SPUNKY INDIAN

APRIL 2019

Delivering a delectable slice of India to the world

Swimmer Niranjan Mukundan speaks about his tryst

with the water and his rise to the top.

Swimming to
Success

Pranitha’s
Power Look

Learn Cooking and

Have Fun With Food

Interview With DJ Paroma

Who is Making People
Groove to Her Beat

Chandramana
Ugadi: An Ode to
New Beginnings
 EDITOR’S LETTER

Spring is here!
The bright clear blue sky
overlooks us and we can feel the
warmth. The air is not too dry; it
soothes our body and soul.

The brown twigs get covered with green leaves and

laden with colorful flowers. The season of spring
ushers hope and happiness. The country indulges in
festivities; various states celebrate the festival
marking the beginning of a new age in their own
unique way.

Even in Karnataka, the spirit of spring can be seen in

the form of Ugadi. The smell of freshly prepared
Ugadi Pachadi hit the nostrils. Spring won’t fail to
inspire the designers, the spring/summer
collections, floral jewellery designs tops the racks.

This April issue also talks about inspiration, para

swimmer Niranjan Mukundan proves the quote that
faith can move mountains while he speaks about
his tryst with the water and his rise to the top.
Lastly, we will take you on an experiential journey in
the hills of Himachal Pradesh this season. Let there
be as much happiness in your life as there are
cherry blossoms in the trees.

Wishing you a brilliant Spring!

Content
01 Chandramana Ugadi: An
ON THE COVER
Ode to New Beginnings
Para Swimmer Niranjan
Mukundan speaks about
03 Pranitha’s Power Look his tryst with the water
and his rise to the top.

06 The Famous Female DJ in

India
Who is Making People FESTIVITIES
Groove:
Usher in the spirit of
DJ Paroma spring with new
commencements,
10 Swimming to Success renewed vigour, cheer
and hope amidst
Karnataka’s New Year
13 Picture-perfect Cooking

16 Ethnic Vibes in TRAVEL

Home Décor
Naggar is a complete
blend of art, history,
20 Taiki -Influenced by adventure, nature,
Japanese and Korean architecture, serenity
Cuisine and religious belief
leading it to be a perfect
place for everyone to
24 Not Your Regular visit.
Holiday: Naggar
INSPIRATION

DJ Paroma is an exception
29 Bespoke Jewellery for
who not only carved out a
Every Occasion space for herself in the
music industry but brings
33 Travel Trends for the prestigious laurels by
mixing music. She speaks
Year 2019-20
about her achievements,
upcoming projects and
35 Recipes future plans.
 Chandramana
Ugadi: An Ode to
New Beginnings
BY RASHMI GOPAL RAO
Usher in the spirit of spring with new
commencements, renewed vigour, cheer
and hope amidst Karnataka’s New Year.
With three months into the
New Year, it is time to welcome
April and a brand-new year for
most of us in the Deccan
Plateau.  On the 6th of April
and it is the festival of Ugadi,
also known
as Chandramana Ugadi. 
A very prominent festival
celebrated in South India,
Ugadi or Yugadi marks the
commencement of the new
Hindu Lunar calendar and
hence is celebrated as the new
year in the states of Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana
and Maharashtra.
Travel diaries
While the day not only marks
the advent of spring, it has
historically been a very
significant day in Hindu
mythology. According to
legend, it was on this day
that the universe was
created by Lord Brahma and
it was also on this day that
Lord Krishna entered
‘Vaikunta’ after the war of
Mahabharata.  It was on the
day of Ugadi that the era of
“Kalyuga” commenced and
hence is considered to be
one of the essential and
auspicious days of the Hindu
calendar.
The festival is celebrated each year
on Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra
month of the Hindu calendar.  The
latter is the first month of the year
and hence marks the beginning of
the new calendar aka
"Panchangam".  In fact, Ugadi along
with Deepavali (Balipadyami) and
Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) is
considered as the three most
auspicious days in the entire year
and perfect for any new ventures
and initiatives.
Celebrations galore
Considering it is one of the most
important festivals down south, the
day is celebrated with great fervour
and vigour.  Houses are cleaned up
before the festival, and on the day
of the celebration, it is adorned
with all things considered holy,
pure and auspicious. These include
decorating the entrance doors with
mango and neem leaves, decorating
the exteriors with Kolam aka
Rangoli and the abundant use of
fresh flowers in the puja. A
mandatory oil bath, new clothes,
gifts and meeting up with friends
and relatives add charm to the
celebrations.
During the festival puja, a copy
of the new calendar or
‘panchangam’ is placed and
worshipped with the hope that 01
all things fare well in the new
SPUNKY INDIAN
year.  In ancient times, it was
customary for the priest to
read out the year’s forecast in
the temple during evening
time. 
Bevu Bella and Ugadi Pachadi
One of the traditions intrinsically associated with the festival of Ugadi is the preparation of
“Bevu -Bella” in Karnataka which literally translates into Neem-Jaggery.  Neem flowers are mixed
with jaggery and consumed raw which is symbolic of the flavours of life.  Just as how neem is bitter
and jaggery is sweet, life is also a combination of the bitter and the sweet and one must learn to
take all things in our stride.

The Ugadi Pachadi, which is an ideal preparation in Telangana and

Andhra Pradesh is also a reflection of life’s flavours.  It is a tangy-
sweet-bitter-savoury sauce that is prepared using raw mango, neem,
jaggery, salt, chilli powder and tamarind.  The different flavours and
tastes represent different phases of life like challenges, difficulties,
surprises and happiness.  It is a dish that is mandatorily prepared and
having it on this day is a sign of being able to take in all the nuances of
life with equal elan.

