WOW! SEPTEMBER 2020

September 2020 n `35 nightlife start-up A meal An App for and Children’s cocktail prep kit Fitness by OTM Exclusive: leisure pics from Virtual Rana’s Theatre wedding Classes wellness Heal with Art The Bridal Issue: new age celebrations

September 2020 n `35 HYDERABAD nightlife start-up A meAl An App for And Children’s cocktAil prep kit Fitness by OtM excluSiVe: leisure piCs FrOM VirtuAl rana’s theatre wedding Classes login now! wellness HeAl witH art 1 YEARS 2 YEARS tHe bridAl iSSue: PAY RS.300JULY 2020 Q`35 PAY RS.600JUNE 2020 Q`35 new age celebrations AUGUST 2020 Q`35 Cover: Pooja Hegde Outfit: Manish Malhotra TfWooO dNEW EXCLUSIVE: SwAFeElTlYnAeTss TRENDS mJda“Wuroaesnnhtc’tyedonaorqsrutikethec!tsi”tnot,iogosns. Jewellery: Kalasha Fine Jewels PICS FROM SUBTLE Styling: Ashwin Mawle DESSERT SALONS AND CHIC Rana Daggubati Make up: Kajol Mulani PLACES NITHIN’S STYLE Hair: Suhas Shinde TO TRY WEDDING foodTHE FUTURE EDUCATION Photographer: Eshaan Girri TIPS IS IT SAFE FOR WcaHuERsEeTO OF EATING CHILDREN TO OUT RETURN TO VOLUNTEER SCHOOL? nTHiEgNhEWtlife FEATURE lLeEAiRsNure COOKING PARTY NORMS DURING COVID PHOTOGRAPHY ONLINE HEALTHY LIVING: REACH OUT: LOCKDOWN Managing Editor TIPS TO BOOST YOUR DEALING WITH DIARIES Deepti Reddy WITH IMMUNITY DEPRESSION Editor PINKY REDDY Ratna Rao Shekar MAY 2020 Q`35 Assistant Editor Malliha Fatima TOLLYWOOD: WHAT LIES AHEAD? copy editor Minal Khona FEB 2020 Q`50 JAN 2020 Q`50 SPOTTED: DEC 2019 Q`50 Feel the HOTTEST ON HA SePIaCtY Design ALLU TSTrYeLEnds EVENTS IN 17th Vijay Narang ARJUN: THE CITY šš“¨Ž¡£Š¡® FOOD TRAIL ON TOP FORECAST Photography OF THE FOR 2020! Issue NYE Ravinder Reddy GAME 2P0A2RT0Y Vinay Kumar ANCiHgAhT tlife Dressed Myasa Balu trends tOoURKill HAUNTS TO WITH HOT END THE Marketing FEEL POP SINGER FASHIONISTAS K V Krishna THE BLUES BEHRAM OF THE YEAR YEAR WITH THIS 2020 circulation & accounts WOW Subbarao start up IconA TRIBUTE TO Swamy GET CHAMPION Editorial & Marketing Office CUSTOMIZED PV SINDHU Wow! Hyderabad SKINCARE 7-1-27, Third floor, (Next to Green Park) FEATURE: GO NATURAL: POWER PLAYERS: Ameerpet, Hyderabad-16 shopping MILLENIAL Food, Beauty and Therapy The Reigning Stars of Tollywood Tel: 6651 1956, Fax: 2373 1951 MARRIAGES [email protected] ORGANIC BABY PRODUCTS For Advertising Enquiries 98499 23888 Free Online Access: https://www.wowhyderabad.com Distributed by Check out our e-magazine Margadarsi Marketing Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad­ YOUR SUBSCRIPTION WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM volume 20 issue 6 THE FOLLOWING MONTH. SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. Published by Deepti Reddy, on behalf of Shravya Publications Pvt. Ltd., and Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd., RTC ‘X’ Roads, Hyderabad And Published at 7-1-27, 3rd Floor, Greenlands (beside Green Park Hotel), Ameerpet, Hyderabad - 500 016. 2 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020



4 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020



city FROM THE EDITOR WHY THE ARTS NEED TO BE SUSTAINED, MORE THAN EVER NOW will ever feel that energy that comes the arts are a luxury, something that we No other community has been as from performing in a sabha to a critical can do without; but in fact, they allow us badly hit by the pandemic as those audience who respond to every tala and to dream and hope for better days ahead. who entertain and enrich us – I mean abhinaya. all those in the fields of culture and With theater having brought the curtain How can I forget to mention artists or the arts, sports and entertainment. At down on live performances, stage artists the art galleries that showcase them? no other time in history has the word, too have been sitting idle with applause These days, buyers are few and far, and ‘starving artist,’ gained such ominous and encores being a thing of the past. the younger artists in particular are connotations as the current moment Ideally, around this time of the year, we, struggling to find markets. The life of when artists have been out of work, and in Hyderabad should have been feasting the creative artist is hard as it is, who cultural and art centers remain closed, on a smorgasbord of great plays that not only have to believe in themselves and are unlikely to open any time soon. were brought year after by the untiring but trust that their art will take them Once the coronavirus made its insidious efforts of the Qadir Ali Baig Foundation. somewhere one day. If our younger artists way into the world, live performances, Hyderabad in fact, has been home to are to continue working, they need that whether of classical dances, western a vibrant theater tradition with older ray of hope that there are art lovers who classical or popular music, have come theater groups that continue to stage will appreciate and support them. to a screeching halt; and performing plays as much as younger groups who artists who spend years training, have put up performances at little known In the next few years, it will be crucial been left wondering, not only how to spaces. to build a viable future for culture sustain themselves, but how to keep and support those involved in its their creativity alive. Many have resorted In times of crisis, we need development. At least 80 per cent of to online performances, that while art more than ever, as World Heritage sites have remained shut being amusing for a while, may not be people in isolation singing as have museums and theaters throwing that satisfying. One of my friends, a in their balconies showed many livelihoods out of gear and pushing classical dancer wondered sadly, if she how music can unite artists and performing arts to the brink. everyone In response to the pandemic, UNESCO launched the ResiliArt movement around Not only the artists, but cultural spaces April this year, calling this a cultural need to be kept alive. Hyderabad has, emergency. in the last decade alone, given birth to centers such as Saptaparni that In times of crisis, we need art more than provides a platform to performances ever, as people in isolation singing in of the young as much as the older their balconies showed how music can stalwarts; LaMakaan which has been unite everyone. In isolation, it is films, a stage for varied art forms – plays, sculptures, paintings that have given us music and talks, and Gallery Café relief as have music, song and dance that that has given space to young talent have brought us comfort and escape. that includes upcoming musicians UNESCO declared that art can help build and stand-up comics. These days they communities – that art was resilient. remain closed and cloistered without And urged the world to come together the footfalls of eager audiences. to safeguard its cultural heritage by The pandemic has been hard on all of us, providing sustainable funding for but more so on creative artists and the cultural institutions and to ensure stable platforms that sustain them. During such living and working conditions for artists an overwhelming crisis, it may seem that to flourish. Ultimately, it is the arts that give us a glimpse of beauty and all that is enduring, and make times such as the one we are going through, bearable. n Ratna rao SHEkar 6 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

Start-up Sutras A fitness app exclusively for kids Virtually Fit What: We have started with kids, and our prime completing every task by the kid, which Obesity among children is a significant focus will remain children,” says Prathima, can later be redeemed in the marketplace problem globally and has been increasing the CEO of Fitb.ee. for goodies. To keep the app engaging for rapidly since the last fewdecades. As of children, animation and curated badges 2019, more than 17 million children were With a forefront approach are included with every workout. found to be obese in India. The crucial coupled with technology, Impact: reasons for obesity in Indian children are Fitb.ee offers expert The app has had more than 60,000 the lack of infrastructure, safety, expert guidance on workouts, downloads collectively from both the knowledge, and inadequate exercise. nutrition, hydration, and platforms in less than six months and With the coronavirus pandemic, minimal self-defense serves over 40,000 subscribers across the activities like walking have also come country. With a great response to their to a halt across all age groups leading How: videos, the team plans to come up with to impending problems. Fitb.ee aims Fitb.ee is exclusively for kids and a subscription model to cater to goal- to bridge these gaps in children with teenagers between the age groups of oriented needs like building stamina, the help of technology and innovative four and 19. With a forefront approach playing a specific sport, or overcoming learning exercises according to their age coupled with technology, Fitb.ee offers obesity. They are also launching a groups. Started in 2017, Fitb.ee is one of expert guidance on workouts, nutrition, marketplace inside the app so that kids India’s fastest emerging children’s fitness hydration, and self-defense. Their services can redeem the accumulated points to applications, which provides a structured are available directly on the Fitb.ee purchase various fitness products or approach to the wellbeing and the mobile app, which is carefully developed goodies. They are in talks with different fitness of a child. They believe in creating and provides a smooth experience for fitness companies and are carefully a fitter and healthier youth for the future kids. The app is available for both Android selecting the items for the marketplace, of India. and iOS platforms. The app has fitness which best suits the kids. n sharath Who and Why: videos filtered as per the age groups, Fitb.ee is co-founded by the couple, and it shows only the relevant content start up Avinash and Prathima Avinash Rajapet and Prathima Koppolu, based on the information provided by also avid fitness entrepreneurs, with the user. The videos are again subdivided a customer-first approach dedicated into levels and workout sessions with exclusively to kids and teenagers. With an predefined video exercises. New workout inclination towards athletics and sports sessions are unlocked every day except since his childhood, Avinash wanted to for Thursdays and Sundays and only follow his passion and pursue a career after finishing the previous workouts. related to this field. With his experience as This is to restrict kids from accessing a trainer in the UK, Avinash joined hands multiple activities on a single day, which with his wife Prathima and launched Fitb. is also not recommended. All the video ee back home in Hyderabad to instill the exercises are shot with kids who have need to stay fit early on in children.“There been associated with Fitb.ee for the are many people genuinely interested in last two years. There are approximately sports and staying fit; just like Avinash 250 videos available for free on the and people like me would have also been app. Reward points are allotted after interested had we been given the right direction. A large majority of Indians are like me, who were never exposed to working out or sports. After we had a son, we thought of starting something that would help at least this generation in terms of fitness. We wanted to create a platform where children can focus on strength, endurance, and stamina building, irrespective of their interest in any sport. Whether a sportsperson or a voracious reader, they need certain activities to be fit along with the right set of directions, which was lacking previously. To bridge the gap, we have come with Fitb.ee – an exclusive fitness application for children. We didn’t start it with adults and then expanded to kids. WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 7

