- The Leela

M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
The Collonnade
bangalore’s new retail destination
Chairman’s Message
L
et me take this opportunity
to welcome Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s pro-tourism
initiatives. He has expounded his
vision to take Brand India to the
next level, making it clear that he
wants tourism to be one of the
major drivers of India’s economic
growth; tourism, talent, tradition,
trade and technology are the five Ts
of his strategy.
India’s tourism and hospitality
industry
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi’s
efforts are taking
India closer to
achieving its full
tourism potential
currently
employs
more than 53 million people,
and is a significant source of
foreign exchange for the country,
generating US$ 20 billion annually.
But these figures can be much
higher, and Mr. Modi’s efforts are
taking India closer to realising its
tourism potential. Nine airports in
the country are expected to offer
visa on arrival facilities to foreigners, and the government also plans to
have online application options in its embassies abroad. These and other
initiatives, of course, will boost inbound travel.
The Indian economy will continue facing challenges in the immediate
future. However, I remain confident about its long-term prospects.
Meanwhile, The Leela Group continues to strengthen its brand presence
globally. The Leela Palace Udaipur recently became a ‘Virtuoso hotel’; The
Leela Palace New Delhi became part of this renowned luxury travel network
in 2013. We are confident that these two palace hotels will draw attention
of the numerous travel advisors and agencies part of Virtuoso, and will offer
our discerning guests amazing India experiences.
Our focus on delivering the highest quality of hospitality has helped
us maintain our competitive edge. This winter, I invite you and your
friends or family to experience Leela Getaways: a holiday at any of our
stunning properties.
Thank you all for your trust and wholehearted support.
Vivek Nair
Chairman & Managing Director,
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
6
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
CONTENTS
SURFING ASSOCIATION OF INDIA
THE LEELA MAGAZINE — WINTER 2014
48
8
12
Luxe Effect
16
Wheels
26
Calendar
30
Fashion
The best watches
and eclectibles
of the season
Fast and gorgeous — three
most desirables cars of the
season
From the Jaipur Lit Fest to
Kochi Biennale, seven events
you should be attending
The Collonnade, at The Leela
Palace Bangalore, is the city’s
new retail destination
38
Food
42
Travel
48
Adventure
54
Discover India
How Masterchef Australia
became one of the world’s
most loved culinary shows
A Q&A with Nancy Novogrod,
the former editor-in-chief of
Travel+Leisure
We round up India’s most
popular surfing hotspots
and schools
Originating in the eastern
part of the country, Chhau is a
genre of tribal martial dance
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
T H E
L E E L A
M A G A Z I N E
—
W I N T E R
2 0 1 4
CONTENTS
60
Launchpad
63
Chef’s Corner
64
Oenophilia
ESPA at The Leela Palace
Chennai is a unique
urban sanctuary
The Leela Palace Bangalore’s
Adrian Mellor shares his love
for food and work
The Leela Group’s
Aishwarya Nair outlines
the history of wine
COVER
Shivan & Narresh’s Autumn/
Winter 2014 Collection
THE LEELA
PUBLISHER — Amruda Nair
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF — Lakshmi Nair
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR — Shobha Patel
CONTENT AND DISTRIBUTION — Priyanka Paul
PRODUCTION — Prakash Bachche
PUBLICITAS PUBLISHING
65
Jet Set Go
66
Snapshot
67
Accolades
Italian designer Camilo Pronti
talks about his experience
of staying in the capital
The 150-year-old temple
inside The Leela Palace
Udaipur continues to inspire
The Leela Palace New Delhi
has added three more
awards against its name
69
Perspective
70
Insider’s Guide
71
Social Index
American Jeffrey Goldberg
runs an acting school
in Mumbai
Gujarat’s chief minister,
Anandiben Patel, tells us the
must-dos in Ahmedabad
Muktangan is a Mumbai-based
NGO that provides schooling
to underprivileged children
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF — Deepali Nandwani
EDITOR — Jaideep Dave
WRITER & SUB-EDITOR — Sana Krishna
CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER — Reshma Malvankar
ART
CREATIVE DIRECTOR — Muhammad Jaan Faruqui
ART DIRECTOR — Rane Sanjay Vaman
DESIGNER — Sudhakar Bhambade
IMAGE EDITOR — Mrunali Gujarathi
PRODUCTION MANAGER — Elidio Fernandes
ADVERTISING SALES
MUMBAI (022- 61377400)
Vice President — Monica Chopra
Lamont Dias, Rashmi Kapoor
DELHI (011-23730873/66599300)
General Manager — Asha Augustine
Saloni Verma
BANGALORE (080-25592714/82514) — Yogeesha A
LUCKNOW (0522-2780560/754) — P P S Marwa
KOLKATA (09831131395) — Subrata Mazumder
JAIPUR (09828150706) — Peeush Gupta
HYDERABAD (08978866599) — Sheetal Petkar
KERALA (09414069321) — Sanjai Krishnan
AD SALES - INTERNATIONAL
HONG KONG (+852-2516 1003) — Winky Wong
MALAYSIA (+60-3-7729 6923) — Shallie Cheng
SINGAPORE (+65 6735 8681) — Joui Ong
DUBAI (+9714 3913360) — Sunil Kanchan
MARKETING
MANAGER MARKETING SERVICES — Salim B.
60
64
69
“This Magazine is published by Hotel Leela Ventures Limited (“Leela”) and produced by Mediascope Publicitas
(India) Pvt. Ltd., on behalf of and under agreement with Leela. Opinions expressed herein are of the authors
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Leela or of Mediascope Publicitas (India) Pvt. Ltd. All enquiries
about editorial matters, reproduction of articles and advertising should be addressed to The Leela Magazine,
Mediascope Publicitas (India) Private Ltd., 51 Doli Chamber, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400 005, India.
Email: jaideep.dave@publicitas.com
Material in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent
of the publisher. Neither Leela nor MSP assumes any responsibility or endorses any claim made by the
advertisers herein.”
Printed at Parksons Graphics, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053.
This magazine is printed on environment-friendly, wood-free paper.
10
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
FINANCE & ACCOUNTS
SR. MANAGER - ACCOUNTS & ADMIN.
— Girish Sharma
ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE — Ashwin Makwana
CREDIT CONTROLLER — Girish Joshi
CORPORATE
CEO & MANAGING DIRECTOR — Marzban Patel
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR — Anita Patel
CFO — Anup Dutta
DIRECTOR — Indu Joshi
CONNECT WITH US ON
Luxe Effect
ESTEE LAUDER
The saturated colours of the Pure Color Envy
Sculpting Lipstick are beautiful additions
to your make-up kit this festive and party
season. In shades like mahogany, pink, coral
and a delicious red, the lipsticks make you
want to eschew the subtle shades that were
good till summer lasted. Add volume and
shine to your lips, brighten your office couture
with them, or use them as the focal point
with your Little Black Dress or your lush silk
peplum top for an evening out.
Eclectibles
From a stunning shoe to an
enchanting sculpture, here is our
selection of this season’s desirables.
LLADRÓ
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
Eros and Psyche, the
most recent creation of
This 120 mm ankle-strap is a
splendour. Gratifyingly feminine
Lladró, has been crafted
and flamboyantly dressed in
in white matte porcelain
satin with a flirtatious hint to
and decorated with
pastel-coloured enamels.
it, the exquisite Pensamoi is
adorned with a gorgeous flower
This beautiful sculpture is
encrusted with crystals.
a handmade amalgamation of
love and legend. The sculptor has
enchantingly recreated the angels of
the Italian Renaissance in order to depict the vision of Eros (Cupid in
Latin) and Psyche (meaning soul in Greek) as cherubs.
FENDI
The quirkily named By-The-Way bag from the Maison will take you from day to
night, from office to party, with consummate ease. What’s more you can wear it in
four different ways: with a long strap, as a clutch, use its short handle to hold it
or just sling it on your arm. Made from luxury materials like Nappa leather, this
soft bag is a favourite with celebrities like Emma Stone, Emma Roberts, Izabel
Goulart, Sarah Gadon, Anna Dello Russo and Kasia Smutnaik. The colour palette
goes from classical and neutral (think dove grey, blue and red) to the more
eccentric colour blocks in three variations, like orange, blue and sage green.
12
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
Compiled by Sana Krishna
Luxe Effect
A guide for the
metrosexual
man
Penhaligon’s first-ever men’s
grooming set, magic elixirs by Grown
Alchemist, and Globe-Trotter’s
exquisite leather luggage
BACK TO THE ROOTS
A brand that spells the science of organic
beauty, Grown Alchemist is known for
its natural range of anti-ageing, skin,
body, and haircare products. Grown
Alchemist primarily plays on botanical
formulae with a myriad of benefits.
Among its bestselling products is the
Age-Repair Serum with Peptide-8 and E-2
Polysaccharide. A sure-shot formula to
PENHALIGON’S FOR MEN
repair tired skin that is wrinkled and lined,
Penhaligon’s has ensured that men are not
this potent serum ensures hydrated skin.
left out in the beauty stakes by launching its
Another product we are excited about is
first-ever Gentlemen’s Grooming Range. The
the Eye-Makeup Remover with Azulene
zesty and invigorating Bayolea has hints of
refreshing mandarin, lemongrass, cardamom,
and Protec-3. Lighter on the pocket, this
product is gentle on one of the most
black pepper and lavender, along with “a
sensitive parts of the face — the eyes.
masculine base of cedar, sandalwood, musk
It dissolves the residue from mascaras
and moss”. The range comprises an eau de
and other makeup, and does not cause
toilette; a shaving soap and conditioner;
irritation or dryness. Grown Alchemist’s
an after-shave balm with shea butter and
products are researched, manufactured
vitamin E; and a two-in-one hair and body
and packaged by trained chemists from
wash. However, our favourites remain the
various parts of the world.
hair pomade, for shiny styled hair; and the
moustache wax, to tame and neaten facial hair.
This summer, the 114-year-old English company
trimmings that are bound to make a statement on the conveyor belt.
