ROMANCING THE RAIN
Of all the seasons that fall over Tapi town, the monsoon is by far the one that makes it most beautiful. If the skilled Sanskrit poet-Kalidasa’s cloud messenger-Meghdoot were to fly over Surat, in its fluffy state, its eye would meet many a pretty sight-
Kalidasa wrote-‘The Ashoka tree with sweetly dancing lines, the favourite Bakul tree, are near the bower of Amaranth-engirdled Jasmine vines; Like me they wait to feel the winning power, of her persuasion ere they blossom into flower.’
As Surat’s ancient architecture from Dutch to English to Mughal stands freshly awashed; most roads are carpeted with fresh blossoms from blazing Gulmohars, beaming Amaltas and in case you are on the right side of the road, pretty Parijats.
In spite of its urbanization, there still lie many quaint streets in Surat where one could enjoy a walk while it drizzles; like the by lane in Sarjan society which overlooks the garden is one closest to nature, like the main road by Panas agricultural farm where two wheelers now zip zap zoom has the most beautiful road sheltered by many a tree, like the green tunnel formed by a foliage of branches that entwine overhead outside the Umra police station.
The sweet, damp full bodied fragrance of mother earth will tempt bi-cyclists to bring out their wheels and race towards where land meets the Arabian sea, for the more adventurous, the serpentine Palsana route will serve the purpose for racing the rain.
Children who have now grown out of paper boat days will splash out into a wet and wild football or volleyball bout .As an audience of lasses below bright coloured umbrellas cheer on with their effervescent and unabashed Surti charm.
Kitly kings will be concocting up misty mint flavored tea from textile market’s famous foamy delight-‘Tim tim ‘as onerous laborers run around with rainbow coloured goods to good old Ghodod road’s cutting chai which will help wash down local goodies.
Foodies by nature, Surtis will be seen at all monsoon hotspots around town, relishing hot steamed khichu drizzled with oil and decorated with a generous sprinkle sesame seeds ,chutney lined tomato bhajiyas freshly fried by the ancient anchor at Dumas and pepper laced Sarasiya khajas from Ambaji road. As ash flies, floating out with the aroma of freshly roasted corn on the cob by road side kiosks, run by robust women from villages like Vesu, Bhimpore in bright coloured clothing, fanning the charcoal fire from below plastic hoods that do little to keep them from getting drenched by the downpour.
One could go out and enjoy the weather, view it from the various bridges that connect us to the blue horizon yonder, where palms swish and swoon to the tunes of the monsoon slate.
Just in case you would rather stay dry within the comfort of your home, curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and a great book like ‘Chasing the monsoon ‘by Alexander Frater.Or, better still, soak yourself in the rich text of ‘Meghduta’by Kalidasa what better weather than this to enjoy one of the most romantic poetry ever written -
‘Where from the Moonstones hung in nets of thread, great drops of water trickle in the night. When the Moon shines clear and thou, O cloud art fled to ease the languorous of the women’s plight who lie relaxed and tired in love’s embrace tight.’
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
TAPI TOWN ON A TICKER?
Suryaputri Tapi-the Sun God’s daughter, originates as a pure ,bubbly spring ,full of life in the dense tribal district of Betul, in Madhya Pradesh from a place called Multai.Its name originates from the Sanskrit name Multapi.
While it is the life line of our town and the pride of the city’s rich glorious past, present day sees it contaminated with worst ever effluent industrial waste, sewage drains that flush out in it, algae and river bed vegetation which act as natural polluters and other harmful organisms dumped in by humans and animals.
Our civic body, the SMC, was amongst the first in the country to acquire standards to process and distribute quality water in required quantity on time and implemented the ISO 9001-2000 certificate to improve quality of potable water way back in 2004. Many an anti pollution drives and campaigns have been carried out to try and keep our river clean; sometimes after being alarmed over high levels of pollution or on other occasions, due the discovery of strange red organisms in the water treatment plant at Varachha water works.
The on going, month long Tapi Shudhhi karan campaign is by far the most aggressive and well attended ‘clean our river waters’ drive that we have experienced. In addition to correcting the damage done by the ‘khadis ‘that pour in the polluting factors, well meaning denizens and the civic body have joined hands to make sure that the Tapi stays protected from humans and animals that pollute its ovaras and ghats,with plastic, waste. The campaign will end on 27 June.And, in the rare case that we responsibly carry on the good work; things might just be back to square one or even worst, by this time next year.
Along with being the brightest jewel in the industrial capital of the country, it comes with little surprise that our city has also qualified as being one of the highest polluted. As deadly messages in the form of dead fish have often washed ashore, littering our beaches, dying cattle have had meek protesters and sniffing the gaseous air beyond Piplod as the evening sets in has become a way of normal life for us.
With over 400 textile processing units and more than 600 odd chemical factories that fume, it is little wonder that the presence of Carbon Dioxide in the air is more than 100 microgram per cubic meter than the permissible presence of below 80 micrograms.Yes, we took a giant step with converting our means of public transportation on road into CNG dependant vehicles but our air has worst enemies. As does our soil that has been found to be heavily contaminated with high levels of metals and toxic wastes.
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board has served a general improvement notice this year to industrial agencies. Some of its rules state that ‘All sources of water consumption have to be informed to the GPCB,Effluent discharge like ETP,LETP,FETP etc shall be allowed only through flow meter indicating correct quantity being discharged, any increased generation exceeding CTE(NOC0should be reported immediately, effluents are to be discharged only from authorized points ,only authorized fuel is to be used and any disposal of waste via pipeline connections,leakages,spillage,by pass,burying,underground or outside discharge is illegal.
The notice also states that while law abiding units can enjoy the rights of business and good infrastructural facilities provided by state government, wrong doers are warned that any illegal activities will be punished with ‘dire consequences’-the parody of the situation is, the wrong doers are punishing us already, with ‘dire consequences’.
As the mudslinging and finger pointing for the responsibility of Bhopal-the worlds worst industrial disaster reaches its zenith, lets learn from it and leave a better future for our children to live in ,lest we be known as the Andersons of our times.
