Wayfarer’s memories with Purab Kohli

travelThe taste of India,

Masterchef and more...

food

Hit Formula ofPK and RK Hirani

entertainment

January 2015 | Issue 02www.thebrownscooter.com

entertainmentBheja Frying with Vinay Pathak

Editors Instruction ManualGreetings everyone! 2015 is here and The Brown Scooter is all about being NEW, starting this month. After receiving an awe-inspiring response in the very first edition, The Brown Scooter brings you the next edition with inspirational stories, endowed personalities and lot of exciting hacks.

So be it the kitchen stories of the Masterchef Vikas Khanna or the success story of Raju Hirani or the journey of Vinay Pathak and travel diaries of Purab Kohli, TBS’s January magazine is all about being new and stirring!

So put your helmets on, auto-start the scooter, go on a new ride and have a great 2015!

Feel free to get in touch with us at thebrownscooter@gmail.com and share your thoughts and ideas with us.

Dakshin Adyanthaya | Pranali Punwatkar | Praful Mishra

www.thebrownscooter.com

Praful Mishra - Design Head

creative team

Hrishikesh Bhadresh Thakkar

copy supervisors

Jayakrishnan RMegha ShrimaliVarun Inamdar Sakshi Mittal Janaki Nagaraj Sunil GanuAnita . M Amena AzeezParampara Patil Hashmi

Dakshin Adyanthaya – Social Media & MarketingPranali Punwatkar – Account Management Head

contributors

founders

Taste of India, Masterchef and more with Vikas Khanna

The Kitchen Konnect Thukpa by Sakshi Mittal

2015 is all about newby Varun Inamdar

CHOPSTICKS

INDEX

The hit formula of PK and RK Hirani by Anita M

CWTakeOne – Shamitabh by Cinemawali

Bheja Fryingwith Vinay Pathak

Carpe Diem: The World Festby Megha Shrimali

Wayfarer’s Memoirs with Purab Kohli

ENTERTAINMENT

BACKPACK

Vibhas SenPeople Diaries

INSPIRE LIVING

The Black Pill - A New Perspective by Jayakrishnan Nambiar

Snippets – Embrace Humanity by Janaki Nagaraj

From the Master’s Deskby Sunil Ganu

FROM MY DIARY

5 Must have makeupby Amena Azeez

INTERIORS OFA WARDROBE

Taste of India, Masterchef and more with Vikas Khanna

The Kitchen Connect Thukpa by Sakshi Mittal

2015 is all about newby Varun Inamdar

With changing times and evolution of cooking techniques, there haven’t been many chefs in India who have managed to make a name for themselves globally like Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. This 42 year 'young' cooking heartthrob has been charming the younger generation with his personality, wooing the ladies with his cooking tricks and winning hearts with his grounded yet comforting celebrity status. When the Brown Scooter caught up with this host of Masterchef India, here is what he had to say...

taste of india, masterchef and more with Vikas Khanna

Photo courtesy - Vikas Khanna Group

TBS: You've played a big role in the success of the Indian segment of the hugely popular cooking show, Masterchef. What are the ingredients required to become the next Masterchef India?VK: This is a very big platform. People need to understand the level of competition and take not only the food to a new level but also their careers. But to reach there, it is very important that the contestants believe in 5 big 'ingredients' to win the Masterchef India title.

TBS: You have travelled to so many places across the globe! Which is that one country or city according to you that is under-rated when it comes to food?VK: Meri Jaan Nikal Jati Hai Jab Koi Bhutan Ka Naam Leta Hai! It is not the tall buildings of Manhattan or the beautiful art decos of places like Paris, but a place like Bhutan that I would love to visit for food. The people, their culture and their food is really wonderful.

Taste: You need to experiment with different tastes and bring out new flavours in every attempt.

Thought: There needs to be a thought process behind the experiment or the ingredients while attempting a dish in every round.

Technique: You don’t need to always innovate procedures. Sometimes a simple technique of cooking can do wonders. For example, a contestant was selected for making a simple Halwa. The reason was that it was the best Halwa we ever had!

Persistence: The format of the show is not for weak-hearted contestants. There is always pressure to stand-out with so many dishes being presented to the judges. It is very important not to give up and have the persistence to carry on till the end.

Last but not the least,

Vision: If you are selected in such a big platform it is very important for you to visualise your way forward in the show and find ways to not only win the show, but also make a dream career out of this opportunity that has been served to you.

TBS: One dish according to you that is under-rated?VK: Again, it would be from Bhutan. The dish is called Emadashi, which is similar to a Fondue and has only chillies and cheese as its ingredients. The cheese here is made from Yak milk, and can also be replaced by blue cheese. It's so good in fact, that I selected to present this dish to President Barrack Obama when I had an opportunity to play host to him. The best part about it is that it’s simple, warm and the chilli is not used here just as a condiment, but as a flavour.

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TBS: From Bhutan to India, your show on sweets. - The Taste of India - has surely left people drooling and craving for sweets. According to you, which are the 5 cities in India to eat sweets?VK: I think travel has taken me to each and every sweet shop in India, and I feel really lucky because of that. If I had to choose 5 cities that serve the best Indian sweets, in no particular order, it would be Mysore, Jaipur, Ahmadabad, Kolkata and Old Delhi; Old Delhi being my favourite. I simply admire the taste and deliciousness the city offers!

TBS: So then which would be your favourite sweet?VK: The Rajasthani Ghevar. You won’t believe, the first time I made a Ghevar it was made so perfectly that out of excitement I threw it in the air! I tossed the pan and went dancing around saying I created it perfectly, only to realise it cracked out of my excitement. Same thing happened when I created Soan Papdi. On most occasions I get carried away with excitement!