These are part of The Albemarle suitcase collection and are lined
with bespoke print inspired by the original North Star
unveiled its Propellor series that comprises
device logo from Globe-Trotter’s 1912 catalogue.
neat and sharp handcrafted goods
from “Limonta canvas twill and bridle
And finally, there is no leaving behind the
leather”. The bags that come in classy
tribute trunk to Sir Edmund Hilary, who
ivory and navy blue colours boast
carried Globe-Trotter luggage to Mouth
waterproof cotton herringbone lining
Everest’s base camp. Titled The Everest
with a resin finish. Not only are these
Edition, the dark green fibreboard suitcase
bags made from the finest leather,
commemorates 60 years of the event. It
but they also come in several shapes
has brown leather trimming and is finished
with the all-weather-proof Ventile material
and sizes.
We particularly lust for the classic navy
blue trunk-style suitcase with caramel and red
14
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
Ivory Gladstone from the Propellor
Leather Series by Globe-Trotter
on the inside, the exact cloth that was used
by Hilary during his travels.
Compiled by Sabiha Ghiasi
Photography - Minal Mehta
STRUT YOUR SUITCASE
Ahilaya
Reshma Building, 2nd Hasnabad lane, Ground Floor, Santacruz West Tel.: 26055289/26490447
Ramnimi Building, Mandlik Road, Ground floor, Colaba Tel.: 22024053, 22023788
Nav Pooja Building, Scheme no. 4, Perry Cross Road, Bandra West Tel.: 26553366, 26459391
Luxe Effect
PIAGET
Expressing sheer sophistication, the Limelight Dancing Light
watch has stunning meshwork with slender claws beholding
the glinting gems. The luminous diamonds adorn the wrist
like a dazzling piece of jewellery, while the enamel on it
is crafted using the exclusive Grand Feu technique, which
lends incomparable depth and transparency to the dial.
Semi-precious stones are engraved and sculpted to endow
each petal with relief.
Watches
we like
CHOPARD
Seven diamonds playfully
dance around the face
of the Happy Diamonds
Butterflies watch. Dainty
butterfly wings flutter
athwart gems and fuel the
freshness of a euphoric
spirit. In the middle of the
dial, the stencil profile
of a diamond butterfly
Four swish
timepieces that
should be on
your wishlist.
Compiled by
Sana Krishna
BREITLING
Apt for the traveller, the Bentley
GMT Light Body B04 bears design
influences from Bentley cars. The
authentic timepiece is distinguished by its
innovative and intrepid design, featuring asymmetric
lugs and a black rubber strap. The dial is available in
Royal Ebony and Tungsten colours, and has an open-worked spherical
form granting a peep into the movement within. The traveller’s watch
displays two time zones that can be managed by a single crown. What’s
more? The rotating inner bezel bears 24 city names.
poses prettily against a
purple mother-of-pearl
backdrop. Presented on
a blue satin strap, this
Chopard watch also has
colourful butterfly lugs
dressed in pavé sapphires
diamonds, L’Orangerie is a
jewellery timepiece in 18
carat yellow gold. The dial
is paved with 141 full-cut
gleeming diamonds, 142
A duo of butterflies in
spessartine garnets, 71
relief fixates the case
pink tourmalines, 146
Butterflies watch,
complementing every
element of this piece
of art.
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
Flange set with 48 single-cut
and brown diamonds.
of the Happy Diamonds
16
BREGUET
rubies, 14 spinels, 25
yellow beryls and 58
yellow sapphires. This
stunner is for the bold, and is
sure to doll-up any kind of attire.
Wheels
Fast and Gorgeous
Italian flair, a very Brit stiff upper lip, and Japanese
cutting-edge tech — a Lamborghini, a Rolls-Royce and
a Lexus are our current most desirable cars.
LAMBORGHINI HURACÁN
Outrageous good looks, face-twisting speed and
more than a hint of theatre. And Volkswagen, to
its credit, hasn’t tried to tamper with Lambo’s
DNA since taking ownership of the brand, as
the second progeny of this marriage, after the
Aventador, shows. Who would have thought
that German sensibility and build quality mated
to Italian passion would create something that
is still very much a Lamborghini but eminently
By Meraj Shah
driveable. The successor to the most successful
Lambo to date — the Gallardo — the Huracán,
is every bit as fast as it looks. The crackle and
Rolls-Royce Ghost seRies ii
pop of the V10 is vintage stuff, as is the engine,
This car, which is set to be launched later this year, will be
a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre monster; but
priced higher than its current iteration, the Ghost, which costs
the carbon-fibre and aluminium construction,
Rs 4.36 crore. But ‘price’ is a misleading euphemism for a figure
and aeronautical design are cutting-edge. The
that can vary radically depending on the level of customisation
stability control system, which features three
a buyer opts for. In keeping with the tradition of the world’s
accelerometers and three gyrometers, is directly
foremost luxury car marque, the customisation options on the
derived from the Euro fighter. The slick seven-
Ghost II are mind-boggling. What is standard, though, is the
speed dual clutch transmission blitzes through
Engine
12-cylinder turbocharged power-plant, which can pelt this
the shifts to propel the Huracán to 100 kph in
three seconds flat; and it takes just a touch longer
close-to-three-tonne behemoth to a 100 kmph in less than
:
5200 cc, V10
Power
:
610 bhp
Price
:
3.43 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi)
to get the car to its top whack of 365 kph.
five seconds, making it as much a driver’s car as a Rolls can
possibly be. Rear-seat passengers will instantly recognise RR’s
Engine
:
6600 cc, twin-turbo V12
trademark ‘waftability’ in the quality of the ride. Discerning
Power
:
563 bhp
customers for whom this 5.4-metre ‘baby’ Rolls isn’t long
Price
:
TBA
enough may opt for an extended wheelbase version.
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THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
19
LEXUS RX 450H
After dithering for a long time, Toyota is
finally bringing its premium range — Lexus
— to India, and among the first SUVs to be
offered is likely to be the Lexus RX 450h.
The Japanese company is well known for
its penchant for ‘green tech’, and this minitruck, quite appropriately, claims to create
less greenhouse gases than your average
superbike. Which doesn’t mean it doesn’t
have grunt: the 0-100 dash takes just over
seven seconds — fast enough for most
people. In any case, this isn’t a hot-rod, or
even a monster truck like the ones Mercedes’
Engine
:
3500 cc, V6 electric-hybrid
Power
:
295 bhp
Price
:
TBA
AMG division is churning out. With low carbon
emissions, and a dual gasoline-electric heart,
and Lexus’s famous levels of refinement and
luxury, the RX 450h has a direct appeal to the
evolved sophisticate.
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THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
23
Collectibles
The Art
of Eating
Food isn’t just about
what you eat, but also
about how you eat
and about the customs
associated with it.
A
rtworks that depict ancient dining scenes and accessories that
were once royal family heirlooms or in the collections owned by
the rich and famous in the West, have been showing up at auctions
across the world with regularity.
Early this year, Christie’s hosted The Art of Food and Drink sale in
London, which introduced aesthetes and epicures alike to the art of,
well, food and drink. This sale presented an emporium of paintings,
A Modern Cocktail Bar by Alfred Reginald
Thomson, 1931, courtesy Christie’s
kitchenalia, posters and tableware and offered stilllife by Old Masters,
iconic posters advertising famous brands, fossilised crustaceans,
immensely. This inspiration is visible in the motifs on his ceramics — fish,
quirky tea canisters, fully fitted vintage picnic hampers, early recipe
goats, birds and famous corridas of the area.
scenes and parties of the Renaissance era attract several
connoisseurs. So do antique ceramics and dinnerware
books and lots more. At The Exceptional Sale last year, Christie’s
had auctioned striking pieces from Maharaja of Patiala‘s George V
from China, particularly from the Ming dynasty. The
silver gilt dinner service, a beautiful collection crafted by London’s
art of making decorated porcelain originated in China
Goldsmiths’ and Silversmiths’ Company. It was commissioned by the
about 1,000 years ago. From 960 through 1127, during
Maharaja in honour of a tour of India by Prince Edward, Prince of Wales
the Song dynasty, emperors established factories to
in 1922, and used at the State Banquet held in the Prince’s honour on
produce porcelain for the royal family. During
the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the familiar
24 February 1922.
In recent times, rare ceramics created by Picasso have also found their
underglazed blue-and-white patterns that
way to auctions conducted by both Christie’s and Sotheby’s. Sotheby’s
many people associate with fine ‘china’
Important Ceramics by Pablo Picasso sale on May 7, 2014 notched up a
were developed. Much like China,
total of £1.5 million ($2.6 million), exceeding the pre-sale high estimate
Turkey has a 700-year-old ceramic
of £1.1 million. The group of plates, vases, jugs, bowls and tiles depicting
art tradition. Europe was importing
a range of classical and mythical forms alongside portraits of animals and
delicate
Chinese
and
Turkish
porcelain, but they were rare and
people achieved prices ranging from £1,063 to £68,500.
only available to the very wealthy.
The legendary artist first worked with clay in the summer of 1946
They continue to be rare, and
on his maiden trip to Vallauris in southeast France. Over the next 25 years,
he kept going back to Vallauris to work in the kilns belonging to the
collectors across the world wait for
Ramiés, a local artisan family from the region. Picasso experimented with
auctions to snap up whatever little comes
different glazes and the effect of texture and colour on clay. He also often
travelled to Côte d’Azur, or the French Riviera, a region that inspired him
24
Besides Picasso’s ceramics, paintings illustrating the decadent dining
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
An English fitted picnic hamper, courtesy Christie’s
From left: From the Maharaja of Patiala’s Banqueting Service
collection, courtesy Christie’s; a rare Picasso ceramic
in the market from the treasure chests of
private collectors.
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
25
Calendar
A
potpourri of festivals
From Asia’s biggest literary jamboree to the second Indian
biennale — here are seven cultural events you should attend
in the next 12 months. Compiled by Sana Krishna
international FilM
Festival oF inDia
The first edition of IFFI, which was
held in Mumbai, in the 50s, was
organised with the encouragement of
Jawaharlal Nehru. This year’s edition
will delight cinema lovers with the
Czech film The Don Juans, the South
African movie Mandela, and many
more offerings. It will be held in Goa
from 20-30 november, 2014.
iffi.nic.in
26
hornBill Festival
Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Named after the bird, the Hornbill festival will be celebrated
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale will be an amazing
in Nagaland, in naga heritage village at Kiasma, from 1-10
showcase for both emerging Indian and international
December, 2014. The attendees will enjoy the colourful
aesthetics. The upcoming, and second, edition will
performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and rituals. Not to
be held from December 12, 2014- March 29, 2015.
be missed is the Hornbill National Rock Concert, wherein music
It will be curated by Jitish Kallat; 90 artists from 26
bands from all over India will be competing.
countries will be participating.
