By Papri Das

94.3 My FM CEO Harrish M Bhatia has turned author. Bhatia?s book was recently unveiled in Raipur by Chief Minister of Chattisgarh, Raman Singh.

Titled 'Jiyo Dil Se ? Live Your Dream,? the book is based on 94.3 My FM?s brand philosophy and narrates how one should live life by following one?s heart. The book chronicles the emotions sentiments and experiences of prominent achievers from all walks of life. From Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, World Champion cueist Geet Sethi, Bollywood divas Madhuri Dixit and Sonam Kapoor to Navjot Singh Sidhu, dance maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj and many more as role-models for various components of ?Jiyo Dil Se.?

Bhatia said, ?All of us deserve our place under the sun and there are enough and more opportunities today to live one?s dream. I have lived my life on certain principles and fortunately for me they manifested in our brand?s character too making it a wonderfully unique platform for me. I felt I owe to the youth of today to reflect on things in a positive, inspiring way for them to go out and live their dreams.?

In a style that?s chatty, ?Jiyo Dil Se? takes the reader through the basic ingredient of living life wearing one?s heart on one?s sleeve. The elements such as ?be your own role-model? and ?living life with a passion? among others have been so wonderfully penned that the book is like a perfect package for inspiration. So when the chips are down one could do with ?optimism? described so wonderfully in the book. Even when the going is good the author tells you to ?let loose? and ?spread happiness? by doing something good for the society.

The book is sure to connect with everyone and particularly the youth. It is bound to create an instant emotional connect with readers. Interestingly the spectrum of people talked about and exemplified in the book ranges from the literary Pritish Nandi to youth icons Ranvijay Singh and Chetan Bhagat.

By Papri Das

If you are active on social media or have been following the news, you must be familiar with how Tamil born and IIT Kharagpur alumni Sundar Pichai risen to the position of Google CEO. No sooner did the news hit the intetnet than netizens poured in with praises for him to celebrate this proud moment for India.

Pichai isn?t the only one who has done the country proud when it comes to putting India?s name amongst world leaders in technology. Previously, Indian American business executive Satya Nadella grabbed headlines when he took over as CEO of another technology giant, Microsoft Corp.

In fact, according to a recent media report, India is the current leader in startup and entrepreneurship in the Silicon valley. ?Rise of Indians and Indian-Americans in the US tech world appears to be at its peak with as many as 15 per cent of startups in Silicon Valley being founded by Indians, according to a 2014 study by Professor Vivek Wadhwa,? the article reads.

IT isn?t the only front where India has garnered faith internationally. Indian Navy earned several accolades from nations worldwide for its efficient rescue operation ?Operation Rahat? in Yemen that saved over 5000 lives, which included a 1000 foreign nationals as well. Almost 23 countries requested assistance from India to help their citizens out of the war torn Yemen to safety.

As India steps into its 69th year of Independence, Exec Lifestyle ponders over several such reasons of taking pride as an Indian. We caught up with leading journalists, CEOs, writers and creative heads in the media to find out what they take pride in as an Indian.

Balaji Telefilms creative director Nivedita Basu shares that she finds it hard to choose from the many success stories of Indians that have made her proud to be an Indian. An avid follower of sports, if Basu had to pick, she would certainly go with 17 year old Tennis champion, Sumit Nagal who won the boys? doubles title at the Wimbledon.

Basu says, ?I also rejoiced when India announced that a missile will be named after the late president APJ Abdul Kalam. It was disheartening that his last rites were marred by the entire controversy over Yakub Memon?s hanging. Naturally media covered that more. But it?s good to see that our missile man isn't forgotten and has been given due respect through the decision to rename a missile after him.?

When it comes to patriotic songs, Basu?s favourite is AR Rahman's Vande Mataram. And although they are not patriotic movies, Chak De! India and Bhag Milkha Bhag instils a powerful feeling within her.

Known as a fearless and celebrated journalist, India Today Group consulting editor Rajdeep Sardesai shared that India is the best place to work as a journalist. ?I take pride in the fact that India is the most mobile and diverse country. Young kids from different parts of the country are travelling across cities and finding their destinies. And not just nationally, Indians are shining throughout the world,? he says.

