By: Ritwika Gupta

?Each moment, every single moment, we either create a dream or a nightmare, as each moment we either choose to live or we choose to kill the opportunity to live.?-  Ruzbeh N. Bharucha

Ruzbeh N. Bharucha?s new book Rabda is not just a plain biography of Sai Baba but it also brings alive real stories and philosophy of life. Bharucha, who himself is a non-conformist, believes that spirituality is as freewheeling as breathing.

As one of the most influential spiritual writers in the country, Bharucha started his career as a journalist and documentary filmmaker. Till date, he has written eleven books including the bestselling, The Fakir Trilogy. Settled in Pune with his family, Bharucha also has a popular blog on The Speaking Tree. In a candid chat with Indiantelevision.com?s RITWIKA GUPTA, the acclaimed author talks about his new book Rabda and shares his beliefs on spirituality and inspiration.

Your journey as an author?

The journey of writing books started when I was in Jai Hind College, Mumbai but it took me ten years to get the first book published. The publishing house had asked me to write a non-fiction book on spirits like whisky, vodka, wine. For some reason I thought they wanted me to write on life after death and spirit communication. It was only when the conversation maneuvered towards the subject of hangovers, I realised that I was harping about the wrong kind of spirits. But the publisher seemed to like my spooky idea better and that is how I got into writing about the spiritual world.

Your inspiration?

The process of writing makes life worth living and this inspires me to keep writing. Sai Baba of Shirdi also inspires me to write. Both my books - The Fakir Trilogy and Rabda - are set in a world where Sai Baba communicates and makes his presence felt. The conversation between the main character and Sai Baba is real. There is humor, swearing, laughter and profound words of wisdom as well.

Your favourite books?

I love reading fiction, crime thrillers and detective books.  I also love humour. I have read The Autobiography of a Yogi by Swami Paramhansa Yogananda innumerable times. My favourite books include Aghoras: At The Left Hand of God by Robert Svoboda, Timothy Files by Lawrence Sanders and Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Robert Bach. I also like to read books written by P.G.Wodehouse, Somerset Maugham, James Hardly Chase, Colin Dexter, Grisham, Khushwant Singh, Stieg Larsson, Lawrence Sanders, Harold Robbins and Rex Stout. 

Your thoughts on Rabda?

The crux of the book is to spread the message of oneness.  I wanted to write a book on Sai Baba of Shirdi. I wanted to focus on Baba's philosophy and ideology and project him as someone who is beyond religion, sects and miracles. But I wanted to write it in a conversational manner. The book goes back and forth, past and present, uses present day language along with Sai Baba's colourful vocabulary and the reader is taken on a journey of a lifetime.

Story & characters of Rabda?

The main character in the book, Rabda or Caiz, is a famous musician who attempts to commit suicide. His attempt however fails and he instead goes into a state of coma. Chances are that he is going to die but this is when Sai Baba enters the hospital and awakens the spirit body of Rabda. The two then begin to converse about life, death and everything in between and that is what the book is all about.

The Cover Page?

The cover page features Rabda the musician reaching out to Sai Baba.

 Next in the Pipeline?

My new book Ananda: Musings of The Fakir has been published by Full Circle. In the month of April, The Perfect Ones, a set of biographies on various masters, prophets, avatars, goddesses, archangels, will be published and released by Penguin. 

There just aren?t enough days in the weekend! Most of us anxiously wait for Friday in order to refuel and indulge in our favourite activities. After an exhausting long week, the one way to unwind would be to experience a fun and relaxing weekend. Indiantelevision.com?s Exec Lifestyle will give you a checklist on the best of weekend events and activities in the country. From where to go and what to do, The Event Diary will be your definitive guide to the exciting events, festivals and activities that are take place from Friday to Sunday.

Run through our list of the coolest ways to usher in this weekend.

Friday, 30 Jan 2015

Jhumroo, 2.30pm @ Kingdom of Dreams, Sector 29 Delhi, NCR
Catch the musical drama Jhumroo, a moving tale of a fan and his belief in his Idol. Jhumroo will take the audience through the story of a lovable young boy Bhola, who finds himself in the finals of a singing reality show. How the music and spirit of Kishore da whom Bhola considers his idol makes this possible is an enchanting tale in true sense of the word.