TBS: Women admire your cooking and you have a great female fan following who simply adore your personality. What should a lady cook to impress you?VK: (laughs) Haske kuch bhi khila do main kha lunga. I can be impressed with anything someone cooks for me with love. My producers say, “Sir, if we make you the only judge of Masterchef India, you will make everyone a winner”. In fact if anyone makes a simple comfort dish like a daal, with a lot of love and soulfulness,it would be more than enough to impress me.

TBS: What is that one tip that you would like to give for perfect cooking?VK: I often advice people that fast cooking is not the best cooking. Greatest of dishes need their own sweet time to cook. In our households, I have never seen Indian women going full throttle to make a roti or any curry; that’s because every ingredient needs the reverence to be cooked.

TBS: It's been a pleasure chatting with you! Thank you so much chef Vikas Khanna for taking a ride on The

Brown Scooter and we wish you loads of success for your new season of Masterchef India.

Photo courtesy - Vikas Khanna Group

The Kitchen Konnect - Recipe of Thukpaby Sakshi Mittal

I was introduced to Thukpa more than a decade ago at New Delhi’s Dilli Haat, which was the then home for cash-strapped food lovers. There was something remarkable about this special, humble, soupy noodle – its medley of flavors, strong aromatic seasoning and bright coloured vegetables that pulled me towards it. What more can I desire from an almost wintery lunch? Over time, I travelled to places and was recently confronted with a Thukpa again; this time in a more authentic avatar - a Tibetan’s kitchen at Mcleod Ganj. Localised versions of Thukpa have been spotted in various parts of Himalayas, though Thukpa finds its origins in the Eastern part of Tibet.

Thukpa is a kind of exotic soupy noodle that has a characteristically complex and warm flavour. It is fairly simple to prepare and can be adapted according to the location; for eg. In some parts of Nepal and India, people use cumin seeds and bay leaf in their Thukpa. Thukpa is also cooked with several varying proteins – beef, chicken, yam, vegetables, momos, wontons and eggs. Its ingredients are most easily available and it can easily become a part of your staple diet. This soupy noodle is not only healthy, but scrumptious and filling too. The recipe below is created to conveniently accommodate your variations too, so go ahead and make one today!

INGREDIENTS1 bowl cooked noodles (egg/flat/wontons/momos)1 medium onion, sliced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 3-4 dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked in warm water for one hour) 1 cup cabbage, chopped 1/2 cup carrots, julienned 1/2 cup red bell peppers, julienned1/2 cup celery, julienned2 medium Japanese radish 2 tablespoon cilantro, chopped 1 inch ginger, minced

4 cups of vegetable broth 1 tsp yellow curry powder 2 tablespoon chilli-garlic sauce1 tablespoon light soy 3 tablespoon tomato Sauce1 tablespoon vinegar or fresh lemon juice1/2 tsp turmeric 1/2 tsp szechwan pepper 2 tbsp canola oil salt and pepper to taste 1 bowl chicken breasts, sliced (optional)

Thukpa

Precook your preferred noodles in boiling water and drain when they are slightly undercooked.

Prepare fresh vegetable/chicken broth.

In a saucepan, heat oil and add onions and sauté till golden brown. Stir well for a minute or so. Sauté all the vegetables on high heat for a minute. (If you are using chicken, this is a good time to put the pieces of chicken and brown them well).

In the meanwhile, prepare your paste by combining crushed Szechwan peppers, chilli-garlic, ginger, garlic, yellow curry powder, tomato sauce, vinegar and light soy. Run the mixture in a blender untill well-processed.

Add Thukpa paste in the saucepan and fold the paste for a minute with the vegetables. Pour in the broth and mix well. Add in salt and pepper.

Cook on simmer for 5 minutes.

To serve, pour soup broth into a serving bowl and add the cooked rice noodles. Serve immediately.

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Written by Sakshi Mithal, Founder and artist at The Kitchen Connect. She can be reached at sakshim@thekitchenconnect.com

METHOD

While we have always been in awe of the old, vintage and archaic, today’s times and lives are both getting more and more charged towards tapping new things to spike the consumers’ interests - our palates, our experiences and styles of communication. But, do we blatantly just blame it on the changing times, or are we seriously in for venturing onto some new plateaus? Now, this is something that needs to some deep introspection.

‘Change is Inevitable’ - as the old adage goes, we still wish to cling onto the known, the tried, and the often tested. However, no matter how old one gets, there is no real reason to snarl and be unwelcoming. ‘Change’ allows us a gateway to a new world… a world full of new possibilities, exploration and experimentation in every universal and man-made aspect. The world of food and restaurants is no different.

Over the last decade, hospitality industry has undergone a series of rapid transformations. The changing aspirations, choices and behavioural patterns of the consumers form a very crucial parameter that’s driving this transformation. This, combined with the entry of international players into the market, and the aggressive mushrooming of the casual and fine-dine restaurants by Indian entrepreneurs has significantly changed the industry scenario. Earlier, the food service industry comprised of numerous unorganized players and a few international brands. However, in the current situation, the industry is constantly adapting itself and evolving by identifying and setting trends, be it in culinary, service, marketing, design or most importantly, the concepts. To stay relevant to the changing customer receptivity, new and innovative concepts have begun to carve out their space. In fact, they’ve provided a leeway in setting an example, to make dining out more about a complete experience, than only about the product.

