Aasha Bhosle: The Essence of Star Power

Indian singing legend credits her great success to a strong work ethic writes P.Ramakrishnan.

As if singer Asha Bhosle wasn't legendary enough - and we don't use the term lightly - she received some extra heavy metal for her overcrowded trophy room this month. Not only was she honoured at the 10th Pune International Film Festival for her "outstanding contribution to Indian cinema", but the Mumbai media house, Screen, also presented her with a lifetime achievement award.

Bhosle, 78, has at least 31 other such similar felicitations, including a Grammy nomination and a BBC lifetime achievement award (presented by then British prime minister Tony Blair in 2002). So when Bhosle herself is asked how many trophies line her cabinets, she sounds genuinely perplexed.

"I have no idea," she says, laughing, and turning to ask her son, Anand: "Do you know how many? Well, the most memorable awards were the national awards given to me by the president of India [in 1981, 1986 and a Padma Vibhushan award, the second highest civilian award, granted by President Pratibha Patil in 2008]. The rest, well, it's nice to be mentioned.

"But I have to confess one thing: everything came late to me in life."

Bhosle's achievements are ever-more remarkable as the younger sibling to India's "nightingale", Lata Mangeshkar. Two legendary singers born to the same household, mellifluous careers mired in mumblings of who's better. "I received everything 20 years after it was due to me - fame, recognition, awards," she says. "And the other half of my life got lost in the pointless conversation about who was better: me or my elder sister."

Like the rivalry between operatic divas Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi, with loyalties divided by fanatics, composers and producers, the rivalry between the Mangeshkar siblings has filled pages of Indian print since the 1940s. But it's an issue Bhosle refuses to address today, after years of supposed musical riffs and rifts. "I respect and love my sister. We meet for every family function. What others say, who is bothered?"

If it's hard to pinpoint who's greater, it's easier to note who has sung more. A few months ago, Guinness World Records officially acknowledged Bhosle as the most recorded artist in the history of music. She was awarded a certificate for "the most studio recordings [singles] for recording up to 11,000 solo, duet and chorus-backed songs and in over 20 Indian languages since 1947".

And Bhosle is still upping the record, as she's in the studio often and tours annually. Clad in her trademark sparkling saris, her hair pinned in a matriarchal bun, her arms and neck festooned with diamonds and pearls, the grandmother of five will be hitting the stage in Hong Kong on February 23 at the Cultural Centre.

Bhosle has performed with artists ranging from Nelly Furtado to Boy George, and even collaborated with boy band Code Red in the 1990s. While some of the names have faded into irrelevance, Bhosle's spotlight hasn't dimmed. She remains one of India's highest-paid singers and the nation's current crop of singing stars literally bow when she walks into a room. Think of Aretha Franklin in a sari, with a strong adherence to traditional Indian values.

Bhosle has sung cabaret songs, classical music, pop, disco and devotional songs in different languages - her vast repertoire performed with a vocal prowess of three octaves.

Why her singing contemporaries' voices have wilted with time while she remains a force to be reckoned with is no mystery. "Perhaps it's because I work just as hard now as when I started," she says. "I haven't forgotten the days of struggle. I know it takes 100 paisa to make a rupee. For years, I travelled great distances on foot and train from home to the studio. For the longest time, I made about 100 rupees [HK$15.30 today] a month. I remember the day I got 2,000 rupees for a recording. It was like I'd won the lottery.

"Today's singers get on a reality show and make hundreds of thousands a year. I have no issue with that, but what kind of fame is it? They still sing our old songs ... They have to make it on their own merit, not as pale imitations. Temporary fame is fleeting."

When asked who she likes among the current crop of singers, Bhosle politely evades the question. "I have no time to listen to [new] songs," she says. "I'm so busy recording or doing TV shows [judging musical reality shows in Mumbai] or on tour. But when travelling, I listen to the old songs. And keeping aside all the politics, I often listen to Pakistani poets and singers, such as Ghulam Ali and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan."

Bhosle strikes an elegiac note when she reminisces about her recordings with other singers from the 1950s and '60s - Kishore Kumar ("Who was the funniest person I've ever met and one of the most gifted"), Mohammed Rafi ("the greatest vocal range and a kind man") and Mukesh ("the perfect gentleman. They say you can't be a good singer if you're not a good person - well, he was a great singer and a greater person").

The current work ethic has changed, as well. "We had a full orchestra and had to perfect a song in one take," Bhosle says. "There were days of rehearsals. If there was a minor error or wrong note, we had to start all over again. And, for the most part, we all got along, as there had to be camaraderie among the musicians. We worked long, long hours. Today, well, you'll be surprised to know that often my so-called duets were recorded in one country, my co-singer in another, and it's all mixed together. And auto-tune, it's the funniest thing I've seen. We're now in an era where you don't have to be a remotely competent singer to sing."

This will be her third concert in Hong Kong, and her memories of the city reflect those of many other tourists.