Both dishes are reminders that life is not always about only happy or sad events.  It is a mixture
and a roller coaster ride.  It is our attitude towards life’s situations that is important and the key is
to enjoy the ride!

Other delicacies
02
The other vital preparations during the festival include a host of goodies like payasam, lemon rice,
tamarind rice (Puliyogare) and of course sweets.  Mysore Pak, besan laddu and holige (obbatu) is
SPUNKY INDIAN

also prepared in Karnataka.  The festival that is celebrated with great pomp in Maharashtra too is
characterised by the preparation of Shrikhand and Puran poli in this region.
Pranitha’s Power Look
BY BHUMIKA K.
Summer’s here and so is glamorous actor
Pranitha Subhash’s wardrobe of shorts,
short dresses, florals and pastels.

Popular actor in south India, Pranitha Subhash

has made her mark in Telugu, Kannada and
Tamil cinema, ever since she made her debut in
2010 with the superhit Kannada film Porki

CLASSY
opposite Darshan. She then starred in the
Telugu film Baava and Tamil film Udhayan. She
later won critical acclaim for her performance in
the Kannada film Bheema Theeradalli. The
young actor who started off during her college
days as a model, bagged her first role pretty
casually. Still the face of many a jewellery brand,
she also has her hands full as she co-owns the
pub Bootlegger in Bangalore.
TRENDY

In 2018 she did the Telugu film Hello Guru

Premakosame and in 2019 she already had a
major release as part of the ensemble cast of the 03
Telugu biopic NTR: Kathanayakudu where she
SPUNKY INDIAN

played the role of yesteryear actress Krishna

Kumari. “I have a couple of other Kannada films
lined up too,” says Pranitha.
 Keeping it simple

The lithe beauty definitely styles herself well and

has a major following on Instagram. “Personally I
like a simple and minimalist approach to fashion,
whether it’s my clothes, make-up, or hairdo. I like
to keep my off-screen persona light. If I’m going
out shopping or hanging out with friends, I’ll
probably be in a T-shirt and jeans,” she declares.

“On screen, it really depends on the characters I

play; bright colours always look good on screen. At
public appearances too I go for bright colours.”
While the costume department has been around
in the film industry forever, she observes, now
it’s the stylist who takes care of these things in
every film.

“A lot of personal stylists of film stars have now

come into prominence. The number of designers
too has shot up, and stylists work with them to
source the right outfit for our red carpet events
and public appearances,” explains Pranitha, giving
a peek into the world of filmi clothes.

While we can be very critical of what stars wear,

a chat with Pranitha reveals how much care and
thought goes into what stars wear. “Because of
social media we have to be conscious of what we
wear every day because people are constantly
watching you,” she argues.

“On screen, it really depends

on the characters I play; bright
colours always look good on
screen. At public appearances
04
too I go for bright colours.”
SPUNKY INDIAN
 Light palette and florals for summer
The past winter has been a cold one for Pranitha,
travelling to Israel. “I was constantly wearing knits,
full-arm jackets and boots.” So summer has never
been more welcome. “I like to wear light shades and
florals in summer. I like anything sleeveless and cotton
in summer. Dresses go very well with my persona.”
Linen is something she reaches out for again,
depending on the occasion. Pranitha believes that a
good pair of sneakers and a short dress define her
“power look” for the season.
She’s going through a phase now where she loves
brands. “Two or even three years ago I wasn’t a brand
person at all,” she declares. But now she has clear cut
ideas of what she will pick – “Zara has the best winter
wear and it’s perfect when you are travelling abroad."
Certain brands like Diesel fit me well. But I
still think simple things made a big difference.
Having a Gucci belt has become the latest
trend; it can be paired with anything.” When it
comes to accessories like bags, Pranitha says
she likes to keep her look classic.
She also talks of the hazards of her profession
and dressing in complete contrast to the
weather depending on the location of the
event.
“If it’s winter, but the event is indoors I
have to keep my look light. But I could also
be wearing a blazer in summer! It all
depends on the occasion and the location.”
05
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The Famous Female DJ in India
Who is Making People Groove:
DJ Paroma
“I WANT THEM TO REMEMBER THAT NIGHT
WHEN DJ PAROMA WAS PLAYING.”
With the growing pubs and nightlife, DJing as a profession has seen exponential growth over the
years. Opportunities are plenty, and one can opt this as their career choice. However, DJing 06
being the male-dominated profession finds a few female names.  
SPUNKY INDIAN

DJ Paroma is an exception who not only carved out a space for herself in this industry but brings
prestigious laurels by mixing music. She speaks about her achievements, upcoming projects and
future plans.
 EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW:
You have entered the world of DJing at a very tender age. Were there any challenges which you faced
initially?
Paroma: I faced many challenges as this was a completely different field for me. But my confidence
made me reach the heights I have achieved today. The very fact that I got into a profession which was
not considered a stable and proper job was a huge concern initially for my family members. I began
with small projects, but slowly my work started picking up, and today I am blessed to be performing
both locally and internationally, painting the towns red with my gigs.

How has DJing changed your life and what are your highest achievements by far?