2015 is all about ‘new’with Varun Inamdar

NEW PALATE

NEW EXPERIENCE

Today’s alpha consumers are tech-savvy, have constant access to news and trends from across the globe, are well read, extensively travelled and are empowered with a high spending prowess. This has quintessentially allowed their taste buds to remain open to new experiences and a wider range of cuisines. Authenticity of the flavour and elements supersede the popularity for this set of consumers. At a stage where the industry is currently at an all time high, we see international chefs taking keen interest in the Indian market, while trying to lure the evolving Indian palate with their creations. Marking the evolution of food industry is the fact that local chefs have started hosting experimental tables, playing with novel ingredients, textures and flavours. Tasting menus are on every single restaurant table in the city, allowing space for customers to treat themselves to a large number of flavours and courses. Poi Vinaigrette, Aloha, Latin Adobo, Seaweed Sandwich, Ginger Ponzu and the likes are being created with ease in our kitchens, and are finding takers too. Restaurants are beginning to smoke and pickle their own meats and vegetables. Sriracha, which was once the most famous name on the menu, is today a sauce of the past, as a number of new sauces have already started marching in. There is a very strong focus on the cultural stories revolving around food & flavours and a renaissance of the Indo ethnic cuisine. Profundity of the local essence and culture is seen to be trickling down the food chart and gain prominence.

Lately, many new players have perforated the market successfully. The hospitality industry has become more adaptive towards new restaurants by providing them with enough space to thrive and flourish. The industry players are evidently pushing the confines with a clear one-track agenda i.e. to provide patrons with an experience that they can cherish and talk about. This flow has resulted in the growth of many new specialty restaurants. In terms of consumer service, the future will witness ‘value proposition’ gaining stronger eminence. Existing players have further branched out to tap a wider consumer base. The quality of experience and value additions that a restaurant provides will let the restaurant gain stronger prominence. Exhilarating concepts will take form. Following through with the craft of innovation, both, fine-dine and causal-dine restaurants will continue to do so at a much more competitive pricing layout.

NEW COMMUNICATIONThe new age of digital marketing has created a whole new realm of opportunities, with customer experience at the core. In terms of convenience, the industry is seen to be moving from phone calls to phone applications, especially as ordering-in gets more popular.

This has inspired many restaurants to create applications that can be downloaded on iOS, Android and Windows platforms that the consumers can download and use to order food or receive gratifications. The nature of the medium changes the growth curve for brands of all sizes; through the widespread buzz it creates among the technology-empowered consumers.

In today’s dynamic generation, it is very important for a brand to develop and sustain a youthful appeal. It becomes a vital aspect in order to create an immediate connect and make the right kind of impact amongst the target audience, especially across the digital and social media platforms.

Today, the consumers want recommendations, comments and engagement with their servers, and wish to be more ‘connected’ with their meal. In today’s dynamic restaurant service industry, providing an exceptional customer experience is what forms the root of any restaurant. Firmer the root, stronger and taller will the tree grow. At the cost of sounding like Paulo Coelho, the faster you make up your mind to say a thanking ‘goodbye’, the quicker life will spring back at you with a new ‘hello’. So welcome the new, but gracefully build it on!

The hit formula of PK and RK Hirani by Anita M

CWTakeOne – Shamitabh by Cinemawali

Bheja Fryingwith Vinay Pathak

PK and RK HIRANIBY ANITA MTHE HIT FORMULA

A recent viral post across several social networking sites rightly says, ‘you don’t judge a Rajkumar Hirani film, it judges you.’ A man, as simple as his films, still manages to leaves a mark on you. Join us on this ride as the harbinger of sheer cinematic excellence, Rajkumar Hirani, hops onto The Brown Scooter and takes us on a journey; right from the success of PK and his equation with Sanjay Dutt to the Munnabhai Series and a lot more…

TBS: Let us first congratulate you on the success PK has garnered. Now, tell us, were you nervous when PK released, considering your 100% track-record?RH: Thank you! Well, the only film I was not nervous about was Munnabhai M.B.B.S. The reason is that it was my 1st film and I was just happy with the thought of being able to make my first film; and even my family and friends had liked it, so I was just happy. Henceforth, I was and have been nervous for all the movies I made. The previous film used to always feel better than the current one. So nervousness was obviously there, but we were confident because of the uniqueness of the story of PK.

TBS: How do you feel about the success of PK at the box-office?RH: Eventually, you want your film to be loved, more than the bucks it makes. If I wanted to equate success with money, I would have made many more films. So when you have put in so much effort, you want the movie to be remembered for a long time. Success depends on how it will resonate with the audience, which depends from story to story. Money is just a cherry on the top.

TBS: How would you react if one said ‘Rakjumar Hirani knows the pulse of the audience’?RH: Nobody knows the pulse of the audience. A director should never judge what the audience likes because he will falter when he does that. In fact, you should make what YOU would like. Because even I am an audience, if I like it, there are a few others who might like it too. But the rate at which people find resonance to a film may be different - like 3 Idiots connected more to people as compared to a Munnabhai.

the hit formula of pk and rk hiraniby Anita M

TBS: Agreed. What is next in line now?RH: Next is a biopic on Sanjay Dutt. We are still scripting it though, and Ranbir would be playing his part.

