Desire By The Dozen : Ruby K Bhatia

THE ASIAN AGE(JAN 2004)

By Skimmy Gupta

Ruby K Bhatia popularly known as India’s first VJ hailing from Toronto, Canada has made a mark in Bollywood and the city of Mumbai.Fluent in English, French, Hindi and Punjabi, she has also excelled in various fields like academics, politics, debating, the performing arts, swimming, aerobics and sociology cultural leadership. At 19,she won the prestigious title of ‘Miss India-Canada 1993’ and arrived in Mumbai to pursue what turned out to be a prolific career in media and entertainment.

Upon arrival in "Bollywood", Ruby within months irrevocably established herself as a "compere without compare”. She did everything under the stars as far as showbiz is concerned. From playing lead roles in prime time television serials to endorsing the most prestigious products in multimedia advertisements, from acting in big-banner films to singing in hugely successful pop music albums, from hosting all kinds of concerts and corporate events .She also created television history by being the first woman ever to host three hours of live television everyday at a major international cricket tournament (the ICC Champions' Trophy, 2002).

She also acts as a negative lead in daily soap,” Kasauti Zindagii Kay” She acted in her first play with Makrand Deshpande and Pt. Satyadev Dubey entitled “Arrest Sudarshan”. She also enacted role of a depressed psychiatrist in a two-actor suspense thriller entitled “Checkmate”. Currently, she hosts a fun film-information show on B4U channel entitled “Bollywood Unlimited”

“Theatre has opened up a whole new world for me as an artiste, and now I understand why people are so immersed in it. Anchoring will always be a part of my identity. An interesting and challenging aspect of my life is the personality development seminars that I conduct as the brand ambassador for Aria Finishing School. A wonderful opportunity for me to share everything that my parents have taught me about life.” says Ruby/

Ruby's 12 most wanted

1.No garbage on the road

2.Wider and better roads

3.More aquittable distribution of wealth

4.Basic food, clothing, shelter for everybody

5.Fresh air

6.Unity amongst everybody with no religious differences

7.Pollution free diwali

8.Building a highway on water or helicopter service to town

9.Smoke free discos

10.More open-air restaurants

11.Sense of respect and gratitude for the wonderful city like Bombay that God has given us, as its one of the best cities in the world. Its a blend of culture and progress.

12.Smoke free and tobacco free environment for children .

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Desire By The Dozen : Shabani Azmi

THE ASIAN AGE (DEC 2003)

By Skimmy Gupta

Actress and MP Shabana Azmi is a multi-faceted personality with enormous depth and perspective. A nominated member of Rajya Sabha; Shabana exhibits ready wit, an unaffected charm and a natural grace. Shabana has acted in over 60-odd films and a considerable number of stage appearances in a 30-year career and continues to be a leading actress of Indian 'Art Cinema'. She was honoured with best actress Silver Hugo award at Chicago Film Festival (1996) and jury award at Outfest –Los Angeles (1997) for her role in Deepa Mehta’s movie ‘Fire’. She has also worked for foreign directors such as John Schlesinger (Madame Sousatzka), Roland Joffe (City of Joy) and Tony Gerber (Side Streets).

The daughter of Kaifi Azmi - one of country's best-known Urdu poets and the celebrated actress Shaukat; Shabana Azmi decided early on to work in film and theater. Graduating from FTII in 1972,she rose to fame in her mid-twenties. And went on to become perhaps the most recognized star of the New Indian Cinema working in challenging films by Shyam Benegal, Mrinal Sen, Gautam Ghosh, Aparna Sen, and even Satyajit Ray (a small role in The Chess Player). She also became a major star in commercial Hindi cinema — a rare accomplishment for an actress wherein usually the "commercial" and "art" cinema keep a scrupulous distance.

Currently a Member of the Indian Parliament, she is known as a fierce advocate for the disadvantaged, fighting for the rights of minorities, slum dwellers, and women. The sensitivity of her portrayals on film and her unerring sense of timing are part of her personality, which allows sufferings to touch her. Her political work is perhaps an extension of her work as an actress; as often Shabana portrayed women discovering how to stand up to the many forces that seek to oppress them in her roles.

Lately, she is actively involved in the beautification project of Juhu Beach. She also released Rs 1 crore from the MP fund for this restoration plan for the Juhu waterfront carried out by MHADA.The project will emerge as Juhu Beach complete with beautiful promenade, encroachment free with all basic amenities for visitors.

