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Full of beans
People do not want to give up their coffee. They are ready to give up on holidays, delay buying their favourite cars and cut down on other expenses, but not their coffee,” says Paul Robinson, country head, Costa Coffee India, on the occasion of the launch of another outlet in the tricity. And that’s how he justifies his expansion plans in the midst of economic recession gripping the world.
With the phenomenon as universal as coffee or coffee bars, what makes them stand apart? Says Paul, “Our every cup of coffee adheres to the same standard everywhere in the world. We specially imported technology for the purpose.” And, for him coffee means lifestyle. No wonder, he does not feel threatened by the competition, even with the presence of other outlets around. As he says, “We feel there’s a very big market for us in India. We look forward to completion. It only signifies that we are coming to a very established market.”
Apart from the coffee and food choice, while scouting for what makes it stand apart, the decor too makes its contribution — red and green walls with pictures in various sizes, some signifying Italy, others random abstract thoughts. The no smoking sticker sits firmly and steadily on the inner wall of the entrance, and aroma of beans only adds to the ambience. Commenting on the interiors Paul says, “It’s the summer time look. The interiors are also similar to our other outlets. We’ve spent significant amounts on the settees, the leather sofas etc.” The little attempt at artificial landscaping at the corner only seems to help. For those, who want a peep into the menu, there’s Frapee royale, which they is the best seller at other places. Think coffee with chocolate flavour, soya cream and best of all, it’s low calorie. There’s also a range of colourful refreshing drinks, which are available at only at Costa Coffee outlets. Sounds interesting; now go try it. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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A biochemist, Anuradha Venkatraman found
her true calling in Bharatnatyam Just think, a graduate in biochemistry and advance education in science taking up Bharatnatyam classical dance as her calling. But the doyenne of this dance genre, Anuradha Venkatraman, comments in a lighter vein that it is just a confirmation to what they say — “Marriages are made in heaven and merely solemnised on earth.” On a serious note she adds, “I was equally brilliant at studies and dance and at a certain point of time one has to decide and I simply honoured the heavenly call from the Almighty.” Anuradha is in the city for a dance recital organised by the Pracheen Kala Kendra. The Delhi-based dance maestro is the foremost disciple of Padmashri Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan. But why Bharatnatyam, we ask, which comes with the rigid code of conduct and exuding the aura of South Indian cultural heritage? Contradicting the orthodox belief she maintains that the principle ‘Change is the law of nature’ applies here too. The legends attribute the creation of dance to Lord Shiva, the Natraj (the king of the dance) and celestial maestro Bharatmuni who gave the epic dimensions to dance. “Bhartnayam once practiced by Devdasis as religious tradition in temples, centuries ago is not exactly the same. It has been subjected to change to cater the tastes of subsequent generations conditioned by age, environment and milieu,” she says. And she has a open mind when it comes to changes. “I am not averse to the fusion and jugalbandis with Western dance forms within the permissible limit and also innovations, if required depending upon the theme,” she says. Negating the South Indian thematic dominance, she says that she is going to present her latest composition Pratham Parth, based on poetry of Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. The dance drama brings out the anguish and sordid realities of great warrior King Karna who faced identity crisis through out his life. A broader view of the modern maestros and performing artistes have widened its horizons and the Indian musical culture started reigning supreme. She supplements her claim citing memorable moments of her first performance at Reunion Islands, Madagascar and Nairobi way back in 1996. “The audience out there were more inquisitive about of theme-based compositions, our facial expressions and body movements. I relished the warmth and love of art lovers in Japan, Ukraine, Cambodia, Malaysia, South Korea and other countries. I felt elated as they all complimented the grandeur and majesty of Bhartnatyam dance but in the deeper recesses of my mind I admired my own decision for opting for dance,” she concludes. lifestyle@tribunemail.com
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Filmy fiasco
With the state government earlier declaring that it could not rope in any Bollywood star for the inaugural event of 14th Kolkata Film Festival, the festival was opened by veteran filmmaker Mrinal Sen, who admitted he had nothing new to say as he had been giving inaugural speeches at the festival for many years now. Sen, however, regaled the audience with an anecdote in one of the film festivals abroad where the minister for culture and cinematography gave an inaugural speech for 59 minutes without any benefit of translation for foreign delegates. "I can assure you that nothing like that will happen here," he said. Actor-filmmaker Nandita Das, attending the festival with her directional debut Firaq, saved the moment somewhat after the announcer spotted her and requested her to come up to the dais where Sen, along with fellow film director Tarun Majumder, actor Soumitra Chatterjee and Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee lit the inaugural lamp. The lack of rehearsal and orchestration became evident when a lady called in to hand over the festival catalogue to Buddhadeb for release handed it over to festival director Nilanjan Chattopadhyay instead, as the chief minister stood perplexed. As murmurs of surprise rose from the audience, the faux pas was rectified and the lady promptly hurried back to the chief minister and handed over the catalogue.