TBS: How did you come up with the idea of a biopic on Sanjay Dutt?RH: To be honest, I had no plans to be making a biopic. I had thought, I’d finish PK and start writing for the next for the Munnabhai series. But when Sanju had come for that three months parole, he invited me home once. He was going through that phase where there was this sword of imprisonment hanging on his neck for long; and now when he finishes his term he knows he will finally be free. So in that frame of mind, he started speaking about his childhood and many other things. I had gone to spend just an hour with him and I ended up spending eight hours. So Abhijeet Joshi and I used to meet him every day - we did this for 25 days. I discovered that even though I had done three films with Sanjay, I knew only 1% of him. There is no intension to glorify him, or put him in a bad light. I just want to say a story as is. When I told him I wanted to make a biopic on him, he was very excited.

TBS: Well so are we… Are there plans about coming out with the 3rd installment for Munnabhai?RH: Yes we do want to make that, but it will only happen when our Munnabhai (Sanjay Dutt) is out. We would have to wait till then. Nobody can replace Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi as Munnabhai and Circuit. (Smiles)

Thank you very much for your time! Hope you enjoyed this ride all along. We hope and wish that the new year blossoms with fresh ideas and new concepts (like always).

thank you!

The cinematic calendar of 2015 has indeed begun with a bang! The line up of films in the first month of the year being Arjun Kapoor starrer Tevar, Akshay Kumar and Neeraj Pandey’s Baby, Ayushmann Khurrana’s Hawaizaada. The variation of subjects of these films is indeed a great sign of progressing towards a brighter future for the art of filmmaking.

Another interesting release that has instantly caught attention has to be R. Balki’s next Shamitabh, which is slated for release on 6th February 2015.

Shamitabh is tale of dreams, ambitions, talent, success, partnership and ego- the dark side of success. The film has an interesting star cast with the brilliance of Dhanush and the superstardom of Bachchan senior, Shamitabh is the tale of an actor who gains success and stardom when backed by a powerful voice of emotion. With the importance of both the physical and the auditory elements being highlighted, the dark side of success override with ego clashes between the best partnerships!

Apart from the intriguing story line, Shamitabh gives you more reasons than you can count to watch the film-

It’s a competition between whisky & water! “Who gets you high?” asks a drunk Bachchan. Not to miss out Amitabh’s handsome new avatar!

Admit it! When we talk of talent, Dhanush is the superstar that we’re talking off. (Also, he’s back in a Hindi film after that mind-blowing act in Ranjhanaa! Double whammy!)

There’s no less talent here! Kamal Haasan and Sarika’s daughter, Akshara seems to be bringing in sizzling debut!

dhanuSH+AMITABH

The well strategized audio teasers and trailer of the film.

I know I can’t stop reasoning, but you have to give credits to Bachchan for singing the Piddly song with a toilet jet in there.

Illairaja’s music is just what Bollywood has been missing on for a while!

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cwtakeone : shamitabhBy Cinemawali Twist

It’s not about age or other demographic divisions. If you’ve watched the trailer of Shamitabh, there’s no way you’d want to miss the film!

“Is Amitabh Bachchan doing the best roles of his career today, or is he simply doing the best roles of his career in this phase, is not too difficult to say! But the combination of Balki and Bachchan has indeed been of the sorts from Pandora’s Box that has always brought out something special our way!”- Cinemawaali

For the makers, for the performers, for the technicians

and mainly for the promise that Shamitabh makes with its first few impressions, the film

is to watch out for!

Truly can’t wait for this one! In the meanwhile,

tell us what your favorite part of Shamitabh is so

far! Until next time…

From enrolling in Stony Brook’s Department of Theatre Arts to pursue his love for theatre, to giving multiple rounds of auditions to get a cameo in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, stories of the versatile actor called Vinay Pathak remain untold to many. In an exclusive interview, The Brown Scooter rode along with him to know about his journey, his personal favourites and the year ahead…

TBS: How did Vinay Pathak get a chance to become the Bollywood actor VINAY PATHAK?VP: My Bollywood journey began with a small role in Deepa Mehta’s ‘Fire’. I met actor Ranjit Chowdhary during a film festival. During our conversation, he asked me if I would be interested in doing a small role in Deepa’s film. I agreed, and he arranged for it. I auditioned at Deepa’s place and I got through. Post which, bunch of us went for an audition for a role in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and I had to go through multiple rounds before I was finally selected for the film.

bheja frying with vinay pathak

TBS: You have been a part of plays, movies and anchoring shows; what is your first love?VP: Cricket! (laughs) I really adore the game, not just because everyone loves it, also because I used to play at school level and I am a die-hard fan of the sport. I would be one of the very few people who could sit through a Test match played by a non-test match playing nation too. Of course then, anchoring a cricket show called Cricket Crazy, for me was a dream job. And then, there was hosting a football show called Duniya Goal Hai. Ranvir Shorey and I were like these two excited kids who got to spend time with legends like Ravi Shastri and Harsha Bhogle. We have had some crazy moments during the show!

But having said that, I love telling stories; whatever the most interesting way of a the story is- be it plays, movies or anchoring, or in any other form, it excites me.

TBS: One play that you have been a part of that is the closest to your heart?VP: There was this play with my good friend Rajat Kapoor that I was a part of, called C for Clown. We first created the clowns, then weaved a story around it, and then created dialogues for it. It was a very very long workshop that made this play come to life and let me tell you, it was worth it.

TBS: But most often, people don’t join a theatre group because there isn’t scope for much income from it. Did you go through such a phase too?VP: Honestly, I did not have a choice. I wanted to act; theatre or movies I wanted to be there. For me everything wasn’t about money, but about passion and choices I had. I started there and I’m still there for the love for plays.

