Passion pays
Many youngsters are following their heart and also earning moolah in the process
Jasmine Singh

A career drafted by passion is what youngsters these days are opting for. Instead of spending years in a professional course, many of them are taking up unusual careers. While still some don’t mind leaving their successful careers to take up their heart’s calling — whether it lies in photography, making videos, handling music bands or even producing a Bollywood film.

Angela and Prem Lal Raina. Prem, a horticulturist, is managing a hotel

There are many such success stories — of people who never planned their career or opted for a professional degree, or even those who completed their academic degrees only to chuck it for something their heart wanted. Prateek Sharma, Rahul Mittra, Rahul Mahajan, Navjit Buttar and his friends and Vijay Nair — are some of the examples whose passion also became their profession.

Rooted in legacy

Navjit Buttar had everything planned after a successful MBA — a job with corporate house, loads of money. But the feeling of ‘still-something-missing’ persisted. During this phase, he met a friend Arvinder Khera, who could relate to this feeling. Their ilk soon grew and two more guys, Varinderpal Bains and Enn Syan joined them. And Virsa Arts was born in the bye-lanes of Nabha, Patiala. Their hard work has now paid off and the group has become quite successful. Virsa Arts has re-defined the way Punjabi music videos are made in Punjab.

Initially, Navjit and others had no clue about how music videos are made, edited or marketed. “We didn’t even know how to approach singers or handle models on the sets. We had no professional training,” he laughs, adding, “We would watch videos at Youtube and try to get the technical knowledge.”

Former journalist Rahul Mahajan has opened a biker’s cafe

Prateek Sharma quit his corporate job to pursue photography

Rahul Mittra is a successful Bollywood producer now

Vijay Nair has revolutionised the independent Indian music scene

Virsa Arts has till now directed more than 50 Punjabi videos in the last two years of the group coming together, the most recent being Sunny Leone’s Saree Wali Girl. Says Navtej, “I am a movie buff, I like photography…when I look back, I don’t understand where MBA would have led me. But at the same time, I don’t deny that my degree did not help. It helped me in understanding and handling the market situations.”

Heart rules

Prateek Sharma, another MBA graduate from Delhi, surprised everyone when he quit his job at GE Capital. “I told my friends and family that I was taking up my passion, photography.”

With no technical training or degree, Prateek ventured to follow his heart. Today, he is one of the leading wedding photographers known for capturing candid moments.

Rahul Mahajan was another one who listened to his heart. A course in electronic media, passion for writing, Rahul wanted to be a successful media professional. “But I also loved bikes and I wanted to be near them all the time.” Rahul decided to take the plunge. He got into a profession that linked him to his passion and opened a Biker’s Café, NH 22, in Ambala last year. The place is now a hub for bikers where they meet, share their stories while sipping coffee. They can even pick up spare parts.

Degree-wise

Most of these people may have turned their passion into a profitable profession but at the same time they don’t deny the importance of degrees that some of them already had.

Rahul Mittra is a successful producer in Bollywood, he has to his credit films like Sahib Biwi And Gangster, Bullett Raja and Revolver Rani.

Rahul, however, dabbled in various professions before he decided to follow his heart’s calling. “I come from a family of bureaucrats, they thought I could not even spell Bollywood,” he shares. “No matter, how successful you are, if you come back home with an empty feeling it is time to quit,” he says as a matter of fact. The producer doesn’t give much weight to degrees, but at the same time, he doesn’t deny its benefits. “Rely on your practical knowledge rather than the academic one, but you cannot dismiss the role of education or degrees in enhancing your knowledge.”

Notes of success

Vijay Nair has revolutionised the independent music scene in India. Vijay has been using creative techniques like printing instructions on how to pirate your own music CDs on the back of the disc. When he was 17, he was working with a website called Gigpad. It was a networking site for musicians. Vijay joined the site from a designing and PR perspective, not really thinking that he would get into the music business. “But I had a good network with the musicians. A band called Acquired Funk Syndrome wanted some help getting gigs and spreading the word around. They approached me and I got on board.”

Vijay initially started his company Only Much Louder. This has now grown into a group of companies, all dealing with the music business. His companies now do concerts, festivals, etc. They have an artist management booking agency and a record label. It’s a lot of work that revolves around independent music.