SHABANA'S 12 WISHES

1.Every child should be in school for at least 8 years and good quality education should be provided for all.

2.Equal opportunities should be provided to every citizen irrespective of caste, creed or gender.

3.Communal tension must be replaced by a vibrant pluralism that is India’s greatest strength.

4.There should be equitable distribution of resources particularly water.

5.Hindi cinema should finally start making resources available for independent filmmakers to make films that do not have to cater to the lowest common denominator.

6.Revitalize the institution of street theatre.

7.Good public health services should be available for all.

8.Differences between India and Pakistan should be resolved so that we can become as strong subcontinent along with our neighbours that can give the European Union a run for its money.

9.The problem of slums cannot be solved by demolishing them but by actually giving them fixed land tenure, direct finance and subsidized building materials etc.

10.Cleanliness and civic sense to be ingrained in every citizen.

11.Better public transport and greening of all areas that are lying degraded with BMC and similar organizations.

12.Traffic!Traffic!Traffic!

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Desire by the dozen : Sanjeev Kapoor

THE ASIAN AGE (JAN 2004)

By Skimmy Gupta

It has always been Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s dream to make Indian food the most popular food worldwide. And going by the attention he is drawing, his dream may be fulfilled sooner than he expects. Sanjeev launched Khana Khazana, a cookery show for Zee TV in 1993 that made him a household name. The ongoing show is one of most successful cookery show from India with an estimated viewer ship of over 100 million people in about 60 countries. Khana Khazana is fast marching past its 500th episode - a record-breaking feat in the Indian Culinary Visual Media. Recently he was instrumental in getting Indian Airlines the Mercury Silver Award at IFCA, Frankfurt for the food festival he designed for them.

Sanjeev Kapoor's story is a true recipe for success. His quest for culinary greatness in 1984 after completing a three-year diploma from the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition, PUSA, New Delhi. Sanjeev has also been a part of the catering team for the 1982 Asian Games, Non Aligned Meet, Common Wealth Heads of Government Meet and SAARC summit. He has organized food festivals in countries like Japan, Canada, Britain, USSR, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand etc picking innumerable awards from The Hotel & Food Service Best Executive Chef Award to the Mercury Gold Award at IFCA, Geneva.

He has authored seven recipe books receiving good response from food lovers and rave reviews in the media. His first book 'Khazana of Indian Recipes' went on to become the National Best seller selling over a hundred thousand copies. Backed by a competent team of professionals from the hospitality industry; Sanjeev Kapoor has been responsible for opening up hotel consultancy, research on dietetics, research on ancient Indian food and dot coms. As a step towards making the Indian cuisine the No.1. in the world, Sanjeev Kapoor lends his expertise and franchise to fine dine restaurants in and out of India.

SANJEEV’S 12 MOST WANTED

1.I wish the colour of the sea in Mumbai changes to a clear sky blue - the colour I used to paint the sea in my childhood drawings.The wishes of beggars come true so that there are no beggars and Mumbai streets are filled only with smiling people.

2.I wish roads and traffic in Mumbai start improving in 2004. Driving in this city is simply killing.

3.Mumbaites like eating out often. More attention to hygiene not only by the roadside vendors but also by so-called first grade restaurants must be maintained.

4.I also wish there are more roadside vendors serving a larger variety of chaat, the kind that you get in Delhi and Kanpur.

5.Proper attention to clean up the city will make Mumbai more beautiful. It is very depressing to see the poor living in such squalor.

6.At least one restaurant in Mumbai that serves genuine ‘ghar ka khana’.

7.I wish children’s school admissions became easier. Need of more playgrounds where children can play safely.

8.Organically grown foods should be easily available.

9.More men (especially husbands) take an active interest in cooking.

10.I wish food industry emerges as the strongest, overtaking even the software industry.

11.I wish each mom were granted her wish ‘WHAT TO COOK TODAY’ be flashed in front of her daily.

12.Our children take pride in everything that is INDIAN.

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DESIRE BY THE DOZEN :Rocky S.