TBS: Are awards the only recognition for actors? VP: I can only speak for myself on this. Personally, as an actor it is very important to be a part of different characters and stories. An actor needs to be versatile enough to perform on any given role. For me that’s the real recognition of an actor. TBS: If you had to pick a movie close to your heart, which one would it be and why?VP: I think it would be Dasvidaniya! It is very special and close to my heart, because in the process of producing the film, I realized everyone who is my friend, is working in the film. There wasn’t anyone who I didn’t know. Be it the actors, music directors, lyricists, writers and technicians, they all came forward and made it happen. I received immense love from the cast and the audience through that film.

TBS: Another movie that earned you applause from the audience was Bheja Fry. Have you met anyone in real life who is as quirky/annoying/eccentric as your character Bharat Bhushan?VP: (Laughs) Many… and trust me when I say MANY!!!

TBS: One co-actor/co-actress you thoroughly enjoyed working with?VP: I have been lucky to have got to work with many of my friends; Ranvir, Rajat, Neha, Konkana and a lot of others. Also, there is Radhika Apte, who I share screen with in a film called Badlapur. She is fantastic and an under-rated actor… simply amazing to act with.

TBS: Who is your favourite actor or actress in Bollywood?VP: I’m a huge fan or Irrfan Khan. His presence is magical and unspoken. He doesn’t do a lot of physical work on-screen, but lets his imagination and character bring the whole and soul to the film. I think his introductory shot in Haider brings the whole house down with just a small scene. Such an impactful actor he is! TBS: The best performance of 2014 by any actor or actress according to you would be?VP: Without a doubt Kangana for Queen. More than the film, I loved the way she nailed the role. She brings the whole world to life and makes you believe in her character and her decisions. She could have made it look animated or caricatured but it was so naturally performed. TBS: Well, what is in store for you in 2015?VP: I’m doing a few interesting movies. Gaur Hari Dastan is a very interesting film and I’m playing the title character. Other than this, I have Sriram Raghavan’s Badlapur, and finally I have another film called Island City.

All the best for these movies and thank you for joining us on this ride> We wish you an amazing 2015 filled with lots of good work and interesting scripts!

thank you vinay!

BACKPACKCarpe Diem: The World Festby Megha Shrimali

Wayfarer’s Memoirs with Purab Kohli

Worldfest 2014: Confluence of Art, Culture & Music

Passing through stretches of greenery and a few small villages, 190 km from Mumbai is the first planned city of India, Lavasa. Surrounded by rolling hills, clouds, natural beauty; it is a definite getaway for those living in Mumbai or Pune.

After repeated failed plans to visit Lavasa, I finally got a chance to admire this beautiful city in December’14 on the occasion of Worldfest India. An internationally acclaimed festival, known to bring the world at one stage. The Worldfest India started in 2011, for anyone who wishes to travel the globe. This fest embraces art, culture, food, handicraft and interactions from various countries. A celebration of life, colour, music and language; that’s Worldfest India for you!

A four hour road journey from Mumbai, Lavasa is an apt choice to celebrate the idea of traveling and global friendship. The city opened its gate to travellers like me to take a trip around the world, free of cost (not literally!). The festival was my virtual passport to the world, a one-stop destination to the life outside India. Fun loving and culturally enriched like-minded crowd from the countries viz. Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Israel, Lithuania, Maldives, Nigeria, Poland, Slovenia, Sri Lanka and Thailand were a part of the fest which offered an opportunity for first hand interactions and learn more about them.

Aware of the heart wrenching tragedy in Peshawar (Pakistan), Worldfest 2014 was started by observing silence and praying for the souls of the school children who lost their precious lives.

carpe diem : the world festby Megha ShrimaliBACKPACK

Worldfest hopes to create global citizens by uniting the youth of today as one people, enriched by individual differences and united by the common thread of humanity. The 5 day long fest from December 17th to December 21st had a lot more to offer than I thought of. A one-of-its-kind concept, this fest is sure to become a crowd puller in the years to come!

Among all the activities and live performances by the artists from various countries, the parade was my favourite. It played the role of a perfect backdrop for a cultural convergence, crowd dancing to

the tunes of various countries, no language barrier or cultural differences.

Isn’t that how a Worldfest is supposed to be?

Worldfest 2014 was not only about countries performing at one stage, it was about cheering one another and taking friendship home. Having said that, great deal of camaraderie was seen among the different countries! There was something for everyone at Worldfest. Be it the food or retail therapy. Countries brought their local bazaar to the fest. Traditional beads, attractive figurines, amazing fibre brass, beautiful bracelets, sling bags, local spices, handcrafted book marks, scarfs, badges, key chains, there was a lot to be seen at the Worldfest! The musicians created magic with violin, accordion, clarinet, button accordion, and double bass.

I got to dress up like a Thai girl, in the traditional clothing called – ‘Chud Thai Ror Ha’, bought home souvenirs and a lot of memories and danced to the tunes of Nigerian Drums! Even though I attended it only on the last day, the list doesn’t end here. The organising team made sure that the International artists get a taste of India and hence celebrated Holi, Diwali and even Garba at the Worldfest. Isn’t that awesome? In a nut-shell, why one should attend Worldfest?

Here’s why:

Confluence of cultures and performing arts at one platform

Live performances and beautiful souvenirs to take home

A concoction of cuisines, handicraft and art

Let’s you go that extra mile and connect with the world

A global community of enthusiastic travellers

And if I can add, the temperature dropped down to 7 degrees in

night and it was a bliss! (Mumbaikars don’t get to

live such a delight, believe me).

Travel Tip: We stayed at the Mercure Hotel. There are ample options to choose from when it

comes to stay and accommodation, ranging from

apartments to hotels and resorts at Lavasa.