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
28
jaipur literature Festival
inDia art Fair
An annual jamboree taking place in the Rajasthan city
South Asia’s foremost contemporary art
since 2006, the Jaipur Literature Festival brings together
fair will attract artists, curators, gallery
some of the most renowned thinkers and writers from
owners, collectors, museum directors and art
across the world. This year’s event will be from 21-25
enthusiasts from around the world. The fair
january, 2015 at the Diggi Palace. Sir V. S. Naipaul,
has attracted over 400,000 people since its
Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Hanif Kureishi, Paul Theroux and
inception. The seventh edition will be held
Neel Mukherjee are some of the top draws.
from jan 29-Feb 1, 2015 in new Delhi.
KuMBh Mela
The Kumbh Mela, in which Hindus bathe in
rajasthan international
FolK Festival
a sacred river to wash away their sins, is one
Also known as Jodhpur Riff, the rajasthan International
of the most biggest spiritual festivals in the
Folk Festival promote traditional folk music and arts, and
country. It’s held in one or more of these four
is held at Mehrangarh Fort. This year’s lineup included
places: Prayag, Ujjain, Nasik and Haridwar. It
globally-acclaimed names like flamenco guitarist Damien
will be celebrated in nasik next year, from
Wright, and the next edition will continue the trend. To
july 14–september 25.
be held sometime around mid-october 2015.
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
Fashion
Haute
Couture
has a new address
The Collonnade, the recently unveiled
shopping arcade at The Leela Palace
Bangalore, has won instant notice from the
country’s fashionistas. With some of India’s
finest designer labels, and chic furniture
and interior design outlets under one roof,
The Collonnade showcases the best of
India’s aesthetics. Priyadarshini Nandy,
who attended the launch party, gives you
a walk-through of the space.
Left: Neeru Kumar at her
store, Tulsi; Above: From her
Fall/Winter 2014 collection
At the start of the launch event, the designers were
exquisite cashmere. Owned by the Andrabi brothers, who hail
prepping their models for the fashion preview and putting the
from Kashmir, the store offers shawls that are made using a
final touches to their store. One of the things that struck me
600-year-old method of weaving wool. “We are bringing in
about the space was that each of the boutiques had a unique
a product that many Bangaloreans might be familiar with.
identity. Exposed bricks, clean lines, quirky light fittings, pop
Still, they will be pleasantly surprised. What we have is the
art on the wall, rich-textured colours and patterns — no two
outlets were similar.
Abraham & Thakore, as also two other design labels
at The Collonnade, namely, Rajesh Pratap Singh, and Tulsi
by Neeru Kumar, have had their stores in Bangalore for
From left: Abraham &
Thakore’s Autumn/Winter
2014 collection; their store
at The Collonnade
eight years. But they have, said Rakesh Thakore, “taken
a conscious decision to shift to be part of this
space because we believe it will make us more
visible”. Kumar, who, apart from her prêt line,
also introduced her eponymous label, says
that The Collonnade is now “a true retail
destination” for Bangalore residents as well
I
30
Facing page: From Shivan &
Narresh’s Fall/Winter 2014
collection; Above: Their store, with
mannequins on the ceiling
as visitors.
n August 2014, The Leela Palace Bangalore opened
completing 14 years, and the timing is perfect for relaunching
the doors to its massively upgraded shopping space. The
The Galleria as The Collonnade,” said Amruda Nair, Corporate
on the B1 floor (basement) of The
Collonnade, as the retail arcade is now called, exhibits the
Asset Management Head for The Leela Group.
Collonnade, which also has Portside
All the said boutiques are located
impressive range of Indian design talent with acclaimed
The Collonnade project was spearheaded by Amruda; in
Café, an impeccably designed store of
labels such as Namrata Joshipura, Rajesh Pratap Singh,
curating the stores, she and her team were ably assisted by
leather furniture, with touches of wood
Payal Pratap Singh, Abraham & Thakore, Neeru Kumar, and
Mickey Bawa of In2 Luxury. The initial idea, Amruda informed
and metal. The owner, Bobby Agarwal,
Shivan & Narresh. Moreover, the mall also features classy
us, was to host international designers. But, ultimately, they
said, “We’ve been waiting to come to this
furniture and interior design outlets, bric-a-brac stores, and
decided that The Collonnade should be a platform to display
city for a while. And it worked out in the
an art gallery.
India’s craftsmanship, which is equal to that of any other
most beautiful way.”
In a word, The Collonnade aims to become the ultimate
country’s. “This dovetails nicely with the The Leela Group’s
Next to Portside Café is Andraab, a
destination for luxury retail shopping in the city. “We are
vision, which is delivering the essence of India,” said Amruda.
minimalistic store exhibiting the most
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
31
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SANJAY MD
The launch of The Collonnade at The Leela Palace Bangalore
combined glitz and glamour. The city’s aesthetes and fashion lovers, dressed
in their best designer togs, graced the event. A few snapshots.
32
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
33
real cashmere, a creation that can
only go on to become a piece of one’s
heirloom,” the brothers said.
Those who wish to add a dash of
oomph to their wardrobe must check out
Shivan and Narresh’s store. The duo that
took the country by storm with their
swimwear collections will, be displaying
their designs for brides as well as some
part of their resort collection. “We’re
sure that women who come to our
store will love our designs. Whether
she is planning an exotic vacation or
a honeymoon, we have something
for her,” said Shivan Bhatiya.
While I was talking to
various designers, the hotel’s
From left: From
elecTRON, Namrata
Joshipura’s Autumn/
Winter 2014
collection; the store;
the designer
kitchen staff were preparing a fine collection of drinks and
appetizers for the cocktail party. The hors d’oeuvres, which
traditional wooden taco stands, which expressed Payal Pratap
had been conceptualised by Aishwarya Nair, Corporate
Singh’s design aesthetics, which are infused with history;
Food and Beverage Head for The Leela Group, and prepared
braised lamb kebabs — the lamb was slow-cooked and then
by Adrian Mellor, executive chef of the hotel, and his team,
served in miniature copper pans, with picks studded with
gave a flavour of each of the designer’s aesthetic sense: on
beads — to represent Abraham & Thakore’s designs, which
offer were brightly coloured flavoured eclairs to represent
fuse modern ideas with tradition; kataifi prawns, coated in
the vibrancy and boldness of Shivan and Narresh’s ideas in
kataifi pastry and then served on a coat hanger, for Pankaj
swimwear and resort wear; smoked chicken tartlet with
and Nidhi, known for their lacework; the hara bhara roll —
whipped goat cheese and crisped onions, punctuated with
the spinach kebabs were finished with a modern touch, and
black truffles, to symbolise the subtle yet impressive works
served on a platter that had a sketch by the designer Neeru
of Namrata Joshipura; cheese and saffron kebabs, served on
Kumar — to reflect the Indian elements in her works...
Below: Pankaj & Nidhi’s Autumn/
Winter 2014 collection House of Cards
at their store in The Collonnade
Mahua Art Gallery
JEWELS
34
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
14 JLN Marg, Jaipur-302004 | Tel : 91 141 2620051
info@rawatjewels.com | rawatjewels.com
Portside Cafe; its owner,
Bobby Aggarwal
The 10-storied Collonnade has been designed
In the upcoming months, more stores will be added
by the renowned London-based firm Solano
— Anita Dongre and Indi by Alex Davis, to name but
Architecture, and the boutiques will be spread
two — and Amruda added that The Collonnade will
across three levels. At The Collonade, you can also
host seasonal fashion shows, which will get “things
shop for delightful stationery and accessories,
buzzing”. Also on cards is an F&B outlet. “I think we
at Play Clan by Himanshu Dogra,
could do with a space that spills out
beautiful artworks, at the Mahua Art
into the greenery of the property. It’s a
Gallery, eclectic furniture and other
beautiful landscape, and we would like
home accessories, at AKFD Studio and
to use that. The idea is to encourage people
Anantaya Décor by Ayush Kasliwal, and
to come and have a good time: relax, do
exquisite jewellery, at Outhouse by Sasha
some shopping, and not rush in and out,”
and Kaabia Grewal.
Play Clan
36
Experimental jewellery brand Outhouse
has a store in The Collonnade
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
she said.
Above and Below: AFKD
Food
T
hink about the last time you saw an Australian movie, or
country’s most watched program ever. It lead to Masterchef
followed the lives of Australian celebrities, or dreamt of an
Pop Up Restaurants in Syndey and Melbourne, a first for any
Aussie meal (mind you, Fosters does not count). If you’re
food show across the world. So spectacular was the show’s
bred on a diet of Indian and American lifestyles, then you will
success that it was exported to over 35 countries and 200
probably be left thinking, who follows what’s happening in
territories. By 2010, it was dubbed in Chinese, Dutch and
Australia? And yet, there is this Australian TV show that has
French, so as to be introduced in countries like Hong Kong,
somehow made its way out of Melbourne, and created waves
Belgium and Canada. And when many of these countries got
around the world, including India, induced a boom in specialty
their locally produced versions, they drew a lot of criticism.
cooking equipment, and driven many a food enthusiast to join
For instance, after Masterchef Canada, which was built closer
a culinary class. What gives?
to the US model, was aired, many viewers went online to
The executives at Network Ten in Australia were the first
vent against how the show was “terribly scripted and forced”.
to admit that they didn’t see this coming. On paper, the show
Masterchef US, the only other globally exported version,
ran neck-to-neck with its
The world’s most
counterpart
numbers
(clocking
on
5.75
million at its peak), but
l ved
didn’t become iconic, thanks
largely to its tendency to
get
overly
dramatic
unnecessarily
and
aggressive.
