Cosmopolitan goes bridal

As if my parents were not enough, now it seems that my magazine is conspiring against me as well - yup, Cosmopolitan has just come out with a special Bride issue!!

Fun as it was to put this very new kind of thing together, it also made me realise that marriage might not be a bad deal after all. I mean, so many people seem to be having a ball when they get married...maybe its worth giving it a shot after all? If nothing else, its a great excuse to splurge on oneself. The shopaholic in me is already rejoicing :)

Incidentally, this Cosmo Bride issue also marks two new innovations - its the first time that a niche lifestyle magazine in India is publishing fortnightly, and the size is also different. Its a pretty exciting package. I know that I am going to preserve my copy on the off chance that wedding bells might chime sometime in the coming year :) :)

The bubble has burst. Mallika Sherawat, it finally emerges, has only nine minutes of footage in Jackie Chan's The Myth. And it seems that the lady was not at all happy when confronted with the fact at a recent press conference in Bombay. Well, its not a small thing to be part of such a project, even if for a short time. But I guess it just seems hilarious after all the hoopla she made out of the whole thing - I, peronally, was somehow under the impression that she was the sole leading lady in the said movie. Oh, how are stars let us down sometimes!

Just one word...Wow!!

Kerastase at b:blunt...finally!!

Here's some great news for hair product junkies...L'Oreal's Kerastase is finally available in Mumbai. They launched today at b:blunt (Adhuna Akhtar's hair salon, for the uninitiated) on Peddar Road. You've just got to try their in-salon hair ritual. It costs a bomb, but trust me, your hair will never be the same again!!

Another fab launch today - Paco Rabanne's Black XS - the fragrance for "tough men with a tender heart". Its a fresh, sensual woody fragrance with top notes of Calabrian lemon, kalamanzi, tagete and sage; a heart of cinnamon, tolu balm, black cardamom and praline; and base notes of palissandre wood, black amber, patchouli and ebony wood. A great gift to give to your guy this New Year's!!

Media on a roll

After the newspapers and TV channels, its now the turn of lifestyle mags to face boomtime. So many new mags are launching in India in the coming months. Outlook is bringing in Marie Claire - the first issue will be out in April '06; Elle is bringing in Tatler - I believe the first issue is printed, but they are awaiting registration; L'Officiel is bringing in another international mag - seems to be something on the lines of interior design, considering that they are suddenly sponsoring design shows and publishing design supplements - World of Interiors? Wallpaper??; and then there is the big daddy of them all - the Conde Nast group - which is runoured to be eyeing India as a potential market for Conde Nast Traveler, Glamour, GQ, Architectural Digest and Self. Nobody seems to think that they will publish Vogue from India, and that's hardly surprising to industry insiders, who know that for all their finesse and bling-value, even the topmost Indian designers are still really considered high street (and not haute couture) in international markets.

This year the government has allowed 100% FDI in lifestyle media...which means that there are some interesting days up ahead!!

Pondicherry...

The Ellora festival starts on Friday...have been invited but can't make it. Too much work :(

But Pondicherry was fabulous - even though I managed to visit neither the Ashram, nor Auroville. No, did not even have time to go to the German Bakery. But managed some beautiful late, late night walks along the seaside promenade. It helped that we were literally staying on the Promenade. Its a hotel called (ok, this word is getting repetitive) called the Promenade. Its owned by the Hidesign guys, and is definitely one of the best places to stay in the town. The rooms are amazingly large, and its got all the unexpected quirks of a design hotel - like the Soulflower toiletries, concealed lighting, camouflaged bars, huge tubs, sunken swimming pool etc...its an experience that's difficult to put in words, you've got to visit yourself. Trust me, you wont be dissapointed.

Although, remember to take a couple of pens with you if you do visit...as Dilip Kapoor, the owner, explained: I have not yet found a single pen or pencil that's well designed enough to be a part of my hotel, so I have just left them out for the time being. Now, that's some attention to detail!!

Dilip also owns another charming boutique hotel in Pondicherry - called Le Dupleix, and this place is luxury at its indulgent best. Built in classic French design, the hotel is crafted into the 18th century of Marquis Joseph Francois Dupleix, the Mayor of Pondicherry. I say "crafted" because even though the hotel has all the modern amenities, they are blended so well with the original structure that you just cant make out where the old mansion ends, and the new hotel begins. At present there are just nine suites, but expect five more in a few months. If you are going there, ask someone to point out the Chettinad Plaster walls - this is a long forgotten craft where the walls are plastered with a mixture of egg white, powdered sea shells and yoghurt.

Oh, and another little known fact that I only discovered by accident...remember that little girl in Black, whom Amitabh Bachchan said was one of the best actresses he had ever known? She is Dilip's daughter!!

Never thought I would say this, but a little (just a little!!) tired of travelling. Off to Pondicherry tomorrow morning. Will have to leave home at the crack of dawn, fly into Chennai and then make the three-hour drive to Pondicherry. Why doesn't the town have an airport????

Am running out of clothes now. Managed to wash all my white kurtas with a bright green shirt - now everything is a uniform shade of pale green :(

Can you believe that not a single Bombay shop is selling a decent white kurta?? Pantaloons, Lifestyle and Westside had nothing in pure white, Anokhi had an OK-looking thing for 850-bucks - totally not worth it, Cottons had a good one - but not in my size.............help!!!!!!!!!!

A friend gave me a great piece of news - seems that some 40 pavement booksellers who were evacuated from Fountain have re-established base just a little further on, opposite the HDFC Bank near Kala Ghoda. Gonna check it out the second I return from Pondicherry, will keep you posted!

Celebs & Seijo

Bombay is facing a bit of a celebrity drought at the moment, with most of the Bollywood crowd being out of the country. Actually, there has been a mass exodus of sorts to New York - the Bachchans are all there, as are Shahrukh Khan, Karan Johar, Preity Zinta, Ranu Mukherjee, Sushmita Sen, Randeep Hooda, Priyanka Chopra, Urmila Matondkar....Aishwarya Rai is in Tunisia, John Abraham is in Kabul, Eisha Deol is in Bangkok, and the rest are scattered pretty much all over the planet.

But whoever is in Bombay was definitely out in full force at the Seijo & the Soul Dish party tonight. Little surprise as the place is a perpetual favourite with the Page 3 crowd and true food connoisseurs alike. If you haven't been there yet, you have really missed out on something! Its a stunning place and the food is divine. I prefer the lounge-cum-dining area, with its comfy sofas, trickling water features and flickering candles to the anime-themed bar, but opinions are hotly divided on this. Check it out for yourself and be sure to order from the new winter menu, where the Far Eastern accent is evident with Japanese preparations like Gyozas, Kakiage, Tempuras, Teriyaki and wider Sushi choices.

A natural progression of this tilt in the menu will be the soon-to-be-launched Japanese themed nights, complete with Sake and tea ceremony. Watch this space for more details...

Working with Sushmita Sen....

This one's got to rank amongst my favourite Good Housekeeping covers. Working with Sushmita Sen is such a blast...expect loads of surprises from this lady in the coming months!!

The Inner & Outer World of SRK

Just finished seeing Nasreen Munni Kabir's documentary on Shahrukh Khan, and its a huge dissapointment. One sort of expected a lot more insight from someone so distinguished - in fact, at times, the whole thing looks downright amateurish. Most people who have seen it have come back with this reaction. Sad, because SRK is just a fascinating subject, that it would have been awesome to see something a little more in-depth and finely layered :(

This is for everyone who has been writing in saying that they can't get a copy of the Cosmopolitan anniv issue and are dying to see the Aishwarya Rai cover...

Saw The Legend of Zorro...pretty good movie, though I couldn't help but wonder on how good it could have been if Steven Spielberg was completely in control, rather than being one of the Exec. Producers. What I am trying to say, I guess, is that it was a good movie, but not a "great" one, like, say, Gladiator or Braveheart. Catherine Zeta-Jones was stunning as usual (though her age is now creeping up on her face, I still think she is one of the most gorgeous Hollywood actresses), but Antonio Banderas sometimes just comes across like the village idiot - not intentionally, I guess!!

More stunning than the movie was the spectacular display of fireworks happening outside on Marine Drive, which we caught on our way. I know Bombay has some great fireworks every year around Diwali, but some of yesterday's displays outshone everything I have seen in the last 4 years. Hope its gonna be on for a few more days.

By any standards it is a tame Diwali in Bombay this year. Very few houses can be seen lighted, its the retail establishments that are supplying all the sparkling to the night skyline. And since for most Mumbaikars, yesterday's Dhanteras pooja is the biggest ritual of the Diwali season, I think this is going to be as good as it gets. All the banks were officially working yesterday (even though it was a Sunday) to reap in the extra moolah of Dhanteras spending, and I believe there were phenomenal sales of gold coins through the day. Wonder why people would buy so much knowing that the yellow metal's just gotto be at an all-time high right now????

Anniversary Blowout!!!!

This month is anniversary time for our office...Good Housekeeping's first anniv, Cosmopolitan's ninth anniv and Design Today's fourth anniv. We killed ourselves during the month putting out the bumper special issues - Cosmopolitan is 600-plus pages and then celebrated by rocking the night away at Athena in Delhi!!

Cosmopolitan has hit the stands in Bombay today...the highlight for me is the write-up on Aishwarya Rai by Prahlad Kakkar. As always, in Cosmo, we believe in doing things differently. Aish, as we all know, is so media wary (and rightly so after the way she has been treated by the country's various publications) that we were unlikely to get anything beyond what's already been published umpteen times. So we went to one of the guys who knows her best - from Sanju in Pepsi to being her present day neighbour, Prahlad has seen Aishwarya through every success and pitfall right from the beginning. And while talking to him, I saw a side of Aish that nobody would have believed existed. It was an amazing eye-opener. I am not telling you more - go pick up the copy!!

