Zing up Life

To provide good quality with innovative packaging at lesser price is the main mantra of Radico Khaitan Ltd. for positioning the company amongst the top liquor ies in India

Having a turnover of Rs. 1600 crore in the year 2007-08, Radico Khaitan Ltd. is one of the largest and most profitable liquor companies in the country. It is best known for its brands 8 PM whisky, Contessa Rum and Old Admiral Brandy. 8 PM whisky has the unique distinction of having touched sales of one million cases in the first year of its launch. Contessa Rum is the largest selling Rum brand among Defence forces. Old Admiral Brandy another winner from the portfolio of Radico is also a part of the millionaire club.
In spite of global slowdown of economy, Radico Khaitan is totally unaffected. “The reasons behind are that the company deals into liquor FMCG goods and it’s festive time also — Diwali celebration has just ended and New Year is fast approaching. So, liquor sales have just gone up. So, no worries in the industry right now!” says COO of Radico Khaitan Ltd. and the CEO of Diageo Radico Distilleries Pvt. Ltd, a 50:50 joint venture between Diageo and Radico Khaitan, Raju Vaziraney.
Radico Khaitan, formerly known as Rampur Distilleries, was established in 1943. It was initially engaged in the manufacturing of ENA (Extra Neutralised Alcohol) and other spirits for leading liquor companies. After mastering the art of blending and production of spirits Radico Khaitan decided to launch and market its own brands. Today, with a production capacity of 60 million litres p. a. and with the recent addition of the grain distillery which has taken the capacity upto 90 million litres per annum it is one of the largest distilleries in the country.

Innovation – an USP
The company’s strategy depends on innovations – packaging, blending and positioning. These innovations are interconnected. According to Vaziraney one can spot the difference from packaging as it’s world-class. The company does lots of research to understand the need of consumers that is known as consumer insight. Based on that, the company plans its future course of action. Raju Vaziraney divulges, “We have researched the market in last three to four years. What we have come to know is that consumer always wants to upgrade; and technically it is called trade up, for e.g., a Maruti owner always wants to have a Zen car and then from Zen to esteem and so on. The insight of a consumer is resulted only after we dive deeply into their mind.”
But packaging alone can’t promote a product; it has to be other things too. So, the company does lots of innovation in other fields too. It takes care of quality of its products. The blending of the product is high class. Vaziraney tells, “We have the biggest grain plants in the country and it’s not just biggest but also state-of-the-art. Our best engineers control the plant and it’s all done mechanically that means it is computer controlled. Therefore, we can say that we make the best spirit that human being can make and that goes in to our brand.”

Positioning of the Brand
For positioning its products the company works hard. It’s very critical in liquor industry to position the product. The company positions its products at a premium level and offers semi-premium price. “As one of our product Magic Moment Vodka — here a consumer is ready to pay Rs. 500 to 600 (this we got to know in one of our survey), but we position it at Rs. 350, it is called value for money.” Thus, the think-tank in the company positions the products intelligently in mid-price segment. Suppose, there is Royal Challenge and Royal Stag whisky, the company will position the brand between the two with Royal Challenge features.

According to Vaziraney by this way Royal Stag consumer will trade up and Royal Challenge consumer doesn’t feel bad in drinking this brand, because consumer doesn’t drink the pack but he drinks the blend, so blend is good, packaging is good and positioning is good of Radico’s brand.
Radico Khaitan’s brand portfolio comprises of the finest products and brands that cater to every taste preference and offer superior value in every segment and price category the company competes in. The group is represented in almost every liquor and price category, starting from the popular segment and going up to premium offerings.
According to Vaziraney it’s hard to place the brand in the market. He believes in publicity of the brand. People in the liquor industry are making all out effort to make their brands popular. Vaziraney is of opinion that there are three things, which are salable in the country that are cricket, Bollywood and Black Label. He asks, “Name a party Johnnie Walker Black Label and It rocks. But as it’s not our segment, it’s out of question. Cricket has been taken by other competitors, so we are working on the third that is Bollywood. We have tied up with Hrithik Roshan who is our Brand Ambassador for Magic Moment Vodka and Mallika Sherawat for 8 PM whisky.”

Plan to Launch New Products
Vaziraney doesn’t believe in launching new products in a hurry. He feels if somebody launches a product in the market, he should position it as a brand and make it popular and consolidate it, and then it is viable to launch another product. Keeping this thing in mind Vaziraney wants to consolidate company’s young brand’s positioning – Masterstroke deluxe whisky. He says it’s premature to say of any other new launch in near future. This is a product of the Diageo-Radico joint venture.
The company has a joint venture with Diageo and enjoying it very much. It doesn’t want to form any other joint venture as Vaziraney says that he wants Radico Khaitan to be strong first of all. He further states, “If some opportunity comes in our way then we will have a look. We want to give best to the consumer and trade. As we are a public limited company, we want to assure that our shareholder gets best returns. Right now we want to make our presence felt in already operating segments.” The company is doing well at foreign level too. “The export of Radico is very huge since last three years. We are likely to cross 50 crores this year. Our branded business is doing very well and we also export bulk of alcohol abroad in Middle East and African countries,” informs Vaziraney.

Challenge to Grow
Wearing two hats at the same time as COO of Radico Khaitan and CEO of Diageo Radico Distilleries Private Ltd., Raju Vaziraney has almost 25 years of experience in liquor industry. He has a Masters degree in Commerce and Economics and a postgraduate Diploma in Sales and Marketing, Corporate Law, and Business Management. He is a liquor professional. Before joining Radico Khaitan, he was working with Shaw Wallace. Started as a general manager with Radico Khaitan in April 2000 he later rose to the level of COO.
One thing about Radico Khaitan which Vaziraney likes is that it has a good blend of owners monitoring and professional driving. He says, “Our owners know the business but they don’t take day-to-day decision, so decisions are quick and action is swift.” As Radico has its own brands, Diageo has its own and joint venture has its own brands, so the Vaziraney as a leader has a great responsibility to shoulder. “Radico is my parent company, here I am directly involved in all day to day functions, whereas in joint venture company I am link between Abhishek Khaitan, MD of Radico Khaitan and Asif Adil, MD of Diageo and look business on day to day basis.”

Leisure Pursuit
Even if he is busy, Vaziraney takes out time for reading. Books on management skills fascinate him. Right now he is reading a leadership fable ‘The Five Temptation of a CEO’ by Patrick Lencioni. His other all time favourites are ‘One Minute Manager’ and ‘Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’.
He has three interests Beti, Peti and Roti. He is a big foodie, but don’t drink as he is an occasional drinker. He shares, “I am not a person who likes to go out very often other than official commitments. I like to sit and talk with my family who is very dear to me. Contentment is very important thing in life, but it doesn’t come with luxury, it comes from within.” “I drink when I have to taste my brand but whenever I taste, I taste Magic Moment Vodka. My favorite flavours are orange and lemon grass with ginger. It’s brilliant with sprite,” he adds further.

Demand for Model Excise Policy
The future of liquor industry is very bright as it is evergreen industry. It is also the biggest revenue earner for the government. The government has deregulated the excise policies, for e.g., in UP few contractors and retailers or excise contractors used to have monopoly that is no more now. Now anyone can take licence and open the shop. This policy has gone to Punjab, Haryana and many other states, so State Excise department is opening more retail shops and there is growth of more opportunities.
To have uniformity in the nomenclature of taxes, the government has to have a model excise policy, says Vaziraney. He further adds, “One suggestion to the state government would be to work towards modern excise policy. There are two ways to do this, one is there should be uniformity of nomenclature of taxes to be taxed on consumers and manufacturers. At the moment there are bottling fees, franchisee fees, VAT, etc. There may be 30 to 35 of them which are levied from state to state.” The company is working with government to work on the model excise policies. “There are two separate things one is government levy and another is government taxes. Suppose in Goa where excise duty is less as compared to Delhi; it is difficult to have government tax to be the same. So, what we can achieve is uniformity of government levies which will be very big plus for the industry and consumers,” elucidates Vaziraney.
All of us know that drinking is not a bad habit but overdrinking certainly is; that’s what the message the company has spread. Radico Khaitan knows well its responsibilities towards the society. Through their (Diageo-Radico joint venture) ad campaign figuring Shahrukh Khan, the Bollywood heart- throb, they want to tell the consumers to drink responsibly. With this campaign already on, now you can enjoy your drink with a pinch of responsibility. What an idea!