THE ASIAN AGE (JAN 2004)

By Skimmy Gupta

Rocky S, with the mysterious S! has steadily but splendidly risen as one of Bollywood’s leading costumier and popular fashion designer of style world. This quiet self-effacing designer with dazzling creations has also launched his own label- Rocky S. Rocky S has over the years dressed up many of Bollywood's stars like Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan, Dia Mirza, Bipasha Basu, Amisha Patel, Dino Morea,Katrina Kaif and other popular filmstars. Recently Boulevard Benzer -a high-end fashion store at SantaCruz will also exhibit premium fashion garments for men & women including exclusively designed by Rocky S. For the first time, Rocky has created Indian and Bridal line for the store than his popular western and fusion creations.

Rocky S, a commerce graduate with an inclination for the creative arts studied fashion at the J D Institute, Mumbai.When he applied for job of head designer at Roopam, the design store in 90s, he was instantly hired. There was no looking back and his career bloomed as many film stars at Roopam asked him to design for them on personal basis. Rocky’s first film star client was actor Akshay Kumar and soon became a popular designer for filmstars, socialites and celebrities. His instant fame and popularity got Rocky to represent India at the IGEDO design fair in Germany in 1996.Later, Rocky began designing ready to wear lines and opened his signature stores in Juhu and South Mumbai.As he says “While other designers focus on couture or fusion lines, I realized there was a whole market with people who would buy designer wear if it was a little cheaper.”

Rocky’s clothes mainly mirror stylish urban Indian in the 90s. “I like clothes that are shiny and sexy. Basically, my clothes are young in essence, comfortable and for people with loads of confidence. Fashion happens when you follow your own style, look good and feel good in whatever you wear. My key words as far as clothing is concerned are comfort and fit.”

ROCKY’S 12 MOST WANTED

1.Traffic problem should be managed well with minimal bottlenecks.

2.I wish I could open at least 100 stores in Mumbai.

3 All desires of poor and needy people should be fulfilled.

4.Pollution free Mumbai.

5.An effective garbage clearance system should be launched across the city.

6.Mumbai should be greener with lot of trees

7.Everybody should live in happiness and tranquility

8.Peace should prevail across all communities at all times.

9.City nightclubs should be open 24 hours a day.

10.All dreams of my friends should be fulfilled.

11.A huge amusement park in the heart of the city.

12.I should be blessed with happiness all my life.

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Desire by the dozen :Vicky Idnani

THE ASIAN AGE (Jan 2004)

By Skimmy Gupta

Vicky Idnani, a renowned photographer has photo shot almost all Bollywood stars like Sushmita Sen, Madhuri Dixit, Isha Koppikar,Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali khan, Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachhan, to name a few. Nothing is hidden fromVicky’s camera lenses; be it Aishwarya’s child like quality or Tabu’s beautiful or Hrithik Roshan’s honest eyes.His photographs of filmstars regularly feature of leading magazines like Femina, G, Stardust and others.

Studying photography courses at J. J. School of Arts; Vicky shot for M.F Hussian’s film ‘Gaja Gamini’ starring Madhuri Dixit.As he recalls his first compliment from artist M.F Hussain who said “Vicky’s photography follows all the laws of aesthetics”. His initial fascination with camera started when at the age of eight years; he clicked photographs at his sister’s marriage. There was no looking back and he pursued a career in photography.

His motto ‘Do what you want, then only you get the results.” He feels that there is lot of favoritism in film industry but it is individual’s work, which speaks for itself. He just enjoys his photography with passion and hardwork. His dream projects include photo shooting film star Rekha and supermodel Naomi Campbell.


VICKY’S 12 MOST WANTED

1. I wish a day to be of 28-hour duration.

2.City should be more cleaner and greener.

3.I wish to see courteous and polite people around.

4.The intimacy between people should increase with more friendly attitude and less fakeness.

5.City should have more public toilets.

6.The real estate prices should get a little cheaper.

7. I want an Oscar award for photograpy.

8. Everyone should gain good luck for their life.

9.I wish to see lot of white crows in the city.

10.People should live in Equality.

11.The issue of cross border terrorism must be solved once and for all

12. Everyone should get a ‘Alladin ka Chirag’ to fulfill all their wishes.

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DESIRE BY THE DOZEN :PRADEEP HIRANI

DESIRE BY THE DOZEN : PRADEEP HIRANI

By Skimmy Gupta

Pradeep Hirani, a well known socialite has changed the face of fashion industry in Mumbai.His three fashion stores: Ixtapa, Gimmicks and Kimaya are a fashion statement amongst Bollywood stars (Rani Mukherjee,Dia Mirza, Preity Zinta..) celebrities, socialites and ‘whos who’ of Mumbai.Kimaya fashion store at Santacruz houses latest dress creations of 43 finest fashion designers of India like Rohit Bal, JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani, Suneet Verma, Rina Dhaka and others .It is probably the first store in India to display widest echelon of the Indian fashion industry under one roof. Pradeep is planning to open fashion stores in Dubai and London in near future.