?What disappoints me is that a lot of its potential is curbed because of the inequality of opportunities that still exists,? Sardesai adds after a thought.  When asked if he worries that this very cultural diversity might be at stake after the many bans that were brought upon by the State, Sardesai confidently says that the ban culture won't go on for long. ?I have faith in the current generation that will respect India?s cultural diversity and put a stop to the arbitrary banning,? he adds.

Ask him his favorite part of Independence Day and he says with a smile, ?On every Independence Day I come early to office and start my day by revealing the Prime Minister?s speech from Delhi in the news. Can you find me a better way to celebrate the day?? For Discovery Network Asia Pacific executive vice president and general manager Rahul Johri, taking pride as an Indian is an inherent feeling that is not changed by any events. ?I believe that taking pride as an Indian-ness is a lifelong feeling,? he adds.

A great campaigner for knowledge and learning amongst the youth, Johri is satisfied with the fact that Indians are pushing their boundaries and learning new ways to bring pride to the nation.

?As a media professional, I take pride in the young Indian population who have an immense appetite for knowledge, which is why you see them exploring beyond their comfort zones and bringing accolades to the nation. I pay an ode to the true spirit of an Indian, which is being manifested in the current mood of the country - thriving entrepreneurship. I love my country and take pride in being an Indian,? shares Johri wishing more power to every Indian to make a difference to this world.

Moreover, Sardesai isn?t the only one banking on India?s youth and its talent. Grey Advertising India chief strategy officer Dheeraj Sinha too trusts in the young and skilled Indian population. ?China as a country succeeded thanks to its policies. But when you look at India, its success lies in its people and their skills. The achievement of Indians worldwide is what gives India its stature,? he quips. Well informed and keeping up with India?s global position in the financial market, Sinha?s recent column on Independence Day in a leading daily discusses marketers and their approach to the Indian consumer.

Shedding more light on the topic, Sinha adds that he has high hopes from the Indian startup scene. ?In my village, a catering guy, who started with a small vendor then moved on to do business in three villages. Now he can afford to send his kids to IIT. It?s this very attitude to push through boundaries and fight against odds that makes Indians good entrepreneurs. And it shows internationally as well since India is a world leader in start ups. When people have such talents it starts mattering less, which government rules and what policies they make, as the source of power are the people, and when they shine, they make us proud,? explains Sinha.

While Sinha looks at India?s success irrespective of government policies, Doordarshan Mumbai additional director general Mukesh Sharma can?t help but appreciate the opportunities today?s youth have at their disposal. ?At times I feel envious of today?s youth for having born during such a good time. I wish I was born in independent India, specially now, when there are so many opportunities. I am proud that they are making the most these opportunities and putting them to good use. I am also happy that I can see the good times for the country during my lifetime,? Sharma adds with a smile.

While our media executives enumerate reasons for taking pride as an Indian, Exec Lifestyle observes that collectively they place immense faith in the current generation of Indians to reach newer heights and make India shine brighter. On that note, exec Life style wishes you a very happy 69th Independence Day hoping that our readers too find countless reasons to take pride as an Indian.

If you thought being a boss was an easy task, you might want to think again. A boss isn?t someone who simply directs but also leads. It is a tough balance to strike between a task master, guide, leader and a role model. And most often than not, it is a thankless job. 

This week Exec Lifestyle caught up with several media executives and asked them if they can assess what type of bosses they thought they were. The answers are amusing. Have a look.

By Papri Das

Who needs to travel around the world to experience different cultures when you live in a country where multiple cultures nestle together? India is truly blessed to taste the flavours a myriad of cultural celebrations, each one with it?s unique touch. One such is the Parsi New Year or Navroz celebrated on the first day of the Zoroastrian calendar, which falls on 18 August this year.

What makes the Indian Parsi New Year special is that the rest of the world celebrates it during spring equinox, which usually falls on 21 March but according to Shahenshahi and Kadmi calendars (variants of the Zoroastrian calendar), which are strictly followed by Indian Parsis, the New Year celebration gets pushed to July and August, and changes every year as it doesn't count leap years.

