Quirky make-up ideas and grandmom's tips!

Global beauty blogger Deepica Mutyala's makeup tips on YouTube has earned her millions of fans. Here's why

WIDE-AWAKE LOOK
Most people apply mascara outward, going towards their ears to create a sort of `cat eye' look, but for a more wide awake look, apply your mascara inwards. By re-directing the lashes, your eyes will pop and look more refreshed. A great way to make your eyes twinkle is by using a light-coloured eyeliner in the water line of your eye instead of black. I like to use gold or silver eyeliner (depending on my outfit). One of my favourite looks is liquid liner on the top eye, silver liner on the bottom water line, with mascara on both top and bottom lashes. I sometimes even carry the lighter liner into the corners of my eye to act as an eyeshadow.

COCONUT OIL ROCKS!
I recently started to use coconut oil on my hair, body, and face. Yes, the same coconut oil South Asian women grew up seeing their mom put in their hair. I used to rebel when my mom wanted to put it in my hair but it's really served as a miracle product for me. I've already noticed my hair look shinier, face feel more nourished, and body less dry. It's funny how sometimes the simplest products can make the biggest impacts.

BRAID IT OUT
Indian women don't play with braids enough because they fear that it'll look too traditional. But there are so many ways to experiment with them. Try the voluminous messy fishtail. It's a great way to stand out in a room full of straightened or curled hair.

MIX TWO BOLDS
A lipstick can change your entire beauty look and really make your outfit pop. It can be intimidating at first. I started with a bold red lipstick and now do everything from plums, bright pink, fuchsia, and orange shades. I challenge women to mix it up - the key is to wear it with confidence. You can make your lips look more full by using a lip liner that's a shade or two darker than your lipstick and dabbing your lips with a highlighter. The trick is called `overlining' your lips and has been done by several celebrities recently. I like to think of it as lip contouring.

3 MUST-DOS FOR INDIAN WOMAN
Use a brow pencil: You know that feeling you get after getting your eyebrows threaded? You look in the mirror and say to yourself "this completely changed my face". That's the same effect that filling in your brows does! I think it's the product that most Indian women don't realise they need (because we tend to already have dark, thick brows) but you can't live without it once they see the difference it makes.

Finding a good concealer: I think if you surveyed all Indian women and asked what their number one beauty concern is, it'd be dark circles. Finding the right concealer makes a huge difference in your overall look. Of course, if you still need the extra help, the red lipstick trick does wonders.

Using a highlighter illuminator: If you want radiant skin, I have two tips: 1) Drink tons of water and 2) Find a killer highlighter. Highlighter looks great with Indian clothes.

It's extra accentuated because of all the fun jewellery we wear.

(Originally published on March 29, 2015)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=quirky,make-up ideas,grandma,beauty tips

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

How to get rid of ring marks on your finger

Wearing rings for a prolonged period of time causes ugly marks around your fingers. If ignored, those marks can become permanent.

If you are dealing with such ring stains then not wearing your ring is a temporary solution. Those stains will come back once you put on the ring again. Here are a few tips to get rid of ring marks on your fingers:
Exfoliate the affected areas regularly. This will help you in getting rid of dead cells that darken the area.
Do not forget to apply sunscreen before stepping out. Sometimes the tan caused by exposure to sun makes the marks even more stubborn and hard to get rid of.
Use a mixture of lemon and honey on the marks. Take a tablespoon of each and massage the area with it for 15 minutes thrice a week. This not only lighten the marks but will also decrease your tan.
Moisturise your fingers regularly. Herbal moisturisers are best and will keep your skin hydrated, which will help reduce ring marks.
Go for regular manicures. Either in a parlour or at home, manicures are effective to remove marks.

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Easy ways to protect your hair this summer

RELATED KEYWORDS: Summer|SPF|Scarf|oil-massage|Hair|brush

The author has posted comments on this articleTNN | Mar 29, 2015, 12.00AM IST

Easy ways to protect your hair this summer

Page 1 of 4

With the temperature rising by the day, it's that time of the year again when the wise thing to do is spend a few minutes taking care of your locks and prevent damage. Read on:

Use a scarf, bandana or an umbrella whenever you step out into the sun.

Never forget to use an after shampoo or a leave-on conditioner. Get an SPF conditioner.

A hot oil massage once a week may do wonders for your hair's health. It is also known to rejuvenate growth.

Don't brush too hard. Use a wide toothed comb to detangle your hair once it is dry after a wash.

Article continues

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

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Akshay Kumar unveils Amish’s new book cover

RELATED KEYWORDS: The-Immortals-Of-Meluha|Ram-Chandra-Series|book|Bollywood|author|Amish|Akshay-Kumar

The author has posted comments on this articleNatasha Jha, TNN | Mar 29, 2015, 12.00AM IST

Akshay Kumar unveils Amish's new book cover

Page 1 of 4

The Cover reveal of 'Scion of Ikshvaku', the first book of the Ram Chandra Series from literary popstar Amish took place in Mumbai.

Bollywood Superstar, Akshay Kumar, unveiled the intriguing cover design during a press conference.

Designed by creative agency Think Why Not, the cover depicts a distraught Ram shooting at Ravaan's Pushpak Vimaan as it speeds away into the clouds, carrying his beloved Sita. As with his earlier book covers for the Shiva Trilogy, Amish has embellished the cover of Scion of Ikshvaku with a few ancient symbols that act as clues for his millions of readers to embark on a hunt to decipher his symbolic codes and discover the rich folklore of Indian mythology. Use of Symbology has been inherent in all his covers in the Shiva Trilogy as well. For example, on the spine of The Immortals of Meluha (Book 1 of the Shiva Trilogy), he has used the earliest discovered depiction of Lord Shiva in the form of the Pashupati seal, which was found in the Indus Valley civilisation.

In his usual enigmatic style Amish remarked, "The cover has many symbolic elements seamlessly integrated into its core, with the intent to maintain the high standards of visual appeal that we have set with my earlier book covers. Many of these symbols on the cover and through the books are clues to my stories for those well-versed with Indian scriptures. Of course the cover has to look good as well! I am very lucky that a fantastic team worked hard to make this cover design to a very high quality standard," he added.

Gautam Padmanabhan, CEO Westland Ltd. was also present for the unveiling & announced that 'Scion of Ikshvaku' is slated for release on 22nd June, 2015 & the pre-order goes live on the same day as the cover launch i.e. 27th March, 2015! Amish's readers can now pre-book their copies online exclusively on Amazon.in or at the nearest bookstore". When asked about his expectations from the new series he said "Amish's first series The Shiva Trilogy has over 2.2 million copies in print, and gross retail sales of over Rs 60 crores, making it the fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history. He is one of the topmost Indian authors of the 21st Century and we are confident that his next series too will be a blockbuster bestseller."
Commenting on the association with Amish & Westland Ltd., Mr. Samir Kumar, Director Category Management, Amazon India, said "Amish is one of India's most successful authors with an enviable fan following. We are glad to offer our consumers a chance to pre-order his next book, 'Scion of Ikshvaku' online exclusively on Amazon.in. We believe, Scion of Ikshvaku will be a treat to our consumers."

It was after months of speculation and incessant queries from readers that Amish had finally revealed the subject of his next book and along with it, the new series that he is planning to write at the Jaipur Literary Festival in January this year. Titled the Scion of Ikshvaku, the first book of the Ram Chandra Series and Amish's next mythological-thriller traces the story of Ram Chandra, the son of Dashrath and the founder of what is known today as Ram Rajya, the perfect empire. "The series will be a fictional interpretation, a fast-paced adventure based on the many versions of the Ramayan, melded with historical theories and my own imagination," Amish disclosed.

Article continues

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

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What to do with a used toothbrush

Clean the walls: You can use shaving cream and a toothbrush to remove stains from the walls. It also works effectively to remove crayon marks.

Brush your eyebrows: It works wonderfully to get some dust out of your eyebrows.

Beauty and grooming tools can be expensive, but here's your cheap alternative.

Clean your nails: You can use the brush to clean dirt out from under your fingernails. Just put a little soap and water on the brush and rub.

Clean your soles: When dirt and mud gets stuck in the soles of your shoes, loosen it up with an old toothbrush and wash clean.

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Quirky make-up ideas and grandmom's tips!

Global beauty blogger Deepica Mutyala's makeup tips on YouTube has earned her millions of fans. Here's why

WIDE-AWAKE LOOK
Most people apply mascara outward, going towards their ears to create a sort of `cat eye' look, but for a more wide awake look, apply your mascara inwards. By re-directing the lashes, your eyes will pop and look more refreshed. A great way to make your eyes twinkle is by using a light-coloured eyeliner in the water line of your eye instead of black. I like to use gold or silver eyeliner (depending on my outfit). One of my favourite looks is liquid liner on the top eye, silver liner on the bottom water line, with mascara on both top and bottom lashes. I sometimes even carry the lighter liner into the corners of my eye to act as an eyeshadow.

COCONUT OIL ROCKS!
I recently started to use coconut oil on my hair, body, and face. Yes, the same coconut oil South Asian women grew up seeing their mom put in their hair. I used to rebel when my mom wanted to put it in my hair but it's really served as a miracle product for me. I've already noticed my hair look shinier, face feel more nourished, and body less dry. It's funny how sometimes the simplest products can make the biggest impacts.