"I went to Hong Kong in 1986 and in 1989 for shows at Queen Elizabeth Stadium. I remember shopping in Hong Kong after my shows, getting chiffon saris, things for my three children. I don't remember much else. At this age, my interest in shopping has gone, but music hasn't left me, and I haven't left music."

Eternal Asha, Feb 23, 8pm, Concert Hall, Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, HK$300-HK$1,200, Urbtix. Inquiries: 6019 0621

P. Ramakrishnan
ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com
Jan 29, 2012


Pic Caption: An Indian national treasure, Asha Bhosle has been entertaining with her records and live shows for decades.

Bollywood golden girl makes a nostalgic homecoming and sizzles at cinema awards

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif sauntered up the stage at the Venetian Macao at the weekend to pick up the International Icon female accolade at the annual Zee Cine Awards. Her brief sojourn in Macau and Hong Kong came with a whiff of nostalgia for her. “Coming to Hong Kong means a lot to me. Not many people know I was born in Hong Kong and my mum still has friends here,” she said.

With a British mum and an Indian father, Kaif is one of the biggest names in the Indian film industry. She performed a medley of her Hindi songs in Macau to an enraptured audience.

Those who missed Kaif’s sizzling live act now have the chance to watch her on screen in Hong Kong in the Mumbai mafia-based movie Agneepath (Path of Fire), in which she makes a much talked about guest appearance. Dressed in traditional Marathi fisherwoman’s garb, Kaif performs a dance in the den of a gangster, together with a cast of 250.

“You’ve never seen Katrina like this before,” choreographer Ganesh Acharya said. “She looks so delicate and fragile. We added some masala [spice] into her dance. Only she could have done it – she’s super dedicated.”

Kaif rehearsed non-stop for hours before her Macau gig, but that was nothing compared to the preparation for her movie song, which was shot over 10 days. “I work really hard,” she said. “And I know my job.”

By P. Ramakrishnan


Agneepath, in Hindi with English subtitles, screens at 9.30pm today (FRIDAY) and next Wednesday at the Chinachem Golden Plaza Cinema in Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets cost HK$120 to HK$180.

Zodiac thrillers

The dragon is the most powerful symbol in the Chinese horoscope, so fire up the new year with these red-hot gift ideas
Byline: Compiled by Jing Zhang and P. Ramakrishnan

For her

1. Wrap up in style with this special edition dragon print silk scarf (HK$2,850) from Salvatore Ferragamo, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2845 2718

2. The Be My Dior Promenade pouch (HK$12,500) in quilted lambskin has lucky charms on its sturdy silver chain. Christian Dior, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2269 5000

3. Add a touch of sparkle with Ben Amun's art deco-inspired crystal brooch (HK$3,990) and earrings (HK$2,690). Available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, tel: 3695 3388

4. This sleek women's timepiece by Emporio Armani (HK$2,200) features a silver dragon atop a black sunray dial - in a limited number of 2,012 pieces. Available at Emporio Armani, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2437 1395

For him

1. This black lacquered watch box (HK$229,000) with dragon motif in mother-of-pearl marquetry and mother-of-pearl cabochons makes a timeless gift. Cartier, The Landmark, Central, tel: 2525 1281

2. Make a bold statement with this rich red Burberry Leather Blackford Medium Crossbody bag (HK$12,500). Burberry is at Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2868 3511

3. Dunhill's range of dragon-themed accessories include hand-finished sterling silver cufflinks (HK$2,150). Dunhill, Pacific Place, tel: 2537 1009

4. Add a shot of colour to your wardrobe with these red leather shoes from Sergio Rossi (HK$7,530). Sergio Rossi, Pacific Place, tel: 2918 0872

January 15, 2012

Out shopping

Spring in her step

Hugo Boss' latest spring-summer collection is a return to minimalist, post-modern looks for the brand, with clean silhouettes and muted shades. Get tickled pink with the combination of a soft pink jacket (HK$5,800), blouse (HK$2,850) and skirt (HK$2,500), paired with a tan belt (HK$3,150), shoes (HK$7,150) and clutch (all above; HK$5,600). For a bit of drama, there's the billowy yellow dress (HK$16,800), cut with a simple belt (HK$2,250) and complementing heels (all right; HK$2,150). Hugo Boss is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 3188 1171.

Flower arrangement

For collectors, Miriam Haskell's iconic costume jewellery is worth its weight in gold, with some even making it to museums. Her more affordable pieces, inspired by the 1920s, are available at Harvey Nichols (Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668). Highlights include the striking pearl ring (right; HK$3,900) and floral necklace (below; HK$13,900).

Gold fever

With Lunar New Year fast approaching, Sergio Rossi has released a few timely accessories in gold. Featuring a crystal butterfly imprint, the bronzed gold Chinese New Year Capsule Clutch (below; HK$18,560) and gold high-heeled shoes (right; HK$9,860) will help you strut in style this festive season. Sergio Rossi is at Pacific Place, tel: 2918 0872.

Small wonder

German brand MCM has created a downsized version of its classic First Lady bag that retains the contours and shape of the original. The calf leather Mini First Lady bag (above; HK$4,600) features intricate craftsmanship and stitching, and comes in a range of colours. It's available exclusively until March 31 at MCM, Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 3425 4051.