Rock Out at F Bar & Kichen

F Bar & Kitchen is a perfect place to experience the liberty and modernity of your life, one can spend quality time in very cosmopolitan style. The menu, décor, light and music are perfectly timed as it should be by Fashion brand

My close associates know that food is my weakness therefore one of my associate invited me for lunch in the cyber city, Gurgaon. I visited that place after a long time and I was shocked to see the A-class infrastructure and big multinationals has entered that area, I was feeling as if I am in some part of Dubai, the class seems to be very elite. Then we moved to the restaurant and bar which is situated in the DLF Phase 3, F Bar & Kitchen. It is launched by FTV and is situated in a
cosmopolitan area.

F Café Lounge
As I entered the restaurant, I was welcomed by dim lights that were adding beauty to the huge area where big panels with plasma TV attached on the walls. The FTV channel was running where the current international models showcasing current fashion styles on the ramps. There is also a big bar where varieties of mocktails and cocktails are prepared and served by the bartenders. The buffet with varieties of cuisines is placed. The designing of the lounge is done in a global manner, you feel like sitting in a restaurant of Italy and enjoying your wine and dine. From flooring to roofing every thing is created with lots of research and is designed internationally.

Technical Innovations in Sound and Lighting
As you move ahead from F café lounge through the narrow gallery you will enter to F-Prive the name showcases some signs of privacy. If you want to propose or date with your love then F-Prive is the perfect place. The F-Prive is an area separated into a lounge and dining space. It gives you full privacy. A nicely done up lounge in luxurious muted colours with dimmed lights seems warm and cozy. High backed sofas in amber and brown exude a feeling of lavishness. Smartly dressed waiters in black, complement the décor. The placement and nature of the lights are also well thought out. You can order your favourites and enjoy each moment spend there.
The boardrooms and the adjoining lounge area are brighter and done up in champagne ivory. The ambience gets a makeover with bright lights and lighter shades. The music is kept out and if you fancy a quieter ambience, this helps. Here corporates discuss their serious affairs. In the front of the entrance, Hookahs are placed so as one can discuss while having them. There are also separate cabins where meetings can take place uninterrupted.

Delicious Delicacies
After appreciating the beauty of F Bar & Kitchen, now it was time to taste the delicacies of the restaurant. We started from snacks and mocktails. We tasted wild mushroom cigars with sun dried tomato pesto, minted feta cheese triangles, crisp avocado and olive rolls with tomato chilli salsa, paneer tikka in snacks and in mocktails we had blue angle, liquid cranberry frappe, April Lady (a fruity delight with mango juice, coconut cream and ice cream).
But more than food or ambience, the talking point of F Bar & Kitchen would be perhaps, the range of cocktails and mocktails. Contrary to the food menu, the beverages on offer are just mind-blowing and made up with stylish exactitude. You must go for the Infused Vodka in Rose, Raspberry and Strawberry, a different flavour each day. Try the ‘Anaconda On The Loose’. It is mind tingling! There are other surprises such as, ‘Dead Woman Walking’! F Bar & Kitchen has managed to poach the best bartenders from other nightspots in the capital. The bar offers some creative cocktails, fine wine, champagne and an exquisite selection of Cuban cigars.
Next we ordered the main course food. The menu card was full of authentic and international dishes. It was quite a difficult task to finalize what to taste, so we took help from the chef and he got for us some specialty dishes. We tasted pudeena paratha, butter nan, olive bread with harrey masale ka
bhunna paneer, paneer ka subz mela, khumb bhutta methi palak and chilgoza hari phalli (stir fried beans with pinenuts served), really mouth-watering dishes! Sometimes, it is not what you serve but how you serve, which matters and every thing was served in style.
I was full after having so sumptuous lunch, but who can afford to say ‘NO’ to desserts. So, I ordered the remarkable desserts that any one could ever get except in F bar like Orange Panna Cotta (eggless dessert with subtle flavour of orange), Tiramisu (traditional Italian dessert made with Mascrpone cheese layered with coffee soaked lady fingers), Chocolate lava cake, assorted pastries, vanilla cream brulee’s.
The cuisine, of course, the quality of the food is top notch, presented at F bar is very modern and the ambience adds special effects in it. It has a wonderful ambience with dynamic illumination of crystal chandeliers. DJ plays some great hip-hops, lounge and retro music. The experience at F Bar & Kitchen was fantastic. This is a place which offers everything from food to cocktails to music to party to meeting. After coming out of the restaurant one feels going back again and again. It has all the elegance and prettiness that is expected from FTV brand.

Go Goa...

From exotic beaches to magnificent architecture to Goans cuisine, Goa has lots more than this. The festive season, which starts from December and remains till March, is round the corner and Goa is all set for a blast this season

Internationally renowned for providing beach holidays Goa is honeymooners’ paradise. A tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, adjoining the Arabian Sea Goa is the greatest hub for the tourists, as every year tourists in abundance visit this place. Goa seems to be in the mood of party and merry making.
The Goan culture is very easy going and relaxed. Everyone is free to follow the kind of lifestyle they wanted. This is the place where indo-Portuguese people follow tradition as well as remain ahead with the changing time and trends. Konkani is the official language of Goa which is written in Devnagri script but other languages also move very smoothly. The chief feature of the people in Goa is the element of mingling. Elvis Gomes, Director of Goa Tourism says, “The main strength of Goa is its people as its beauty is natural but people add spark into its beauty.” “We are enhancing tourism in Goa by upgrading its infrastructure and by aggressive promotions… Goa is in festive mood 365 days,” he further adds.

Sun, Sand and Sea
In Goa it seems that the sun kisses the beaches and in that ambience one can just relax on the soft sand and gaze at the warm mild sun that drenches the entire environment in its amber-gold embrace. The beaches are clustered into two regions, north and south Goa coastlines with the capital Panaji and nearby Miramar beach, and Bambolim beach in the middle. Anjuna beach is mostly visited for rejuvenating mood. If you are visiting this place in the day time then you can savor the best delights at the famous flea market or the shopping hangout off the beach. If you want to enjoy fishing then Benaulim beach is the right choice and this place is quite safe for swimming too. If you are looking for the beach where you can spend your time personally then Colva beach is a perfect place. Dona Paula Beach has a good relation with romance and myth and tourists throng this place for deceased beloved and is also famous for water sport paradise for water sports lovers, surfing, snorkeling, jet skiing, boogie boarding, scuba diving, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and deep sea fishing are just some of the water sports that can be enjoyed here. Miramar beach is the one of the best tourist place that is known for its lovely golden beach of soft sand, occupied by a thick grove of shady palms, facing the blue Arabian Sea and forming a dense canopy over the area. Clusters of coconut palms border these lovely beaches and add glam to it.

Grand Gala
Due to the Portugal rule, many people converted to Christianity at that time. Yet, they did not forget their Indian roots and Goa is the best example where you will find people celebrating different kind of festivals. Although, Goa seems to be in the mood of festival whole year but in December the mood in Goa is totally different. Each house, market, churches, beaches lights up and decorated and people seems to be in full mood of merry making. The Month starts with St. Francis Xavier Feast that is celebrated in Old Goa on 3rd December with processions and services. The feast of the patron saint of Goa is celebrated on the day he died in 1552. Preceding the feast, nine days of Novenas are held, attended by pilgrims from all over the world. Stalls sell sweetmeats, toys, clothing etc.
Next comes the Christmas that is celebrated on 25th December every year as the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas trees are decorated and the city is also decorated with clay statues or with artifacts made up of box board, millet and hay grass. New Year is also celebrated in full swing as visitors from across the globe throng this place and welcome New Year in very modern way. The most awaited festival Carnival is celebrated for the arrival of spring which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February and March. Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus and public street party. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations. The festivals are also musical in nature and a great deal of dance forms part of the carnivals which are celebrated on special occasions.

Splendid Architecture
Goa is the perfect example of Portuguese architecture as it has unique smooth blend of different architectural styles. Churches and houses bear a striking element of the Portugal style of architecture. Here most of the houses have the bust of Jesus Christ at the entrance. Churches in Goa present a unique blend of the renaissance and baroque styles. They are the next important tourist attraction after the beaches and are thronged by people of all religions. Basilica of Bom Jesus is very famous Roman Catholic Church as it contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.
St. Cathedral is built in purist Tuscan style and is staggering in proportions. In one chapel is kept the cross of miracles. Convent and church of St. Francis of Assisi has superb decorative paintwork, woodcarving; and floor are inlaid with elaborately engraved tombstones. Another great example for architecture is the Aguada fort it was used as a prison primarily; the fort stands on the beach south of Candolim, at the shore of the Mandovi River. The fort is so large that it envelops the entire peninsula at the south western tip of Bardez. Built on the mouth of river Mandovi, it was strategically located and was the chief defence of Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas.