Dance Like a Man, 9.30pm @ Bandra Base, Mumbai
Mahesh Dattani?s cinematic adaptation of a theatrical performance stars Lilette Dubey, Vijay Crishna, Suchitra Pillai-Malik and Joy Sengupta. It is the story of Jairaj and Ratna, two Bharatanatyam dancers past their prime, and their daughter Lata, who is on the brink of establishing herself as a brilliant dancer. Her imminent success creates tension and jealousy and the audience is drawn into the dark secrets of family relationships and conflicts between generations.

Krishan Vs Kanhaiya, 6.45pm @ Kala Mandir Auditorium, Kolkata
Paresh Rawal?s much loved and highly acclaimed play Krishan Vs Kanhaiya talks about a small time street smart conman and antique dealer, Kishan, who is an atheist married to a very religious woman. There is always an argument about religion in the house. Hilariously funny situations are created due to this conflict. Suddenly, a dramatic event occurs in his life which changes his outlook and leads him to question the very existence of God or ''Kanhaiya''.

NeObliviscaris B-School Of Rock, 6.30pm @ IIM, Bangalore

Ne Obliviscaris, a violin-laden six piece metal band, is coming to perform in India for the first time this weekend in Banglore. The band, known for their unique sound and intense live shows rose to fame in 2012 with their album Portal Of I. They have headlined festivals such as Progfest and Sonic Forge, while gaining fans across the globe.

Saturday, 31 Jan 2015

Unfaithfully Yours, 8:00 pm @ NCPA Tata Theatre, Mumbai
For all theatre buffs, catch a poignant love drama, ?Unfaithfully Yours? directed by Raell Padamsee, starring Mona Singh and Rohit Roy. The play begins with a chance meeting between two strangers, Akash and Preet, which blossoms into a 25 year relationship. The audience follows their story at 5-year intervals and experiences how the characters grow both as individuals and as a couple.

Barbecue Master Class, 11.00am @ Weber Experience Center, Banglore

Anyone who wants to learn to barbecue at home and prepare delicious grilled fare, should attend the Barbecue Master Class in Banglore. Learn simple techniques to barbecue or roast food perfectly. Cook everything from whole chickens to chocolate brownies, and the grilling method can be used for veggies, chicken skewers or even pizzas and desserts.

India Art Fair 2015, 2.00pm @ NSIC Ground, Delhi

India Art Fair is one of the leading art fairs for modern and contemporary art from across the world. India's premier modern and contemporary art fair, now in its 7th edition,will showcase a breadth of modern and contemporary art practices including painting, sculpture, new media, installation and performance art.

Sunday, 01 Feb 2015

Most Comedy Ever with Kanan Gill, 7.30pm @ Sirifort Auditorium, Delhi
Kanan Gill, who exploded onto the stand-up comedy scene with his YouTube channel where he co-created the show ?Pretentious Movie Reviews?, is all set to crack you up in Delhi this weekend. Witness an impromptu night filled with laughter and hilarity with the funny man!

Sunday Brunch at Indigo Delicatessen, 9:00 am @ Andheri West, MumbaiAdd a bit of fun to your Sunday brunch at Cafe Indigo Delicatessen. You can enjoy a wide spread of delicious food like the yummy pancakes, egg benedict, wafer-thin classic margherita pizza, chicken lasagne and European-Continental main course. The outside canopy seating is the best place to eat under with natural light and a pleasant morning temperature.

Pitcher Perfect Live Stand-Up Comedy, 8.30pm @ HAL 2nd stage, Bangalore

Watch stand-up comedians Nitin Gupta and Rupen Paul as they narrate their funny tales and tickle your funny bones. Live comedy and beers, it doesn't get any better!

Exec Lifestyle?s Weekend Watch, recommends and previews the television shows & films that you simply cannot miss this weekend! Stay at home to watch your favourite show or grab some popcorn at the theatre near you as we present a comprehensive listing on the tv programmes and movies playing this weekend.

Television ?