Paroma: DJing has totally changed my life in so many ways, and the best part is that I have turned
my passion for music as my profession. When you love what you do, success is guaranteed. I have got
to learn a lot, explore a lot, and overall, I have gained such a massive number of fans over the years,
and the love and appreciation I receive are so overwhelming.
My highest achievements so far, I have won the WOW Asia Award 2018 under the best female DJ
category. I have played for IPL 2014 as their official DJ, and this was the game changer in my life as it
led me to further opportunities. I was a jury member for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs in 2017. I have
recently been on the cover page of the DLF Trend Magazine, and also on the cover page of Gizmobox, a
digital technology magazine.

Can you share some of your

international experiences in
performing gigs, as you have become
really famous internationally as well?

Paroma: I love performing

internationally, as it mesmerises me
how popular our Bollywood music in
overseas as well. I think one of my best
international gig experiences has to be
in the USA. The crowd was geared up
with some intoxicating energy, and it
gave me an adrenaline rush as well. I
enjoyed performing there as much as
they enjoyed dancing on my tunes. I
was really touched with the love and
affection I received, and it makes me
happy to know that they look forward
to me to come back to the USA and 07
perform once again.
SPUNKY INDIAN
If you were not a DJ, which is the other profession, you would be a part of?
Paroma: I was an air-hostess before, and when I used to fly I was already aspiring to be a pilot, but
life took a sudden turn, and I landed in this. I believe destiny always has a plan for you and that,
you cannot change. What makes me happy, is I at least get to create something that I love ….
MUSIC!! 
I was doing well with a stable income, flying places, so I guess I would have continued my
profession if I had not decided to follow my heart and take up something that is more fulfilling and
satisfying to me.

What are your upcoming projects/gigs in

line? And where do you see yourself five
years down the line?

Paroma: The year has just begun, and I am still

exploring the number of opportunities which
are in the pipeline. I am definitely having some
great stuff coming up this year as well, and I
aim to release my single this year as well.

Would you like to share some advice for

aspiring DJs who want to make it big in the
industry someday?

Paroma: Just aim to be a good DJ, and not

because you are fascinated and consider this a
glamorous profession. Learn the art and
technique well, and play and mix music using
your heart and your music sense. Remember,
you are responsible for making someone’s
night or event memorable, so give it your best,
and you will excel.

Since DJing is a male-dominated profession,

have you faced any #metoo moment during
your career? What are your thoughts about
the #metoo movement going across the
country?

Paroma: I am pleased that this whole #MeToo

Movement has come to light, it is better late than
never. I sincerely feel those who have wronged
should be punished. However, I hope there are no
false alarms raised for #MeToo, just to get into
the limelight, as there are some people's names 08
and years of reputation which goes on stake only
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by one allegation. Social media is a powerful tool.

You’ve got the power, use it well, let’s not misuse
it. Touchwood, with God’s grace, I have not
experienced any #MeToo situation till now.
 100% Handmade with Natural
Ingredients

LUXURY BATHING
BARS
09

SPUNKY INDIAN
www.onelifeindia.in
 Swimming to Success
Para Swimmer Niranjan Mukundan speaks about his tryst
with the water and his rise to the top.
Faith can move mountains and this para
swimmer’s story surely proves that. Junior
World Champion Niranjan Mukundan was
born with a disease named spina bifida, a
neural tube defect which affects the spine
or bones of the spine. With clubbed feet, he
has had 18 surgeries so far and uses Ankle-
foot Orthoses (AFO) assistance to get by.
Paralyzed till the age of five with no hopes
of even walking let alone competitive
swimming, it was as part of hydrotherapy
that he took to the water.
BY DEEPA NATARAJAN
“I was almost paralyzed as a kid.
But when doctors suggested
swimming or horse riding to
strengthen my legs, I chose to
swim since I felt fresh in the
10
water. In fact I learnt to swim
SPUNKZY INDIAN
in ten days,”
recalls the 24-year-old champion
swimmer from Bengaluru.
 There were times when his instructor would put him in the shallow end of the pool but he
would swim to the deep end on his own. “Such was my love for water.” In around three
months, renowned swimming coach John Christopher spotted Niranjan’s talent.

“He said I should consider competitive swimming since I had more potential in water than just
use it for hydro or aqua therapy.”

While they were filled with hope at the mere thought of it, Niranjan’s parents were still hesitant
since he couldn’t even stand properly back then.

“All they wanted was for me to have a normal life. So it was a huge decision for them
to make. But once they decided to put me into competitive swimming, everything
just clicked. I started loving the water and found it to be my home,” he says.

Travel diaries

It has been around 13 years

since Niranjan started swimming
competitively.  He won his first
national medal in 2003 and
international one in 2012. He All in a day
was crowned as the Junior
World Champion at the World Ask him what’s a typical day like for a Junior
Junior Games in the Netherlands World Champion and he says it’s all about an
in 2015. early start.

“I have represented India in more “I recently completed my Masters in Sports

than 16 countries so far, be it
Europe, UK, US, Malaysia or
Singapore,” he beams with pride.
Ask him about his favourite
place in the world and he says,
“I have been to Germany around
seven to eight times and it’s my
favourite place to swim at. The
weather over there is great and I
won my first international medal
over there in 2012 so that makes
it doubly special.”
A place that he would love to
visit is Australia.
Management so I am only concentrating on
swimming at the moment. I have to be at the
pool by 5.15 am so my day starts as early as
4.45 am. My sessions go on till 8.15 am.”
He adds, “Once I return home, I take a nap till
about 11 am and then hit the gym at 11.15-11.30
am. I rest again post lunch and head back to
the pool by 4.30-4.45 pm and continue to train
till about 7.45 pm.”
While he normally takes Sundays off, he
jokes that come what may, even tsunami, he
has to follow this routine to stay on top of his
game!
11
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“Despite being a small country,