One of Masterchef Australia’s
biggest vindications came in
culinary show
Masterchef Australia has been exported
to over 35 countries, including India,
and has won the hearts of millions of
viewers. Sharan Saikumar finds out how
the program emerged and the reasons
behind its popularity.
Australian
2011, when Masterchef UK
was given an Aussie-style
makeover — with greater
emphasis
on
contestant
emotions, cliffhanger editing
and bigger roles for the judges
in the capacity of mentors —
much to the chagrin of the
patriotic Brits.
In India, the show was
A memorable moment from
Episode 9 of Season 6
getting weekday prime time
slots, and went on to become
one of the most watched
38
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
was merely the latest phase in the reality television format,
programs in a world of Homeland, Castle and other wildly
another game-based cooking program, similar in theory to so
popular drama series. Masterchef Australia, which is aired in
many others. Masterchef Australia was not an original idea,
the country on Star World, has succeeded where Masterchef
but the re-heated antipodean version of a British original. In
India and Masterchef USA have failed spectacularly. And it has
1990, the English film director Franc Roddam conceptualised a
also managed to impact the way Indians look at food. Mumbai-
television show based on amateur cooking, and, after several
based sommelier Shagun Mehra, founder of Gourmet Gloves,
failures and re-launches, it became Masterchef. It was only in
a culinary teaching studio, who teaches several “Masterchef-
2007 that Australia embraced it, creating a version that began
inspired” dishes (like baked aubergine with walnuts and
hitting unbelievable numbers (it opened at a whopping 1.42
spices, and broccoli with prosciutto and almonds) says, “It
million and peaked at 4.11 million) and ran to become the
has shifted cooking from a chore to an art. Men and women
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
39
witnessing another change
in the reality TV genre. If
this genre 10 years or so
BHARANY’S
ago rejected years of political
correctness and ushered in the
trend of ‘ritual humiliation’,
with formats like Big Brother
and judges like Simon Cowell,
Masterchef Australia marks a
shift in the other direction: the
Episode 12 of Season 6
desire to see people do well.
In other words, it’s good
Masterchef Australia’s biggest
vindication came in 2011,
when Masterchef UK got an
Aussie-style makeover
old niceness. This is reality TV where there is always a happy
ending, as each departing contestant is warmly encouraged on
his way out of the kitchen, the judges looking upon all of them
from the viewpoint of benevolent elder brothers rather than
sadistic uncles. Indeed, the show’s judges, George Calombaris,
Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan, have been responsible for
are both excited to be in the kitchen and are unleashing their
fostering this warm environment, playing their roles as
creativity.” Shiro, a popular eatery in South Mumbai, even
advisors and life coaches so well that almost every contestant
hosts a Masterchef Week menu, with dishes like the chicken
who has ever passed through the portals of that kitchen has
and shrimp hanoi rolls and the thai rice noodle salad, and
left with tears when saying goodbye to them.
typically gets a packed audience.
40
Nothing exemplifies the warm and fuzzy expectations
So what are the guys down under getting right? The
the fans have developed for the series better than the incident
answer, many have argued, could lie in the inventiveness of its
of the Power Apron, in Season 6. One would imagine that
challenges. For instance, the recently concluded Season 6 saw
it was the US format’s idea of giving successful contestants
the contestants preparing a dish from a review — without a
the power to affect how others perform in the next challenge
recipe, without ever having seen or tasted it. In this season,
that inspired the Australian producers to come up with the
we also saw a ‘sensory’ challenge where the food experience
Power Apron. On paper, it probably looked like a great idea
was elevated to accommodate smell, sound and sight,
— inciting a new kind of drama, and adding a twist to
and while the viewers were stymied, contestants came up
tired/unoriginal challenges, if only for a week. What the
with ideas like ‘Autumn on a plate’ — served with sounds
Masterchef Australia makers didn’t realise, however, was
of crackling fire, the smell of pine and the best of autumn
that they were tampering with the very thing that made
produce. You don’t ever have to aspire to serve ‘autumn on a
the show wildly successful — goodness winning over evil.
plate’ at home, but the sheer freshness of the idea gives food
The negativity fostered by Tracy being given the Power
enthusiasts a reason to watch.
Apron and becoming instantly dislikable was excoriated
The qualitative studies, though, have been pointing in
by the blogosphere; it was as if the fans felt cheated. They
another direction, one that signals a cultural change. “We
much preferred seeing the contestants Laura Cassai and Brent
have grown away from the Darwinist model of society, where
Owens hug before they went head-to-head, and Gary getting
the winner takes all,’’ David Chalke, a social analyst with the
emotional when his favourite contenders departed. But once
market research company Quantum Australia, had told The
the Power Apron went, all became good with the world again!
Daily Telegraph Australia in 2009, in the story titled ‘Channel
To sum it up: What Masterchef Australia seems to give its
Ten show Masterchef ’s secret recipe’. “It once was the classic
fans is the vision of a better world, a world that may not really
Survivor mentality, now we’re more supportive of each other
be attainable for most of us.... Well, here at least we can hope
and social democracy in general.” If Chalk is right, we are
life imitates reality TV.
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
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Travel intelligence
travel as a
way to indulge their fantasies”
“People are using
For more than two decades, Nancy Novogrod has enjoyed
an insider’s view of the world of travel. Novogrod joined
Travel+Leisure magazine in 1993, and worked there till
September 2014, when she decided to move on from her role
as Editor in Chief. During Novogrod’s tenure (she also held,
when she stepped down, the roles of Senior Vice President/
Editorial Director, American Express Publishing) the magazine
solidified its place as one of the world’s top travel publications.
We did an e-mail interview with Novogrod, who’s based in
New York, to find out about her insights on the hottest trends
in luxury travel, her experiences as a globetrotting editor,
her memories of staying in India, and more. Excerpts.
During your stint at T+L, how have you seen the world
Kolkata, and long to see both. There are also a number of
of travel change?
places that fit in with my interest in contemporary art that
The world has changed dramatically, as have people’s tastes
I’d like to experience: Naoshima Island in southern Japan and
in destinations. The standards — London, Paris, Rome, the
Fogo lsland in Newfoundland, which are both retreat-like
Caribbean — are still alive and well for American travellers, but
pilgrimage sites for collectors. And I haven’t even talked some
what I have seen more and more is a hankering for the remote
places I haven’t yet made it to in China and Southeast Asia!
“The definition of luxury has
changed dramatically in recent
years. Whereas it used to have to
do with a piling on of expensive
details and extras, the new luxury
resides in the preciousness of
memorable experiences”
and unique. In my own case, this interest has brought me to
the Atacama desert in Chile; Jaisalmer; Botswana, Kenya, and
In the next couple of years, which would be the biggest
Tanzania; Bhutan; and too many other places to list.
emerging destinations?
42
Tell us about some of the destinations that are on your
predating and continuing on after the (football) World Cup.
to-do list?
It has become an increasingly attractive destination for its
My husband and I are hikers, and I am hoping that we’ll
vibrant urban scenes, its beaches, and small resort hideouts like
be able to spend some time doing this in Australia and New
Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa in Trancosa. Other destinations in Latin
Zealand — I’ve been to both countries before, but without
America are also building a significant international following,
the opportunity to really explore. Similarly, I’ve only had
including Cartagena in Colombia (I visited last year, and it’s
a brief experience in Patagonia, in the north, and I would
a wonderful still authentic-seeming colonial town) and Jose
love to go back and travel around the region. I’ve visited
Ignacio in Uruguay, where there are terrific resort properties
India many times, but have not yet made it to Varanasi or
like Playa Vic and Hacienda Vic. I believe that we’ll hear more
The LeeLa MagaziNe – WiNTer 2014
CORBIS
The Brazil phenomenon has been going strong for a while,
The Serengeti National Park, in Tanzania
WiNTer 2014 – The LeeLa MagaziNe
43
about Iceland, for people interested in outdoor adventure travel
or having hiked to the top of a mountain and a “refugio”,
(I am hoping to get to Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel before too
where I spent the night, in the Dolomites, but these are both
long — its name says it all). Lodges in general are having their
experiences that have stayed with me. There has been a great
day — like Triple Creek Ranch in Montana, which just won
deal of attention paid to the phenomenon of home stays —
Top Hotel in the World in Travel + Leisure’s 2014 World’s Best
where people rent out their residence to guests; Airbnb is the
Awards, and the Wickaninnish Inn on Vancouver Island in
U.S.-based company that is most associated with this trend
British Columbia, the 2014 World’s Best Hotel in Canada.
and is now moving on to Europe and Asia. I think part of
the reason for this trend, which may have begun as a way
They say luxury travel is now about the kind of
to save money, but is now embracing high-end properties
experiences you have, instead of just the destination
and travellers, is the search for authenticity. Similarly, there
you go to. What’s your take on this?
are various websites that offer the opportunity to dine in the
I couldn’t agree more. Whereas luxury used to have to do
home of a local. This, along with the rise of neighbourhood
with a piling on of expensive details and extras, the new
restaurants, is a definite trend.
luxury resides in the preciousness of memorable experiences.
There is an ever greater taste for authenticity and places
Which countries, you think, have the friendliest people?
that embody a kind of regional relevance — of distinctness.
There are few places as friendly as India, where everyone
Having traveled as much as I did for the last 21 years,
seems eager to help you and to enchant you, too. My country
I am particularly alert to the dangers of global blending —
is known for its friendliness, and I believe this is accurate, but
that is, when destinations merge into one another without
one place known for the reserve of its people — Great Britain
the unique elements that characterise and separate them
— can be one of the warmest and most welcoming places
in memory.
on earth; I have noticed this increasingly in recent years.
The Caribbean — Jamaica and Barbados, the British Virgin
What are the kind of unusual travel experiences that
Islands — and Nassau and the Bahamas are also extremely
people are seeking out?
hospitable to travellers.