BRAID IT OUT
Indian women don't play with braids enough because they fear that it'll look too traditional. But there are so many ways to experiment with them. Try the voluminous messy fishtail. It's a great way to stand out in a room full of straightened or curled hair.

MIX TWO BOLDS
A lipstick can change your entire beauty look and really make your outfit pop. It can be intimidating at first. I started with a bold red lipstick and now do everything from plums, bright pink, fuchsia, and orange shades. I challenge women to mix it up - the key is to wear it with confidence. You can make your lips look more full by using a lip liner that's a shade or two darker than your lipstick and dabbing your lips with a highlighter. The trick is called `overlining' your lips and has been done by several celebrities recently. I like to think of it as lip contouring.

3 MUST-DOS FOR INDIAN WOMAN
Use a brow pencil: You know that feeling you get after getting your eyebrows threaded? You look in the mirror and say to yourself "this completely changed my face". That's the same effect that filling in your brows does! I think it's the product that most Indian women don't realise they need (because we tend to already have dark, thick brows) but you can't live without it once they see the difference it makes.

Finding a good concealer: I think if you surveyed all Indian women and asked what their number one beauty concern is, it'd be dark circles. Finding the right concealer makes a huge difference in your overall look. Of course, if you still need the extra help, the red lipstick trick does wonders.

Using a highlighter illuminator: If you want radiant skin, I have two tips: 1) Drink tons of water and 2) Find a killer highlighter. Highlighter looks great with Indian clothes.

It's extra accentuated because of all the fun jewellery we wear.

(Originally published on March 29, 2015)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=quirky,make-up ideas,grandma,beauty tips

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Akshay Kumar unveils Amish’s new book cover

The Cover reveal of 'Scion of Ikshvaku', the first book of the Ram Chandra Series from literary popstar Amish took place in Mumbai.

Bollywood Superstar, Akshay Kumar, unveiled the intriguing cover design during a press conference.

Designed by creative agency Think Why Not, the cover depicts a distraught Ram shooting at Ravaan's Pushpak Vimaan as it speeds away into the clouds, carrying his beloved Sita. As with his earlier book covers for the Shiva Trilogy, Amish has embellished the cover of Scion of Ikshvaku with a few ancient symbols that act as clues for his millions of readers to embark on a hunt to decipher his symbolic codes and discover the rich folklore of Indian mythology. Use of Symbology has been inherent in all his covers in the Shiva Trilogy as well. For example, on the spine of The Immortals of Meluha (Book 1 of the Shiva Trilogy), he has used the earliest discovered depiction of Lord Shiva in the form of the Pashupati seal, which was found in the Indus Valley civilisation.

In his usual enigmatic style Amish remarked, "The cover has many symbolic elements seamlessly integrated into its core, with the intent to maintain the high standards of visual appeal that we have set with my earlier book covers. Many of these symbols on the cover and through the books are clues to my stories for those well-versed with Indian scriptures. Of course the cover has to look good as well! I am very lucky that a fantastic team worked hard to make this cover design to a very high quality standard," he added.

Gautam Padmanabhan, CEO Westland Ltd. was also present for the unveiling & announced that 'Scion of Ikshvaku' is slated for release on 22nd June, 2015 & the pre-order goes live on the same day as the cover launch i.e. 27th March, 2015! Amish's readers can now pre-book their copies online exclusively on Amazon.in or at the nearest bookstore". When asked about his expectations from the new series he said "Amish's first series The Shiva Trilogy has over 2.2 million copies in print, and gross retail sales of over Rs 60 crores, making it the fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history. He is one of the topmost Indian authors of the 21st Century and we are confident that his next series too will be a blockbuster bestseller."
Commenting on the association with Amish & Westland Ltd., Mr. Samir Kumar, Director Category Management, Amazon India, said "Amish is one of India's most successful authors with an enviable fan following. We are glad to offer our consumers a chance to pre-order his next book, 'Scion of Ikshvaku' online exclusively on Amazon.in. We believe, Scion of Ikshvaku will be a treat to our consumers."

It was after months of speculation and incessant queries from readers that Amish had finally revealed the subject of his next book and along with it, the new series that he is planning to write at the Jaipur Literary Festival in January this year. Titled the Scion of Ikshvaku, the first book of the Ram Chandra Series and Amish's next mythological-thriller traces the story of Ram Chandra, the son of Dashrath and the founder of what is known today as Ram Rajya, the perfect empire. "The series will be a fictional interpretation, a fast-paced adventure based on the many versions of the Ramayan, melded with historical theories and my own imagination," Amish disclosed.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=The Immortals Of Meluha,Ram Chandra Series,book,Bollywood,author

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Worth spending on makeup: British makeup artist

Indian women are "so beautiful", says London-based makeup artist Tara Moghaddam and says she is in love with the bright colours of India and would love to do make-up for Indian stars.

Also, she advises Indian women to spend wisely on cosmetics.

According to research by British voucher code website promotionalcodes.org.uk, women can spend 38,400 pounds (Rs.35 lakh) on beauty products in a lifetime.

Asked if this is worth it, Moghaddam told IANS: "Yes, it is worth it, but it's important to know what type of skin you have and the product you need. People often find themselves going to skincare shops and buying lots of stuff because they've heard great reviews."

"But actually they don't know if the product is good for their skin or not. It's important to make an informed decision and then spend on it. It's worth spending if you know what it is and what it's going to do for you, and if it will help you in some way or not," she added.

The 25-year-old also noted that people have the tendency, especially with beauty products, that "if a celebrity name drops it... that's it... it suits everyone. That's not the case. It's not necessary that those products will suit everyone".

On her maiden visit to Delhi, Moghaddam was asked if she came across any beauty faux pas here.

"Indian women are so beautiful. I haven't seen any massive mistakes. Sometimes you find women trying to go a shade lighter and look fair, but other than that, no major mistakes," she replied.

With soaring summer temperatures, the expert, who was in the capital for a Make Up Seminar for Professionals - organised by Kryolan, a manufacturer of specialised professional makeup - says "skin is always a trend".

"Fresh glowing skin, lots of structure in the face, contouring and highlighting will always be around," added the international trainer, educator and makeup artist of Kryolan, London.

Moghaddam, who specialises in special FX, camouflage and high definition makeup, among others, said she is fascinated by the makeup she has seen in Asia.

"I've always taken major interest in the Indian and Asian style of makeup...I love the bright colours that they use... it's always something I've been fascinated with," said the expert with over seven years of experience in the makeup industry.

She is particularly bowled over by the bridal look in the country.

"In the West, it's all natural and soft with subtle eyes and fresh glowing skin. Here, you need more colours to compete with the extraordinary details of outfits that are worn by brides. Natural makeup wouldn't suit their skin because they would look dry and dull...that brightness, you absolutely need it," she said.

Along with the Kryolan professional makeup team, she has worked at Berlin's Bambi awards for celebrities and she is eyeing Bollywood stars now.

Lauding the Supreme Court for striking down last year a rule prohibiting women from working as makeup artists in the Indian film industry, the expert said: "It's amazing. It should've always been like that. Shame that they missed out on it for so many years.

"Such a thriving industry... something that's taken over the world. It's really sad that they couldn't do it for so long. I'm so happy. It's an amazing step for India. I would also love to do makeup for Indian stars," added Moghaddam.

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Easy ways to protect your hair this summer

With the temperature rising by the day, it's that time of the year again when the wise thing to do is spend a few minutes taking care of your locks and prevent damage. Read on:

Use a scarf, bandana or an umbrella whenever you step out into the sun.

Never forget to use an after shampoo or a leave-on conditioner. Get an SPF conditioner.

A hot oil massage once a week may do wonders for your hair's health. It is also known to rejuvenate growth.

Don't brush too hard. Use a wide toothed comb to detangle your hair once it is dry after a wash.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Summer,SPF,Scarf,oil massage,Hair

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

How to get rid of ring marks on your finger

Wearing rings for a prolonged period of time causes ugly marks around your fingers. If ignored, those marks can become permanent.

If you are dealing with such ring stains then not wearing your ring is a temporary solution. Those stains will come back once you put on the ring again. Here are a few tips to get rid of ring marks on your fingers:
Exfoliate the affected areas regularly. This will help you in getting rid of dead cells that darken the area.
Do not forget to apply sunscreen before stepping out. Sometimes the tan caused by exposure to sun makes the marks even more stubborn and hard to get rid of.
Use a mixture of lemon and honey on the marks. Take a tablespoon of each and massage the area with it for 15 minutes thrice a week. This not only lighten the marks but will also decrease your tan.
Moisturise your fingers regularly. Herbal moisturisers are best and will keep your skin hydrated, which will help reduce ring marks.
Go for regular manicures. Either in a parlour or at home, manicures are effective to remove marks.

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Worth spending on makeup: British makeup artist

Indian women are "so beautiful", says London-based makeup artist Tara Moghaddam and says she is in love with the bright colours of India and would love to do make-up for Indian stars.