January 22, 2012




Hair apparent

New Yorker Colette Malouf's 1920s-inspired hair accessories have been shimmering on the coiffures and weaves of Hollywood's elite - and with good reason. The eye-catching designs are routinely described as "jewellery for your hair" by fashion bloggers. We are loving Malouf's new pieces, in particular the hand-beaded floral headband (right; HK$2,390), the crocheted orchid hair clips (top; HK$1,690) and the sparkling crystal-studded hair pin twin-set (above; HK$1,590). Colette Malouf is available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668.

Put a ring on it

We are loving the collection of fiendish pleasures at Pretty Dangerous, a Hong Kong-based online shopping portal that offers a range of jewellery with a wicked edge. Standouts include the silver Galactica ring (far left; HK$3,200), with its hard-rock cool, and the devilishly delish Cranium Damien sterling silver ring (left; HK$2,850). Pretty Dangerous products are available at www.prettydangerous.com.hk.

In the name of the rose

For the Moroccan-born Israeli designer of the French house of Lanvin, Alber Elbaz, winter is no reason eschew beautiful flowers in full bloom. A flora-and-fauna-themed line (albeit in muted shades or in stark black and white) hit the catwalk this season. Particularly popular (and selling out fast in Central) are the rose-print dresses, including the puffy, girlish black-and-white version (far left; HK$44,000). The dark number with a distressed U-shaped top (left; HK$31,500) also gets our vote. Lanvin is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7323.

Take a shine

Put your right foot forward this new year in a Badgley Mischka sequined peep-toe shoe (below; HK$3,700). Or, for those big nights out, there's the silver satin-bowed sandal (bottom; HK$3,700). Badgley Mischka is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.

January 1, 2012

By P.Ramakrishnan
E-mail ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com

Behind the label: Pheres: Designer Narcisa Pheres' eponymous brand

Who started it? Narcisa Pheres launched her eponymous menswear label in Milan, Italy, in 2006, and displayed her first collection at the city's Istituto di Moda Burgo. Pheres' focus on producing the best, handcrafted range of menswear and accessories from neck (silk ties) to toe (exotic leather shoes) made it a hit from the outset. Pheres opened in Japan during the same year it was launched in Milan, then into Singapore in 2008 and Hong Kong last year. 

Why we love it: because of the Italian sheen and shine that rings of la dolce vita. The clothes are lined with materials such as silk, cashmere and wool-silk blends while the bags and shoes are made of the finest - and often exotic - leather. There's a strong adherence to classic design and silhouettes: from its silk ties to classic-cut suits, crisp white linen shirts to the muted shades of the scarves, everything has a refined Italian touch. 

What we'd pick: Pheres' bow-ties (top; HK$2,000 to HK$3,000) have a timeless appeal and we love the black man's bag (below; HK$60,000), but there's also something very cool about the stingray shoes (above; HK$25,000). 

Where can you get it? Pheres is available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388. 

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan 

January 22, 2012

Mud, sweat and gears

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

As an executive director of a large corporation, Ho Ren-hua, 30, has the sort of buttoned up job that is common in a teeming metropolis. But even in the urban jungle, the Shanghai-based Singaporean finds the time and energy to hit the road.

"I was in high school track and field from the age of 12, and then I entered the army at 19, so there was always some form of exercise in my life from early on," he says. "I didn't stop once I was working, as keeping fit and healthy sort of becomes part of your life."

From working out in a gym, playing basketball, to running regularly, he became serious about fitness some years ago while living in New York. He decided to try running a marathon. "The New York City Marathon is one of the best organised and most popular events in the world. I signed up and ran through the city," he says. "By the end of it, I was crushed. You need to train properly."

At 26, he added swimming and cycling to his repertoire and started triathlons. He moved to Hong Kong, where he joined a triathlon club, and his passion for the sport really grew. "Some are better bikers, some swim better, and others run well. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but the aim is to beat yourself," he says. "We all have hurdles and crossing the finish line is the goal. What position you finish in is up to you."

What's been the biggest challenge as a triathlete?

I did very leisurely swimming and biking, but never seriously trained for those disciplines. I wouldn't say I was particularly weak or strong at either - I think I'm balanced in all three disciplines, which I think is the best way to be. I started training hard for all three at the same time and, more importantly, I really enjoy each of them. The mindset should be to enjoy all aspects so you don't bemoan one part.

Is this the best shape you've been in?

I'm lighter than I was 10 years ago. When I was 19, I was 73kg. I feel fitter than ever - though it's not so much about weight but overall endurance.

With age and experience what's been a big lesson?

The importance of rest. Most triathletes learn to manage their body better. It's a really good thing to learn with time - you know how your body feels and you listen to it. When you're tired or injured, you process it better. When you're young, you spring right back, but as I get older, I'm more mindful.

How is your diet now? Anything particular you do before a race?