People are using travel as a way to indulge their fantasies
Tell us more about your travels in India.
and to challenge themselves against the natural elements. I’m
hardly unique in having climbed to Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan
My travel in India has been amazingly colorful and varied. I
amar Sagar Lake in Jaisalmer
The atacama Desert
Turtle Beach, in Ocho rio, Jamaica
CORBIS
GETTY IMAGES
The backwaters in Kerala
44
The LeeLa MagaziNe – WiNTer 2014
WiNTer 2014 – The LeeLa MagaziNe
45
The World Sufi Spirit Festival
is held in Jodhpur every year
am not just saying this to make you and your compatriots
Trivandrum last year, I heard about the initiative organised
happy: I absolutely adore your country and long to do it justice
around recreating the Spice Route, and I believe this could
by extending my knowledge and experience of its different
create some interest, too.
regions and offerings. I’ve found something that fascinates
me everywhere, but during my last trip, which included a
How was it working at The New Yorker?
visit to Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, I fell in love with Sufi music —
Working at The New Yorker was an extraordinary way
first at a performance one night in the desert near Jaisalmer
to begin my publishing career. There were so many
and then at the World Sufi Spirit Festival, which happily was
extraordinary writers, including Ved Mehta, and editors,
at the same time; we changed our trip to go to it. We also
such as William Shawn, William Maxwell, and Roger
stopped in Hyderabad on the same visit, and I was fascinated
Angell — I felt like pinching myself sometimes. Two people
by the world of the Nizams.
I worked for when I was an assistant — Howard Moss, the
TA A R A
A BOUTIQUE FOR HANDCRAFTED LUXURY
poetry editor, and Rachel Mackenzie, a fiction editor — had a
How was your stay at The Leela Palace in Delhi?
profound impact on my career. I really learned to write and
My stay at The Leela Palace in Delhi was intensely wonderful,
edit by corresponding with Rachel’s writers. I left The New
though way too short. It feels like an urban crossroads in the
Yorker as a reader in the fiction department — I had been there
luxury world — a true grand hotel, entirely elegant and filled
for five years.
with life.
JEWELLERY • CLOTHES • LIFESTYLE
For someone who wishes to be a travel journalist, what
46
Which part of India holds the most potential for growth
writers do you recommend he/she read?
in terms of tourism?
Paul Theroux, Pico Iyer, and William Dalrymple are among
In my view, the south holds great potential. I’ve spent time
the contemporary greats, but I actually think reading good
in Kerala and even celebrated an important birthday touring
writing of all sorts — from novels to biographies to historic
the backwaters on a houseboat, but I think there is a great
accounts — is as good a primer for writing about travel. There
deal of opportunity to create properties and attractions
is a lot of bad travel writing out there to avoid, of the “then I
that will appeal to international travellers. When I was in
went here and did this” variety.
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
113, Basant Bahar Colony, Tonk Road, Jaipur-302018
M +91 8094777999 / 9783869999
e-mail: admin@taaragems.com www: taaragems.com
: taara
Adventure
Riding the
Wave
COURTESY SURFING ASSOCIATION OF INDIA
CORBIS
Beaches across India are
sprouting clubs and schools that
teach people surfing. But it’s not
just Indians who are indulging in
the sport; the country has also
been attracting thrill-seeking
foreigners searching for relatively
unspoiled water spots.
By Akhila Ranganna
“I
48
t’s like the mafia,” is how the American Kelly Slater,
the community is almost 200-300 strong, and almost every
and never looked back.” Shaka Surf Club offers lessons for
alluded to, are known as the Surfing Swamis, and according
one of the leading surfers in the world, described the sport.
coastal state has at least one surf club.” The Shaka Surf Club,
beginner- and intermediate-level surfers, covering all aspects,
to one such Swami, Daruka Dasa, the ashram experience is
“Once you are in, you are in. There is no getting out.” The
one of the first few to come up in the country, was born out
right from surf awareness, to basic fitness, paddling, catching
for people who are looking for a unique spiritual experience
exhilarating feeling of riding on huge waves while you try to
of the fascination the duo developed for the sport during
broken waves, surf equipment and environmental awareness.
while having the freedom to experience uncrowded waves.
stay glued to your surfboard, the thrill of being in complete
their university days in Manipal. A chance encounter with a
“You must always learn surfing from a trained professional
The idea to marry religion with surfing was introduced, in
harmony with the ocean, the roaring of the waves just before
German exchange student with a surfboard led to a stint at
or a surf school,” says Ishita, who is India’s first professional
2006, by the ashram’s founder, Jack Hebner, who hails from
you are lifted, the sensation of weightlessness before the board
the Surf Ashram, in Mulki, near Mangalore, with the Surfing
woman surfer. “Indians are believed to be terrified of the sea.
Florida, USA. The retreat offers stand-up paddling, kayaking,
breaks the water — no wonder surfing is so addictive! Some
Swamis — the pioneers of this water sport in India — and this
But now the kids in the village surf with us. Before, none
body
of the best places to surf include The Gold Coast (Australia),
was the duo’s impetus.
of them were even swimming. They’re conscious of the
mantra meditation, yogasanas, surf film entertainment and
environment and know how to rescue people from the water.
environmental awareness documentary presentations. South
That’s the kind of change I want to see,” she adds.
African Paddy Upton, who worked closely with the Indian
boarding,
wakeboarding,
swimming,
volleyball,
Hawaii, Jeffrey’s Bay (South Africa), San Diego, and Costa
“Funnily enough, we were the first Indian surfers to ever
Rica. And, with over 7500 km of coastline, India, too, is slowly
approach them (the Swamis) for training and life hasn’t been
but surely finding its feet as a popular surfing destination.
the same since,” say the duo. “After graduation in 2010, our
The Surf Ashram, located just north of Mangalore, where
cricket team as the mental conditioning coach, and who is
“When we started surfing (in 2007) there was virtually
main goal was to keep living the lifestyle we had come to
Tushar and Ishita learnt swimming , seamlessly blends religion
a keen surfer, has fond memories of his stay at the Ashram.
no online presence or information about the sport in India,”
love, one where we could surf every day, and the only way
with surfing. This is spiritual tourism in its true sense, where
Some of the Swamis, he says, have become his “lifelong
say Tushar Pathiyan and Ishita Malaviya of the Shaka Surf
we could see that happening was by starting and successfully
surfing is seen as a form of meditation by the devotees of
friends” and he describes them as being “more enthusiastic”
Club, in Kodi Bengre, near Manipal in Karnataka. “Today
running a surf school. And so we registered our company
the ashram, who all worship Lord Krishna. The devotees, as I
about surfing than he is. “The best thing about surfing in
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
49
SURFING ACCESSORIES
RAM MOHAN PARANJPE
SURFBOARD
Mangalore offers some of the best waves in the country
India is that you always have the waves to yourself,” explains
Upton. “Most of the waves in other countries that are near
populated areas are overcrowded, because of the popularity
of the sport.” Upton has surfed in Kovalam, Pondicherry,
Mahabalipuram and Vizag, apart from Mulki.
There are several spots along both the east and west of
India’s coastline that boast of good swells for surfing. Kodi
Bengre, emphasise Ishita and Tushar, is the “perfect place for
beginners” with waves between 3-4 feet. “What makes it ideal
is that you have the sea on one side and the river flowing on the
other; slow waves; and if you are lucky, you can spot dolphins as
well,” says Ishita. Mulki, along the Karnataka coastline, offers
clean, uninhabited beaches. Upton surfed along the Mangalore
Jetty, near Mulki, and described the waves as some of the
“best” he had experienced in India. Mulki is also home to the
Mantra Surf Club.
Further down the west coast, in Kerala, is Varkala, where
the swells are slightly larger than those at Kodi Bengre. Ed
Templeton and his wife Sophie, who hail from Brighton, were
so fascinated with the warm waters and soft waves in the
said coastal town that they opened a yoga and surf retreat
there — the Soul and Surf Club — in 2010. The waters at
Varkala, a popular tourist destination, are good enough for
most surfers, and one can go paddling almost right through
the year.
Kovalam, further south, is another tourist attraction
and surfing spot. The Kovalam Surf Club aims at youth
empowerment and community development through the
sport. The first national surfing competition in India was held
here, in 2012.
50
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
The Rampant
Carved from rare wood and inset
with a 23-carat gold lion
motif, the world’s most
expensive
surfboard
is worth $1.3 million.
Called The Rampant, this
board has been created
by New Zealand-based
surfboard designer Roy
Stuart. At 3.2m long,
the board is made with
timber from Paulownia
— a tree native to Asia —
and has a gold lion painted
on with a red resin outline. It
The board is inset with
a 23-carat gold lion motif
measures 10 foot 6 inches with
a single concave which stretches
from its soft entry note down to the tail and ensures that the
surfboard offers the rider a low centre of gravity.
WATCH
OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean Chronograph
Part of the OMEGA’s Planet Ocean line, this new model boasts
scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, features a black dial with a small
seconds dial, a date window and a central chronograph hand. Sixtyminute and 12-hour counters are found on the
same dial at the 3 o’clock position, allowing
for intuitive reading of the elapsed time.
The black ceramic unidirectional
rotating bezel is mounted on a
45.5 mm stainless steel case on a
stainless steel bracelet. The OMEGA
Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M is
water resistant up to 600 metres /
2000 feet / 60 bar and has a heliumescape valve. It is a perfect watch for
both divers and surfing enthusiasts.
The timepiece is powered by the OMEGA
Co-Axial calibre 9300 which can be seen
through the transparent caseback.
OMEGA’s deep diver watch has a co-axial
column wheel chronograph movement with a
temperature- and magnetism-resistant silicon hairspring (visible
through the transparent caseback) powers the Seamaster Planet
Ocean, and on the business end of things, the dial features an
intuitive elapsed time counter that reads like a standard clock face.
A scratch-resistant Liquid Metal bezel, helium escape valve, and
600 meters of water resistance mean this may be the most overengineered dive watch you can buy.