And who said you need a music degree to do well in the field of music. Nishawn Bhullar, Punjabi singer- actor whose debut film Nabar won a national award, didn’t know anything about singing. He was pursuing marketing till he decided to give up everything for his love for singing. The singer today has another film Suhe Phull that premiered at international film festival in Toronto. He is travelling the world with his music. By the way, he doesn’t have a degree yet!

Hearty hospitality

Prem Lal Raina went to Italy to pursue horticulture — one thing he was good at. He had no idea that on his return to his home town Tatapani, Himachal Pradesh, he would run a successful hospitality business.

Because of his hotel, which he is operating with his Italian wife Angela, his native place is on number seven slot on many online trip adviser websites. “I had absolutely no idea about the hotel industry. I read, visited some hotels to see their operation in order to start my hotel.” Prem cashed on the biggest available attraction of his area — natural sulphur springs. “Today not a single weekday or a weekend goes by with a vacant room in my hotel.”

It is people like these who are the inspiration to take the path less trodden, to take steps that break conventions and it is people like these who reinforce that following heart makes more sense than following crowd. 

Now, smart locks
The era of digital locks has arrived. If thieves are smart, locks in the modern world are getting smarter and beating them hollow
Shobita Shivshankar

It was time to pop the champagne for Dr. Viresh Mathur and his family when the Email arrived. It was from the John Hopkins School of Medicine in the U. S. informing that his son Abhishek, who had just completed his MBBS from Kasturba Medical College in Mainpal, had got admission for an advanced course in neurosciences.

Getting into one of the world's best medical universities was a moment to rejoice for the entire family. Abhishek got a student's visa for America and also bought a ticket for Baltimore where the university is located. A night before he was to leave, the family decided to celebrate by going out for dinner at a five-star hotel. But little did they know that their worst nightmare was about to begin that would almost jeopardize Abhishek's dreams of an overseas degree.

That night burglars struck at their Panchsheel apartment and among other things they stole the pouch containing Abhishek's passport, university admission letter and $ 1,000 in cash. There was stunned disbelief and an FIR was lodged. The departure was delayed by over a month as he had to procure a new passport and go through the formalities all over again.

The first thing that the Mathurs did once it was all sorted was to install a digital lock on their front door which was fitted with a burglar alarm. "Had this been in place earlier," laments Dr. Mathur, "We would not have to go through this trauma."

Digitally yours

The era of digital locks has arrived. The traditional padlocks are giving way to digital gizmos that record all entries and exits to a house are controlled by smartphones and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. If someone tries a forced entry, a powerful alarm gets activated that alerts neighbours and creates such ominous sounds that would leave potential burglars cowering for cover.

Computerised locking systems that would have seemed like pure science fiction just a few years ago have now come as manna from heaven for home owners. Mostly remote-controlled, these smart devises, which have been in use in western countries for some years now, have started trickling into India and can also be bought online from sites like eBay and Amazon.

Yale, one of the oldest lock making companies of America has set up shop in India with a series of digital locks and burglar alarms. A number of other leading companies of the world too are in the process of launching a range of smart locks. Many of these digital gizmos can also be integrated with video door phones and home automation systems to offer additional security and combine cutting-edge technology with practical reliability.

Designer series

Samsung, too, is bringing a series of sleek and elegantly designed smart locks to India with features like digital touch keypads, double claw bolt locks, multi-level secure codes and burglar alarm and fire detection. The highlight of the collection is the fingerprint lock, which opens only when a lighted pad on the lock is touched by the house owner's finger.

Other companies like Trane, Zicom, Hafele, Myra Digital India and many more are launching their own collections of the next generation security system that combine security, safety and convenience. With their intelligent features, it brings a whole new dimension to home security.

However, with smart technology come smart Prices. For those used to buying traditional padlocks for a few hundred rupees, the cost of digital locks may be somewhat daunting. They start at around Rs 4,000 for a basic lock and go upto Rs 50,000 and more for advanced intelligent finger printing or GPS-activated door locks.

A rise in demand

The demand for these digital locks is rising in direct proportion to burglaries in big cities. They are particularly suitable for apartments that have one or two entry and exit points. Business has been booming ever since companies like Samsung, Yale, Zicom and others have brought advanced locking gizmos to India. Even as public awareness increases the demand for these intelligent devices is leap-frogging in the last two years. In most big cities, business is up between 50 and 75 per cent.

