JFWFeb 2021

www.jfwonline.
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` 75
Vol. 14
Issue 06
FEBRUARY
2021
Varun
Tej
SUGAR?
YES PLEASE!
6 Oh-So-Sweet
RENDEZVOUS Valentine Recipes!
WITH THE PRINCE
not-so
CHARMING OF
TOLLYWOOD!
14 CHEESY WAYS
CUPID TO CELEBRATE
COCKTAIL! FEB14TH
Drinks for two.
Dress for one! ARE YOU
EATING RIGHT?
All things
20th century’s best
food lessons!
we this
Season!
SLIP DRESSES, RED TRINKETS,
FRAMES FOR HOMES & MORE
PLUS SOULFUL BALI, POWER DRESSING, TEA TREE OIL THERAPY AND MORE!
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BEAUTY | CELEB BUZZ | FASHION | HEALTH | HOME AND MORE
SOUTH INDIA’S LEADING MAGAZINE AND DIGITAL BRAND FOR WOMEN
Feb
FASHION RENDEZVOUS
10
7 Love's favourite 34 Motherhood

hue Against a Covid
Put the 'red' Backdrop
in 'ready for Musings of a
V-Day'! new mom in this
new age
10 Cupid’s
Cocktail! 38 What it Tuk-Tuk
Perfect dress for to Become Her
the perfect date! Female auto-
driver's code of
47 #GirlBoss
7
sister solidarity
Power dressing
in 2021 HOME
37 Honour Those
COLUMNS Memories
14 Sunny Side Up Picture frames for
by Anu Hassan your walls to tell 26 50
On why gut your stories
feelings know best
WELLNESS
BEAUTY 44 Contemplate in
16 Tea Tree So Peace
True Approaching
The oil that's the burden of
making waves overthinking
in beauty now
KITCHEN
ON YOUR CORNER
PLATTER 40 Learning from 40 34
26 Way to Health Pioneers
Anyone's Heart What the Blue
Desserts are the Zones are doing
new love ballads right
TRAVEL IN EVERY
50 Bali on My Mind ISSUE
The island of 46 JFW Online
everything 48 Tinsel Talk
FEBRUARY 2021 | JFW | 3

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4 | JFW | FEBRUARY 2021

Man of
the Hour
Why we'll be seeing a lot of Varun Tej soon
18

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Don't forget to share your thoughts and suggestions.
Tag us, drop us a comment or just email us at
jfw@optionsmediagroup.in
Anukriti
I love the article on your picks
for best international series. Most of
which I've already covered and some
that have gotten me intrigued now.
Thanks for that. There are several
hindi and tamil web series as well. Can
you please have a list on those? I need a Varshita, Bengaluru
well filtered one letting me know what on Home | Smart Buys
Anupa, Chennai to watch and what to not. You have always given good small
on Food | On Your Platter apartment ideas, and these picks were
Nice recipes this time around. Like Amitha, Chennai no different. Would love to see more!
a good fusion of world cuisine as For a minute, I wondered why
breakfast ideas. some popular actors were missing Hi Varshita,
from the list, then I realised that it was We always love to find real solutions
Reethi, Chennai one that hailed the work done in the to everyday situations. This edition
Closet clearance and your previous year. Based on that and the is no different. Flip through for
selection of sanitisers are something depth of the characters they played, simple, practical and relatable reads!
that I read with full focus. Nice. well picked guys.

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FASHION | Look Book
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upper-body, then an your best bet. Dresses tight-fitted dresses, forget to bling out it would be the
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LIFESTYLE
NOT SO CHEESY
VALENTINE'S DAY IDEAS
No, you don't absolutely haaave to enjoy a candle-lit dinner and slow-dance.
V-day can be about so much more if you keep an open mind.
10
1
Horror Movie Night
Not up to all the
Valentine's Day sap?
6
Let's DIY
Why not bring out the Take out the tools, muster
popcorn and celebrate up some skills and rope
its gruesome roots with in your significant other
a gory movie marathon? into helping you take on a
new home improvement
or DIY project. Volunteering together
at your local charity
can make others feel
good, while also feeding
Work up a sweat your own soul.
together and sign up
14
for a virtual couples
workout or yoga session.
Be a Tourist
Invest in a polaroid Game Night Queen of Hearts
camera and take a tour of A good game of How better to loosen up
your city's heritage spots. Monopoly, Scotland Yard than set up a round or
Chances are you haven't or Pictionary with friends two of poker or Cards
visited them after your is sure to bring out your Against Humanity, if
school excursion. competitive spirit that’s more your thing.
Skip dinner and a movie 12

try your hand at rock Tune In
climbing. Create a playlist of all Mystery Rooms
your favorite songs that An escape room
Need for speed? Go Set your sights on a are not about love and challenge is sure to get
Karting is the way to go. route and head out can be your go-to when your brains racking and
cycling togther. you're cooking, driving or there are several virtual
3 4 5 simply hanging out. options as well. 
8 9

Instinct
AS A FRIEND SAID, THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT
THE PEOPLE WHO ARE PART OF OUR CHILDHOOD
– A SPECIAL FEELING THAT CAN NEVER BE REPLACED
BY THOSE THAT COME LATER IN OUR LIVES.
T
here have been many might be a risk to them. it, the way she smiled at me. All the
occasions in life that my And like I said, I don’t blindly trust memories of an integral part of my
gut instinct has been spot my instinct. I tamped it down and childhood in Trichy.
on. And many on which told myself that it was better I not call As a friend said, there is something
it has been completely off them. There was always a next time. about the people who are part of our
the mark. Which is why I don’t blindly And by the time I make my next trip, childhood – a special feeling that can
trust my instinct. the Covid situation might be better and never be replaced by those that come
Where it proved right was when it the vaccine will be here and... well, you later in our lives. And so it was with
came to my parents. I distinctly recall know the line of logic that follows. Akka.
a conversation with my cousin. We When the phone rang last evening, Dealing with Amma and Appa’s
were standing outside the gate of her and it was one of the siblings, the voice death taught me many lessons. It gave
apartment and she said “I don’t think I of instinct whispered “I told you” but me strength while it also gave me
have much time with my parents” And again I tamped it down and despite ability to feel compassion for other
for some reason I said “No. I don’t have the underlying fear, I said cheerfully people’s loss. And it was this that I was
time with amma and appa. They are “Good evening Anna, how are you?” drawing upon now. While I felt sad,
not going to be here much longer. You I knew that I couldn’t turn the clock
have time.” And this was a statement back. So instead of focusing on what
I made two whole years before they IN MY EXPERIENCE, could have been, I looked at what I
passed, despite the fact that her PEOPLE ARE THERE IN could do to make them feel better.
parents were older than mine. I knew my brother had not been in
THE IMMEDIACY OF
While I had nothing to base this on, touch with them and that they loved
I trusted my instinct and increased the SORROW. THERE IS A LOT him. It would comfort them if he spoke
frequency of my trips from the UK. TO BE DONE, THE NEWS to them. I messaged him and gave him
What used to be a trip once in forty IS STILL FRESH AND THEY the news. I made a note in my phone to
five days became once in a month. STEP IN. BUT NOT MANY check in on them a year from now.
I am glad that I did that for the last In my experience, people are there in
REMEMBER TO BE THERE
two years of their life. It was a perfect the immediacy of sorrow. There is a lot
compromise between sustaining my DOWN THE LINE. to be done, the news is still fresh and
work in the UK (which Appa was very they step in. But not many remember
particular that I should) and spending to be there down the line.
time with them. And it isn’t their fault. Life happens.
And so, when the time came for and his first line made my heart sink. It has this ability to simply go on. But
them to go, which they did in quick “I have bad news ma” and I knew. Even I know how hard the anniversaries
succession, the one thing I did not before he said it, I knew. I knew akka were that I spent alone. It is during
have to deal with was the guilt and was gone. those times that the painful memories
doubt whether I had done enough. (I I listened to him as he narrated – the ones where I fought to save
must confess that every now and then what had happened and then as I Appa jostled for space with the good
the doubt surfaces and that is when put the phone down, a swathe of memories of the laughter and love.
I speak to my friends who have seen memories scrolled in my mind in quick And of course, as time goes by, the
things from the outside and that helps succession – of akka carrying me as painful memories lose. But as I said,
me regain my perspective.) a child, of me taking her with me to the first few anniversaries are hard.
I had made a trip recently to Trichy confront the kid who had threatened So, I always make sure that on
and my instinct again reared its head me in school (That is a memory that anniversaries, I reach out to the people
and nudged me to call family friends of always makes me smile, because akka I care about. These are some of the
ours. Again, the voice said, “not much said I had asked her to stand outside many lessons I have learnt. And now
time” But it was during covid, and I’d the gate when I went in to confront the I wonder if I am being taught another
had to be outside amongst hordes of girl - my famous compromise again), one. Maybe, at least in some matters, I
people for some paperwork. Akka had her voice that had a metallic ring to should just blindly trust my instinct. 
health issues and I knew that they
would not understand if I called them,
Connect with Anu Hasan. Send in your suggestions and feedback at
only to tell them I was NOT going to
www.facebook.com/anuhasan.india or mail her at anufbpage@gmail.com
visit them because I was concerned I

