph
To commemorate its 180th anniversary, Longines has introduced four limited edition pieces, each limited to 180 pieces. One of the most distinguished among these is the Longines Column-Wheel Single Push-Piece Chronograph 180th Anniversary Limited Edition, which is specially designed as a reminder of the first chronographs produced by Longines from 1878 on. It is closely based on the first wrist chronograph, manufactured by Longines in 1913 and fitted with calibre 13.33Z. The model in rose gold uses calibre L788, a column-wheel chronograph movement, developed exclusively for Longines, enables the wearer to activate the various chronograph functions — go, stop and reset to zero — by simply pressing on the single push-piece integrated into the crown. With its sleek lines and white dial featuring a bright red “12”, this model recalls the Agassiz dial of the original version. 
Price: Rs 5,10,000 (approx)

Longines 
Saint-Imier Collection Retrograde Moon Phases 
The Longines Saint-Imier Collection has been inspired by the foundations of the watch-making tradition on which the brand has been built. The Longines Saint-Imier Collection Retrograde Moon Phases comes with mechanical self-winding movement and 16½ lines, 25 jewels, 28'800 vibration per hour. Coming with a power reserve of 48 hours, the watch, which is water resistant up to 30 metres, comes with 4 retrograde functions: day, date, small seconds and 24-hour second time zone, besides phases of the moon and day and night. The dial is available in silvered with 12 black Arabic numerals and black with 12 white Arabic numerals. The bracelet comes with black or brown alligator strap with folding safety clasp. The hands are rhodium-plated or blued steel with hours and minute hands coated with Super-LumiNova.
Price: Rs 1, 86, 50

TAG Heuer 
Formula 1 Chronograph Black and Red Bezel 
TAG Heuer Formula1 Chronograph (42mm) Black and Red Bezel, a stylish quartz movement chronograph with black titanium carbide-coated steel fixed bezel and an eye-catching red aluminum ring. The sleek black dial sports an angled date window at 4 o'clock and 3 black chronograph counters with red hands — 1/10th of a second and hour chronograph counter at 6 o'clock; minutes chronograph counter at 9 o'clock; and running second counter at 3 o'clock. The push buttons are in black titanium carbide coated steel, as is the famous TAG Heuer "Easy Grip" screw-in crown, which is adorned with a raised, fine- brushed TAG Heuer shield. The strap is in black rubber with protruded TAG Heuer logo and a fine-brushed steel folding clasp. It comes with a water-resistance of 200 metres.
Price: Rs 1,01, 000

TAG Heuer 
Formula 1 Lady Yin Yang 
TAG Heuer Formula 1Lady Yin Yang is the flagship watch in the 2012 TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series for woman. By far, the brand's most audacious haute-joaillerie creation to date, it is fashioned of 136 grams of 18 carat white gold and has a unique yin-yang dial set with round brilliant diamonds: white diamonds for yin, black diamonds for yang. The discreetly-sized 32mm case is set with dazzling baguette diamonds, a first for TAG Heuer. Another first is the breathtaking TAG Heuer shield at 12 o'clock, which is realised in gorgeous baguette diamonds. In total, the masterwork contains 234 baguette diamonds and 245 brilliant cut diamonds. The bracelet is made of 18K white gold and black ceramic; it is set with 192 baguette cut diamonds.
Price: Rs 61,00,000

Zenith 
El Primero 36,000 VPH 38mm LADY
Combining horological expertise and aesthetic refinement, Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH 38mm LADY is equipped with the new El Primero 400 caliber movement and has a 38mm case. The high-frequency automatic chronograph and the tachometric scale are intended for women of action, but also of elegance and refinement. The watch's excellent performance is governed by its balance oscillating at the rate of ten times a second. The delicate diamond-pave bezel and lugs enhances the sensuality of this model along with its chocolate-toned dial and chestnut brown crocodile leather strap, which is harmonious with the rose gold case and hour-markers. The date appears between 4 o’clock and 5 o'clock and expresses a bold blend of technical performance and aesthetics. The watch is also available in steel grey or glacier blue dial versions with a mother-of-pearl base hour-markers, fitted with a metal bracelet.
Price: Rs 7,81,000