Eat, Drink and shop
Goa is flooded up with tourists whole year, therefore roadsides and beaches are all flourished with traditional Goans market, and these markets are a mirror of Goa’s ethnic culture and provide a glimpse of the typical goan way of doing business. Goa’s each town has something special to sell. In Old Goa one can shop antique, local wine called 'Fenny', cashew nuts or any traditional souvenir for your loved ones. Anjuna Beach Flea Market is very famous Wednesday Market besides Anjuna Beach, started by foreigners. It is an extremely lively spot where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and handicrafts are sold at very cheap prices. Mapusa is well known for its Friday market that holds too many attractive items on sale.
If you are going to Goa and not drinking the traditional drink ‘Fenny’, it will not be fared as it is the strength and specialty of Goans. Fenny is prepared and produced in Goa and exported all around the world. Cashew and coconut fenny are the varieties available. On the other hand Seafood is also the strength of the state. Here you will get lots of magnificent culinary delicacies like the prawn balchão and sorpotel which have become famous around the world. Besides fresh seafood, dried and salted fish dishes are also highly prized by Goans. For those who love to take chances in life and play it as a gamble, then Goa has top class casinos with popular games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps.
Goa is a place, where fun & frolic never ends. Exotic beaches, lip smacking cuisine, easy going people, rocking parties and ancient religious places, rock that place. Goa is synonymous with vacations and holidays. This is the only state that guarantees to relax and rejuvenate you. So, Go Goa and enjoy the freedom and dive deep in the full mood of joy.

Lip-smacking Experience with Aadab

Aadab, where you can taste the great authentic Mughlai dishes with the very entertaining soft ambient music, has set alive the very traditional Mughlai cuisine in this modern era. A large painting showcaseing Mughal dynasty and the unique aroma-cooking, infused with spices will bind its visitors to make it a habitual stopover

The capital of India has a significant history with Mughals as its cuisine, culture and heritage and therefore to pay tribute to Mughals predominant heritage in Delhi history, Aadab the new specialty Mughlai restaurant is launched recently. The restaurant is located in the bustling market of GK-II Delhi. As a big foodie I decided to taste the scrumptious and historical dishes of Mughals in a very modern-traditional, Aadab.

Reflective of Time
Invasion of Mughals in India has left a remarkable presence as they brought with them varieties of mouth-watering dishes, which are still significant in this modern era. As we think of Mughals, our imagination starts finding the tasty and delicious dishes as shorba, gosht, subz, murgh and lots more. Mughals’ rich gastronomic tradition has perfectly garnished the existing cuisine of India. The vegetarian pulaos are cooked with meat to create the biryani, and the curries are flavoured with almonds and cashews. The cooking style is larger-than-life and extravagant, reflective of the time itself.

Mughlai’s dedication to fine dining has been unwavering for many centuries, especially among the upper classes. Throughout the centuries, the Nizams were famed for their scrumptuous feasts and their love for fine dining. Even though vegetables are the king of foods in India, Mughal cuisine often includes goat and lamb, served in a variety of ways, as melt-in-the-mouth kababs, roasted, barbecued, or in curries.

Feel of Mughal Era
As you step in the restaurant you will get the feel of the ancient time from within as it is decorated in a simple yet aesthetic manner; the restaurant features large paintings on the walls that remind the visitors of the glorious Mughal days. The soft ambient music of Ghazals also creates a perfect setting for a glorious experience. The kitchen is suffused with the aroma of exotic spices. The seating arena is very ancient cum modern. The tables are loaded up with copper glasses and pots for drinking water. As we go through the menu it seems that Aadab is flourished with large variety in all categories, in the starter menu one can sample the kebabs that are available in various forms and flavours. The authentic Gaulati Kebabs, Shammi Kebabs and traditional mutton kebabs are must to try. The main course features many authentic preparation including the Nargisi Kofta, Keema Murgh Masala, the Navratan Korma and the splendid Raan-e-Sikandri.
The rich preparation of Mughlai food consisting of flavoured sauces and butter based curries is so tempting that food lovers are bound to crave for more and more food. Mughlai food offers an amazingly delicious variety of food ranging from hot spicy shorba or soup to ginger based roasted meats to kulfi with rose petals sprinkled on it. Even, the names of the Mughlai food are so attractive that a person gets tempted to try out different dishes.
The menu also has a special section called the Khaas-e-Aadab that contains many delicacies that are unique to this cuisine and restaurant. One can sample the Murg Musallam, that is traditionally available with a choice of only one filling, This signature dish of Aadab is available with five distinct fillings. In regards to the menu Mr. Shadab Mobin, Co-Owner of Aadab says, "We have kept the menu completely authentic with emphasis on rejuvenating the forgotten tastes and cuisine of the great Mughal Raj in Delhi."
After a long discussion on the menu, we just can’t stop ourselves tasting the dishes, so we odered with some very famous and authentic tikkas after few minutues of our eager wait, waiter served us varities of tikkas in Mughlai serving style that includes in non-veg platter chicken kebabs, mutton kebabs, malai tikka, chicken tikka, and in veg platter Paneer tikka, mushroom, tandoori aloo, hariyali seekh kebab with Green Coriander Chutney and truly speaking it took me back to my history books. I have savored tikkas of different places but the taste it includes feels that the cook must be from Mughals’ kitchen.

That’s not all, we then tasted the Main Course of the food that includes very famous dishes such as paneer lababdaar, which is fresh cottage cheese with traditional lababdar gravy, navratan korma, which is mix green vegetable cooked in rich gravy made out of dry fruits, onion, cream and light spices in veg, and Murgh Biryani, Keema Murgh masala in non veg with tandoori roti and sheermal. Well, sheermal is a sweetened Naan, also known as sweet bread made out of Maida, sugar, milk, flour, saffron and leavened with yeast, and baked in Tandoor or oven. Foodies, now you don’t have to go to Hyderabad to get the very delicious and luscious Murg Biryani and Keema Murg masala made up of combination of pieces of chicken and mutton mince cooked in traditional mughals spices, you can get them right here in Delhi. All these dishes were lip-smacking and they bear the real fragrance of traditional taste.

Last but not the least, the very special dish, Phirni that is the strength of Mughlai cuisine and will just change the your taste. It is a perfect complement to the spicy and delectable Mughlai cuisine. Phirni is a variation of the rice pudding and is very smooth in texture. It is usually served chilled in earthen serving bowls garnished with almonds and pistachios.

The deserts in the menu include traditional favorites like kulfi and phirni. All in all the dining experience at Aadab is an eclectic mix of traditional style cooking infused with spices. These varieties are unique and prepared with centuries’ old recipes that have been perfected with time. Although new techniques have arrived for cooking food but Aadab tries to make it traditional and that too in authentic style.

After tasting the authentic cusine, I started feeling like being in true Mughal era. It was the mind blowing experience at Aadab as the food and atmosphere was very binding and the music adds the special effects. Adab has set alive the culture, artistic abilities and sophistication in manners. It wakes up the oriental glory, reminiscent of the great days of Indo-Muslim culture. It is well known for its hospitality, and visitors to the city will always find a pleasant welcome and Mughal delicacies to dine. Aadab is fully devoted themselves to sharpening their culinary talents with the subtle blending of spices. In the process, they created an amazing range of superb dishes.

Refreshingly different- Genelia D’Souza

Genelia D’Souza, the sultry beauty, who remained unnoticed prior to the release of her blockbuster film, Jane tu Ya Jane Na, has now become a face to reckon with. Her performance in her latest hit was seemingly par excellence and has undoubtedly fetched numerous fans

Latest heart throb of industry who has left very sweet and cute impact through her most happening film Jane tu Ya Jane Na, Genelia D'Souza is rising on her success nowadays. The story of the film is so impeccable that it will flow you in characters. Genelia fell in love with the role as soon as she heard the script as she felt there was a little bit of her in Aditi, the main female character of the film. Due to this hit, Genelia is now recognized by her fans on the street everywhere. In regards to her latest hit she reveals, “It’s not easy being a part of an Aamir Khan production. It doesn’t matter how good you look, how talented you are, how big a name you have.” For her working with Aamir she says it was great, “The biggest compliment he gave me was that I was like Juhi Chawla.” “Aamir was very supportive despite the fact that he never visited the sets even once, his confidence made us believe in ourselves,” adds she.