Repeat after me: I will never attempt to sort out issues with my boss when I am PMS-ing, or am otherwise severeley stressed. I will wait for a good time, when I can think more rationally, and keep my mouth from blurting out things that should not be blurted out even under severe distress. This is a mantra everyone should follow religiously. Trust me - I have just learnt this from a shakey personal experience :(

I am back....!!!!

Its been a crazy couple of months of travelling...London, New York, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, the inaugural Star Cruise to Lakshadweep, and the intermittent day trips to Delhi, Calcutta and Hyderabad mixed up with everything else...no, I am not boasting, merely trying to explain my absence from the blog for a long, long time!! But am very much back in Bombay now, so check back for updates :)

Australia Diary

First impressions of Melbourne ('coz that's where I am right now): Empty (where are all the people?? Roads were deserted at 7 in the evening!!), clean and very Victorian in look and feel. Though the place where I am staying - Collins Street - is surrounded by shimmering highrises of glass and steel, mainly belonging to the endless number of banks that are present here. This has to be one extremely rich city to accomodate so many!!

This is the start of a two week vacation. Its been long overdue. You know that a break is needed when even your bosses start telling you likewise. And I know they actually like me (touch wood!!), so its not that all they really wanted was to get me out of the office.

Flew into Sydney today morning, then took a connecting flight to Melbourne. Though the Mumbai-Sydney flight was a gruelling 12 hours it went off quite painlessly. The aircraft was quite empty, so could put up the handrests and have a good lie-down at night. And Qantas has some great service!

A tip for people taking the connecting flight to Melbourne - even if your travel agent in India tells you that there has to be a 7-hour wait in Sydney, try getting the flight advanced from the Qantas counter at the Sydney domestic terminal. It worked for me - and I saved 5 hours in the process.

Tomorrow its off shopping (Tourism Victoria has booked me on the Shopping Secrets Tour) and then a visit to the famed Melbourne casino at Crown Entertainment Plaza. Hope that I will win enough money to retire for life :)

Chetan Patel: A Tribute

Chetan Patel, a dynamic, hardworking young guy in his late 20s, on the fast track to corporate success and greatly looking forward to his upcoming wedding in December, passed away today morning.

Who was Chetan Patel? Chetan was a part of ICICI Bank at the Nariman Point branch. Those of you who ever came across him would remember him as a vibrant, full-of-life guy who looked after his private banking customers with a devotion that made you want to rob the bank, steal Rs. 5,00,000 and put it in your account just to have him as your relationship manager. And he went out of his way to help anyone he could. His last promotion, which put him in the top leagues, came just a couple of months ago. This, combined with his upcoming wedding had him ecstatic and seemed the perfect validation that good guys do get everything they desire! So popular was he that his promotion had all the corporate big guns calling to congratulate him – not as part of their PR exercise, but just because he had that kind of impact on people where you wanted to wish him well!

I also did not know Chetan all that well - he was my father's relationship manager, but as I said, so infectious was his personality that you could not help but be drawn into his sphere! Even though I was not his customer, he always went out of his way to help me.

All this was till today morning, when Chetan became just another statistic in Bombay’s long monsoon drama. The sequence of events is unclear, but it seems that he was a casualty of the Bombay rains. He became part of the horror that descended upon thousands in the city….exposure to the elements, leading to what seemed to be a combination of malaria and influenza, and which later turned out to be dengue and then having to live through all the sickness without electricity and water. But there was never any indication that things would take this turn. In fact, just day before, he was telling my dad about all the piled up work he would have to tackle in office on Monday, when he would rejoin!

Never thought I would say this, but at this moment I hate the rains. They have wasted too many lives at one stroke. I cant stop thinking of his young fiance, whose world must be shattered. And his parents...when one person dies, so many others are ruined in his wake.

Dear Chetan, I know you will never read these words, but I still wanted to say this...you touched many, many lives and will always live on through them always! May your family have the courage to see them through this difficult time. I know they will never get over it, but maybe in time the pain shall become a little more bearable and they shall be able to look back on the good days and be thankful that they had you in their midst, even if for a few short years.

May your sould rest in peace.

Natural disasters are God's way of telling us that, boss, whatever you might do, the day I decide to teach you a lesson, you will jolly well sit down and listen to me!! And nowhere is this more true than in Bombay - its finally official that part of the reason for Bombay suffering such widespread devastation in the continuing rain story, is that we have snatched acres away from all the catchment areas to reclaim land and build more apartment blocks and buildings, leaving no place for excess rainwater to drain; have cut down mangrove forests, thereby removing the city's natural barriers against the elements; and in general, created such a congested city with every inch being built-up, narrow roads and antique drainage systems, that such a tragedy was simply waiting to happen.

Nature also happens to be the greatest leveller - in the last few days, it really did not matter whether you were a slum-dweller, an office executive, head of a huge business empire or a sparkling Bollywood star. Everybody was stuck on the road as equals....Aamir Khan, Nita Ambani, John Abraham, Rani Mukherjee....these are some of the big names who just had to live it out on the roads like everybody else. In other times, maybe an ultra-rich industrilaist like Nita Ambani would have pressed the buttons on her cell phone and called in her helicopter to lift her out of the mess...but what to do when cell phones are not working and the choppers simply cant take to the skies??

Although, have to give kudos to Nita...when she found out that her school kids (she runs Dhirubai Ambani International in Bandra) were likely to get stuck in the traffic jams, she rushed her commandoes to retrieve them and put them up in an extremely comfy hotel. She herself left the safety of her plush mansion at the height of the downpour to rush to their aid, and was consequently stuck in Mahim till the wee hours of the morning. There are few who would be so dedicated!

Bombay helpline numbers

Rediff has compiled a great list of Helpline numbers for Mumbai. I suggest you take printouts and keep them in a couple of easily accessible places around your house, office and vehicle...never know when you might need them!

Bombay needs a break!!

ok...this is getting really old now. This is the 6th day that the entire city has been practically shut down due to rains and their attendant problems. While it was fun and adventurous till yesterday (mostly because I was one of the fortunate ones who did not get stuck outside on the roads or in the office), now its feeling like you are under imprisonment - cant step out of the house, phone connections are erratcic so cant talk to people, house keeps getting flooded (I am on the 19th floor, but the rain pressure is so heavy that the windows cant seem to keep them out), no food supplies coming in and office work coming to a total standstill. The last is particulary worrying because I have to leave for Australia in under two weeks now, and have to close this month's issues before I leave :(

Another rainy day??

Its happening again....the rains have been lashing Bombay since early morning. Is this going to be a repeat telecast of Tuesday?? The weather bureau predicts approximately 57 cms rainfall for today in Bombay - this is almost 60% of what we received on Tuesday, which - at 94.4 cms - has gone down as the rainiest day in Indian history. So, if you are planning on leaving the house today, think ten times. There are people in the suburbs of Andheri who still have not reached home. Lets all just take a moment and pray for them. I am sure their family must be manic with worry by now.

Take care and stay safe!!!!

The rains have finally taken a break and people are safely back in their houses. Its been a long ordeal for many - especially for those who had no clue where their loved ones were for almost 48 hours! There is going to be quite a bit of sky-watching for a few days now, and even the slightest hint of rains will keep on spreading panic. But considering what could have been, Bombay is back on its feet surprisingly fast. And despite the fact that there could have been a total breakdown of law and order, the city and all the people and vehicles stranded on the roads remained safe and sound. As one friend put it, if this was Delhi, all the women would have been raped by now!!

Mumbai gets highest rainfall in Indian history

Its been a crazy 24 hours....in the last day Mumbai has experienced 94.4 centimeters of rainfall, stranding almost 150,000 people on roads or in offices, snapping communication lines (including cell phones and landline phones), shutting down all suburban and long distance train services, closing airports and literally shutting down the whole city.

India's previous heaviest rainfall - 83.82 centimeters - was recorded at Cherrapunji on July 12, 1910. Fresh data suggests that today's Mumbai disaster might rank as the highest ever rainfall in the world!!

I was one of the lucky ones (touch wood), in that I managed to make it home after walking just a few kilometers in the deluge!! My brother was stuck in a traffic jam near Chembur for 18 hours, and has just made it home after walking through 17 kms of waist-deep water. Most of my colleagues are still stuck in office, and have now turned to work out of sheer boredom - most of the city's economy, therefore, has been running on pure default as people have been forced to stay stuck in their workplaces since yesterday.

My heart goes out to those who are stranded at stations waiting for local trains or have been forced to be in the open through the night. There are people who have been walking since yesterday, and are still nowhere near home. The TV and radio stations have been broadcasting messages from people looking for any sort of info on their loved ones, as all phone lines are down, and they have no clue where family members are since yesterday evening. I can imagine the tension they are facing - had no clue where my brother was for almost 15 hours, and it was scary!!!!

The rains have finally taken a breather, and I hope that everyone will get back to their houses very soon. If you are reading this post, please do take a moment and pray for them!

Kolkata.....

Just got back from Kolkata...it was a short trip (only one day with a thousand meetings packed in!!) but had a great time. The city really surprised me. I think I went there after almost 20 years and was pretty taken aback not only at the level of modernity and development, but also by the wide, clean roads and amazing greenery in most parts of the city. At first glance - while driving in from the airport - I actually felt that I was in the English countryside!!