Australia has an amazing
sporting culture with a lot of
universities dedicated to sports,”
he says.
 Eating right
18
Any athlete’s routine is incomplete without
a strict diet and the same holds true for
Niranjan.
“Yes, nutrition and diet do play a very
important role in my career. I am put under a
strict diet thanks to which I have seen many
positive changes in my life. Since I am a
Brahmin, I am a vegetarian and don’t eat
meat. Even in vegetarian foods, there are
many items that I don’t like, for instance
‘paneer’,” he laughs. “So I consume a lot of
eggs since I need to eat a lot of protein,” he
adds.
Being a big foodie, he enjoys his cheat meals
once every 14 days and loves to head to the VV
Puram Food Street in Bengaluru to dig into an
array of street food.
“I have also been training in Thailand since 2016
for the Tokyo Olympics under an Olympic
specialist. Since I stay in a remote place, I head to
a place 27 kms every few weeks to eat a few ‘gulab
jamuns’! But as my coach says, ‘Athletes don’t have
taste buds’. Representing India is not something
that everyone can do. So these are just a few small
sacrifices that I have to make being a
sportsperson.”

Why does India lag behind?

While Niranjan feels that disable-friendly infrastructure is
the need of the hour in the country, he also notes that the
government should support sportspersons during the
training period instead of showering them with rewards
post victory.
“Since many talented people can’t
afford the training sessions and
don’t get support at the right time,
they end up quitting,” he laments.

Inspiration, future plans and more

With his parents being a pillar of support

for him, Niranjan considers former
cricketer Rahul Dravid as his inspiration.

“I just love his composure and the way he

handles pressure both on and off the field.
I have interacted with him many times
since he is on the advisory board of
GoSports Foundation, the sports company
whom I am under. But every time I talk to
him, I am just awestruck at how amazing
he is!”

While currently he has qualified

for the world championships and
is training to qualify for the
paralympics at the Tokyo
Olympics the next year, his long 12
term dream is to open his own
SPUNKY INDIAN

academy after he retires.

His advice for budding swimmers is to “do what you love and love what you do”.
 13

Picture-perfect Cooking

SPUNKY INDIAN
Each time we watch a new season in Master Chef or see a friend post a gorgeous Insta or FB
picture of some exotic Moroccan dish she cooked, we all want to be that person who can whip
up a perfect recipe, don’t we?

Bangalore is brimming over with people wanting to get their hands into kneading the dough,
julienning veggies, learning to bake, saute, fry, try their hand at gourmet, and bring the whole
world on their table for their families and friends to enjoy.

The fact that many of us are travelling and experiencing cuisines from the world over, or want
to learn new dishes so we can make wholesome food ourselves at home, is driving this craze
further. The city’s growing expat population that also wants to learn various local cuisines is
another growing segment.
Catering perfectly to these whims and fancies of such Bangaloreans are the numerous
professional cooking studios and classes around the city. State-of-the-art kitchen equipment
and gadgetry, world-travelled well-trained chefs to teach, customizable itineraries, menus and
classes, Insta-ready setups…they boast them all.

BAKING ACADEMIES,
BESPOKE
WORKSHOPS,
COOKING STUDIOS –
THE PLACES AND
PEOPLE YOU CAN
TURN TO IN
BANGALORE TO LEARN
COOKING AND HAVE
FUN WITH FOOD ARE
JUST TOO MANY!
-BHUMIKA K.
At their beautifully done up Slurp Cooking Studio (www.slurpstudio.in) friends and chefs
Sarabjeet Singh and Faseeulla Saifulla cater to all interest and intention levels  -- for those who
just want to bond over cooking in a private class to a 4-week course for those maybe planning a 
food start-up.

With young working professionals, weekend

course is the rage, and a way to let off steam
and unwind after a hectic corporate week.
Couples make a beeline for cooking classes
that allow “we time” therapy and even a
Valentine’s Day surprise for partners.

Whether you are a family who believes that

“a family that cooks together sticks
together”, or a bunch of friends who just
want to hang around together in the kitchen
to experiment with a new cuisine and then
eat what you have cooked over a glass of
wine, or whether you are a corporate entity
looking to get your employees into the team
spirit with a cook-off or a team-building
exercise…the reasons to be in the kitchen
are apparently many.

Manju’s Cooking & Baking Classes

(www.manjuscookingclass.com), one of the
oldest in the city, for example, entices
people with the idea that you can make
restaurant-like dishes at home, at a much
lower cost. Kiddie birthday parties are a hot
favourite too at these studios – kids get to
bake and eat the cake too!

14
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Natasha Celmi (www.cucinamiabynatasha.com) a food professional and passionate home
cook conducts culinary workshops or “cookshops” for both adults and kids through her
outfit Cucina Mia at the many popular cafes and restaurants around the city, featuring
vegan Mediterranean specials, or helping you whip up a healthy party menu.

Satish Venkatachaliah’s Something’s Cooking, the famous studio in Koramangala

(www.somethingscooking.in) offers 8 cooking islands, each with their own cooktop, oven,
chimney; they even have an open-flame traditional coal-grill BBQ setup. Basically, the
works …all that you see on TV! Cooking class is no longer about making notes, but having a
hands-on experience.

If you are high on baking and want

to bake your own bread at home,
or learn to decorate cakes,
Lavonne Academy of Baking
Science and Pastry Arts
(www.lavonne.in) takes you to
another “pro” level altogether.