To be honest, I don't watch what I eat, normally. I think it's one of the benefits of training so hard. The only thing I do before a race, perhaps a week before, is to cut down on junk food and heavy meals. People do tend to carbo-load before the race, as it's fuel for the body when you race. For me, it's the day after the race that I go all out. Pizza is my great indulgence.

What's the best part of being a triathlete?

It's such a motivational sport. Unlike other sports, you're not in it to win it. We don't all run to come in first; taking part is key. It's a sense of improving yourself. It's the training process. The goal in mind is not to give up. And it's the sport with the greatest camaraderie. People of all ages come together and inspire each other. We talk about the challenges and goals. And living in Asia, we get to meet others and plan events to meet up at, and take part in the great races in places like Phuket, Bali, Hong Kong, Bhutan and Japan. It's a touristic sport.

Why does it seem like such an intimidating sport?

There may be three fields to master at once but it's such an inspirational sport, rather than intimidating. Most of my friends who take part are older than me and they aren't competing with each other but against themselves. I find them so inspirational. The time they're trying to beat is their own, not anyone else's. And everyone has their moments of highs and lows. You're always looking to improve your personal best. I could do this for the next 10 or 20 years.

Do you do any other sport?

I have been doing yoga at least once a week for the past two to three years. My girlfriend also does it. After the intensity of a triathlon, I find it very restorative.

Caption: Ho Ren-hua on a training run in Shek O village. "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but the aim is to beat yourself." Photo: Herbert Tsang

January 17, 2012
Health Post

Bollywood's brightest stars heading for Macau awards extravaganza

A constellation of Indian stars will be shooting over to the Venetian Macao for the annual Zee Cine Awards on Saturday. A ceremony honouring the best and brightest of the Hindi film industry and its all-singing, all-dancing escapades of the past year, the show will feature a roster of top acts, led by the unofficial king of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan, and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra. They will be hosting a 31/2-hour show with music and dance acts.

Also appearing will be young heartthrobs Ranbir Kapoor (tipped to be rewarded for his performance in Rockstar), Shahid Kapoor (no relation), Vidya Balan (also expected to win for her scintillating act in The Dirty Picture) and gorgeous leading lady Katrina Kaif, who is set to perform her chart-topping dance numbers. Old-school Bollywoodites will perhaps be more thrilled to see the still-stunning Zeenat Aman, a former Miss India and Miss Asia Pacific, who is expected to grace the stage to dish out a few gongs.

The Zee Cine Awards celebrates a billion-dollar film industry, with 14 million Asians estimated to visit the cinema daily and 1,000 films produced annually. If the overwhelming success of the subtitled Hindi film 3 Idiots in Hong Kong and the mainland is any indication, the local cinema circuit will be spiced up with regular Indian features in 2012. Sunil Datwani, a Hong Kong-based Indian film promoter and distributor, said: "I plan to showcase some of the best and most anticipated Hindi films in regular cinemas this year. There's clearly an audience for it."

Ticket prices for this Saturday's show range from HK$988 to HK$6,888. For details go to www.venetianmacao.com/zee_cine_awards.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

January 18, 2012

Always A Muse-Ing.

Outtakes from a shoot! My muse amused. What up!

Fashionable Lifestyle

P. Ramakrishnan looks at the various and always colourful faces of Versace.

Starting as a boutique in 1978, Versace has grown in strength and stature. The couture house now encompasses lifestyle hotels and interior ranges from Versace Home Collection to Palazzo Versace. Some highlights include:

Palazzo Versace Designed and decorated by Versace, Palazzo Versace in Australia is reminiscent of the glorious days of the late Renaissance. Featuring baroque art and architecture, the 205-room luxury hotel (with 72 villa suites) is unlike any other in the southern hemisphere, its ornate ceilings, decorative walls and luxurious finishing seem to have been plucked from European palaces and transported to the Gold Coast.

Indubitably, the most notable feature is the lush colour and fabric, a lavish indulgence that's authentic to Versace's Italian extravagant lifestyle and spirit. The building is an edification of the Maison's signature design, heritage and furnishing flair, translated through every detail of its product offering, combined with Italian architecture and craftsmanship.

"The hotel and the homeware are really ways of bringing the Versace world to life," says Donatella Versace. "If you visit the home of the House in Via Ges? Milan, you will find that the Versace Palazzo is decorated in a style featuring motifs that recall the Greeks and Romans, combined with baroque-style prints and Renaissance decorative flourishes. These designs appear on furniture, furnishings and crockery, and this opulent look is further mixed with harder, more graphic pieces incorporating ultra-modern materials and slick leatherwork.

"This kind of interior design and these pieces of furniture - and anything else we do in the area of lifestyle, such as mobile phones, fragrances and jewellery, simply express the Versace look in another way; in a way that is different to the fashion collections, but no less Versace."

The Milano Residences Versace's first designer condominium in Southeast Asia opens in the Philippines capital Manila in 2015. Those wanting to immerse themselves in the Versace lifestyle can select from the 340 one- or two-bedroomed units. There are also The Penthouses, The Townhouses, and Italian-inspired units called The Loggias, with breathtaking private plunge pools. The brand's Greek motif will be seen in the grand lobby, hallways, lounge, library, pool, garden and spa.