And the people too are remarkable - there was a party in the night, and the women were seriously awesome. Trust me on this, even the most happening girls of Mumbai would think twice about wearing some of the clothes that the Kolkata ladies seemed so comfortable in!! This is one city that really knows how to party!!

Must see: Did not get around to seeing much of the city - actually, could not even visit the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge, and caught only a drive-by glimpse of Eden Gardens - so can't really recommend much by way of sightseeing or shopping. The one thing that I can and will recommend is the Oberoi Grand hotel. Its really a jewel of a place, and is situated right in the heart of the city - at Chowringhee. Whether you are looking for a place to stay, or are just out for some sightseeing, dont miss this place under any circumstances.

MTNL Broadband

Yippee...finally an end to the local cable operator's tyrannical dominance over the broadband. Or what they claim is broadband anyway. In case you are unaware, the government has made it amply clear that only connections which give speeds of 256 kbps and more can be termed as broadband. Most cable operators are only giving speeds of 64 kbps and calling it broadband, which is illegal.

Anyway, those of you who have been following my tales of woe regarding Microvision - the local cable operator in Walkeshwar & Malabar Hill - whose broadband service is not only a joke but whose "customer care" mainly involves verbally abusing and then completely ignoring any customer who dares to complain about the fact that their connections are down for weeks on end despite the very steep rental - will be happy to know that I have finally found a solution.

The solution is MTNL's new Tri-Band Broadband service. The speeds are phenomenal (upto 6 MB), the tariffs are reasonable and the customer care etc. are exemplary. I have to admit that I had no hopes from MTNL, since its a government body and they are hardly known for their efficiency or politeness. But I was pleasantly surprised. They had promised a waiting period of two weeks to get the connection - but they ended up installing it in half the time. No repeated reminders needed from my end, and no asking for bribes etc. The linemen were extremely polite, thorough and helpful and so was the servicing desk at the MTNL office.

And there is no additional rewiring etc. required - just the installation of a DSL modem, which takes about 2 minutes. You can continue to use your phone as normal when the internet is disconnected and it now takes me about 45 seconds to download 5 MB of data :)

Touch wood!!

You know what's the suckiest thing in the world? A friend who stabs you in the back!!

Somehow I have been lucky that in all these many years I did not suffer this kind of betrayal....but yesterday somebody who I considered to be one of my closest friends backstabbed me so badly that I am going to be careful even considering forging a friendship with somebody new after this. Not only did she manipulate certain confidences that I had shared with her to suit her own needs, she also outright lied about me to damage my professional and personal integrity. And the sad power is that it is I who gave her the power to do that - by opening myself upto her, by revealing my vulnerabilities and, above all, putting her in a position of strength where her words about me have credibility with the concerned party. Basically, I think I just trusted too much.

Why did she do it? I am still trying to figure that one out. The only thing that makes sense to me is that in her twisted, competitive way she could gain an upper edge by running me down. The sad part is that I did not even know that we were in competition with each other in any manner.

You know, in some way its worse being betrayed by your friend than being betrayed by your boyfriend. We invest so much in friendships, we tell our friends everything - we even tell them things that we won't dream of telling our boyfriends. A successful love affair is usually built on a heap of compromises and adjustments, but a great friendship is built on simply accepting the other person with all their foibles, eccentricities and weaknesses.

This reminds me of something I had heard as a kid:

"Have your friends, treat them such,
Never let them know too much;
For if your friend becomes your foe,
The whole world your secrets will know."

I am going to treat these lines like the writ of God from now on.

Sometimes I really wonder - how easy it would be to end it all. Just swallow a bottle of sleeping pills and its all taken care of - no more family tensions, no work worries, no money matters, no social obligations - just total calm and freedom! No, I am not doing anything, but on days like this it just seems like such a blissful way out.

I know I said it before, but once again, here's a huge, massive apology for not posting anything for so long!! And thanks so much to all the readers who kept writing to me, pushing me to start blogging again....I promise to be far more regular from now on, so keep checking back for updates :)

Its been a crazy couple of months - lots of new experiences, new things to do, new people to meet, new friends and, most of all, a new discipline....I now actually have to put an alarm and wake up on time in the morning!! People around me are just so kicked about that - meanies :(

Office is a pleasant place....it makes all the difference when you have good colleagues, and mine are just great. Touch wood!! But even then, sometimes I really crave for the quite solitude of my home office (which is actually a section of my bedroom), where even my parents think twice about entering. Writing is not really a group activity, I really need peace and quite around me when I am deep in a story.

The second problem is the commute. Earlier I could just slip out of bed and be at my workstation in just 30 seconds flat! Now the same process takes more than an hour - and I am one of the lucky ones, with home being almost next door to office by Mumbai standards, and with a car purely at my disposal. Am seriously thinking of employing a driver now.....hate the drive and the traffic to and fro!

Speaking of home, here's some advice to people staying in the Malabar Hill/Walkeshwar area: If you are thinking of getting Broadband Internet, explore all your other options before getting it from the local cable operator. Their service is bad to the point of being non-existent - my broadband connection has been down for two weeks now and they still haven't even sent a technician to check out the problem. And if you call them they scream and shout at you, are extremely abusive and just refuse to either attend to the problem of refund your money. I am not kidding - and this is not the first time its happened either. I am talking to Tata Indicom, Reliance Broadband, Sify and Broadband, and will let you know what other options exist asap!

Here's a huge sorry for not having done anything on this blog since forever....and thanks a ton to everybody who's been writing in to kick my ass for an update!!!!!!

Its been a full 24 days of coming to office now and, surprisingly, its sort of fun. Of course, I really miss the days when I could just roll out of bed and start working without the hassles of dressing up etc., but I am also enjoying the camaredie of working with a team of people my age once again.

Went to Delhi last week for the annual India Today conference and had a blast, despite the fact that we were literally working 20-hour days. It was the group's 29th anniversary on the 18th, and the Lifestyle Division had to wear something pink for the party. Ended up spending some major money at Abraham & Thakore - got a lovely off-white silk shirt and a bright pink stole :)

Our flight to Delhi was delayed by almost four hours because of the fog, so ended up missing most of the party. But it was gorgeous seeing the fog from up above - it was looking just like thick mounds of snow covering the ground. Beautiful!!!!

Finally managed to see Swades today, and I seriously think its Shahrukh Khan's finest performance to date. Kudos Ashutosh!

Am off to Poona tomorrow after a long, long time. I believe its really cold over there - will be a great change after Bombay. This city, of course, gets absolutely no winter :(

Rest later.....

Wish you a merry X'mas!

Starting on one of the most challenging assignments of my career from tomorrow - as Consulting Editor on-board the India Today Lifestyle Group, handling Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, India Today Travel Plus and Design Today. Wish me luck!!!!!

India's first Omega Boutique

Thursday, November 25, 2004 will see the Popley Group unveil India's first Omega Exclusive Boutique at the Grand Hyatt Plaza with a fashion show followed by cocktails and dinner from 8.30 p.m. onwards.

Previously only available through high end retail outlet's Popley presents the first exclusive Omega experience. The president of Omega, Mr. Stephen Urquhart will make his first visit to India especially to launch the boutique. Accompanying Mr. Urquhart will be Mr. G Kannan, Country Manager of the Swatch Group India. The gorgeous Sonali Bendre Behl, Brand ambassador for Omega (India), will also attend the evening with her husband Goldie Behl.

Popley - La Classique established by the Popley Group also has a strong presence in Dubai. It is an up-market boutique where premium international jewelry and accessories such as Rado, Tissot, Longines, Raymond Weil, Dior, Ronco, Nakshatra, Albor, Solitaires, etc are available. Today it stands tall as the largest jewelry camp; accessories store in Gold Souk, known as the "Gold Mine of the Gulf".

Popley has launched three La Classique Boutiques in a span of less than three months in Dubai and Mumbai. Popley has plans to open seven more La Classique Boutiques in Dubai City in addition to the existing four by 2007 and each metro and sub metro city of India will have a La Classique Boutique by year 2010. This will position them as the largest international jewelry and accessories store chain in India.

Koffee with Karan

If you did not watch Koffee with Karan tonight - its a new chat show hosted by Karan Johar - you really, really missed something. It featured Shahrukh Khan and Kajol, and was just too cute! The chemistry between Kajol, SRK and Karan is very much alive and kicking despite the lady's long sabbatical from films, and it was just one full hour of non-stop laughter! Though comparisons with Simi Garewal's Rendezvous are inevitable, I think Koffee will have no problem establishing its own cachet. And, actually, the two shows are pretty different - while Rendezvous is very soul searching and intense, Koffee is just great fun and shared memories....I just love both of them!! I am now dying to see the episode where Karan "chats" with Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan. In the meantime, here are some priceless nuggets from this episode:

SRK on becoming a parent: Having a child is like having a piece of your heart walking along outside of you!

SRK on awards that he has not won: The awards did not deserve me!

Kajol on the sexiest man in India: Ajay Devgan ;)

Kajol on what she dislikes most about Ajay: He is too unsocial!

Kajol on which actor would make the worst prime minister: Govinda

SRK on what he would say to fans of Aamir Khan: Guys, you've to have an idol that you look up to ;)

SRK on what he would say to fans of Salman Khan: God bless you!

SRK on his alleged differences with Ajay Devgan: Let me make this very, very clear....Ajay and I have absolutely no differences just now, neither did we ever have any in the past...the future, of course, is not too promising, with the fact that the guy is going to me just maaaaaaaaad when Aryan starts wooing Nysa and taking her out on dates!! That's when Ajay is gonna jump onto his trampouline and punch my face!!!!!!!!!!!