Suryaputri Tapi-the Sun God’s daughter, originates as a pure ,bubbly spring ,full of life in the dense tribal district of Betul, in Madhya Pradesh from a place called Multai.Its name originates from the Sanskrit name Multapi.
While it is the life line of our town and the pride of the city’s rich glorious past, present day sees it contaminated with worst ever effluent industrial waste, sewage drains that flush out in it, algae and river bed vegetation which act as natural polluters and other harmful organisms dumped in by humans and animals.
Our civic body, the SMC, was amongst the first in the country to acquire standards to process and distribute quality water in required quantity on time and implemented the ISO 9001-2000 certificate to improve quality of potable water way back in 2004. Many an anti pollution drives and campaigns have been carried out to try and keep our river clean; sometimes after being alarmed over high levels of pollution or on other occasions, due the discovery of strange red organisms in the water treatment plant at Varachha water works.
The on going, month long Tapi Shudhhi karan campaign is by far the most aggressive and well attended ‘clean our river waters’ drive that we have experienced. In addition to correcting the damage done by the ‘khadis ‘that pour in the polluting factors, well meaning denizens and the civic body have joined hands to make sure that the Tapi stays protected from humans and animals that pollute its ovaras and ghats,with plastic, waste. The campaign will end on 27 June.And, in the rare case that we responsibly carry on the good work; things might just be back to square one or even worst, by this time next year.
Along with being the brightest jewel in the industrial capital of the country, it comes with little surprise that our city has also qualified as being one of the highest polluted. As deadly messages in the form of dead fish have often washed ashore, littering our beaches, dying cattle have had meek protesters and sniffing the gaseous air beyond Piplod as the evening sets in has become a way of normal life for us.
With over 400 textile processing units and more than 600 odd chemical factories that fume, it is little wonder that the presence of Carbon Dioxide in the air is more than 100 microgram per cubic meter than the permissible presence of below 80 micrograms.Yes, we took a giant step with converting our means of public transportation on road into CNG dependant vehicles but our air has worst enemies. As does our soil that has been found to be heavily contaminated with high levels of metals and toxic wastes.
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board has served a general improvement notice this year to industrial agencies. Some of its rules state that ‘All sources of water consumption have to be informed to the GPCB,Effluent discharge like ETP,LETP,FETP etc shall be allowed only through flow meter indicating correct quantity being discharged, any increased generation exceeding CTE(NOC0should be reported immediately, effluents are to be discharged only from authorized points ,only authorized fuel is to be used and any disposal of waste via pipeline connections,leakages,spillage,by pass,burying,underground or outside discharge is illegal.
The notice also states that while law abiding units can enjoy the rights of business and good infrastructural facilities provided by state government, wrong doers are warned that any illegal activities will be punished with ‘dire consequences’-the parody of the situation is, the wrong doers are punishing us already, with ‘dire consequences’.
As the mudslinging and finger pointing for the responsibility of Bhopal-the worlds worst industrial disaster reaches its zenith, lets learn from it and leave a better future for our children to live in ,lest we be known as the Andersons of our times.
SUMMER TEMPEST
They say when you have nothing else to write about, write about the weather, so, when we were under the Phet threat, this column was poised to read otherwise.
Thankfully, hurricanes have a mind of their own and are vagabond travelers with no particular route or destination in mind hence our shores were spared.
Despite the wanton change of weather plans however, mini hurricanes hit Surtis due to different individuals and issues that gave reason to Tapi towners to tattle. Hungary’s hunger and Hatoyama’s sayonara did not make it to the top list .the ones which did were-
Javier jalapeño Spanish writer Javier Moro may lack knowledge on how to drape a sari; but Surti lalas are on a desperate lookout for him .They want to request exclusive rights of patent to recreate his ‘Red Sari’. Lalas who have no clue about the writer’s past books like “Five past midnight in Bhopal’ on India’s worst apocalypse or ‘The Jaipur foot’-a man’s ability to overcome tragedy ,think that Surti versions of Moro’s red sari might just be the next big hit design after ‘Ghajini’. Meanwhile a representative of the hand that rules the country has served a notice to Javier who is protesting ‘tujhko mirchi lagi toh mein kyaa karu?’
Tambu mein gabhrahat An architectural wonder, the air-conditioned, gigantic, pillar less dome at Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) was built with the purpose of providing ‘international standard facilities ‘for building better business and trade relations. But, Surat’s crème de la crème have been using it as the ‘in’ wedding venue of the season. Surat’s new, wow wedding vows venue observed a ‘vavajhodu’ (Surti for hurricane) when over a lakh wedding guests turned up to bless a parliamentarian’s blessed daughter. All roads led to Sarsana as people wanted to be in the ‘been there done that’ list.
Deedar ae Drogba While ‘it ‘couples in Surat are set to sail shores and attend Football 2010 worldcup, Ivory Coast’s ace foot is nursing an injured elbow.In a warm up match against Japan that might now cost host country South Africa a precious blow, ace striker Didier Drogba has been declared injured and unfit for FIFA 2010.Although over 20 million fans worldwide are crestfallen, Surtis are in top spirits since they will be sporting colourful tees representing all countries and would rather sight fancy film stars from Hollywood than ferocious footballers .
Limca book of records In a record event that has our extremely alert police in a puzzle, a 2 litre, Surti Limca bottle is on its way to become part of, well ‘Limca book of records’! The record breaking bottle filled with Vodka, discovered by a surprise raid squad, mysteriously found its way into the Surat sub jail, near ward number 4, which is present home to a few high profile law breakers. Of course, now that the unique bottle has been sent to the efficient forensic science department ‘results may vary ‘and we may not have a winner on our hands.Jalsa loving Surtis are, however celebrating with Hic!hic!hurrah in dry state’s rare, amazing discovery.
Thus, while the country dealt with the IPL- ‘I appeal ,yell ‘ hurricane and the state had ‘Charcha Nehru ‘to deal with, Surtis were busy with their own set of summer tempests.