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Ray's Hollywood screen picks
The movie maestro from Tollywood will be the theme of two special packages which the American Consulate's Public Affairs Office is offering to the movie buffs of Kolkata. Another attraction is active participation by internationally known film critic Peter Rainer of the Christian Science Monitor and US Academy of Motion Pictures' noted preservationist Josef Linder during presentation of the two packages. The films which feature in the first package -Ray's Hollywood'- are the The Southerner (1945), Trouble in Paradise (1932), A Night at the Opera (1935), The Maltese Falcon (1941), Citizen Kane (1941), Double Indemnity (1944), and Rear Window (1954). Ray's immortal film, Aparajito, will be screened for the first time after its restoration and subsequent preservation by the Academy. Apart from Aparajito in the second package of Ray's own films restored by the Academy, will be Teen kanya, Parosh Pathar, Joy Baba Felunath, and Two, a short film. Mr Linder has personaly supervised the academy project for restoring almost all of Ray's films. Mr Linder's major preservation projects include The Sound of Music (1965), Patton (1970), and Abhijan (The Expedition-1962) and Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne (1968), the two unforgettable films by Satyajit Ray.
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President-elect Barack Obama's two young daughters have been invited to appear on popular kids television show Hannah Montana, actor Billy Ray Cyrus said in an interview. Cyrus, the father of Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus and also an actor on the hit Disney Channel show, said the show had asked Malia, 10, and Sasha Obama, 7, to take part in an episode possibly around April. "They probably will. The invitation is there," Cyrus said. "You know the Hannah Montana film comes out in April. Maybe something might happen around then." Pressed for details, Cyrus said; "I can't, I can't. I have got to keep a secret." Hannah Montana, in which Miley Cyrus plays a school girl with a secret life as a pop star, is one of the most popular kids television series in the United States with a huge audience and merchandising empire worth about $1 billion. Obama has said in interviews that Malia is a big fan of Hannah Montana, but the Obamas have shielded the girls from the media and it remains to be seen whether they will want their daughters to take part in the show. Miley Cyrus, who turns 16 later this month, said she did not know for certain if the offer had gone out, but she added; "I think that would be really cool and if anything, have them visit the set."