15
You could learn sugar art, or “be a baker in
SPUNKY INDIAN

weeks” if you keep at it persistently over six

weekends, or work harder for a diploma!
Ethnic Vibes in Home Décor
BY RASHMI GOPAL RAO

Getting a traditional makeover is not always an expensive

affair.
If you are a fan of all things vibrant and eclectic and wish
that your abode reflects the same vibes, integrating
Indian elements into your home décor is a great idea.
 Bright and cheerful, they are sure to add a warm and
vibrant feeling to your space.  Additionally, a fabulous
makeover to your home reflects a sense of cosiness apart
from giving your home a festive ambience.  Here are some
quick ideas to infuse ‘desi’ elements to add charm to your
space.

Bright colours

While much has been said about Scandinavian decor with

white, pastels and soft hues taking centre stage, the
Indian look is all about bright colours.  Consider painting
parts of your home in bold colours like yellow or maybe
even burnt orange.  Highlighting only an accent wall in Consider painting parts of
your home in bold colours 16
this shade while leaving the rest of the house light is a like yellow or maybe even
SPUNKY INDIAN

good idea.  This pop of colour instantly enlivens the burnt orange. 
space and lends it a unique character.  Decorate the wall Highlighting only an
with either Tanjore frames or Madhubani art, and you accent wall in this shade
have your perfect “feature” wall ready! while leaving the rest of
the house light is a good
idea.
Wooden furniture

There is nothing more classic

than solid wood or teak
furniture.  Replete with grace
and majesty, this style of
furniture adds to the regal,
traditional look.  Accessorise
it with silken cushions or
cushions with block print or
mirror work covers to
complete the look.  If you have
the luxury of space, there is
nothing like having a
traditional swing amidst your
living room.  Remember those
old four-poster beds,
dressers, study tables and
chest of drawers in your
ancestral home? Well, never
discard any of that for old is
always gold!

17
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 Brass and antiques

Another great idea would be to

use brass accessories in
abundance. Brass idols, lamps and
‘urlis’ add to the festive look.
 Scour the attic for your
grandmother’s brass vessels,
throw in a potted plant and you
have the perfect accessory for
your corner.  A large mirror with
a vintage frame can instantly
transform any dull wall.  Antique
brackets, door knobs and masks
form great accents and lend the
space a distinct look.

Furnishings and upholstery

If you are looking to add a touch

of elegance and sophistication to
your space, classic handlooms and
organic cotton can never go
wrong.  

Ethnic prints and native

weaves are always a class
apart and can help
accentuate any space. 
Try the geometric accents
of Ikkat or the bright hues
of Kalamkari.  Creating
drapes out of your
mother’s cotton or silk
saree or adding an
embellished shawl or
dupatta as a throw on the
sofa is a sure way of
adding a quirky yet
vibrant vibe. A wealthy
Indian rug in hues of red, 18
purple or blue can
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complete the look.

Handicrafts

Because India’s culture is a kaleidoscope of

colours and includes a wide variety of native
crafts, adding in Indian handicrafts as
accessories is a great option. 

Whether it is the colourful toys of Channapatna

or the masks of Cheriyal or even Bastar
artwork, all of them add a unique character to
your home. So, next time you travel make sure
you pick up regional handicrafts as souvenirs
so that you can accessorise your home with
happy memories!

Wall art

If you are a fan of indigenous art,

consider painting a wall with tribal or
folk art. The foyer area or balcony or
even the wall outside your main door is
ideal to get this ‘traditional’ makeover.
While Warli art is a popular choice,
Gond and Madhubani are equally
exciting options. Allow the art to be
the highlight of this wall and avoid
over-accessorising it.

Rangoli and accessories

Getting a traditional makeover need not

always be an expensive affair.  Simple
things go a long way in adding a classic
look.  Adorn your entrance with Rangoli
or kolam, use bright colours or even
fresh flower petals to enhance the
pattern.  Use plenty of fresh flowers. 
You can either float flowers in brass urlis
or make simple arrangements in pots or
vases. Hibiscus, roses and lilies not only
add colour but oodles of warmth. 
19
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Use terracotta lamps, traditional lanterns and diyas for a celebratory vibe. 
Upcycle an old trunk by painting it in bright colours and use it as a statement
piece in your living room. Old window frames and benches can be restored and
upcycled to lend a rustic chic look.
 Taiki - Influenced by
Japanese and Korean
Cuisine
Influenced by Japanese and Korean The word Taiki is derived from
cuisine, Taiki is a modern Asian two words – ‘tai’ (great) and ‘Ki’
restaurant located in the heart of the (brightness), which perfectly
city. It was founded by Krish
resonates with the setting.
Nayak and Apeksha Kamath under
Vara Food Works, and started
The restaurant features modernist
operations in December 2018 in
Japanese architecture. Though it is
Indiranagar in Bangalore, on 100 ft
housed in a narrow space of 10’x120’,
Road. The Pan-Asian menu brings
the mirror walls and skylights give a
together dishes from Japanese noodle 20
sense of soothing space. The floor plan
bars, street food from Korea and
is minimalistic, warm and cozy. The
SPUNKY INDIAN

Thailand and some amazing flavours

interiors are a blend of modernism and
from other parts of Asia. Besides food,
contemporary features with neutral
the focus is on creating a great dining
wall tones and art/light installations
experience with cosy ambience and
that convey class whilst staying
efficient service.
current and vibrant.
The menu includes varied dishes from
Asian countries with a special focus on
Korean and Japanese cuisine. The
signature dishes include the delicious
Fiery Chicken Gimbap, Korean Fried
Chicken, scrumptious Thai Curry &
Jasmine Rice, Yaki Udon, Prawn Tempura,
Jjigae - Korean Stew and many more.