One of the most popular systems is the door phone cum security lock that costs between Rs 10,000 and Rs15,000. This comprises a phone unit with a two way audio system. A visitor presses the push button of the door phone installed at the entrance and people inside the house can pick up the handset to authenticate the identity of the visitor.

On a videophone system, the visitor's image can be seen on the screen inside the house. So you can talk as well as see the person standing outside the door. After identification, all that a user has to do is to simply press the button on the handset and the door will unlock automatically.

It is devices like these that are promising to keep city people safe in their homes. Locks integrated with video systems are particularly handy for senior citizens, who can see the person on the other side of the door. The keypad locks can ensure that you never get locked out of the house again, and can share a code with a friend or a neighbour to give them access to your house in case of emergency.

The lock technology, according to experts is still in its nascent stages and time is not far when they will be completely thief-proof. A new lock being developed will be able to integrate with automation systems to become part of your home's wiring, triggering events like turning on lights, television and loud music and setting off multiple alarms in the neighbourhood in case of intrusion. It's a case of science fiction gizmos turning into reality! 

 

The power lies with you You will not need any mechanical keys because with the BioKnight Lock, your finger is the key. The lock is designed for unsurpassed security and ease of use. Though the high-tech design offers complete functionality of intelligent lock technology, it still comes with a secret password for added security. Price: Rs 22,400

Make a smart choice The Lockitron is not a lock but a smart device that fits over the door lock. It works with any smartphone using a mobile app that lets you lock and unlock your door, turning your mobile into a key. You can grant access to friends and family through the app. It also sends you notifications about entries and exits. Price: Rs 14,400

Wireless and worry less With the Schlage keyless lock there is no chance of being locked out of your own home because you forgot the key. A pad on the door lock grants you access with a four-digit code. And you can also manage the lock through a smartphone, tablet or web app. It lets you create private codes for friends and family. Price: Rs 18,000

Digital security  American company Master Lock has re-imagined the mechanical combination padlock by making it digital. The 1500EDBX is the world's first electronic padlock, wherein you don't have to spin a dial to select a code. Instead, a dial speed display pad allows you to set your own combination sequence digitally.   Price: Rs 2,400

A tap is enough With the Kwikset Kevo you can open your lock just by tapping on it, thanks to the in-built bluetooth capable of detecting the smartphone in your pocket, eliminating the need to fumble for it. It also comes with a handy fob that'll let you tap your way in your house for those who don't have a smartphone. Price: Rs 7,200

Touch base The iTouchless Bio-Matic lock uses fingerprint recognition technology to secure your home. With 150 fingerprints storage capacity, you can give family members and close friends access to your home without needing to worry about keys. It also has a passcode and a back-up key for emergencies.   Price: Rs 9,000

Technology at your doorstep Master Lock DSA lets you set your own combination of lock. The electronic interface offers speed and a variety of personalised codes. It features anti-shim locking technology, making it more secure than traditional combination locks. It also offers the facility of auto-lock after a certain period of time.    Price: Rs 4,800

Loud & clear  Samsung makes mobile phones, television sets and even locks! Its new lock SHS-7120XMS is accessible by keypad, smartcard and key. It can be connected to a computer to see who accessed the house. If someone tries forced entry, an alarm sound is generated and power to the lock is automatically cut off.    Price: Rs 19,800

On guard, all the time The Starcom is a watchlock that combines a high-security traditional padlock and an electronic alarm system. This is an intelligent integration of security with real-time alert. A boon for goods-carrying trucks, it is fitted with an advanced technological GPS location system that can be tracked from anywhere. Price: Rs 6,600

Virtual effect  Keyless is the latest in door security systems from American lock company Yale. This keyless digital lock lets you unlock your front door by entering a simple code. All you need to do is create and remember a PIN number to lock and unlock. It comes complete with a night latch for added security.     Price: Rs 12,000

A solid pick The U7000 FP Lock offers a single door management solution that comes with a light-emitting fingerprint diode. The body of lock is made of zinc alloy, which is strong enough to protect the system from any outside impact. A very loud alarm is activated when an invalid operation is made frequently by an intruder.   Price: Rs 9,000