She might have made a place for herself in everyone’s hearts as the cute Aditi, but Genelia D’Souza insists she became an actress by accident, “Honestly speaking, I didn’t ever dream of acting in my life. I’m a sport person and have been a state level athlete and a national level football player. For me, acting was never on the cards. It just happened.” Her all-time favourite football player is David Beckham. She just admires his looks and the style with which he plays the game.
Tollywood to Bollywood
She first debuted in the Bollywood in 2003. Her first Hindi film was Tujhe Meri Kasam opposite to Ritesh Deshmukh. The film went unnoticed. She left Bollywood for a while to concentrate on the Tollywood industry. Genelia then starred in the Tamil big budget film Boys directed by Shankar. The film was a box-office hit and launched her career in south India.

She went on to star in other successful Telugu films including, Satyam, Samba and Sye. Her second Hindi movie was Masti and was also opposite Ritesh. This film was a moderate success. Her Telugu film, Bommarillu, with Siddharth Narayan, was a major commercial success and she won the Filmfare Award as the Best Actress for her performance, besides other awards. She came back into Kollywood with Santhosh Subramaniam, which is the remake of Bommarillu. The film also turned out to be a rather successful as its predecessor. Her debut film in Kannada Satya In Love grossed four crores in its opening week thus setting a new record in the Kannada film industry. She has won several awards.

She once again appeared in Bollywood in Mere Baap Pehle Aap alongside Akshaye Khanna, which was moderately successful. Her final breakthrough in Bollywood was through the blockbuster, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, her role has been widely admired for her sweetness and freshness, and new style of acting. The movie has debutant Imran Khan, Aamir Khan's nephew, as the hero. The cute actress stole the heart of million of youngsters with her lovely limpid eyes and impish smile and is credited as Harini among the Tamil audiences.

No to Hot Scenes
Genelia has a fixed image of herself. She doesn’t want to do any steamy scenes, and she is against of showing cleavage and wearing bikni, so very clear and strict instructions for producer. She got a vital break through the Fair & Lovely advertisement. The Parker girl Genelia D'Souza is now one of the most happening actresses in the world of cinema.

The bubbly girl is little tensed for her Hindi and says, “Though, I can read and write Hindi but as I come from a Christian background, I am not used to speaking the language, so delivering dialogues is a little difficult but I think I will overcome it.”Is there any plan her saying good bye to Tollywood? She emphasizes that she has not yet decided and she had no plans as such. Let us all wait and watch what is next in line. Though the film industries are different, her job as an actor remains the same. It is cinema that matters most to her, not the industries. Now when it all happens accidentally, she has decided looking at a career here in Bollywood and want to be appreciated. She is enjoying every minute of her success.

People often term her lucky for her films. But she is of a different opinion and shares, “I don’t think I am plain lucky. I have acted in lots of films in South which speak of my abilities. Over the years, I’ve grown up as an actor. It’s an achievement especially for someone like me who does not have a family background in Bollywood. I think I was chosen for these films simply because I fitted the bill.”

Projects in Hand
The very popular Genelia D'Souza with her girl next door image has already won many hearts and the talented actress will now be seen in Anees Bazmee's next titled, ‘Its My Life’ opposite the hearththrob Harman Baweja. The film is a remake of the 2006 Telugu blockbuster ‘Bommarillu’ which also had Genelia in the film with the versatile actor, Siddharth Narayan and talented Jayam Ravi. And now Genelia will once again play the same role but this time in the Hindi remake of the film. “Its My Life is a romantic story but it also focuses on human values and love amongst family members. Portraying the bond between parents and the children in an urban setting, the film is about the tensions that grip every family and how over possessive parents can spoil the lives of their children”, says Genelia.

The reason of having only few friends in Bollywood industry is that she is new here in Mumbai - only few films old. Her take on that is, “But yes, while working in all the flicks that I have done so far, I shared a wonderful rapport with all my colleagues. And I feel that the entire cast and crew of ‘Jaane Tu…’ are my good friends and we had a blast together.”

Genelia is looking for the roles that are challenging as. “I do not wish to do roles for the sake of doing films. I am looking out for some really different and interesting script,” says thinking actress. Like others she is also impressed with Khans and their acting prowess and says, “I am interested in working with all of them as long as a project excites me and yes, of course I wanted to work with Salman, SRK and other talented actors.”

The sparkling beauty has no crush and wants to remain single and plans to stay that way for now. She just wants to focus on her career. Bollywood industry is playing safe and enjoying its lucky time with lots of sizziling actors every now and then and Genelia is one of them, who is remarked as one of the talented lady, whose acting leave an impressive mark on viewers mind and heart. Genelia is moving on Winged Chariot higher and higher as time is moving ahead. Stay tuned and wait for her next film!

What Future Stores For Her
Genelia has just entered the 22nd year of her life and according to numerologists this age will most likely to bring her a lot of stress, depression and loneliness at least till the year-end. She should take every decision with a lot of thinking. Wearing a ‘Pearl’ will definitely help her keep cool, calm and composed. But the year 2009 is again very lucky for her best and from here onwards things will start working for her – both professionally and personally. Especially the time after August 2009 is simply excellent with no stopping.

Honda’s Wings Set to Scale New Heights

As contained in the promo of Stunner CBF, the newest Honda motorcycle, this stunning rock star is truly creator’s commitment, seller’s delight and buyers’ pride. It surely is a jewel in Honda’s crown after rolling out class bikes and scooters like Unicorn, Shine, Aviator, Eterno

World’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers HMSI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Company Ltd., Japan. Dreaming to manufacture two-wheelers of global quality in India, the company also wants to meet and exceed the expectations of Indian customers with outstanding after sales support. And this is one thing, which makes them distinctive. The company’s principle is ‘dedication to supplying products of the highest quality yet at a reasonable price for worldwide customer satisfaction’.The HMSI factory is spread over 52 acres, with a covered area of about 85,815 square metres at Manesar, Gurgaon district of Haryana. The company started its operation from 2001. The initial installed capacity was 1,00,000 scooters per year, which has reached 6,00,000 scooters by the year 2007 and motorcycle capacity was 4,00,000 per annum. HMSI recognizes and respects individual differences. The respect for individual comes from initiative, equality and trust. It is the contribution from each individual in the company that has made the company what it is today and that, which will take it into the future.
Reaching New HeightsHMSI has one manufacturing facility at present, which is in Manesar, Haryana. It doesn’t have any plan to establish another manufacturing plant in near future. “If we go by books then installed production capacity of our plant at IMT Manesar Gurgaon is 1.2 million units. But practically, this capacity can further be scaled up to 1.3-1.4 million units annually through optimizing the Model mix and Productivity Improvements,” says Shinji Aoyama, President and CEO of HMSI. He further adds, “In regards to sales position, we had achieved sales of 9.07 lakh units in the last financial year 2007-08 and we have set a target to cross one million mark in sales in the current financial year.” HMSI broad’s sales projections are that HMSI would be able to reach a sales mark around 2011. So, the company believes that it still has time and only after it reaches closer to full utilization of existing plant, it would take a call for the future plant and expansion.However, the company doesn’t believe in manufacturing newer models everyday. The management believes in brand image. According to them their models of two-wheelers are very popular among the public. On asking about the new variant for customers Aoyama avers, “Our stock remains there at the dealers point only for two-three days, because every model is very well appreciated by customers and there is growing demand, so volume is increasing and brand is slowly growing and that’s what matters. Sometimes too fast expansion of variations does not create good brand image. We want to build goodwill among customer, as customer satisfaction is our first priority; business will follow.”
Cutting-edge Technology“Our fundamental design philosophy seeks to maximize space and comfort for people, while minimizing the space required for mechanical components,” explains Aoyama. With this aim in mind, Honda's R&D activities include product-specific development and fundamental research. Few of the advanced technologies that it has are Combi Break System, HondaMatic Transmission, Fuel Injection System, Idle Stop System, etc.Generally, it is not easy to control a two-wheeler while braking during emergencies and bad road conditions. Combi Break System not only allows easy and simultaneous operation of the front and rear brake but also provides optimal braking performance. The compact, efficient and oil pressure controlled Hondamatic Transmission is the world's first fully automatic transmission system, which delivers a dynamic combination of torque and excellent accelerator response for a constant and superior driving experience. Honda's fuel injection technology is designed to realize ideal combustion, which results in delivering maximum power output, greatly improved fuel efficiency and yet be environment-friendly. Honda has created an advanced Idle Stop System that reduces fuel consumption while totally blocking out toxic exhaust gas and unwanted noise.