Apeksha Kamath is the Co-founder of

Taiki Restaurant.  She finished her MBA,
Marketing and HR from Alliance Business
Academy and did a stint in Doray HR
Solution as a Director-Recurrent &
Business Development. She not only
brings her passion for food but also
almost a decade of her professional
experience in the HR industry to the
new venture.

Travel and easy accessibility means

that audience here is exposed to
flavours beyond the usual comfort of
Indian-Chinese dishes such as
chopsuey, chowmein, chilli chicken and
manchurian. Baos, Ramen, Japanese
Curries, Krapao, Sushi, Khao Suey
have become the new go-to foods in
Bangalore.

She had always wanted to start her own

restaurant and with Taiki, is just about
starting to realise her dream. Apeksha’s
vision is to bring pan Asian cuisines to
Namma Bengaluru across multiple
locations.
Pan-Asian has been the single most
dominant food trend in Bangalore for the
last few years. The flavours from Japan,
Indians are not totally
oblivious to Pan Asian food.
Unlike Western food, these are
the flavours that we relate to
better. A huge variety in Pan
Asian cuisine means that it is
possible to engineer the menu 21
without having to drastically
SPUNKY INDIAN

Korea, Thailand, Cambodia etc. are bold,

tweak the originals.
exotic and different, which appeal to the
cosmopolitan Bangalore crowd.  
 “Taiki brings together dishes from
Japanese noodle bars, street food from
Korea and Thailand and some amazing
flavours from other parts of Asia. Our
street-eats are bold and unique and can
cater to a wide range of taste buds. We
use the best quality ingredients and
super fresh products to make sure that
our customers are satisfied and happy”,
Apeksha informed.

Besides food, our patrons love the relaxed feel of the restaurant and friendly service.
Our ambience has minimalistic overtones with natural light beaming through for most
of the day, which makes the setting and dining experience very unique. 
 
Having a restaurant of my own has been a long-standing dream. My years spent in USA
and frequent travels around the world meant that I could try many wonderful cuisines
of different styles and cultures.  Over the last few years, my personal favourite has
been Pan-Asian food - Japanese & Korean food in particular.

22
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“For some reason or the other, women restaurant
owners have always been a rare breed. This holds
true not just for India but the world over. More and
more women are now using their entrepreneurial
drive to enter the hospitality industry. Support from
family has been a key deciding factor in me taking
up this opportunity to start a restaurant. Woman
entrepreneurs in India are now being recognized
and appreciated. It's more of a responsibility than
a privilege as there is relatively more of an onus to
find the right balance between family and career”,
Apeksha quoted.
 
Team building and tapping resources is the key to
running a successful business, she signed off.

23
SPUNKY INDIAN
Not Your Regular Holiday: Naggar
Aastha Maheshwari

It was yet another awful tripping experience at Naggar in the state of hills, Himachal
Pradesh. We stayed at a hotel in Kullu, which was barely 20 km away from Naggar.

Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery

Our first target on the point was Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery. I, being an art lover,
was exhilarated to be there. It was smashing to witness the art and antiques,
prestige and heritage of India in the form of paintings by the Roerich family. What I
liked the most about it is that it keeps us away from the chaotic life of the city. The
place is quite picturesque with the serene beauty of hills, lovely flowers in the
surroundings and beside the river Beas, that make it a perfect place for those who
are in search of peace. I must say, it was very well-maintained.

This vast collection of art made us go back in history.

24
SPUNKY INDIAN
This was the house of Nicholas that has turned out into the gallery while
a small outhouse is converted into a museum. There is a garden outside which
leads to a cliff like a place where tourists can go and experience the beauty of the
Himalayas. The museum still has Roerich’s car, that too well-maintained. We
quickly managed to take out 1.5-2 hours to explore this place. It remains open
throughout the week from 10am to 5pm, with a nominal fee of INR 50 pp, which is
really worth for an art lover. This completed our first spot, leaving us quite
satisfied and equally stirred for the rest of our journey.

Naggar Castle

After having lunch, we headed towards the prominent Naggar Castle that remains
open for public all 7 days a week from 7 am to 10 pm with a highly nominal fee of
INR 15pp. Just a few km away from the art gallery, this splendid Naggar Castle,
situated on top of a small mountain, was built in the 15th century and currently it
is a heritage hotel run by HP Tourism Dept. It is a must-visit place for art lovers,
nature lovers and the ones with historical and religious beliefs.

Some of Roerich’s paintings are kept for public display inside the castle. We
literally enjoyed the bounty of nature, and the serenity and calmness of mountains
and the view from the balcony are phenomenal. The interior of the castle is worth
noticing.

25
A fantastic blend of European and Himalayan styles of architecture, the
SPUNKY INDIAN

villa has a dignified front and well-thought interiors with fireplaces

and fitting staircases, constructed with timber and stones which is
very much in tune with its surroundings.
Gauri Shankar Temple

Below the castle, there is an ancient Gauri Shankar

temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
This temple is believed to be the last monument of the
Gurjara-Pratihara traditions.
It is famous for its Shikhara style structure, having a
dome-shaped top with a square shaped base.
We typically spent half an hour there. The stone
carvings on this temple with the stunning medieval
architecture amazed us.
This unique mansion also houses a temple Jagti Patt in
its courtyard.
The unusual fact about this temple is that it has other
slabs of deodar timber which makes it earthquake
resistant.