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SPOTLIGHT
PRINCE
CHARMING
IN ACTION!
WITH TWO MOVIES LINED UP FOR A RELEASE THIS YEAR AND SEVERAL EXCITING PROJECTS
IN THE PIPELINE, VARUN TEJ IS ALL GEARED TO LIGHT UP THE SCREENS THIS 2021. IN A
CONVERSATION WITH SRUTHI RAVINDER, TELUGU CINEMA’S FAVORITE CRUSH, VARUN
OPENS UP ABOUT LOVE, LIFE, AND OF COURSE, THE WORLD OF FILMS.

PHOTOGRAPHY VAISHNAV PRAVEE | STYLIST MANISHA MELWANI

GROWING UP AS THE SON OF KONIDELA
NAGENDRA BABU AND NEPHEW OF
CHIRANJEEVI AND PAWAN KALYAN, VARUN TEJ
DEVELOPED A PASSION FOR THE WORLD OF
CINEMA AT A VERY YOUNG AGE.
While many would call this a range of industry, and this gave us the seed to
proverbial silver spoons in the mouth, start this project with confidence and
it must be acknowledged that Varun excitement. Being an avid sports lover, I
has scaled his own series of ups, downs, am pumped about this!”
plights and uncertainties. Today, he is The movie was set for last year but had
on an unstoppable journey of carving a to be shelved due to the pandemic and
legacy of his own. is now releasing this July. Varun plays a
boxer for which he undertook training
from a national level champion boxer.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN “Training for the role for a while now, it
His massive upcoming release is involves a lot of discipline both mentally
Ghani, a sports drama directed by Kiran and physically. I have a personal trainer
Korrapati and produced by Sidhu Mudda and a nutritionist hired for the film the
of Renaissance Films and Allu Bobby of champ himself, Neeraj Ghoyat, who’s
Allu Bobby Company. Saiee Mukerjee training me for the role and teaching me
has been signed as the female lead. The the nuances of the game. It is a lot more
cast includes Upendra, Suneil Shetty and complex when you put on the gloves, but
Naveen Chandra too. “Well, I cannot get I am getting the hang of it and hopefully,
into the details of the movie, but all I you will be amazed at the output as we
can say is that it's a one-of-a-kind sports are trying to keep it as real as possible,”
action film and I am excited about the he reveals. “We have faced quite a few
way it's shaping up so far. Generally, challenges due to the pandemic, but we
this genre hasn’t been explored in our are back on our feet with our gloves on.”

Apart from Ghani, he is also shooting screen? Varun breaks it down like this:
for F3 which is the sequel of the “It's mostly opening yourself up to the
blockbuster film F2. The movie that imagination and the experience of
stars Varun and Venkatesh Daggubati, that specific role keeping in mind the
directed by Anil Ravipudi, is set to hit the director's vision. Reading the script
theatres this August. “In the pipeline are and noting the emotions, thoughts, and
a few more that I’ve committed to, but feelings that arise from it. Reading in
it’s too early to announce them currently between the lines and what is being said.
as they are in the scripting phase. They To each his own, but this is my process.
are exciting projects, and I am looking In short, the character on the screen
forward to them as eagerly as you are.” should be of the script and not of one's
own personality.”
A SPECTRUM OF GENRES
Varun is not the one to shy away from CAREER LESSONS LEARNED
experimenting with his scripts. He This self-assured nature seems to have
seamlessly shifts from one character to risen from humble learnings that Varun
a drastically different character from has had. Before his big success in movies IT'S MOSTLY OPENING
movie to movie: an NRI lover boy, a like Fidaa and Tholi Prema, Varun had YOURSELF UP TO THE
reckless gangster, a mischievous thief, a few misses with movies Mister and
are just some of these varied roles. “I Loafer not doing great in the box office
IMAGINATION AND
like to challenge myself,” he admits. and leaving his fans disappointed. Did THE EXPERIENCE OF
“The scripts and roles I pick are based that make him opt for safer roles and put THAT SPECIFIC ROLE
on the screenplay and how the story is aside unconventional ones? “Not really,
KEEPING IN MIND THE
being narrated. The art of storytelling, if it is interesting and I believe I can
the characterization of the role, and the pull it off to give a different experience DIRECTOR'S VISION.
conviction or confidence in the director to everyone watching, I'll take the leap READING THE SCRIPT
is what I look for before I ‘green-light’ it. of faith and hope for acceptance for the AND NOTING THE
There is a conscious effort I put in to be risk,” comes his confident reply.
different with each movie.” And he has no regrets either: “All
EMOTIONS, THOUGHTS,
So what does it take to play completely characters I’ve played so far are close to AND FEELINGS THAT
different personalities on the big my heart, or else I would not have taken ARISE FROM IT.