It enables the engine to stop automatically for 3 seconds after the vehicle stops moving. And when the throttle is opened, the vehicle engine restarts and takes off smoothly. Customer SatisfactionHMSI has a large number of sales network - 310 dealers and 507 outlets at present. All these outlets are well controlled and well equipped as per norms. They are monitored on regular intervals monthly and quarterly by the company experts. N.K. Rattan, Divisional Head, Marketing, HMSI, tells, “For smaller outlets the monitoring is done quarterly and for bigger outlets is done on monthly basis. We also have a well-built customer service network at all the dealers point. There is also 100% test ride facility available for customers in all dealers point.”

Retaining loyal and satisfied customers is one of the most formidable challenges businesses face. Especially in a wired world where real-time responsiveness and interactivity are being redefined constantly. HMSI has two-way interactive communication with customers ensuring a higher level of service and feedback so that they remain ever satisfied. At Honda, they extend special schemes. Aoyama shares with us, “We have several extended warranty, annual maintenance contract. We have such schemes in which customer with a limited budget can get service of our maintenance of vehicle for a period of 5 years. This is very unique scheme from HMSI and gives an edge over the other players in the market.”
Safety on Roads Enhancing safety on the roads is one of Honda's top priorities. Aoyama feels the importance of safety on roads and says, “We firmly believe that the realization of a comfortable and an enjoyable mobile society depends on the mutual trust that automobile manufacturers like us, share with the consumers and society.” The company uses a three-pronged approach, based on preventing accidents from happening in the first place, minimizing injury in the unlikely event of an accident and our Driving Safety Promotion operations. Honda's safety philosophy emphasizes the development of appropriate technologies for its products, so as to ultimately achieve maximum riding comfort for its customers. By educating the world, Honda is actively involved with driving education across the world for promoting traffic safety. The Honda Driving Simulator and the Honda Riding Simulator are virtual-reality systems and are designed to heighten the user's ability to anticipate and foresee danger. Featuring the latest in macaronis and contents technology, these simulators allow drivers and riders to experience danger while remaining safe.HMSI is not a silent spectator; it participates very actively in making people aware about the safety on roads. “We go to schools to teach students about road traffic rules. By teaching their parents we are taking an initiative. For that, we have our own small bikes, safety drive trainer. Not only this, but we also donate vehicle to ITI for educating them. We have trained ITI schools. We also have donated three-four vehicles to local police of Manesar for patrolling and safety,” utters Aoyama. Developing Green Vehicles According to Shinji Aoyama, Honda’s dream is to pass on the beautiful natural environment to the next generation, and it will continue its environmental conservation activities, meeting the high goals that it has set independently. The company is striving towards developing zero-emission in all the vehicles manufactured by it. To reduce the environmental burden of four-stroke engines, it has developed a unique exhaust air injection system and a programmed fuel injection system, which is currently in use in the HONDA VFR motorcycle. This Honda VFR 800 is to be launched in the current fiscal year only.
Racing Improves the BreedHonda has always played an important role in motor sports, believing it to be the launch pad for technological advancement. Honda has always loved racing, ever since Sochiro Honda took his company into motorcycle competition, sometime in the 1950s. Honda’s engineers have tested themselves on the international stage, proving their technology to be the best in the world. These technologies are tested in the extreme conditions of motorcycle racing, to adapt them for use in vehicles that ply on roads today.In the past, Honda has powered some of the all time great racers, including Redman, Hailwood, Spencer, Gardner, Capirossi and Doohan, to 39 riders’ titles. Even today, some of the greatest motorcycle racers, like Alex Baros, Max Biaggi, Nicky Hayden ride on Honda bikes, at the races.Technologies like these are not just for the racetracks, but are also incorporated in our everyday vehicles. They are first tested, refined and proven under the trying conditions in the races, and then finally adapted in the vehicles, so that two-wheelers like Activa and Dio
Honda's production facilities across the world also actively pursue energy-efficient methods and prevent water pollution by reducing industrial waste. Honda has taken aggressive initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of its manufacturing operations, by implementing its concept of the "Green Factory". “Abolishing hazardous waste in our products such as lead and reduction of Co2 is our prime motive. There are other things on which we heavily concentrate that is recycling of water and recharging groundwater through rainwater harvesting for our usage. Whatever usage of water we have, we get almost 70 per cent through rainwater harvesting,” says Aoyama as he really lookes concerned.As responsible member of society and industry, HMSI recognizes that well being of humans and conservation of earth's environment is important. HMSI got ISO 14001 certification in Dec. 2002, which is committed to achieve, environmental excellence in all its industrial activities. HMSI established its environmental management system following PDCA cycle and is continuously working to make it more effective.
Green Dealer Concept The "Green Dealer Concept" of HMSI is a step further in the direction of conservation of the environment. The "Green Dealer Concept" would not only help in proper and efficient use of resources such as water, electricity, paper, etc. by constantly monitoring and improving the existing systems thus doing lots of cost cutting but also reducing the polluting activities to minimum. Increasing environment awareness amongst the employees and the general public is also a feature of this unique concept. Aoyama tells with utter satisfaction, “We are one company, which has green dealer concept. We have dealers across the country who are actively participating in this. There is no leakage of oil in drainage system. Our company put very expensive equipment for society’s safety. As a responsible company, we provide vehicles, which are environmentally safe.”
Human Resource as a ChallengeThere is one thing, which bothers company – that is attrition. According to Aoyama the current phenomenon of hopping between jobs in India is not good at all for the Indian industrial development. People are looking for different opportunities. They believe that it is better for them. Shifting from company A to B to C can do no good to people. People should concentrate on existing job. Aoyama opines, “At Honda, we do human resource programmes, which educate them about companies philosophy. We are doing our bit but we cannot stop attrition totally. We have 20 per cent attrition rate in our company like any other company.” Having a turnover of Rs. 3000 crores in the current fiscal year, the company is completely committed towards its customers. The management fully understands the importance of being present in the mind of people, so it has decided to spend 2 per cent of its profit on publicity and advertising.In line with Honda's Philosophy, HMSI conducts all its daily activities in pursuit of the three joys that is Joy of selling, Joy of buying and Joy of creating. The Joy of buying is to carry out the necessary steps for satisfying the customer and establish a relationship of mutual trust with thecustomer through the product. The Joy of selling is to provide products of excellent quality and performance. The satisfaction of customer brings the joy of selling. The Joy of creating is to recognize a sense of joy in our customers, suppliers and dealers thereby, which becomes a source for joy of working.After an all out effort of manufacturing world-class two-wheelers, at the end of the day HMSI gets satisfaction in customers’ contentment. It has always been company’s prime objective to give the best to its customers and leave an environment-friendly atmosphere for the future generations. And it is fulfilling its both the objectives right now.

Will, 61 Independence Day escorts us to Peace?

Samridhi Bhatnagar

So, finally we have completed 61 years of our independence. This is a day when we are more patriotic then other days, we all love our country, its culture, tradition, religion but still we lack in many things. Although we believe in oneness and unity, but still we are not one. We are comprised with several religions then also we are not unanimous. This is a democratic country but still we are not able to find a single person, who really thinks for social-welfare. In spite they think of their wellbeing. In real words our country situation is pathetic. On every 15 August our national leader gives good lecture that please to our ears but it still don't solve our problem.

Every state has some or the other problem, if we talk about heavenly place which is now a days hell, the Jammu & Kashmir situation for land, that has not embellished the daily life of J &K but also other states too. The two-hour chakka jam called by VHP over the Amarnath land, rowed long queues of vehicles in Delhi. Train movement along the Delhi-Jaipur (with blockades near Rewari ) and Delhi- Jammu route was also severely affected by the agitation . At least 30 trains arrived late in the capital after being held up by protesters at different places in UP, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra and Punjab. Purushottam Express (18 hours late) and Jhelum Express (9 hours) were among the worst affected.