Also, she advises Indian women to spend wisely on cosmetics.

According to research by British voucher code website promotionalcodes.org.uk, women can spend 38,400 pounds (Rs.35 lakh) on beauty products in a lifetime.

Asked if this is worth it, Moghaddam told IANS: "Yes, it is worth it, but it's important to know what type of skin you have and the product you need. People often find themselves going to skincare shops and buying lots of stuff because they've heard great reviews."

"But actually they don't know if the product is good for their skin or not. It's important to make an informed decision and then spend on it. It's worth spending if you know what it is and what it's going to do for you, and if it will help you in some way or not," she added.

The 25-year-old also noted that people have the tendency, especially with beauty products, that "if a celebrity name drops it... that's it... it suits everyone. That's not the case. It's not necessary that those products will suit everyone".

On her maiden visit to Delhi, Moghaddam was asked if she came across any beauty faux pas here.

"Indian women are so beautiful. I haven't seen any massive mistakes. Sometimes you find women trying to go a shade lighter and look fair, but other than that, no major mistakes," she replied.

With soaring summer temperatures, the expert, who was in the capital for a Make Up Seminar for Professionals - organised by Kryolan, a manufacturer of specialised professional makeup - says "skin is always a trend".

"Fresh glowing skin, lots of structure in the face, contouring and highlighting will always be around," added the international trainer, educator and makeup artist of Kryolan, London.

Moghaddam, who specialises in special FX, camouflage and high definition makeup, among others, said she is fascinated by the makeup she has seen in Asia.

"I've always taken major interest in the Indian and Asian style of makeup...I love the bright colours that they use... it's always something I've been fascinated with," said the expert with over seven years of experience in the makeup industry.

She is particularly bowled over by the bridal look in the country.

"In the West, it's all natural and soft with subtle eyes and fresh glowing skin. Here, you need more colours to compete with the extraordinary details of outfits that are worn by brides. Natural makeup wouldn't suit their skin because they would look dry and dull...that brightness, you absolutely need it," she said.

Along with the Kryolan professional makeup team, she has worked at Berlin's Bambi awards for celebrities and she is eyeing Bollywood stars now.

Lauding the Supreme Court for striking down last year a rule prohibiting women from working as makeup artists in the Indian film industry, the expert said: "It's amazing. It should've always been like that. Shame that they missed out on it for so many years.

"Such a thriving industry... something that's taken over the world. It's really sad that they couldn't do it for so long. I'm so happy. It's an amazing step for India. I would also love to do makeup for Indian stars," added Moghaddam.

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Easy ways to protect your hair this summer

With the temperature rising by the day, it's that time of the year again when the wise thing to do is spend a few minutes taking care of your locks and prevent damage. Read on:

Use a scarf, bandana or an umbrella whenever you step out into the sun.

Never forget to use an after shampoo or a leave-on conditioner. Get an SPF conditioner.

A hot oil massage once a week may do wonders for your hair's health. It is also known to rejuvenate growth.

Don't brush too hard. Use a wide toothed comb to detangle your hair once it is dry after a wash.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Summer,SPF,Scarf,oil massage,Hair

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

How to use the right sunscreen for your skin

Though applying sunscreen is a must all round the year, one should be particularly careful during summers as this is the time when the skin suffers maximum damage from sun.

Here are a few tips that will help you choose the right sunscreen for your skin, this summer:

If you are one of those who spends a lot of time in the sun, then you must always pick a sunscreen with a high sun protection formula (SPF).

SPF 30 and 50 are always the best bet.It is always wise to choose a sunscreen that is water(sweat)-resistant.

Since one tends to sweat a lot more in summers, it is advisable to use a sunscreen that is sweatresistant to reap maximum benefits.

Don't fall for products that claim to have SPF 100 as SPF 50 always gives you 98% protection from UV rays which is the maximum. So SPF 100 is actually not needed.

Published on 28/3/2015

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Akshay Kumar unveils Amish’s new book cover

The Cover reveal of 'Scion of Ikshvaku', the first book of the Ram Chandra Series from literary popstar Amish took place in Mumbai.

Bollywood Superstar, Akshay Kumar, unveiled the intriguing cover design during a press conference.

Designed by creative agency Think Why Not, the cover depicts a distraught Ram shooting at Ravaan's Pushpak Vimaan as it speeds away into the clouds, carrying his beloved Sita. As with his earlier book covers for the Shiva Trilogy, Amish has embellished the cover of Scion of Ikshvaku with a few ancient symbols that act as clues for his millions of readers to embark on a hunt to decipher his symbolic codes and discover the rich folklore of Indian mythology. Use of Symbology has been inherent in all his covers in the Shiva Trilogy as well. For example, on the spine of The Immortals of Meluha (Book 1 of the Shiva Trilogy), he has used the earliest discovered depiction of Lord Shiva in the form of the Pashupati seal, which was found in the Indus Valley civilisation.

In his usual enigmatic style Amish remarked, "The cover has many symbolic elements seamlessly integrated into its core, with the intent to maintain the high standards of visual appeal that we have set with my earlier book covers. Many of these symbols on the cover and through the books are clues to my stories for those well-versed with Indian scriptures. Of course the cover has to look good as well! I am very lucky that a fantastic team worked hard to make this cover design to a very high quality standard," he added.

Gautam Padmanabhan, CEO Westland Ltd. was also present for the unveiling & announced that 'Scion of Ikshvaku' is slated for release on 22nd June, 2015 & the pre-order goes live on the same day as the cover launch i.e. 27th March, 2015! Amish's readers can now pre-book their copies online exclusively on Amazon.in or at the nearest bookstore". When asked about his expectations from the new series he said "Amish's first series The Shiva Trilogy has over 2.2 million copies in print, and gross retail sales of over Rs 60 crores, making it the fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history. He is one of the topmost Indian authors of the 21st Century and we are confident that his next series too will be a blockbuster bestseller."
Commenting on the association with Amish & Westland Ltd., Mr. Samir Kumar, Director Category Management, Amazon India, said "Amish is one of India's most successful authors with an enviable fan following. We are glad to offer our consumers a chance to pre-order his next book, 'Scion of Ikshvaku' online exclusively on Amazon.in. We believe, Scion of Ikshvaku will be a treat to our consumers."

It was after months of speculation and incessant queries from readers that Amish had finally revealed the subject of his next book and along with it, the new series that he is planning to write at the Jaipur Literary Festival in January this year. Titled the Scion of Ikshvaku, the first book of the Ram Chandra Series and Amish's next mythological-thriller traces the story of Ram Chandra, the son of Dashrath and the founder of what is known today as Ram Rajya, the perfect empire. "The series will be a fictional interpretation, a fast-paced adventure based on the many versions of the Ramayan, melded with historical theories and my own imagination," Amish disclosed.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=The Immortals Of Meluha,Ram Chandra Series,book,Bollywood,author

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

18.47 | 0 komentar | Read More

Quirky make-up ideas and grandmom's tips!

Global beauty blogger Deepica Mutyala's makeup tips on YouTube has earned her millions of fans. Here's why

WIDE-AWAKE LOOK
Most people apply mascara outward, going towards their ears to create a sort of `cat eye' look, but for a more wide awake look, apply your mascara inwards. By re-directing the lashes, your eyes will pop and look more refreshed. A great way to make your eyes twinkle is by using a light-coloured eyeliner in the water line of your eye instead of black. I like to use gold or silver eyeliner (depending on my outfit). One of my favourite looks is liquid liner on the top eye, silver liner on the bottom water line, with mascara on both top and bottom lashes. I sometimes even carry the lighter liner into the corners of my eye to act as an eyeshadow.

COCONUT OIL ROCKS!
I recently started to use coconut oil on my hair, body, and face. Yes, the same coconut oil South Asian women grew up seeing their mom put in their hair. I used to rebel when my mom wanted to put it in my hair but it's really served as a miracle product for me. I've already noticed my hair look shinier, face feel more nourished, and body less dry. It's funny how sometimes the simplest products can make the biggest impacts.

BRAID IT OUT
Indian women don't play with braids enough because they fear that it'll look too traditional. But there are so many ways to experiment with them. Try the voluminous messy fishtail. It's a great way to stand out in a room full of straightened or curled hair.

MIX TWO BOLDS
A lipstick can change your entire beauty look and really make your outfit pop. It can be intimidating at first. I started with a bold red lipstick and now do everything from plums, bright pink, fuchsia, and orange shades. I challenge women to mix it up - the key is to wear it with confidence. You can make your lips look more full by using a lip liner that's a shade or two darker than your lipstick and dabbing your lips with a highlighter. The trick is called `overlining' your lips and has been done by several celebrities recently. I like to think of it as lip contouring.

3 MUST-DOS FOR INDIAN WOMAN
Use a brow pencil: You know that feeling you get after getting your eyebrows threaded? You look in the mirror and say to yourself "this completely changed my face". That's the same effect that filling in your brows does! I think it's the product that most Indian women don't realise they need (because we tend to already have dark, thick brows) but you can't live without it once they see the difference it makes.