The 2014 version might be over, but the fest promises to be a mix

of enthralling activities, experiences and a lot more fun

this year as well! The Brown Scooter will be riding to Lavasa

for The Worldfest 2015, will we be seeing you?

wayfarer’sMEMORIES

WITH PURABKOHLI

What does it feel like to have a versatile personality? Perhaps, someone who could best answer this would be Purab Kohli. Be it with his charismatic character in Hip Hip Hurray or his true-to-life performance in films like Rock On and My Brother Nikhil or even dancing his way to win your hearts on Jhalak Dikhlaja, Purab has done it all; and that too with complete fervor and perseverance. But there is more to this charmer than just appearing on TV or the big screen - his love for travelling! And that’s why, The Brown Scooter took Purab Kohli on a ride to explore his travel chronicles…

TBS: Personal vacations, is it ever a part of your plan? PK: Honestly, my work makes me travel so much, and I get to see so many new places all the time, that when I'm free I like to stay at home for a change. In the past 2 years, I've been to so many different parts of the world and on hundreds of flights but I've taken only one ‘real’ personal travel-holiday.

TBS: You have travelled! Like seriously travelled! So then which destination makes it to your favourite list and why?PK: I'm a traveler who has hosted a travel show for 8 years, so that's the most difficult question to answer. In general, I like the mountains and we have some fantastic ranges in India. The Northeast fascinates me and so does Kashmir and the beautiful Sahyadri range. The Amalfy Coast in Italy is a must-visit, and the 3 drives you should not miss are the Costa Del Sol in the south of Spain, the Garden route in South Africa and Srinagar-to-Leh.

wayfarer’s memories with purab kohli

PK: Wow that was 15 years ago! Ok let me think. The night we spent at the duchess falls in Pachmani fearing we would be eaten by some wild animal at night, and drank a lot of cheap rum to knock ourselves to sleep… Second one would be taking up a challenge with 10-year old kids to jump of a high rock into the Narmada! I only did the jump because it was scarier to climb down the high slippery rock. And third would be the Kabir island in Barooch. It's astonishing to see just one Banyan tree that has spread itself around the whole island.

TBS: What is that one thing Purab Kohli absolutely cannot travel without? PK: My credit card *laughs*. Considering I don't plan too much I need access to money.

TBS: If you could choose any three celebrities in the world to travel with, dead or alive, who would they be and why?PK: For me travel is a very intimate space and I usually don't want any attention while I'm travelling on holiday. So I don't think I would enjoy traveling with a celebrity.

TBS: A vibrant group of 4 went on a trip of a lifetime 'Life mai ek baar', tell us about the experience? PK: Magical! Another superb trip! 10 adventure activities packed into 2 months and 4 guys who dint know what was in store for them. What a great idea, isn’t it?

In a format like that, one gets to face a lot of fears in a short span of time and share those experiences with people you've just met. That definitely leads to great friendships. Also you should see what an impact the show has had on the lives of all of us. I moved out of Bombay, Jupiter quit his job and followed his heart and has landed up working in Malaysia. Arun is in Mexico and Bhaskar is holding fort in Mumbai running an internet business.

TBS: One thing you hate and like about holidays?PK: I hate airports. With all the security these days, one feels so trapped, when your travel is all about freedom. And there are many, many things I like and love.

TBS: Any places that you think are overrated or underrated?PK: Madhya Pradesh is highly underrated. I think following the Narmada has been one of the best trips I've done, and it's so beautiful. While, Thailand is overrated!

TBS: One food or stay experience that has been memorable, good or bad?PK: A village home I rented in Anigundi turned out to be good... no great in fact! It's a village across the river from Hampi. It was lovely to stay in the house, very cozy and had all the amenities. There was also another place called Hoova cafe which served the most delicious dosas for breakfast.

TBS: Places to visit before you die - according to Purab Kohli?PK: There are way too many. But Istanbul, Rome, Hampi, Cherapunjee, Positano, Pangong Tso, Nubra valley are some places that come to my mind.

TBS: Any travel shows/movies people will get to see you in 2015?PK: Tere Ane Se is a love story that should release in the summer. And there might be a small travel stint too, though that's not finalised yet.

TBS: What's been your toughest adventure till date?PK: I participated in Raid in the Himalaya 12 years ago. It's a mad rally up in the mountains. I was navigating a car and it was being shot for Channel V. The show never made it on air due to some sponsor issue, but it's the biggest high I've had on an adventure experience and I had to overcome many fears… that was the toughest part.

TBS: What’s the best piece of travel advice you would give someone?PK: The more open you are while you travel the richer your experience shall be.

That sounds great Purab. TBS wishes you Good Luck for a travel-filled and successful 2015

thank you purab!

5 Must have makeupby Amena Azeez

by Amena Azeezfive must-have makeup products

Now that the New Year has begun, it is time to de-clutter that makeup bag and go back to basics. Before the next ‘it’ product seduces you, it’s time to get your basic makeup must-haves in order. These products are the bare essentials for a polished look, and no makeup bag is complete without them.

Base Makeup: Foundation/Concealer/Compact PowderWhether your skin has zero tolerance for cream-based makeup, or whether you prefer something powder- or liquid-based, the right kind of base makeup (foundation, concealer or compact powder) is not only your best friend, but also the canvas on which the rest of the makeup is applied. Depending on your skin type and tone, pick the one you are most comfortable with.

LipstickBold reds, pretty pinks or rich neutrals, lipsticks are the ultimate picker-upper. Whether you like bright pop colours or classy nude shades, glossy or matte, there is literally every shade in every style available to choose form. Ideally, opt for one with good staying-power and finish. Remember, makeup trends may come and go but a lipstick never goes out of style.