On other side, in Noida four persons were killed and 50 others injured, including 15 policemen, in police firing and clashes after farmers agitating for adequate compensation for their acquired land in Greater Noida turned violent. Reports said the fourth victim was a policeman but there was no official confirmation on this.The farmers were demanding enhanced compensation for their land acquired in 2003 and 2005 by the Uttar Pradesh government on the lines of those acquired in 2008. Officials said the crowd turned violent and pelted stones at policemen.Security personnel resorted to lathicharge and lobbed teargas shells to rein in the mob, SSP Noida R K Chaturvedi told PTI.

As the violence continued, police opened fire in which about 50 people were injured. "Four persons were killed in the incident. But we have no information about any casualty on our side," Chaturvedi said.At least 15 police personnel, including Chaturvedi, were injured in the stone pelting, District Magistrate Greater Noida S K Sharma said. Inspector General (Meerut) Gyan Singh claimed that some protestors were carrying illegal firearms. "If they had not opened fire, police would have remained calm. They were stopped at various places but they overpowered us. They were really aggressive, keen to fight," he said.Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal blamed the local administration for the incident, saying it mishandled the situation.

The question arise, what should be done to avoid all these interruption that avoid free flow of daily life. The statement given by the leaders can change the face of our country.

A country where Abhinav Bindra kind of personality is raising our head with pride on the other side all these political leaders are leaving us ashamed. Let's hope that this Independence Day will bring peace in our country and enhance the unity amongst the Indian citizens.

हवा में तैरती मौत

समृद्धि भटनागर

विमान-यात्रा भी अब जोखिमपूर्ण होती जा रही है। पिछले दिनों इंदिरा गांधी अंतर्राष्ट्रीय हवाई अड्डे पर हुई हवाई घटना ने लोगों को सोचने पर मजबूर कर दिया है कि क्या हवाई यात्रा सुरक्षित है?

इस भागती दौड़ती जिंदगी में, अपने कीमती समय को बचाने के लिए विमान से यात्रा करना आम होता जा रहा है। परंतु सवाल उठता है कि जिसे आप सुविधा का माध्यम मानते हैं उसमें आप कितने सुरक्षित हैं? बात जुलाई के अंतिम सप्ताह की है। जेट एयरवे”ा का एक विमान, जिसमें केंद्रीय मंत्री शरद पवार भी यात्रा कर रहे थे, अपनी उड़ान भरने के बाद 5000 मीटर की ऊंचाई पर पहुंचते ही वापस दिल्ली हवाई अड्डे पर लौटा दिया गया। क्यों? इसलिए कि इतनी ऊंचाई पर पहुंचने के बाद अचानक पाया गया कि विमान का पिछला दरवाजा ठीक से बंद नहीं था। यानी, एक बड़ा हादसा होने से बचा लिया गया। हाल ही में इंदिरा गांधी इंटरनेशनल एयरपोर्ट पर हुई एक और हवाई घटना दिल्ली से माॅरीशस जाने वाली फ्रलाईट एमके 745 में हुई जब विमान उड़ने के लिए रनवे पर चल रहा था और अचानक सामने एक चिड़िया आई जिसके कारण पायलट ने ब्रेक लगा दिया। ब्रेक लगाने पर विमान के पिछले हिस्से में नीचे की तरपफ धुआं निकलने लगा और आग लग गई। विमान में सवार यात्रियों को तत्काल नीचे उतार लिया गया। विमान में 241 यात्री सवार थे और उनके लिए यह मंजर एक ऐसा कड़वा सच था जिसे अपनी पूरी जिंदगी में शायद ही भुला पाएं। सवार यात्रियों को मोटेल में ठहराया गया और अगले ही दिन एक स्पशेल फ्रलाइट से भेजा गया। पर तकनीकी खराबी के कारण यात्रियों को एक बार पिफर परेशानी का सामना करना पड़ा। 241 यात्रियों में से काफी यात्राी ऐसे थे जो अपने हनीमून, बिजनेस वगैरह के सिलसिले में जा रहे थे। एक ऐसी गर्भवती महिला यात्राी भी थी जो अकेली सफर कर रही थी और उन्हें इस पूरे हादसे में काफी परेशानी का सामना करना पड़ा। वह इस हादसे के दौरान अपने बच्चे के लिए भगवान से सलामती की दुआ मांगती रही। उनका कहना है कि उन्होंने सपने में भी नहीं सोचा था कि उन्हें यह दिन देखना पड़ेगा। सवाल फिर से यात्रियों की सुरक्षा को और सरकार की लापरवाही को लेकर खड़ा होता है कि जब ऐसे मामले आम हैं तो कोई एहतियात क्यों नहीं बरती जा रही है? कहीं पक्षी के टकराने के कारण तो कहीं तकनीकी खराबी के कारण यात्रियों की जान जोखिम में ही रहती है। डायरेक्टरेट जनरल आॅपफ सिविल ऐविएशन ;डीजीसीएद्ध ने भी अपनी जांच में सापफ कहा है कि यह एक बड़ा हादसा है और ऐसे हादसों से बचने के लिए एहतियात बरतनी चाहिए। जहां डीजीसीए एहतियात बरतने के लिए विचार कर रही है, वहीं दिल्ली इंटरनेशनल एयरपोर्ट लिमिटेड सारे आरोपों को गलत बताते हुए कहती है कि ऐसे हादसों को टालने के लिए इंटरनेशनल स्टैंडर्ड प्रोसीजर अपनाए गए हैं। अगर ऐसी एहतियात बरती जा रही है तो फिर बार-बार ऐसे हादसे सामने क्यों आते हैं? डाॅ. एके मल्होत्रा, वाइल्ड लाइपफ एक्सपर्ट ने समस्या की जड़ से अवगत कराते हुए बताया कि एयरपोर्ट के पास एक मुख्य बाजार है जहां मीट की दुकानें हैं जो जानवरों का मांस वगैरह पीछे फेंकती है। अपने खाने और रहने की खोज के कारण चिड़ियों का वहां जमावड़ा रहता है और इसी कारण ऐसे हादसे अपना आकार लेते हैं। अगर सरकार इस कूड़े-कचरे को वहां से नहीं हटाएगी तब तक सरकार चाहे जितनी भी एहतियात बरत ले, इसका समाधान नहीं हो सकेगा और ऐसे कई मामलों के सामने आने के आसार बरकरार रहेंगे। लेकिन ऐसे बयानों के बाद ऐसा प्रतीत होता है कि हर कोई अपनी गलती और राय एक-दूसरे पर थोपने पर आमादा है, जबकि जरूरत समस्या के समाधान की है। यात्राी जो अपनी सुविधा के लिए पैसे खर्च करने के बावजूद निश्चिंत होकर यात्रा नहीं कर पा रहे हैं, सवाल इनकी सुरक्षा का खड़ा होता है। इस हादसे के बाद सिपर्फ माॅरीशस की फ्रलाईट में सवार यात्राी ही नहीं, बल्कि आम जनता भी हवाई यात्रा में अपने आपको महफूज नहीं समझ पा रही है। देखने वाली बात यह है कि सरकार किस तरीके से यात्रियों को विश्वास दिलाएगी कि अब वे लोग विमान यात्रा में पूरी तरह से सुरक्षित हैं।

The Imperial -the saga of a Victorian Architecture

Delhi, one of the most majestic cities in India, is known for its heritage, culture and history. The Imperial, located in the heart of Delhi- Connaught place, is one of the finest and well-known hotels in Asia, which have heritage value. Imperial has lots of traces in terms of pre independence era.


Conceptualized by Blomfield in 1934, The Imperial is a fine confluence of rich historical past and a glossy international appeal. Set in 8 acres of immaculate gardens in the heart of city, the hotel was inaugurated by Lord Willingdon in 1936. Lady Willingdon christened it “The Imperial”. While Blomfield designed the Hotel with a unique blend of Victorian, old colonial and playful dosage of informal art deco, the Lady had taken keen interest in interior designing of hotel. Two Italian marble shops were bought out; to compliment the look, Persian rugs and arty deco were brought in. Lady Willingdon even conferred the lion insignia upon the hotel.
Silver tea service, tableware from London, Italian marble floor, Burma teak furniture, original Daniells and Frasers on the walls, a vision of undulating green laws, turbaned waiters in red, all creating aura of an early 19th century in English Manor. The essence of jasmine oil, which is imported from France, spreads through the hotel and they are kept in all the public areas of the hotel in fummers.
Every corner of Imperial has a history behind it, Imperial is classified in to different sections as Dining, Residence, Banquets and meeting and Relaxation.

