By Jigar Ganatra

This year?s much awaited film Shaandaar has caught many eyeballs already, especially due to the amazing outfits worn by the lead star cast ? Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. 

Indiantelevision.com?s Exec Life got in touch with Archana Walavalkar, Co-founder and Creative Director at StyleCracker and Shahid and Alia's stylist from the film, to get a lowdown on the wardrobe trends from the film.

Read on:

Shahid Kapoor

Look 1:

                                                                                      
You see Shahid in cool, urban staples throughout the film. Expect basic tees, neutral coloured shirts and blazers and worn-in denims. His first exudes an understated sexy vibe as he enters in a rugged leather jacket, with wind-swept hair, on a bike. 

Invest in a pre-washed linen shirt to get Shahid?s style. Breathable, easy to work with and super suave ? it?s a wardrobe investment that will take you a long way. 

Look 2: 

                                                                                         
In the film, Shahid is a complete charmer when it comes to work. Classic blazers, tartan ties, well fitted trousers, and boarding school-like sweatshirts ? we went for separates that are standout pieces by themselves but also complemented each other perfectly when put together. 

You may not need a jacket for daily use but a well-tailored blazer is a must-have. To start off, go for navy. Throw it over cuffed chinos for a day brunch or pair it with tweed/patterned trousers for an evening out.

Look 3: 

                                                                                         
For his formal look in the song ?Nazdikiyan,? we went for a vanilla tuxedo by Kunal Rawal. It is colour play that makes the look a winner - the black satin lapel complements off-white well. Keeping the front clean, we went for a concealed placket shirt (instead of a pleated one).

Don?t shy away from experimenting with pantones. If washed colours are not your thing, go for deeper tones like aubergine and charcoal when choosing your tuxedo.

Alia Bhatt

Look 1:

Alia plays a free spirit in the film and so throughout you see her in laid-back separates. In this shot, she is wearing a sheer cape handcrafted by Nachiket Barve. Embroidered dragonflies have been stitched onto net fabric. 

It is a very wearable look. Go for a simple tank top over cut-off denims for a casual outing. Swap the boots for practical sneakers and finish the outfit with lightweight summer-friendly layering. 

Look 2: 

                                                                                        
In the ?Gulabo? song, her look is inspired by menswear. Seen in a Glenchecks suit and a vintage waistcoat, this is one of the most tailored outfits Alia wears in the film. Though the garment is custom-made, we sourced the accessories from various boutiques in East London. An inside story: We went through over 100 moustaches for her in this sequence!

Borrow from the boys to add an element of edge to your formal wardrobe. It could be structured co-ords in masculine prints (houndstooth, windowpane checks et al), brogues, or even accessories like a standout bow tie. 

Look 3:

                                                                                          
In the song ?Nazdikiyan,? we went for a Shehla Khan dress. The cloud print is essential in the song and so the fabric had to be dyed, printed and tailored to suit very specific requirements. Staying true to Alia?s quirky character, we finished the look with risqu? lace-up heels (as opposed to strappy stilettos).

Less is more always. For Alia?s effortless elegance, pick a unique silhouette and let it be the focal point of your outfit. Finish the look with basic make-up and a simple hair-do. Beach waves or a messy braid are your go-to styles. Keep the jewellery minimal and go for shimmer shoes instead. Hardware detailing, crystals, studded brooches ? the bolder the embellishments, the better! 

By Jigar Ganatra

Harley Rock Riders, an annual music property of Harley-Davidson India celebrates and supports independent music in the country and welcomes enthusiasts seeking a taste of the Harley-Davidson lifestyle. Launched in 2010, this festival brings rock music and motorcycle lovers together, both bound by their burning desire for self-expression. The festival also features a contest for up-and-coming bands from around the country and gives them an opportunity to showcase their talent.

After tasting success from the previous five seasons, Harley Rock Riders, the iconic rock music festival is back with an interesting line-up of some of the best artists from Indian rock, headlined by the legendary American Thrash metal band - Megadeth and the Jamaican Reggae band ? The Wailers.