Tapi town tattle Nuts over Mr.Natwarlal.
They say when you have nothing else to write about, write about the weather, so, when we were under the Phet threat, this column was poised to read otherwise.
Thankfully, hurricanes have a mind of their own and are vagabond travelers with no particular route or destination in mind hence our shores were spared.
Despite the wanton change of weather plans however, mini hurricanes hit Surtis due to different individuals and issues that gave reason to Tapi towners to tattle. Hungary’s hunger and Hatoyama’s sayonara did not make it to the top list .the ones which did were-
Javier jalapeño Spanish writer Javier Moro may lack knowledge on how to drape a sari; but Surti lalas are on a desperate lookout for him .They want to request exclusive rights of patent to recreate his ‘Red Sari’. Lalas who have no clue about the writer’s past books like “Five past midnight in Bhopal’ on India’s worst apocalypse or ‘The Jaipur foot’-a man’s ability to overcome tragedy ,think that Surti versions of Moro’s red sari might just be the next big hit design after ‘Ghajini’. Meanwhile a representative of the hand that rules the country has served a notice to Javier who is protesting ‘tujhko mirchi lagi toh mein kyaa karu?’
Tambu mein gabhrahat An architectural wonder, the air-conditioned, gigantic, pillar less dome at Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) was built with the purpose of providing ‘international standard facilities ‘for building better business and trade relations. But, Surat’s crème de la crème have been using it as the ‘in’ wedding venue of the season. Surat’s new, wow wedding vows venue observed a ‘vavajhodu’ (Surti for hurricane) when over a lakh wedding guests turned up to bless a parliamentarian’s blessed daughter. All roads led to Sarsana as people wanted to be in the ‘been there done that’ list.
Deedar ae Drogba While ‘it ‘couples in Surat are set to sail shores and attend Football 2010 worldcup, Ivory Coast’s ace foot is nursing an injured elbow.In a warm up match against Japan that might now cost host country South Africa a precious blow, ace striker Didier Drogba has been declared injured and unfit for FIFA 2010.Although over 20 million fans worldwide are crestfallen, Surtis are in top spirits since they will be sporting colourful tees representing all countries and would rather sight fancy film stars from Hollywood than ferocious footballers .
Limca book of records In a record event that has our extremely alert police in a puzzle, a 2 litre, Surti Limca bottle is on its way to become part of, well ‘Limca book of records’! The record breaking bottle filled with Vodka, discovered by a surprise raid squad, mysteriously found its way into the Surat sub jail, near ward number 4, which is present home to a few high profile law breakers. Of course, now that the unique bottle has been sent to the efficient forensic science department ‘results may vary ‘and we may not have a winner on our hands.Jalsa loving Surtis are, however celebrating with Hic!hic!hurrah in dry state’s rare, amazing discovery.
Thus, while the country dealt with the IPL- ‘I appeal ,yell ‘ hurricane and the state had ‘Charcha Nehru ‘to deal with, Surtis were busy with their own set of summer tempests.
Tapi town tattle Nuts over Mr.Natwarlal.
NOT JUST KIDS’STUFF-The big business of little people.
Suri Cruise turned all of four years in age this summer, yet Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are reportedly spending around 4 million dollars on her wardrobe annually! Tom had earlier stated Suri chooses her own clothes and now, even advises him on the same.
Along with a $800 Ferragamo purse neatly resting on her tiny shoulder, this mini style icon already has a fashion blog in her name, with over 5 lakh visitors and counting. Every single time the little fashionista steps out with her celebrity parents, bloggers vote –“thumbs up for the Burberry plaid dress, thumbs down for her high heels”etc.
“Keeping up with the Cruises” has become the motto of more and more Gen Xers around the world. According to online polls, fashion enthusiasts are happily kitting out for their kid’s gear, amounts that would resemble your monthly car installment or family holiday budget.
India too, has caught up with the mini fashion frenzy and Gujarat is no exception .Young, upwardly mobile parents who are brand conscious themselves are making sure they dress their dear ones in designer tags and shop for the same whenever they travel. Gujarats’yummy mummies love to dress their young guns as’ mini me s’.”When we mommies are wearing strappy branded labels, why should it be any less when it comes to kidswear?” argues Shhalu Kapadia, whose daughters aged 8 and 5 have a wardrobe as big as their moms.” I shop from Delhi for their Indian gear and my husband who travels abroad often, purchases their western out fits.
Kids couture, that was an ‘unorganized sector’ till now, has started looking up like never before. Kidology that launched this year, in Delhi is already branching out to the west due to demands. It houses designer threads in Indian and western wear to cater to tiny vouguettes and little boys aged 0 to 7. The country’s leading labels like Ritu Kumar’s ethnic fusion blend, Malini Ramani‘s tribal /glam diva look, Gaurav Gupta ‘s funky styles, Gauri and Nainika’s princess collection are hot sellers .Karina Rajpal, its director points out that,” While celebrity kids ’fashion influences a certain sector of the market, there are plenty of aesthetically minded parents who have very distinct taste, who appreciate good quality design and enjoy watching their offspring’s wearing the same.”
The weather in Ahmedabad calls for comfortable fabric, as does kid’s fashion. I use a lot of natural fabric, organic cotton, that has an extra feel of softness to the skin”, says Priti Mehta, who runs’ Bows and Buttons’ for pretty young things, at Ellis bridge.” Fit to size is an important aspect; my youngest client is 6 months old. We physically try out samples on children to make sure that the fit is perfect and provide alterations. Matching accessories like hairclips and purses are custom made to order.”
”Prices are not an issue, if the kids like something, parents happily pay for it, children have so many birthdays and functions to attend,” says Nishhka Lulla whose youngest client is one year old.” the most difficult part is getting them to be stable during measurements. Even one year olds are very conscious about the length of their dresses and the colour that they want .It is great fun designing for children since there is a lot of freedom with colours and one can be innovative with fun styles.” Having launched her label Nisshk's Barbie collection last year with a ‘mommy and me’ ramp walk, she has regular clients in crème de la crème Gujaratis like Palak and Samir Sheth’s daughter Shonaya amongst others.