city cause Inaraa has listed 24 cities on its platform and is currently fully An online plasma bank Inaraa is making a difference by operational in Delhi, Mumbai, connecting critical patients with plasma donors across the country Bengaluru, Vijayawada, and Hyderabad among others. Yasasvi informs, “A Plasma Therapy: recovered patient can give plasma Connecting to Save Lives twice in a week after recovering, in a period of a fortnight to two-and-a-half months. Also, if the antibody count is 6.5 and above, the person can donate plasma. However, people are still scared to donate and that is why we are carrying out social media campaigns to debunk myths around plasma donation and emphasise its importance.” Patients in need of plasma can visit the Inaraa website, choose their city and blood group, select the donor that matches their need and fill out the patient details during registration Plasma therapy is the only hope for for their plasma. They can view these Even the most vulnerable patients with critical COVID patients till vaccines are requests and visit the patient’s hospital comorbidities are getting cured through released. Many patients in Delhi have to make a donation. Donors are more plasma therapy. They are also aspiring to recovered completely with this line willing to step forward this way as they raise funds and reaching out to patients of treatment. Since then, plasma has are given the option to choose from by providing counselling to keep their become precious as it is being sold at an the list of patients and their identities spirits high. In the past four weeks, they exorbitant rate and donors are hard to are kept confidential. The data of have reached out to six blood banks come by. patients is also secure. However, during who are ready to take plasma to doctors Sidharth Lahoti and Srinivas Sarkar, an emergency, Inaraa does reach out at government hospitals, who are in alumni of BITS Pilani University launched to donors directly to request them to turn connecting them with recovered Inaraa, an online plasma bank, in June donate plasma. patients. n Surela 2020, to connect patients with donors Apart from registering Website to donate/search for plasma: in Delhi-NCT and Bengaluru. Inspired by on the website, one http://www.inaraa.org/ their efforts, fellow BITS Pilani graduate can easily reach out to Social Media handles: Yasasvi Malka and his teammate Trisha them through social https://www.facebook.com/inaraaplasma Reddy took the lead on expanding Inaraa media. A patient can https://www.instagram.com/Inaraa_app/ in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with access the plasma Link to Google Drive photos: a team of 40 volunteers. They have free of cost. Srinivas https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yp successfully matched over 50 donors says, “As of today, itSWLialnChW2jNSdFyNfGay76nKkz with patients. India has enough Patients in need of plasma can visit eligible plasma donors the Inaraa website, choose their city to donate to every and blood group, select the donor that patient that needs matches their need and fill out the plasma therapy to patient details during registration. survive the virus. The Donors registered on Inaraa will get an numbers are on our email every time a patient has requested side. It’s a solvable problem.” 8 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

WOW! adds its voice to the growing concern over heritage in Anuradha Reddy, Convenor, Indian Hyderabad, and asks that the 100-year-old Osmania General National Trust for Art and Cultural Hospital not be demolished for its sheer historical value Heritage (INTACH), Hyderabad who evaluated the building in 2015 and 2019 Saving Osmania Hospital says, “Structures of the vintage of OGH and its kind are strongly built mostly of granite and chuna (lime). Their walls are broad, and their foundations are deep. The architects selected the land after much research into the geography of the land they were going to build on.” A video went viral mid-July in Hyderabad. Photo: Vinay The rainwater which entered the premises The clip showed water entering the was due to the storm drains getting heritage block of the 100-year-old Osmania The Government proposed to demolish clogged, blocking of water outlets due to General Hospital (OGH), and being knee- the building in 2015 and stopped due to newer constructions and unauthorized deep, it resembled a minor waterbody. the huge outcry against the decision. structures which came around the The visuals were striking and resulted in   building hindering water flow.  a huge brouhaha involving alumni of the The History   institution, activists and the public bringing Starting out as the Afzal Gunj Hospital Anuradha adds, “When the building was to the fore the callous treatment we in 1866, the current building was built in constructed, care was taken to ensure reserve for our collective heritage. 1919 after the devastating Musi floods of that excess water will enter from the   Hyderabad in 1908. It was designed by back and flow out from the front of the One of the oldest hospitals in the architect Vincent Esch, who also designed building (through the gardens) into the country, Osmania is a premier medical the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. Musi. The natural topography of the land facility which treats almost one lakh   ensures this. Subsequent constructions patients a month and carries forward the The hospital is famous for its obstructed the natural flow of water and legacy of the last Nizam of Hyderabad, fenestrations in the form of arches, that needs to be rectified.” Mir Osman Ali Khan. masonry jaalis and the domes     accentuating its elevation. As the Senior Cardiologist Sudhir Naik, The waterlogging inside the heritage building is located on the banks of the associated with the hospital for 60 years, precincts was unprecedented in its River Musi, it has been provided with a stresses on the importance of renovation. century old history. What followed was the robust foundation, well-designed against He says, “Till date, the central oxygen rolling out of a typical handbook – calls for problems associated with river front supply in this building is the best. We demolitions (which have been around for development. need to rectify any shortcomings of the a couple of years now), immediate locking   building and preserve it. Osmania is a of the building and shifting of the patients Decades of steady decline  time-honored reservoir of superb doctors to the other blocks. Dr Iqbal Jaweed, executive member of and a culture of excellence. There is a   the Osmania Medical College Association pressing need to preserve it as a city Spread over 24.5 acres, Osmania Hospital points out that the decline began from without its history is like a body without consists of the In-Patient (IP) block, the mid-80s when corporate hospitals a soul.” Out-Patient (OP) block, and Quli Qutb started sprouting up in the city.  “The   Shah block. The IP block is housed inside former President Shankar Dayal Sharma Heritage activists and the medical the heritage block (constructed in 1919) was treated here and our former PM, staff point out the dental college, and consists of patient wards, nurses’ PV Narasimha Rao used to come to visit mortuary and other buildings which station, offices and operation theaters. his guru, Ramanand Theerth while he were built later and say that new The heritage building has many striking was admitted here,” he recalls and adds, constructions can co-exist with heritage features: 25-feet high ceilings which “Till 1985, an engineer from the Roads structures. Anuradha asserts, “Why is ensure sunlight and ventilation, walls of and Building Department was posted any heritage building and the collective one-meter width which don’t trap heat inside the campus to maintain it. Once heritage of Hyderabad important? It and the airy corridors. the office was shifted, the decline began. is irrelevant who has built it and why, Imagine, the building was not even they have all become our history. They whitewashed for 35 years.” become the memory of the activities and achievements of the people of Telangana.”   In the tussle between the right to safeguard our heritage and a propensity to build newer structures, the answer perhaps lies in the adaptive usage of older structures. Historians and hospital staff agree that the wards can be shifted to newer buildings and a museum started in the old building. Jaweed signs off saying, “The building needs a dermatological face lift, it needn’t be put on a ventilator.” n Mallik WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 9

food Abhishek and Shruthi DIRTY MAD TEA: This is a bubble tea variant Tea Time that has no tea in it, just fresh whole milk, brown Check out Mad & Co the only place in the city with a sugar syrup and tapioca wide range of Asian inspired teas including cheese teas pearls. The tapioca pearls are cooked on low heat The Chai Wallahs in brown sugar syrup so The bubble tea craze has hit India and The couple worked every day to get they absorb all that smoky, this techie couple has taken it up several products perfectly accustomed to the caramelly flavor, and these notches. Abhishek Madugula and his Indian taste palate. They customized all are then topped off with wife Shruthi moved back to India from the aspects from the store’s layout by cold fresh milk and cheese. the US and have started Mad & Co, an an architect, fine-tuned the product to BLACK PEARL TEA: Asian inspired chain that can give the be available in 0-100 percent sweetness High quality black tea teas of Taiwan a run for their money. levels, packaging design, and created leaves that leave a lingering fun-drinking instructions, introduced fragrance and a hint of They traveled to Southeast Asian non-dairy and vegan options as well as bitterness. countries leaving their little son with making the concoctions in 90 seconds. THAI CHEESE TEA: his grandparents. They wanted to know Strongly brewed black tea and experience the roots of the product The menu has something for everyone with a tinge of spice topped and how to source the raw materials, – cheese, bubble, fruit and organic teas; off with a frothy mixture understand the making procedure, Macchiatos in buckwheat, jasmine, of sweet and salty cream store layouts, formats, product quality, Japanese, taro, Thai, black, strawberry, cheese. importing, and analyze the bubble tea peach etc., and they plan to introduce Each one has a distinct culture. It took them three months many more flavors. You can even flavor and for us the Thai tea and six countries in Asia, living in customize the sweetness levels of your was the best but the Dirty backpacking hostels, eating at the tea from O to 100. n malliha Mad tea is a dessert on its local food places, and paying for the own; even people who never experience of working in bubble tea Prices: Starting Rs. 220 drink tea or coffee will go stores. They didn’t spend unnecessarily gaga over this one. as the couple wanted to use their savings Sarath City Capital Mall for research. Timings: 11 am onwards Dirty Mad Tea 10 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