the script to the next stage. Old school
but yeah, all these characters are special
to me as each has taught me a different Quick 5
with Varun
lesson and given me a different
perspective to life.” In his words, it
all comes down to this – “I never take
failures to my heart and success to my What is your favorite
head that is one of the biggest lessons
place to eat?
the industry has taught me.”
Home-cooked meals are
V-Day my all-time favs. Comfort
food is whatever my mom
STAR FAMILY
Born to actor, Nagendra Babu, Special makes.
his paternal uncles Chiranjeevi and
PawanKalyan, and his cousins Ram With a huge following How many hours a day
Charan, Allu Arjun, and Sai Dharam of doe-eyed girl fans, do you work out?
Tej are also iconic actors in Telugu Varun Tej sure is one Depends a lot on my
cinema. Needless to say, Varun grew up
of the most eligible shoot schedule. But on an
in the limelight. “Again, the pressure
was never a barrier for me as it was
bachelors of south average it would be two
my passion to become an actor,” he cinema. Here’s a little hours, but for this film, it’s
recalls. “Having grown up in such an peek into his guilty a bit more time in the gym.
environment, I began to understand pleasures:
and closely appreciate the pressure with Movies you’ve loved
every film because the markets and What is your idea of a watching:
stakes are so high, the role is different perfect date? In recent times it would be
and we ride on such big fan bases. But
During this pandemic, Rangasthalam
taking in the whole picture puts it all
into perspective. Each of these elements
it would be to Netflix Andhadhun
goes hand in hand with the rest.” & chill. Soorarai Pottru
Once again his fearless spirit shines
through: “I’ve always believed in myself What is one thing Last series you watched
and I have been taught by both to people do not know
get my foundations right and then go about you?
forward with the approach. So, success You need to meet me
just adds value as I believe in the
to know me. Last book you read
process and that is what gives me the
confidence in achieving more in
my career.”
What is something
The recent NisChay Wedding threw you notice about
light on the mega Konidela family, their someone when you
strength, and their closeness. Though first meet them?
each is busy running a successful life Their smile.
professionally the family remains very
close and rooted and together. “A lot Three things that you
of catching up happens on the table
would look for in your
after long hours of work; that’s where
we get together and have a great time
better half.
talking about our day,” says Varun, with Sense of humour,
a twinkle in his eye as he speaks about modesty, and the love Atomic Habits
his family. for travel. by James Clear 

FOOD | On Your Platter
Can You
Handle The
Aroma-nce?
How about a generous serving of romance, seasoned with cheeky desire? Create your
own version of love to savour in each mouthful.

MALTED STRAWBERRY CAKE
The show stopping cake of every pot-luck or dinner party you host next!
About the writer:

Anjali is a self-taught baker
and food photographer
from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
She loves to play around
with ingredients and create
lip-smacking desserts that
catch people's eyes and
tries to incorporate flavours
from across the globe. She
believes in making home-
baking easy, hassle free to Con
and delicious! Follow her on nk
ne
p the li
Instagram @bakesalotlady
ct
or check out her blog

Ta
bakesalotlady.com for all the

detailed recipes.

MALTED STRAWBERRY CAKE
INGREDIENTS to your flour and butter, mix it on
Cake medium high speed for one minute.
235g Unsalted Butter (room This step will build the structure of the
temperature) cake. It is very important to make sure
3 Large Eggs that you beat the mixture for at least
40g Malt powder (Milo/Horlicks or one minute otherwise your cake will
any malt powder you can find) not have structure
40 ml Low Fat Cream 6. After one minute, stop the mixer and
1 tsp Vanilla Extract add half of the remaining liquid and
200g Castor Sugar whip for 20-30 seconds, do the same
200g All Purpose Flour with the remaining amount of liquid.
1¼ tsp Baking Powder 7. Once the batter looks smooth stop
1/4 tsp Salt mixing and pour the batter evenly into
60g Ground Almonds the three pans and bake for roughly 25-
30 minutes or until a skewer inserted
Frosting in the middle comes out clean.
150g Cream Cheese 8. Let the cakes cool completely before
100 g Salted Butter assembling.
350 g sifted Icing Sugar
½ tsp Vanilla Extract For the frosting
1. Blend the room temperature cream
Filling and topping cheese and butter on medium-high
Good quality strawberry jam (Store speed for 2-3 minutes until light and
bought or homemade) fluffy.
Thinly sliced fresh strawberries 2. Add the sifted icing sugar one
tablespoon and a time followed by the
PREPARATION vanilla while whipping on high and
1. Grease and line three 6-inch round mix for roughly 5 minutes.
cake pans and preheat your oven to
175°C. Assemble the cake
2. Sift the flour, malt powder, sugar, 1. Once the cake is cooled, remove each
baking powder and salt into a layer and level them off to make them
medium-large bowl (If using a stand straight.
mixer, you may do so in the bowl of 2. Spread a generous layer of frosting
the mixer) you can also use a hand on the first layer and add around 2
held mixer. tablespoons of strawberry jam in the
3. Now add the cubed room center, now place the second cake layer
temperature butter into the sifted dry on top. Repeat the same step for this
ingredients and start mixing at a low layer.
speed (use the paddle attachment), 3. Place the third and last layer on top
increase the speed after 10-15 seconds and over the cake with a thin layer of
and mix for about 25-30 seconds until frosting. Refrigerate till the butter is
the flour looks like wet sand. hardened and then slather on more
4. Take a separate bowl, combine the frosting to give the cake a finished look.
eggs, low fat cream and vanilla and 4. Decorate with thinly sliced fresh
whisk until well combined. strawberries and enjoy. Keep the cake
5. Now add half of this mixture refrigerated.

STRAWBERRY
& RASPBERRY
POPSICLES
Your ideal dessert or snack for a hot
summer evening. It is so healthy that
you can have it for breakfast too. Loaded
with the goodness of berries and coconut
milk, these popsicles are a treat to the
eyes and to the tastebuds!
INGREDIENTS
1 cup Strawberries (I used frozen)
1 cup Raspberries (I used frozen)
4 tbsp sugar
4 tbsp water
1 cup water (or according to desired
consistency)
350 ml Coconut milk (I used
unsweetened) (or milk of choice)
A pinch Salt
PREPARATION
1. Mix the 4 tbsp water with 4 tbsp
sugar and microwave till the sugar
dissolves.
2. Add all the remaining ingredients
in the blender along with the simple
syrup and blend until smooth.
3. Taste and add more sweetener if you
like. Adjust consistency of your liquid
by add by adding water
4. Pour into your popsicle moulds and
freeze for a minimum of 8 hours.
Note: You can use any berries that you
have on hand, they will work perfectly.
Do strain the mixture if you do not like
seeds in your popsicles.

THE EASIEST STRAWBERRY MARSHMALLOWS
4 ingredients to make the fluffiest, melt-in-the-mouth strawberry marshmallows.
INGREDIENTS it with a flavourless oil generously extremely light and fluffy.