Simply secure Developed for enhanced security, the SimpliciKey electronic door lock comes with handheld remote control devices, along with a backlit alpha-numeric keypad. It also has a set of traditional keys for use in an emergency. It can be remote-controlled from a car to conveniently unlock and enter the home.    Price: Rs 12,000

Code decode Baldwin Electronic Deadbolt combines the convenience of keyless entry with total control over who enters your home. You can devise your own code for unlocking. Like a password, you can change the code from time to time. It also gives you the facility to assign a temporary unlocking code to a guest or a friend.   Price: Rs 27,000

In your budget Danish lock-making firm Poly-Control’s Danalock enables users to lock and unlock their home from anywhere in the world using a smartphone. No keys or pincodes are needed. Compatible with both bluetooth smart and z-wave, it is one of the most affordable home automation solutions in the market. Price: Rs 6,000

At your beck & call With the Schlage keyless lock, there is no chance of being locked out of your own home if you are not carrying the key. A pad on the door lock grants you access with a four-digit code. You can also manage the lock through a smartphone, tablet or web app. It lets you create private codes for friends and family. Price: Rs 18,000

Checkpoint The August smartlock can only be opened and closed digitally by an iPhone or an android phone. It notifies you when people come in and out of your house, no matter where you are. Though the virtual key can’t be copied, you can grant people access to your house for specific periods of time and, then disable the key.  Price: Rs 12,000

All in the picture Spanish company Goji has developed a technologically advanced smart lock that gives you complete access to your home using your mobile phone. It also sends you real-time pictures, alerts via email of the individuals accessing your home. As a back-up, the lock comes with two mechanical keys. Price: Rs 14,100

Carry it along The Add-A-Lock is a portable door lock that can be easily installed or removed on any door. It has hinges and swings, which open inwards, giving you additional security and privacy behind it. It requires no tools to install and can be carried in your bag or briefcase. It is a very useful double lock during stay in a hotel. Price: Rs 1,500

BLING IT ON

 

AN OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE Exactly a decade after his death Hollywood legend Marlon Brando is beckoning you to a stunning island in the sea! His luxury resort simply called The Brando-which opened on July 1, 2014 - on French Polynesia's breathtaking island of Tetiaroa features 35 secluded villas with private pools on beautiful white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles and exotic birds. The all-inclusive resort has an abundance of activities like snorkel, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, trips to neighbouring islands as also all the material luxuries one can-- and cannot-- imagine. All you've got to do is to fly to Tahiti and from there a private plane will take you to this resort in heaven!  Price: Rs 1.44 lakh to Rs 7.20 lakh villa per night (€1,800 to €9,000)

ROCKING TURNTABLE It's a rewind back to the seventies even as the audio market sees the launch of a variety of turntables. The arcane machines are becoming trendy all over again with the new generation of music listeners taking a renewed interest in vinyl. Acting on the cue UK-based high end audio equipment manufacturer Rega Research has launched the RB2000 which features a variation of ceramic-composite platter and a skeletal carbon fibre plinth that retrieves the delicate sound from the grooves of vinyl records. Besides its tonal qualities its look will simply take your breath away-provided its Price tag doesn't! Price: Rs 3.90 lakh ($6,500)

TIME FOR AQUATIC ART More than a wrist watch it's a piece of aquatic art. Italian jewellery company Bulgari explores the wonders of nature yet again with the launch of Il Giardino Marino timepiece. Backed by underwater motifs, along with a gold crown set with a rubellite stone, double sapphire crystals and water resistance of up to 30 metres, it is as much an ode to the marine world as to haute horlogerie. A school of fish, sparkling sea stars, coral, mother-of-pearl and 29 brilliant-cut diamonds, all are bound together using the art of miniature painting. In the background, the dark blue evokes pure deep Ocean. Fine art or fine jewellery? Hard to decide really! Price: Rs 60.60 lakh ($101,000)

WHAT A RACKET! All serious tennis buffs must possess this racket. Simply because the Wilson RF97 Autograph is the 17-time Grand Slam champ Roger Federer's new signature tool. It is the result of three years of collaboration between Federer and the Wilson racket company and features a 97-inch head that provides outstanding feel and a 26-percent wider beam giving a significant boost in power. The new frame features red and white, with subtle gold, retaining the leather grip. So, if you want to feel like a tennis pro or, better still, like Roger Federer, take a grip of this racket! Price: Rs 15,000 ($250)