Australian TV anchors and amateur surfers Jonno and Stefan were in
Jaisalmer last year before they set out on their maiden surfing trip in India
52
The south-east coast of India, along Tamil Nadu, offers
appointed the surfing ambassador for SFI, was part of the
good waves, stronger currents and more barrelling (the
event. “It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and love for
hollow part of the wave, before it breaks, much coveted
the sport so evident in all the local surfers,” says Rhodes,
by surfers). Popular destinations include Pondicherry and
who was introduced to SFI by Upton. “I have surfed in Vizag,
Mahabalipuram, with the latter having point breaks (where
Cove Long Point, Kovallam, Mangalore and Mulki. At Vizag,
the waves hit a point of land/rocks jutting out from the
there were only four of us in the water, and it was wonderful
coastline) with waves “as good a you would have seen on
to be surfing without having to “hussle” with other surfers
TV”, as Tushar phrases it. Kallialay Surf School (Pondicherry)
for the waves. The attraction for international surfers coming
and Mumu Surf Shop (Mahabalipuram) are two surf clubs
to India will be that they can surf waves that have probably
offering rentals, lessons and courses. Then there are the
never been ridden before.”
pristine blue waters of Andamans Islands, said to be India’s
Australian TV anchors and amateur surfers were in
last untouched surfing frontiers. From 14 to 24 April, 2015
Jaisalmer last year before they set out on their maiden surfing
Soul & Surf is organising a “guided, catered 10 night surf
trip in India. They were filming their show India: Surfing 28
board charter around Andamans” for both experienced and
States. Besides exploring the beaches, they travelled across the
amateur surfers.
country in an ambassador car.
In response to the growth of the adventure sport in
For those who wish to learn the sport: there are more
the country, members of the Mantra Surf Club established
than 10 schools in the country now, and SFI is working with
the Surfing Federation of India (SFI) in 2011. That very
them to establish standards for coaching and safety. By the
year, the federation became the ISA (International Surfing
time the year ends, India would have hosted 14 surfing events.
Association)-recognised NGB (National Governing Body)
“I foresee that surfing in India will see an influx of overseas
for India. A Surf Festival was held in Orissa in 2012, and
surfers coming to discover new spots,” says Rhodes, “and
India’s first globally recognized surfing event was held in
this will boost its popularity amongst the natives, especially
Kovalam in May 2013. Over 100 participants, including a
amongst the locals who live and fish around these waves,
few foreign surfers, took part in the competition. Former
who feel comfortable in the ocean, but who just have never
South African cricketer and fielding legend Jonty Rhodes,
been exposed to this wonderful lifestyle.”
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
Discover India
A dance of the
warriors
Elaborate masks, mythological characters,
martial art — Chhau dance, with its three variants,
originates from the eastern part of India.
INNI SINGH
By Tanvi Ramakrishna
“Mayurbhanj Chhau
teaches one to
balance both the
body and the mind
simultaneously,”
says Prada
Colombian dancer Carolina
Prada is trained in the
Mayurbhanj style of Chhau
I
ndia is a birthplace of 11 classical dance forms. While
highly respected and revered legends. One of the distinctive
Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi are the most renowned of
qualities of this style, apart from dancers performing without
these, a lesser-known but equally impressive terpsichorean
masks, is that most of their manoeuvres are grounded
art is Chhau. It has its roots in the eastern part of India, and
in intense and physically challenging martial arts and
its glory days were in the early 19th century.
gymnastics infused with classical movements. Unlike other
Some say the word ‘Chhau’ is derived from the Sanskrit
classical dance forms where before each performance dancers
term ‘chaya’, which means ‘shadow’. But most current-
perform a ‘vandana’ or an obeisance ritual to Lord Nataraja:
day scholars affirm that it signifies ‘army base’, as it
the God of Dance, the recital in Chhau would begin with a
was primarily developed by the ‘Kshatriya’ or ‘warrior’
class from Mayurbhanj, in Orissa. The Bhanja rulers of
Mayurbhanj are considered the greatest patrons of this dance
In Purulia Chhau masks are worn to depict mythological characters
form: during their reign, Chhau flourished and developed into
a beautifully choreographed art with complex and highly
controlled movements.
Apart from Mayurbhanj, the Chhau dance form has
two other variants: Purulia and Seraikela — named after
the Purulia district of West Bengal, and the Seraikela district
of Jharkhand, respectively. Seraikela and Purulia Chhau
have the dancers bedecked with elaborate and almost ‘Mardigras-esque’-styled masks coupled with costumes that span
from the traditional ‘white-flannelled garb’ with colourful
ornaments and dangling exotic paraphernalia that tries to
capture the grandeur and splendour of the mythological
Astad Deboo used Chhau
performers in his production
Reinterpreting Tagore
characters they depict .
The Murybhanj style of Chhau owes a lot to Maharaja
Jadunath Bhanja (1823-1863), who was one of this form’s
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THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
55
The Carpet Cellar
Presents it’s latest Luxury Collection of carpets
“The Erased Luxe Collection”
‘Rang Bhaja’ or an invocation ritual that sought to appease
another avatar of Lord Shiva. The most significant festival
attached to Mayurbhanj Chhau is the Chaitra Parva (spring)
Festival. It’s celebrated in Orissa in April every year, and depicts
SREENIVASAN RAMAKRISHNAN
the story of the Ramayan through aggressive movements and
passionate facial expressions.
“Mayurbhanj Chhau looks like a dance penance (tapas)
on stage”, says Delhi-based music and dance photographer
Sreenivasan Ramakrishnan, who is the brain behind Spandan,
an annual festival that showcases India’s dance heritage.
From Akhyan, a 2010 festival organised by the Indira Gandhi National
Centre for Arts, that celebrated India’s storytelling traditions
“It is one of those things that allow you to feel one
with God,” says Delhi-based Carolina Prada, a Mayurbhanj
danseuse and one of Sri Jonmay Joya Saibabu’s senior disciples.
body and the mind simultaneously,” says Prada. The musical
Arriving in India six years ago, this Colombian dancer sought
atmosphere at a Mayurbhanj Chhau performance is truly
tutelage under present-day doyen Anant Charan Saibabu’s
electrifying. Instruments such as the dhol, kartal and ghanta
nephew — another highly accomplished dancer and patron of
form the percussion base which complements other wind
the Mayurbhanj style — and has devotedly been performing
instruments such as mahuri or shehnai that form the musical
the dance style ever since. “It takes a minimum of 10 years
orchestra for the performance. There are many variants of
to be fully trained in the Mayurbhanj style, and it is one of
Mayurbhanj Chhau, and the most interesting one, says
the very few dance forms that teach one to balance both the
Prada, is “Kiraat Arjuna”, which depicts Arjuna — one of the
pivotal characters in the Mahabharata — as a huntsman, and
his travails with Lord Shiva.”
Prada has been performing in India for the past six years
Purulia Chhau is performed primarily by the tribals in the
said West Bengal district. Masks are worn as representations
of the larger-than-life characters they depict. In earlier times,
dance performances were typically conducted and performed
by men, whereas today both women and men feature in them.
Seraikela Chhau, too, involves masks, but the movements are
far more aggressive and powerful here.
A few contemporary artists have attempted to reprise
Chhau. For his production Reinterpreting Tagore, dancer
Astad Deboo has worked with Chhau artists with beautiful
results. “Some of the dancers, who were kids from the Salaam
Balak Trust, which works with underprivileged children,
were trained in the Chhau technique. I, too, based some of the
choreography on the technique and combined it with other
forms of dance,” he says.
Meanwhile, centres like The Maurbhanj Chhau Nritya
SREENIVASAN RAMAKRISHNAN
Pratisthan, in Orissa, continue to train performers in the
56
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
traditional forms of the dance. The Sanskar Bharti Centre
in Delhi is another, and has about 10-15 students who are
being trained by Jonmay Joy Saibabu. Seraikela Chhau can
be mastered at Sangeet Natak Akademi in Jharkhand, where
about 60 students are learning the dance form. It is gurukuls
such as these that are keeping this fine art form alive.
1, Anand Lok, Khel Gaon Marg, Siri Fort Road, New Delhi - 110049.
Tel.: +91 11 41641777 • E-mail: info@carpetcellar.com • Website: www.carpetcellar.com
348 D, Sultanpur, MG Road, Adjacent to the Sultanpur Metro Station,
New Delhi - 110030. Tel.: +91 11 26808777 / 65391777
(Herbal Washing & Restoration also undertaken)
OPEN ALL DAYS: 10.30 AM TO 6.30 PM
Slug Here
Launchpad
Slug Here
oasis
An
for relaxation
Vitality pool at the Thermal Suite
L
ush manicured gardens and an azure blue Bay of
gardens, and discover the various retreats within the spa —
Bengal form beautiful backdrops to the ESPA spa at
sleep pods, relaxation areas, and tea lounges.
The Leela Palace Chennai.
The treatments offered at ESPA are as varied as the setting
Designed by Jeffrey Wilkes of DesignWilkes and Madhu
and the spatial experiences: there is the Balinese massage,
Nair, Director, Designs and Operations, the spa, spread over a
the hot stone massage, and the signature Royal Leela facial,
lavish 16,000 sq ft, is a study in how to create relaxation zones
a luxurious experience in which herb-filled poultices are used
within an urbanscape. And we aren’t just talking about the 12
to tone and firm the skin. Also available are a host of other
tranquil therapy rooms. The meandering sanctuary has several
massages including Ayurveda therapies. Susan Harmsworth,
secret retreats, like separate thermal zones, one each for men
MBE, CEO and Founder, ESPA says, “We are bringing 30 years
and women. Straddling vitality pools, lounge beds, body jets,
of spa heritage, knowledge and a repertoire of treatments.”
mosaic steam rooms, rain showers, relaxation areas, and a
A stunning collection of contemporary Indian art by artists
circular oak wood sauna, this is a space you withdraw to when
like Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi, Alex Davies and Chameli
urban life gets overwhelming. Says Nair, “This is the fifth city in
Ramachandran provide an interesting visual experience.
India where we are offering ESPA. We are excited to bring this
experience to our guests in Chennai.”
While all the spa treatment rooms are elegant and luxurious
A treatment room in the Private Spa Suite
with private showers, plush beds and curated music, the high
point has to be The Private Spa Suite. The ultimate in luxury,
this is where you can spend an entire day, or even two if you
With its thermal suites,
personalised offerings and highly
skilled therapists, ESPA at the
Leela Palace Chennai is a unique
urban sanctuary.