Bigg Boss 8 ( Halla Bol)

Catch the Grand Finale of the controversial and popular reality show Bigg Boss 8 (Halla Bol) on 31 January 2015 at 9 pm on Colors. This season of Bigg Boss has been mired in controversies and has managed to grab eyeballs.  With the four month long reality show finally coming to an end, one can only ponder over who will take the title this season! This season of Bigg Boss has been mired in controversies and has managed to grab eyeballs.  With the four month long reality show finally coming to an end, one can only ponder over who will take the title this season!

Movies ?

Hawaizaada

Hawaaizaada starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Sharda in pivotal roles is one of the much- awaited films this month. Directed by Vibhu Puri, the story is about Shivi who gets  expelled from his school. An eccentric yet genius scientist and Vedic scholar enters Shivi's life and inspires him to pursue his dream of doing the impossible - making the world's first aircraft. Will he ever be able to live up to his guru's dream? Will the Hawaizaada ever touch the sky? Catch the film and find out for yourself!

Khamoshiyaan

Khamoshiyaan stars Ali Fazal, Gurmeet Choudhary and Sapna Pabbi in lead roles. A Mukesh Bhatt production the film which is written by Vikram Bhatt and directed by Karan Darra tell the story of a young novelist who is on an inspirational journey to find himself. He travels to a new place and meets a young and beautiful lady who is married to the owner of the guest-house he is staying at. This encounter leads to many unusual happenings and he discovers secrets about the house and the mysterious lady. 

MUMBAI: January 2015 has marked one of India's biggest book deals between the author Jeroninio ?Jerry? Almeida for his Karma Kurry- The Hero in Me book series and Jaico Publishing House. The announcement was made and celebrated at Apeejay Oxford Bookstore announced one of India?s first and biggest book deal 

Karma Kurry published in 2013 is the # 1 Non-Fiction bestseller in various lists. 10 more Karma Kurry books will be published by 2020 following this unique and iconic deal in the publishing industry. Oxford Bookstore announced its collaboration with the author and its pledge to search for unsung heroes pan India and instituting the Oxford Bookstore Karmaveer Chakra to reward and recognize their work.

The stories of these heroes will be published in Karma Kurry.  All proceeds, royalties and fees will be donated to the national character building movement, Apeejay Karmayuga and other citizen action & social justice causes espoused by him., announced the author Jerry Almeida today. Currently Jerry has been raising funds through the book for rehabilitation of the people affected by the Kashmir Floods. This is being done through an initiative called IBTEDA- The beginning, which is led not by NGOS but by conscientious people and citizens of Kashmir who are living across India and overseas.

Jerry said, "Karma Kurry is just not a book series for me but a passion, a journey of many, many years and a vision with a compelling mission to help bring about a change in our world by telling inspiring stories of real life heroes to people at large in schools, colleges, B-schools and organizations from all sectors. I am grateful to Jaico and Apeejay Oxford Bookstore for having supported me with all the innovations that we have jointly created, and will be creating in future. We have received over INR 1.5 crores already, from the special edition hard cover book sales and this does not include other royalties from paperback, eBook, audio book sales. We have hundreds of stories of real heroes from across the world that will inspire people and the idea is to churn out very inspiring and compelling stories in the Karma Kurry series over the next five years and more. These stories of everyday real heroes accompanied by inspirational quotes and self-help thought-triggers which would help readers to discover and unleash their huge potential and awaken the hero within them. I sincerely believe we all have a hero within us and if each of us does small acts with compassion and courage of conviction, then a better, humane, responsible society shall surely become a reality?

Meera Sanyal, Gul Panag, Joy Sengupta, Sailesh Mishra, Akash Shah who all are role models in their field joined the author in a panel discussion on Karma and the need for real heroes in the world. 

The first Karma Kurry book had a preface from the author?s role model and global icon Nelson Mandela. The first book which sold purely through word of mouth publicity has received an overwhelming response all over India so far, and is one of the bestsellers today. 

The second Karma Kurry for the mind, body, heart and soul is also ready and co-authored by Jeroninio Almeida with iCONGO co-founder and Apeejay Karmayuga Mission Director, Ms. Meenu Chopra. Book 2 shall have stories of more real heroes from across the world like Ms. Shubha Ranjan, Ms. Tulasi Munda, Dr. David Dror, Dr. Villoo Patell, Dr. Kalyan Banerjee, Mr. Javed Ahmed Tak, Ms. Manju Latha Kalanidhi, Mr. Karan Paul and several others.