Dining: Each restaurant is based on a particular theme and has a story to tell.
The Spice Route: The place is a non-smoking restaurant, which is indeed a celebration of life and is rated as one of the top ten restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveler for its exclusive designs as they reflect the journey from the Malabar Coast in Kerela through Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia to Thailand and Vietnam. Spice Route took seven years for coming into existence, as it was painted completely by hands with vegetable and flower dyes which were brought by mural painters from a temple of Kerela. Restaurant is designed on the principle of Feng Shui and is divided into nine different sections as Knowledge, Artha, kama, Moksha, Help and Support, Creativity, Relationship, Fate & Fortune and Wealth section. Each section of this restaurant presents a journey of life.

The Spice Route boasts a menu that enmeshes the taste buds of a seasoned food connoisseur as Kerela Style (stir-fried with coconut, curry leaves and black tamarind, prawns), Tom Yum Kun which is famous Thai soup, Kung Nang Phad Khing (stir-fried lobster with ginger and Thai black mushrooms, served in the shell), Kaeng Kheow Waan Kai (Chicken in Thai green curry with pea and cherry aubergines), Phad Phak (Chefs special stir-fried baby spinach with black mushrooms, flavored with soya bean paste). The menu crafted in The Spice Route is artistically presented so as to maintain special effect on guests.

1911: The making of this place has an interesting story behind it. 1911 was the year when Delhi was crowned as the Capital of India by King George V. To solemnize this event, this place has been named- 1911. This place has a dining area, a bar and a lounge.

Patiala Peg: Patiala Peg is undoubtedly, one of the most popular bars in the Capital City of New Delhi. A 29 cover bar, patiala Peg lives up to its name, which indicates larger measures of pegs, and serves 75 ml shots instead of the usual 60 ml. The Bar commemorates an exciting tent pegging encounter that took place in the early 1900 between the Viceroy’s team and the team of the Maharaja of Patiala. The book in the glass case lists the names of all the bartenders of London who were first issued a license by the Queen. With an inspiring list of spirits, Cognacs, aperitifs, liqueur, after-dinner drinks and coffees, Patiala Peg is, indeed, living it up in large measures, bold and big!

Daniells Tavern: Daniells name is kept on the name of popular painter William Daniell and Thomas, they were the two painters who arrived in India in 19th century and they were very much fascinated by Indian culture and it was uncle-nephew team who painted pictures and therefore restaurant is named on them, restaurant have collection of Daniells original paintings.

La Baguette: An exceptional pastry shop La Baguette presents exclusive range of chocolate, pastries, gateaux, breads patisseries, sunrise and tea time eats, bakers of baguette has been trained by world famous Michelin star chefs like chef Gerard de Tomasi and Chef Jean Luc Vila.
Imperial plays a vital role in promoting different cultures by organizing “Chef Brigade” where high profile chefs from all over the world visit Imperial and promote their relevant dishes. Recently Imperial had Japanese and French promotion where internationally Known Chefs like Chef Masatomo Hayakawa, Chef Entice Crippa and Chef Joe Barza participated.
Recently Chef Veena Arora, consultant and Chef de Cuisine-The Imperial, was awarded “Lady Chef of the year 2007” by PHD Chamber in collaboration with Indian Culinary Associations.


Royal Ballroom: The only authentic ballroom remaining in India with spring floor that reduces noise level, is in The Imperial. In the presence of Lord Willingdon the first grand Ball was held.

Residential: Hotel occupies 231 rooms and 43 suites. All rooms are equipped with all the modern facilities such as marble baths, tea/coffee maker, private bar with refrigerator, 30 inch TV, channels including different language as French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Korean, Electronic in–room safe etc, Porthault linen used in rooms, specially imported from France, Fragonard and Bvlgari amenities used as toiletries. Hotel provides room message facility. The Imperial has undergone a major renovation and restoration, as there were rooms, which were very old. They were converted into art deco rooms, which have traces of ancient but are very modern. Interior design has worked on the brief to restore the hotel to its original glory, subtly incorporating technology and modern facilities in rooms. Room presents Victorian and old colonial look. For its royal look, the hotel has astonishing atmosphere, total privacy and serenity.


Relaxation: Imperial has spa treatments for its extinguished guests. A swimming pool is situated in the shade of the delightful hotel garden. For fitness freaks, there is a well-equipped fitness centre. Imperial also pampers its guests, as it has the facility of beauty parlours, ayurveda centre, assisted yoga sessions and barbershop.
Other Services: Imperial is well known for its special services and provide magnificent satisfaction to its guest, as Staff members proudly display the ethos of traditional Indian Hospitality embodied in the phrase “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God). Imperial provides special services for International travelers, business travelers, handicapped guests and also for children. Lady travelers are given exclusive care, as rooms provided to them are as per their preference, all telephonic calls are screened and identity of the guest is not revealed. Imperial has wide selection of foreign newspapers and magazine available in the Book Shop only for its guests. Money exchange facility is available on premise. Imperial records like and dislikes of guests and regularly updated for use, every time guest visit the hotel. Customized security arrangements are provided in the case of high profile personalities. Well-trained staff takes care of every minute need of guests and make them very comfortable. Many great personalities like Queen of Netherland, King of Morocco, Rock star Sting, James Cameron, Frederick Forsyth and Kate Winslet stay only in Imperial.
With all its history it is not just a hotel but also a museum with rare and original collection. Imperial also showcases different form of art in every corner of hotel. The hotel has wide collection of paintings, lithographs, sculptures and intricately painted murals of 18th and 19th century and hotel displays a priceless art collection of the “British Art of India”. Imperial is a Destination!

Famous Celebrities Comments
Good Hotel, People and Service - Mr. Richard Parson - Chairman and CEO Time Warner
2) I congratulate you on the high standards of service and the excellence of details, which reflect the diverse status of The Imperial.
- Honorable Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman-The Peninsula Hotels
3) Adored the suite and silver chairs and the special porthault sheets and the soft pillows,
and the beautiful pashminas, gorgeous presents and the candle and the scents, what a spoiling homecoming to one of my favorite hotels in the world. - Victoria Mather - Travel Editor, Vanity Fair
4) Thanks for your wonderful hospitality and a memorable
time in this great capital city - Mr. David Kornberg -Nobel Prize winner for Chemistry for the year 2006.
5) To the wonderful staff of the Imperial Hotel, what a beautiful time I have had staying at your hotel. I felt like I was at home, it was much more comfortable with so many nice people than the INTERNATIONAL Space Centre. I felt like I was a part   of the world here as I had the opportunity to meet so many from all over the world. - Sunita Williams NASA Astronaut.

Spectacular Deer

Deer are often seen playing pranks in groups and enjoy every moment of life. Their compact body, long powerful legs, deciduous tined antlers, bulging eyes and short head, make them one of the most beautiful creatures on this earth. They have excellent swimming skills, good night vision and the ability to sense danger

Deer is a ruminant mammal which belongs to the Cervidae family, classified into 34 species which are widely distributed all over world. According to Chinese, deer is a symbol for longevity which means long and prosperous life.

As deer prefers different types of vegetation for food and climate, its all species are not found at one place. Some people attribute deer beauty to its being vegetarian. It eats grass, fruits, shrubs, soft twigs and fresh leaves. Due to its liking for the vegetarian food deer plays an important role in nature balance as it keeps control on the growth of grass and other trees by eating them.
Deer antlers are strong and it has sharp smelling, sensing and sighting ability. The antlers are made of solid bones and shed after regular intervals and then regrow. Deer have large funnel ears which make them hear voice effectively.
India is home to various species of deer like chital, hog deer, barasingha, Indian sambar and India muntjac. All these species could be seen in Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), Ranthambhore National Park (Rajasthan), Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh), Dudhwa (Assam) and Bandhavgarh National Park (Assam). Let us know about these varieties.


Chital or Spotted Deer

Chital lives in thickly forested area, scrub jungles and in places where large herbs grow. Their colour lies between rusty red to dark brown. One can easily recognize chital by spotting white spots on its body which are its characteristic feature. It has a short erect tail. The average height of its stag is 85-90 cm. Chital is considered a socializing deer specie and is found in groups most of the time. An extremely nervous animal, chital lives for 20-30 years. Chital feed on every type of vegetation but their favorite food is grass.