Double Chocolate Orange Pound Cake bake goodies with Butterscotch Rum Sauce A dessert-lover’s dream Le Confiserie, straight from the raashi kitchen of an industrious home baker Sweet Spot They say that if you do Dessert King what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in WOW! catches up with the Pavan your life. Raashi Khurana, founder of the latest homemade 23, found that to be true dessert delivery service in town… when she launched her home bakery late in June. Made with love Le Confiserie represents Raashi’s labor of love in everything it offers. “Baking genuinely gives me happiness, it’s not something I do because I have to. I want to pass on that happiness to my clients too,” she remarks. For years now, city-based entrepreneur Pavan Jhamnani was While it has all the famous among his friends for whipping up delicious desserts. whimsy of a home bakery, Once the lockdown started, he decided to put into action what Le Confiserie is anything Oreo Cheesecake was perhaps at the back of his mind for a long time: his own dessert delivery service. “Whenever I met my friends, I used but a rookie operation. to take something over.” Pavan shares and adds, “During the Raashi’s longstanding passion for baking turned into lockdown they missed what I whipped up and started to ask professional interest when she interned with Conçu. She me to take it up professionally. Thus Pav-Lova Gourmet Treats then got a diploma in baking and pastry from the prestigious was born.” School for European Pastry, Mumbai, and worked at Food House, Mumbai until the lockdown – which presented her with the time and opportunity to realize her dream of Pav-Lova pays homage to one of its founder’s preferred desserts starting her own operation. during his student days in Australia – the pavlova, a meringue- based dessert – and elements from his name. Currently, the Le Confiserie’s menu is decked with some crowd-pleasers. service offers four desserts made to order: Chocolate Salted Not a day has gone by without at least one order of the Caramel Toffee Pie, Coconut Chocolate Toffee Pie, Japanese Baked Cheesecake with Mixed Berries Compote, which also Apple Gateau and Double Chocolate Orange Pound Cake. happens to be Raashi’s personal favourite. Another must- try is the Focaccia bread, the herby Italian favorite that The premise behind Pav-Lova is to create delicacies which are combines a crispy exterior with a soft inside, making it the not available elsewhere: hence, the eclectic combinations. perfect accompaniment for soups and stews. If the cookies, Coconut which is usually used to be make burfi is paired with cakes, dessert jars and muffins have you counting calories, chocolate and Malibu cream while the apple gateau is treated the sugar-free Date and Walnut Cake is a more guilt-free with miso. The Coconut Chocolate Toffee Pie is an absolutely indulgence worth trying. delectable treat which has delicious chocolate extravagantly paired with crumbly pie. The ingredients are chosen carefully Launched during the lockdown, with concerns of hygiene for all the desserts and only organic sugar is used. and safety at an unprecedented peak, Raashi is aware that building trust is important. To that end, Le Confiserie With plans to introduce newer varieties, this is an ideal place is a one-woman operation with little to no outside help. to order gourmet homemade treats from. The incredible taste “People can be sure that the food and packaging are safe, and intriguing combinations make all the desserts a winner all because we minimize contact and always make our orders the way. fresh. Nothing is pre-made or frozen,” she shares. And since people are less inclined to dine out, or even get delivery Each dessert serves six to eight people and need to be ordered from large establishments, she believes that fine home 36 hours in advance. n mallik bakers can bring quality treats to different parts of the city, “after all, not every area has its own high-end bakery!” she Order and pick-up before 6 pm. concludes. n anuja Prices: Rs. 1,500 to 2,000 Road No. 2, Banjara Hills Prices: Rs 250 onwards Tel: 99490 99249 For orders, contact 9700322611 or @leconfiseriebyraashi on @Pavlova.hyd Instagram WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 11

food A Parsi Feast Regional Cuisines Those who love coastal food and dishes from different parts of the country can try ordering from The Kitchen Table India on your Plate With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping us With some of the freshest ingredients all at home and travel being restricted and seafood purchased on the day Dhansak to only when essential, one of the things of delivery, even the ingredients we miss is the cuisines of different such as spices are sourced from local additional offering to their permanent regions. We had the chance to try out housewives of the regions to keep it as menu on weekends. the fabulous home kitchen of Roshni authentic as possible. With affordable pricing for the quality Nathan and husband Errol Clive Nathan The Goan Prawn Curry, whole Roast of food they make, Roshni and Erroll called The Kitchen Table recently. Chicken Cafreal, Fish Fry in Recheado want to focus on bringing the love of Roshni being in the F&B industry for masala stood out. They also have other food from various regions to your house over 20 years has always loved good great dishes on the menu such as without burning a hole in your wallet. food and had a dream of starting Pomfret in Green Masala, Chicken Xacuti, The packaging for the food is great as her own café with her husband. With Kheema Pav and Malwani Chicken Curry. well so you can dig in at ease once it’s downsizing happening in the hotel The theme to their varying menus and delivered to your residence. n kartik industry, she thought this was a good food is inspired by their travels, work Meal for two: Rs 800 to Rs 1200 time to get catering. They started off and family. In the future Roshni says, For orders: their venture with a Parsi menu that’s “You can expect a lot of regional cuisines Tel: 7731076667/2 as authentic and rich as it should like homegrown Kolkata food, Delhi and @thekitchentable_hyd - instagram be. Most recently, they launched a from the south, Kerala, Mangalore and @the kitchentablehyd - Facebook menu with Goan food and Coastal Chennai.” These special menus would Maharashtrian (Malwani) cuisine. change monthly or bi-monthly as an 12 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

HYDERABAD Ground Floor, Uma Enclave, Road No 9, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 9099026000

shopping Earthy Jewels Trendy and pocket-friendly trinkets are the USP of the Mehran Collection The Clay Way experimented with the clay to find their brand’s aesthetic – subtle yet statement- making trinkets that seamlessly go from day to night. Every piece is completely made by hand, which means mass production is off the table. In fact, they make no more than 10-15 pieces of each design, so every individual piece is truly unique. Custom designs and products are welcome too – for Raksha Bandhan last month, they made rakhis that could later be repurposed as pendants or keychains. While Simran’s personal favorite is a heart-shaped pendant that she now wears every day, the delicate daisy pendant has been a crowd pleaser too. Their bold, geometric earrings in solid colors are a great buy if you’re looking to make a statement, and their opal- inspired collection of pendants and earrings pander to the glitter-lover in you. n anuja Price: Rs. 199 onwards For orders contact 9642060535 or @ themehrancollection on Instagram Simran and Mahek Sisodia Sisters Simran and Mehak Sisodia took That’s when they realized the potential the lockdown as an opportunity to of working with polymer clay, a material drum up a new business – the Mehran that’s the subject of many an artistic Collection – a homegrown brand of endeavor abroad, but relatively unused handmade earrings and pendants. in India. Jewelry made of polymer clay, Mehran is an amalgamation of their they found – was ideal for the task – names, that also means kindness. While inexpensive enough to create affordable 18-year-old fashion blogger Mehak has products, lightweight enough for daily an eye for style, 23-year-old Simran use, and durable enough to hold shape has a flair for business. “I’ve always and color even with regular wear (if wanted to start my own business, but needed, they can be cleaned with water the lockdown has put several plans or untinted acetone). on hold. So, we brainstormed about Drawing inspiration from artists on something we could do that was new Instagram and Pinterest, the sisters and feasible,” shares Simran. 14 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

Foodie Gifts A unique gifting option Amulyam, creates hampers with ethnic foods to tiramusu jars A Basket of Gourmet Delights ingredients, these are made from recipes passed on from generations. The ginger and garlic pickle has finely minced mango for a tangy twist, with ginger subtly overpowering the garlic. The dry mango is authentic to its mighty Rajasthani roots and those craving for Marwadi cuisine, should make it a point to taste it. The leswa pickle however, takes center stage with its exotic flavor which literally makes the mouth water even after having a mouthful. When going gift-hunting for family and The brand reinforces its commitment to With their new range of immunity friends, one is required to think about empower craftsmen who make organic products, Amulyam is taking the meeting the needs of every family baskets out of water reed, banana fiber initiative to provide effective member. However, one gift hamper can be or cane. “We want to promote local supplements for boosting the ideal for an entire family when it contains artisans and also offer an unforgettable immunity system. Contrary to popular a series of surprises for everyone. experience to people. We wish for belief that the immunity range might Founded in March this year by business Amulyam to uplift everyone who’s focus on the ingredients and not on and life partners Sushanth and Trishala working with us, including vendors, the taste, we were pleasantly surprised Agarwal, Amulyam offers a wide range artisans, suppliers and customers,” by the Badam Milk, Masala Herbal of homemade snacks, gourmet desserts, enthuses Sushanth. Kadha, and Energy Mix powder which pickles and more, crafted with utmost Elaborating on their intent to be are not only tasty but work towards a love, care and safety. environment-friendly, he adds, “We stronger immune system. “We wanted to be the solution to make sure that we source responsibly, Their street food kit consists of every gifting, which is why we offer tailor- products are natural and organic and ingredient you need and much more. made gift hampers to suit all occasions, the processes are sustainable and our Impeccably packed and served in perfect festivals and announcements, along packaging can have a second life at a proportions, this kit includes classics with catering for small events and get- new home.” such as bhel, chatpata seasoning, meethi, togethers,” says Sushanth. Amulyam seamlessly blends the hari, teekhi chutneys, and sev and puri. Wrapped in an ornate basket, aesthetically traditional Indian and Western elements We tried Bhel Puri and Pani Puri and done up in elegant tulle fabric and loaded into the menu. Right from a Tiramisu jar what fun it is to make your own street with special goodies, this bundle of delight and cookies, au gratin and a bread loaf to food. The flavors blend just right and is delivered at your doorstep. Walnut Laddu and Gond Chikki, complete can be a go-to for chaat lovers who have with mouth freshener and churan. missed street food. One cannot help but be charmed and One of the hardest parts of gifting is delighted by the attention paid to the trying to fit everything in your budget smallest of details. but Amulyam curates gift hampers that We tried an array of pickles including can be budget-friendly as well as elite. ginger and garlic, dry mango, leswa, “We love collaborating with our clients and mango. They come in glass air tight to make their dream gifts come to life containers which are leak proof and while maintaing value for money, a sturdy. Made of precisely chosen natural clean aesthetic and a truly memorable experience,” Sushanth explains. They went the extra mile in collaborating with city-based designer, Brij for scarves and pocket squares as part of their Rakhi and Teej hampers. n spashta Price: Rs 500 onwards Tel: 9121008750 https://instagram.com/amulyamhyderab ad?igshid=1pkphzcri05kt WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 15

leisure Check out these online workshops where children can learn varied skills from theater to writing Virtual Creativity The pandemic has forced kids to learn sentence with no emotions in their The staff is preparing kids ready for virtually. Adapting to the changes, Eager annual day school functions.” international competitions. During Readers is providing digital workshops the pandemic, Eager Readers has sent on public speaking, reading, and drama Eager Readers is a platform 20 entries to an international podcast skills for children between the ages of to bridge the gap between competition and secured the third prize six and 16. Started by Unnati Ved in 2017, the present traditional from over 1300 entries worldwide. Eager Readers is a platform to bridge way of reading, writing,   the gap between the present traditional speaking, and listening Eager Readers bring in experienced way of reading, writing, speaking, skills amongst kids with faculty, based on the activity they and listening skills amongst kids with interactive, drama, and live, teach for a child’s immersive learning interactive, drama, and live, play driven play driven workshops experience. Kids get to learn multiple workshops. activities with a single course, which is   Eager Readers offer many more the USP of the company. For example, A double Masters in Finance, Unnati says, activities like podcasts, poetry, drama, Eager Readers is conducting a course on “Eager Readers aims to introduce kids and being a radio jockey. The course suspense radio drama from a mystery to today’s new age reading, listening, spans over four weeks with two classes book based on Sherlock Holmes for speaking, talking and critical thinking each week between two age groups, the 10+ age group this month. With skills through the medium of stories under and above the age of ten. Eager this course, kids learn how to write from books. Enacting a role from a Readers also helps kids with assessment dialogues and a script, record voices from storybook is far easier for kids than tests from world renowned institutions. a microphone, upload sound effects, and simply asking them to play the role of A total of 88 students were sent for the sessions is followed by a guest class an angry older woman which has no the Trinity College of London Speech, by RJ Shezzi. With multiple benefits and reference point. Bringing characters Drama and Communication skill exam comfort to learn from the home itself, alive and teaching drama concepts conducted by a UK based examiner in Eager Readers should be on the to-do list through a book is the reason for starting November 2019. for your kids. n Eager Readers. The same goes for public Fees: Rs 3000 onwards speaking, when kids understand the tone Tel:  9100334242 of the story, they will be able to speak https://www.eagerreaders.in/ it with the same conviction, expression, and clarity rather than reading a 16 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