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Brad Pitt may have acknowledged his love for Angelina Jolie, but the actor has been constantly spotted without the lady on most of his recent visits. The Ocean Eleven actor has been traveling on his own lately, he even showed up solo in Chicago on Election Day to watch Barack Obama become President-elect. He then flew solo to New York where he was seen out with old pal Catherine Keener at a West Village eatery. "They've never really been apart since they met on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, so it's odd," a Hollywood observer said. In the past, Angelina and their brood of 6 kids have always accompanied Pitt everywhere because both parents vowed to rear their kids themselves. — ANI, PTI
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Brand building
Forget Pappu can't dance part, concentrate on Rado ki ghadi hathon main or perfume Gucci wala. The song speaks volume about Gen Y's belief in wearing nothing less than an Armani tee, Gucci footwear and Versace glares. Well, we are here not talking about any desi labels but hi-end brands that are a class in themselves. And for our youngsters, it's the latest fad-to wear brands that are not easily accessible. And what makes our young guns believe in the international brand power is nothing but the high of wearing a tag that costs more than a lakh. Rohan Bhandari, a student of UILS, PU, opts for brands, which carry a steep price tag. "I don't mind my friends calling me a brand freak, in fact, I take it as a compliment." While our boy believes that it is his choice of branded clothes that speak volumes about his refined taste, he adds, "I adhere to the statement that clothes are an extension of your personality. Besides, a good brand, styling for me is equally important, which only international brands can provide." Well, the youngster loves to flaunt his Tissot watch and Zegna and Armani shirts. Varun Arora, a student from UILS, Panjab University, makes sure to pick stuff that is out of ordinary. "Brands for me are Armani exchange, Guess and Jimmy Choo." He also feels that wearing the right clothes makes his friends look up to him for choice of clothes. He adds, "The brands that earlier promised exclusivity are now easily affordable. To stand apart in the crowd I switched to brands that are classy in terms of designs and labels." Pallavi Sachdeva, a young entrepreneur from the city, loves to splurge money on brands that are quite difficult to find in the city. From a DKNY, Moschino bag to shoes from Da Milano, an Italian brand and Charles and Keith, she has it all. "I buy this stuff because it does guarantee quality and design. I buy them not to flaunt them but for the love of wearing international brands." She also feels that carrying a designer brand is an indication of high status. "We take out such a heavy amount from our pocket just for the brand name, so why not flaunt it," says Pallavi with aplomb. Ritika Sharma, a BA second year student from GCG-11, recently bought a pair of glares from the house of Chirstain Dior but then it is not her first one. Her collection of glares includes those of CK, Versace and many more. "It's now like a hobby for me to collect branded glares and I have a good number of them." ashima@tribunemail.com
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Bridal BUYS
Wedding Asia is back again with all its sustained grandeur, pomp and enthusiasm. The fourth edition of the most popular exhibition is starting at Hotel Taj, Chandigarh, and Hotel M.K.International, Amritsar, from November 14-16 and November 21-23, respectively. After these two events, there would be the special edition in Wedding Asia's home town Ludhiana, "Wedding Asia Royal Jewels" in Hotel Majestic Park Plaza from December 5-7. Wedding Asia-08 will be a wedding extravaganza with dazzling designer and traditional jewellery, chic trousseaus, trendy accessories, wedding planners and honeymoon destinations. Maninder S. Sethi, a creator of this mega wedding show, elucidates, "Wedding Asia is a premium show for premium people where we endeavor to bring all the innovative, creative and quality brands together at a common platform for the shopaholics. Our high-profile exhibitors would receive a two-fold benefit as they will tap the kind of right target audience and also generate lucrative business deals. Celebrity designers like Punita Trrikha, who has signatured her designs for beauties in Bollywood and now Hollywood, by designing for star cast of upcoming movie Marigold, is among those participating. Nisha Merchant whose rich Indian bridal wears featured at the Wills India Lifestyle Fashion Week 2008, and other known names like Amadi by Khalid and Anish and Ada Creations are also participating. Marcopolo from Jaipur and Dilano are also coming to showcase their ornaments. — TNS
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i tone
Get real
— Raghav
Mahajan, an engineering student Panic proof
— Arpit
Beri, an animation professional Live for today
— Gaurav Sharma,
quality analyst, Microbridge Solutions
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Hot picks for cold days
Check in