Finding a good concealer: I think if you surveyed all Indian women and asked what their number one beauty concern is, it'd be dark circles. Finding the right concealer makes a huge difference in your overall look. Of course, if you still need the extra help, the red lipstick trick does wonders.

Using a highlighter illuminator: If you want radiant skin, I have two tips: 1) Drink tons of water and 2) Find a killer highlighter. Highlighter looks great with Indian clothes.

It's extra accentuated because of all the fun jewellery we wear.

(Originally published on March 29, 2015)

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Satyarth decodes some mysteries of Indian history

One of the most intriguing and popular genre of books is mystery. And if this is combined with history of your country, it gets even better. Sathyarth Nayak grabbed the opportunity. The readers were still struggling with the influence of Dan Brown books and Satyarth added another dope of 'history meets mystery' with his book - The Emperor's Riddles. While his debut book is being constantly compared with Dan Brown works, Satyarth admits that the celebrated writer's book was the reason to find a similar mystery in our Indian Civilization. Let's find out the riddles behind writing his book and a brighter 'film' career ahead!

In conversation with Satyarth Nayak....

The idea of searching for a royal secret clicked when you finished reading Dan Brown. How much credit do you give to that for your first book- The Emperor's Riddles in relation to the concept, draft, plot etc.

It is true that I was re-reading Dan Brown and had this sudden curiosity to know if there was something similarly mysterious or esoteric hiding in our Indian civilization. Some royal secret or historical puzzle! A random search on the Internet yielded a fascinating conspiracy theory involving one of the most iconic Emperors of our history. What this man did thousands of years ago and the possibility that this imperial secret is alive and functioning even today bamboozled me. I knew this was one story I had to share. Like Brown's thrillers my book is also a history meets mystery. If Brown has codes, my book has a trail of cryptic riddles scattered all over the country that must be solved one by one. The concept is inspired but the historical context, plot points and mystery elements are uniquely my own. It's also probably the first Indian thriller to make use of Buddhist philosophy and iconography.

You have been an avid reader for thrillers and you also swear to write thrillers. Is there any other genre you think will ever interest you to write - maybe popular fiction or a chick-lit?

Every writer knows his strengths and weaknesses and I know for sure that chick lit is something that simply does not excite me. I have grown up reading Edgar Allan Poe, Agatha Christie, Conan Doyle and Ashok Banker and have always desired to emulate the thriller genre. Having said that, I am not averse to diversifying. In fact while I am already working on my next mystery thriller, I am also looking at creating another book that celebrates a landmark Bollywood classic. I am quite the cinephile and find film writing equally thrilling. I also love writing short stories. My short story Elixir has been published by Penguin in its latest Sudha Murty anthology.

What was the most astonishing aspect of the overwhelming response you got for your book?

It's wonderful to see the book topping various Bestsellers charts and getting media coverage and acclaim at literary festivals. However the most astonishing aspect has surely been the praise from authors like Amish Tripathi and Ashwin Sanghi. I recently met Ashwin after a long time at a literary festival where we both were speakers and the first thing he asks is 'So how are the riddles doing?' It's this wonderful encouragement from seniors that keeps me going. Also the fact that the book's earning comparisons with Dan Brown is overwhelming. But with success comes responsibility. Responsibility to make sure that my next thriller is bigger and better.

One author you would like to endorse for his writing?

Holding a Masters in English Literature from St Stephen's, I was fortunate to read various authors dabbling in thrillers. Agatha Christie has been a humungous influence. Poirot and Marple tales have been textbooks on how to create watertight mysteries, scatter clues in plain sight and finally lead the unsuspecting reader to that jaw-dropping final revelation. The murder mystery in my book and that final twist that my readers are loving so much is my tribute to Christie's uncanny genius. The touch of macabre is probably Poe and Stephen King's influence while the historical context is entirely Dan Brown and Umberto Eco.

Share few secrets (of course other than the one mentioned in your book) you found out while reading up on Indian royal secrets that are unknown.

That's difficult since I have incorporated most of these fascinating secrets in my book. Not many know that Indian royalty used simpler versions of robots called Yantra Purushas for daily chores. Or that, scenes of war described in Mahabharata correspond exactly to destruction from nuclear wars. In fact when the Americans bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War, Oppenheimer, the coordinator of the atom bomb project quoted Krishna from Bhagvad Gita, 'I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.' Apparently even Hitler believed that our ancient texts contained secrets of nuclear warfare.

Converting a novel into a screenplay has become a trend these days. Thrillers make a good meat for Bollywood anyway. Do you foresee a great Bollywood career ahead?

It is surely an exciting proposition especially since I have an offer from Bollywood now to convert my book into a film. The screenplay is being created and it feels wonderful to collaborate on this exciting venture. Offers are coming my way to create thriller content for television and I am also creating a script for a Bollywood thriller. Success opens new doors. Now let's see what's behind them!

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Indian-American Akhil Sharma wins Folio literary prize

Indian-American writer Akhil Sharma has won the second annual Folio prize for fiction for a novel which charts an emigrant family's heart-wrenching search for the "American dream", said a media report.

Sharma said after winning the 40,000-pound (nearly $60,000) prize that writing the novel, which took 13 years to complete, was a frustrating and difficult challenge, often "like chewing stones", with around nine wasted years when it did not go well, according to a Guardian report.

"I'm glad the book exists, I just wish I hadn't been the guy who wrote it," he said.

Sharma won the prize for his second novel, "Family Life", an autobiographical work, which tells the story of a young boy, Ajay, and his family who emigrate from Delhi to New York in search of a better life.

All is turned upside down when his older brother has a dreadful swimming pool accident and needs round-the-clock care from then on.

Sharma, a former investment banker, said he was professionally happy that people were reading the story of care givers, but admitted that he thought about giving up. However, he stuck with it.

"I couldn't bear the idea of having spent all those years and then nothing good having come out of it.

"In the end, I feel the book itself is good, it does certain things that are artistically impressive. So I feel good about that."

Parts of the writing process were fun, he said, but much of it was not. "I'm 43. I started writing this when I was 30. So I spent my 30s writing this thing... I really feel like I shattered my youth."

William Fiennes, who chaired the panel of judges, praised the novel, currently a bestseller in the US, as "lucid, compassionate, quietly funny".

"'Family Life' is a masterful novel of distilled complexity: about catastrophe and survival; attachment and independence; the tension between selfishness and responsibility.

"We loved its deceptive simplicity and rare warmth... This is a work of art that expands with each re-reading and a novel that will endure," he said.

It was chosen from a shortlist of eight books, which included what was the bookmakers' favourite for the prize, Ali Smith's novel "How To Be Both".

The prize, sponsored by the Folio Society, was created last year with the aim of celebrating the year's best English-language works of fiction, regardless of form, genre and geography.

The first winner was American short story writer George Saunders for "Tenth of December".

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Here's a list of books to catch this weekend

The nightmare of being the mother of a 27-year-old, looking at a relationship through the lens of virtual reality and a journey through Nepal are some of the hand-picked gems to read this weekend. Take a look.

1. Book: Simi's Mum's Diary: The Daughter of All Battles; Author: Rupa Gulab; Publisher: Amaryllis; Pages: 201; Price: Rs. 175

Being a mother to a 27 year old can be a nightmare. Particularly if she is sassy, stubborn, sulky and selfish - like Simi.

Simi's mum is cool but confused. Why is it that when normal girls are falling in love with vampires and other sexy corpses, her daughter brings home the most disgusting specimens of mankind imaginable? There is the hypochondriac hostelite with the appetite of a locust, the firang who loves hanging out in slums and others.

And then to be accused of being an evil khap panchayat mum.

Even worse, in between relationships, Simi doesn't do normal girly things to recover; she turns to religion, anarchy and bad poetry.

It is terribly frustrating, because Simi's mum is dying to introduce her to medical student Imran - the cutest and nicest guy ever, who just happens to live in the building. Naturally, Simi's suffering mum needs to vent occasionally. Because no matter how cool she thinks she is, she will never be cool enough for Simi.

2. Book: Maya; Author: Clyde DeSouza; Publisher: Penguin; Pages: 210; Price: Rs. 250

Dan and Krish have invented a gadget that they know will change the way people experience reality. When their invention is still in its trial phase, an accident kills Krish's sister, Maya. Little does he know that Dan and Maya were deeply in love.

For both, the pain of her loss is intense, but Dan will not accept losing Maya, and challenges the powers that be that took her away. He sets about creating something unique that he knows will fulfill Maya's dream of becoming a dancer and also satisfy his need to be with her.

But is it the right thing to do?

The novel bridges two worlds - the real and the virtual and explores human relationships through this lens.

3. Book: The Two-Year Mountain: A Nepal Journey; Author: Phil Deutschle; Pages: 350; Price: Rs. 395

When Phil Deutschle sets out for Nepal, he is naively unaware of the ordeals he will face - striving to teach in the Nepali language, suffering from debilitating disease, painfully adapting to a foreign culture - but imperceptibly over two years, he grows so attached to the village that he ultimately leaves it in tears.

Following the alienation of his departure, he sets off on a reckless, solo climb of Mount Pharchamo, hardly caring whether he survives. Now, 34 years, later, Deutschle returns to his village, intent on learning the fate of his family and his students in the wake of Nepal's bloody Maoist civil war.