Mumbai is home to the largest number of Parsis in the country, many of whom are a familiar name within the media industry as well. Exec Lifestyle spoke to several Parsis within the industry to find out how they plan to celebrate the day.

Madison World executive director Lara Balsara, who has kept up with the tradition every year says, ?A typical Parsi New year in our house is a complete family day that starts off with a hearty breakfast followed by wearing new clothes and visiting the Agiary or the fire temple. We give each other a warm hug and kisses as a greeting of ?Happy New Year? to fellow Parsis.?

Like every festival, food is an important part of the celebrations. ?We soon return home with a delicious lunch, which is mostly pulao and select dishes that you will only find in a Parsi household,? Balsara adds.

Popular VJ and television personality, Cyrus Broacha couldn?t agree more. ?New Year to me is all about catching up with family and gorging on good food. Since most of us are busy travelling, the family prefers to get food ordered from well known Parsi caterer like Godiwalla?s set Parsi menu. It?s also a familiar site to see a long queue of people standing outside the catering shops on the day,? he shares.

Former HBO India managing director Monica Tata, who is married into a Parsi family, seconds Broacha?s claim that food is one of the key factors in celebrating the Parsi New Year. ?My first time celebrating the festival was a unique experience. Catching up with the whole family and trying different Parsi recipes was refreshing and novel,? she says. That was more than two decades ago and now Tata celebrates the day as naturally as the rest of her family.

Elaborating on the Parsi cuisine, Tata enthusiastically shares, ?I especially like ?Patra Ni Machhi?, which is fish stuffed and steamed in banana leaf served with a typical chutney. I also like ?Chicken Farcha.? It is like chicken pieces fried in a batter, kind of like KFC except that it is so much better.? One of her other personal favourite recipes is ?Salli Boti,? a typical Parsi meat, apricot and chips speciality, which is a common household name during the New Year.

Not everyone is lucky to leisurely celebrate the day. Take Viacom18 EVP and GM for english entertainment Ferzad Palia for example. Palia will be working on the day and doesn?t see himself doing anything special. ?Nothing out of the ordinary. It is a working day for me, but I plan to visit my family and spend some time together.? When asked about Parsi cuisine that he hopes to feast on New Year, he says, ?I would love to eat it if it's made at home, but I won't go out of my way to order any.?

The evening sees Parsi families stepping out, dressed in their finery for the occasion to greet friends and relatives. A unique part of the celebration includes attending numerous Parsi plays that are scheduled across the city on the day.

?Amongst the Parsi community, theatre is very big and there are some Parsi groups that conduct plays specifically for the New Year. It is like a ritual for us to go out in the evening to watch these plays. We have been following this in our family for forever now,? shares Balsara, adding that NCPA and Rangsharda are popular venues for catching such plays

Parsis are known for their incredible sense of humour. Thus, instead of enacting mythological or religious excerpts on stage, they prefer an out an out comedy session on New Year?s day. ?Life is full of worries and tension so the thought for a Parsi New Year is: ?Let?s have a good laugh together?,? shares celebrated Parsi theater personality Sam R Kerawalla, who is presenting the Parsi gujarati comedy ?Tirangi Tehmul? this year at NCPA in Mumbai. ?The trend was first started by the famous Parsi playwright Adi Pherozeshah Marzban, who wrote all the plays that you see us enacting these days,? he explains.

In accordance with the trend, Centre Stage Productions too is showcasing their comic play at Rangsharda on Parsi New Year. ?Last year was our Silver Jubilee in performing plays on New Year?s day. Judging by the almost 90 per cent turn out each year, one can see how much us Parsis like theatre and humour. I hope we keep our love for the art alive in the years to come as well,? signs off theatre artist and drama producer Roshan Tirandaz.

Exec Lifestyle?s Weekend Watch recommends and previews television shows, films and live events that you simply cannot miss! Check out our recommendations for this weekend (14 and 16 August).

About Town:

This Independence Day celebrate feminism with documentaries that will move you. Godrej Culture Lab along with the feminist website The Ladies Finger will present  to present Wandering Women: The Feminist Docu Film Festival. The two day festival will feature films and stories that have revolutionised filmmaking. Some of the movies include Gulabi gang, Manjuben Truck Driver and more. Catch this Feminist Docu Film Festival of India on August 15 at 10 am to 7 pm in Godrej India Culture Lab in Vikroli.