Indiantelevision.com?s Exec Life lists five reasons why every Indie fan needs to attend this festival:

? The headliner is worth it

Fans at the festival this year will get to enjoy and groove to the best of Rock & Reggae with American and Jamaican music legends ? Megadeth, a pioneer in the thrash metal scene in the world and The Wailers, who tour extensively and have performed at more than 200 gigs. This will be the first time that these bands will hit the music stage in Mumbai.

? Get set to watch the creativity of  the ?Champions of Custom?

This year five of the top independent bike builders of the country come together with brilliant sculptures in motion. The ?Champions of Custom? will showcase their creativity and talent with their customised Harley-Davidson motorcycles and will be judged by renowned names associated with Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This will also be your chance to learn about the true origins of rock in India. 

? Pump your heart with the ?Harley? roar

The roar of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is enough to get any motorcycle lover?s heart pumping. This year, bikers will be able to enjoy the first-hand experience of sitting atop a roaring Harley-Davidson motorcycle through the Harley-Davidson jumpstart at the venue. Bikers can also witness a spectacle of hundreds of Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners riding in to the exclusive Harley parking zone near the Main Stage. 

? Watch rock come alive on 3 stages!

The culture of Harley-Davidson has been synonymous with rock music since its inception. This year Harley-Davidson is taking it up a notch with three live stages, more than 20 Indian bands and exceptional homegrown talent participating in the ?Find your Freedom? contest. Some of the bands taking up the stage include Scribe, Bhayanak Maut, Indus Creed, Superfuzz, Demonic Resurrection and The Lightyears Explode.

? Explore the Harley lifestyle with Harley-Davidson merchandise

It?s not just about riding the Harley. It?s about the attitude too. Festival goers at the Harley Rock Riders Season VI will get a chance to be a part of the multi-faced Harley lifestyle and shop the exclusive Harley-Davidson merchandise. Fans can also view and purchase the recently launched Black Label Fall 2015 Collection at the venue. Further, Harley lovers can also sign-up for a unique opportunity to familiarise with one of the most iconic brands in the world, at the Harley-Davidson Boot camp.

Here is a treat for your taste-buds. Why not try something "Lebanese" this weekend?

Ingredients:

  . Chicken Thigh (Boneless) - 500gms

  . Yogurt - 250 gms

  . Potatoes - 250 gms 

  . Lettuce - 1 Bunch

  . Garlic Cloves - 10 to 12

  . Black Pepper - 2 Tablespoons

  . Olive Oil - 1 Tablespoon

  . Vinegar - 1 Tablespoon

  . Cardamom powder - ? Teaspoon

  . Lebanese White Bread - 4 nos.

Hummus:

   . White Chickpeas - 250gms

   . Tahini Paste - 1 Tablespoon

   . Lemon Juice - 1 Tablespoon

   . Chickpea Water - 3 Teaspoons

   . Salt - 2 Teaspoons

   . Olive Oil - 3 Tablespoons

Yogurt Tahini Sauce:

   . Yogurt - 250gms

   . Tahini Paste - 1 Tablespoon

   . Lemon Juice - 1 Teaspoon

   . Salt - 1 Teaspoons

   . Olive Oil - 1 Tablespoon

   . Black pepper Powder - ? Teaspoon

Method:

    . Marination: In a bowl mix 250gms of yogurt, minced garlic cloves, seven spices, vinegar, black pepper, olive oil, cardamom powder. Then, add the chicken thigh boneless pieces to the yogurt mixture and let it marinate overnight so that all the flavors soak in.

    . Hummus: Soak the chickpeas overnight. Boil them the next day and save the chickpea water. In a food processor combine boiled chickpeas, tahini pasta and a garlic clove. When the machine is running slowly pour the olive oil till the mixture smoothens. Add salt, lemon juice in the end and mix again to combine all ingredients.  

   . Yogurt Tahini Sauce: In a bowl mix 250gms of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of tahini sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper powder, salt to taste and minced garlic. Mix all the ingredients and let it sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so that the yogurt thickens.