Quotes to live life by...

I want to live for ecstasy. Small doses, moderate loves, all half-shades, leave me cold. I like extravagance. Letters which give the postman a stiff back to carry, books which overflow from their covers, sexuality which bursts the thermometers - Anais Nin

Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is really all it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it... It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the problem is, if you don't risk everything, You risk even more - Erica Jong

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years - Audrey Hepburn

Women's Special at the Sports Bar,Colaba

To kick-start the most tempting offer for all women who can hold their liquor on Thursday evening, October 21, 2004, the sensuous Bhairavi Goswami with the cool Vivan Bhatena will mix some eclectic cocktails at The Sports Bar, behind Regal at Colaba.

Bhairavi and Vivan are scheduled to hold fort behind the well-stocked bar between 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. The Sports Bar will extend beers, Indian domestic spirits and Indian wines at half price to all women. This offer is on all day every Tuesday and Thursday.

Bhairavi will add pizzazz to the evening by personalizing cocktails to suit the palate of women who dare to try her versions of popular concoctions. She's gonna serve up her take on a B-52, labeled B-35/22/35 (obviously her vital stats) and served as shots. There'll also be Puppy Pina Coladas and the James Bond Cosmo (in honour of her new puppy, a chiuaua named James Bond).

The Sports Bar is all about bonhomie, high spirits and comfort, an absolutely non-intimidating welcoming place to grab that after-work-drink ensconced in the comfy red leather couches and surrounded by the cheerful spirit of sport.

This night is tailor made for women who can drink their men under the table and Bhairavi and Vivan will make it all the more irresistible!

There is this massive hullabaloo about India becoming the global epicenter for call centers and telemarketing, so how come Indian companies are themselves completely lacking in these resources?

Take ICICI Bank. Its one of the country's leading banks, but their call centers can be ghastly, to say the least. It took me 10 days just to be able to register a simple request regarding my debit card. Everytime I called - which was something like six times a day - all I would hear was that the systems are down and they are extremely sorry, but they cannot process the request. And then their call center executives don't even know the procedures - one lady spent 15 minutes arguing with me that it always takes 24 hours to de-block a card...then I called up two days later to learn that it does only take five minutes. And that's just one example!!

Then there is Orange - they always manage to call days after you have made your payment, asking - and extremely rudely at that - on when you are planning on making the monthly payment. Even after you inform them that the payment has been made, they continue interrogating you and really excel in making you feel like the lowliest of criminals. Why don't you keep a better check on your own accountancy systems?

But nothing can beat Airtel. They have somehow gotten the cellphone numbers of virtually every non-Airtel subscriber in Bombay, and keep calling advocating that we switch over to Airtel. Then when you tell them that you are not interested, they will not let you go till you tell them why the hell not. I had this female ask me this question three times yesterday afternoon, and she kept badgering me till I finally had no option but to simply switch off the phone.

And, of course, there is my cable operator - Microvision - whose broadband internet service is completely unavailable 20 days a month, but when you call the female there actually tells you that this is just the way it is, and if you bother her with calls anymore she will throw the phone away!

HELP!!!!!

Clean Up an Ocean

Reef Watch Marine Conservation would like to invite all Bombay-ites join them on Saturday, October 2nd, in a unique initiative to start the Oceans' Cleanup Campaign, which celebrates the spirit of adopting our oceans, beaches and waterways by spending a day cleaning the seafront. This will be a symbolic cleanup of areas like the Bandra Bandstand, Carter Road,Worli, Dadar Chowpatty, Girgaum Chowpatty and Juhu Chowpatty. They are looking at a large turn out of school children, local communities, associations, volunteer groups and concerned individuals.

You can get further details on their web-site at www.reefwatchindia.org/mindsync. To participate, you just need to turn up at any of these venues between 10 am to 3 pm on October 2nd, and show that you care for our vibrant city with its beaches and seafronts.

For further details you can email Sheela at reefwatchindia@reefwatchindia.org or call at 30933851.

Dining at the Zenzi Resto-Bar

Had dinner at the newly opened Zenzi in Bandra yesterday night. This is the first time I tasted a fusion of French & Far Eastern cuisines, but it was worth every penny (an average meal for two, with one starter, two main course dishes, two deserts and one drink each sets you back by about Rs. 1500). Just wish they had more chicken dishes on the menu. In fact, there is quite an extensive vegetarian menu, so veggie-lovers will love the place - a rare thing in Bombay. Try to get a place on one of the plush sofas in the indoor lounge area - they are the best ones by far, whether its for the ambiance, the comfort factor or plain celeb spotting!

Its been a crazy couple of weeks workwise...haven't managed to sleep more than 3 hours on any given day, and am feeling totally dead now. Did I hear someone say that lifestyle journalism is easy and that freelancing allows you to set your own timings?????

But the funny part is that I love all this running around and working 20-hour days....would be bored to death if I was not working like this :)

Yesterday was again fun but amazingly hectic. First there was this trip to Curio Cottage in Colaba to review their new silver jewelry collection for a leading international fashion magazine. They have some truly exquisite pieces - spent a full two hours their immersed in wonderful designs and semi-precious stones, and then just could not resist buying a pair of gorgeous Victorian style earrings and a really chunky pendant for myself :)

In the night was the much anticipated music launch of Swades - Oscar nominated writer and director Ashutosh Gowariker's new film. The plan was to have the music launch at the Gateway of India, and then few selected guests were to move on to dinner at the Oberoi. And the arrangements at the Gateway were terrific, with some really cool divan-style seating and huge screens, but it started raining just as the first song was being played and ten minutes later we had to pack everything up and move everything and everybody to the Oberoi. Don't worry Ashutosh - it just means that the heavens are blessing your venture!!

Swades looks like a really good film, and though the comparisons with Lagaan are perhaps inevitable, I think this movie has the capacity to really make its own mark as well. The hero - Shahrukh Khan - of course needs no introduction, but even the leading lady - model-turned actress Gayatri Joshi - looks really good. In fact, in the song Saanwariya, she looks just like a much younger version of Madhuri Dixit. Can't judge her acting skills as of now, but she's got a really sweet and innocent look about her.

Talking of Indian films and Bollywood, these next couple of months are really going to see the return of the mega-budget blockbusters. The last few months were ruled by small budget, independent and some pretty experimental films that came in vogue, but now we are looking forward to blockbusters like Yash Chopra's Veer-Zara, Ashutosh's Swades, Aamir Khan's The Rising, Gurinder Chadha's Bride & Prejudice and so on. Its going to be a pretty interesting time.

In the meantime, I think you should really check out the music of Swades - especially the songs Yeh tara and Yun hi chala chal. In fact, with Aahista aahista, the movie also marks the return of the lullaby after a really long time in hindi films.

Anyway, after the launch, there was this mad rush to get to the annual dinner of the Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID) at the absolute other end of the city - at the Grand Hyatt near the airport. Got stuck in a 50-minute traffic jam under the Andheri flyover, and finally reached the venue after 12 in the night. Thankfully our interior designers and architects really know how to party and managed to catch up with everybody there despite the late hour. Would have been a tragedy otherwise to have irritated Ashutosh by leaving his party early, then driving 2-hours and finding everything had shut down - although staying in Bombay you do get quite used to such eventualities!!!!

Orra to launch in Bombay

Tuesday, September 21, 2004 will see the official launch of Orra, a part of the Rosy Blue group, which isthe world’s largest diamond manufacturing company, with a presence spanning across fifteen countries and headquarters in New York. The launch is accompanied by a fashion show choreographed by Marc Robinson. The star of the show will be the majestic Tamarine necklace, designed by New York based Lili Chu forRosiblu, Rosy Blue's flagship brand, and worn by JoanRivers at the 2004 Oscars.

Eight well known professional models, including SheetalMalhar, Jesse Randhawa, Diandra Soares and Candice Pinto will display ORRA’s exquisite jewellery some ofwhich has been graced in the past by international celebrities as well as a few pieces that featured inORRA’s first TV commercial recently shot in Malta with gorgeous South African model, India.

Get ready for some hard core cricket mania, this Sunday, at the newly opened Sports Bar in Colaba (next to Regal Theater).

With the India v/s Pakistan match excitement in the air, who can resist the plasma screens in a sporty bar, serving your favorite beverage, in the company of friends?

The Sports Bar is a newly opened Hip and Trendy Hangout place frequented by sport lovers and corporate clients alike. A classic and cheerful sports tavern with its numerous TVs, plasma screens, wall-embedded television monitors and long spacious bar, are a part of the attraction. The sporting elements such as pool, basketball hoops, dartboards and punching bags aim at encouraging interactivity and a “let-your-hair-down” spirit.

If, on this Sunday, September 19th, you are looking for a viewing place that is devoid of any gimmicks other than those related to food and beverage in the form of a cover/package for the ICC Champions Trophy, then this is the place to be! Be a part of the cricket frenzy that always follows an India-Pakistan match, among a crowd of cricket buffs, and the perfect blend of food and beverage to match the sporty spirit! To tempt you further, there is a special offer.

Cover yourself for a small measure of an alcoholic beverage at Rs. 200 per head (from 3:30 pm). Orders for additional spirits and beverages and sumptuous snacks will also be taken by stewards while you cheer for Mother India.The buffet lunch spread of soup of the day, salads, vegetarian and non vegetarian main courses, dessert and either a mug of draft beer or Iced Tea will be available from 12 noon until 3:30 pm at Rs. 199 (plus taxes).