Strawberry Base everywhere. Coat the insides of the 6. At this stage, work quickly and
85 g Strawberry Jell-O One Pack pan with equal parts icing sugar and transfer this marshmallow fluff to the
80 ml water cornflour. I sift the mixture onto the prepared pan and spread it evenly
pan and shake it to coat evenly. This as best as you can. The mixture will
Sugar Syrup is an important step to avoid the start setting very quickly and it will be
150 ml light corn syrup marshmallows from sticking to the pan. extremely sticky. Sift some of the icing
190 g Sugar (regular or granulated) 3. In a heavy bottomed saucepan sugar and cornstarch mixture on the
100 ml water add the sugar, light corn syrup and top surface and let it sit outside on the
water. On medium-low heat, bring counter to dry overnight.
For The Pan this mixture up to 240F (use a candy
200 g icing sugar thermometer). Cut into squares
200 g cornflour 4. When the mixture reaches 240F take 1. One a clean and dry surface,
it off the heat. Start the stand mixer on sift the icing sugar and cornstarch
PREPARATION low speed and very slowly drizzle this mixture evenly and invert the dried
Marshmallows hot sugar syrup along the side of the marshmallow from the baking pan.
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted bowl as the mixer keeps running. Be 2. Take a very sharp knife, grease
with the whisk attachment, empty extremely careful. it slightly with a flavourless oil and
the contents of the strawberry jell-o 5. Once all the syrup is poured, crank make straight sharp cuts to cut your
pack and add the 80 ml water. Stir to up the speed to high and let it whip marshmallow to your desired size.
combine and set it aside. for 8 minutes or until the bowl is cool 3. Sprinkle more icing sugar and
2. Take a 9×9 inch baking pan grease to touch. The mixture will become cornflour mix and toss to coat all sides.

RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE INGREDIENTS
SWIRLED BROWNIES Brownie

170g Unsalted Butter
Nothing screams love more than the divine combination of chocolate, berries and 270g Dark Chocolate
cream cheese. Make this cheesecake for your Valentine and win their heart! 3 Large Eggs
200g Dark Brown Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Coffee + 1 tbsp Warm Water
110g All-Purpose Flour
20g Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/4 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
Cheesecake
200g Cream Cheese
30g Dark Brown Sugar/Castor Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
100g Fresh/Frozen Raspberries
blended into a chunky puree
PREPARATION
1. Grease and line a 10×10 inch baking
pan and Preheat your oven to 170 C.
Melt the chocolate and butter in the
microwave or in the double boiler,
add the sugar and whisk it in once the
chocolate is melted.
2. Once the mixture is cool enough,
add the eggs and whisk it in well, then
add the vanilla and coffee mixture.
3. Sift the dry ingredients into the wet
ingredients and fold in with a spatula
until just combined.
4. Pour this mixture into the prepared
pan and keep it aside.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the room
temperature cream cheese, sugar and
vanilla and whisk well. Lastly, add the
raspberries but do not mix them all the
way to have a swirl effect.
6. Dollop this mixture on the brownie
mixture and using a butter knife or
a spoon, swirl it around till you are
satisfied with the look of the brownie.
7. Bake this for around 35-40 minutes
or until a toothpick inserted comes
out almost clean (For gooey fudgy
brownie) Let the brownies cool down
completely in the pan before cutting a
piece, otherwise, they will fall apart.

VALENTINE'S SPECIAL
MACARONS
Woo your loved one with these delectable French cookies sandwiched with a luscious
chocolate ganache.
INGREDIENTS increase the speed and whip, add the

For Macarons vanilla & the food colouring and keep
75 g Whole Unblanched Almonds whipping till you reach stiff peaks.
(ground in a food processor/grinder) 7. After you reach stiff peaks, add the
110 g Icing Sugar sifted almond mixture in three stages,
¼ tsp Vanilla Extract folding gently. Keep folding till the
5 g Cocoa Powder batter is flowing in ribbons from your
65 ml Egg Whites (about 2 eggs) spatula and you can make a figure 8.
55 g Superfine Castor Sugar 8. Transfer this mixture into a piping
1/4 tsp Salt bag and cut a hole about 1/2-inch
1/2 tsp White Vinegar in diameter. Pipe little mounds into
5-6 drops Concentrated Red Gel Food prepared and lined baking sheets.
Colouring Leave some space between the
macarons.
Filling 9. Tap your baking sheet against the
120 ml Cream (20% fat or 35% fat) counter about 5-6 times to remove air
180 g Dark (72%) Chocolate bubbles.
10. Let your macarons dry for about
PREPARATION 15-45 minutes or till it forms a light
Make the macarons: skin on the surface and it's top is matte.
1. In a food processor add the whole Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 150 C
almonds, icing sugar and cocoa powder 11. Bake your macarons for about 16
and pulse till everything is well ground minutes or until set.
and combined. Make sure that you 12. Once baked, let your macarons cool
don't blend and only pulse. on the baking sheet before removing.
2. Sift this mixture once into a bowl.
there will be about 1 tablespoon worth Prepare the filling
of ground mixture remaining in the 1. Heat your cream in the microwave,
sieve, discard it. Set aside. once it starts to simmer, add the
3. In a large bowl that is very clean and chocolate and salt. Leave it for 2-3
without grease (ensure that the beating minutes, then stir to combine. Leave
attachments of your stand mixer/hand to cool. Refrigerate until it reaches
mixer are also clean and grease-free). pipable/spreadable consistency.
Add the egg whites and salt. Start
whipping at a slow speed. Assembling
4. Once the egg whites start foaming 1. Match the cookies according to size,
up, add the vinegar. pipe a generous amount of the ganache
5. When bubbles start forming, and sandwich them.
slowly add in the caster sugar in small 1. Refrigerate the cookies for about
additions. 2 hours minimum to have the best
6. Once all the icing sugar is added, consistency. 

PEOPLE | Rendezvous
New Lease
on Life
Bringing home a new-born is always an adjustment; more so in the midst
of a pandemic. And most of the time, as we celebrate the new miracle
of life, mothers don’t seem to be getting the kind of attention that they
should. In a conversation with Sruthi Ravinder, Maalica KSR Arjun
Krishnan takes us through the untold tales of new motherhood.

P
regnant women
and new moms
certainly had an
especially crazy
2020. “2020 was
a year I was looking forward
to. It was the year I delivered
my baby girl. I delivered on
March 11th, 2020, exactly 12
days before they announced
the lockdown. I was already
suffering from post-partum
depression when COVID
anxiety started settling in. I was
so worried about how I was
going to protect my baby from
the virus.”
While the world is reporting

mood swings, sadness, and
irritability, post-partum
depression seemed to get lost
in the mix – something a lot of
new moms battle but don’t talk
about much. “Now my baby
is my life, but initially when I
delivered her, I did not have
any connection with her. People
around me were showering her
with love but for me, she felt
like a little stranger. The things
that were running on my mind
were about how this baby was Emerging From The Storm the time when the whole world
not going to let me sleep, how People around Maalica had was making Dalgano coffee,
I had to constantly feed her. no idea about post-partum THERE CAME A baking banana bread, working
Nevertheless, it didn’t stop depression and with time she POINT WHEN out, and picking up other
me from doing my duties. But started feeling more alone than EVERYONE exotic skills. “First two months
there isn’t too much awareness ever. “There came a point when AROUND of the lockdown people were
on this and a lot of people everyone around me stopped ME STOPPED their most productive self. It
around me felt that I was being listening to my problems. They LISTENING TO was so nice to see… it was a
dramatic.” were so focused on wanting to MY PROBLEMS. positive vibe. The next day I
take care of the baby that the THEY WERE SO went on a random Instagram
Anxiety and depression mother was left out. That is FOCUSED ON live with my cousin who is a
coupled with sleepless nights when I realised I need to fend dermatologist. She wanted
WANTING TO
led Maalica into an array of for myself. I had to come out of to do a session on newborn
TAKE CARE OF
unhealthy habits. “I gained a lot this and no one could help me.” skincare. I did not think much
of unhealthy weight! I stopped
THE BABY THAT of it and agreed. I’ve always
taking care of myself, my skin my On yet one of those sleepless THE MOTHER been a good public speaker.
body. When you have depression nights, Maalica found WAS LEFT OUT. The live was a success but more
you are constantly fighting your herself scrolling through her than that it kept my mind off
negative thoughts.” Instagram mindlessly. It was things for a brief period.”