A young teenager, Zaara Syed, talks about the portraits she creates Portrait of an Artist For centuries, portraiture was considered Sprouse, and Billie Eilish among others. as one of the most elite forms of art. In Her works feature characteristic elements the age of selfies, sketching and painting of traditional portraits, overlaid with of portraits has taken a back seat. textural swirls and hints of paint. A 16-year-old is rewriting her own She draws inspiration from spaces around Zaara Syed story as she draws realistic portraits. her, as well as social media. “I take most Zaara Syed, is a beguiling portrait artist pictures from Instagram accounts or I During the lockdown, she has made who sprinkles magic on paper. Each click them on my own. If I see a face and I four portraits which have graced her realistic portrait captures every detail of find it conveying a message, I like to draw Instagram page, artby.zaara. “My friends the subject’s face, such as the intensity of it,” says Zaara, a 11th grade student at are very supportive and they’ve always their eyes, texture of their skin, flowing Oakridge School. wanted me to have an Instagram page. hair and clothing. “With each drawing, there’s a particular We have art exhibitions in school for “She’s had strong artistic tendencies feature I want to focus on. I’m really which I was selected a few times and my since she was a kid. I would bring her interested in facial expressions, as there work,” she says. n Spashtaakshara toys and dolls, but her obsession would are a lot of emotions that can be conveyed. be drawing. I started getting her better I chose the Billie Eilish picture because of colors and pencils; she made her first her intense glare and deep eyes, I used portrait at the age of nine and there’s pencils and charcoal for sketching the face, been no looking back since,” says her and for sunglasses I used acrylic paints,” mother, Samea Syed Sarosh. she says. Zaara has made stunning portraits Plans of holding an exhibition at a city of Margot Robbie, Kaia Gerber, Cole art gallery got stalled due to Covid. WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 17

focus “I think quarantine or not, I’ve always been an advocate of smaller and more intimate weddings; a private affair with the people who mean the world to you, there to bless you on your journey as a married woman. Coming from a family of food lovers, all we need to make the wedding a success would be great food and great music! Ideally, I would love to have a picturesque location as a backdrop but since travelling is restricted right now, I would go for a quaint, but beautiful local space –imnusPtcoehoajdwa.oHSuoel,gdadcseh,yaAonucgtcreaefsnosrseme,en.”ot BnAoNDmBoAArJeA! 18 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

It was Hyderabad that put the big fat Indian wedding on the social calendar for Indians all over the world. From pre-wedding shoots in Paris and Prague, to Avatar-themed mandaps, celebrity photographers to capture every moment; gourmet cuisine, designer outfits; and invitations with gifts – costing a few lakhs – everything disappeared faster than you could say Wuhan! Today, whether it is actor Rana who got married last month or a regular salaried professional, everyone has gone low-key. Just a handful of close friends and family make it to the guest list. Will this trend, where less is more, stay beyond the threat of the virus? Or, will we go back to our excessive, OTT ways, once it is safe to mingle amidst crowds? WOW! talks to brides, planners and designers to find out current trends and what comes next… By Rajeshwari Kalyanam and Malliha Fatima When the whole world was locked down to fight Covid-19, Miheeka in a custom Anamika Khanna Lehenga like many significant events in our lives, most of the weddings too were postponed in the fond hope that once the world went back to normal, we could have our weddings in all their glory, with all the usual bells and whistles. But, it turns out the virus has a mind of its own, and with no end in sight, some couples decided they would go ahead and tie the knot; albeit with a few tweaks to the ceremonies in order to fit into the times. Instead of thousands, now there are only a handful of guests arriving at the wedding, dressed modestly, but elegantly, complete with their masks matching their finery. And what used to be elaborate themes in exotic locations and spacious convention spaces, are home-bound now. Where there would be imported flowers and whiffs of perfumes greeting the guests, there are specially designed and decorated tunnels erected that spray a sanitizing mist all over as you walk through – a new welcome ritual, where a mask and sanitizer is handed over as a bonus. While the family and friends who can’t make it catch up over Zoom, a few enterprising ones sit through the virtual sessions in their wedding finery for the vibes, while a lavish thank you hamper arrives at their homes! Intimate weddings evidently are the order of the day and if there is one thing these challenging times have taught us among other things, is that a wedding with all its rituals, designer clothes, elaborate themes and ethereal décor can be totally ‘Made in India’ and executed to perfection and enjoyed, despite the limitations – that too on a smaller scale. And even without the madness of the big fat wedding melee, they do turn out to be happy events, where you can literally feel the love in the air, instead of the heat and suffocation that comes with too many people and ostentatious outfits completely at odds with the weather. Understated Celebrity Weddings The talk of the town is the wedding of our very own Bhallaladeva aka Rana Daggubati and Miheeka Bajaj. The bride’s mother, a jewelry designer and successful event planner, Bunty Bajaj, still ensured that her daughter had a dream wedding. Invitations were designed by celebrated artist Thota Vaikuntam. The venue, inspired by the film WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 19

focus Crazy Rich Asians, was converted into an enchanted forest with a backdrop of an enlarged Radha krishna painting by the artist, with a lot of Vaikuntam’s favorite green parrots as part of the décor, created under a rain proof tent at Rama Naidu Studios. Designer clothes, custom-made jewelry, and rituals from North and South traditions – all the ingredients needed for a happy wedding were in place. There was also live streaming available to be viewed on virtual reality mode by friends and family, who couldn’t make it. “I did miss not having Miheeka’s friends and my very close friends and family, who couldn’t fly down; but, I felt having fewer people attending, made me focus on my daughter and that was very satisfying,” Bunty shares. “The silver lining was that we could meet everyone. It was an intimate wedding where only a few close people could attend and we spent quality time with them. That way we are glad it happened during the lockdown” – Shalini Despite the few disappointments scaling down brings, it does seem to be working well in a way. In yet another Hyderabadi shaadi, Shalini recently married Telugu actor Nitin. What was supposed to be a destination wedding in Dubai with 400 guests, was pared down to three events at home with the main ceremony at the Taj Falaknuma Palace. The family divided guests between the events. “The silver lining was that we could meet everyone. It was an intimate wedding where only a few close people could attend and we spent quality time with them. That way we are glad it happened during the lockdown. Western weddings are more about the bride and the groom. But Indian weddings are more about family and friends; usually, everyone ends up having fun except the couple. Nitin and I enjoyed our wedding. However, it was sad that some of our family members who were abroad could not make it to the wedding,” Shalini reveals. Innovating Wedding Plans Shalini in a saree from Kanchipuram For Akhila Pingali Reddy, it was a different story. This young architect wanted to get married at home, in her backyard. But the number of guests was touching 2000, and the original plan was to book Novotel, Hyderabad. She says the lockdown worked in her favor. “The date was fixed long ago, and we realized that we would have to wait for a long time if we postponed it, so I got engaged formally on August 6, the sangeet was on the 7th and the wedding was on the 8th. All our friends and family are from Hyderabad, staying safely indoors and it was a breeze to have them over, and everything went off smoothly. We got the entire area water-proofed one week in advance, and arranged for the food from Park Hyatt for all the events. I just missed my very close friend who couldn’t fly in. I got everything else I wanted for my wedding.” Indeed, the brides are having it all minus the hungama. Designers are going the extra mile to customize ensembles for the couple and family. Bunty got Miheeka’s entire trousseau designed by Anamika Khanna, Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra and Shantanu Goenka. Incidentally, the designers managed to give more time than they usually do. “Normally, we would have to travel out of Hyderabad to meet the designers. But they 20 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

one’s wedding have long been meant to be worn at the most significant events. With each wear, therefore, the sari becomes even more special, linking every milestone event in the memory of its drape. Bringing back the simplicity of tradition with our khadi cotton clearly appeals as Samantha’s choice in wearing our green sari shows,” says Abhishek Murthy of Taan-Baan- Blue Lotus. Rana Daggubati’s wedding decor Throw a virtual bachelorette have been so helpful, interacting over video calls. They used to Having Zoom parties is the new normal; just send me swatches of embroidery to check. Anamika sent us the because you couldn’t take that trip with your entire dress, to which she again made changes as we wanted,” girls doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. We share Bunty says. The jewelry was obviously designed by her over some tips to make your virtual party night into the years, and she worried about the scarcity of kaarigars but a big hit managed to have them all delivered for the D-day. Shalini and Akhila said they finished their shopping much Decide on a theme: Just like a regular earlier; the latter got her wedding sari from Hyderabad-based bachelorette decide a theme and you can ask designer Gaurang. Shalini has specially gone to Kanchipuram your friends to dress accordingly. before the Covid outbreak, and shares, “One good thing about such weddings is that events are fewer and so you really don’t Don’t overcrowd: Stick to a maximum of seven have to go overboard.” to eight close friends, otherwise it will get Several brides are also choosing to wear heirloom jewelry and the chaotic. bridal party is going in for ethnic and organic handlooms instead of traditional silks for an understated but graceful look. The ladies Plan games: Try to play an online game like a of the Daggubati family and Samantha wearing Ponduru khadi few rounds of virtual ludo. curated by Taan Baan-Blue Lotus broke the internet. Interestingly, the family chose to wear this weave during the post-wedding Hamper: It will really help if you send your puja, which is usually about silks and more silks. friends a tiny hamper of mixers, drinks, and “Unlike the Western weddings in which a bride may never maybe some funky accessories they can wear. wear her wedding dress after she is married, saris worn at Playlist: Decide the kind of music you want and “Normally, we have it ready. You can share the tracks you’d like would have had with your friends on Spotify or play it on the to travel to meet speaker. the designers. But they have been so helpful, interacting over video calls” – Bunty Bajaj WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 21