   . Now, grill the chicken till it is char grilled and cooked completely.

   . For assembling the Shawarma roll, cut the grilled chicken into thin strips, thinly chop the lettuce leaves, deep fry the thinly slice potatoes till golden brown. Take the Lebanese white bread spread hummus over it, spread the lettuce leaves, potato fries, chicken strips and top it with yogurt tahini sauce and serve it immediately.

By Papri Das

The resonating beats of ?dhak,? the clear blue skies of autumn, the alluring essence of ?shiuli? and the decked up streets with creative pandals spell out the festive fervour that the five days of Durga Puja brings to every Bengali. Be it big puja associations hatching cutting edge concepts for pandals, ladies planning weeks in advance on what to wear for the five days, or youngsters lapping up stories from the ?pujor shankha? editions of magazines -- these five days transform Kolkata as a city, and see the people of Bengal hailing Maa Durga in all her glory.

However, some don?t have the luxury of celebrating their roots in its true essence at home. They are called ?Probashi Bengalis? or Bengalis who live away from Bengal. And if you are part of the media industry, you are bound to come across quite a few of them. 

As Kolkata gears up for the five festive days, Exec Lifestyle caught up with several Bengalis in the media industry to find out how they are living it up this year. Here?s what they had to say:

Anita Kaul Basu

Durga pujo is very special to our family, Siddharth (Basu) being a hard core Bengali. We usually celebrate the festival together every year, but this year seems a bit uncertain with both of us travelling. We are a bit all over the place this year. Usually we get decked in traditional clothes and visit the pandals, including some of the biggest like Mukherjee family pandal in Andheri. The whole day goes in catching up with friends and family and other bongs within the industry. Then trying all the delicacies is part of the fun.

Pratap Bose

I am not the type of Bengali who goes overboard with Durga Pujo. I like to keep things simple and real as much as possible. For me, the Durga Pujo is not the hustle and bustle of Kolkata. It in the smaller pockets where the community is more interlocked and bonded. For example places like Midnapore and Jamshedpur, where the pandals are smaller and less but the puja is done with more passion. There aren?t too many pandals to go pandal hopping, but just the serenity of the pujas appeals to me.

Having said that, for those who want to relish the true flavour of pujo and have a sense of belonging to their roots, migration to Kolkata, which is the mecca of festivities in these few days, is a must for every Bengali. But unlike me, there are a lot of Bengalis who can?t go back to Kolkata even if they wanted to. For them, wherever they are, even outside India, there is always a community that celebrates the festival in its own unique way.

In Mumbai, my wife and I are associated with the Pujo that is organised in Goregaon East, and we take part in the planning and arrangements.

Pratik Seal

I prefer the Durga pujo in Mumbai than Kolkata. As a probashi Bengali, I have no regrets. I don?t feel Durga pujo back in Kolkata is fun any more. It is very commercialised and money minded. It doesn?t feel your own, or as if you belong there. Most big pandals are owned by some political organisation or the other. I actually miss Delhi pujo more, where all the industry guys would arrange for the pujo themselves. There is a certain beauty in it.

This year, my wife and I plan to shut down our home kitchen for starters, as Durga puja mostly means eating out all the time. There is Durga pujo that happens next to our house in Mumbai, so we plan to spend most of our time there. Then maybe pandal hop a bit to Vashi, Navi Mumbai and Powai areas. Our plan is to basically chill with family and friends, have fun and roam around. 

Nivedita Basu

The Lahiris (Bappi and Bappa Lahiri) are family friends who have been organising one of the biggest Durga pujos in Mumbai along with the Mukherjees, and we have been ardent patrons of their pandals over the last few years. Our bong gang comprising me, Shumona, Kavita Kaushik, and a few others celebrate the puja with Kajol (Devgn) and her family. It?s fun to attend all the cultural activities and programs at night. For example, they would often organise an Usha Uthup night, that totally cheers us up. The best thing is the bhog that this particular puja serves, which people lap up after standing in line for hours. All thanks to the Mukherjees and Lahiris, who bring in a Bengali cook specially for these days.