Tanisha Sonpal, an NRG settled in Hong Kong states, “I have regular requests from cousins back home to shop and send kid stuff for my nephews and nieces who reside in Rajkot and Baroda .Since here we have stores of Baby Dior,Gucii,Kenzo,Marc Jacobs etc in kiddy styles.”
Meanwhile, back in Ahmedabad and Surat, cash crunched parents are also shopping at low priced shops like Clothes Rack, Just brands, for their tiny tots to stay put in the brand wagon. Play at the park has never been so stylish, as Tommy Hilfiger rubs shoulders with Burberry’s at the see saw and swings.
“Its not just the tags, comfort is prime importance,” points out Pooja Patel ,” I make it point to pick up Baby Gap jeans and fine footwear for my kids, I also like the Indian block prints on cotton shirts for my son. My daughter’s wardrobe is more Victorian and feminine, country style frocks etc.Loud colours, too much embroidery are big no nos”.
‘I shop for sports gear for my kids all over the world they always put in a request for Manchester United stuff, since they are both soccer fans. “Says Parikshit Contractor.
A lot of people who can afford good clothes found it hard to find unique clothing for children before, this sector has a big future. A retailer in Surat is preparing paperwork to approach brand ‘Burberry’s’, who have launched their miniature versions of the key pieces from their Spring Summer catwalk Prorsum Collection in India.” They stock tee shirts priced Rs.2500 onwards for kids aged one month to 14 years, dresses for little damsels that range from Rs.9000 to 11, 00, denims for boys that range from 10,000 onwards along with sneakers and ballerinas that cost 10 grands per pair.I have been in this field for 20 years now, Surtis never mind paying that extra buck for unique stuff.”He winks.
Tejus Kapadia who often travels abroad due to his business, makes it a point to book a hotel that is close to boutiques that sell branded kiddy wear, to shop for his daughters Vieha ,8 and Nayssa , 5, in between his busy meetings,” My children do not need to be celebrity kids to dress in designer tags. For me, they are the celebrities.” He smiles.
Suri Cruise turned all of four years in age this summer, yet Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are reportedly spending around 4 million dollars on her wardrobe annually! Tom had earlier stated Suri chooses her own clothes and now, even advises him on the same.
Along with a $800 Ferragamo purse neatly resting on her tiny shoulder, this mini style icon already has a fashion blog in her name, with over 5 lakh visitors and counting. Every single time the little fashionista steps out with her celebrity parents, bloggers vote –“thumbs up for the Burberry plaid dress, thumbs down for her high heels”etc.
“Keeping up with the Cruises” has become the motto of more and more Gen Xers around the world. According to online polls, fashion enthusiasts are happily kitting out for their kid’s gear, amounts that would resemble your monthly car installment or family holiday budget.
India too, has caught up with the mini fashion frenzy and Gujarat is no exception .Young, upwardly mobile parents who are brand conscious themselves are making sure they dress their dear ones in designer tags and shop for the same whenever they travel. Gujarats’yummy mummies love to dress their young guns as’ mini me s’.”When we mommies are wearing strappy branded labels, why should it be any less when it comes to kidswear?” argues Shhalu Kapadia, whose daughters aged 8 and 5 have a wardrobe as big as their moms.” I shop from Delhi for their Indian gear and my husband who travels abroad often, purchases their western out fits.
Kids couture, that was an ‘unorganized sector’ till now, has started looking up like never before. Kidology that launched this year, in Delhi is already branching out to the west due to demands. It houses designer threads in Indian and western wear to cater to tiny vouguettes and little boys aged 0 to 7. The country’s leading labels like Ritu Kumar’s ethnic fusion blend, Malini Ramani‘s tribal /glam diva look, Gaurav Gupta ‘s funky styles, Gauri and Nainika’s princess collection are hot sellers .Karina Rajpal, its director points out that,” While celebrity kids ’fashion influences a certain sector of the market, there are plenty of aesthetically minded parents who have very distinct taste, who appreciate good quality design and enjoy watching their offspring’s wearing the same.”
The weather in Ahmedabad calls for comfortable fabric, as does kid’s fashion. I use a lot of natural fabric, organic cotton, that has an extra feel of softness to the skin”, says Priti Mehta, who runs’ Bows and Buttons’ for pretty young things, at Ellis bridge.” Fit to size is an important aspect; my youngest client is 6 months old. We physically try out samples on children to make sure that the fit is perfect and provide alterations. Matching accessories like hairclips and purses are custom made to order.”
”Prices are not an issue, if the kids like something, parents happily pay for it, children have so many birthdays and functions to attend,” says Nishhka Lulla whose youngest client is one year old.” the most difficult part is getting them to be stable during measurements. Even one year olds are very conscious about the length of their dresses and the colour that they want .It is great fun designing for children since there is a lot of freedom with colours and one can be innovative with fun styles.” Having launched her label Nisshk's Barbie collection last year with a ‘mommy and me’ ramp walk, she has regular clients in crème de la crème Gujaratis like Palak and Samir Sheth’s daughter Shonaya amongst others.
Tanisha Sonpal, an NRG settled in Hong Kong states, “I have regular requests from cousins back home to shop and send kid stuff for my nephews and nieces who reside in Rajkot and Baroda .Since here we have stores of Baby Dior,Gucii,Kenzo,Marc Jacobs etc in kiddy styles.”
Meanwhile, back in Ahmedabad and Surat, cash crunched parents are also shopping at low priced shops like Clothes Rack, Just brands, for their tiny tots to stay put in the brand wagon. Play at the park has never been so stylish, as Tommy Hilfiger rubs shoulders with Burberry’s at the see saw and swings.
“Its not just the tags, comfort is prime importance,” points out Pooja Patel ,” I make it point to pick up Baby Gap jeans and fine footwear for my kids, I also like the Indian block prints on cotton shirts for my son. My daughter’s wardrobe is more Victorian and feminine, country style frocks etc.Loud colours, too much embroidery are big no nos”.