focus Decor by Ankit Malhotra at the Bajaj residence Going Glocal “What impressed me was the general awareness and In fact, the challenges of Covid weddings are forcing families the level of seriousness. to go local. In the place of Italian chefs from Milan, and ice Even the hotels focused on cream makers from Turkey, you have Indian chefs creating where the food was coming world cuisine. Many are booking premium hotels as wedding from and how it was being venues because, in addition to providing sanitized spaces with prepared. We began to learn the entire set-up plus the catering that can deliver any cuisine, new things like how to sanitize flowers” it also works out to be more economical considering the fewer – Dinaz Noria, Luxury Wedding Stylist guests. When, for better security and ease, if the weddings are happening at homes, then the hotels are offering chefs who can come home and make the best of the dishes in the home- kitchens,” shares Vardhaman Jain, from Hyderabad-based Shooting Stars Events and More. “In addition to food, the décor too is adapting to the new quarantined their drivers and used them for our guests to normal. In the absence of imported flowers, locally produced move around. The number of tests we had done was mind carnations and marigold are being extensively used for the décor, boggling,” adds Ankit. and even artificial flowers are increasingly used,” he adds. Shalini shares, “We brought in around 10 chefs for catering and they had to be quarantined. Everyone, including support Playing it safe staff and make-up persons were tested before starting with arrangements. That is probably the reason everything went Covid-19 tests are yet another important new addition to on smoothly. Mintu Sarna, who did the décor, was very careful wedding rituals. “One of the main challenges is to ensure with his staff. We hardly printed invites; most were e-invites. everybody stays safe, social distancing is maintained, and Taking health precautions, which you otherwise wouldn’t think people wear masks; it is a herculean job to ensure the protocols about, was surely a challenge.” are in place until the end of the ceremonies. The safety of those who attend is our responsibility and it is quite a big task,” shares Ankit, Creative Director, COMMEFOGNOVERO by Ankit Malhotra, whose team of eight people came down from New Delhi to help Bunty. Every one of the guests, who attended Rana-Miheeka’s marriage, from Hyderabad and Mumbai, came early and they were tested for Covid-19. The support staff, make-up assistants, service staff and caterers – were all quarantined. They were kept in fumigated and sanitized service apartments! Guests did not stay in hotels, but in service apartments made ready for the purpose. “We did tests twice within the four days, on everyone. We couldn’t hire cars or drivers we did not know. We pooled cars of friends, and 22 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

Click It Photographer Rohan Kumar is an artist turned shutterbug who’s been clicking the perfect portraits for eight years. He recently shot actor Rana Daggubati’s wedding and shares the current photography trends Earlier, we saw endless emotions, moments and families coming together to celebrate, but now everybody seems extra vigilant, making sure of their safety. I think intimate weddings are going to be a thing now and people are looking at different ways to make it memorable. An Anand Kabra creation Amidst all these celebrations, I noticed how people are preferring to get married at home and they are making the best use of their lawns, terraces and balconies. These have become ideal locations to get a few good shots. I personally love how families are involved in decorating each and every corner of the house and trying to make the most of present condition. This has given new avenues for creativity and we’re using these intimate spaces for shots. Technology has helped them to telecast their wedding to their beloved ones to experience the rituals from afar. They can have Zoom parties and send HD links to live stream their events. My team had to make many changes in the way we shoot and I had to cut down on our team size keeping the present conditions in mind. I have been working on different strategies to reduce my team size and by taking all the safety precautions during the shoot. WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 23

focus “We did tests twice within Dinaz Noria, a luxury wedding stylist shares how diligently the four days on everyone. safety protocols are being followed. “What impressed me was We pooled cars of friends, the general awareness and the level of seriousness to which my and quarantined their clients and their families took this whole concept of safety. Even drivers and used them for the hotels focused on where the food was coming from and how our guests and to move it was being prepared. We began to learn new things like how around” to sanitize flowers. They can’t be washed with alcohol because – Ankit, Wedding they will fade and they can’t be kept away for they will die. The Planner amount of awareness and commitment every one had, from a small florist to the person on the top; everyone getting their own water and food, and being careful to ensure they also keep the safety of others in mind was something I found amazing.” Obviously, there are silver linings alongside the challenges. Celebrity photographer Anand Rathi, who shot for Sonam Kapoor’s wedding and was the eye behind beautiful photographs from Rana’s wedding, believes smaller weddings are more creative spaces.“The family is otherwise too busy. In smaller, intimate weddings, the family is more relaxed and, in the moment, so it gives me an opportunity to capture their candid emotions. However, we miss the crazy fun that happens in big weddings, especially during the sangeet when the couple dances with friends and family. We used to do location shoots and travel abroad for pre-wedding shoots; but currently that’s not happening.” Get Glam! t Smoky eyes will also go subtle, it’ll be more of grey, brown, purple etc. instead of the usual black Popular make-up and finish off with mascara. artist, Sahithya Shetty, who has t We will also be seeing brides going for more of worked with stars mauve, peachy pinks, burnt orange etc. for the lips. like Kriti Sanon, Pooja But the classic red lips will always be popular; you Hegde, Tapsee Pannu, can never go wrong with it. Kriti Karbanda among others shares her top t It’s the season to ditch the heavy contouring tips for the bridal and replace them with natural tone blushes and look this season bronzers for defining cheekbones. Top trends for brides this season for small weddings: t Brides would want to keep it more realistic, with natural looking skin and not really feel a thick layer of make-up on it. t It’s going to be all about well moisturized glowing skin, so the choice is to go for a subtle look with dewy skin finish. t The colors will be lots of soft peach, pink, and nude tones. t Nude glam is here to stay this season, which is my personal favorite, where you accentuate the natural features of the bride with very minimalistic exaggeration. Dramatic eyes with bold brows. 24 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

Spin the Music Ram and Akhila on their engagement day Popular city spinner Even before the Covid-19, intimate weddings with just close DJ Ajay Joseph talks family members followed by a huge reception for friends and about how playing extended family had already become the norm with the likes of music for weddings and Priyanka Chopra and Virat-Anushka endorsing them. It will not other events has changed be long before at least a few South Indian weddings will follow Virtual gigs: As an alternative to playing live, suit with more and more youngsters preferring a low-key affair. Facebook live was a good option; I played a lot Are lockdown weddings moving in this direction then? of fresh music. It was a nice sundowner set for Not anytime soon, says Dinaz. “Weddings are so deeply two hours and I connected with a lot of people. ingrained in one’s mind that there is a general idea that has It took me a while to understand the technical been cultivated over the years, from generations. Not inviting part to go live but it came out well. Several someone to the wedding is not a possibility. We saw this in friends came in to hear the set; I had a blast destination mode when people realized how important it was and so did my friends. to have an intimate kind of wedding and the only way to do Wedding parties: I did a wedding party about that was to go away. During the initial days, it was almost two weeks back; it was for about 25 people stigmatic, not to be invited, and families were under pressure. where they had a two-piece band and my gig With time, it began to be accepted that destination weddings to follow. All safety precautions were ensured. meant lesser guests. Scaling down our weddings would need Birthday parties: When I played for a private a cultural shift. Currently, fear is keeping the number of people party, it was a 50th birthday; there were only under check. No one wants to contract the infection or want to about 15 to 20 people. Everyone was tested be the reason for others to get affected. So, everyone is extra for the virus two days before the party – the careful.” sound and décor teams, myself and the guests Either way, marriages are about new beginnings. And, all is as well. We went early to set it up and sprayed well, that begins well. What if among other things, the new disinfectant all over the equipment. People normal defines a new honeymoon destination which could are getting back to partying with the required be just, home, sweet home! As a popular old Telugu classic safety. song goes – Premayaatralaku Brundavanamu Nandanavanamu Elano. With your loved one by your side; do you need another Akhila’s sister Anvida, Vamsi and their kids heavenly destination to be together? WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 25

focus on them at the entrance of the venue as it used to happen before Covid-19. Nandamuri Lehya and Sriram Teja share how their plans took a complete turn due to the We also had the food prepared at our home for the ceremony current situation due to the virus. We came up with the idea of informing rather than inviting people about the engagement ceremony and sent them a live video link to watch the engagement ceremony from their respective homes and shower their blessings on us. This way we also made sure they didn’t miss the event. What are your wedding plans? We planned for a five-day destination wedding ceremony in a traditional way, with many events lined up like mehendi, sangeet, etc. But for this to happen, we are hoping life goes back to normal and the restrictions end soon. We hope we can invite all our close friends and families to attend and make the event a grand ceremony. n Bride-to-be Mallika Reddy, designer of Cancelled Plans, talks about why her wedding this December is going to be a smaller affair “Honestly, COVID-19 hasn’t changed our plans too much.We had always intended to have an intimate wedding at home, and that is still our plan.What has changed is the number of guests – that has gone down significantly and we are taking extra precautions to make sure everyone is safe and healthy. It’s disappointing that some of our close friends and family are not able to make it, but we’re still gearing up to have a fun and make it a memorable celebration.” An Understated Ceremony Being part of a film family that is very social, did you have any trouble while changing your engagement plans? Mental strength was tested more than physical strength in these times. Now, one has to plan for a wedding keeping in mind all the safety precautions and restrictions to be followed when a group of people gather for the celebrations at one place. Both our families found it tough initially when we thought about the idea of an engagement ceremony with only the immediate families of the bride and groom being present. We were also worried about shopping for clothes and jewelry for the ceremony. Later, we decided for the safety of everyone concerned and to comply with the government restrictions to have a low-key ceremony. What was your experience like having an unconventional engagement ceremony? We all laughed at the idea of giving people face masks and hand sanitizers in place of flowers and perfume water sprinkled 26 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

Handpick weaves by 1346, road #68, Jubilee Hills, lane beside Indian oil petrol pump, hyderabad-500 033, Telangana Tel: +91 98 85125633 / 040 2355 5633 facebook.com/vaishaliagarwal0 instagram.com/vaishaliagarwal_

nightlife Popular lounge Over the Moon has launched a new venture – that of meal and cocktail kits Get the party started Burmese Parcel If there’s one industry that has suffered is ready. Prepp’d comes with all the Fried Rice Chicken, and Chicken Burger – setbacks due to the pandemic, it has ingredients in the required quantities to all of which are some of their top-selling been the hospitality industry. The be cooked and is delivered to your homes. dishes. Whether it’s a date night or just initial two phases of the lockdown The ingredients are fresh and one has a day-off from your hectic work, Bottl’d forced them to close entirely without to follow the instructions to cook the & Prepp’d has got you covered for every a single day of work. However, with restaurant delicacy with ease. The occasion. With restaurant-style taste, a few relaxations, most restaurants Bottl’d menu ranges from Earthshine, affordable pricing, and an innovative DIY shifted their businesses to takeaways Rayleigh Sunset to Citrus Breakfast cooking concept, there isn’t a reason to and online deliveries with the help of Spread. Prepp’d has a wide range of not get into party mode. n sharath delivery partners. But the essence of options to choose from like Amritsari Instagram: @bottldandpreppd cocktails and exclusive nightlife dishes Fish Tikka, Kung Pao Chicken, Chilli Basil Website: http://order.overthemoon.in/ are still missing in most of them. In an attempt to transform the way people experience nightlife in Hyderabad, Over the Moon Brew Company (OTM) has launched Bottl’d & Prepp’d to bring a wide range of dishes from the OTM menu to your home following all safety measures. Started by Sanjay Bathla and Sanjeev Mehta, Over the Moon is a stylish resto-lounge and brewery curating a one-of-its-kind nightlife experience for Hyderabad’s elite. Bottl’d & Prepp’d makes it possible with its one-stop-shop, which provides its food and top-shelf mixers in an innovative DIY concept. Bottl’d delivers the premium cocktail mixes (OTM classics), where all one has to do is pour in the mix with spirit and stir and your exotic cocktail 28 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