Home Furnishing Like thrones made for emperors, most furnishing from Versace has a regal, antique air about it that's a hybrid of intelligent modern technique (laser cutting) and traditional print (the omnipresence of the house's Greek logo).

Most prominent in their latest collection is the emergence of metal, a notable link throughout the collection, exemplified in the gilt strip - shiny, satin or chromium plated - which recalls the asymmetric cuts on Versace clothes, resulting in a graphic interpretation of the house's signature logo.

When it comes to fabric, furniture material and cushions, opulence is key; leathers, velvets, satins and silk, shiny laminated textiles, and technical fabrics with lacquer effects. The colour palette goes from vibrant blues to lacquered red, from a golden yellow to an elegant pearl gray.

Table Treasures When it comes to Versace's table manners, it seems apt the range is called The Vanity collection. Heavy on gold colours, the iconic Versace motif is highlighted in the porcelain pieces, patterns that reinforce Versace's Art de la Table. That gilt-edged decoration is unmistakable as are the vibrant colours. The introduction of a traditional Italian "Panettone" (sweet bread loaf originally from Milan) plate and dessert plates were launched for the festive season, with colour motifs in red, gold and white.

Behind the Label: Swedish Hasbeens

Who started it? Swedish Hasbeens was launched in 2007, in two small retro design, lifestyle concept stores in Stockholm, Sweden. Emy Blixt and Cecilia Wingard Neuman had come to the conclusion that modern shoes lacked the natural craftsmanship and quality of traditional Swedish footwear. The challenge was to produce shoes in organic materials and fashionable designs while using production methods from the 1970s. The idea began on a whim, when Blixt bought 300 colourful clogs from an old shoe factory. The shoes reminded her of beautiful women from her childhood growing up in a small fishing village. Blixt and Neuman took the clogs to Stockholm and gave them to friends, who helped spread the trend. Together with an old clog manufacturer, Blixt then designed a series of clogs called "Emy", inspired by the originals. Swedish Hasbeens products are now sold in 400 stores in more than 20 countries, including China, Japan and South Korea. This spring, Swedish Hasbeens outlets will open in Lane Crawford, Hong Kong; Seoul; and Shanghai.

Why we love it: the name is interesting; what exactly is a "hasbeen"? Well, according to the company's site: "a Hasbeen is tired; tired of being branded as a categorised target group, tired of being analysed and increasing profits of corporations. A Hasbeen shows their love for creativity, joy and quality in what they wear." The fun element is key here, and the wooden clogs are surprisingly comfortable and fashion forward. Footwear fetishist Sarah Jessica Parker started a virtual stampede by buyers when she was snapped wearing Swedish Hasbeens. Hasbeens toffels, bags and belts (available online, but not in Hong Kong stores yet) are also based on retro models, handmade using ecologically prepared natural grain leather.

What we'd pick: the open-toe black leather strap clog (above; HK$1,900) or the simple leather clog in blue or brown (left; also HK$1,900).

Where can you get it? Swedish Hasbeens is available at Kapok, 5 Saint Francis Yard, Wan Chai, tel: 2549 9254, or online at www.swedishhasbeens.com.

January 8, 2012
Post magazine
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

All right Jack

British brand Jack Wills, which helped create the zeitgeist of collegiate contemporary fashion, has opened its doors in Kowloon and Causeway Bay. Its "Fabulously British" flagship, in the newly revamped Leighton Centre, is emblazoned with the brand's signature pink and blue stripes and peppered with photographs, archival posters and curated paraphernalia with English roots. The hard- wood floors feature a hand-painted Union flag.

The chain was founded in 1999 by Rob Shaw and Peter Williams (the brand is named after Williams' grandfather, Jack Williams), both then in their mid 20s, in Salcombe, Devon. The pair wanted to create a brand that celebrated English heritage, but with a modern upgrade. With a gleeful viral marketing campaign aimed at students, the brand took off and now has 60 stores in Britain and 11 in the United States. Hong Kong is the first stop on its Asian migration.

The label has a tacit royal seal of approval: princes William and Harry and Kate Middleton have appeared in the pages of Hello! sporting the brand.

Standouts among the women's outfits, which range from quirky to cute, include the Orchard Bank dress (HK$5,040), which has a full skirt and bow belt. The Belford sequin dress (HK$10,100) will set you back a bit. For men, scarves, cardigans and flannel shirts line the racks. But for the dandy, there's the Brocton peacoat (HK$2,900) and Coxham classic flat cap (HK$490).

Jack Wills is in Leighton Centre, Causeway Bay, tel: 3105 1798; and Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3101 9776.