‘I shop for sports gear for my kids all over the world they always put in a request for Manchester United stuff, since they are both soccer fans. “Says Parikshit Contractor.
A lot of people who can afford good clothes found it hard to find unique clothing for children before, this sector has a big future. A retailer in Surat is preparing paperwork to approach brand ‘Burberry’s’, who have launched their miniature versions of the key pieces from their Spring Summer catwalk Prorsum Collection in India.” They stock tee shirts priced Rs.2500 onwards for kids aged one month to 14 years, dresses for little damsels that range from Rs.9000 to 11, 00, denims for boys that range from 10,000 onwards along with sneakers and ballerinas that cost 10 grands per pair.I have been in this field for 20 years now, Surtis never mind paying that extra buck for unique stuff.”He winks.
Tejus Kapadia who often travels abroad due to his business, makes it a point to book a hotel that is close to boutiques that sell branded kiddy wear, to shop for his daughters Vieha ,8 and Nayssa , 5, in between his busy meetings,” My children do not need to be celebrity kids to dress in designer tags. For me, they are the celebrities.” He smiles.
Friday, May 28, 2010
SWISH SET’S NEW SKIN SINS
Popeye, Angelina Jolie, Winston Churchill and Rakhi Sawant might never end up in the same subset; but fact remains that they are all linked with ink. Tattoos play a vital part in the projection of their personalities.
Related more to punk funk, till recent years, permenant tattoos have suddenly emerged as the new style statement on the fashion circuit universally and Gujarat’s swish set is going all out to ink their attitude.
Neck napes, wrists, shoulders, lower backs, biceps are expressing personal preferences. Like Bob Dylan’s song,’ times they are a changing’, tattoo trends too are no more just a cult custom but, a widely accepted attitude, even in the middle aged groups. It’s not just the twenty somethings’ who are going in for the skin sin.” Most of my clients are professionals, in their mid thirties or more,’ smiles tattoo artist Jagruti Parmar .In the field for more than 10 years now, this boho chic promoter is known as Gujarat’s Kat Von D when it comes to tattoos.
Parmar’s studio ‘La Nina tattoos’ at Vastrapur Ahmedabad, is like a mini museum of tattoo history, the walls depict pictures from ancient Japanese body art to Jolie’s arm candy (tattoos, not Brad Pitt, silly).” 3-d and glow in the dark tattoos are very popular with the elder age group. A lot of people are getting various gods depicted on skin and since Indian gods wear a lot of ornaments, the effect in radium coloured tattoos comes out amazing. Tattoos are the only jewels that go with you to your grave. I just did a Cleopatra type replica on a client’s eye, it was a tricky task”
The Raamnamis of Chattisgarh no more monopolize the mantra sutra. Elderly Gujaratis are getting Gayatri Mantras, Hanuman Chalisas and Maha Mrityunjay jaaps permanently penned on their backs and shoulders for instant nirvana. Kavita Dave, who runs D N Tattoos at Jodhpur Satellite remarks,’ we have clients who are upto 65 years of age as well. Many come in from Saurashtra, Kutch, Baroda and some go for fancier versions of their Kul Devta.” Ahmedabad being central for Gujarat,” Even foreigners and NRI’s prefer getting their religious tattoos done here because as Indians, we are able to give genuine divine expressions for the ever popular Ganeshas and Shivji idols and innumerable options for the ‘om’symbol,” points out Parmar.
Tattoos are not new to Gujarat. The Rabari tribes of Kutch have a trend of body art called ‘chhundanas’.Many centuries old, it consists of geometrical designs and dots that is often visible in their embroidery and home décor rangoli motifs as well. Meant to adorn the skin, this definitely makes their women look sexier.
La Nina‘s tattoo artist has a client who got her boy friend’s name permanently tattooed in 7 secret places. “She adds one more every month and is married now.” Young girls commonly go in for dainty butterflies and fairies, but, the women are going in for more elaborate, serene Buddha images surrounded with exotic floral creepers and sensual snakes intertwined with dragon like creatures.” I have a phoenix on my back which signifies my character, am planning another for my ankle soon” says Sonali Desai, a young mother. ” Tattoos are the new fashion mantra for Surat’s suburbans”confirms Lavesh More, who has trained under famous tattoo artist Sameer Patange and shuttles into Tapi town every fortnight to upgrade Surat’s swish set with styles that are ‘in style ‘in Mumbai because,”Surtis always want something unique and different and are willing to pay for the fact that I never repeat the design again. I plan to permanently work out of Surat now due to the growing demand.”
Not bearing social stigma anymore, tattoos are openly flaunted with pride. It’s not just the fashionistas who are falling for the trend.” Many of my clients are doctors, they usually want one on their biceps or neck nape, they don’t mind if their patients notice it, others are patients of luecoderma or have surgery scars and tattoos help them cover the same” says Kavita.
Celebrity charisma has direct bearing on fans who risk the pain for visual pleasure. Just as Saif followed David Beckham, penning the name of the love of his life, “Alphabet tattoos are very common but also lose their charm as soon as girlfriends change. I have to play music in accordance to the mood and theme of my clients’ make ups and break ups.Ours being a dry state, there is no alcohol in take before the act unlike other towns.” giggles Jagruti.
Premal Zaveri, 44, has adopted Hrithik Roshan’s new star tattoo on his right wrist while his wife sports the same on her left wrist. ‘It gathers immediate attention at work, “smiles the textile trader,” but no one has dared ask yet. My wife is very fair skinned and also has a beautiful floral one on her back. The colours have come out wonderfully well.”
”I am planning to go shopping for more halter necks, “winks Sonal Patel., 37, from Rajkot, who has got a 3 d shadow effect tattoo done on her left shoulder that extends to the nape, “it feels sexy to get noticed for it. I am trying to get my husband go in for a Shivji one like Sanjay Dutt’s.”