So while you head south, let’s hope the Indian team doesn’t!

My aunt - mother's eldest sister - passed away in Delhi early this morning. In the past 10 years or so, I have just spoken to her once, because of some major arguments we had. Today I wonder if the anger and the long silence were worth it. Its just so easy to snap off relationships, but its so difficult to glue them back together again. And sometimes you just never get the chance to make amends. If I had another chance, I would do things differently.

One of the only good things about the monsoons coming to an end is that the fishing boats are back on the waters in the night....there are at least a 100 twinkling lights in the sea right outside my window, and they look so amazing, so ethereal. Then there is the drama of the huge ships lying in harbour. I just want to keep drinking in the sight - don't even feel like shutting the drapes and going to sleep.

But I really need to sleep - started going back to the gym after ages today, and my trainer took me through all these strength training machines that left me feeling totally and completely dead :( But despite the fact that each one of my muscles is screaming in agony at the moment, its a wonderful feeling to be exercising again after so long. And Golds Gym is a wonderful place - have tried other gyms in South Bombay, but have found this to be heads and shoulders above the rest.

Golds has also bought out Exert Gym in Worli, and thats a really good things as the latter is a wonderful property with lots of potential, but was completely mismanaged. The trainers were so bad, that I got an abdominal ligament tear because of them when I used to go to Exert. But my new personal trainer at Golds is really good, and has assured me that she will have me back in perfect shape in just 2 months :) :) :) :)

Throughout Fida, Shahid Kapur's lipstick is far deeper and brighter than Kareena Kapoor's :)

And Kareena Kapoor is looking terrible almost throughout the movie...Besides that, though, its a pretty good movie...different from the sloppy sweet fare that has been hitting the Indian screens for a while now.

The first half of Dhoom is OK, but the second half is completely avoidable. Its just a rehashing of Ocean's 11 - without the finesse, the technical resources or any kind of believability whatsoever. What I really liked about the movie was Abhishek Bachchan. John Abraham can't act to save his life (though in those low slung jeans and bare-chested scenes, his acting is not really what you are expected to focus on!!) and Uday Chopra is cute (though he has put on lots of weight), its Abhishek's movie through and through. I never used to like him earlier, but the guy is really maturing into a fine actor, and is developing an impressive personality of his own. He is looking so much better after the break-up with Karisma Kapoor.

Am now looking forward to watching Yash Chopra's Veer-Zara and Ashutosh Gowariker's Swades. Both have pretty cliched story lines, but am sure that given the prowess of the respective directors, the treatment should be interesting.

Just read this by Kristen Kemp, who is a big-time freelancer based in New York:

"There's no ending point in my field. When I've finished an assignment, I hope to have nine more on the horizon. If I don't have a project to begin immediately, I obsess about lining stuff up. This loop, this obligatory freelance cycle, warps the spirit. A writer may seem to have the charmed freebird schedule, but we take our hits. Freelance writers receive one accolade for every 15 criticisms. The good hacks get one acceptance for every 10 pitches. Loneliness and self-deprecation creep in as we wait for checks that arrive on the backs of snails.

Less taxing but equally time-consuming are the tasks we do for others: Freelancers are the secretaries, personal chefs, messengers, and pack mules for loved ones who are stuck at the office all day. The schedule is frenetic, unstable. We are busier than anyone gives us credit for, always loathing ourselves while we do God-knows-what.

Mild depression sets in as a bad day turns into a lousy week then becomes a shitty month. Self-doubt intensifies. I go from thinking I'm successful to fully believing I am a worthless failure with the talent of Milli Vanilli. I conclude that people become head cases only after embracing this profession. Would Hemingway have become an old man if he'd choen to be a dog walker? If Sylvia Plath hadn't spent her time waiting for editors to accept her work and then sign her checks, might she have used her oven more safely?"

I agree completely!!

What's been a shitty week is turning into an even shittier month. Have been down with the nastiest case of food poisoning that I have ever, ever experienced - 103 fever, stomachache, throwing up - the works! Someone tells me that some kind of stomach flu is going around in Bombay...so be careful of what you are having. Trust me, this is BAD!!

While stuck in bed, have taken this as opportunity to catch up on loads of celeb gossip from my other journo friends in the entertainment field...and there is lots of it. Madhuri Dixit's having a second kid (although why, with a doctor husband, would she say that she "doesn't know how it happened", I have no clue), Saif Khan and Amrita Singh splitting up and about to file for divorce (never saw this coming - always thought of them as the perfect couple, people who made it work despite all the odds stacked against them), and, of course, steamy updates on the Anil Ambani-Sushmita Sen link-up!!

Actually, after working with the film industry people for four years, I can literally count the number of sane, heads-on-their-shoulders kind of people that I have found. Only four - Tom Alter, Ashutosh Gowariker, Nana Patekar and Kajol. I am sure there are more out there, but I don't know of them yet!!

I really admire Kajol for the way she has settled into married life within a joint family...it cannot have been easy for someone as independant, successful and in the media glare, as she is. Her priorities have always been very straight. As she told me when I met her a few days back, and asked her why she had refused Babul, which would have been the perfect comeback vehicle for her: "Frankly, I haven’t really made up my mind whether I want to start doing films again. I am listening to a lot of scripts, I am talking to a lot of people but I have honestly not made up my mind. And now I can't only go by the script - it also depends on how accommodating the people making it will be, whether they will be able to take it into consideration that I am a mother with a small baby and that’s just not easy. I don’t want to do anything that makes me feel guilty – if I am not going to enjoy it then what’s the sense of doing it?"

There are not too many stars who would spell it out so frankly. Most of them would nicely accept the film and then just accept the directors and producers to fall in with their demands and the kid's schedules. Kudos Kajol!! Or, maybe, the kudos should go to Tanuja, who taught her daughters "never, ever to lie – this was very, very categorically drilled into our heads by my mother. We could not even twist the truth a little. It was a HUGE deal, when I was a kid. I knew that if I ever lied I was going to get the crap beaten out of me. And that has remained with me till date!" Which is probably why you never have to read between the lines when perusing a Kajol interview!

I am growing restless again...I need to be doing something more than just writing now. Something a little more pro-active. Something bigger. Something different, yet which allows me to be flex my creativity and writing skills. I want a new challenge.

I have no clue what this new thing would be, especially since I have no intentions of giving up my self-employed status. After four years of doing things at my own terms and in my own time, I just can't envision going back to office routine, or having to wake up, get dressed and leave for office at 8 in the morning every single day. I was never cut out for that kind of life, as the first few years in CNN and Indian Express showed me.

My good friend Tom Alter believes that I should write a book - he says I have a wonderful novel within me. Unfortunately, I just can't find it! I did start outlining the manuscript for a reference book - but I was just too bored and restless to put the final touches and send it off.

Indira Jaising suggested that I go back to law - but I just dont have that sort of viciousness left in me any longer. Neither do I have the sort of patience that anybody wrangling with the Indian judicial system requires. And I do want to continue writing - its just that that's not the only thing I want to do.

What I would really love to do if I had even a fraction of the resources, would be to launch a great international magazine in India - something like Conde Nast Traveller, Marie Claire or Robb Report. That has always been a dream. And I know that one day I will make it come true. But just now is not the time to attempt this sort of venture.

For the moment I am just drifting. If anybody has any suggestions on what career paths suit this kind of craving and skill sets, please let me know!!

You know what sucks the most about freelancing?? The fact that you can give your all to a magazine, pass up terrific assignments because of your loyalty to one particular editor, work your butt off doing every conceivable thing for them, and in the end if there is a situation where they have to choose between you and a completely incompetant staffer, they will always choose the latter. It hurts - it actually, physically hurts!! I think there are going to be big changes going to be made in my writing portfolio over the coming weeks....

It's been a tumultous weekend - with a lot of old ghosts that keep coming back to haunt at the most unexpected times. I once read somewhere that if someone hurts you and you keep thinking of it and feeling bad about it, you are giving them the power to continue hurting you endlessly. So you should cut them out of your life completely. But that's easier said than done, isn't it?

Right now I just want to escape...want to run away from everything and everyone, because I have realized that the more close you are to people, the more you love them, the more power they have to hurt you. I don't want to meet anybody or deal with the niceties of society. But that's not so easy either.

When I was a kid and somebody would hurt me, my grandmother would assure me by saying my knight in shining armour would come along when I was older and protect me from all the demons. I want to believe in that fairy tale once again....

Today has been one of the most shitty days that I have faced in recent memory. Have been surviving on less than three hours of sleep everyday since the past week, finishing this major project for the India Today Group...and then woke up today morning to find that my broadband is not working! Needed broadband desperately because submitting the project required uploading eight pictures of more than 100 MB each, which is just not possible on VSNL connectivity.

With the afternoon deadline looming straight ahead, kept trying to revive it but nothing worked. To cut a long story short, had to call in three engineers (two from my cable guy, one from my computer contract office) and had to spend three hours before it was discovered that there was a problem with the LAN card. Got a new card from Lamington road, then found that its drivers were on a floppy, and my floppy drive was not working (who uses a floppy drive noawadays????)!! Tried connecting to the Net through VSNL to download the drivers, but the VSNL account had too few remaining hours for the purpose. Then mad dash to the VSNL office, where they take absolute ages to get the simplest of things done, came back home, downloaded the drivers and installed the card. After which, of course, the cable guy discovers that the password for the broadband account has been blocked for some strange reason, and the administrative office has shut down for the weekend................got it restored after much begging and pleading, and have finally now been able to get onto the Net eight hours after this nightmare started!!

And I thought computers were supposed to make our life simpler????