January 1, 2012
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan (Ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

Behind the label: Flair by JOC

Who started it? This ready-to-wear collection was designed by Hong Kong native Joanna Chu Liao. Having been exposed to fashion at an early age through her family's garment business, Chu's first career step saw her working for a German designer, where she focused on beading and embroidery. Itochu and Look Japan then invited Chu to design ready-to-wear collections for the Japanese market. Her pieces have been stocked by the likes of Barneys New York, Mitsukoshi, Daimaru, Matsuzakaya and Seibu. During her Japanese sojourn, she designed uniforms for Estee Lauder and Folli Follie. Last year, she launched her own collection: Flair by JOC. Combining her know-how in tailoring, knitting and craftsmanship, Chu created a range of colourful, textured and comfortable womenswear.

Why we love it: the fine knits in the latest collection show great attention to detail while the bright colour scheme will counter dull grey skies and wintry moods. Flair by JOC is a curve-hugging line that flatters a woman's silhouette in all the right places. The sleek designs, contemporary looks, handcrafted knits and artfully assembled pieces are casual yet elegant. As the designer once put it: "The brand's muse is an independent woman who leads a contemporary lifestyle - one who is always sure of herself."

What we would pick: the off-white knitted top (below right; HK$4,500) or, for a shot of bold colour, the vermilion cardigan (above right; also HK$4,500).

Where can you get it? Flair by JOC is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
January 1, 2012

How yoga straightened me out

German-born, American-bred Claudia Whitney, 36, wasn't always keen on the idea of doing yoga pretzel poses. She once saw yoga as a foreign form of exercise that wasn't meant for her.

"I had the same excuses as a lot of people I meet today: 'I'm not flexible', 'There is not enough time', or 'This isn't for me'," she says. "But I finally got into it 11 years ago in New York. I was hooked from my first class. I struggled the whole way through, but the experience shifted me on so many levels that there was no looking back."

An ancient practice originating in southern India, it seemed like a fad at first, when celebrities (and then everyone else) took to it. But why did the fad not fade?

"Yoga is more than a workout; I think that it becomes a way of life for most people," says Whitney, now an instructor at Pure Yoga. "You start to shift destructive patterns on the mat, and then you're capable of changing things in your everyday life. Without this outlook, the poses we do in class mean nothing, and I think that is what keeps people coming back."

Whitney thinks yoga would benefit youngsters, too, to help calm teenage anxiety and hormonal turmoil.

"I was a wild child - well, I'm still a wild girl - but growing up, I had to face some tough times," she says. "Yoga has helped me find balance and calmed me down. I wish I had started earlier, as it really centres you. I've learned to let go of a lot of the nonsense and focus on positive things ... I've honestly never been happier in my life."

Were you a sporty person as a child?

I was not a sporty child, and my diet was terrible. I ended up being overweight in my late teens and early 20s, so I started educating myself about nutrition and fitness, and that is when I first committed to working out. Changing my diet and working with a personal trainer helped me to shed the extra weight and improve my confidence. Eventually, I found yoga and, while it keeps me fit, it has become more than a physical practice. I can't imagine my life without it.

I guess you had the diet of most teenagers?

Yes, I grew up eating fried food, junk food and fast food. When I made the choice to lose weight and get healthy, I stopped eating all of these things and started experimenting with my diet. At one point I ate only raw vegan food for three years, and I felt amazing. When I moved to Asia, I was so excited about the variety of food and flavours that I reintroduced cooked food, and now I'm about 70 per cent to 75 per cent raw vegan, and I've never felt better.

Have you made a spiritual journey to India?

I spent three months in India six years ago. I travelled to Mysore first to study ashtanga yoga with Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Rangaswamy. Practise started at 5am, so I had the rest of the day to study anything I was interested in. I learned a southern Indian style of painting called Kannada, and I studied meditation and drawing with another teacher. We would sit outside his house on the ground and meditate before each lesson, which started out with scribbling with crayons to get me to loosen up. I also took vegetarian Indian cooking classes and studied Carnatic music [the classical music of southern India].

As a yoga teacher, what's your sales pitch?

If someone is really interested then I usually invite him or her to try a complimentary class at Pure Yoga. Most people are usually only interested in the physical benefits because practising yoga creates a toned, flexible and strong body, but there are benefits beyond that, like feeling more energetic and maintaining a balanced metabolism. You're promoting cardio and circulatory health, and it helps stress levels. When you practise steadily, you are also building awareness of your body, feelings, relationships and the world around you. It's a complete package.

Are men more averse to yoga than women?

Men who go to the gym usually have a misconception that yoga is only stretching and meditation, and they don't realise that it is also extremely physically challenging. I have noticed an increase in male attendance in the past couple of years. They find it's a great complement to their gym workout or any sport. Anyone can do it, and it's not going to tear up your body.

Pic Caption: Strike a pose: Pure Yoga instructor Claudia Whitney. Photo: May Tse


Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
e-mail ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com
January 3, 2012
Health Post

Bad intentions: Producer, Director, Actor Farhan Akthtar's Don: A Remake

Forget the schmaltzy musicals, thanks to maverick filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, Bollywood has fallen in love with the ultimate anti-hero. P.Ramakrishnan talks to the man behind action blockbuster Don 2.