UBER LUXURY ON WHEELS What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of trains like the Palace on Wheels, Orient Express, Royal Scotsman and the Glacier Express? They signify unbounded travel luxury and grand sightseeing. Now get set for another ultimate railroad experience. Japan is readying a new train which is being billed as the ultimate in luxury. The champagne gold luxury-on-wheels to be operational late next year will have 2-roomed glass-walled suites. One room will be a living room with a private balcony and the other will be a bedroom with a huge bathtub for you to bathe in the lap of luxury even as the train chugs along! Price: Yet to be announced

MOBILE PATRIOTISM How would you react if every time you pick up your phone you see the picture of your country's president? A bit weird, no matter how patriotic you are. But Italian luxury jewellery brand Caviar doesn't think so. As a first, the company has introduced for the Russian market a gold encrusted iPhone 5S that carries a portrait of Vladimir Putin accompanied by the Russian coat of arms and the first few lines of the national anthem. Sources say that if the idea clicks the company will think in terms of other countries as well. So get set for a hand-engraved portrait of Narendra Modi on your iPhone which will come delivered in a black velvet-lined box. Price: Rs 2.604 lakh ($4,340)

REIMAGINING THE HOOKAH Hookahs are usually associated with decadent lifestyles of the rich Nawabs and Sultans. But this one may not make you feel like Turkish royalty because it is made for the modern man...or woman. The state-of-the-art version of the ancient shisha has been inspired by a space rocket and created by leading Italian designer Christian Zanzotti who calls it IOOI. The radical, simple and elegant hookah is made from anodized aluminium, polished brass flourishes, crystal clear glass and 3-D printed parts making it more an art sculpture than an ancient smoking water pipe.  Price: Rs 40,800 ($680)

ELEGANCE ON THE CUFF What is it the accessory that can change a man's couture from drab to dapper? A pair of classy cufflinks. Designers feel that cufflinks are essential to create that perfect look. They add a spark to an ensemble making it come alive and look complete. And if the cufflinks happen to be from a top brand then the sparkle gets even brighter. German luxury writing instruments company Montblanc has come out with a line of statement pieces for the cuff to enhance the elegant look. Called the Classic Essential Collection, the cufflinks offer masculine sophistication, refinement and a contemporary feel with their unconventional details adding that extra edge to a man's personality. Price: Between Rs 15,000 and Rs 42,000 (Between $250 & $700)

BEDTIME STORY Though celebrated British luxury bed designer Christopher Guy Harrison may not have made a bed for the fabled Princess of the fairytale Princess & the Pea, he can boast of a list of top-of-the-line real-life celebrities who seek his specialisation in bed-designing. His creations transcend modern and traditional boundaries and are treated more as pieces of art than merely beds to sleep upon. Take for example his latest Bird's Nest Sculpture Bed which, as the name suggests, has a bedhead resembling a bird's next. The imaginative design and masterful carving in Renaissance Gold gives it a unique character making it the bed of choice for a number of high rollers. Price: Rs 4.92 lakh ($8,200)

WASH & DRY TAP Here's some common sense utility for a bathroom-a tap that helps wash hands and dries them too! British top end sanitary ware company Dyson has launched the Airblade Tap that closes the gap between the sink and the hand dryer by offering a single station for both actions. While it was originally designed for commercial toilets now the company is aggressively marketing as a home bathroom essential. Not only does the sink feature a sleek modern look, it eliminates the need for hand towels by promising to dry your hands in 14 seconds-the time most of us take to hunt for a hand towel in the bathroom! Price: Rs 90,000 ($1,500)

GEM OF A FOOT He is one of the world's most creative shoemakers and his infatuation with precious gems is legendary. Jimmy Choo's fondness is again on display in his new footwear series created as part of the Cruise 2015 collection. The name of the collection Vices clearly points to the extravagant nature of these shoes which are glamorous and eye-catching without being gaudy. All the shoes and sandals in the collection are adorned with precious stones matching the colour of the piece. Each pair features its very own distinctive style, while maintaining that elegant look that Jimmy Choo has now come to be so indelibly associated with. Price: Rs 59,700 onwards ($995 onwards)