Chicken Tikka Tart Watermelon and Feta Salad Check out the most recent hot spot Sanctuary which serves a the unique taste is due to the rice which mix of good food with great music is soaked in milk overnight which lends a rare softness to the dish. There are a Global Comfort Food wide range of pastas, sandwiches and WHAT: Popular Tollywood producer watermelon and feta salad elsewhere, burgers for those who drop in in the early Suresh Babu’s former residence is now but Sanctuary reinvents it with evenings. While they are waiting for their the sprawling and spacious kitchen its delicious cheese and a dash of bar license to kick in, try an eclectic range and bar, Sanctuary. Initially supposed pomegranate molasses. The Dahi Poha of mocktails ranging from cucumber and to be opened in March, the pandemic Kebab is another specialty which makes rose milk to a sparkling citrus special. postponed its launch, but then as they the grade and boasts of an unusual For dessert, look no further than say, all good things come to those who taste. The Sambar Rice Arancini is a Sanctuary Chocolate Decadence which is wait. Spread over a whopping 12000 little dry but is an interesting choice a salted caramel and chocolate tart and sq.ft. and three levels (both indoors and offering sambhar and rice as a starter worth the abstinence you might have to outdoors) it is a haven which ensures while being paired with ghee podi. undertake for piling in on the calories. that you are completely transported, Around the World on Chicken Wings is COVID DINING: The restaurant can once you step inside its pretty precincts. delicious and the slight aftertaste of seat 200 people but only a fraction are Owned by Abhishek Vuppala, Arjun lemon pepper makes it an ideal starter. allowed at any given time. The tables Veeramachaneni and Gokul Krishna, it is The Duck Chettinad Dosa turns the are set at a distance from each other, the designed by the latter who drenches the popular dish on its head while replacing waiters are gloved and yes, sanitizers whole space in green (4500 ferns!), lovely chicken with duck and is something present at every table. wood and stone flooring, artworks which foodies should definitely try. WE SAY! A lovely place to blow out the are ideal for your Instagram pictures and The Margherita Pizza with chunky pandemic blues. A sanctuary much spacious seating area which ensures a chimichurri is a great pick, with the needed for the times we live in. n Mallik naturally great evening. The outdoors is chimichurri (a condiment used widely in Meal for two: Rs 1200 to Rs 1400 particularly lovely with chandeliers on Argentina) adds a dash of exotic as well Opp Ratnadeep, Road No. 1, Film Nagar, trees, a great bar set up and lots of trees as a slightly tangy taste which pairs very Jubilee Hills for company. well with the melt-in-mouth cheese. Tel: 81060 82030 WHY: Because, the food is rather Non-vegetarians must try the Lamb Timings: 12 pm to midnight interesting. You might have had the Biryani which is bursting with flavor and well-cooked rice. Chef Vikram tells us that WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 29

wellness Psychologist Saher Ali has started art therapy classes on an online platform Color Therapy When it comes to art therapy sketching self-reflection and usage of breath, or coloring is not a creativity test, work, meditation, painting, and music but a wonderful tool to portray the to positively impact and improve the emotions within. Usually, psychologists individual’s mental well-being. Each are available in-person to monitor and session runs for 60 to 70 minutes, which counsel the participant closely. But the is non-intrusive in nature and with pandemic has created a void for all those no personal information sharing. This involved in art therapies. To bridge this facilitates self-awareness without the gap and help individuals with various fear of judgment from others. Her art wellness programs, Saher Ali started the therapy helps people to cope with anxiety, Virtual Art Therapy sessions. create a work-life balance, set emotional   boundaries, and increase productivity. Saher is a certified holistic psychological counselor and an accomplished art Saher also offers personalized therapist with a career spanning over 16 counselling sessions matching the needs years. Before the pandemic, Saher would of the individual. host the therapy sessions at her Totums Art Studio in a tranquil neighborhood of She signs off, saying, “I chose to go virtual Somajiguda. with the sessions because it was the   right time. Mental health is finally being As a therapist, she is inclined valued the way it needs to be. The virtual towards Gestalt therapy.’ Gestalt in platform allows me to go beyond borders German means wholeness and refers to and reach out to a much wider platform. awareness of the here and now. The possibilities are endless.” n sharath Saher follows a three-step process in   her therapy sessions. Exploration of the Website: www.totumsartstudio.com challenges, insightful learning through Instagram: @totumsartstudio Saher follows a three-step process in her therapy sessions. Exploration of the challenges, insightful learning through self- reflection and usage of breath, work, meditation, painting, and music to positively impact and improve the individual’s mental well-being 30 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020



arts TRIBUTE The passing away of the talented sculptor Y Shivarama Chary is a loss to the world of art in Hyderabad. Friends recall the artist and his work THOSE SCULPTING HANDS having shows abroad?’ To that he would say, ‘I am more interested in forming a community of artists in Hyderabad’.” Three of them in fact, set up a scholarship to encourage and support students who wanted to study art in Baroda. Rekha Lahoti of Kalakriti Art Gallery feels the loss intimately as he was very much a part of any project they did. “He was experimental in his work, but what was more important was his generosity in mentoring young sculptors,” she says. One of the things Shiva wanted to do was to set up a trust that would take care of artists when they are still struggling or when they are old These days we live under a pall of gloom Shiva with his sculpture art Shiva had many dreams, his friends given the nature of the pandemic. This remember. One of them was to build a gloom is doubled when you get the found materials. Though his works are huge studio for sculptors for which he news of an artist whose work you have a part of several private collections, he had even bought land. “He was friends followed, passing away in the prime of was passionate about working with with the older artists as much as he his career. I am talking of the death of the installation in public spaces. supported the younger. He wanted to talented sculptor, Y Shivarama Chary, who During the pandemic, he had in fact, gone erase this distinction between older, was barely 41 years old when he died of to complete a commissioned work in the younger, senior, junior artists,” says various health complications in July. town of Narayanpet when he fell ill. “He Nirmala, a teacher and an artist. The affable Shiva made a name for was working too hard. He was obsessive himself since his first show at the India about his work,” says his friend Bharath Since artists don’t have pensions or Habitat Center, Delhi, in 2007 followed Yadav who along with many of Shiva’s government support, one of the things by several one-man shows at Kalakriti in friends like Anand Gadapa and Nirmala Shiva wanted to do was to set up a trust Hyderabad and group shows outside of Bikula, is heartbroken. They say they have that would take care of artists when they the city. learnt a lot from him, especially the way are still struggling or when they are old. Though he was familiar with bronze he was welcoming of younger artists and casting, considering his father was a was willing to share his knowledge. “That Sadly, in his passing, his family – a wife temple sculptor, Shiva liked to experiment generosity of spirit is unparalleled,” says and two daughters – have little to with various media and worked with Bharath. Indeed, Shiva tried to foster a support them. His friends, both in their wood, steel, fiberglass; and finally finding culture of sculpture-making that was not grief as well as in the gratitude of having his favorite medium in scrap metal and strong in Hyderabad. been touched by him in so many ways, Anand, an art historian, remembers, “We are hoping to hold a retrospective at the would ask Shiva, ‘Aren’t you interested in State Gallery as well have online sales of the works still left in his studio. The art world and his many friends are that much lesser in the passing of Shiva, who was not only an innovative sculptor mixing tradition with the contemporary, but tried to foster an art community. n Ratna Rao Shekar 32 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

pieces of Indian cuisine, is to bring alive the intricacies present in every centimetre of food. It took her six months to paint her first work Idli, Sambar and Chutney in 2017, and this was due to complexity of the texture of idlis which are laden with microscopic holes. She adds, “I have worked on Dosa which had 5000+ circles and in Gulab Jamun, I had to paint 1000+ tiny circles on seven gulab jamuns; it takes a lot of effort and time.” Sarsavathy with her hyper realistic work “Painting is all about colors and texture along WOW! catches up with the New Jersey based artist, with the thoughts of Sarsavathy who is originally from Secunderabad on her artists captured on canvas. hyper-realistic virtual paintings of Indian food According to me, any food/cuisine (especially Food for art Indian food) have amazing “I never realized while eating an idli explored in this context. This is where I textures and colors that it has so much details or that it has started my journey to depict Indian food and this inspires me hundreds of tiny holes. Now, I cherish as hyper-realistic art.” tremendously” eating idli more, knowing its value!” With no references to aid her journey in laughs Sarasvathy TK, 38, a Hyderabad the world of hyper-realism, Sarasvathy Each painting takes two to three months resident currently settled in New Jersey. perfected her craft by stringent self- as the paintings require detailed output, She is known for her hyper- realistic exploration. She created dishes she covering color, texture, the shape of works of art of Indian food and her wanted to paint and took hundreds of the dish, condiments, magnitude and creations connect with the viewer. pictures before zeroing in on the layout depth of vegetables. “When we work on The computer science engineer was and design. “I chose this genre to pay contemporary forms, we showcase the always interested in art, but it was my tribute to one of the most famous imagination of artists; when we have to restricted to drawing and scribbling on cuisines in the world,” she shares and paint a food/dish, all those who are going paper using a pencil till a visit to the adds, “Painting is all about colors and to see it have a pre-determined picture of Louvre, France, in 2007 changed it all. texture along with the thoughts of that food/dish in their mind. As an artist, Her love for art was ignited and at an artists captured on canvas. According to I ensure that the picture of that dish in art exhibition in Singapore in 2008, she me, any food/cuisine (especially Indian the viewer’s mind matches my work or broached the idea of a career in art with food) has amazing textures and colors that my art replaces that picture in his/ her husband, Nagaraju Palivela, and and this inspires me tremendously.” her brain,” she adds. never looked back.   She paints on linen that has been oil- With food being an intrinsic part of For years, the self-taught artist dabbled primed thrice which gives life to the Indian culture and life, Sarasvathy pays in various genres from landscape to still paintings with a hyper-realistic texture, homage to an ancient cuisine through life, but her eyes were always searching because of its smoothness and quality. her art. “Indian cuisine is famous across for a unique subject as she wanted to Inspired by the works of renowned artists the world but was never represented explore something which wasn’t being within the hyper-realism world like Tjalf using hyper-realistic artworks and this is done by others. She recalls, “Google Sparnasy and Mary Ellen Johnson, as well my goal. What we cook is an expression introduced me to hyper-realism in 2015. as their detailed description of color and of who we are and where we come Various works from renowned artists in texture, Sarasvathy delved into the world from. Food is something we all have in the hyper-realism world and especially of hyper-realistic art. common and it plays a central role in desserts and fast food as art attracted The challenge in creating highly realistic every culture, globally.” me immensely. Indian food is not Having completed paintings of popular Indian dishes including samosa, naan, dosa, gulab jamun and mango lassi, the artist aims to capture other popular Indian dishes from North to South soon. Currently, she is aiming at completing 11 of her works under her current project Bhojan for a solo exhibition in 2021 in New York. n Mallik WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 33