"If your mother knew what you had done, she'd shoot you herself," says an exasperated inspector in an undisclosed Kuala Lumpur prison, confronting the master criminal.

"You didn't know my mother," grunts the tattoo-covered, muscle-bound Don, the hint of a wicked grin escaping his lips.

It took the penmanship and directorial moxie of screenwriter, director, actor, singer and lyricist Farhan Akhtar to turn actor Shahrukh Khan, 46, gleefully bad on celluloid. A return to form, "King" Khan (as he's known by the Mumbai media, for his unprecedented box-office success) plays the bad guy with relish once again in Don 2. The King is Back after years of whisking away leading ladies in song and dance.

"In the first film, we had played against prototype," Akhtar, 37, says of the 2006 movie Don: The Chase Begins Again. "We let the bad guy get away with it. He killed the hapless hero, he murders the leading lady's brother and the audience was in on it. They enjoyed the fact he got away with it in the last reel - and we didn't justify the 'badness' of the character. There was no psychological cause, tormented background nor redeeming factor about Don. He was just bad - and liked being bad."

The open-ended conclusion hinted at a sequel, but the filmmaker clarifies: "Honestly speaking, when we wrapped up the first film, we seriously didn't consider it. But psychosomatically, it came about. Everywhere we went, people kept coming up to me and asking when the sequel was coming out.

"While we worked on other projects, Ritesh [Sidhwani, the producer] and I kept thinking about it. So we sat down with two other writers and fleshed out a plot about two years ago. On a trip to Germany back in 2007, Berlin's untapped cinematic potential [made an impression] - it's a city meant for panoramic cinema. So we kept that in the background, too."

Given the success of its predecessor, expectations were high, so the trick, Akhtar says, was learning how to keep an audience interested.

"The viewer is already wise enough to know that there's a twist coming, so the hurdle we had to cross was to keep the audience second-guessing," he says. "It's the nature of the film and the genre; so we had to create enough sequences and surprises to keep the audience at the edge of its seat at multiple turns. The fan base already knows he's going to get away - but how? And then to make it plausible - well, cinematically plausible."

Sequels are often derided as pale imitations of the original, exceptions being The Godfather: Part II and one or two others.

"In India, we have the opposite; people look forward to sequels. There's a ready-made audience that already knows the characters [the main leads are back for Don 2], so each successive film gets a larger viewership - the curse of the sequel doesn't worry us."

Indeed, Akhtar sounds remarkably calm in the lead-up to the opening of his latest big-budget action caper, which comes in the wake of Khan's much maligned film Ra. One, which was released in October. Ra. One recovered its enormous cost - such is the popularity of Khan - but the media panned the bloated, special-effects-laden movie.

"I'm not at all worried in that aspect," says Akhtar. "We've been in the business for long enough to not let what 15 critics say affect us too much."

The son of legendary Indian poet and writer Javed Akhtar (who has an unprecedented 14 Filmfare awards - the Indian equivalent to the Oscar) and former actress and award-winning screenwriter Honey Irani, if not by genetic predisposition (his sister, Zoya, is also a writer and director), then by sheer osmosis the raspy-voiced son was to the writing-manner born. When asked about his hefty literary lineage, he says, laughing: "Thankfully, I live under no pressure from being born under the shadow of my parents' vast achievements.

"Fortunately, we [Farhan and Zoya] have been left to our own devices and have a huge support system. There's no pressure to meet their records. The benefits have been endless, we can talk about films for hours, as well as politics, art, literature. There was no expectation to follow anyone, to amass the trophies. They want us to do well - like any other parent."

With his first film, Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Akhtar established himself as a game-changer. A hit with the collegiate demographic, the Hindi production captured the zeitgeist of Indian youth who were cosmopolitan, wealthy and idle - his three protagonists spend a lot of time on the beaches of Goa. The rom-com has characters with devil-may-care attitudes who nevertheless find their bearings.

Akhtar then went beyond the boy-meets-girl Bollywood musical template. His second film, Lakshya, traces the life of an aimless student who makes his mark as a soldier. It may not have set the box office on fire, but, as most critics noted, Akhtar was the man to watch.

Then followed Don, a remake of a 1978 film.

"When I saw the original Don, which was written by my father and Salim Khan, I remember being a little scared of the character," says Akhtar. "[Amitabh Bachchan] was the bad guy, who was the lead and unapologetic about it. That stayed with me. So when the opportunity came to bring back the subject, it was an exciting option.

"In the Hindi film industry, we're used to pigeon-holing the leads: the all-around good-guy hero, the virginal heroine, the skimpily dressed vamp, the pipe-smoking villain. The boundaries are set. This was an awakening; you get to break the rules."

Akhtar based his reboot loosely on the original but brought it into the new century with a polished veneer, a remix of songs from the 1970s and a novel twist.

"When the first draft of the script came, we could only see Shahrukh Khan doing it," says Sidhwani, who has co-produced all of Akhtar's films. "We needed someone who had the charisma to ensure that the audience didn't repel from the fact that this guy kills people and keeps getting away with it."