Pradeep, managing director of Kimaya says “For the first time in Mumbai, video conferencing facilities are provided wherein the client can confer with the designer on a screen“. He strongly intends to meet the consumer demands and market trends in this ever-evolving fashion industry. Pradeep adds, “Fashion is an individual’s expression of style and motivates thought process.”

PRADEEP’S 12 MOST WANTED

1.Mumbai should have its own fashion district.

2.The coastline of Mumbai should be developed fully like New York, London, and Dubai, Australia.

3.The sea link connecting north and South of Mumbai should be expedited at any cost

4.To handle scams like Telgi, independent commissions based overseas should be appointed.

5.Cross border fashions must be promoted.

6.Water transport must be subsidized and aggressively promoted.

7.India needs controlled dictatorship for five years elected by people to eradicate corrupting, illiteracy and unemployment.

8.A non-voting tax must be imposed on people who do not cast their vote.

9.Rupee must be fully convertible and entire Asia must have one currency.

10.I wish I could do justice in promotion of new talent in field of fashion.

11.I wish Kimaya to be platform for India fashions in 10 countries across the globe.

12.I want to make a fashion centric film.

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DESIRE BY THE DOZEN : SUNIDHI CHAUHAN

THE ASIAN AGE (JAN 2004)

By Skimmy Gupta

Sunidhi walked into the world of music as a little girl in a talent search TV music show few years ago. Today, Sunidhi Chauhan is one of the most popular playback singers in Bollywood. She also loves Western music and Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson top her list of favorites. Her ambition is to achieve global fame.

As a kid; Sunidhi performed on stage several times and got many awards. Kalyanji, the renowned composer, had formed the Little Wonders troupe for child prodigies and Sunidhi was very much a part of it too. Fame came to her through the TV show Mera Aawaz Suno.She became popular after rendering her voice for fast number Ladki deewani dekho for film Shastra. Later, she recorded three songs for Ram Gopal Verma’s Mast. This was the break Sunidhi needed, as her songs became hits and big offers came her way.

After recording for the film Jungle, she went on to sing in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Mission Kashmir including hit song ‘Bhumro’. She also bagged R D Burman award for the most promising newcomer at the Filmfare Awards 2001.Not one to rest on her laurels, she regularly trains in Indian classical music to improve her skills.

Sunidhi’s 12 most wanted

1.Peace and harmony in the whole world.

2.No more wars.

3.Under privileged children should get everything as other children.

4.Mumbai should become safer, cleaner and lovable.

5.India will enter golden age in every field and become a superpower.

6.Scientists should make discoveries beneficial to mankind.

7.Food and shelter for everyone.

8.More people should turn vegetarian; thus sparing animals.

9.Talented people should get their due and achieve success.

10.Let the child in every individual be alive forever.

11.I wish to maintain a flying singing career for years to come.

12.To hold a ‘Sunidhi Chauhan’ concert on the moon.

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DESIRE BY THE DOZEN : ANUJ SAXENA

THE ASIAN AGE (JAN 2004)

By Skimmy Gupta

Anuj Saxena, director of Elder Pharmaceuticals and popular as Abhay Kapoor in TV serial ‘Kkusum’ is a multi talented person with a prolific personality .He is a doctor, loves painting landscapes and even writes poem.

Anuj Saxena has acted in many popular teleserials like Kkusum,Saara Aakaash, Kuch Pal Saath Tumhara has signed a movie “Kab Tak”. Kab Tak is a story of 5 friends with the backdrop of 1993 Bombay Riots.Anuj says “I am playing the role in ‘Kab tak’ wherein I get ample scope to emote. I will continue working for television also. I want to strike a balance between movies and television.”

Anuj wants to make a mark as an actor on the big screen just as he made on the television and also wants to make Elder –one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world. As he adds “The only way to get success is to become more humble and practical while achieving heights.”

SAXENA’S 12 MOST WANTED

1.Mumbai should be called Bombay again.