60
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
feel like it; relax in the living area before or during therapies,
spend time on the personal terrace that overlooks magnificient
ESPA spa is open to both hotel guests and day-spa-goers from 7 am to 10
pm daily. Treatments can be scheduled between 8 am to 9 pm. Spa, fitness
studio and swimming pool memberships, day-spa packages, and wedding
packages are also available. For reservations or more information, please
call +91 44 30958190/8191 or email spa.chennai@theleela.com
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
61
Travel Promotion
Chef’s Corner
Day 2
Discover Indian designer-wear at the Mehar Chand Market at
Lodhi Road, and then proceed to the Crescent at the Qutab,
a charming location in the shadows of the Qutab Minar, the
13th-century towering Moghul minaret. In the evening, you
72 hours
in Delhi
The Leela Palace New Delhi team
has chalked out a well-thought-out
itinerary that enables you to sightsee,
and splurge at the capital’s finest
shopping markets.
T
do an art walk at the property, where some great paintings
and sculptures by celebrated Indian artists are exhibited. Take
pleasure in a complimentary couple-spa treatment at the
hotel’s ESPA, Dine at Jamavar, the signature Indian restaurant.
The Executive Chef of
The Leela Palace Bangalore
shares his love for food,
work and beans on toast.
Day 3
Tell us about the various countries you have worked in
It includes a visit to Delhi’s finest shopping centres. Set your
through your career. Which is the best for foodies?
shopping binge in motion with a trip to Santushti, which has
I’ve been lucky to have worked in Italy, the US, The Middle East,
upscale,
selling
Sri Lanka, India (twice), Maldives, Singapore and Philippines.
shoes,
Without a shadow of doubt, the best country for foodies
one-of-a-kind
amongst these is Singapore. Just go to any Hawker centre (an
apparels,
paintings
chic
shops
jewellery,
and
Next,
open-air complex in a Southeast Asian country) and you will
you’re taken to the adjacent
find that the variety amazing and the food is simply delicious.
Ayurvedic
products.
Chef Adrian Mellor, who has more than 27 years of experience, has
worked across a range of award-winning fine dining restaurants in
Asia and Europe. Heading the team at The Leela Palace Bangalore,
Chef Adrian combines culinary creativity with people management
skills. He is also known for his laconic sense of humour.
Khan Market — a vivacious
shopping area that has a mix of
What are the must-try dishes at The Leela Palace Bangalore?
handicrafts from all over India.
Every restaurant, be it Jamavar, Citrus or Zen, has a loyal
he Leela Palace New Delhi has come up with a special
In the afternoon, return to the
following, with guests always coming back for more.... I would
package that is a convenient way of exploring the city’s
hotel for lunch, and then depart
say we received lovely feedback on our South Indian dishes,
heritage and its shopping scene. Gorgeous textiles,
for Dilli Haat, a place where
especially the Moola masala at Citrus, which is lamb brains
handcrafted jewellery, exquisite woven carpets — the capital
‘city people’ can get a taste of
tempered in spices, and the Elaneer payasam at Jamavar,
of India has a slew of excellent shopping spaces, and the
rural life and its legends. This
which is a simple but heavenly rice pudding infused with
expedition will breeze you through these in less than 72 hours.
will be followed by a visit to the
tender coconut and cardamom. I am excited to see what
to climb up the career ladder as soon as possible, so you
Cottage Industries Emporium,
our guests would like when we launch our new restaurant
have to keep them engaged and show them the right path.
Day 1
where you will find exquisite
Le Cirque Signature.
For our team members, we try and let them come up with
You will be staying in one of the Grand Deluxe rooms of the
handicrafts and textiles. Return
hotel, and all three days begin with a delectable breakfast for
to the hotel to relax and dine
We learn that you have a very cosmopolitan team. How do
so that they derive a sense of pride and ownership; cooking
two at The Qube, the all-day dining restaurant offering a view
at
you keep the staff motivated and nurture their creativity?
with confidence is the most essential building block for their
of the verdant garden and the glorious metallic sculpture of
While at the hotel, do visit the
Times have changed — today’s young chefs are in a hurry
future development.
Goddess Devi. After the breakfast, you’re taken on a guided
lifestyle
tour around Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk — here’s where
which houses an exceptional
Citrus at The Leela Palace Bangalore
What’s your signature dish?
your shopping extravaganza commences. Post that, drive
collection of woven textiles,
It used to be braised lamb in madeira with root vegetable
past the Diplomatic Enclave to get a view of the impressive
vintage jewellery, handcrafted
fondant; and I am a dab hand at beans on toast.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament of India and India Gate.
silverware and artifacts.
one
of
its
restaurants.
boutique
AMALYA,
Roast rack of lamb is one of Chef Adrian’s favourite dishes
dishes (especially for the buffets and special menu nights),
If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?
Luncheon will be held at The Qube, or you could opt to eat
62
Adrian Mellor
in the comfort of your room. After that, visit Delhi’s renowned
For enquiries and bookings,
Hauz Khas village to enchant yourself with a maze of outlets
please call The Leela
selling independent labels, retro clothes, contemporary art,
Reservations worldwide,
What’s the best compliment you have ever received?
silver jewellery and lots more. Following your shopping spree,
18001031444 (India toll
During my career, I’ve had so many (I’ve also been told
you return to The Leela Palace New Delhi to relax, after which
free) or write to them at
uncomplimentary things; you take the good with the bad). But
you can have dinner at any of the hotel’s restaurants.
reservations@theleela.com
I am not one to blow my own trumpet.
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
Homeless.
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
63
Oenophilia
Jet Set Go
A brief history of wine
Exploring its roots and what makes it one of
the world’s most coveted commodities.
W
ine as we know it is not a
modern invention. Rather it
is steeped in history and ancient
traditions. Let us explore its roots
and what is it that now makes this
magical elixir one of the world’s
most coveted commodities. Wine
was being made in China as
early as around 7000 BC, where
it was being consumed for its
dynamic
healing
properties;
relics of wine (fermentation vats,
Jamavar at The Leela Palace New Delhi
storage jars, etc.) have been
traced to the caves in Armenia
dating as far back as around
4000 BC; fermented grape juice
is referenced in the works of the
Aishwarya Nair
Food & wine merchandising,
The Leela Palaces,
Hotels and Resorts
What are your favourite cities
And the Negroni cocktail is the best drink
across the globe?
in the world!
I like many cities, but I would choose
New York, because it’s a place where
What is your first memory of Delhi?
BC-322 BC); wine has also been
tomorrow is always full of creativity
I was in Delhi 33 years ago, and I often
depicted in many of the paintings made during the Roman rule.
and energy.
got a chance to see an elephant and a
Greek philosopher Aristotle (384
In the Early Middle Ages, people drank wine because
wine was used to disinfect water. It was during The
cow at times, during evenings. Now,
Dionysus, the Greek god of wine
the alternatives, milk and water, were carriers of diseases;
and China. This separation was largely due to the style,
technique and laws of the wine-making specific to
Renaissance that wine began transforming itself from
Tell us something about your stay at
of course, it’s a crowded metropolis,
The Leela Palace New Delhi. How’s
with hustle and bustle all around.
your experience been?
a necessity to a luxury — from around 14th century
these regions. Wines from Old World, which has cool
It has been an amazing experience —
What are the places in the Delhi-NCR
onwards, when they started treating water to
to moderate climates, tend to have a lighter body,
perfect staff and perfect hotel. This is the
region that foreign travellers must
subtle fruit, and high earthiness and minerality, whereas
only one of the international standard in
check out?
the capital.
You must visit Old Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb,
make it portable.
With the Industrial Revolution, wine-making
wines from New World, which has moderate to warm
processes began to get more streamlined, and
climates, tend to have a more fuller body, bold
the result was that the 20th century witnessed
fruit, and low earth and minerality nuances.
What are the dishes you enjoy most at Le
the demarcation between generic and fine
Of course, depending on the winemaker’s
Cirque? Are there any other restaurants at
What’s your take on fashion
wines: The older-wine making regions, known
discretion, there are exceptions to this rule.
the hotel that you recommend?
sensibilities in Delhi?
I like the entire menu at Le Cirque, but
The younger generation is really style-
if I have to choose one dish, it would be
conscious, and they are always in sync
the T-bone steak, which is better than the
with the latest trends. In the coming
ones you find in Tuscany. From MEGU to
few years, the city may even become
Jamavar, everything is top-notch here.
comparable to Paris.
Knowing this background of wine may
as Old World, consisted of France, Italy, Greece,
and Spain, and regions in North Africa and the
alter your perception of it — understanding
Middle East, and New World had United States,
its historic relevance makes wine not just
fermented
South America, Australia, and South Africa and
alcohol
tasted,
appreciation of history in itself.
new wine-growing regions of Asia, such as India
but
rather
an
and the famous Hauz Khas village.
Camilo Pronti
Italian designer and
Managing Director,
American Society of
Journalists and Authors
An old Armenian
style wine jug
64
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
65
Snapshot
Events
A sacred space
A
bout 150 years old, this Lord Shiva temple is in a restored
space inside The Leela Palace Udaipur. Legend has it
that Maharana Fateh Singh (who ruled Mewar from 1884
to 1930) used to pray at this temple for inspiration; and, in
our times, the Leela Udaipur family offers daily obeisances
to the deity. Prayers are recited twice everyday, in the
morning and the evening. On special festivals, the temple
is decorated in true Rajasthani style. The temple also adds
another touch of authenticity to the wedding rituals and
functions that happen at the resort.
Fun and
learning
O
rganised by Avijit Ghosh, The Leela Group’s Corporate Pastry Chef, The Callebaut
Pastry Workshop was a mixture of play and knowledge. The venue for this three-
day team-building exercise was the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy in Mumbai.
The attendees — pastry chefs and chocolatiers from The Leela group’s Udaipur,
Goa, Gurgaon, Bangalore, New Delhi and Mumbai properties — were divided into two
groups, and were tasked with making entremets, pralines, chocolate bonbons, and
pastries. Each team was also asked, by Chef Avijit, to make a chocolate showpiece,
which revolved around the FIFA world cup.
Chef Avijit also gave the 12 people an insight into the modern techniques of
pastry-making and the recent global trends in desserts.