This live episode bolstered
her confidence. ‘I thought I had
to do something on the same
lines and that is how ‘Masks-
Off with Maalica’ started. My
first live was on Father’s Day
and my dad KS Ravikumar was
my first guest. Then, it was my
very close friend and vocalist
Saindhavi… I didn’t have big
plans when I started but after
7-8 episodes which is about
7-8 weeks, I realised I was
not depressed anymore. The
whole process of planning each
episode, thinking about guests
to feature, what questions to
ask them, what to wear and so
on, kept my mind occupied. It’s
been 7 months now and I’ve
never looked back.”
Her take-away from this

experience is inspiring:
“Creativity is like therapy. I
started something to keep my
mind off things and it has been
therapeutic and has helped me
come so far.”
Family To Fall Back On

As director KS Ravikumar’s
daughter, one would expect
from her a grander, more
glamorous life. But Maalica
grew up away from the three daughters which is not an of myself. I’m working harder
spotlight and her family easy thing. My husband is my in life because I want to set an
rock. He understands me on a
CREATIVITY IS example for her. I don’t want
was just like any other, with
protective parents who loved deep level. Naturally, I regard LIKE THERAPY. her to grow up seeing a mother
and cherished her. “My Dad is him as my non-judgemental I STARTED who is not resourceful with her
my biggest inspiration. He is an space and my strength.” SOMETHING time. I want her to see me as
extremely disciplined person. TO KEEP MY a mom who has a dedicated
After the shoot, he comes back When Maalica gave birth MIND OFF career, is successful in her
at 4am or 5am, and even then to her baby girl she knew her THINGS AND own ways.” And she closes
he makes sure to clear up his world had changed. What she IT HAS BEEN with resounding passion in
luggage, put things back in didn’t expect was that this little THERAPEUTIC her voice, that can only come
place. He does not postpone bundle of joy will change her. AND HAS from a fierce mother: “If my
things. I think when you have a “Until the time my daughter HELPED ME daughter can do at least one
disciplined lifestyle it leads you was born I was quite a laid thing productive looking at me,
COME SO FAR.
to success.” “My mom is a very back person. After I delivered that would be my success. She
patient person. She has raised her I’m seeing a new version is my driving force.” 

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PEOPLE | Rendezvous
Auto-nomous!
Meet Raji Ashok, the woman who lives life on her terms while making a living
on three wheels. She’s the one to call when you’re stranded in the metropolis of
Chennai. By Radhika Ramesh
W
omen from all walks
of life inspire us in
different ways, but
few stand out like Raji
Akka, as she’s called. Auto rickshaw
driver by profession, she has gone
above and beyond her call of duty to
help women in need. Raji Akka has
been driving for 20 years and serving
women around the city of Chennai in
moments of crises. Her most recent
urgent call came from a woman who
needed to be picked up after visiting
the graveyard at 12am. For most, that
might draw the line. For Raji Akka, it
was another day at work, as she steered
her vehicle towards the strange pickup
location.
“Whether it is the middle of the

night or an insufferably hot afternoon,
I never refuse a ride to a woman. Even
after my 8-9 hour shift has ended,” says
48-year-old Raji.
In a time when women are finding it

hard to trust cab and auto drivers after
sundown, Raji is pretty much a beacon
of hope and solace for Chennai’s urban
female community. “From trips to
the airport at odd hours to women
working late shifts, I’ve seen it all,” she
shares. “I accept every request, the only
Over the past few years, I have given motivational talks in over 13 colleges
in Chennai. I also give free auto driving lessons to women who are interested.
If there is a woman out there hesitant to pick up auto driving, I want to assure
her that it’s a skill worth learning and a livelihood worth taking up

Whether it is
the middle of the
night or an insufferably
hot afternoon, I
never refuse a ride
to a woman. Even after
my 8-9 hour shift
has ended.
says. “After several failed interviews, I
decided to start driving an auto for a
living just like my husband.”
Raji received her license from

Coimbatore, but she believed she
needed to learn more as a skilled
auto driver to understand the traffic
scenario in Chennai. “These were
hiccups in my journey but could not
condition being that they book the ride the two decided to shift to Coimbatore. stop me from getting better. I traded
at least one hour in advance so I can Here, while Ashok drove an auto, Raji my new auto for a second-hand one
schedule them.” Besides being a brave worked as an accountant at a travel and practiced even more. Soon, there
heart, Raji has a generous one too. She agency. However, the couple shifted was no street in Chennai that was alien
offers free rides to young kids, senior base to Chennai after the 1998 bomb to me, and I could manage driving
citizens and those women who may blasts in Coimbatore that took nearly in the traffic as well as any local,” she
not have the fare to pay. On an average, 60 lives. declares confidently.
she completes 30 trips everyday and
earns about 30,000 to 40,000 as her “The horrific blasts had affected “Over the past few years, I have given
monthly income. hundreds of people, and we were two motivational talks in over 13 colleges in
Raji is originally from Palakkad, of them,” she recalls. “We had no option Chennai. I also give free auto driving
Kerala and has a BA in Philosophy. but to restart our lives and so we came lessons to women who are interested. If
While she was still a student, she fell to Chennai. My brother worked here in there is a woman out there hesitant to
in love with Ashok, an auto-driver the railways, so we had something to pick up auto driving, I want to assure
from the village, whom she married go on.” This change of scene however, her that it’s a skill worth learning and a
later. Although she doesn’t like to go brought with it its share of challenges. livelihood worth taking up,” closes Raji,
into the details of the struggles the “For one, I could not find a job despite with an unmistakable mark of courage
couple initially faced she reveals that my qualification and experience,” she and steadiness in her voice. 

KITCHEN CORNER | Diet
Lessons
from
the Blue
Zones
MY HEALTH RESOLUTIONS FOR 2021
Here are the lessons that I am taking from the Blue Zones to help improve my
health and well-being in 2021, with the hope that they will lead to a good
quality of life and longevity.
I
t’s a new year! 2020 immediately the dreaded C symptom of Covid 19. I was
is behind us and word would come to mind. all set to get tested in the
if you’ve made it Not Cancer but Covid 19. morning, when I realized
through the year I remember that one week that I had also eaten a very
with your health after I had travelled to spicy meal that night, that
intact, you must be full Belgaum to bring my mum probably did not agree with
of gratitude, as I am. to my home, I got a terrible me. So, I ate clean for 2
What a year it’s been! I stomach flu that continued days – went on my time-
don’t think we have gone through the night. By 3 a.m. tested BRATTY (Banana,
through so much stress I had googled and found rice, apple, tea, toast and
ever. The slightest throat several studies that listed yoghurt) diet for an upset
itch, headache or sniffle and stomach flu as the first stomach and it settled.