2.City of Mumbai should be projected as cosmopolitan city like London and New York.

3.Public transport system needs to be improved immediately. It is killing.

4.Mumbai should become greener and cleaner.

5.Peace and harmony should prevail everywhere.

6.Politics within city,state and country should reduce.

7.People should have more concerned attitude towards others.

8.We should have kind behavior against stray animals.

9.I wish to build homes for aged and handicapped people.

10.There should be more cultural activities in the city.

11.More open cafes and bars.

12.Everyone should live happily ever after.

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DESIRE BY THE DOZEN:RAHUL BOSE

THE ASIAN AGE (JAN 2004)

By Skimmy Gupta

After showing his directorial skills in well acclaimed ‘Everybody says I’m Fine’, Rahul Bose was appreciated playing a photographer in Aparna Sen’s ‘Mr. And Mrs. Iyer’.Rahul, one of India’s finest actors displayed his acting skills in recent Bollywood movies titled ‘Jhankaar Beats’,‘Mumbai Matinee’ and ‘Chameli’.

On his performance in the play - Are There Tigers in Congo?, Rahul was offered a role in Dev Benegal's ‘English, August’- the film based on Upamanyu Chatterjee's eponymous novel. Rahul left his advertising career for a debut in what is seen as a landmark in Indian cinema. English, August managed to neatly balance both Bollywood and art house cinema traditions. His acting in subsequent films, Bombay Boys, Thakshak, and Split Wide Open were appreciated.

After Everybody Says….; Rahul is busy on directing an extremely surreal film that has a delicate sweetness about it. It's about a man and a woman, who never meets, never touch, never talk and yet build a beautiful connection.

RAHUL’S 12 MOST WANTED

1.A return to the Gandhian values of Peace and non-violence.

2.The only boundaries we should draw are moral and ethical ones.

3.The recognition that love is the greatest force of all.

4.That we as a country realize that religion is the “ ONLY AND ENTIRELY ” a personal issue.

5.That political parties stop playing the religion card for electrol game.

6.That we recognize that unless men change attitude towards women, women will always be discriminated against.

7.We recognize that unless women change attitude towards women, they will always be discriminated.

8.Focus on making village/taluka a self-sufficient economic unit.

9.Realize that India is “Not” shining.80 percent of the country is in different shades of darkness - 800 million people.

10.Believe in the dignity of labour. There is no hierarchy of jobs.

11.Recognize that economic progress means nothing if it does not result in social progress.

12.Hinduism is a strong, resilient way of life.it does not need any saving by the saffron brigade.

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DESIRE BY THE DOZEN: RAHUL ARKEKAR

THE ASIAN AGE (JAN 2004)

By Skimmy Gupta

Housed in a turn-of-the century stand-alone bungalow off the Gateway of India in Colaba, South Bombay, the restaurant Indigo makes it mark for several reasons: warmth and old-world charm; courteous staff and its extensive wine list which won it Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for two consecutive years. Over the years, Indigo has been host to art shows, theatre experiences, jazz nights, and several wine and guest chef dinners.

Restaurant’s noted clientele include Chelsea Clinton, the Sultan of Brunei, the Prince of Denmark, respected industrialist as Vijay Mallaya, the Ambanis and Singhanias, numerous Indian film stars and directors as Kabir Bedi and Karan Johar, and most recently Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. It has won several awards including the coveted 2002 “Restaurant of the Year – Western Cuisine,” award given by the Hotel and Food Service Review (H&FS).

Rahul Akerkar, Executive Chef and Joint Managing Director, Indigo began his culinary journey as a dishwasher in a small French bistro, while in college in the United States. As Rahul says, “Our approach to food is not to confuse and overwhelm, but rather to entice and encourage one to be a little more adventuresome in ones eating habits. It is not fusion food but does possess hints of Mediterranean-Asian styles.“

ARKEKAR’S 12 MOST WANTED

1.There should be 30 hours in a day.

2.There should be one day work week.

3.Mumbai should be more greener.

4.To be able to spent more time with my kids.

5.To like to work in a non-corrupt world.

6.I should be able to do more cooking at home.

7.I want to spend more time for reading.

8.I wish all new cars to be manufactured without horns.

9.To make taxi driver's licence in Mumbai more tougher than in London.

10.I desire to make all politicians accountable to their constituencies.

11.I wish to lose 15 kilos

12.To start working to live instead of living to work.

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