Zenith 
El Primero Chronomaster Open Power Reserve
The recently launched Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Open Power Reserve uncovers the very essence of time and reveals, in the openings on its dial, the 36,000 vibrations of its movement: the legendary El Primero. The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Open Power Reserve comes with El Primero 4021P, automatic, movement and power reserve of nearly 50 hours. Besides the chronograph function and chronograph control centre via column wheel, there's metal oscillating weight with guilloche work in a "Côtes de Genève" motif and revelation of the Zenith star through skeleton work, which has 39 jewels. While the 30-minute counter is at 3 o'clock, the small seconds at 9 o'clock, there's a second chronograph counter in the centre. Coming in a transparent sapphire glass case back, the watch has water resistance up to 100 metres. 
Price: Rs 4,41, 000 

Omega 
Seamaster Planet Ocean 45.50 mm Chronograph Ceragold
Omega's latest offering Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph Ceragold has a generous 45.50 mm 18 carat red gold case. Its most striking design element is its polished black zirconium-based ceramic bezel ring which offers a dramatic contrast to the Ceragold diving scale. The Omega Co-Axial Calibre 9301 which lies at the heart of the Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph Ceragold helps the watch to adjust the hour hand without affecting the performance of the minute or seconds hands. Equipped with the silicon balance spring movement, the watch comes with a full four-year warranty. The lacquered black dial presents both the 60-minute and 12-hour counters on the same sub-dial at 3 o'clock. The small seconds sub-dial is at 9 o'clock. The officially certified chronometer comes with 54 jewels and a power reserve of 60 hours. With resistance up to 600 metres, the watch comes with an elegant alligator bracelet.
Price: to be announced

Omega
Constellation 27mm Co-Axial calibre 8521 18 Carat red gold with diamonds
One of the brightest new stars in Omega's Constellation family is the elegant Co-Axial 27 mm in 18 carat red gold. The matching bracelet has brushed links and polished bars set with 144 full-cut diamonds totalling 0.54 carat. The bezel is paved with 32 full-cut diamonds with a total weight of 0.50 carat. The mother-of-pearl dial is completed with a constellation of applied 18-carat red gold stars. There is a trapezoidal date window at 3 o'clock. The polished and facetted 18-carat gold hour and minute hands are coated with white Super-LumiNova, making them easy to read even in limited lighting conditions. Equipped with Omega's Si 14 silicon balance spring offers the stunning timepiece with a four-year warranty. The Omega Constellation Co-Axial 27 mm is water resistant to 100 metres. An 18-carat yellow gold model is also available.
Price on request

Rado 
ESenza Colours
limited edition
Sensuous appeal envelopes the new coloured models in an iconic Rado family, using a fusion of technology and glamour. The play of light characterises the design's visual impact of the Rado eSenza Colours, which come in a quartet of models, each limited to 1,000 numbered pieces in icy silver and warming gold colours, along with two shades of brown. The Rado eSenza Coloured Limited Edition comes with 2 hands quartz movement. The oval-shaped dial comes with colour metallisation, along with a matching case metallisation. The watch which has coloured hands comes with the same colour satin bracelet. The watch which comes with steel-colour printed Rado logo has a special engraving on steel caseback: Limited Edition, N° 0001/1000. The bracelet has a coloured PVD steel buckle while the case is a coloured PVD steel.
Price: Rs 78,400

Rado 
D-Star 200 Automatic Chronograph
In the Rado D-Star 200 watches, which come with a 54-hour power reserve, diving-inspired design features flow into an eye-catching case, all sealed by water resistance up to 200m. As the latest additions to the Rado D-Star family, these cause a refreshing visual splash with their looks. There are five chronograph versions and five classic three-hand models. Meticulous design detail adds buoyancy to wearability and practicality, such as bracelets integrating high-tech ceramic links or sturdy rubber straps. These watches belong to the essential equipment of sporty individuals. The bracelet is three-row solid steel with black high tech ceramic middle links and titanium three-fold buckle. The watch comes with 27 jewels, 5 hands, date at 6 o'clock, small seconds, 30-minute and 60-second counters, besides the add-and-split functions and black oscillating mass. 
Price: Rs 1, 48,200