Opportunities for Freelancers

Two publications are on the lookout for good freelancers. One is a national newspaper based in Southern India, which is basically looking for writers/reporters for their features sections. This is a great opportunity for beginners and those who are freelancing part time or looking to build their portfolios. Pay is decent, approx. Rs. 750-1000 per 800 words.

The other is an international magazine soon to launch in India. This position is for experienced writers who have the time to go into the nitty-gritties and develop extremely well-researched and immaculately written pieces. Pay is among the best in the industry.

Both these positions invite people based all over India. For further details email me on anubha76@anubhacharan.com

Adventure & Community Aid in the Thar Desert

Relief Riders International (RRI) has announced its inaugural adventure ride through the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. Beginning on October 22, 2004, a maximum of 15 riders will travel on horseback through rural India's unforgettable landscape delivering food, medical supplies and medical care, and goats to five remote villages.

Relief Riders International offers participants not only an opportunity to see and visit places of extraordinary beauty, but the chance to make life better for the communities they visit along the way. The 15-day Rajasthan relief adventure ride has been designed to create meaningful interactions between our travelers and local residents.

At the beginning of the journey all participants, based on their life experience and skills, will be assigned certain responsibilities: helping to organize the caravan, volunteering with the medical team, and helping to facilitate the distribution of the supplies. According to Founder and Executive Director Alexander Souri: "Relief Riders International is designed to offer individuals not only an exhilarating journey but the chance to use their skills, enthusiasm and experience to promote positive change. I know from my own travels to Rajasthan that for every gift I have given I have received gifts that have changed my life."

Great care has been taken to conduct a relief assessment of the region, and the program has been designed after discussions with development organizations in Rajasthan in 2003 and early 2004. The mission addresses some critical local needs: the absence of reliable medical care and information; food supplies to counter the effects of drought; delivery of the goats to families to create on-going sustainability; and educational materials for the local schools.

Guided by Relief Riders experienced support team, the riders will bring 10 to 12 camels packed with relief supplies, books, and medicine. Relief Riders International is working with the Indian Red Cross to develop an HIV/AIDS information campaign as well. Red Cross personnel will travel with the team, distribute educational information and hold discussions in all the villages. This is the first HIV education program in the region.

In addition, there is an extensive medical program. RRI has facilitated the funding and organization of medical camps along the journey. Working with a team of Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat specialists, they will be able to treat hundreds of villagers along the way.

They will travel through areas of great natural beauty, with ancient villages and old forts, rich in culture and wildlife. On stops along the way, the riders will experience and enjoy some of the region's unique cultural life, with performances of traditional dance in Kochor and drumming in Pachar, and sample the region's culinary specialties. With the exception of a night's stay at the Imperial Hotel in Delhi, three nights in forts, and a night in a haveli (traditional Rajput villa), the accommodations will consist of tented encampments set up by the support team along the journey route.

Riders will average about three to five hours a day of riding at a comfortable pace, stopping for three meals. There will, of course, be ample water for all. In addition to the Relief Rider crew, their will be a support vehicle carrying two medics and a doctor who will accompany the ride on a parallel itinerary.

Born in New York City to a French mother and Indian father, and growing up and schooled in the US, India and France, Alexander Souri has always had a global perspective on life. He has worked in a variety of ways for the entertainment industry: producing plays in the Berkshires, on the Special Effects team for The Matrix and X-Men, directing commercials and industrial films in China; and as a Special Events producer at the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance, and Paul Allen's Millennium party in Venice, Italy.

For more information, you contact Alexander Souri at:
Relief Riders International
304 Main St, Suite 3-B
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Tel: 413.329.5876

Yesterday was one of my closest friend's birthday...she is in the US and I could not call her because all the ISD and STD lines in my area were wrecked after the phone box got waterlogged in the morning rains. And by the time I realized this it was close to midnight, and could not go elsewhere to call. Hope the problem will be sorted out by today....

Lately it seems that all the people I really care about are running off to the US. Dipali went away ages back, Chitra left last month to do her Masters in Writing at the University of Texas and the only cousin sister I am actually close to left to take up a five-year assignment in Wisconsin. And she took Neha and Raghav, my favourite niece and nephew, with her as well!! Guys, I hate all of you :(

It was pouring cats 'n dogs in the morning today...not like the polite 10-minute showers that we have been having for the past couple of weeks, but an all out deluge. And I loved every minute of it. There is just something so special about Bombay in the rains, especially if you are watching it across the seafront.

The only terrible thing was that somehow the traffic got choked all across the city. It took me 45 minutes to get from Pizzeria to Fountain, a drive that normally takes only five minutes!!!!

Am thinking of joining some classes at Alliance Francaise....want to try something new for a while now. And I have always loved learning a new language. Its just that I dont know whether I will be able to spare the time for two-hour classes, five days a week for six weeks...but it would be so much fun :)

Am sourcing houses for the interior design section of Good Housekeeping, which is to be launched in India in September 2004. This is not about the designer houses - will be showcasing warm, do-able, "real" houses, which have not been done up by designers, but by the residents themselves. Not looking for grand mansions either. Just well put together houses, that look good and show aesthetic use of space. If you know such places please do email me on anubha76@anubhacharan.com

Have you been to Bollywood Dhaba yet? It's in Colaba, just a little further down from Indigo and Busaba. Have gone there for the last two weekends in a row, and just love the kebabs and Butter Chicken. And the old movie posters and other memorabilia make for great conversation pieces if you run short of things to talk about with your dinner companion. Just wish they played more Hindi movie oldies...the music there tends to be sporadic. But the place is a definite must-visit nevertheless. And its not too expensive. A three-course dinner should cost you approximately Rs. 400 per head.

Been reading up on the "two big time industrialist brothers who can't be named, but who have fallen apart" saga with great interest. The world knows who they are but nobody is taking names because of the threat of being sued. Then there is also this whole new emerging question of whether Mohnish Bahl's father died a natural death, or whether he was murdered because of his alleged property disputes with his son and daughter-in-law?? Amisha Patel is suing her parents for misappropriating crores of Rupees from her account...makes me really relieved and happy that neither me nor my parents have the monies or properties to ever cause these kind of rifts. Both my brother and I were always told by our parents that the education we were receiving is all the legacy that we are likely to get, so its upto us to capitalise on that and make something of ourselves. And that was quite enough for us...thank you!!

Incidentally, am also hearing that one of the abovementioned cant-be-named brothers is the rich, married indsutrialist who is Sushmita Sen's newest beau, and he recently gave her the huge diaomnd ring that she is sporting nowadays. The plot thickens :)

Just finished reading the latest novel in the Shopaholic series - Shopaholic & Sister - and totally loved it like all of Sophie Kinsella's other books. Totally identify myself with Becky Bloomwood, whose ideal lifestyle and love of designer labels is so far in excess of her earning capacity that she is perpetually overdrawn on her bank account and has these humungous credit card outstandings...and then she goes about making the funniest excuses to her bank managers to extend her deadlines, while at the same time hiding the bills from her family and boyfriend. Guess who else does all that :)

I especially love Becky's candid acceptance of her reliance on shopping as an emotional crutch...like when she has this huge row with her husband-of-10-months about her excessive shopping during their honeymoon (only two lorries full of things) and leaves the house with a new resolve to improve her spending habits, heading straight to Fortnums & Masons gloriously- overpriced luxury chocolate section to celebrate turning over a new leaf...!! Now that really sounds like something that I would do...I mean, whats the fun of turning over a new leaf if it doesn't make you happy ;)

Recognize this place? Its a century-old drawing of what is currently one of Bombay's most popular localities. Its right in the heart of the city. Can you guess where??

Was driving down to Worli late in the night a couple of days ago, and almost hit this madwomen who was walking right in the middle of the Kemps Corner bridge, twirling her hair. It was pouring cats and dogs and she was strolling along, completely regardless of all the cars speeding by in practically no-visibility conditions, just managing to miss hitting her by mere millimeters. She was so obviously insane, but what shocked me the most was that not one car stopped and not one person took her hand and guided her to the safety of the sidewalk. Is this what Bombay has become??

Rajasthani Food Festival at the Nawab Saheb

Nawab Saheb – the Indian speciality restaurant at the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel - celebrates Rajasthan, the barren desert land known for its gay abandon, vibrant colours and renowned cuisine. Experience the irresistible food saga and an enchanting live entertainment from 6th to 22nd August, 2004 from 7 pm to 11 pm.

Rajasthani cuisine is a gastronomical confluence of two different eras. While the erstwhile Maharajas (kings) known for their obsessive love for hunting feasted on game, it was Maheshwaris, the trading community, who later created the most awesome delicacies using whatever vegetation the barren land had to offer combining it with subtle spices and liberal dollops of ghee.

The chef will showcase delicious Dal bati Choorma, Mangodi ki wadi, Laal Maans, Murg ke Suley and equally tantalizing Malpuas, Jalebis and Ghewar. Enhancing the ambience are live Rajasthani folk dances. The Rajasthani Experience Meal is priced at Rs. 699 per person all-inclusive, with a child rate of Rs. 399.

For a reservation please call 5692 7550.

Am back in Bombay and it feels great. Its been pouring cats, dogs 'n elephants and the weather is just so beautiful and romantic and refreshing :) I love being back in my bedroom, right on the edge of the sea when the waters are so stormy and gray.

The loveliest part of Singapore was staying at the legendary Raffles Hotel, but more on that later...have to go unpack just now before everything gets damp and wet....I love travelling but just hate the packing and unpacking parts!!!!!