Hog Deer

Hogs is often compared with pig as both have common physique - short legs and muscular body with brown colour. They have medium tail and antlers with just three tines. The average height of a hog is between 110-115 cm. Hogs do not have rutting call. Hogs have lowest density in India and are found in forest, grasslands and clearing. Hog generally emerge during darkness. Hog deer feeds on leaves and grass and they have very subtle sagacity of smell, sight and sound.
Barasingha Deer
Barasingha is named so in India because of its twelve tined antlers. It is one of the most beautiful deer with bulging eyes, high legs, tined antlers, broad ears and compact body with a height of 130 cm. Their antlers appear shiner and lighter. Barasingha loves to be in water. It has a sharp sense of smelling danger and barks loudly seeing danger. It lives for almost 20 years.

Indian Sambar Deer

This deer specie lives in marshy land and wooded area. A unique thing about sambar is that they have grandest antlers amongst all deer species. Standing to a height of 135-150 cm, sambar have orange spots on their body . They feed on grass, leaves and various wild fruits, and often move in large groups. They are of shy nature and love swimming. That is why they can be seen in water most of the time. Their life ranges between 16 and 20 years.

Indian Muntjac

One of the oldest known deer species, Muntjac are known as "barking deer" because they bark loudly when sensing danger. Muntjac are hostile towards each other and they fight ferociously with antlers. Physically they are small in size, with white patches on body and red-brown furs. However, their colour varies from deep brown to yellow or grayish brown with creamy or whitish markings on body. Their diet includes shrubs, grass and shoots and they live for 19 years.

Valuable Deer

A living deer is great sight to watch but even after its death, it serves to beautify human beings. In many areas people use deer for food, clothing and transportation. Things made from its skin (like shoes, gloves, clothes etc) and antlers (like buttons, knife handles and weapons) are very costly and much is demand. Deer organs are also used for making medicines and perfumes.

Extinction Threat

Unfortunately the population of this beautiful creature is declining fast as they are hunted and killed by the greedy. A survey has found that deer are facing various threats like habitat loss which is mainly due to clearing of plants and shrubberies on which they feed and take shelter. Fencing of large area also shrinks their food accessibility. Besides, heaving plastics, construction debris, chemicals, broken glass and sharp objects in deer parks can injure deer. To save deer species from extinction, deer parks have been set up. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, those hunting deer would be punished and fined.
Under this law, film actor Salman Khan has been sentenced for shooting two blackbull deer (chinkara) in Jodhpur in September 1998. Salman has appealed against the sentence and the case is still.

The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan is taking special care of deer animals which they , consider as the manifestation of divinity. The Bishnois even on seeing the herds of deer eating standing crop never chase deer away. If a deer get wounded by stray dog then the Bishnoi ladies nurse the fawn. Deer are often seen sauntering in the fields of Bishnois or taking a nap in the placid afternoon sun.

The Zest of Indian Festivities

Let come the Shravan month and the festivity is on its height. It arrives with lots of festivals and with that comes the celebration. The Shravan Somvars, Independence Day, Rakshabandhan, Krishna Janmashtami and lot many more festivals are there to augment the Indian mood of festivity

Beauty of India lies in its culture, tradition and also in its various festivals. It is next to impossible to imagine an Indian life without festivals. Every religion has its festival and the rituals of the festival add the spark in them. Festival means happiness, celebration, delicious dishes, new clothes and much more to the people.

So, its celebration time, as the very special, August - the monsoon month - has arrived. Everyone enjoys the thunder shower of rain and worship their god for getting peace in life and try to make future path smooth. Each part of India has some festivals and therefore reason to celebrate the life at it’s fullest.

The Holy Month Shiva

Every day of week in August (Shravan) is fully devoted to Lord Shiva and followers keep fast on Mondays (Somvar). It is celebrated as a special day in Shiva temples where the idol is bathed with milk and water constantly - day and night. The devotees meditate by offering Bel leaves and flowers and fast till sunset eating only vegetables and fruits. The deep burns 24 hours continuously in the temples signifying the eternal prayers of devotees ascending to heaven. A fable is popular that girls, who are on fast on Shravan Somvars, get husbands of their choice.

The Snake Festival
Nagapanchami is a festival that is dedicated to the snake-god. It occurs on the fifth day (panchami) of the fortnight as is evident from its name. It is celebrated with great fervor especially in the rural areas of North India. On Nagapanchami, Hindus worship the Naag (cobra). Women and children visit snake-pits and worship the snakes residing there by performing Aarti and offering milk and honey. Nagapanchami occurs at the beginning of the harvest season. Worshipping a slithering reptile whose mere sight makes our flesh creep would appear strange and curious to a person from another part of the globe, unfamiliar with Hindu customs.

Paryushan Parva
Paryushan Parva is an annual religious festival of the Jains. Considered as a most auspicious and sacred festival, it is observed to deepen the awareness as a physical being in combination with spiritual observations. In Jainism, fasting is considered as a spiritual activity that purifies ones souls, improves morality and spiritual power, increases knowledge and strengthens relationships. It is celebrated with fasting, reading of scriptures, observing silence etc. preferably under the guidance of monks in temples. Strict fasting where one has to completely abstain from food and even water is observed for a week or more. Depending upon one's capability, complete fasting spans between 8-31 days. Religious and spiritual discourses are held where tales of Lord Mahavira are narrated.

Independence Day
"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge... At the stroke of midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom," Jawaharlal Nehru spoke on the eve of India’s independence in 1947.

The day comes on 15th of August when we rejoice our freedom and pay collective homage to all those people who have sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. The day is celebrated in a mood of national pride and joy - no rituals, just festivities. On this day our Prime Minister sets the mood by hosting the national flag and addressing the nation from the rampart of the Red Fort in Delhi. This is accompanied by a march-past of the armed and police forces. Similar ceremonies are held in all the state capitals. The Prime Minister addresses and the march-past are relayed live on national television. Television channels treat their audience with patriotic films and songs. Cultural programmes featuring classical music and dance performances by top artistes are organized at several places.

The Celebration of Fraternal Love
Raksha Bandhan is mentioned in our epics as a festival of Gods. It is said that Yamuna, the sister of Yama, the lord of Death used to tie rakhi to her brother on every Shravan Purnima. Yama was so impressed by the occasion that he declared that who ever got a Rakhi tied from his sister would become immortal. From that day onwards sisters tie rakhi to their brothers wishing them a long life and brothers bestow their blessings by promising to take care of their sisters through thick and thin. Now it has become a tradition. Sisters tie the rakhi on the wrist of their brothers and offer them sweets and in return they are given various types of gifts – in kind and cash.

The Birth of Krishna
Janmashtami is celebrated every year on the 8th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksh); in the Hindu month of bhadon. The festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Krishna is the eighth and most important incarnation of Vishnu. Janmashtami is actually celebrated twice, the occasions coinciding with Krishna's birth in captivity in Mathura, and the discovery of the newborn Krishna in Nand and Yashoda's house in Gokul. This tale is fondly remembered on the day of Janmashtami as temples and homes are lit up on this joyous occasion. Especially cities like Mumbai, Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan come alive during the festival. Dandiyas and Raas Leelas (dance dramas) enact incidents from Krishna’s life amidst much pomp and show. People fast till midnight, the time of Krishna’s birth.

Parsi New Year
'Pateti and Khordad Sal' is a Parsi new year's day. Pateti is a festival of the Parsis and it is celebrated on the eve of New Year of the Zoroastrian calendar. On Pateti, the Parsis visit the fire temple or agiyary. The agiyary is called as a fire temple because the sacred fire which was brought from Iran once upon a time and it is always kept burning in the temple by the high priest. The Parsis worship Ahura Mazda, symbolized by fire. The word Pateti is derived from Pazend Patet, meaning 'repentance'. The Zoroastrian tenets are based on the three ideals of good thoughts, good words and good deeds. Six days later, Khordad Sal is celebrated as the birthday of Prophet Zoroaster.

This is not just the end but the beginning of the celebration, the festive mood has just started and it will go to the end of November. Indians are blessed as these festivals offer an opportunity to improve our relationship with our near and dear ones, and they also remind about the traditions and culture that we belong to. These celebrations make us realize about our ancestor’s presence and their blessings on us.