Bright hues, geometrical patterns, checks, satin boarders, pearly embellishments and chunky knits that call for a second glance when you go out shopping for woolens. And the designers seem to have captured the winter mood in a brilliant play of fabrics, designs and colours. "It's the mix and match of fabrics which is dominating when it comes to woollens this winter," says Meenakshi, manager, Madame-17. Talking trend she adds, "Long tunic type sweaters are in. In varied neck patterns and styles, Madame's winter wear range has some slick designs and silhouettes. "We have pullovers with satin embellishments, embedded with belts and pullovers that come in shirt cum sweater style," she says. For a casual and pocket-friendly stuff, Just Casuals-8 has some wonderful winter wear to offer. But mind you, to bag what you want, you will need to have lady luck on your side, as the stock here moves fast. Courtesy, younglings of the city. Here, you can pick figure-defining pullovers in smart stripes and plain hues. While satin here too dominate the scene, there's a variety of casual jackets lined with sequins and embroidered with floral patterns up for the grab. Class apart
Looking for some classy stuff that appeals in the first glance? Visit Esprit-17. Here you get to see brilliant colours like deep grey, black, burnt orange and ginger beige on display. "This year, it is certainly long sweaters that are in vogue. In V-necks, gathered for a halter look, it's the European look in knitwear that's making rounds in the Esprit fashion world," says Geet Sethi, regional manager, North, Esprit. Talk about winter materials and she says, "Kashmir wool and tweed are two things that are really hot this season. And, right from jackets, long coats to crop jackets and suits for women, it's tweed that is ruling the roost in fabrics." Talk of the silhouettes and colour palette. "Black and all shades of black are back with a bang, but it is for jackets only. For sweaters, it's the soft colours like sugar pink, lavender and burnt orange one should look for. And for silhouettes, it's body-hugging and layered look that is in. A broad waist belt is another addition to this year's fashion trend. People have accepted the fashion trend with élan," says Geet. Expressions-8 is another place that is worth a visit as the variety of knitwear here is more Indianised. From long tunic look-alike kurtis to A-line knitwear, here you can pick some stunning floral woolens that can be teamed with salwars or churidars. The latest entry into the city market, FCUK, that launched its store at Kapsons Mall-17 has some luxurious woollen in elegant textures and classy weaves. In soft and feminine silhouette, here one can find flattering knits that make a statement of exclusivity. Check out their woollen dresses, smart sweaters and long pullovers. Look for more
Still looking for more? Check out outlets like USI-17, Whistles-17, Waga-10, UCB-17 for some great knitwear in eye-catching patterns. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
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Woolies & women's empowerment
"An artistic person can see and create beauty in not one but many a form," says Rani Gurpreet Kaur (Mano) and her creations are living example of it.
Displaying her collection of knitwear in the city, she said, "I do seasonal things. In summers I design summerish apparel. With the winter approaching, I have come up with knitted stuff that includes pullovers, ponchos and stoles.Otherwise, I do clothes, artifacts, jewellery and interiors too." Not only her stuff is pretty and unique, but buying that also helps village women. The price range of her knitted stuff starts from Rs 500. "I have tied up with women in Punjab and Uttarakhand. I give them designs, patterns , color combination etc. And they make orders for me. I also supervise their work. They get employment in return. It's my way of working for the women empowerment." Good work, we must say.
—TNS |
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A UK-origin coffee chain and having already outlets in Ludhiana, Panchkula, Amritsar, so what brings them to Chandigarh now? “Business, potential of this city as a market in terms of our expansion plans,” says Anil Laroia, COO, Costa Coffee.
The global economic crisis may not have hit us that hard but its effects are there to see. There is a sense of insecurity that has crept in private sector, which until a few months ago was considered a gold mine. Uncertainty is looming large over students of these professional courses and they might have to compromise on their paychecks. The job market is still sensitive and can affect our future. So, though cutting down drastically is not in the picture but eventually one needs get realistic.
I don’t think we need to cut down on anything. It’s just another phase in the growing economy and with the Prime Minister ensuring that India Inc. is safe from this crisis, it makes things easier. People are still partying and spending money to have a good time. There is no need to press the panic button. 
Well, the Sensex keeps fluctuating but it’s not what directs my life. If economy is going slow, it will look up too. I am living my life the usual way. Global recession or not, I can’t care less. I rather feel spending would fuel the otherwise slow economy.
Finally, the scorching sunrays have given way to chilly mornings and breezy evenings. With the season already spilling out a kaleidoscope of balmy colours, it's that time of the year when cozy knits, bright hues and long sleeves make for a perfect gear. And if you're about to go on a shopping spree, we have some tips for your
winter wardrobe.