26
SPUNKY INDIAN
Now, this was the time to trek, Naggar
“Go wher
not only houses some trek trails but
e
also is the base to a lot of other treks. you
Enthusiasts and adventure seekers
feel
have a lot to explore in this small
most
village. aliv
Rumsu
e. ”

We chose Rumsu as our trekking

destination which is barely 5 km from
to
Naggar, but we used a short cut for our
trek, but this way contained rocky
Trek
terrain. After this small trek, we had our
s u
way back to Naggar, had our dinner and Rum
night stay in our hotel.

Dhapko Shedrupling Monastery

Lear
n
Next morning we headed towards
Dhapko Shedrupling Monastery, a very some
tranquil place that left us with some thing
different kind of inner peace. This large,
holy and peaceful Buddhist Monastery, abou
t
dedicated to and inaugurated by Dalai
Lama, is located high up in the hills of Bud
Kullu rendering this place a serene view dhis
to the viewers.
m
at t
If you are planning for Kullu, then this
he
destination should get added in your
scho
checklist. It not only provides an ol in
astonishing view of hills and trees
outside but is also quite near to the Dha
river rafting point (which was yet pko
another breathtaking experience) and
there is a school in its premises for Shed
rupl 27
children, so even you can learn ing
something about Buddhism.
Mon
SPUNKY INDIAN

aste
ry.
 Tripura Sundari Temple

On our way back to Naggar, we visited the Tripura Sundari temple,

quite close to the Roerich Art Gallery. It’s a glorious old temple built
of deodar wood with a triple-layered roof. The pillars and doors of
this magnificent temple are made out of wood and have intricately
carved designs. We were welcomed into the temple by a lovely
wood-carved Ganesha, and then the carvings and structure of the
temple blew our mind. If in Naggar, one must visit this tranquil place.

Jana Waterfalls

In no time, after lunch, we left for Jana waterfalls. It is indeed a

beautiful natural waterfall surrounded by deodar trees, pine trees,
apple orchards and snow-covered mountain peaks rendering it as a
perfect picnic spot. We trekked up the hill and view from the top
was astonishing. One can either leisurely swim in the small pool of
this fall or have a refreshing bath or both. You can spend here as
many hours as you want to. We returned by 5 pm.

Naggar is a complete blend of art, history, adventure, nature,

architecture, serenity and religious belief leading it to be a perfect
place for everyone to visit.

28
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 Bespoke Jewellery
for Every Occasion

Bedazzle in jewellery, nobody will

be able to resist looking at you
on the special occasions

As the spring comes in, how can we not talk about

the brand Archana Parasrampuria? The floral
designs and patterns of all things green have
influenced some of the bestsellers. The movement
of nature, Archana’s love for nature, flowers,
travels and her family’s heirloom jewellery deeply
influenced her designs.

Archana started off with designing jewelry when

she was a newly wedded woman with dreams in
her eyes, have a passion to work, with minimal
knowledge about the industry and without any
prior industrial experience. Over a period of 25
years, she gained exposure to the market, the
people and the trends.

The experiences with different people from

different parts of the world give her an
opportunity to learn which can be seen in her
designs strongly. Archana traveled extensively to
almost different parts of the world to find the
rarest and distinct jewels.

29
“Just recently I had my two sons join me and have enhanced the brand's hold on
SPUNKY INDIAN

marketing, business development and financial planning”, Archana informed. In

an exclusive interview, she shares about her work as a designer and reveals
her future plans.
What is the best part of your work that you
love the most?
Archana: Designing for me brings about
clear expression, a feeling of empowerment
and enables me to create something out of
nothing. Penning down my ideas and
bringing about fluidity, style and balance in
my jewellery is extremely satisfying. I also
take pride in the trust that the customers
display in me and my work.
What is the unique characteristic of your
work?
Archana: As a designer, I believe originality
holds supreme importance, and for me it's
the key aspect of my work. I will never stop
innovating because if you aren't moving
forward, you are only moving backward!
Another important aspect is to understand
the client and their requirements.
Once we do that, we are able to
marry our design sensibility along
with their vision to create something
spectacular.
What are the challenges you have faced
in your career?
Archana: Juggling work, home and 2
young sons was challenging and
demanded a lot of my time. I was
unable to prioritize and focus on
designing.
That's when my mother-in-law
stepped in and helped me take care
of my children while I was at work.
The second and more important
problem was that I was a woman in a
completely male-dominated industry 30
and no one took me seriously. At
SPUNKY INDIAN
first, it was disheartening, but I
decided to take the challenge in my
stride, and here I am 25 years later.
What pushes you forward to
innovate? What kind of
experiences influence your work?
What is your creative mantra?

Archana: Our clients have immense

trust in our product and they keep
coming back to us time and again.
Over the years, they have referred our
work to their friends and family, who
have also turned out to be loyal
customers for us. It is this very faith
in the label, Archana Parasrampuria,
that constantly pushes us to innovate
and create unique statement pieces.

Creative mantra - Creativity

and style go hand in hand with
comfort. Each piece that we
design even though exquisite,
must be comfortable to wear.