Two stunning bits of news from back home in Bombay - one great and hard-worked for, the other terrible and deeply shocking!

The good news first - Bombay will soon have its own 100-car vintage car museum. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation is converting the space below flyovers into museums, with two flyovers in Mahim and Vakola taking the lead. Mahim will have a museum of vintage cars, while the space below the Vakola flyover will have an Indian art museum. This is something that we at the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India (VCCCI) have been campaigning for a long, long time!! It will be a multi-level display of approximately 100 cars within finely-lit acrylic walls, placed in such a way that they can be viewed by the motorists on the roads. Can't wait to get back to Bombay and sink my teeth into this project!!!!!

The second news is terrible - Nafisa Joseph, former Miss India, model-turned-VJ and animal rights activist, committed suicide by hanging herself from a ceiling fan in her Versova flat yesterday. She was just 25-years-old. The police and her family lay the blame on her fiancé Gautam Khanduja, who she was set to marry on August 7 this year. The engagement was apparently broken off a couple of days back when Nafisa discovered that Gautam was already married and his divorce papers were not in order. Others, however, deliberate that the engagement was broken off because Nafisa recenty had recurrent episodes of epilepsy.

Whatever the reason, I find it difficult to believe that a smart and intelligent girl like Nafisa could take such a drastic step over a failed relationship. Or for any other reason. I have personally been through some severe depressive episodes in the last few months, and I know that sometimes ending it all just seems to be the only way out. But please step back for a moment and think of all the hurt that you leave those who care for you with. Nafisa's mom, my friends in the modelling industry tell me, is totally shattered. Not surprisingly. Life can get terrible at times, but this is one path from which there is no coming back - EVER.

That said, I am just trying to think of the extreme anguish of a 25-year-old who is forced to take such a major step. Having met Nafisa a few times, I know that she was a wonderful person and my heart goes out to her. Hope you have finally found peace Nafisa, wherever you may be.

Singapore is EXPENSIVE! Haven't bought anything (at least according to my standards) and have blown all my money. Am actually starting to miss Bombay now....much as I love travelling, somehow home is always the place I end up longing for. Everytime I look at the harbour here it reminds me of the view from my bedroom window in Bombay. In these last two weeks have experienced every kind of accomodation possible - from Backpacker's Cozy Corner, which is an extremely neat 'n clean and centrally located backpacker's hostel with airconditioned doubles starting at S$30 (inclusive of breakfast and internet) to the Sentosa Resort and Spa where my suite cost approx S$1000. Tomorrow I go to the Raffles Hotel for two days and am really looking forward to experiencing this historic property. From there its back home on the 2nd :)

Went to Kuala Lumpur for three days, but frankly did not like the city too much. Its dirty, the roads are not safe after dark and the public transport system is murder. All the cabbies will take you for a ride if you dont know the routes - charging you upwards of thrice the amount. Stayed at the Heritage Station Hotel there, which was pretty OK except that the cupboard in my room would start making the most scary and loud screeching noises at exactly 7 in the morning everyday - and for absolutely no reason at all. For the first time in my life I actually believed in ghosts!!

The two things I really liked in Kuala Lumpur were the Petronas Towers and the Sepang F1 circuit...pretty impressive stuff. They allow only 100-120 people on the Petronas skybridge everyday and tickets are available for only a couple of hours in the morning. I believe people start queing up there around 6.30 in the morning. This was one of the times I was really thrilled that I had left law and returned to journalism, because the press card works wonders in such a situation :)

Must do for Singapore visitors: the Water Tours Harbour Cruise. This is a two-and-a-half hour cruise aboard a Chinese Junk, which takes you to some of the far-flung islands past the Singapore coast. You actually go pretty close to the Indonesian waters and can see their skyline in the far distance. The Singapore coastline, of course, looks simply amazing from the boat. If you are taking the afternoon cruise, pay the S$6 extra and opt for the High Tea version. That way you get to do three things at the same time - the cruise itself, experience the inside of a traditional Chinese tea house (replicated on the lower deck) and taste the famed Chinese savories.

I am in Singapore, which should hopefully explain any updates on the blog since the past few days :)
 
Singapore is a  pretty good city, though I haven't really seen too much of it yet. Been having a different kind of experience here - for the first  few days am on assignment with a foreign budget travel magazine, and have to write a feature on living in Singapore on less than US$ 30 per day. Which is no mean feat, since this city is EXPENSIVE ! The "shopper's paradise" reputation is because of the variety of stuff available, and not the prices...though I did spot my dream laptop -  the Sony Vaio - for Rs. 97,000, which is way cheaper than in India.
 
Am staying in a tiny, but extremely neat and clean, hostel called Backpacker's Cozy Corner.  My only grouse? It doesn't have attached toilets and  showers. Haven't stayed  in a place without these amenities ever since my student days, and though I am going to sound  like a spoilt  brat, would  never ever choose to do so again as long as I can help it!! Sorry to admit this  - but am dying to get over this assignment and move over the posher hotels.........can't  help it, I like my luxuries!!!!!!
 
Though am grateful for one thing - might have stuck to  the cabs and never discovered Singapore's excellent  MRT (Mass  Rapid Transport) system if I was  not forced to live on a budget. The local stations and the trains  themselves are far cleaner  here than even the international airport in Bombay...I am not kidding.
 
A few more obsevations about S'pore:
1. Haven't seen a cop in two days, but everbody still follows even the tiniest of laws...are they in plain clothes??
2. Where are the petrol pumps in this city????
3. All the women look as if  they should be force fed and made to put on some weight. None of them have even a millimeter of extra fat and they all look so polished all the time. Am not even going to try stepping into a clothes boutique... they will all just be stocking stuff for 26-inch waists :(                        

One of the most fun parts of freelancing is that you don't know just what you will be doing next....on Sunday morning I was traipsing down to Juhu to take Kajol's measurements for a photo shoot and in the evening I was walking around the historic part of Ballard Estate with a famous British architect-cum-historian, researching the beautiful old buildings for a travel and design feature. I dont think there is any other job that gives such a diverse range of options and allows you to experience and experiment with so many different things!!!!

Instead of Lakshya, I ended up watching Hum Tum for the second day in a row yesterday...this is what comes out of having so many groups of friends. Anyway, I did not mind as long as I got to ogle at Saif Khan for another two hours :)

Seeing the movie for the second time made me realize one thing -- how casually Indian movies are now dealing with the issue of widow remarriage!! And I loved the very fact that this was dealt with so casually...the fact that Rani Mukherjee will get remarried is a given, its just the "who" and "when" that are the questions. I mean, this is the same country which just till a few years ago was making three-hour epics on the entire tabboos and sensitivities surrounding the issue of widow remarriage...if cinema is a barometer of society, I am very proud of the way Indian society is shedding its closed-mindedness.

Kudos Kunal Kohli and Yash Chopra!!

Two movies, both of them hyped to the skies, but only one lived upto expectations. And, surprisingly, it was Bollywood that won the contest.

Went to see Troy because of Brad Pitt, but turns out that he was actually the weakest point of the movie, or rather, the Achilles heel of the movie (pun intended!!). Pitt is completely unbelievable as a Greek warrior in Troy...the role, the long hair, the emotions, the intensity, the entire set-up doesn't suit him one bit.

btw, did anybody else think that King Priam looked like a carbon copy of Tom Alter? And did you know that the jewelry worn by Helen (Diane Kruger) was sourced from Amrapali Jewellers in Delhi??

Hum Tum, on the other hand had the most perfect casting one could hope for!! Just totally fell in love with the movie...can't wait to watch it again. Its pretty different from the usual Bollywood fare, light hearted yet sensitive, exploring the continual battle of the sexes and the undercurrents of destiny that form the basis of the most enduring love stories without falling into cliches, lectures or sexism. And both Saif and Rani carried off their roles with a panache that is rarely seen in Bollywood!

Am watching Lakshya tomorrow...that's three movies in one week :) :)

Somebody emailed me an article written by a freelance journalist who used to be Assistant Editor at Cosmopolitan (USA). In the article she was talking about how every few months she has this major debate with herself about taking up a full-time job once again, because that is just so much easier than freelancing, but once she gets the job she can never bring herself to going back to the office routine.

I totally empathise -- on so many days it seems that all I am doing is chasing payments that are months overdue, chasing editors who dont reply to emails, convincing editors that I am the best person to write a piece, and doing the 10,000 administrative tasks that are otherwise done by editorial assistants, secretaries and even peons and clerks in magazine offices. I have millions of problems getting a bank loan or a new credit card, because I dont have an "office" and journalism is not recognized as an acceptable industry under the various "Self Employed" categories approved by most banks. The worst is not having a fixed income that you can depend on every month.

But at the end of the day, I have the freedom of doing the work that really interests me, I am not contrained by the various niches of writing that invariably define most publications, I can say no to stories that I feel are unethical and, most importantly, I know that if I am recognized today it is because of my own independant efforts and not just the reflected glory of being attached to some big-name publication. Which, to me, is a big deal.

I have undergone the freelance vs. full time job twice in the past few months - once when I was offered the job of Assistant Features Editor of L'Officiel, and the second time when I was offered the post of Deputy Editor at an international magazine which is launching in India later this year. Both times it was tough saying no because they are world-renown publications, the pay was good and the people were excellent...but I am glad that in the end I chose to stick on with my freelancing!!

Today was one of those magically wondrous days when it was raining over only half my house. While it was pouring cats and dogs over the two bedrooms on the back side, the rooms in the front were totally dry. This is just one of the things that I totally love about Bombay :)

Everybody seems to hate Bombay during the monsoons, but to me the city is at its most beautiful at this time. I just love the rains...and I can stand for hours on the terrace just watching the choppy seas. I love turbulent waters so much better than still ones...am sure some psychiatrist can make tons out of that!!