Rolex 
Sky-Dweller
Released at Baselworld 2012, Rolex Sky Dweller is the latest offering from the luxury brand. The model boasts of a 24-hour disc display and calibre 9001 high-performance movement, which enables the Sky-Dweller to have a date, month, 24-hour indication and a second time zone. The ring command bezel allows the global traveller to set watch functions easily, besides the annual calendar, which differentiates between 30 and 31 date months. Available with champagne, ivory and chocolate dials, the 42mm watch features 18-carat yellow, white or everose gold, the latter comes on a leather strap. It is waterproof to nearly 330 feet. Also, the Sky-Dweller has an instantaneous annual calendar at 3 o'clock. With the exception of February, all days of the month work without adjusting the date. Rolex uses a patented mechanism for this called SAROS.
Price: to be announced

Rolex 
Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust
The 26mm redesigned classic Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust in yellow or white Rolesor celebrates the timeless beauty of Rolex precision. All the dials of the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust are graced with 10 diamonds, which add to the originality and the subtle radiance of the watch face. Entirely gem-set, the 18 carat yellow gold bezel is set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds. Coming with a power reserve of 48 hours, the gold crystals dial of the Lady-Datejust is in 18K yellow gold with yellow and grey Rolex Jubilee motif. Coming with twinlock double waterproof, the chronometer, with a water resistance of 100 m, is equipped with a perpetual rotor self-winding mechanical movement. The hour markers have 10 diamonds in 18 carat gold bezel settings, while the hands come in 18 carat yellow gold.
Price: $19, 521 (Rs 9, 76, 050 approx)

Watch out
Get acquainted with some terms that will come handy when buying a new watch 

Bezel: The ring, fixed or rotatable, that surrounds the watch dial. It is usually made of gold, gold plate or stainless steel. A bezel can be used for measuring  time increments or even speed.

Guilloché: It is an engraving technique that forms artistic repetitive patterns and interesting details on watch dials. The most classical form of the guilloché motif is the ‘barley-corn’ pattern.

Jewels: Synthetic sapphires or rubies that act as bearings for gear trains in a mechanical watch. The jewels reduce friction and make the watch more accurate and longer lasting. 

Movement: The inner mechanism of a watch that keeps time and moves the watch's hands etc. Movements are quartz or mechanical. Mechanical movements require a high degree of craftsmanship.

Chronograph: A wrist watch with a stopwatch functions, which counts and shows elapsed time. It can give useful information like determining speed or distance.

Chronometer: A high quality watch that has passed rigorous tests in various temperatures and positions, set by the official Swiss-testing laboratory called the Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometeres. 

Complication: Other watch functions besides timekeeping. For example an alarm, chronograph, minute repeater, a tourbillon, an annual calendar, etc. are watch complications.

Tachymeter: A common chronograph feature, most often engraved on a bezel, which measures speed according to a predefined distance. Speed can be read in units per hour.Mother-of-Pearl: An iridescent milky interior of the freshwater mollusc that is sliced thin and used as a decoration on watch dials. It comes in milky white, silvery gray, yellow, gray blue, pink and salmon. 

Mother-of-Pearl: An iridescent milky interior of the freshwater mollusc that is sliced thin and used as a decoration on watch dials. It comes in milky white, silvery gray, yellow, gray blue, pink and salmon. 

Tourbillon: A high-end addition to a mechanical watch, which eliminates the effects of gravity during rotation. Exposed through a transparent dial, it usually rotates permanently at the rate of once per minute.

PACESETTER Satinder Sartaaj
Singh on a song
The 32-year-old singer from Hoshiarpur has become a name to reckon with in Sufi music 
Anandita Gupta

WITH his kohl-lined eyes and flowing hair, Satinder Sartaaj is the young face of Punjab’s brightest and edgiest talent. The shy, unassuming singer is swiftly becoming one of the most talked about names in the Punjabi music industry. Dipping into the poetry of icons like Bulleh Shah, Waris Shah, Kabir, Rumi, and Shams Tabrizi, Dr Satinder Sartaaj has further popularised Sufi music among the Punjabi masses.