About the writer:
Sharmila Ribeiro is an
agricultural economist and
mother of 3 ever-hungry
boys. She is the author of
an award-winning family
link t
the cookbook– Everyday Love –
oC
A Mother’s Guide to Healthy

Tap
onnec
Cooking for Kids. Follow her

t blog at
sharmilacooksforkids.com

Surviving 2020 and avoiding
or surviving Covid-19 has
been the main goal for this
past year for most us. When
reflecting on good health and
long-term lifestyle changes for
a series of Zoom talks I gave to
various Rotary clubs, I came
across a fascinating study
that was done by the National
Geographic Society, led by
journalist Dan Buettner. It’s
called Lessons from the Blue
Zone. The Blue Zone refers to 5 places that are hot spots
of longevity, places that had the highest concentration of
100-year olds, who had grown old without diseases like
heart problems, diabetes, obesity and cancer.
LOMA LINDA,
CALIFORNIA
A community SARDINIA,
of Seventh day ITALY
Adventists
IKARIA,
GREECE OKINAWA,
NICOYA JAPAN
PENINSULA,
COSTA RICA
While many factors gives our lives meaning. buy? Eat processed food or stories of each community
contribute to longevity in Since food is often at the fresh food? Do we support and bought one of the books
each Blue Zone, the core centre of our ecosystems local organic, seasonal as a reference. At the core of
is an interconnected set of and defines the choices we produce from farmers the Blue Zones, are lessons
factors – what we eat, social make, it takes on a greater markets? Do we eat alone in related to food ideas and
networks, daily rituals, significance. We make food front of a screen or at a table eating practices that we can
physical environment and choices several times a day with family? easily take from them to
a sense of purpose that – do we choose to cook or I was fascinated by the implement in our daily lives.
The Researchers Found That there were similar factors at work in each community
FIND A SENSE OF PURPOSE or reasons for why you wake up every morning. DOWN SHIFT OR FIND WAYS TO REDUCE
STRESS some pray, some take a nap, some remember their ancestors. THE 80 PERCENT RULE (stop eating before your
stomach is full). The last and smallest meal is eaten in the late afternoon or early evening. FIND YOUR TRIBE OR YOUR
SOCIAL CIRCLE: Surround yourselves with a few good friends (Okinawans have moais - groups of 5 five friends that commit
to each other for life) BELONGING TO A FAITH BASED COMMUNITY, whatever the religion or denomination, seemed to
increase life expectancy. PUTTING FAMILY FIRST and keeping them close was found to be at the core of a Blue Zone life.

Diminish Dairy: Reduce
consumption of milk, cheese,
cream and butter
Daily dose of beans:

Eat at least a ½ cup of cooked
beans every day, they are the
If you find this list
consummate superfood.
overwhelming, the
Eat Eggs, occasionally: simple takeaway
Eat no more than 3 eggs per is that Blue Zones
week, preferably free-range. In diets are, in general,
baking replace eggs, with flax
high in good
seed,banana or apple sauce.
carbohydrates (65%),
Snack on Nuts: Eat 2 are low fat (20%) and
handfuls of nuts and seeds a day, low protein (15%).
as snacks or in salads
Slash Sugar to no more FOUR TO HAVE ALWAYS

than 6-7 teaspoons of added 100% whole wheat/whole
sugar per day. grain breads; Nuts, Beans
and Fruit
Go Wholly Whole and eat
Lessons from whole foods that are minimally

processed.
FOUR TO AVOID
the Blue Zones Sourdough or 100%

Sugar-sweetened beverages,
salty snacks, processed
TO HELP IMPROVE HEALTH whole wheat bread that are
meats and packaged sweets
AND WELL-BEING dense and incorporate nuts,
(cookies, candy, energy
seeds, dried fruits and whole
bars etc.)
grains, are the best breads.
Plant Slant: See that 95% My wish for you is that
of your food comes from plants. Blue Zone beverages you are able to celebrate
Eat a cup of leafy greens every include water, coffee, green/ each day of the year ahead
day, plus fruit, vegetables, beans herbal tea and 1 or 2 glasses of with home-cooked good
and whole grains. red wine, with food. Sweeten tea food, eaten in moderation
with honey, if at all. in the company of friends
Retreat from meat: Eat and family. Wishing you a
meat only twice a week with 60g/ Eat some super foods safe and healthy 2021. 
serving daily - beans, greens, sweet References:
potatoes, nuts, olive oil, oats/ The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living
Fish is fine: Eat mid-chain barley, fruits, green/herbal tea,

Longer from the People Who’ve Lived
the Longest, Dan Buettner, National
and small fish a few times a turmeric and other herbs and Geographic Society, Washington D.C.
week, up to 90g/serving spices. The Blue Zones Solution: Eating and

Living like the World’s Healthiest People,
Dan Buettner, National Geographic
Society, Washington D.C. 2015.

WELLNESS
H ave you ever overspent your

time excessively worrying
about what grade you're
going to get or where your
next big promotion will
come from? Do you spend
more time than necessary
thinking about all the
Stuck
things out of your control
or perpetually wishing
that you could alter your
past a certain way? People
in the
claim that a little worrying
can help individuals test
their limit/ perform under
pressure and guide one in
making better decisions,
Mood to
but in contrast it can take a
significant toll on your well-
being, both physically and
mentally. Picture yourself in
Brood?
an escape room where every
problem you try to solve
gets you farther away from
opening the door - this is
what overthinkers feel like
because it is nothing but a
Constant worrying and overthinking produce feelings of bundle of obsessive thoughts
despair, distress & discomfort. Free your mind with some your mind creates to stop
simple tips that can easily help tackle these precursors to you from confronting the
anxiety and depression. issue at hand. It can impair
your judgment and decision-
About the writer: making skills, leaving you
The Happy Space is a fresh and unable to defend yourself
modern approach to diversify from your problems; thus,
and broaden your perception on leading to stress and anxiety.
mental health issues initiated ALLOW
to Co
by a group of young girls hailing ink YOURSELF THE
nn
Tap the l
from various backgrounds. ROOM TO MAKE

ect
Follow them on Instagram at MISTAKES

@thehappyspace.ths

Fortunately, there are a few
ways that you can tackle
excessive worrying and
overthinking: !
JOURNAL OR WRITE DOWN CREATE
WHAT IS WORRYING YOU
It can help put things into
‘WORRY TIME’
perspective and show you a Worrying about
visual form of what you're the fact that you
fearful of. are worrying
about something
ENGAGE YOUR BODY is a dangerous and
Keeping your hands busy vicious cycle. So,
helps distract your mind; it learn to accept that
lets you shift your focus from you are worried so
worrying onto the task you're that you can focus on
performing. all the things you can
do to make it better
GO FOR A WALK/RUN and regain control
Exercise is an extremely of your thoughts and
effective way to beat stress actions rather than
because it gets your heart getting more anxious
pumping; it makes you feel about the fact that
alive and releases endorphins you are worried.
in your body that are instant
mood lifters and can stop Create a designated
overthinking in its tracks. time of 30 minutes,
and enforce the idea
BE PRESENT of only worrying
Try to be in the here and within that period
now; practice being mindful so that you don't
and grounding yourself because end up wasting
worrying about the future only the whole day.
negatively impacts your present. Essentially, you’re
training your brain
PERFORM BREATHING EXERCISES to spill out all of your
Focusing on your breath and worries, concerns
meditating can give you a sense and anxieties at a set
of calm and create a zen-like time to try and find
state in your brain. It lowers solutions to your
your anxiety levels and allows problems.
you to regain control over your
thinking patterns.
It is impossible Worrying is a part of human nature. It is okay if sometimes overthinking gets

to be perfect at It doesn't make you weaker; instead, it gives you the best of you. Learn from it and give
all times. So cut more understanding of the tools you need to yourself room to grow instead of blaming
yourself some slack. improve your state of mind and quality of life. yourself for not fixing it in the first go. 