Yesterday Tom Alter gave me the biggest compliment that one can give to a writer -- he told me that I should write a novel about my own life, about all the experiences that I have had in the last 10-12 years doing all the multifarious things that I have done in that time. While I am still convinced that such a venture can only result in a yawn-a-minute tragedy, it still felt good to hear something like this from someone like Tom.

On Tom, his second novel should be out sometime in August after this year, and after Rerun at Rialto, I just cant wait to read it. Tom, I want one of the first copies - and autographed one!!

Another book that I am dying to read is Sangeeta Wadhwani's second venture after Shakti in the City, which was a gripping collection of short stories centered around Bombay. Sangeeta, if you don't put that book into print very, very fast, I am going to come and steal the manuscript from your house in the dead of the night!!

A New Menu for Caliente

Romil Ratra's Caliente - Bombay's first Spanish restaurant - will be launching a new menu on 21st June. Among the many interesting additions are Rock salmon, Leg of lamb for two (the really romantic entree), Smoked young potatoes with a zucchini custard (the vegetarian dream), 8 varieties of Paella, Home made squid ink pasta - Pasta Noir, Lobster fettucine and featured specials - Red Snapper, Baby shark, Bonito (Indian Ocean Tuna) and Baby Octopus.

The extended 'Tapas' menu features Smoked Oyster shots (oysters smoked and marinated in onions, coriander, tomatoes and served in a shot glass) and a chicken liver pate with whisky (served with Garlic almond butter and Melba toast). The menu now has a separate
lunch, offering with a large variety of soups, salads, pastas and you can also 'create your own pizza'.

For reservations calls 22186717 or 22187729.

Am at the Udaipur airport - and while I normally love Bombay, I have had such a wonderful time out here that I just dont feel like going back :( :(

It rained here today, and the weather is now so beautiful...when it rains in Bombay its just slush...here the greenery has come alive and the lake revived itself....I wanna stayyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bombay seems like a million worlds away at the moment....and I just dont feel like going back :(

The Lake Palace in Udaipur is such a peaceful place...its a beautiful place as well, but what I like the most about it is that its so peaceful!! It seems totally cut off from the rest of the world, and its for the first time in so many years that I have had dinner alone - just me and my thoughts - and have not felt the need to fill up the loneliness with reading a book or watching TV while eating. Just sitting and looking at the ambience was more than enough, while eating papad off Versace plates and drinking Mimosa from Baccarat crystal glasses. Do you realize how we are always crying about lack of free time, yet whenever we do get free time we just rush to fill it up with something, anything - whether its reading a book, watching TV, making a phone call...its really very difficult for most people to sit still with nothing to do for more than 10 minutes. I did that today, and believe me - its really liberating!

Today I also learnt that it costs US$50,000 to get married at the Jag Mandir Palace - which is actually Udaipur's original lake palace, built sometime in the 17th century. This US$50,000 includes dinner for 300 guests, transport, decor - basically everything that goes into the wedding. You, of course, would have to provide your own bride or groom!

I would love to have a destination wedding like this - think of all the irritating relatives that would automatically refrain from being a part of your wedding if they have to travel so far and have their own living arrangements in an alien place :)

My ideal wedding???? Sangeet and Mehndi on the Mewar Terrace and Lily Pond of the Lake Palace Hotel, the actual wedding ceremonies at the Zenana Mahal of the City Palace and the reception at its Durbar Hall. Are the concerned people listening??

Reached Udaipur today morning...fortunately its not as hot as I had thought it would be. It even rained for a while in the afternoon, while I was out exploring the City Palace museum, and in typical Bombaywalla fashion, the waters made no difference to me while everybody else kept scrambling around for cover :)

What I found really, really cute was the Udaipur airport...the building is smaller than the inter-city bus stop in Poona, with security to match. It was just so cute strolling into something so miniscule after having gotten nearly lost in the confusing vastness of Bombay's airport, picking up your bag off the barely 3-foot conveyor belt, and then walking right out...its 8 steps from the runway to the final exit :) :)

Found the 21 kms drive from the airport to the city dissapointing. Its one concrete highway...a good highway, but it just seems that you are in Delhi. There is no trace of the colorful personality of Udaipur here.Very dull...why are we letting this happen to one of our most beautiful cities?????

But the City Palace complex is a treat. Maharana Arvind Singhji has put in lots of efforts in restoring the place and it looks so much better than it did the last time I was here, which was to inaugurate the Royal Vintage car garage in February 2004. Thats when we had taken the Rally of the Raj through Udaipur. Its touching here that every native I have met today still remembers the rally with great affection and want to know when we will bring it back. Nitin uncle, are you listening?

My room at the Fateh Prakash Hotel is right behind the Crystal Gallery, above the Durbar Hall, and the views are amazing. Its even got a really quaint window seat that overlooks Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace, which I head for day after.

Have not stepped out into the city yet, but will keep you posted with more details tomorrow. Right now, I am off to have a cup of coffee at the poolside restaurant of the Shiv Niwas palace and enjoy the sunset!!

Renaissance Mumbai Hotel turns three

Renaissance Mumbai Hotel completes three years and on this joyous occasion the hotel has an air of celebration with an offering of fabulous discounts to the lucky ones who visit it on any day between June 14 to June 18.

Dine at the various restaurants of Renaissance Mumbai Hotel, the all day Dining Coffee Shop, Lake View Café or the Indian specialty restaurant, Nawab Saheb or the Chinese restaurant, Emperor's Court and avail of a whopping 50% discount on food bills (50% discount applicable on food and soft beverages only*).

For table reservations call 56928888

Lake View Café: Located at the Lower lobby level, down a cascading marble staircase overseeing the spectacular view of the Powai Lake and beautiful gardens. The Californian-style all day dining offers an extensive buffet selection for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It serves delicacies from around the globe.

Nawab Saheb: An elegant, family styled Indian speciality restaurant, serving sumptuous North Indian cuisine in a very inviting fashion. The daily changing menu at a set price features an array of succulent kebabs made from age old traditional recipes, curries delectably flavoured with aromatic seasonings, biryanis and pulaos redolent with spice and sinful desserts served in an unlimited feast style experience.

Emperor's Court: A tastefully decorated restaurant at the Renaissance Mumbai, where you can pamper your taste buds while savouring oriental delicacies, and feast your eyes on the lovely view that overlooks the restaurant. Begin your culinary adventure with an array of Dim-sum- steamed delicacies galore…winding through servings of delectable vegetables and meats in exquisite sauces, till you reach the innovative dessert selection. A treat you would be hard pressed to miss.

sob, sob....I am going to miss the first proper monsoon shower in Bombay. Am leaving for Udaipur...in fact, am at the airport, at the Sify iWay, waiting for them to announce Security Check-in for my flight. And I believe it is blisteringly hot in Udaipur :(

But still, why I am crying....I am going to one of the most beautiful cities in the world!!!!!

I am at the biggest crossroads of my life at the moment, faced with a decision from which there can be no turning back later and which will impact everything that happens from now onwards till the end of days. Somehow, what once seemed like such an obvious, simple and happy choice is being muddied and I am getting confused. Is this what I want? Is this what I deserve? People change, situations change, and what was once seemed written in stone become only words on sand. How long can I keep changing myself to suit others? At some point of time I feel I have lost myself and that cant really be good in the long run, can it? But not doing so might mean losing everything that is precious to me. Tough calls...living sucks!

This visit to Poona has been one long nostalgia trip....maybe because this shall be one of the last times that I will be coming here on anything other than work. My brother is finally shifting to Bombay and we will be putting up our house here on rent, so.....

I just drove and drove around the city today, visiting all the places that meant so much to me at one time....the Times of India office where I took my first steps into freelancing; Poona Club, where I conducted my first cricket interview - with Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and where I later conducted my most explosive cricket interview - with Rajesh Chauhan striking out against the BCCI; Hotel Blue Diamond, where I stayed for 4 months while we were still looking for a house in the city and where I participated in my first-ever vintage car rally and later the scene of some of my most thrilling triumphs as an executive committee member of the VCCCI; Marzorin, where a special someone first indicated that we were more than "just friends"; the airport, where I got that exclusive interview of Viv Richards that made me the envy of the sports journalists community for months; MG Road, the scene for innumerable lazy afternoon shopping sprees; the corner magazine shop on MG Road, where I rushed to every morning to buy multiple copies of any newspaper or magazine that printed my articles; Kayani Bakery, which always solved the problem of what to gift a non-Puneite -- I think for 4 years I just gave everyone Shrewsberry biscuits...I could just go on and on and on where this city is concerned.

The place that I love most in Poona, however, remains Koregaon Park, especially lanes 1 & 2, where all the old bungalows are. This is what Pune used to look like in the past -- green and gracious, and just so unbelievably serene and relaxing. Its really sad that most of these old, colonial-style bungalows are giving way to characterless apartment blocks. But these two lanes are really full of beautiful mansions, which I would give anything to own and live in. The most gorgeous, of course, is Shapoorji Pallonji's palatial mansion right opposite the nulla park -- you just have too see the place and its gardens and fountains to understand its charms. Its impossible to distill the beauty and quiet grandeur of the place in mere words, and thats saying a lot since as a journo specializing in interiors and architecture, I am quite used to describing fascinating properties. But I wont even attempt to describe this one - its simply the most beautiful residence that I have ever seen!!