EyelinerWe see with them, we talk with them, we flirt with them - eyes are not just the window to our soul, but also one of the sexiest parts of the body. Paired with the right waterproof liquid liner, kohl, or pencil, they can instantly up your glam quotient and make an onlooker go weak in the knees.

BlushBlush is the ultimate cherry on top of your favorite dessert. Be it peach, rose, terracotta or raspberry, powder, gel, liquid or cream, nothing livens up the face faster than a hint of pretty pop colour swiped across your cheeks.

MascaraThere is nothing more glamorous than long, luscious lashes. A single mascara swipe can transform short and sparse lashes to full and fluffy, and can make your eyes look bigger and brighter in a heartbeat. With multiple formulations available (lengthening, curling, volumizing), it’s one of the easiest ways to transform your look.

FROMMY DIARY

The Black Pill - A New Perspective by Jayakrishnan Nambiar

Snippets – Embrace Humanity by Janaki Nagaraj

From the Master’s Deskby Sunil Ganu

by Jayakrishnan Nambiar

Ingredient 1“Welcome Sir! A human on earth, were you? How boring! Suit up cause your next one begins soon!”“But I just arrived.”“What do you want? A Sabbatical?”“Well, something like that.” *He laughs hysterically* “You earthlings are SO cute. SUIT UP!”“FINE! Do I get to choose?”“666 planets. 33 million species. Take your pick. Choose wisely.” “Razor. Jake Clawson. Megakat City.”“You got it. Godspeed, my friend!”

Ingredient 2 A stripper in Vegas. A terrorist in Afghanistan. A bull fighter in Spain. A samba dancer in Brazil. A nuclear physicist in Russia. A transsexual in India. A thief in Dubai. A tribal woman in South Africa. Imagine waking up as a new person, every morning.Will you learn to love more? Respect more? Be more accepting and not just tolerant? Be more kind and compassionate? Food for thought.

the black pill : a new perspective

Ingredient 3 To write a story on ‘New’I pulled up my socks and stretched my sinewsGot writer’s block, as my thoughts were fewGulped down a coffee for my brain to renew More ideas I needed to start off anewThis was going nowhere, I knewI guess I was just feeling blue*Pew* *Pew* *Pew*

Ingredient 4 Facebook. Twitter. Whatsapp. Instagram. Snapchat. Vine.Like her. RT her. Emoji-fy her. Filter her. Storify her. Film her. None so intimate like staring deep into her sparkling eyes. Running fingers through her silky hair. Holding her angelic face in your palms. Sliding your arm around her near perfect waist pulling her closer. Getting lost in the intoxicating fragrance of her divine scent. New technology. Same old passion. Love well!

Ingredient 5 “I want a new toy.”“I want new a uniform. And new shoes. And new books.”“I need a new bag. A new phone. New jeans.”“I need new shades. And a new bike.”“I need a new job. A new boss.”“I need a new house. A new car.”“I need a new retirement plan. A new hobby.” Our hunt for everything new.The lifelong pursuit of happiness!

by Sunil Ganu

“Words ..words .. words … I am so sick of words,” sang Eliza in My Fair Lady! I’m not! Sick, that is! Words to me are the best gifts that can be exchanged, the most valuable objects friends can cherish for years. They say so much, they express exactly what you feel and want to say!(“Exactly” : now there is a word that creates problems for many of our youngsters who have grown up on a steady diet of French fries, litres of Coke, and images from across oceans that they have never crossed in their lives!) Our youngsters today use words lightly, just as they use up data bytes paid for by parents! Words seem to have lost their import, their weightage, their immediacy! And this apparent fall in value comes from the fact that every person in this country uses too many of them!

We are a verbose nation. And we don’t listen to anybody’s words!!! Here are a few examples:1. We put great stock in how long our film mothers expound on family values before they die (onscreen, of course)! They heave and pant and breathe through entire passages exhorting the errant offspring to mend their ways and not stray from the path of virtue! Then, having delivered their speech, they “die” with eyes open! Right!

from the master’s desk

2. The drone of a pandit rushing through a standard Hindu wedding ceremony at close to Concorde speeds shows how little we care for what is said, just as long as it is said! In front of witnesses! The said witnesses, just by the way, are busy socialising noisily among themselves while only the bride, her groom, and both sets of parents are seriously interested in the nuptial proceedings!One wedding! Owned! Checked! Whatever!

3. In classrooms (in schools and colleges and especially in Establishments of Higher Education), words are tossed about carelessly, aimlessly, casually, thoughtlessly, generally, especially during presentations. Or even when a student is obliged to answer a simple question asked by the hapless teacher! “Umm … well ….. that is …. I mean ….. ahmm …you know …” : these, by my research, show up at the top of the list of “fillers” which take up space / occupy seconds and minutes in timed presentations! These are the bogeymen for which I steadily deduct marks, mentally rubbing my paws together in satisfaction!

I believe this ostentatious display of noise (for I refuse to call them words) comes from a lack of serious thought processes. Normally, a person thinks, and then expresses those thoughts through the accepted codes of sounds we call languages! But what do you process / organise when there is very little thought process going on? You spout inanities / fillers / noises which your interlocutor is supposed to accept as a standard response in a language you share! And once those inanities / fillers / noises are out, you have done your job and you can safely go back to chilling / grooving / whatever kids these days do during a class!Is there a solution to this malady-of-pandemic proportions?I believe there is!