I know there is a lot riding over fashion on the last three days in Durga specially in Kolkata, where preparations start over a month before. But for us, who hardly get time from our busy schedule our stylists and designer friends come to rescue. I plan to wear a saree on at least one of the days, mostly because my friends get after my life if I skip that ritual. My friend Roshini Chopra has designed a saree for me so I will probably wear that. For another day, I will be donning an outfit designed by Sabbah Sharma.

Sumonto Chattopadhyay

For me and my family, Durga Pujo has always meant mutton curry and rice on Ashtami (eighth day of the puja). That?s like the biggest thing to look forward to. I usually end up being in Bombay most of the years, but this year, my work might actually take me to Kolkata. If I do end up in Kolkata, I will make sure to check out some of the creatively done pandals. One of our clients have been organising ?Sharad Samman,? which basically acknowledges the artisans for their creative inputs in the pandals. I feel like checking that out this year.

It is interesting to note how the Durga pratima or idols have evolved from being very traditional to topical and even edgy these days. It?s more of an expression of art and social cry in some cases than just an idol you worship. So if I make it to the city, pandal hopping is definitely on my top agendas. Otherwise, I will definitely be eating very well (chuckles).

Pradeep Guha

I was born and brought up in Mumbai, so I guess my perception of Durga Puja and the excitement around it is a bit different. It was never a huge event in my life except that as a kid I would go buy new clothes for the occasion. I see many Probashi Bangalis organise Durga puja in Mumbai, and their passion really amazes me. Most of them have been in Kolkata and came and settled in Mumbai so it's natural they want to recreate the celebration here, and I am all for it too.

Having said that, I don't go all out during Durga puja. I do go and give 'anjali' on Ashtami at Ram Krishna Mission. That is my small way of celebrating the festival.

By Papri Das

?Stay relevant; Stay nervous? is the keynote that Pandeymonium strikes. That is the name of Indian ad guru Piyush Pandey?s new book on advertising.

Published by Penguin India, Pandeymonium released with great pomp and show on 13 October amidst the cr?me de la cr?me of the advertising and media fraternity. It wouldn?t be an exaggeration to say that no other book launch in recent times has seen such a remarkable turn out that Pandeymonium did -- almost a thousand people seated in the gallery of Jamshed Bhaba Theater at NCPA Mumbai lauded Pandey for his genius.

And why not, when icons like Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar are present under the same roof to enjoy an evening of reminiscence, camaraderie, poetry, elocution and thanksgiving.

Giving a clever twist to the word ?pandemonium?, which means ?free spirit,? Ogilvy & Mather India and South Asia chairman and creative director Piyush Pandey has interlaced the matter of the book with personal anecdotes.

Calling it his ?way of looking at life,? Pandey tells Indiantelevision.com?s Exec Life that Pandeymonium can also be looked upon as a guiding light for the upcoming generation of advertising and marketing enthusiasts. ?This book is what I have learnt the maximum from. People who like my way of working will get to know where I have picked up my creative ideas from,? says Pandey, before humbly adding that ?it's no rocket science.?

?Everyone has been more or less exposed to the things I have been exposed to. Through this book, I have tried to motivate people to enjoy their culture, family, society, language, and country.?

Through an informal back and forth between himself and Bachchan, who was the chief guest of the night, Pandey revealed the vital role his childhood and his family has played in sculpting him and his creative insight.

The powerful role that elocution and language played in his life is evident from the excerpt he reads from his book?s preface, which is infused with essence from his childhood in Jaipur.

?I think the maximum time anyone spends is with their family. And your growing up years, when you are not conditioned, is the time when you experience the most beautiful and pure things in life. Your family and friends are a big part of it. Your neighbours are a big part of it. I have underlined such people in my life and shared how I have learned from them,? he shares.

Pandey doesn?t consider it be a mark of insecurity if one consults their family and friends and run them through their ideas. ?Sometimes we are in the habit of holding onto ideas. It takes away from the creative process if we don?t entertain healthy criticism. I have always run my ideas through my sister and my friends,? he says, encouraging others to have soundboards for their ideas as well.