4. Book: The Debt Collector's Due; Author: Adhirath Sethi; Publisher: HarperCollins; Pages: 174; Price: Rs. 250

There comes a day in everybody's life when one needs to sit down and decide what to do with the rest of it. But our layabout here, Samay, slept through it, as he did most days growing up. Waking up aged 27, he finds that he barely has any money left in the bank and the only job anyone is willing to give him as as a debt collector for small businesses.

His less than ordinary life takes a mad turn when he is mistaken by mob boss Pande for a hitman and given Rs. 75 lakh as payment. Samay wants to take the money and flee the city, but he discovers that Amrita, his college flame and now a journalist, is next on the hit list.

This novel is a wild ride through the drama of college heartbreak and terrifying murder in south Mumbai's Parsi colony, from the sweaty alleys of Crawford Market to the mist-filled valley of Panchgani.

This is a story about shifting fortunes and high stakes, a breathless read from the first page to the very last word.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=weekend,Reading,guide,books

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Kipling's birthplace to become tourist attraction

The heritage bungalow in south Mumbai where author and Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling was born will be converted into a tourist attraction by the Maharashtra government, a minister has said.

The bungalow is situated inside the shady campus of Sir J.J. School of Art, close to the UNESCO World Heritage monument, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and other heritage buildings like Crawford Market and the Mumbai Police Commissionerate.

State Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde had proposed this week that the government would ensure the bungalow emerges as an important tourist hotspot and people get the opportunity to appreciate it.

All the artefacts in the house would be preserved and displayed with funding from the culture department which would also repair, restore and maintain the wood and stone structure, he added.

On cards is a Kipling museum, a library, literary and cultural events to attract domestic and foreign tourists to the birthplace of the author of classics like "The Jungle Book" and "Kim", and many poems like "If..." and "Mandalay". He was conferred with the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907 - the first English writer so honoured.

The site of the birth of Kipling, born on December 30, 1865 to English arts teacher, illustrator and curator John Lockwood Kipling and Alice Kipling, was actually another structure adjacent to the existing bungalow, which has been known as 'Kipling Bungalow' since over a century now.

The bungalow came up inside the campus of the Sir J.J. School of Art which was founded in 1857 after a handsome donation of Rs.100,000 by Mumbai businessman and philanthropist Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy.

The school was taken over by the government in 1866 and Kipling's father, appointed its first dean, lived in the bungalow on the campus.

The original bungalow where Rudyard was born was located barely a few metres from the existing 'Kipling House' was demolished and rebuilt and again crumbled away, while the 'Kipling House' which came up around 1882 underwent a restoration in phases from 2002-2008, besides an earlier restoration several decades ago.

Later, it became the Dean's Bungalow where subsequent heads of the prestigious School lived till around 2002, after which it remained locked and vacant and soon became dilapidated.

However, there is a metal plaque with the legend engraved "Rudyard Kipling, son of Lockwood Kipling, first Principal of Sir J.J. School of Art, was born here on 30.12.1865", and a bust of the author points at his historic and literary links with the campus.

He left for England after spending five years of his childhood in Mumbai, and later returned to Lahore at the age of 16, and subsequently, as a Nobel laureate revisited his birthplace in 1930.

He passed away in a London hospital in January 1936 at the age of 70.

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How to use the right sunscreen for your skin

Though applying sunscreen is a must all round the year, one should be particularly careful during summers as this is the time when the skin suffers maximum damage from sun.

Here are a few tips that will help you choose the right sunscreen for your skin, this summer:

If you are one of those who spends a lot of time in the sun, then you must always pick a sunscreen with a high sun protection formula (SPF).

SPF 30 and 50 are always the best bet.It is always wise to choose a sunscreen that is water(sweat)-resistant.

Since one tends to sweat a lot more in summers, it is advisable to use a sunscreen that is sweatresistant to reap maximum benefits.

Don't fall for products that claim to have SPF 100 as SPF 50 always gives you 98% protection from UV rays which is the maximum. So SPF 100 is actually not needed.

Published on 28/3/2015

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'Book Cover Prize' for design excellence instituted

RELATED KEYWORDS: jlf|cover|books|awards

The author has posted comments on this articleIANS | Mar 25, 2015, 12.00AM IST

'Book Cover Prize' for design excellence instituted. 

Page 1 of 4

An award to honour the best book cover designs has been instituted, with the aim to encourage young talent and highlight the hard work that goes behind cover-making.

Oxford Bookstore on Tuesday announced the institution of India's first "Book Cover Prize" to honour excellence in book design. The prize will be announced at the 2016 Jaipur Literature Festival.

"There are a lot of young graphic designers and artists working on these book cover designs, and through this award we aim to give them exposure for the hard work they have been doing in making these book covers a success," Priti Paul, director of Apeejay Surrendra Group, told IANS.

"Though we say never judge a book by its cover, in reality a book cover summaries the essence of the story," she added.

Amid the sea of awards in the publishing industry that mainly focus on writers and books, Paul during a brainstorming session with Namita Gokhale, author and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, came up with the idea of adding value to the completely ignored aspect of covers.

"This aspect of the industry needed some stimulation and we hope this award not only brings them (artists) honour but also some monetary gains," she said.

The selection process would be announced shortly, along with the names of the jury.

"I can assure you that it will be a prestigious jury, who will be from different backgrounds and their expertise will evaluate the selection process," Paul said.

Article continues

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Satyarth decodes some mysteries of Indian history

One of the most intriguing and popular genre of books is mystery. And if this is combined with history of your country, it gets even better. Sathyarth Nayak grabbed the opportunity. The readers were still struggling with the influence of Dan Brown books and Satyarth added another dope of 'history meets mystery' with his book - The Emperor's Riddles. While his debut book is being constantly compared with Dan Brown works, Satyarth admits that the celebrated writer's book was the reason to find a similar mystery in our Indian Civilization. Let's find out the riddles behind writing his book and a brighter 'film' career ahead!

In conversation with Satyarth Nayak....

The idea of searching for a royal secret clicked when you finished reading Dan Brown. How much credit do you give to that for your first book- The Emperor's Riddles in relation to the concept, draft, plot etc.

It is true that I was re-reading Dan Brown and had this sudden curiosity to know if there was something similarly mysterious or esoteric hiding in our Indian civilization. Some royal secret or historical puzzle! A random search on the Internet yielded a fascinating conspiracy theory involving one of the most iconic Emperors of our history. What this man did thousands of years ago and the possibility that this imperial secret is alive and functioning even today bamboozled me. I knew this was one story I had to share. Like Brown's thrillers my book is also a history meets mystery. If Brown has codes, my book has a trail of cryptic riddles scattered all over the country that must be solved one by one. The concept is inspired but the historical context, plot points and mystery elements are uniquely my own. It's also probably the first Indian thriller to make use of Buddhist philosophy and iconography.

You have been an avid reader for thrillers and you also swear to write thrillers. Is there any other genre you think will ever interest you to write - maybe popular fiction or a chick-lit?

Every writer knows his strengths and weaknesses and I know for sure that chick lit is something that simply does not excite me. I have grown up reading Edgar Allan Poe, Agatha Christie, Conan Doyle and Ashok Banker and have always desired to emulate the thriller genre. Having said that, I am not averse to diversifying. In fact while I am already working on my next mystery thriller, I am also looking at creating another book that celebrates a landmark Bollywood classic. I am quite the cinephile and find film writing equally thrilling. I also love writing short stories. My short story Elixir has been published by Penguin in its latest Sudha Murty anthology.

What was the most astonishing aspect of the overwhelming response you got for your book?

It's wonderful to see the book topping various Bestsellers charts and getting media coverage and acclaim at literary festivals. However the most astonishing aspect has surely been the praise from authors like Amish Tripathi and Ashwin Sanghi. I recently met Ashwin after a long time at a literary festival where we both were speakers and the first thing he asks is 'So how are the riddles doing?' It's this wonderful encouragement from seniors that keeps me going. Also the fact that the book's earning comparisons with Dan Brown is overwhelming. But with success comes responsibility. Responsibility to make sure that my next thriller is bigger and better.

One author you would like to endorse for his writing?

Holding a Masters in English Literature from St Stephen's, I was fortunate to read various authors dabbling in thrillers. Agatha Christie has been a humungous influence. Poirot and Marple tales have been textbooks on how to create watertight mysteries, scatter clues in plain sight and finally lead the unsuspecting reader to that jaw-dropping final revelation. The murder mystery in my book and that final twist that my readers are loving so much is my tribute to Christie's uncanny genius. The touch of macabre is probably Poe and Stephen King's influence while the historical context is entirely Dan Brown and Umberto Eco.

Share few secrets (of course other than the one mentioned in your book) you found out while reading up on Indian royal secrets that are unknown.

That's difficult since I have incorporated most of these fascinating secrets in my book. Not many know that Indian royalty used simpler versions of robots called Yantra Purushas for daily chores. Or that, scenes of war described in Mahabharata correspond exactly to destruction from nuclear wars. In fact when the Americans bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War, Oppenheimer, the coordinator of the atom bomb project quoted Krishna from Bhagvad Gita, 'I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.' Apparently even Hitler believed that our ancient texts contained secrets of nuclear warfare.