It is said that people follow music, but in Sufi singer Satinder Sartaaj’s case, music follows him. As a young child growing up in the sleepy village of Bajrawarpur in Hoshiarpur, the prodigious singer used to marvel at the natural beauty of his surroundings. However, he was most fascinated by the melodic strains of music that the wandering Sufi musicians played. “I was very shy and barely spoke,” laughs Sartaaj, who started singing at seven. “As a child, I found music in the sounds of nature. I also loved the flutes and sarangis of the folk artists, who came wandering to our village.” 

As time passed, the yearning to imbibe the rich mysticism of Sufiana music became intense and dominated in his educational career. “I started performing at bal sabhas when I was in Class III and this marked the beginning of my journey! After that, I joined Government College, Hoshiarpur to complete my graduation in music. I also joined Sangeet Visharad, a five-year diploma in classical music from Jalandhar. I went on to join Panjab University, Chandigarh, for a Masters in music,” shares Sartaaj. 

Today, 32-year-old Sartaaj is a name to reckon with in Sufi music. He holds a Ph.D degree in music from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Bestowed with a gold medal in Persian (diploma) and a doctorate in Sufi music, Sartaaj taught at the Department of Music, Panjab University till 2008. Since then, the young singer has performed at more than 300 live concerts accross USA, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

The Punjabi singer’s talent was first acknowledged internationally at the Dubai International Cultural Fest in 2003. “All of 23, I was greeted with a standing ovation from music lovers from 32 countries, while I received the Best Sufi Singer Award,” remembers the singer. Winner of a scholarship in Sufi music from the Indian Government, he was also the first runner-up in the 24th All-India Light Vocal Festival. The achievement was followed by numerous felicitations on radio, TV channels and awards. In 2010, Sartaaj was featured in a documentary on legendary Sufi poet Bulleh Shah. He was presented with the Youth Icon Award by Rotary Club, Chandigarh in 2011. The 32-year-old singer’s popularity is at an all-time high among the Punjabi diaspora.

Sartaaj released ‘Mehfil-E-Sartaaj’— a compilation of his live performances followed by ‘Ibadat’ in 2009. His debut album ‘Sartaaj’ released in February 2010 and sold 4 lakh copies in a year. In 2010, he launched his album, ‘Cheerey Wala Sartaaj’, followed by ‘Sartaaj Live’ that was launched on December 31, 2011. The young singer has been flooded with Bollywood offers but Sufi music remains his calling, “I want to take Sufi music across the globe. My desire is to strengthen ties between India and Pakistan with Sufi music!” he signs off.

Bling it on

COGNAC NIGHTS
It is a taste that promises to seduce not only your nose and tongue but your entire body. Hennessy Ellipse cognac, the drink of royalty, is the ultimate nightcap. Only 2,000 bottles of this vintage stuff were made and many have been sold to well-heeled people. Ellipse is created by blending the most exceptional ingredients created by seven generations of master blenders. Its bouquet has hints of candied fruits, wild roses and an earthy aroma. Presented in an elliptical Baccarat crystal decanter, it smells and tastes class. 
Price $ 5,500 a bottle (Rs 2.75 lakh approx) 

JINGLE OF MUSIC
It’s been autographed by legends like Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, Sting, Jimmy Page, Pete Townsend, Mark Knopfler, Ronnie Wood, Def Leppard, Bryan Adams and many more. The Stratocaster guitar is among the most expensive musical instruments in the world. It was first auctioned to the royal family of Qatar in 2005 for $1 million. The proceeds went for a tsunami charity. It was re-auctioned for $ 2.7 million. Now, the guitar is ready to be re-auctioned, and this time, the price could climb to an astronomical double that amount. So, go ahead and make a winning bid.
Price $ 5 million (Rs 23 crore approx)

MUSIC TO THE EAR
To make an ultimate style statement, get a 100-plus-year-old Schedimayer Baby Grand Piano. This is not just the best musical instrument in the world but also makes a stunning decoration piece. It has lovely casework. The term ‘Baby Grand’ means a grand piano less than six feet long with the best sound quality in the world.
Price $ 22,000 (Rs 10 lakh approx)