While its style quotient for ladies, its all about symbols of power for the gentlemen.Al’s Tattoo studio in Bandra, Mumbai is run by four brothers .Al has done his masters in fine arts from M S University in Baroda. They cater to Bollywood stars and celebrities, back in Gujarat, Jagruti Parmar who has a TBTI certificate from New Jersey, dreams of having just one celebrity client,’I would like to make a Kohinoor for chief minister Narendra Modi, on any secret body part that he wishes to have one on.”
Box section-Tattoo trivia-
1. Tattoo comes from the Tahiti word ‘tautau’-meaning ‘to mark’
2. Numbing creams like ‘Xylocain’or ‘Prilox’ may cause temporary itchiness.
3.8 out of 10 patients bleed while getting a tattoo done.
4. Cases of improper precaution can lead to skin cancer, hepatitis or AIDS
5. Tattoos normally take upto 3 weeks to heal totally.
Popeye, Angelina Jolie, Winston Churchill and Rakhi Sawant might never end up in the same subset; but fact remains that they are all linked with ink. Tattoos play a vital part in the projection of their personalities.
Related more to punk funk, till recent years, permenant tattoos have suddenly emerged as the new style statement on the fashion circuit universally and Gujarat’s swish set is going all out to ink their attitude.
Neck napes, wrists, shoulders, lower backs, biceps are expressing personal preferences. Like Bob Dylan’s song,’ times they are a changing’, tattoo trends too are no more just a cult custom but, a widely accepted attitude, even in the middle aged groups. It’s not just the twenty somethings’ who are going in for the skin sin.” Most of my clients are professionals, in their mid thirties or more,’ smiles tattoo artist Jagruti Parmar .In the field for more than 10 years now, this boho chic promoter is known as Gujarat’s Kat Von D when it comes to tattoos.
Parmar’s studio ‘La Nina tattoos’ at Vastrapur Ahmedabad, is like a mini museum of tattoo history, the walls depict pictures from ancient Japanese body art to Jolie’s arm candy (tattoos, not Brad Pitt, silly).” 3-d and glow in the dark tattoos are very popular with the elder age group. A lot of people are getting various gods depicted on skin and since Indian gods wear a lot of ornaments, the effect in radium coloured tattoos comes out amazing. Tattoos are the only jewels that go with you to your grave. I just did a Cleopatra type replica on a client’s eye, it was a tricky task”
The Raamnamis of Chattisgarh no more monopolize the mantra sutra. Elderly Gujaratis are getting Gayatri Mantras, Hanuman Chalisas and Maha Mrityunjay jaaps permanently penned on their backs and shoulders for instant nirvana. Kavita Dave, who runs D N Tattoos at Jodhpur Satellite remarks,’ we have clients who are upto 65 years of age as well. Many come in from Saurashtra, Kutch, Baroda and some go for fancier versions of their Kul Devta.” Ahmedabad being central for Gujarat,” Even foreigners and NRI’s prefer getting their religious tattoos done here because as Indians, we are able to give genuine divine expressions for the ever popular Ganeshas and Shivji idols and innumerable options for the ‘om’symbol,” points out Parmar.
Tattoos are not new to Gujarat. The Rabari tribes of Kutch have a trend of body art called ‘chhundanas’.Many centuries old, it consists of geometrical designs and dots that is often visible in their embroidery and home décor rangoli motifs as well. Meant to adorn the skin, this definitely makes their women look sexier.
La Nina‘s tattoo artist has a client who got her boy friend’s name permanently tattooed in 7 secret places. “She adds one more every month and is married now.” Young girls commonly go in for dainty butterflies and fairies, but, the women are going in for more elaborate, serene Buddha images surrounded with exotic floral creepers and sensual snakes intertwined with dragon like creatures.” I have a phoenix on my back which signifies my character, am planning another for my ankle soon” says Sonali Desai, a young mother. ” Tattoos are the new fashion mantra for Surat’s suburbans”confirms Lavesh More, who has trained under famous tattoo artist Sameer Patange and shuttles into Tapi town every fortnight to upgrade Surat’s swish set with styles that are ‘in style ‘in Mumbai because,”Surtis always want something unique and different and are willing to pay for the fact that I never repeat the design again. I plan to permanently work out of Surat now due to the growing demand.”
Not bearing social stigma anymore, tattoos are openly flaunted with pride. It’s not just the fashionistas who are falling for the trend.” Many of my clients are doctors, they usually want one on their biceps or neck nape, they don’t mind if their patients notice it, others are patients of luecoderma or have surgery scars and tattoos help them cover the same” says Kavita.
Celebrity charisma has direct bearing on fans who risk the pain for visual pleasure. Just as Saif followed David Beckham, penning the name of the love of his life, “Alphabet tattoos are very common but also lose their charm as soon as girlfriends change. I have to play music in accordance to the mood and theme of my clients’ make ups and break ups.Ours being a dry state, there is no alcohol in take before the act unlike other towns.” giggles Jagruti.
Premal Zaveri, 44, has adopted Hrithik Roshan’s new star tattoo on his right wrist while his wife sports the same on her left wrist. ‘It gathers immediate attention at work, “smiles the textile trader,” but no one has dared ask yet. My wife is very fair skinned and also has a beautiful floral one on her back. The colours have come out wonderfully well.”
”I am planning to go shopping for more halter necks, “winks Sonal Patel., 37, from Rajkot, who has got a 3 d shadow effect tattoo done on her left shoulder that extends to the nape, “it feels sexy to get noticed for it. I am trying to get my husband go in for a Shivji one like Sanjay Dutt’s.”
While its style quotient for ladies, its all about symbols of power for the gentlemen.Al’s Tattoo studio in Bandra, Mumbai is run by four brothers .Al has done his masters in fine arts from M S University in Baroda. They cater to Bollywood stars and celebrities, back in Gujarat, Jagruti Parmar who has a TBTI certificate from New Jersey, dreams of having just one celebrity client,’I would like to make a Kohinoor for chief minister Narendra Modi, on any secret body part that he wishes to have one on.”