Nearly two decades ago, Khan played the bad-guy role in a trio of Hindi films: Baazigar, in which his character kills one of the lead females; Darr, in which he plays a serial stalker; and Anjaam, which saw him play a sociopathic killer. But in the years since, Khan has played the saccharine, guitar-strumming protagonist in a slew of romantic films, wooing beauty queens and family audiences, and in the process becoming the highest-paid Hindi film actor to date.

"For someone who doesn't even like love stories, I've played an awful lot of lovers," Khan has said. "Personally speaking, I wouldn't see any of the romantic films I've acted in."

Which perhaps explains how eagerly he jumped at the opportunity to play Don, in his 58th and 75th film appearances.

"I did enjoy him as the bad guy," says Akhtar, as he heads to Dubai with his cast for the premiere of the film. "The capacity to play bad in a very, very interesting way takes an actor of Shahrukh's calibre, and he pulls it off with such panache.

"What I liked about Don was that we never justify his greed, the need for power. He doesn't claim to be anything but his bad self - the audience prefers that lack of hypocrisy. If we had turned the character good - given him a subplot to explain the way he is - then the film wouldn't have worked."

Akhtar grew up in Mumbai (Bombay as it was then) in the 80s, uniformly recognised as the worst decade for Hindi films; an excess of mindless musical mayhem that needed a transfusion of fresh blood.

"God, there were some awful movies made in the 80s, which gave birth to so many cliches," he says. "You really have to sift through to find the cinematic gems. But now, things have changed."

Nonetheless, he says, "I enjoyed Hindi films a lot growing up. I never looked down on them. And in equal measure, I was crazy about dramas and action films from Hollywood - the Bond movies and Die Hard. Especially Die Hard!

"Friends used to make fun of me, but I used to watch Bruce Willis' action - or parts of it - every day. Die Hard I, II, III and IV - I loved them all. Fast-paced action, non-stop movement and exposition, the lines - which, as a teen, I thought were brilliant. Now I flinch a bit. But I still love it and know every word."

And therein may lie the genesis of the slick and expensive action sequences in his own films. With an international crew and the latest technology, the sheen and patina of Don 2 is several notches above the average fare - and if the chase scenes seem reminiscent of The Bourne Identity it is for good reason.

"The Mumbai movie-watcher is different from those of anywhere else as we're fed on both Indian films and Hollywood flicks, so our generation of movie makers has that duality in them. We want to make films where the action is on par with an American counterpart, but we won't shy away from the song-and-dance routine," says Akhtar. "I have to say, I enjoy the music, too - as long as it pushes the story forward. The days of mindless, 'lets put a song here to give the audience time to go to the loo' are over. I hope."

Don 2 is less than two hours and 15 minutes long - shorter by three quarters of an hour than the average Hindi film - and most of the songs hum along in the background.

"We added a background score for Don, and there aren't many lip-synced dances that the leads break into. Depending on the nature of the film - its genre - the song-and-dance bit is often integral to Indian cinema, and it would be a disservice to take it out. The Frenchman in the hall or the German or the Malaysian or Indonesian, they expect it just as much as the Indian audience does.

"The rate of inflation aside, Don 2 is on a much larger scale [than the first Don]. We had established that Don was wanted all across Asia for the crimes he committed in the first film - so why not take over the world?" says Akhtar. "We had an excellent crew and cast [in Berlin] - and if you've heard the expression, 'India has the largest cinematic audience', well, we witnessed it. Everywhere we went, even in the winter, hundreds of people gathered to watch. Shahrukh celebrated his birthday during the shoot and hundreds of people congratulated him - he was very moved."

Don 2 was simultaneously released in India, the United States and Britain, where there is a large Indian community. Russia, France, Malaysia, South Korea, Germany, Hong Kong and the mainland also got to see the film last weekend, as the market for Indian films with subtitles or dubbed versions grows rapidly.

Says producer Sidhwani: "In India, we got lucky that Mission: Impossible [Ghost Protocol] was released a week before Don 2. But we're also lucky that an Indian audience is not divided by a Hollywood option. A nation of a billion, if given an option, would patronise their local industry."

And will there be a Don 3?

Akhtar laughs: "Ring me back after you watch the film. I'll answer then."


The stars of Don 2, Shahrukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, will host the Zee Cine Awards at the Venetian Macao on January 21. Tickets are available at www.venetianmacao.com/zee_cine_awards. Don 2 had a limited run over Christmas and may return in the new year. In the meantime you can visit www.don2thefilm.com to conduct your own investigation into his crimes.


Feature by P.Ramakrishnan, ramakrishnanp @ hotmail.  com [spaced out so I don't get spam - and I mean more spam! Rama).

Knit-Picking: Sabrina Sikora snaps Katherine Webster for LJ! 2012

Model: Katherine Webster 

Wardrobe: LJ 

Hair/make-up: Sabrina 

Photography: Sabrina Sikora

Test shoot with photographer, the gorgeous Sabrina Sikora. 

Pics of the lovely Katherine. More to come! 

woop!