Converting a novel into a screenplay has become a trend these days. Thrillers make a good meat for Bollywood anyway. Do you foresee a great Bollywood career ahead?

It is surely an exciting proposition especially since I have an offer from Bollywood now to convert my book into a film. The screenplay is being created and it feels wonderful to collaborate on this exciting venture. Offers are coming my way to create thriller content for television and I am also creating a script for a Bollywood thriller. Success opens new doors. Now let's see what's behind them!

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Indian-American Akhil Sharma wins Folio literary prize

Indian-American writer Akhil Sharma has won the second annual Folio prize for fiction for a novel which charts an emigrant family's heart-wrenching search for the "American dream", said a media report.

Sharma said after winning the 40,000-pound (nearly $60,000) prize that writing the novel, which took 13 years to complete, was a frustrating and difficult challenge, often "like chewing stones", with around nine wasted years when it did not go well, according to a Guardian report.

"I'm glad the book exists, I just wish I hadn't been the guy who wrote it," he said.

Sharma won the prize for his second novel, "Family Life", an autobiographical work, which tells the story of a young boy, Ajay, and his family who emigrate from Delhi to New York in search of a better life.

All is turned upside down when his older brother has a dreadful swimming pool accident and needs round-the-clock care from then on.

Sharma, a former investment banker, said he was professionally happy that people were reading the story of care givers, but admitted that he thought about giving up. However, he stuck with it.

"I couldn't bear the idea of having spent all those years and then nothing good having come out of it.

"In the end, I feel the book itself is good, it does certain things that are artistically impressive. So I feel good about that."

Parts of the writing process were fun, he said, but much of it was not. "I'm 43. I started writing this when I was 30. So I spent my 30s writing this thing... I really feel like I shattered my youth."

William Fiennes, who chaired the panel of judges, praised the novel, currently a bestseller in the US, as "lucid, compassionate, quietly funny".

"'Family Life' is a masterful novel of distilled complexity: about catastrophe and survival; attachment and independence; the tension between selfishness and responsibility.

"We loved its deceptive simplicity and rare warmth... This is a work of art that expands with each re-reading and a novel that will endure," he said.

It was chosen from a shortlist of eight books, which included what was the bookmakers' favourite for the prize, Ali Smith's novel "How To Be Both".

The prize, sponsored by the Folio Society, was created last year with the aim of celebrating the year's best English-language works of fiction, regardless of form, genre and geography.

The first winner was American short story writer George Saunders for "Tenth of December".

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

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'Indians would rather spend on shoes, than books'

The Indian publishing industry is keeping the written word alive in different formats but the gradual decline in readership is posing many challenges for the industry. To reinvigorate this complex relationship, one of India's leading publishers says the trick lies in making readers fall in love with the solitary act of reading - something most Indians are literally scared of.

"An Indian is scared to be alone. So let's say my wife goes away for a holiday, the first thing I would do is call up my friends and ask them to join me for dinner. This attitude is because we don't want to give time to ourselves. Even when we have nothing to do, we will not pick up a book, but watch television instead," Ashok Chopra, chief executive of Hay House Publishers India, told IANS in an interview.

"We are not a nation of book lovers. We would rather spend Rs.5,000 on a pair of shoes, but not Rs. 500 on a book. It is a sad reflection of the society and a hard fact of life," he added.

This strong sociological observation about the reading habits of Indians explains why they have failed to cultivate reading as a hobby despite a rich legacy of writers like RabindranathTagore or Premchand to boast about.

And coming straight from the man who has spent many decades in publishing lends an air of credibility as Chopra, unlike others, doesn't attribute the decline in readership to the massive technological advancements that have taken place.

Instead, the Delhi-based publisher advised publishing firms to keep pace with changing technology to reach out to larger audiences and increase their footprint in India's heartland.

"Every 10 years, tastes change, mindsets change and the whole value system changes. So, reading habits invariably change. I would say e-books are the future as many youngsters are reading on Kindle. It is just a few old people like me... who are like fossils and want to feel the books," said Chopra who began his career as a journalist.

Chopra then shifted to the world of publishing and since then his resume boasts of work experience at prominent publishing houses like Vikas, Macmillan India and HarperCollins.

Adding another feather to his cap is his new book, "A Scrapbook of Memories"(HarperCollins, Rs. 699) that offers fascinating glimpses of his professional life and the publishing industry in general.

Described as a memoir, the 416-page book is an encyclopedia of the world of publishing, where Chopra has gone down memory lane to pick out many memorable stories, including a few disappointments, some astonishment, everlasting friendships and complex working relationships.

It is a world Chopra shares with his readers by narrating stories of acquiring manuscripts, of several gambles that failed to mature into concrete deals and of the satisfaction for not burning his fingers in a failing project.

Chopra is honest while narrating each story. Without hiding facts, he has recollected countless moments that would stay in the mind for a while and might often come back when you see the book on the shelf.

In Dev Anand's chapter, Chopra candidly admits how he has not forgiven himself for losing the veteran actor's autobiography "Romancing with Life" by not bidding for it, given the fact he had been pursuing the actor to pen down one.

A similar shade of disappointment reflects in the Satish Gujral chapter in which Chopra elaborates on how he lost out on the book "A Brush with Life: An Autobiography" to another publisher because the artist had decided this would be so.

Perhaps the most shocking chapter is on Bollywood actor I.S. Johar, whose manuscript in those times failed to find any takers because of its explicit content, as Chopra puts it ".... it was like a blue film on paper - enjoyable for the first few minutes or so, sick after that".

Stories like these make the read interesting as they give an idea of power struggle, ego tussles and network building that form the bedrock of the publishing business. Chopra has woven the narrative in delicate thread that perfectly paints the picture.

As a hardworking and astute leader, he worked on this book for two years and 11 months, referred to his personal notes and revisited the places he has mentioned to be as true to the actual situation as possible.

Strangely, the man who has a vision for the publishing industry still writes in long form and the original draft of this book was 900 pages long. After ruthless editing, Chopra managed to bring it to 400 pages by deleting chapters on piracy and plagiarism, Javed Akhtar and Amrita Pritam, among others.

"I have written the story as I felt it. I didn't write it for any particular audience or readers. I wrote it the way I saw things happening in my professional life," Chopra said.

"I didn't even know I could write. Somewhere along the line, I felt I had a story that needed to be told," he concluded.

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Kipling's birthplace to become tourist attraction

The heritage bungalow in south Mumbai where author and Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling was born will be converted into a tourist attraction by the Maharashtra government, a minister has said.

The bungalow is situated inside the shady campus of Sir J.J. School of Art, close to the UNESCO World Heritage monument, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and other heritage buildings like Crawford Market and the Mumbai Police Commissionerate.

State Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde had proposed this week that the government would ensure the bungalow emerges as an important tourist hotspot and people get the opportunity to appreciate it.

All the artefacts in the house would be preserved and displayed with funding from the culture department which would also repair, restore and maintain the wood and stone structure, he added.

On cards is a Kipling museum, a library, literary and cultural events to attract domestic and foreign tourists to the birthplace of the author of classics like "The Jungle Book" and "Kim", and many poems like "If..." and "Mandalay". He was conferred with the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907 - the first English writer so honoured.

The site of the birth of Kipling, born on December 30, 1865 to English arts teacher, illustrator and curator John Lockwood Kipling and Alice Kipling, was actually another structure adjacent to the existing bungalow, which has been known as 'Kipling Bungalow' since over a century now.

The bungalow came up inside the campus of the Sir J.J. School of Art which was founded in 1857 after a handsome donation of Rs.100,000 by Mumbai businessman and philanthropist Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy.

The school was taken over by the government in 1866 and Kipling's father, appointed its first dean, lived in the bungalow on the campus.

The original bungalow where Rudyard was born was located barely a few metres from the existing 'Kipling House' was demolished and rebuilt and again crumbled away, while the 'Kipling House' which came up around 1882 underwent a restoration in phases from 2002-2008, besides an earlier restoration several decades ago.

Later, it became the Dean's Bungalow where subsequent heads of the prestigious School lived till around 2002, after which it remained locked and vacant and soon became dilapidated.

However, there is a metal plaque with the legend engraved "Rudyard Kipling, son of Lockwood Kipling, first Principal of Sir J.J. School of Art, was born here on 30.12.1865", and a bust of the author points at his historic and literary links with the campus.

He left for England after spending five years of his childhood in Mumbai, and later returned to Lahore at the age of 16, and subsequently, as a Nobel laureate revisited his birthplace in 1930.

He passed away in a London hospital in January 1936 at the age of 70.

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'Indians would rather spend on shoes, than books'

The Indian publishing industry is keeping the written word alive in different formats but the gradual decline in readership is posing many challenges for the industry. To reinvigorate this complex relationship, one of India's leading publishers says the trick lies in making readers fall in love with the solitary act of reading - something most Indians are literally scared of.