Box section-Tattoo trivia-
1. Tattoo comes from the Tahiti word ‘tautau’-meaning ‘to mark’
2. Numbing creams like ‘Xylocain’or ‘Prilox’ may cause temporary itchiness.
3.8 out of 10 patients bleed while getting a tattoo done.
4. Cases of improper precaution can lead to skin cancer, hepatitis or AIDS
5. Tattoos normally take upto 3 weeks to heal totally.
SHREKS AND THE CITY
America and the rest of the world is going gaga over the friendly monster Shrek, falling in love with the ugly ogre, who has a kind heart of gold.Shrek is derived from the German word Shreck which means fear and terror.
Reel life fairy tales hardly come true in real life. There are Shreks all around town and here is a girlie guide to recognize and handle the same-
Party Shreks-These are the ones with the shiny shirts and slinky hair who give dirty, hairy a different meaning (no, not Clint Eastwood, dear) and go,”Hey baby, want to go for a drive?” when the DJ is playing a sensitive, soulful number. They will keep smiling no matter what your facial expression portrays. You can get away with any rude reply, since this lot is certainly deaf and definitely not looking at your eyes while speaking, if you know what I mean. Be as mean as you can be.La belle dame sans merci.
Phone Shreks-Easily entertained, these are the ones who imagine there is a princess on the other end, especially so if they have accidentally dialed the wrong number, no matter if you actually are twice their age and thrice their size. All you need is a sweet voice and, you will have them at the first ‘Hello.’ They will be stupid enough to ask ‘who is this?’In spite of the fact that you just said, ‘wrong number.’ They will redial .Most likely lot to have a degree in nose wax moulding.Silence is the best answer for quick relief and save the number, for ‘no reply’ the next time.
Train/Plane Shreks-The over enthusiastic complete strangers, who smell like they just came out of Shrek swamp, who try to strike conversations out of the blue. It could be anything, the book you are reading, to where you are going; to what your i pod is playing. They will make sure they help you with heavy luggage whether or not you need their help, will be rude to the coolies /steward and, sugary sweet to the ticket checker air hostess, going,’ji saheb,yes ma’m’for no particular reason. They will also have a strong opinion on the Indian Railways, Airways, not that they do anything to make it any better. Ignore and avoid please.
Online/Office Shreks-The Gen next of the Ogre lot. Their vocabulary will consist of constant ‘lol’, ‘brb’ and they will type to you ‘wassup dudette?”.Their face book profile will be the display unit of how ‘cool’ they looked in the gym, at their reunion, at last New Years Eve etc.They will be passionate about football, basket ball and of course cricket. Since intellectual conversation will be too big a task to handle, for these ‘instant karmayogis’, you will be asked to take some kind of stupid online quiz so that they can know you better. Give no personal details, ever.
Pre marital Shreks-The handsome yet possessive insecure lot. They will want to know what you did from the time you woke up till you slept. They will want to decide what you wear, eat and whom you talk too. It’s not your fault; it’s just that they don’t believe in themselves. This kind normally turn into Post marital Shreks with lousy eating habits, a foul mouth , along with unending complaints .Run as fast and as far as you can.Because,only fairytales have happily ever after endings.
America and the rest of the world is going gaga over the friendly monster Shrek, falling in love with the ugly ogre, who has a kind heart of gold.Shrek is derived from the German word Shreck which means fear and terror.
Reel life fairy tales hardly come true in real life. There are Shreks all around town and here is a girlie guide to recognize and handle the same-
Party Shreks-These are the ones with the shiny shirts and slinky hair who give dirty, hairy a different meaning (no, not Clint Eastwood, dear) and go,”Hey baby, want to go for a drive?” when the DJ is playing a sensitive, soulful number. They will keep smiling no matter what your facial expression portrays. You can get away with any rude reply, since this lot is certainly deaf and definitely not looking at your eyes while speaking, if you know what I mean. Be as mean as you can be.La belle dame sans merci.
Phone Shreks-Easily entertained, these are the ones who imagine there is a princess on the other end, especially so if they have accidentally dialed the wrong number, no matter if you actually are twice their age and thrice their size. All you need is a sweet voice and, you will have them at the first ‘Hello.’ They will be stupid enough to ask ‘who is this?’In spite of the fact that you just said, ‘wrong number.’ They will redial .Most likely lot to have a degree in nose wax moulding.Silence is the best answer for quick relief and save the number, for ‘no reply’ the next time.
Train/Plane Shreks-The over enthusiastic complete strangers, who smell like they just came out of Shrek swamp, who try to strike conversations out of the blue. It could be anything, the book you are reading, to where you are going; to what your i pod is playing. They will make sure they help you with heavy luggage whether or not you need their help, will be rude to the coolies /steward and, sugary sweet to the ticket checker air hostess, going,’ji saheb,yes ma’m’for no particular reason. They will also have a strong opinion on the Indian Railways, Airways, not that they do anything to make it any better. Ignore and avoid please.
Online/Office Shreks-The Gen next of the Ogre lot. Their vocabulary will consist of constant ‘lol’, ‘brb’ and they will type to you ‘wassup dudette?”.Their face book profile will be the display unit of how ‘cool’ they looked in the gym, at their reunion, at last New Years Eve etc.They will be passionate about football, basket ball and of course cricket. Since intellectual conversation will be too big a task to handle, for these ‘instant karmayogis’, you will be asked to take some kind of stupid online quiz so that they can know you better. Give no personal details, ever.
Pre marital Shreks-The handsome yet possessive insecure lot. They will want to know what you did from the time you woke up till you slept. They will want to decide what you wear, eat and whom you talk too. It’s not your fault; it’s just that they don’t believe in themselves. This kind normally turn into Post marital Shreks with lousy eating habits, a foul mouth , along with unending complaints .Run as fast and as far as you can.Because,only fairytales have happily ever after endings.
FASHIONISTA SUMMER FARE
I spent Saturday morning with my head in the freezer, dreaming about being nestled in the Himalayas, this time of the year, wishing that we had winters all around the year (not that they are particularly cold ,either).Finally after 5 minutes, temporary facial numbness made me see reason to face the heat (literally )and be sane.