Live Act:

This Friday, groove to the tunes by Vasuda Sharma as she performs live at The House. Vasuda is one of the most melodious singers of our time. She will perform the unplugged versions of old Bollywood songs for the very first time live in the city. She is known for blending Indian raga and folk based compositions with western contemporary influences. Get spell bound in her melodious music at The House on 14th August at 9pm.

 By Papri Das

In today's fast-paced world filled with increasing demands and responsibilities, it's important to manage your stress level. Some people cope with stress by overeating or eating unhealthy food, smoking, drinking and other activities that raise the risk for high blood pressure, thereby becoming counter productive. On the other hand, there are many who prefer a quick weekend getaway or lounging back to read their favourite book.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Indiantelevision.com's Exec Life caught up with several executives to find out how they manage stress, keep high blood pressure at bay, and unwind their otherwise knotted lives.

"Television is as stressful as any other profession really," declared Reliance Broadcast Network CEO Tarun Katial in an earlier interview with Exec Lifestyle when we asked him for his formula for staying stress free. "And what keeps me going through the day is that I take a very detached attitude towards life in general."

He further reveals, "I did a course in Vipassana, an ancient form of meditation a few years ago which sort of transformed my life in very many ways. Now, I not only practice it everyday but recommend it to many people within the television industry."

Inner peace isn?t the only thing executives vie for; after all a healthy mind resides within a healthy body. Thus Madison World executive director Lara Balsara prefers the ancient art of yoga to keep both her mind and body fit. ?It started with me attending a Iyengar yoga class in the colony I lived in before marriage. I found myself feeling good every time I practiced and so I started attending more regularly,? says the young executive, confessing that she hasn?t been as regular as she used to be. ?It helps you become flexible and improves your strength, apart from  keeping your blood pressure in check.?

Contrary to popular belief, relaxation is not just about meditating or doing something peaceful. Former HBO managing director Monica Tata believes in living life on the edge. A self-acclaimed adrenalin junkie, Tata?s idea of relaxation is to go on roller coaster rides.

?Bungee jumping, roller coaster rides, river rafting and paragliding are some of the things I like doing. I do ride a bike. My friends and I love going for motorcycle rides from Manali to Ladakh,? she says.

While quenching her adrenalin rush does it for Tata, Insync channel CEO Ratish Tagde harbours a passion for music. He is also an acclaimed violinist and claims music to be everything in his life. He says, ?It is music that is driving me, be it setting up the channel or any other work. If and when I get time, I am with my violin. Apart from that, I spend time with my family.?

On an average day Leo Burnett India CCO Rajdeepak Das manages his stress levels with his caffeine fix. ?I hang around a lot at coffee shops. It not only caters to my love for coffee, I also get to talk to  a number of strangers and that lifts up my mood,? says the ad man. But there are days when even coffee can?t salvage him. ?On my worst days, when nothing else works I turn to my wife. A good hearty talk with her calms me down and I quickly get over my stress and blues.?

Film critic and author Anupama Chopra loves to spend time with her children when she is not writing or reviewing films. Apart from that, she is also a self-confessed foodie. ?I love food and I love to eat. I love to go out and try different kinds of food though I am a vegetarian. I love Thai and Japanese food, as well as some Indian food,? she says.

Like Chopra, Sideways co-founder Abhijit Avasthi believes that kids are the best stress busters. ?They can be annoying as hell, no doubt about that, but they can de-stress you in 10 seconds,? jokes Avasthi, who is a doting father of two boys. While he asserts that nothing matches the time he spends with his boys, Avasthi also enjoys going on walks amidst greenery to unwind and relax.

Motorsport, spoiling oneself in a luxurious spa with a herbal massage, having a drink with close buddies or spending quality time with kids and family and of course yoga --  methods of de-stressing are countless. What matters is being aware of your increasing stress and blood pressure levels with routine check ups, and countering them with a healthy lifestyle.

On that note, Exec Life wishes you a  stress free weekend!