We believe that this multi-functionality will

Please describe a recent collection
that you worked on from conception
to final creation.
Archana: Our latest bridal
collection comprises some of the
most exciting new  pieces that we
have recently achieved. Our
contemporary thought
the process behind this collection
has enabled us to create bridal
jewellery pieces as multifunctional
and wearable signs. We have
created necklaces that are large
and layered, and yet, they can be
separated.
Our bridal bracelets can easily be
enable brides to feel that the jewellery they buy
for their big day is actually an investment that
can be used afterward, and for us, we are happy
that our customers adorn our creations time and
again.
Tell us something about your jewellery that no
one else knows.
Our design process is an extremely meticulous
process. Each piece goes through a couple of
processes, which span over a month or more.
We present the client with at least 4 to 5
variations of the finalized design and then
work towards the final product. 31
SPUNKY INDIAN

converted into a wearable choker A lot of time, effort and attention to detail go
style. in achieving the final product, which our
clients are aware of and that is exactly how
we get our rewards.
 JEWELLERY IS ABOUT MEMORIES,
EMOTIONS, MESSAGES AND SO MUCH
MORE 32
SPUNKY INDIAN

Learn more by visiting our website:

www.archanaparasrampuria.com
TRAVEL TRENDS FOR THE
YEAR 2019-20
We at Traworld swear by the World Travel! Travel lets you experience life and the
beautiful facets of living across the globe. Experiencing the magical beauty around
the world through our own eyes is truly magical.
With the growing consumer appetite for best travel experiences
anywhere across the globe, we aim at taking travel to unexplored
heights with a range of our uber luxurious, sturdy, stylish and super
affordable product range. If you still haven’t jotted your annual
travel itinerary for the year let us help you with that by putting
forth the five top Travel trends for the year 2019-20 that will surely
be on everyone’s mind.

G
L If you have been dreamy-eyed about traveling the
O globe, go ahead and plan your dream vacation with
Traworld’s range of hard luggage trolley luggage bag-
B
Globetrotter. With its sleek design in uber stylish
E color, it can be your perfect partner to travel the
T world with you.
R
Safeguarded by a TSA
O
lock system it has wet
T
pockets inside which
T can help you organize
E your long travel plans.
R

To begin with planning your luxury

holiday with your special someone or B
family anywhere across the globe, your O
best travel companion can be Traworld’s O
Booster trolley luggage bag which has an
S
elegant look and feel. From the hard
luggage segment, the trolley luggage
T
comes with TSA lock system and E
anti-theft zipper. R 33

The colors for the product range are

SPUNKY INDIAN

also carefully chosen which will

make one fall instantly in love with
the product. An ideal companion for
your family getaways.
 If you are adventurous at heart or are looking to explore an
adventurous holiday destination that’s been on your mind for a
while now, Costa Rica trolley luggage bag from Traworld is your
best luggage buddy for the trip.
C
The hard luggage trolley bag with a built-in lock
O system and super stylish color range will lure the
S adventurous side of you which ensures to be a
T travel compact and rugged yet in style.
A
So set yourself free and take
R the trekking trip you have long
I been wanting to undertake and
C explore the world around you-
Traworld way.
A

V
If you are traveling for work and seeking the best probable
I
solution, Traworld has the perfect solution for you through its E
Vienna range of soft-luggage trolley bags that have multiple N
sectioned pockets to keep your office or work-related must N
have’s safe and in order for your immediate use. The range of
A
luggage is designed in such a way that it can also fit in as your
cabin luggage and you can also carry it with you wherever you
are on the go. The bags are stylish and made in superior colors
to suit your office taste. Keeping it classy and minimalistic in
design is our thought behind this range of luggage.

M If you are seeking a fun time holiday with your bunch of friends
O and looking to get away to a fun place, the Traworld luggage
S product Moscow is your ideal partner to carry while you have a
C fun-filled holiday time and look forward to that perfect get
away with friends.
O
W It allows you to splurge on your holidays with its
expandable capacity to carry that extra bit for your
last minute travel needs and shop while you enjoying
the vacation.

Never miss a chance to travel and let nothing stop you from
exploring the nature’s bounty, be a go-getter and jet-setter!
With a whirl of choices your way that are easily available,
affordable and match up to your style quotient, you could never 34
miss a day of being in style and traveling smart.
SPUNKY INDIAN

Promise yourself a year of enthralling travels ahead with

Traworld’s range of exclusive trolley luggage bags available
easily across retail stores and online.
RECIPE: MARGARITA VEGETABLES
By Renu Dayal

A different version of fajita vegetable, tasty and healthy.

Ingredients Method for the vegetables

1 ½ cups par boiled broccoli florets
½ red capsicum, sliced
½ green capsicum, sliced 
1 In a non-stick vessel heat the olive oil,
add the jalapenos and sauté for ½
minute. 

1 cup carrots, peeled, boiled and cut 2 Add the parsley and sauté for ½ minute. 

into thin long strips  3 Add the broccoli, red capsicum, green
1 cup French beans, sliced and boiled  capsicum, carrots, French beans,
balsamic vinegar and salt to taste.
3 tbsp chopped parsley 

3 tbsp olive oil  4 Cook for 3 minutes. 

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar  5 Add 4 tbsp tomato salsa. 

1 tbsp chopped jalapenos 
6 Mix thoroughly. 
4 tbsp tomato salsa

Salt to taste 7 Serve hot. 35

SPUNKY INDIAN

Preparation: 40 min You can serve this dish

Cooking: 5 min independently or you can
use it as a Margarita Fajita
Serves: 6 to 8
and serve it with chapattis.
 I n a c onf l i c t
be t we e n t he
he a r t a nd
t he br a i n,
f ol l ow y our
he a r t .
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

APRIL, 2019 EDITION

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