Jaico Publishing House will help support the author to raise Rs 12 crore by 2020 through a mix of upfront fees, paperback royalties, international book sales, audio books, eBooks, TV and Play rights, author endorsements and several other bonuses from other avenues. As a part of the book deal Jaico has already published a special first edition autographed books. These books are collector?s series and Jaico shall be giving majority of all sales proceeds from this book to Jerry to accomplish his mission. These books will only be sold through crowd sourcing websites internationally and directly by the author in international forums where he delivers inspirational speeches and in special book launches, to people and supporters who make a minimum contribution of Rs. 7,500. The author has got contributions for over 500 books each, of the first 2 books from Karma Kurry supporters which shall be utilised for nation building initiatives and for social causes he espouses.

By Ritwika Gupta

Responsible for the overall sports business, Ten Sports CEO Rajesh Sethi admits to being a complete food junkie. Sharing some of his memorable travel experiences, he gives us a glimpse into how he juggles multiple roles in life. Taking a brief breather between his hectic work and travel schedule, Sethi speaks to Indiantelevision.com?s RITWIKA GUPTA about his career, favourite films, travel essentials and more.

Tell us about your journey as a professional in the industry.

I?ve had a thoroughly enjoyable journey as a professional in this industry. Coming from the retail finance and insurance background, my ideologies were different. I have been successful in trying to implement learnings from my past jobs and in turn giving some structure to this industry. Some of the major challenges I?ve faced have been using my entrepreneurial approach to introduce a processed work flow. At the same time, my incentives are that I have been able to watch few of the best sporting events in the world right from WWE to UEFA Champions League.

 What kind of developments have you seen over the past decade or so?

The major change over the last decade has definitely been the emergence of the digital age. We can clearly see consumers? acceptance on this and have seen them transitioning from a traditional brick and mortar era to the click era.

 Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the opportunity of working with varied people from diverse backgrounds. It is a hyper competitive environment entwined with some complex regulations in place. It has been truly challenging and very enjoyable.

 How do you manage to balance your role as a CEO and a family person?

If you enjoy what you are doing, it is very easy to align personal and professional priorities. I have had no difficulties balancing my personal and professional life.

How do you relax?

I have diverse interests. I spend considerable time reading and watching documentaries on different subjects. I also love spending time with my kids and my dog. I am a voracious reader and I read varied genres. Currently, I am reading the book World Order by Henry Kissinger. It is about history, strategy and statecraft.

Which is that one book you have read over and over again?

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand is one book that I have read multiple times.

Do you like watching films? Which are your favourite movies?

I am not too much of a movie buff and seldom go out for movies. I do watch a lot of documentaries though. My favourite movies include ? The Bucket List, Shawshank Redemption, 7 Years in Tibet, Gladiator and 3 Idiots.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend getaway?

Short treks to nearby hills. Living in Delhi, there are opportunities for wonderful drives and short treks in the vicinity. I enjoy my serendipitous moments in the lap of nature along with my family.

 Which is your favourite holiday destination?

Anywhere in the Himalayas!

 What are the 5 most essential items you always carry on a trip abroad?

1. iPod
2. Kindle
3. Running gear
4. A collection of ties and cufflinks
5. An Evening Jacket

Do you have a memorable travel experience?

My memorable travel experience was my journey to the Chamonix Valley in south-eastern France, conquering the river of ice. I was meeting my college mates after a long time and the adventures we experienced while holidaying in Chamonix were inexplicable and very special.

Are you fond of latest gadgets?

Though I may sound traditional, my favorite tech gadget currently is my Mac Air.

What is your favourite cuisine?

While I love my paranthas, I equally relish South Indian food.  My favorite restaurant would be any authentic South Indian joint.

How important are awards, appreciation and recognition to you?

These are fundamental human needs. All of us respond to appreciation expressed through recognition because it endorses that you are being valued.