Accolades
66
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
Triple bonanza
‘Virtuoso Hotel’
The Leela Palace New Delhi continues piling up accolades. It
The Leela Palace Udaipur is now one of the properties featured
emerged as one of the ‘Best ranked properties’ in Expedia’s
in Virtuoso, a leading luxury travel network. Virtuoso’s network
Insiders’ Select 2014 Hotel, on Expedia, in August this year. In
covers more than 330 travel agencies with more than 7,200
the same month, the hotel’s Jamavar restaurant was declared
elite travel advisors in 20 countries as well as more than 1,250
the ‘Best Indian Restaurant’ at the Safari India South Asia
of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations.
Travel Awards 2013. On the other hand, Le Cirque won the
The American company works together with the agencies to
‘Best International Cuisine Restaurant in India’ title at the
create customised vacations — good news for those who are
CNBC Awaaz Travel Awards 2013, in June this year.
planning a retreat at The Leela Palace Udaipur.
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
67
Guest Speak
Perspective
Life in a metro
American Jeffrey Goldberg first came to
Mumbai, in 2006, to co-write the screenplay
of a film. Today, this director/actor/playwright
is grooming aspiring talents of Bollywood.
B
“Thank you for the wonderful and comfortable stay. Everything was elegant
and peaceful, especially the gardens... It just gets better everytime.”
Vasundhara Raje
with Abhishek Sahai,
GM of The Leela
Palace Udaipur, and
the rest of the team
Vasundhara Raje
Chief Minister of Rajasthan
Chuck Hagel
United States
Secretary of Defense
The Leela Palace
New Delhi
“I greatly enjoyed
my visit to The
Leela. My best
regards to all
of the staff
and I wish for
your continued
success.”
68
Milkha Singh
Athletics legend
The Leela
Ambience
Gurgaon
“My love
and best
wishes for
the Leela team.”
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
Vijender Singh
Olympic bronze-winning
boxer
Dr. Ali Mohamed
Shein
President of Zanzibar
The Leela
Kovalam
The Leela Palace
Bangalore
“My holiday to
Kerala with my
wife and son
was wonderful.
We stayed
at The Leela
Kovalam and
the surrounding
destinations were
simply exotic.”
“Thank you
for your warm
hospitality. My
wife and I enjoyed
staying in this
state of the art
hotel. We would
like to extend our
warmest gratitude
to the management
and entire staff for
a job well done.”
Sushmita Sen
Film actress and
former Miss Universe
efore coming to India, I thought I knew what it was going
revolved around the day the ship was beached in the city.
to be like. After all, I had spent 10 years in Paris living
My movie The Persian is about the sacrifice one sibling
in an Indian neighbourhood. I had spent many evenings
makes for another. You’ll see me act in the upcoming film
watching DVDs of Bollywood movies that I used to buy at
Angry Indian Goddesses, starring Sarah Jane Dias, and
an Indian supermarket. But actually living here has been a
play the role of the villain in a Hindi flick, opposite Mithun
surprising experience.
(Chakraborty) da.
I find Mumbai fascinating. It is vibrant and colourful. Like
A couple of months ago, I founded the Jeff Goldberg Studio,
New York, it is constantly on the move; but it has a totally
in Bandra, at the Art Loft. Apart from personally coaching my
different rhythm. I enjoy Indian cuisine, especially the masalas;
students in screenwriting and acting, I regularly fly down
my favourite dish is paneer bhurjee. As an extrovert, I make
some of the instructors from the Lee Strasberg Theatre as
new friends wherever I go, but I have been overwhelmed by
guest lecturers. Folks here often wonder how a Hollywood
the Indian spirit: the people here are friendly, curious, funny,
guy could train an Indian actor. Bollywood may have
kindhearted and make you feel welcome irrespective of
its nuances, but the language of human emotion transcends
where you come from.
cultural and linguistic barriers.
I came to the country to co-write the screenplay of Slightly
I have travelled extensively across the country, and my
Sane, for the Indo-French director Pan Nalin, which went on to
favourite holiday destination is Udaipur. I’ve been there a
win the Best Project Award at the Busan Film Festival, in South
few times, though I haven’t been able to visit all its palaces.
Korea. Very quickly, I found myself inundated with work.
The city is the exact picture of what a foreigner has in mind
The M.V. Wisdom episode — where the cargo vessel was
when he thinks of India.
stranded at Juhu beach, attracting thousands of visitors
— inspired me to write and direct Wisdom, a play that
— As told to Nolan Lewis
The Leela Goa
“I absolutely
love the peace
and serenity
here! The
warmth and the
service and all
of it. Thank you
for providing
a wonderful
home away
from home.
See you
again soon.”
Jeffrey Goldberg is part of the faculty at the Lee Strasberg
Theatre and Film Institute, School of Visual Arts and Fordham
University. He recently founded the Jeff Goldberg Studio, in
Bandra, where he teaches Indians scriptwriting, directing and
acting. His first feature film “Solomon Enev” premiered at the
14th St. Petersburg International Film Festival. Following this
project, his feature film script Aleksander Rouge won Best
Screenplay at the ECU, European Independent Film Festival.
As an actor Jeff appeared in France’s leading national
television channel, playing the role of Robert Clive in the
network’s elaborate 18th century mini-series, Rani.
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
69
Social Index
Insider’s Guide
Where dreams blossom
Top things to do
in Ahmedabad
Rani Ki Vav
was built in the
11th century
CORBIS
Mumbai-based Muktangan offers high-quality education to
underprivileged children in the city. By Sana Krishna
Tips on how
to make your
visit to the city
memorable
from Gujarat’s
chief minister,
Anandiben Patel.
At Muktangan’s schools, textbooks and other learning
secondary) in Mumbai, the charity Muktangan currently
material are stacked in the classroom itself, so the students
offers education to 2900 children from underprivileged sections
don’t have to carry heavy schoolbags with them. And, since
of the society. Set up in 2003, by the Paragon Charitable Trust,
Muktangan believes in the uniqueness of each child, uniforms
Muktangan aspires to help create “an inclusive, empowered
are not mandatory here. The schools also have facilities for
world in which everyone can live in harmony, with freedom of
children who are differently-abled or those who are struggling
expression, respect and honesty”.
with learning disabilities.
The
teaching
surroundings
foster compassion and free-
Many consider Ahmedabad a haven for foodies. What are the
Tell us about the cultural/heritage attractions in and
thinking, developing the all-
traditional dishes a foreign traveller should try?
around Ahmedabad.
round persona of every child.
Khichdi and chaas, khakra, and the farsan (snack food) items
Gujarat is a culturally diverse state, with many sites that
‘Mukt’
khaman dhokla, gathiya and khandvi are some of the Gujarati
are of significance to Hindus, Muslims, Jains and Buddhists.
‘angan’, the space in front of a
dishes that will give you a flavour of the local cuisine.
It’s recommended you visit Akshardham, in the nearby city
home. Together, they symbolise
means
freedom
and
of Gandhinagar, an inspiring stone structure and temple
the freedom given to express
What are some restaurants in the city worth dining at?
dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Rani ki Vav (Queen’s
oneself
There is Vishalla (in Vasna), a village-themed restaurant. It
Stepwell, built in the 11th century, in Patan; one-hour drive
space — and, in Muktangan, this
serves hot and tasty Gujarati items in a sewn leaf. Vishalla has
from Ahmedabad), a single-component, water management
also applies to teachers. The
a very interesting vessels museum, which displays a collection
system divided into seven levels of stairs and sculptural
teachers, through the Muktangan
of antique vessels, pots, etc; and it also hosts performances
panels, the Calico Textiles Museum, which has a fine collection
from folk musicians. Another place is Gordhan Thaal (in
of handmade textiles, and the famous Sidi Saiyyed Mosque,
Satellite). A great place to dine out
known for its fine stone tracery.
with your family, it offers a thali that
mainly has Gujarati favourites but
What
also a few South Indian and North
Indian items. Also try Patang Hotel
are
the
cultural
items/
within
a
protected
Teacher Education programme,
The Muktangan preschool is divided into Seedling (play
become independent professionals, each with their own
school), Sapling (Jr KG) and Young Tree (Sr KG) — reflecting
courses. They develop the proficiency to monitor and then to
the charity’s beliefs of organic growth. The logo of Muktangan
offer individualised support to their students.
(as shown below) has an interesting concept behind it. An egg
The SSC Board exam results of the first batch of Muktangan
souvenirs one can shop for?
evolves into a caterpillar and then a butterfly. The butterfly
students (42 in all) were out earlier this year, and, as the
Khadi items from near the Sabarmati
symbolises the natural growth of every child into a self-
following facts show, they are impressive: 1) 97 per cent
(Ashram road), a revolving restaurant
Ashram, handicrafts and handloom
empowered and free-thinking individual, the sun denotes the
of students have scored a first class 2) The average score
where you can enjoy a panoramic
from places such as Garvi Gurjari,
creative energy that pervades the classrooms of the NGO, and
of the 8 dyslexic-certified children was 72 per cent, all
view
River
Khadi Gramudyog Emporiums, Kapasi
the dotted circle shows how all of us are interconnected, and
of them acquiring a first class 3) Seven students scored above
while savouring cuisines such as
Handicrafts Emporium, Hastkala and
that we are always learning from one another.
80 per cent.
Continental, Mexican, etc.
Saurashtra Emporium.
of
the
Sabarmati
The Calico Textiles Museum
Anandiben Patel become the first woman chief minister of Gujarat in May this year, succeeding Narendra Modi. She joined
the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1987, after she had decided to volunteer for a drought relief program. Before this, in the same
year, she had caught the attention of the party leaders for a courageous act, where she had jumped into Sardar Sarovar
reservoir to rescue two girls from drowning. She was given a gallantry award from the governor for her effort. In previous
governments, Patel has served as an education minister and revenue minister for the state.
70
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hrough its seven municipal schools (pre-school to
THE LEELA MAGAZINE – WINTER 2014
How you can support Muktangan
You can work with Muktangan, volunteer, fundraise for the NGO
or donate. Rs 15,000 funds a pre-primary child’s education for
one year, Rs 25,000, a primary child’s education, and Rs 30,000,
a middle-school child’s education.
For more details, send an email to contact@muktanganedu.org
or visit http://muktanganedu.org/support-us/
WINTER 2014 – THE LEELA MAGAZINE
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