photos t
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CINEMA CHRONICLES
Your monthly dose of Hollywood, Bollywood and South Cinema
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BOLLYWOOD ACTOR
t VARUN DHAWAN TIES
THE KNOT.
Bollywood actor and director
David Dhawan’s son Varum
Dhawan tied the knot to his
childhood friend and longtime
girlfriend Natasha Dalal on
Sunday in Alibaug’s famous
resort, The Mansion House.
Varun took to Instagram to
share the first photos. “Life
long love just became official,”
he captioned the post. Natasha
Dalal is a fashion designer. The
couple has been in a relationship
from the age of 17 and have been
childhood friends before that.
AARI ARJUNA WINS

BIGG BOSS TAMIL
SEASON 4.
As expected, the man who
had gotten the most positive
SOORARAI POTTRU attention from the audience this
HEADS TO THE OSCARS season of Bigg Boss Tamil, Aari
Sudha Kongara has yet again Arjunan has won the title as the
proved that a strong and a larger- finalist. Although, Aari did not
than-life story narrated in a simple start out as people’s favourite,
form can reach millions of people. he turned out to be the positive
Soorarai Pottru has joined the contestant which made people
Oscar race in the Best Actor, Best think that there was another
Actress, Best Director and many side to him. The actor made
other categories. Sudha Kongara has himself deserving and emerged
yet again proved that a strong and successful throughout the
a larger-than-life story narrated in journey. His calm nature and his
a simple form can reach millions of composure was what took him
people. Suriya’s acting has proven all the way. The top two finalists
yet again that he is one of the finest were Balaji Murugadoss and
actors of our times and Aparna Aari who went on stage with the
Balamurali’s performance as Bommi host. Rio Raj was announced the
will be etched in our hearts forever. second runner-up.

PAAVA KADHAIGAL
ACTRESS BHAVANI SRE IN
VETRIMAARAN’S NEXT.
Bhavani Sre is the new face of
Tamil cinema today. She has been
having an impressive lineup of
films ever since she joined the
industry. Her debut film was Ka
Pae Ranasingam where she sported
the role of Vijay Sethupathi’s sister.
She was immediately recognised
for naturally sporting the role. But
it was in Paava Kadhaigal when she
played Sathaar’s sister Sahira that
she won hearts and immediately
became an audience favourite.
Not many know that Bhavani is
also music composer GV Prakash’s
younger sister. It has now been
reported that Bhavani Sre will be the
female lead in Vetrimaaran’s next
with actor Soori.
DIRECTOR
SELVARAGHAVAN
BLESSED WITH A BABY
BOY.
Selvaraghavan and wife
Gitanjali welcomed their third
ANUSHKA SHARMA child home this new year. Taking
AND VIRAT KOHLI to social media the director
WELCOME FIRST CHILD. wrote, “A big thank you to each
The couple who have been and everyone of you for all the
married from 2017, welcome blessings and hearty wishes.
their baby girl today. Virat made Truly touched by the support and
the announcement on Twitter love you’ve all shown us. Believe
– mother and baby are both me, the feeling is mutual. You
doing well, he wrote and signed guys are the best!” Along with
off with a request for privacy. this positive message, the director
Virat tweeted: “We are thrilled confirmed that they have named
to share with you that we have VIJAY SETHUPATHI TO PAIR him Rishikesh Selvaraghavan.
been blessed with a baby girl UP WITH KATRINA KAIF.
this afternoon. We thank you all According to several media
for your love, prayers and good reports that are making rounds
wishes. Anushka and the baby actor Vijay Sethupathi has bagged
are both healthy and we are a major Bollywood project with
feeling beyond blessed to start Sriram Raghavan the director of
this new chapter of our lives. We ‘Andhadhun’ at the helm. The movie
hope that you can respect our has roped in actress Katrina Kaif to
privacy at this time.” play the female lead.

TRAVEL | Wanderlust
The Vistas
of Bali An island with the
power to call out
to your soul.

BALI HAI MAY CALL
YOU
COME TO ME, COME
TO ME
LOST IN THE MIDDLE
OF A FOGGY SEA
IF YOU TRY TO FIND ME
WHERE THE SKY
MEETS THE SEA
HERE AM I YOUR
About the writer: SPECIAL ISLAND
Vidya Gajapathi Raju is a
travel blogger who takes COME TO ME, COME
her readers on exciting trips TO ME.
around the world and within
India as well. Her blog, The lyrics of this beautiful ballad from
"Wanderlust Princess Vidya" the film South Pacific, seemed to echo
features unique outlooks in our ears, from the moment we
on any given destination. landed, until we left. The call of this
A strong advocate of lovely island and her gentle people
multicultural experiences, are very compelling. We come in to
Vidya has been the President land from over the sea and as we fly
of IWA (International in, I feel as if the pilot is about to set
Women’s Association) us down in the middle of the ocean,
and the President of but suddenly a runway appears, just
Soroptomist International, in time for him to touch down. We see
link t a charitable organization, the coastline stretching out on both
the
while also serving on the sides, little white beaches interspersed
oC
Tap
onnec
Committee of FLO for the with high cliffs. As we drive out of

t
past 4 years. Visit her blog the airport, Bali begins to reveal itself
at wanderlustprincessvidya. in the beautiful architecture, in the
blogspot.com buildings all along the drive.

Jimbaran
Just south of the airport, this
picturesque and hilly region,
Jimbaran, is where we located
ourselves during this visit. Beautiful THE RITZ CARLTON
beaches line this entire stretch, all Our hotel, The Ritz Carlton,
hugging the coastline, with its high was located on a high cliff with
cliffs, interspersing the flatter beaches. the ocean visible as far as the
The Ngurah Rai Airport is in Bukit eye could see. Set on about 800
Peninsula and we drive out of here acres of land, was a perfect
towards Jimbaran, where our hotel walker’s paradise, with the hills
is located. The half-hour drive was a on the property, the landscaped
head-turning experience as all along walking trails that took us on
we were overwhelmed, by not just a tough walk, ending at the Dinner at PJ’s was more than
the beautiful temples and buildings, cliffs. The seascapes with the memorable, as the dining experience
but an almost continuous array of spectacular sunrise could be with Balinese food, was made more
shops and small factories of Balinese quite overwhelming. Climbing magical with the stars in the sky, the
furniture, ceramic sculpture and stone down the rough stone steps to waves lapping the shore, twinkling
carvings. The effect on us caused us the tiny beaches was breath- lights in paper bags weighted down
to exclaim every few seconds, much to taking, literally, as the seas and set on the sand and of course the
the amusement of our taxi driver! at high tide would be lashing wonderful company.
The Bukit Peninsula, Bukit meaning at the giant rock faces. Our Bali had been a part of the
‘Hill’ in Indonesian, was once the morning walks on all the days Indonesian archipelago since the
Royal hunting preserve. A vision in that we had spent here were 7th century; early inhabitants could
itself, it has rolling hills with high quite amazing, as we were able have been Susaks, from India and
cliffs, which gently slope down to to walk in different areas of the Burma. For centuries Bali was ruled by
the ocean. Mass tourism got a fillip vast compound of the hotel! independent dynasties of Kings. It had
with the opening of the International been predominantly Hindu due to the
Airport in 1969 and today, is influence of the priest Nirartha, who
streamlined for every type of traveller. has also been credited with building