Summer is here, bringing with it the dire need for all things ‘fresh’; hence, both stale food and fashion are big no no’s.
The gurus of the garment industry have stated that the colours for Spring Summer 2010 are –Tuscany, Oyester, Rose dust, Champagne, Aurora, Woodbine and Aquatic. There is no need to panic, in simple language; this just means grey, silvery grey, lilac, pink, lemon yellow, lime green and turquoise blue .You know how designers love to make it sound exotic! And, how on earth could they forget White with its quintessential charm?
Now that we have our colours in order, let’s get on with the must haves.
Flip flops-Cobblers’ best gift to heeled tired twosomes, these thongs for feet have taken an outdoorsy avatar making it the most preferred teen foot wear .Spruce up your pair of toesis with a little bling.Buy a basic pair in your favourite fluorescent colour and add a line of sheer ,tiny sequins or multicolored beads or teenie weenie snail shells.
Tank tops-Nothing makes a good pair of well fitted jeans look cooler than a tank top-the good old ganji like jersey.Salman bhai’s ganji look takes a beating when gals wear one with denims. Add glam to your spaghetti top, musclebag or tank with a colourful butterfly or dragonfly brooch near the collarbone.
Tattoos-Ever since Bollywood stars have started going for what Angelina Jolie wears on her arms (tattoos, not Brad Pitt, silly), Surtis have found the fashion trend painworthy.Suburbans are at it ,getting permanent signs,emblems,gods,serpents,dragons,flora and fauna painfully penned on their wrists,calves,ankles,shoulders and elsewhere. If you are above 18 and want to go in for one, get a temporary one and look at it for a month before going on for something that will stay on your skin for the rest of your life.
Skin -Scorched skin needs tender loving care. Avoid heavy creams which are loaded with chemicals no matter how soft they make your skin feel. Always buy a face cream with aqua as the main component. Better still; depend on good old rose water, cucumber juice, milk/buttermilk for instant relief. You could store it in a spritzer and refrigerate it, for gentle spraying on face whenever required.
Nails- Now available in Tapi town are nail colours that could put a rainbow to shame and what better weather than this to show off pretty nails. For youngsters, dabble in some do it yourself nail art by simply adding multicolored stud and locking them on with a clear nail varnish top coat. Also available now are art pens that you may use to make tiny hearts and smileys over nail paint. If you must use a new colour in a cheap product, make sure you protect your nail with a base coat of a known brand first.Ladies, kindly leave funky colours to the girlie age group please, lest you want to look like a member of the Adam’s family.
Hair-Braid, gel, and spike, do what you must to keep it out of harms way. Put it up in a pony tail with a pretty scrunchie or, plug it into a roll with a chopstick like accessory. If you must wear it loose, hold it up with a pair of oversized sunglasses.
Since you are all set now, step out and commit skin sin because nothing looks sexier than a natural tan.
I spent Saturday morning with my head in the freezer, dreaming about being nestled in the Himalayas, this time of the year, wishing that we had winters all around the year (not that they are particularly cold ,either).Finally after 5 minutes, temporary facial numbness made me see reason to face the heat (literally )and be sane.
Summer is here, bringing with it the dire need for all things ‘fresh’; hence, both stale food and fashion are big no no’s.
The gurus of the garment industry have stated that the colours for Spring Summer 2010 are –Tuscany, Oyester, Rose dust, Champagne, Aurora, Woodbine and Aquatic. There is no need to panic, in simple language; this just means grey, silvery grey, lilac, pink, lemon yellow, lime green and turquoise blue .You know how designers love to make it sound exotic! And, how on earth could they forget White with its quintessential charm?
Now that we have our colours in order, let’s get on with the must haves.
Flip flops-Cobblers’ best gift to heeled tired twosomes, these thongs for feet have taken an outdoorsy avatar making it the most preferred teen foot wear .Spruce up your pair of toesis with a little bling.Buy a basic pair in your favourite fluorescent colour and add a line of sheer ,tiny sequins or multicolored beads or teenie weenie snail shells.
Tank tops-Nothing makes a good pair of well fitted jeans look cooler than a tank top-the good old ganji like jersey.Salman bhai’s ganji look takes a beating when gals wear one with denims. Add glam to your spaghetti top, musclebag or tank with a colourful butterfly or dragonfly brooch near the collarbone.
Tattoos-Ever since Bollywood stars have started going for what Angelina Jolie wears on her arms (tattoos, not Brad Pitt, silly), Surtis have found the fashion trend painworthy.Suburbans are at it ,getting permanent signs,emblems,gods,serpents,dragons,flora and fauna painfully penned on their wrists,calves,ankles,shoulders and elsewhere. If you are above 18 and want to go in for one, get a temporary one and look at it for a month before going on for something that will stay on your skin for the rest of your life.
Skin -Scorched skin needs tender loving care. Avoid heavy creams which are loaded with chemicals no matter how soft they make your skin feel. Always buy a face cream with aqua as the main component. Better still; depend on good old rose water, cucumber juice, milk/buttermilk for instant relief. You could store it in a spritzer and refrigerate it, for gentle spraying on face whenever required.
Nails- Now available in Tapi town are nail colours that could put a rainbow to shame and what better weather than this to show off pretty nails. For youngsters, dabble in some do it yourself nail art by simply adding multicolored stud and locking them on with a clear nail varnish top coat. Also available now are art pens that you may use to make tiny hearts and smileys over nail paint. If you must use a new colour in a cheap product, make sure you protect your nail with a base coat of a known brand first.Ladies, kindly leave funky colours to the girlie age group please, lest you want to look like a member of the Adam’s family.
Hair-Braid, gel, and spike, do what you must to keep it out of harms way. Put it up in a pony tail with a pretty scrunchie or, plug it into a roll with a chopstick like accessory. If you must wear it loose, hold it up with a pair of oversized sunglasses.
Since you are all set now, step out and commit skin sin because nothing looks sexier than a natural tan.
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