living have lesser space. People are also finding it satisfying to make compost from kitchen waste at home,” she adds. Community gardens too are catching up. Venila, an entrepreneur, is not new to gardening. However, when she shifted from a bigger house to an apartment, she could just grow a few flowering plants in her balcony. “I have memories of my childhood when all our vegetables and even coconuts came from our garden. During the lockdown, I have added an ornamental plant to my collection; then the women in the apartment got together and we now have plants on all floors and on the Padma Vikash Gardening for Dummies Use your time at home to grow your own vegetables and other • Prepare your garden plants. WOW! talks to experts who show you how to develop a according to the green spot vegetables you want to grow. If it is a terrace, Home Gardens ensure you water proof It is interesting to see how, despite being the top five activities in terms of it and place stands under locked down at home and stressing over how meaningful it felt to people the planters. an unpredictable pandemic, people can while engaging in it. “People are still find ways to entertain themselves considering this as a stress-busting • Check a gardening and discover means to cope – cooking, activity. Sometimes, looking at our calendar for the home improvement, fitness and now customers sharing their experiences of right season to plant gardening. harvesting their first batch of tomatoes vegetables. Monsoons, coupled with the challenges or seeing their first flower bloom or of the times have propelled people, even smelling fresh mint is unparalleled,” • Water as required; those who thought they didn’t have a shares Vinayak, an IIT graduate, founder remove weeds and mulch green thumb, to adopt gardening as of Lazy Gardner that provides innovative right. a way to cope. Be it a small balcony, a products to help home gardeners hone spacious portico or a vacant terrace, or in on their green thumb. • Let the soil rest for a just the window sill in your kitchen, new “Also, the focus on wellness and eating couple of days. garden spaces are cropping up and the home grown organic vegetables and the older ones are being revisited with newer fact that growing vegetables at home • Use seeds from the herbs interest. will discount the massive cleaning we and vegetables on hand; Growing plants gives a sense of otherwise have to do, is making people dry fruit kernels for later accomplishment manifesting in steer towards growing kitchen gardens,” use. positivity, currently the most important shares Padma Vikash, a landscape ingredient in our lives. Researchers consultant who has been growing her • Protect seeds and found that home gardening is among own plants. “Hydroponics is also catching saplingsfrom pests and up because it’s easier for people who heavy downpours till they are stronger. • Flowering plants can be planted alongside in this season so that they are ready by winter time. • Use local seeds as much as possible. 34 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

“Growing plants gives a sense of accomplishment manifesting in positivity, currently the most important oinugrrleidveiesn”t in Padma’s garden stairs. We also plan to grow a vegetable some time. Learn a few tips. Ask you demand, many nurseries are selling garden on the terrace.” friends, learn from mistakes; it is only plants and seeds; online websites are “We saw many folks preferring to grow when you start doing is when you will amazingly user friendly; and the rains micro-greens like coriander, methi, mint, learn.” have been more than kind – nothing like mustard, etc., that don’t take too long There are many active horticulture now to indulge in some green therapy. n to harvest. To grow these, instead of forums on social media and like- buying pots, people became innovative in minded people are also connecting over Rajeshwari using shoeboxes, plastic containers, bottles WhatsApp groups where amateurs can etc., which also made it easy to keep these clear their doubts and share ideas. For gardening queries, seeds and plants: plants indoors,” reveals Vinayak. “We have built a large community of Padma Vikash: First timers must just start with a little urban gardeners and plant lovers on Tel: 98490 34062 understanding of how much light is Instagram, which is currently over 240K Email: [email protected] needed, and the watering schedule etc.,” strong. The community engages actively Lazy Gardner Padma cautions. on issues related to gardening, social Tel: 93199 00314 The trick to learning gardening lies in campaigns and environmental issues,” Email: [email protected] starting a garden. Padma says, “You need shares Vinayak. https://lazygardener.in/ to care for your plants and give them The season is right and to cater to the Ugaao Tel: 91299 12991 Email:[email protected] Terrace Garden Vinayak, Lazy Gardner WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 35

tourist info A wildlife sanctuary, a hill station, and a lake... WOW! tells you why you need to swap malls and movies for green hotspots in and around Hyderabad that are open and lush at this time of the year Go on Those Long Drives! Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary: time. More than 20 new species have arch bridge en route; aimless walks and a Croc Files been sighted at the sanctuary; the neat children’s park. Don’t think, just go! Mottled Wood Owl is one of them. The construction of this dam was The road that leads you to Manjira Check out the Environmental Education completed in 1989; it serves as the Wildlife Sanctuary is picture-perfect and Center, it has a museum, a library, and an primary source of drinking water, electric you get a sense of breaking free as you auditorium. power, as well as water for irrigational leave paddy fields and quaint villages Must-carry: Masks, sanitizer, camera, needs to the nearby areas. For day- behind in the rear-view mirror. But, many binoculars, bird-book, shoes, drinking trippers, it’s more than a dam.  times right through the journey, you will water, and a picnic basket.  There’s also the 220-year-old District want to step out and absorb the calming Distance: 62 km via NH65, Medak district Central Jail at Sangareddy, which is spaces, and take a welcome break from a museum now, and offers 24-hour the never-ending online meetings. Zoom Singur Dam: A Good Outing confinement under its “Feel the Jail” in closer to nature, instead. initiative.   Located in Sangareddy, Medak district, Must-carry: Masks, sanitizers, camera, Singur Dam is a reservoir of ideas if binoculars, bird-book, shoes, drinking you are planning to head there. Think water, and a picnic basket.  fishing and birdwatching. A road trip Distance: 62 km via NH65, Medak district with amazing sunsets and a stunning As you get closer to the sanctuary, the air of silent serenity is punctuated by the shrill call of a peacock, one you won’t mind. The Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1974, to conserve mugger crocodiles, is a success story with 400- 600 crocodiles at a healthy 5.1 sq km density, today. Tough luck, we couldn’t spot one. But birders will have a good 36 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

Ameenpur Lake: Happy Birds species of different kinds of reptiles, Ananthagiri Hills: Green Book insects and animals including fish, When you google Ameenpur Lake, you beetles, butterflies, and wild animals.  A slice of Scotland awaits you. will possibly find a cache of bird images Ameenpur Lake is more an ecological The road will take your breath away and and many lakes front realty projects. biosystem which makes this place truly the spectacle as you reach the highest A far cry from the time of Ibrahim unique. viewpoint in the region, will leave you Qutb Shah, who ruled the kingdom of Ameenpur lake was declared a speechless. You just stand there, lost Golconda between 1550 and 1580, when Biodiversity Heritage Site, a first in in the sweeping views with greens as the Ameenpur Lake was created. It is the country for a water body, by the far as the eye can see. The monsoon now the favorite spot for birders and Telangana Government. showers have been liberal in making for its resident and migratory birds, Must-carry: Masks, sanitizers, camera, the hills come alive in many shades especially Greater Flamingos - when they binoculars, bird-book, shoes, drinking of green. Before that, the towering come visiting. water, and a picnic basket.  Hanuman statue at the Anantha With 171 species of birds (migratory and Distance: 25 km via NH65 Padmanabhaswamy temple initiates you residents), 250 plant species (including into the sanctuary of therapeutic vistas. rare and medicinal), there are several A haven for trekkers, birders, adventure seekers and for those who want to be in the moment. It’s like stepping into a Mani Ratnam movie. It’s playing at a hill station near you. And you can’t catch this on any OTT platform. Ananthagiri Hills is the birthplace of the River Musi. And it’s the main water source for Osmansagar and Himyathsagar. Must-carry: Masks, sanitizer, camera, binoculars, bird-book, shoes, drinking water, and a picnic basket. Distance: 90 km from Hyderabad, 10 km from Vikarabad via Chevella Road n Text and Sketches: Viswaprasad Raju | Pictures: Ravi Naidu and Vijay Bhaskar Varma WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 37