"An Indian is scared to be alone. So let's say my wife goes away for a holiday, the first thing I would do is call up my friends and ask them to join me for dinner. This attitude is because we don't want to give time to ourselves. Even when we have nothing to do, we will not pick up a book, but watch television instead," Ashok Chopra, chief executive of Hay House Publishers India, told IANS in an interview.

"We are not a nation of book lovers. We would rather spend Rs.5,000 on a pair of shoes, but not Rs. 500 on a book. It is a sad reflection of the society and a hard fact of life," he added.

This strong sociological observation about the reading habits of Indians explains why they have failed to cultivate reading as a hobby despite a rich legacy of writers like RabindranathTagore or Premchand to boast about.

And coming straight from the man who has spent many decades in publishing lends an air of credibility as Chopra, unlike others, doesn't attribute the decline in readership to the massive technological advancements that have taken place.

Instead, the Delhi-based publisher advised publishing firms to keep pace with changing technology to reach out to larger audiences and increase their footprint in India's heartland.

"Every 10 years, tastes change, mindsets change and the whole value system changes. So, reading habits invariably change. I would say e-books are the future as many youngsters are reading on Kindle. It is just a few old people like me... who are like fossils and want to feel the books," said Chopra who began his career as a journalist.

Chopra then shifted to the world of publishing and since then his resume boasts of work experience at prominent publishing houses like Vikas, Macmillan India and HarperCollins.

Adding another feather to his cap is his new book, "A Scrapbook of Memories"(HarperCollins, Rs. 699) that offers fascinating glimpses of his professional life and the publishing industry in general.

Described as a memoir, the 416-page book is an encyclopedia of the world of publishing, where Chopra has gone down memory lane to pick out many memorable stories, including a few disappointments, some astonishment, everlasting friendships and complex working relationships.

It is a world Chopra shares with his readers by narrating stories of acquiring manuscripts, of several gambles that failed to mature into concrete deals and of the satisfaction for not burning his fingers in a failing project.

Chopra is honest while narrating each story. Without hiding facts, he has recollected countless moments that would stay in the mind for a while and might often come back when you see the book on the shelf.

In Dev Anand's chapter, Chopra candidly admits how he has not forgiven himself for losing the veteran actor's autobiography "Romancing with Life" by not bidding for it, given the fact he had been pursuing the actor to pen down one.

A similar shade of disappointment reflects in the Satish Gujral chapter in which Chopra elaborates on how he lost out on the book "A Brush with Life: An Autobiography" to another publisher because the artist had decided this would be so.

Perhaps the most shocking chapter is on Bollywood actor I.S. Johar, whose manuscript in those times failed to find any takers because of its explicit content, as Chopra puts it ".... it was like a blue film on paper - enjoyable for the first few minutes or so, sick after that".

Stories like these make the read interesting as they give an idea of power struggle, ego tussles and network building that form the bedrock of the publishing business. Chopra has woven the narrative in delicate thread that perfectly paints the picture.

As a hardworking and astute leader, he worked on this book for two years and 11 months, referred to his personal notes and revisited the places he has mentioned to be as true to the actual situation as possible.

Strangely, the man who has a vision for the publishing industry still writes in long form and the original draft of this book was 900 pages long. After ruthless editing, Chopra managed to bring it to 400 pages by deleting chapters on piracy and plagiarism, Javed Akhtar and Amrita Pritam, among others.

"I have written the story as I felt it. I didn't write it for any particular audience or readers. I wrote it the way I saw things happening in my professional life," Chopra said.

"I didn't even know I could write. Somewhere along the line, I felt I had a story that needed to be told," he concluded.

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Satyarth decodes some mysteries of Indian history

One of the most intriguing and popular genre of books is mystery. And if this is combined with history of your country, it gets even better. Sathyarth Nayak grabbed the opportunity. The readers were still struggling with the influence of Dan Brown books and Satyarth added another dope of 'history meets mystery' with his book - The Emperor's Riddles. While his debut book is being constantly compared with Dan Brown works, Satyarth admits that the celebrated writer's book was the reason to find a similar mystery in our Indian Civilization. Let's find out the riddles behind writing his book and a brighter 'film' career ahead!

In conversation with Satyarth Nayak....

The idea of searching for a royal secret clicked when you finished reading Dan Brown. How much credit do you give to that for your first book- The Emperor's Riddles in relation to the concept, draft, plot etc.

It is true that I was re-reading Dan Brown and had this sudden curiosity to know if there was something similarly mysterious or esoteric hiding in our Indian civilization. Some royal secret or historical puzzle! A random search on the Internet yielded a fascinating conspiracy theory involving one of the most iconic Emperors of our history. What this man did thousands of years ago and the possibility that this imperial secret is alive and functioning even today bamboozled me. I knew this was one story I had to share. Like Brown's thrillers my book is also a history meets mystery. If Brown has codes, my book has a trail of cryptic riddles scattered all over the country that must be solved one by one. The concept is inspired but the historical context, plot points and mystery elements are uniquely my own. It's also probably the first Indian thriller to make use of Buddhist philosophy and iconography.

You have been an avid reader for thrillers and you also swear to write thrillers. Is there any other genre you think will ever interest you to write - maybe popular fiction or a chick-lit?

Every writer knows his strengths and weaknesses and I know for sure that chick lit is something that simply does not excite me. I have grown up reading Edgar Allan Poe, Agatha Christie, Conan Doyle and Ashok Banker and have always desired to emulate the thriller genre. Having said that, I am not averse to diversifying. In fact while I am already working on my next mystery thriller, I am also looking at creating another book that celebrates a landmark Bollywood classic. I am quite the cinephile and find film writing equally thrilling. I also love writing short stories. My short story Elixir has been published by Penguin in its latest Sudha Murty anthology.

What was the most astonishing aspect of the overwhelming response you got for your book?

It's wonderful to see the book topping various Bestsellers charts and getting media coverage and acclaim at literary festivals. However the most astonishing aspect has surely been the praise from authors like Amish Tripathi and Ashwin Sanghi. I recently met Ashwin after a long time at a literary festival where we both were speakers and the first thing he asks is 'So how are the riddles doing?' It's this wonderful encouragement from seniors that keeps me going. Also the fact that the book's earning comparisons with Dan Brown is overwhelming. But with success comes responsibility. Responsibility to make sure that my next thriller is bigger and better.

One author you would like to endorse for his writing?

Holding a Masters in English Literature from St Stephen's, I was fortunate to read various authors dabbling in thrillers. Agatha Christie has been a humungous influence. Poirot and Marple tales have been textbooks on how to create watertight mysteries, scatter clues in plain sight and finally lead the unsuspecting reader to that jaw-dropping final revelation. The murder mystery in my book and that final twist that my readers are loving so much is my tribute to Christie's uncanny genius. The touch of macabre is probably Poe and Stephen King's influence while the historical context is entirely Dan Brown and Umberto Eco.

Share few secrets (of course other than the one mentioned in your book) you found out while reading up on Indian royal secrets that are unknown.

That's difficult since I have incorporated most of these fascinating secrets in my book. Not many know that Indian royalty used simpler versions of robots called Yantra Purushas for daily chores. Or that, scenes of war described in Mahabharata correspond exactly to destruction from nuclear wars. In fact when the Americans bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War, Oppenheimer, the coordinator of the atom bomb project quoted Krishna from Bhagvad Gita, 'I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.' Apparently even Hitler believed that our ancient texts contained secrets of nuclear warfare.

Converting a novel into a screenplay has become a trend these days. Thrillers make a good meat for Bollywood anyway. Do you foresee a great Bollywood career ahead?

It is surely an exciting proposition especially since I have an offer from Bollywood now to convert my book into a film. The screenplay is being created and it feels wonderful to collaborate on this exciting venture. Offers are coming my way to create thriller content for television and I am also creating a script for a Bollywood thriller. Success opens new doors. Now let's see what's behind them!

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Aesthetic cosmetic surgeries for men

Cosmetic procedures for men have increased considerably. We take a look at some of the popular looks that men choose now.
Contrary to popular belief that women would go to any extent to look beautiful, over the last few years, there has been a boom in men's aesthetic surgery as well. While women want fine definition, men want high definition.

Dr Mohan Thomas, cosmetic surgeon, says, "From getting a firm jawline to carving a six pack, the demands for men's surgical procedures vary. The top three procedures that are quite sought by men include — body contouring, Rhinoplasty and hair restoration."

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), a number of men seeking cosmetic procedures has increased by almost 100 per cent from 1997 to 2013.

WHAT MAKES MEN GO IN FOR SUCH TREATMENTS...

Research has shown that men choose cosmetic surgery for primarily two reasons — first to look better and secondly to get that cutting edge in their professional life. Dr Aparna Santhanam, dermatologist says, "With increasing competition in the job market, looking younger has achieved new heights. A suave look is one of the criteria for getting a job in the corporate sector."

Age factor Men in their 20s and 30s opt for Rhinoplasty or cheek bone and chin definition, apart from body contouring and surgical management of male breast or gynecomastia (enlargement of the male breast tissue). On the other hand, middle-aged men, settle for ageing procedures (surgical as well as non-surgical) which include fillers or facial rejuvenation.