the sea temples. THE BUKIT in 1948. The Balinese Hindu religion
By the 16th century, there was a is evident in every aspect of their lives
great exodus of artisans, artists,
PENINSULA, BUKIT and we see it as we drive around, in
dancers and musicians, who all fled MEANING ‘HILL’ IN the innumerable temples. Every home
to Bali after the spread of Islam in INDONESIAN, WAS has its temple. Everyday offerings
other parts of Indonesia. The Dutch to the gods are made, on the streets
ONCE THE ROYAL
entered Bali in the late 16th century, outside of shops and homes. We
when Cornelius de Houtman, the HUNTING PRESERVE. needed to watch where we walked, for
captain arrived and fell in love with A VISION IN ITSELF, IT fear of offending religious sentiments
the island. HAS ROLLING HILLS by stepping on the palm leaf offerings.
It was in 1710, a hundred years Dance, arts and craft is etched into
later that the Dutch began to conquer
WITH HIGH CLIFFS, the essence of Balinese culture and
and by 1906, they were ruling all WHICH GENTLY SLOPE has seeped into every aspect of their
of Bali. The final kingdom that fell DOWN TO THE OCEAN. lives. The origin of this aesthetic is in
was Denpasar and the princes there the fertility of the land and Balinese
decided to burn their palaces and dance, with its haunting music and
fight to death. Independence came purity of form.

THIS BEAUTIFUL
CITY DENPASAR,
WITH ITS TREE-
LINED STREETS AND
LOVELY GARDENS, IS
THE CAPITAL OF THE
ISLAND. IT IS ALSO
FAR MORE OF THE
‘BIG CITY’ WITH ITS
SHOPPING MALLS AND
RESTAURANTS.
Kuta Denpasar
Just North of Jimbaran is Kuta, At the International Airport
whose focal point is the beach. As we in Denpasar, is this magnificent
drive past the beach front, it seemed as sculpture depicting Karna and
if most of the activities in Kuta focus Ghatotkacha in battle. This beautiful
on the water. There is surfing, sailing, city Denpasar, with its tree-lined
diving, swimming and fishing. There streets and lovely gardens, is the
are shacks and restaurants all along capital of the island. It is also far more
this stretch and we see surfers carrying of the ‘Big City’ with its shopping
their boards and crossing over to malls and restaurants. The museum,
the beach and heading to the water! a beautiful building was originally the
There is even a Hard Rock Café here palace of the King until 1906, when
and of course our favourite watering the Dutch conquered it.
hole, Starbucks, to which we beat a The Pura Agung Jagatnatha was
hasty retreat, after a morning of hard right next door, which we were
shopping! charmed to visit and to say our
The 1960s brought the “hippy” prayers. By rule we had to rent
travelers and backpackers. From sarongs, to wear over our clothes, to
the 1970s, Kuta became a base from maintain the decorum of the temple.
which to explore Bali. Shopping The Padmasana Shrine is made
here is great, with crafts and clothes, of white coral and consists of an
from high end to the street stores, all empty throne (symbolic of heaven)
selling a beautiful selection. Balinese on top of the cosmic turtle and two
lace, seems to be a specialty and was Nagas (mythological serpents),
interestingly a lot like the ‘cut work’ which symbolise the foundation of
that the nuns in our Indian convents the world. The walls are beautifully
specialise in. Uluwatu Lace is the best decorated with scenes from the
company to buy beautiful clothes from. Ramayana and the Mahabharatha.

THE VISIT TO TANAH LOT, MEANING THE LAND IN THE SEA; THE
BEAUTIFUL OFF-SHORE TEMPLE, BUILT BY DANG HYANG NIRARTHA,
A RESPECTED RELIGIOUS FIGURE IN BALI, IN THE 16TH CENTURY, IS
LOCATED ABOUT 300M OFF THE COAST.
Ubud among the rice, lentils and vegetables

The drive to Ubud was rather long, that he was selling, had even a large
but had three interesting villages cage with live cockroaches for sale! To
that we visited. The first stop with its our relief, he assured us that this was
green rice fields, was where Batik is a meant to feed the birds.
speciality. The next village, specialised Ubud is the kind of place, where
in Balinese silver. The village which the pace of life seems to slow down
made Balinese kites, was rather and you really want time to look
charming and while we were looking around and absorb its essence. There
around, we found a local grocer, who are several dance performances in
and around Ubud, in addition to
world-class spas, beautiful temples
and ancient palaces. The shopping is
also calm and leisurely, at the Central
Market. The two streets, Monkey
Forest Road and Hanuman Road are
lined with a dazzling array of things.
The Ubud Palace was an interesting
cluster of buildings with some ornate
corners. The Royal Family still lives
here, and some sections of it are open
for us to wander about in. The Pura
Taman Saraswati on Ji Raya Ubud,
is totally spectacular, as water from
the temple feeds a pond in front,
which is filled with lotus blossoms.
The highlight of our visit to Ubud
was lunch at the Café Lotus, an open
restaurant, overlooking this beautiful
temple and the lotus pond.
The visit to Tanah Lot, meaning
The Land in the Sea; the beautiful
off-shore temple, built by Dang Hyang
Nirartha, a respected religious figure
in Bali, in the 16th century, is located
about 300m off the coast. The walk
across the rocks, to visit this temple,
was a perfect way to complete the Bali
experience.
The haunting lyrics of the song
stay with us for several days after we
return, “Any day any night, you can
hear it call you, come to me come
to me.” That is how Bali beckons a
traveller for another visit. 

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7 Love's favourite 34 Motherhood

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Senior Features Writer

4 | JFW | FEBRUARY 2021

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Rose Heart Charm

Volume Disturbia Volume Appliquéd Jumper

Heart Graphic Phone

Lovetint Lip & Cheek

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Heart Print Dress

Heart Logo Slides by

Duo Heart Rose

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Dressing for the

appeal. A classic slip dress

usually is of one tone with

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and a romantic appeal.

this Valentine’s. Designers

- Dior, Alberta Ferretti, showed a predilection for

are the perfect Valentine's most occasions from formal

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Skip dinner and a movie 12

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pleag with tea tree

Why add Tea Tree Anti-

Tea Tree Oil and

rejuvenate. An essential oil

is not be confused with

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About the writer:

or check out her blog

bakesalotlady.com for all the

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INGREDIENTS it with a flavourless oil generously extremely light and fluffy.

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SWIRLED BROWNIES Brownie

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INGREDIENTS increase the speed and whip, add the

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While the world is reporting

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