entertainment movies has been making the right waves ever a police officer who is investigating since thanks to its fantastic cast, a the kidnapping and abduction of two WOW! curates a list of TV towering Naseeruddin Shah and the 16-year-olds. The show is touted to be series and movies to watch out fantastic score by the legendary music explicit and violent – portraying the for the coming month directors Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. The reality of human trafficking. Akshay chemistry between Ritwik Bhowmik Oberoi will be playing the antagonist. stream list and Shreya Chaudhary is absolutely The trailer is thrilling while Bhaskar owns brilliant and of course, Shah pitches the role with utmost gusto. SERIES in a sensational performance as the Platform – Eros Now. grandfather who you just cannot get out of your mind long after the season 1 run has come to an end. The music is insanely magical as Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy provide us a mind-bending fusion of classical and contemporary throughout the series about the very subject of the transformation of music from the yesteryears to now. Platform – Amazon Prime Video. Aashram The Last Word Lang: Hindi Lang: English This German TV series starring the Bobby Deol and Prakash Jha make their The Duchess incredibly talented Anke Engelke, is way to the small screen through this about a funeral eulogy speaker who loses massively scaled production, as we Lang: English interest in her work and attempts to watch the critically acclaimed filmmaker Based upon her own life in London, sabotage her husband’s funeral. This six- provide his insight on the world of Katherine Ryan writes and stars in part special is a dramedy which focuses godmen. Deol plays the character of Baba this comedy series where she plays on the protagonist’s relationship with Nirala – who is a self-proclaimed godman a single mother who is juggling her the families she meets along with her in the fictional town of Kashipur and is a career, daughter, boyfriend and her ex- very own relatives during her husband’s messiah for the locals. Things turn awry boyfriend. The series is layered, complex death. Netflix continues to invest heavily when a skeleton is found in the nearby and filled with lovable characters and in countries across the globe to produce forest and an investigation ensues. a charismatic lead in the form of Ryan original content for the local region in a Adhyayan Suman co-stars along with herself. Apart from debuting on the slice-of-life manner. This one should be Chandan Roy Sanyal and Aditi Sudhir platform, the series is also produced by no different. Pohankar among others. Jha’s anti- Netflix on September 11. Platform – Netflix. corruption overview of events has always Platform – Netflix. been a hard-hitting genre in the form Masaba of Gangaajal and Apaharan among his Masaba other works. A TV series will allow him a larger runtime and canvas to portray the Lang: Hindi characters to the fullest. Having made its debut on Netflix Platform – MX Player. in the final week of August 2020, the web Bandish Bandits series – based on the life of Masaba Gupta – reputed Lang: Hindi fashion designer and daughter of Neena Gupta, has taken the country by storm. This path breaking web series – released The series has been widely praised for a on Amazon Prime on 4th August 2020, wondrous portrayal of the relationship between Masaba and Neena over the Flesh years as both the actors play themselves in this series written and directed by Lang: Hindi Sonam Nair. Lasting through 6 episodes, Produced by Siddharth Anand and the first season of this series has hit it written by Pooja Ladha Surti, the series out of the ballpark as we await the next stars Swara Bhaskar in the lead as season with excitement. Catch it on Netflix at the earliest. Platform – Netflix. 38 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

movies Freaks: You’re One of Us Lang: English V Another German original, this motion Sadak 2 picture is about a cook who discovers she Lang: Telugu has superpowers while uncovering a vast Lang: Hindi The biggest motion picture event of the conspiracy. Led by Cornelia Gröschel and year – this Nani-Sudheer Babu starrer Tim Oliver Schultz, the film is directed by Superstar Alia Bhatt. Sanjay Dutt reprised was meant to be the ultimate summer Felix Binder – who had earlier directed his role from the first film which had release – slated to come out in theaters the prequel film to the hit TV series – Red released back in 1991 – which was on Ugadi – March 25th. However, the Bracelets. Premiering on September 2nd, originally based on the 1976 Martin lockdown has resulted in this one getting the film will provide a new take on the Scorsese classic Taxi Driver starring an online release as well. This will be superhero genre. Robert De Niro and an incredibly young Nani’s 25th film – a landmark in his career, Platform – Netflix. Jodie Foster, while Aditya Roy Kapoor along with the very first film where he portrays the love interest of Alia Bhatt. will play the antagonist. The trailer is Love Guaranteed The film has already received massive absolutely smashing, and the production dislikes on YouTube and IMDB during a looks slick. This one is awaited with bated Lang: English time when Dutt is in the United States to breath as it releases on September 8th. From the director of Ghost Rider – Mark treat cancer and Mahesh Bhatt is a prime Steven Johnson – this romantic comedy suspect in the CBI case of Sushant Singh Platform – Amazon Prime Video. stars Rachael Leigh Cook as an earnest Rajput. A very difficult situation, indeed. lawyer who takes on a high-paying case Platform – Amazon Prime Video. Enola Holmes for Damon Wayans Jr. to save her small firm. Johnson turned to the romantic Mulan Lang: English comedy genre after delivering Daredevil With Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin in 2003 and Ghost Rider in 2007 – both Lang: English Freeman busy with the MCU, Netflix has of which were box office successes and taken a new approach to the famous paved the way for the massive cinematic The big-budgeted duo written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle universe Marvel currently runs. While the $200 million and adapted by Nancy Springer. In this plot might feel a bit old-fashioned, the live-action iteration, we witness Enola Holmes – the current situation around the globe can do adaptation of the youngest Holmes, who attempts to find with some ‘old-fashion’. 1998 animated her mother – who goes missing, while Platform – Netflix. movie of the also tackling her elder siblings – Sherlock same name was and Mycroft – portrayed by Henry Cavill meant to hit the and Sam Clafin respectively. This big- theaters on March budgeted Netflix original is meant to 27th of 2020 after spark a franchise apart from the third a gala premiere film starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude on March 9th. However, the COVID-19 Law which remains in development with outbreak left the film in a state of Warner Bros and Silver Pictures since 2011 stagnant release as Disney delayed the with a release set for Christmas 2021. n film multiple times from April until August, before finally announcing its Platform – Netflix. online release through their own app on September 4th 2020. Starring an exceptional cast consisting of Liu Yifei, Gong Li, Jason Scott Lee and Hong Kong superstar Donnie Yen, along with a special appearance by the legend himself – Jet Li, this motion picture was on track to make almost $100 million in its opening weekend. It will be the ultimate test of the online platforming capabilities as Disney will be charging a one-time fee of $29.99. It is directed by Niki Caro – who is known for her work on The Zookeeper’s Wife and Whale Rider among others. n chandramouli Platform – Disney+ Hotstar. WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 39

entertainment Likely Pair snippets Vijay Devarakonda and Rashmika are considered a hit pair after the success of Dear Comrade. The duo is now reuniting for an interesting project. Reports reveal that a clothing brand is going to rope both the actors for endorsing their products. An advertisement will be shot once the pandemic ends. Prabhas Returns Actor Prabhas prepares for his next magnum opus titled Adipurush. Prabhas will play Lord Ram in the film and he is learning archery for the role. Om Raut, the film’s director confirmed the details and also revealed that Prabhas will undergo a physical transformation for the movie. Black Panther Hollywood actor Chadwick Boseman who was popularly known for his film Black Panther passed away from cancer. The actor was in Los Angeles and he passed away at his home with his wife and family by his side. n Virushka Junior! Dream Debut The captain of the Indian cricket Television actor Amika Shail, makes her team Virat Kohli and his actress movie debut in Akshay Kumar’s Laxmmi wife Anushka Sharma are Bomb. Directed by Raghava Lawrence, expecting their first child. The Laxmmi Bomb is the official remake of baby is due in January 2021. Fans the 2011 Tamil horror film Kanchana. of sports and the film world have come together to wish the duo on social media. 40 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

books The House of Jaipur John Zubrzycki  wow! pick The royal family of Jaipur is known for luminaries in its family including elegant maharanis, polo-playing maharajas and playboy princes, fabulous jewels and opulent palaces. It was synonymous with its most well-known royal, Of Tharoor-isms the glamorous Maharani Gayatri Devi of Cooch Behar. This delightful book takes a look at the Author and MP Shashi journey of the family and its political role. Tharoor known for his Revealing new facets, it captures the rise, fall and excellent language and rise of India’s premier royals: from Gayatri Devi’s diction is coming out friendship with British royalty (the bane of the with a new book just Indian government) to her step-great grandson dedicated to tongue matching moves with Reese Witherspoon’s twisting words he is daughter at a ball, it is an intriguing read. known and trolled for. Titled Tharoorosaurus, The Women Who the book will have Forgot to Invent 53 unusual words Facebook and from his immensely Other Stories vast vocabulary – representing every Nisha Susan letter of the alphabet. The book will also Writer and journalist see the author share Nisha Susan’s debut short anecdotes behind the story collection focuses words. on the impact of the internet on the lives of Chetan Bhagat is back Indians over the past two decades. There’s the classical musician who finds Popular writer Chetan Bhagat’s a prince in a chat room. In Kochi, three dancers latest book, One Arranged plan their sex lives over email. In Mumbai, a Marriage will be out mid- young wife is obsessed with the online relics of September. The trailer (yes!) a dead woman. A cook is worried because of her of the book was launched on daughter’s phone conversations; while a young Twitter (where else?) to the mother gets the job of monitoring disturbing the author’s legions of fans. n content for a social media platform. mallik Mandu: The Romance of Saif Ali Khan’s Roopmati and Baz autobiography Bahadur Actor Saif Ali Khan has inked a deal Malathi Ramachandran with Harper Collins India to pen his life’s story and the book will hit Author Malathi stands in October next year. In his Ramachandran’s novel, autobiography, the actor will write set in 16th century India, about his journey in the film industry is inspired by the legend so far, ‘family, home, successes and of the young sultan Baz failures,’ as well as his influences and Bahadur and the peasant inspirations. girl Roopmati, who come together because of their love for classical music. Each night, in the WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 41 city of Mandu, they sing together, and soon fall in love. But in Agra, Akbar is planning to capture Mandu. This book captures the romance and all its intrigues.

entertainment Music News A Veteran Passes On Renowned classical vocal singer Pandit Jasraj who hailed from Hyderabad passed away after he suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in New Jersey. Jasraj’s illustrious career spanned over 80 years and he was awarded the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan by the government. Ranveer’s Record Label Beyonce’s Back Actor Ranveer Singh has started his On the heels of her visual album own music record label that will launch Black Is King, Beyoncé has shared the new artists. His vision for his label stunning video for Brown Skin Girl. called IncInk is extremely ambitious. He The track features her daughter Blue is looking to promote and champion Ivy Carter, WizKid and Saint Jhn. For local and new age Indian music that the video – directed by Jenn Nkiru – celebrates the culture, diversity and they’re joined by Naomi Campbell, musical heritage of our country. The actor actress Lupita Nyong’o and Beyoncé’s is passionate about his label that aims to former band mate from Destiny’s give a platform to raw talent from across Child, Kelly Rowland. the country. Tik Tok Lawsuit Sona’s Comeback Two weeks after President Donald Singer Sona Mohapatra will soon release her new album. The songstress Trump signed an executive recently shot for a new music video at Farzi Cafe, Hyderabad. n order that many interpreted as an outright ban on the use of TikTok in the U.S., the popular social video app is suing the US government. TikTok is owned by Beijing-based Byte Dance and, this app is banned by India too. 42 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

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spotted The Groom and his Bestmen: Chaitanya, Rana and Venkatesh Dancing: Shilpi and Namrata, Mamis of the bride A Knot to Remember Stunning: Samantha August 6-8 Heartthrob Rana Daggubati and Miheeka Bajaj got hitched with a series of intimate ceremonies. They followed all restrictions but the wedding was attended by close family and friends. Bridal party: Amba and Preeti Beauties: Bride Miheeka with Sister-in-Law Sasha 44 WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020

Sangeet Performances: Sasha, Samantha, Bunty and Malavika Picture Perfect: The Entire Daggubati Clan Cheering: Venky, Malavika, Samantha and Havya Mehendi Time: Rana and Miheeka WOW! HYDERABAD september 2020 45