Read at least three good novels written by authors who know what they are doing!And come back to this column next month, when I shall reveal all!

I stay on the 2nd floor and every evening I hear the kids from my apartment building playing down in the driveway. I hear their excited cries and shouts, laughter and their bitter fights. But I was stunned when I heard this – “Arre, Rehman ne humare bhagwan ko gaali di…woh humaare Ganeshji ko ajeeb bola.” (Rehman abused our God, he called Ganeshji weird.)The girl who was accusing the boy was about 12 years old and the boy, Rehman, maybe around 5 years of age!

Where did this come from?

I am sure the boy did not know that ‘Ganeshji’ was a God. But the girl? She was clearly offended and the bitterness in her voice…where did it stem from?

As parents, at home we teach our kids to pray. It is a misconception that religion is taught at home, at least not until the child asks us questions. It is in the school that the children are introduced to various religions. You may argue that the kids should be informed and have knowledge about various races and religions. I don’t argue that. I have a problem with the way they are taught. They are taught that Hindus celebrate Diwali, Muslims – Eid and Christians – Christmas; information then corroborated by the parents.

I have seen schools organizing a Diwali party, a Christmas party or a New Year party. But Eid party? As individuals we all are liberal and tolerant. As a group, we become a herd on a rampage having the capacity to turn any difference-of-opinion into a religious or a political issue. Though we have progressed in every conceivable field, when it comes to religion, we are primitive to the core.The world would be a very happier place if we make humanity as one religion…

by Janki Nagarajsnippets : embrace humanity

INSPIREDLIVING

Vibhas SenPeople Diaries

There are those special moments in life when you do something you like, rather than just doing it because you have to. Going on to achieve something you dreamt of, with limited capabilities but utmost passion, has its own sweet taste when you succeed. When you fail, you try harder; that’s when you inspire someone; that’s when you become an inspiring personality like Vibhas Sen.

Being diagnosed with Polio at a very early age did not stop Vibhas from becoming an international figure in the world of sports. Wearing the Indian blazer and representing the country at various games, it speaks a lot about someone’s achievements. And, he himself beams with pride too, naturally. In an exclusive interview with Sen, The Brown Scooter caught up with him to hear his inspiring tales, share it with the whole world and get him funds to help him fulfil his dreams and make each and every Indian proud.

People Diariesvibhas sen

TBS: It's been a tremendous journey for you Vibhas! How did it all start, and where has it now lead to?VS: As a kid I always wanted to play sports like swimming. But being a disabled kid, no one was ready to train me, fearing I would drown. In the year 2012, when I turned 27, I saw a lot of sports personalities represent their countries at international platforms. I thought to myself if they can do it so can I! So I made a few calls to the Indian Sports Association and got through to a few coaches who could train me. After I started training, it was within a matter of 20 days that a colleague suggested I should take part in a state-level competition. I did and won my first medal; that too a Silver in freestyle swimming. Post that, I part-took in a few national-level tournaments till I found new love in a sport called 'Wheelchair Fencing'. Now, competing with 17 and 18 year olds in swimming needs a lot of physical training and fitness. Fencing, on the other hand, was for people who averaged 28 to 34 years of age. A little bit of research, a few more calls and there I was in front of a coach asking him to train me. There are only 5 coaches in Maharashtra who can train you for this sport, and none of them had ever coached a wheelchair fencing team. We began, and soon I participated in state and national level tournaments and recently won 3 medals - a gold, silver and bronze at national level for Wheelchair Fencing. From there, I represented India at an international tournament hosted in Hong Kong, and this year I will be representing my country at the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing World Cup to be held at Eger, Hungary. Currently, I have also managed to get a world ranking and I stand at 79, proudly.

TBS: That’s remarkable! So, is Olympics your goal? How do you plan to work towards the goal?VS: Yes, 2016 Paralympic Games at Rio de Jenerio in Brazil is my goal, but that will only happen when I win in international tournaments. My focus is on training harder and win as many games possible before the grand event.

TBS: Who is your inspiration and what motivates you to keep going?VS: One of the most inspiring people in my life is Mr. Rajaram Ghah. He is a paralympic swimmer who swam across the English Channel and also a receiver of the Chatrapati Shivaji Award. I have learnt a lot from him and he is someone who keeps me going. He has also modified the car that he drives, and suggested me to do the same. And now since 6 months, I have been driving too, thanks to him! I turn to him whenever I need to get a dose of motivation.

TBS: What are the challenges India faces, in terms of promoting sports like wheelchair fencing?VS: Funding is one major issue. The National Association reserves funds for sportsmen who represent the country in events like Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the Olympics. Also, fencing is a very expensive game. The best kits come for not less than Rs. 3 lakhs. Since the game isn’t funded, we sportsmen have to travel to international games at our own cost. So someone who is passionate but isn’t financially stable, will face a lot of hiccups in fulfilling their dreams. Secondly, this sport isn’t popular among women. India has no sportswoman representing the country in the wheelchair fencing; majorly because of lack of training and financial conditions. It is very important to overcome this obstacle and inspire more people to come forward and play the game.

TBS: What’s next for you this year?VS: Train harder, win more international events, improve my ranking and represent India at the Paralympics in 2016. This year, I have 7 international events to look forward to, and I’m working very hard towards raising funds and winning them all.

TBS: We wish you lots of luck for this year, and hope you succeed during the 2016 Paralympics and take Indian sports to a new level.

Meanwhile, others can support Vibhas and donate or fund him for his contributions by getting in touch with him directly at vibhas.sen@gmail.com.

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January 2015 | Issue 02

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