Pandey acknowledges that his bond with super star Amitabh Bachchan, who has graciously given a foreword to his book, has transcended its professional boundaries. They are friends and well wishers now, having collaborated with each on number of iconic ad campaigns like Cadbury, Polio?s ?Do Boond Zindagi Ke? campaign and Tourism of Gujarat.

?What will remain with me are the two months I spend with Mr Bachchan when we were travelling through Gujarat for their campaign for Tourism of Gujarat. I got to share amazing memories, make him laugh at my jokes and share insights on life. I must mention here that we both paid respects to our late mothers on the ghats of Sidhpur, the only place in India where you can do shraddha for your mothers,? reveals Pandey.

Of the campaigns that the two have done together, Polio?s stands out in Pandey?s memory as it has been the most successful, going by the result. By 2012, India has been completely eradicated of Polio, as per a UN survey. Pandey says the credit not only goes to Bachchan?s compelling power to move the viewers through his ?angry young man? image, but also the many doctors and medics who worked on field to ensure every village received the vaccine.

While discussing about responsible advertising, when asked his opinion on native advertising, Pandey shares, ?People will reject your story or the creative product if you try to be a salesman in disguise. Once the purpose of advertising is established to the public, I feel if you do not destroy the original and are able to blend it right, it's okay, otherwise it sticks out like a sore thumb.?

Pandey has been witness to the many a changes that the industry has been through -- from radio and print, to television broadcast and now digital and social media. Ask him if every change posed new challenges to him, he simply says, ?There are no new challenges, only new opportunities. If you have a great idea, now you have many a medium to channel them through. My words for the yesteryear's advertisers and new digital advertisers is to take it as an opportunity, not as a problem. Never forget that at the end of the day, you will need an idea.?

Appreciating the possibilities that the digital platform has introduced to advertisers, Pandey also warns not to rule out any medium either. ?New media is not even 20 per cent of the total advertising. It has only added a new paradigm. Do not write off anything ever, and do not be afraid to use new avenues,? the ad guru concludes.

By Jigar Ganatra

The journey of a next door boy to renowned chef to now a restaurateur?

Excerpts of the conversation:

How did Masterchef India happen to you?

Firstly, while I am not from the food industry, I was always interested in cooking. I believe it was my hidden passion. I hail from a family of doctors who are well settled and sorted with their careers. They always wanted me to be serious about my life and soon my father asked me to leave for Canada for further studies. That is when I came across Masterchef auditions. I gave it a shot and to my surprise, my journey there began with a bang.

How has life changed after the show?

Masterchef has taught me seriousness. Cooking, which was once just a hidden passion, has now become a career. After the success from Masterchef, my family now believes in my passion. Earlier they did not believe in cooking as a profession, but they do now. So, I owe a lot to the show, my well wishers and my followers.

How is it to be a mentor and a TV presenter?

I was never a TV buff, as I was never allowed to watch TV regularly as a kid. Hence I was never confident about facing the camera, But with time I learnt the skill. Working with kids is an amazing experience, as I was always surrounded by their love, respect and innocence.

What do you have to say about International food formats on TV?

TV shows have changed with time. The audience isn?t aware about the cuisines, but they are keen to learn more. There are regions in India where people aren?t aware of international cuisines. Hence the formats are changing to teach the audience. The change that is being adapted today is the need of the hour. The techniques and awareness about the diversity of food is what we believe interests the audience.

What change do you foresee in the food business?

Food and cuisines have seen a transformation over the years. The audience expects creativity and an interesting platter, which has now become available to them. As a chef and a restaurateur, I see majority of the audience keen to try and experiment with new, international cuisines than taste the wide range of delicacies we have in our country.

Tell us more about your entrepreneurial venture.

I am happy to be a part on the board of directors in Venezia Enterprises. We have recently opened the first restaurant ?Macchiato? - a fine casual dining caf? that will serve true Italian food and wine. We look forward to more such restaurants in the future.