‘DEADLY’ canopy
An umbrella is an umbrella, right? No. Wrong. If it is crafted at the design house Alexander McQueen, it can become a work of art. The latest from McQueen — known for its bespoke creations — is a black, Gothic-themed umbrella with a handle in the shape of a skull, in brass and in gold or silver finish. The parasol can also be used as an exotic walking stick as it has a telescopic pole. So, go ahead and up your style quotient with this menacing skull that sports a devilish grin.
Price $625 (Rs 28,000 approx) 

POWER TABLET
Powered to deliver a complete multimedia experience in the palm of your hands, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime redefines mobile computing. Users will be able to enjoy stunning graphics performance and an amazing battery life. The tablet is slim and light, which makes it expedient to carry and transport. It not just browses the web and plays 1080p HD video but also delivers a gaming experience comparable to that of a gaming console, which makes it a true mobile entertainment powerhouse. 
Price $ 1,000 (Rs 49,999 approx)

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY 
What do Rihanna, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie have in common? Besides being celebrities, they all wear the Louis Vuitton millionaire sunglasses. These are not just a celebrity wardrobe essential but are stylish and glamorous! Louis Vuitton has collaborated with designer Pharrell Williams to create this line of sunglasses in a variety of colours. If you have the moolah to spare, you, too, can look like a star with these coolers. 
Price between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on features (Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 approx)

FOOT art
“New fashion begins in the mind of the designer,” Salvatore Ferragamo once said. Shoemaker to a long list of Hollywood celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Julie Andrews, Madonna and Julia Roberts, the luxury footwear tradition is being carried on by his sons even four decades after the master shoemaker’s death. Some of the world’s most sought-after sandals still come from Ferragamo. So go ahead be a part of the Hollywood tradition by wearing the lush-velvet, ankle-strap sandals with inlaid heel. A pair of Ferragamo sandals is a great style statement. 
Price $ 785 (Rs 39,250 approx)

ARMANI AROUND YOUR WAIST
Go ahead and show your style with an Armani Jeans (AJ) belt and buckle, which most fashion pundits say has no peers. The exclusive leather black belt and buckle not just shows your style but also your class. The belt, available in three different sizes, includes the buckle, which is made of seven to eight ounces of platinum. Those wearing it include Brad Pitt and David Beckham. You, too, could be in the company of celebrities with this leather-and-metal belt around your waist.
Price $59 for buckle & leather belt (Rs 2,950 approx)

ULTIMATE BLUETOOTH
Bose Corporation, the mega company producing speakers and sound systems, has introduced the Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 that offers a great audio experience. Conversations are clear and natural— even in challenging environments or when surrounding noise levels change suddenly. It includes a proprietary dual microphone system to improve speech intelligibility far beyond that of conventional Bluetooth headsets, rejecting background noise and dramatically reducing the audible effects of wind. So go ahead and get yourself the ultimate Bluetooth that will change the way you use your mobile

Price $ 178 ( Rs 8,900 approx)

Divine pen
Now say Om Namah Shiva with the flow of your pen. Well-known Swiss brand Caran d’ Ache has brought out a solid, silver piece that successfully evokes the mystery and symbolism associated with Lord Shiva. The M-width nib of the writing instrument is rhodium-coated, 18-carat gold and the crown is carved with a semi-precious stone that is intense blue in colour like Shiva’s skin. Keeping its quality in mind, the exquisite pen comes with an international lifetime guarantee.
Price: $15,500 (Rs 7,75,000 approx) for fountain pen and $14,000 (Rs 70,00,000 approx) for roller pen

HEAVENLY AROMA
If a woman wants the best perfume in the world, whom does she turn to? Clive Christian, of course. The British perfumer’s No.1 is not just the best but also the most expensive in the world. Created with a rare blend of jasmine from India, cinnamon rose from Italy and vanilla from Tahiti, it has also been blended with orris root and rose oil. The bottle is a work of art and the neck is designed after the coronation tiara of the British Queen. It has an 18-carat gold inset and 5-carat diamond. Little wonder that the company is the official supplier of perfumes for the Queen of England.Rs 95 lakh approx)