Popular looks

CHISELLED Treatment: High-definition liposuction, jawline augmentation, enhancing the jaw and cheekbones and elongating the chin. Price: `50,000 onwards

MUSCULAR Treatment: Toning the chest and the glutes, gynecomastia, and pectoral implants (a procedure used to remove fatty tissues around the breasts). Price: `75,000 onwards

SUAVE CORPORATE Treatment: Eye lift, jawline re-contouring, liposuction (if needed) and neck-lift. Price: `75,000 onwards

ATHLETIC Treatment: Brow lift, jawline re-contouring, liposuction and Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) Price: `75,000 onwards

Other treatments on the rise are... Apart from the above mentioned treatments, the demand for a sharper nose and well-defined eye brows also top the list. The creation of a six-pack surgically, chin and cheek implants, dimple creation and hair restoration surgery are also on the rise.

Men are also interested in other treatments such as pectoral, gluteal and calf implants. Not to be left behind, skin services such as custom facials, BTX-A, dermal fillers for lips and other areas as well as laser resurfacing procedures are also other popular choices.

Published on 23/3/2015

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'Book Cover Prize' for design excellence instituted

An award to honour the best book cover designs has been instituted, with the aim to encourage young talent and highlight the hard work that goes behind cover-making.

Oxford Bookstore on Tuesday announced the institution of India's first "Book Cover Prize" to honour excellence in book design. The prize will be announced at the 2016 Jaipur Literature Festival.

"There are a lot of young graphic designers and artists working on these book cover designs, and through this award we aim to give them exposure for the hard work they have been doing in making these book covers a success," Priti Paul, director of Apeejay Surrendra Group, told IANS.

"Though we say never judge a book by its cover, in reality a book cover summaries the essence of the story," she added.

Amid the sea of awards in the publishing industry that mainly focus on writers and books, Paul during a brainstorming session with Namita Gokhale, author and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, came up with the idea of adding value to the completely ignored aspect of covers.

"This aspect of the industry needed some stimulation and we hope this award not only brings them (artists) honour but also some monetary gains," she said.

The selection process would be announced shortly, along with the names of the jury.

"I can assure you that it will be a prestigious jury, who will be from different backgrounds and their expertise will evaluate the selection process," Paul said.

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Indian-American Akhil Sharma wins Folio literary prize

Indian-American writer Akhil Sharma has won the second annual Folio prize for fiction for a novel which charts an emigrant family's heart-wrenching search for the "American dream", said a media report.

Sharma said after winning the 40,000-pound (nearly $60,000) prize that writing the novel, which took 13 years to complete, was a frustrating and difficult challenge, often "like chewing stones", with around nine wasted years when it did not go well, according to a Guardian report.

"I'm glad the book exists, I just wish I hadn't been the guy who wrote it," he said.

Sharma won the prize for his second novel, "Family Life", an autobiographical work, which tells the story of a young boy, Ajay, and his family who emigrate from Delhi to New York in search of a better life.

All is turned upside down when his older brother has a dreadful swimming pool accident and needs round-the-clock care from then on.

Sharma, a former investment banker, said he was professionally happy that people were reading the story of care givers, but admitted that he thought about giving up. However, he stuck with it.

"I couldn't bear the idea of having spent all those years and then nothing good having come out of it.

"In the end, I feel the book itself is good, it does certain things that are artistically impressive. So I feel good about that."

Parts of the writing process were fun, he said, but much of it was not. "I'm 43. I started writing this when I was 30. So I spent my 30s writing this thing... I really feel like I shattered my youth."

William Fiennes, who chaired the panel of judges, praised the novel, currently a bestseller in the US, as "lucid, compassionate, quietly funny".

"'Family Life' is a masterful novel of distilled complexity: about catastrophe and survival; attachment and independence; the tension between selfishness and responsibility.

"We loved its deceptive simplicity and rare warmth... This is a work of art that expands with each re-reading and a novel that will endure," he said.

It was chosen from a shortlist of eight books, which included what was the bookmakers' favourite for the prize, Ali Smith's novel "How To Be Both".

The prize, sponsored by the Folio Society, was created last year with the aim of celebrating the year's best English-language works of fiction, regardless of form, genre and geography.

The first winner was American short story writer George Saunders for "Tenth of December".

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Feel safe on censorship issues in India: Jeffrey Archer

No alien to controversies, British author Jeffrey Archer says he's not a provocative writer and "feels very safe" in India when it comes to censorship issues.

"I don't try to provoke. I am a simple storyteller. I feel safe in India, very safe," he said. In contrast, he said, he had to go through a lot of trouble in South Africa years ago because of his views. "I went on television and defended (former South African President) Nelson Mandela and criticised the apartheid system and they threw me out. But I felt very strongly about it," Archer told IANS in an interview here.

The best-selling author of over 35 books was in India to launch his book "Mightier Than The Sword", the fifth in the seven-part Clifton Chronicle series brought out by Pan Macmillan. The next book in the saga will have eight chapters set in Mumbai.

"I think there is a genuine affection here. I have met Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman and Rahul Dravid and I never sensed that they don't like the English. They are friendly straightway and warm. One doesn't get that if someone doesn't like your country," said the former politician.

Published in 97 countries, in more than 37 languages, the 74-year-old conceded that British novelist and screenwriter Ian McEwan and British-Indian author Salman Rushdie are superior writers.

"I see differences in the sense that I see Ian McEwan as a far better writer. I think Salman Rushdie is also a far better writer, but it was the London Times and your Times (Times of India) that said (I was) probably the greatest storyteller in the world. But perhaps he does not like it when people compare him to Alexandre Dumas, one of the most widely-read 19th century French writers.

"You feel (good) when you see that from the Times of London and from the Indian times. And then The Washington Post came out after my 'Prisoner of Birth' and said the English had found Dumas.

"So you do sit back and think about it," Archer mused.

On his 11th visit to India, Archer interacted with audiences, particularly wannabe writers, in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata, hosted by the Crossword bookstores.

During his whirlwind tour, the author met Indian entertainment entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala to seek advice on a possible Indian partner for the television series on 'The Clifton Chronicles'.

Archer said it was Screwvala's nudge that pushed him to say Bollywood filmmakers had "stolen" his works and adapted them into films. He says 'Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less' was made into 'Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl' and 'Kane and Abel' into 'Khudgarz'.

Once he had said it, he repeated it several times during his interactions in India: 'You have stolen my books'. But he was surprised by the reaction his comment attracted. "I thought Indians would be cross with that. The surprise is Indians say 'you are quite right, we all know that'," said the author light-heartedly.

Despite irritation with plagiarism, Archer is keen to have his books adapted for films, provided it is with his consent and the right person comes along.

"If anyone approached me I would go to Ronnie and ask for his opinion immediately. If he says that's a serious director I will accept it straightaway," asserts Archer.

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Aesthetic cosmetic surgeries for men

Cosmetic procedures for men have increased considerably. We take a look at some of the popular looks that men choose now.
Contrary to popular belief that women would go to any extent to look beautiful, over the last few years, there has been a boom in men's aesthetic surgery as well. While women want fine definition, men want high definition.

Dr Mohan Thomas, cosmetic surgeon, says, "From getting a firm jawline to carving a six pack, the demands for men's surgical procedures vary. The top three procedures that are quite sought by men include — body contouring, Rhinoplasty and hair restoration."

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), a number of men seeking cosmetic procedures has increased by almost 100 per cent from 1997 to 2013.

WHAT MAKES MEN GO IN FOR SUCH TREATMENTS...

Research has shown that men choose cosmetic surgery for primarily two reasons — first to look better and secondly to get that cutting edge in their professional life. Dr Aparna Santhanam, dermatologist says, "With increasing competition in the job market, looking younger has achieved new heights. A suave look is one of the criteria for getting a job in the corporate sector."

Age factor Men in their 20s and 30s opt for Rhinoplasty or cheek bone and chin definition, apart from body contouring and surgical management of male breast or gynecomastia (enlargement of the male breast tissue). On the other hand, middle-aged men, settle for ageing procedures (surgical as well as non-surgical) which include fillers or facial rejuvenation.

Popular looks

CHISELLED Treatment: High-definition liposuction, jawline augmentation, enhancing the jaw and cheekbones and elongating the chin. Price: `50,000 onwards

MUSCULAR Treatment: Toning the chest and the glutes, gynecomastia, and pectoral implants (a procedure used to remove fatty tissues around the breasts). Price: `75,000 onwards

SUAVE CORPORATE Treatment: Eye lift, jawline re-contouring, liposuction (if needed) and neck-lift. Price: `75,000 onwards

ATHLETIC Treatment: Brow lift, jawline re-contouring, liposuction and Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) Price: `75,000 onwards

Other treatments on the rise are... Apart from the above mentioned treatments, the demand for a sharper nose and well-defined eye brows also top the list. The creation of a six-pack surgically, chin and cheek implants, dimple creation and hair restoration surgery are also on the rise.

Men are also interested in other treatments such as pectoral, gluteal and calf implants. Not to be left behind, skin services such as custom facials, BTX-A, dermal fillers for lips and other areas as well as laser resurfacing procedures are also other popular choices.

Published on 23/3/2015

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