By: Ritwika Gupta
 

?The belly is an ungrateful wretch, it never remembers past favors, it always wants more tomorrow.? Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote in his book One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.

And Indiantelevision.com?s Exec Lifestyle section knows just how to whet that ungrateful wretch?s appetite!

In my short career as a lifestyle journalist, I have come across a handful of dining places, which have made my taste buds do cartwheels of delight. Catering to the gastronomic cravings of those who have made it their lives? missions to indulge in fine dining, in this section I bring to you five top notch restaurants and cafeterias across India, which will tickle your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. These eclectic eating destinations cater to diverse palate cravings and are unique in their concept and ambience. These restaurants have also achieved at least a 4.2/5 rating on Zomato and 4/5 rating on Tripadvisor.  So indulge in my Top 5 eating out places for the weekend and I assure you that there?s something for everyone in this listing!

1. HAKKASAN 

Situated in the heart of Mumbai?s fashionable Bandra district, Hakkasan is a Michelin star Chinese restaurant that opened three years ago in India. If you want your daily dose of glitz and glamour, this is the place for some celeb-spotting. From Saifeena, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif to Karan Johar, a galaxy of stars can regularly be seen shining and dining here!

The glamorous interiors of the restaurant have been designed by the renowned Gilles & Boissier. The restaurant, which can accommodate up to 120 guests, has an elegant ambiance with dark-stained English oak screens and a backlit blue glass that fully surrounds the restaurant.

?The experience speaks for itself,? said a spokesperson from Hakkasan. In 2015, Hakkasan will be launching Dimsum Weekends, which will comprise special set menus for every weekend starting January. February will see an exciting lineup of Chinese New Year special food. Hakkasan signature offerings include Edamame Dumplings, Stir-Fried Lotus Root with Asparagus and Yam Bean, Baked Chilean Sea Bass and Pi Pa Duck.

206, Krystal Waterfield Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai
Opening hours: 12:00 pm?4:00 pm, 7:00 pm ? 12:30 am
Contact: 022 2644 4444
Price for two: INR 2500 plus taxes

2. THE MEGU

On their first visit to India, Masterchefs from Australia, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris gorged on Sushi for lunch at The Megu. This Japanese restaurant is housed at The Leela Palace in New Delhi and its unique concept is well-defined by its sophisticated interiors, which offers an amazing dining experience for all. The Megu specialises in hand-made tofu, exquisite sushi and sumibi aburiyaki - a grilling technique using Kyoto charcoal known as bincho-tan.

Vivek Oberoi, Sonam Kapoor and Katrina Kaif can often be spotted at this fine dining hub. Talking about what sets this Japanese restaurant apart, a spokesperson from The Megu told us, ?Our chef, Yutaka Saito works with you way in advance to tailor-make menus as you entertain your business associates, close friends or family.?

In February 2015, the restaurant will dish out a fresh menu for its patrons, showcasing unique presentations of tantalizing summer flavours with authentic Japanese ingredients at the core. Signature dishes include Yellowtail Carpaccio, Megu Oriental Salad, Salmon Tartare, Spicy Baked Unagi, Shira Ae, Pan Seared Sea Bass, Silver Cod, Spicy Ebi Cracker Roll, Megu Original Crispy Asparagus, Grilled King Crab and Vegetable Rainbow Roll.

The Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Opening hours: 12:00 pm?2:45 pm, 7:00 pm ? 12:00 am
Contact: 011 3933 1360
Price for two: INR 5500 plus taxes
 

3. OH! CALCUTTA

Oh! Calcutta stands amongst India?s biggest culinary hits and is one of the few eating destinations that can now be found across major Indian cities.  

?Great ambience, new food innovations and warm hospitality have always been our plus points,? said a spokesperson from the restaurant, which is situated at Elgin Road in the City of Joy.  

With a touch of European d?cor, photographs of famous personalities and landmarks of Kolkata framed on the walls of the restaurant, Oh! Calcutta is definitely an ode to Bengali food and celebrates the city of Kolkata. Cricketing legends likes Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly love eating here, as does the Bollywood legend Mithun Chakraborty. 

Currently, there is an Anglo-Indian festival being held at the restaurant and it is recommended that you book a table at least a day in advance and reserve your seat. Oh! Calcutta offers legendary Bengali recipes and its mouthwatering menu includes Cholar Daal, Fish Fry, Kasha Mangso, Bhapa Hilsa, Smoked Bhetki and Mutton Rezzala. There is a good mix of traditional Bengali, Nawabi and colonial cuisines.

No.10/3, 4th Floor, Forum Shopping Mall, Elgin Road, Bhawanipur, Kolkata
Opening Hours: 12.30 pm-3.30 pm, 7.00 pm-11.00 pm
Contact: 033 2283 7161
Price for two: INR 1500 plus taxes
 

4. LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN

A must visit for starry-eyed couples in love, the very romantic Le Pain Quotidien is situated a stone?s throw away from the Gateway of India.

?There?s simple food with a different ambience, which dins the noise from the ruckus outside,? said a spokesperson when describing the Belgian caf? chain, which has eye-catching artwork comprising wooden tables and chairs. The communal tables at Le Pain Quotidien allow friends and strangers to come together and interact over freshly baked breads and croissants.

Le Pain Quotidien is highly popular for its Sunday Brunch. In 2015, the restaurant plans to put together a special menu comprising six to seven dishes, every three months.  The menu will also consist of the Baker?s Basket that includes an assortment of organic bread, served with jam and eggless spreads. Signature dishes include Five Spiced Chicken Skewers, Forest Mushroom Tartine with Gruyere Cheese, Potato R?sti, Pan Seared Basa and the special seasonal Mango Mousse slice along with a variety of pastries, soups, salads, beers and wines. An exclusive menu catered for all vegans and a Valentine?s Day special meal is also in the pipeline for the first quarter.

The caf? caters to a range of people from business professionals, families, tourists and celebrities. Its eminent guests include Hrithik Roshan, Arjun Rampal, Jacqueline Fernandez, Juhi Chawla, Rishi Kapoor and Sidhartha Mallya amongst others.

Dhanraj Mahal, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Colaba, Mumbai
Opening Hours: 8 am to midnight
Contact: 022 6615 0202
Price for two: INR 1200 plus taxes

5. MADRAS PAVILION

Largely considered as one of Chennai?s best fine dining buffet restaurant, Madras Pavilion serves a wide range of dishes that stem from both Western and Eastern roots.  These include modern antipasti, signature world cuisines, flavours from South India and authentic Indian delicacies. Along with a first-class dining experience in a refined setting, this fine dining restaurant has a set of diverse table arrangements with thematic zones like Love Seats, The Crown, The High Table and The Private Zone.

?The concept of a buffet walking to the table is something to look forward to in 2015. It is a service design where in on a rotational basis, each section of the main kitchen dishes out grazing portions of culinary delights, served individually to the seated guest,? said a spokesperson from the restaurant that is located at the palatial ITC Grand Chola in Chennai.

In 2015, the restaurant is also poised to add to its menu an impeccable spread of Indian and international selections. The options range from Chettinad cuisine, Poached Eggs and Bacon, Chicken Dum Biriyani, Dim Sum and even north Indian cuisine.

Madras Pavilion?s specialty, Big Sunday Brunch includes chef?s signature BBQ Grills, Hand Rolled Thin Crust Pizza, International Carvery, Antipasti & Gourmet Cheese Board, international desserts, waffles, oven fresh breads, baked alaska and more.  Apart from that, some of the most loved dishes at Madras Pavilion include Beatle Leaf Wrapped Chicken with Tamarind Jus, Lotus Chip and Lemon Meen da Gassi  (Fish cubes simmered in aromatic gravy of coconut and spices), Kodi Biriyani( Biryani from Ambur region of Tamil nadu , made with special Jeera Samba rice), Gosht Bohri Biryani (Lamb Biryani from the Bohri community), Moist Chocolate cake and Decedent Mud Crumble.

ITC Grand Chola, 63, Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai
Opening Hours: 6:30 am?10:30 am, 12:30 pm?2:30 pm, 7:00 pm ?11:30 pm
Contact: 044 2220 0000
Price for two: INR 3200 plus taxes (Lunch) and INR 3400 plus taxes (Dinner)