CATEGORIES

Passion For Pots & Pans

Frederique Constant and RITZ Magazine join hands to identify those women in South India who are living their passion. Meet one such woman who is inspiring many others – Chef Latha, Frederique Constant Woman of the Month

Defining Dance

As you watch her perform, you are mesmerised by her sheer grace and perfection. You feel as if you are transported to another realm, as her tales seem to come alive right in front of your eyes. Her conviction in her art is evident and it comes as no surprise that Sarpatatvam, the dance documentary based on the ancient wisdom of serpents, a fruit of her research, has become a contender for the Oscars. It proves that language and culture cease to be a barrier when it comes to art. For this gifted artiste and scholar, dance has been a companion since the age of four. As a young girl, she mastered the Thanjavur style of Bharatanatyam under Guru Melattur S Natarajan. She went on to pursue a degree in commerce, won a gold medal in MBA and briefly worked in a media house; until she realised that dance was her true calling. She set out to pursue her dream - a doctorate in dance from Kolkata. But that required a post-graduation in dance and once again she completed her masters with a gold medal (this time, in Kuchipudi) and went on to receive her PhD. She stunned dance critics by mastering Mohiniyattam and her signature style of dance has since become one that boldly defies convention and breaks all stereotypes. Her dedication and hard work have won her prestigious accolades like the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, the Devadasi National Award and the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademy Award! Ritz gets into a candid chat with the charismatic and super talented Dr.Methil Devika, who is married to renowned Mollywood actor and politician, Mukesh.

HEART-TO-HEART Chat With Harshvardhan

Actor Harshvardhan Kapoor was in Bengaluru for the launch of a new watch collection at a luxury watch store in UB City. RITZ Magazine spoke to the fresh and raw yet promising Bollywood actor, better known as Anil Kapoor’s son in a candid interview at the launch.

Coming Soon: Stalin's Day In The Sun

For far too long, it was a case of 'so close, yet so far' for M.K. Stalin.

The Bar That Raises A Bar

The Gourmet Bar opens @ Novotel Chennai

Kalidas Jayaram Going The Extra Mile

It was his deep passion for films that led him to renowned film maker, Mani Ratnam’s office. With just a college degree and no recommendations, they rejected his request instantly but he wasn’t ready to quit just yet and fervently persisted. Soon they realised that this young chap is not giving up that easily and eventually, they agreed to take him in. He was so excited to be a part of the team that he zealously went about doing every single task assigned to him– irrespective of the nature of the job! In the process, he got to watch and work with his dream film maker at close quarters! Later, Superstar Jayaram happened to meet Mani Ratnam during one of his trips and he casually enquired about his son’s apprenticeship. It was only then that the film maker realised that it was young Kalidas Jayaram who had been working at his office but he had never even once mentioned his dad. That is Kalidas Jayaram for you – a thorough gentleman, down to earth and charmingly unassuming! RITZ has a candid chat with the handsome young star, who, after having bagged national awards as a child artist, is currently stealing the hearts of the South Indian audience just like his iconic father!

Skin Talk

They Have Decoded the Mantra on All Things Skin. They Combine Age Old Beauty Secrets With the Latest in Skin Trends to Leave You Stress Free. We Dig Into Their Beautypedia to Let You in on Everything You Ever Wanted to Know.

Spinning Her Magic!

Though she was brought up in Dubai, she has her roots firmly in Kerala thanks to her strong ‘Malayali’ upbringing. It was when she moved to Pune to pursue her studies that she began to explore films and slowly, she started falling in love with Cinema. Thus began her journey of self-discovery! While everyone expected her to do a Master’s in business management, they were in for a shock when she chose to go to the London Film School instead. Her family reluctantly agreed to let her follow her heart. It was during the convocation ceremony, that they watched her work on screen for the very first time and that’s when they realised that this was her deep passion and true calling. Since then they have been her strong source of support and strength. Her first tryst with Mollywood seemed like a nightmare, as her debut film ‘Manjadikuru’ met with struggles, delays and bias. But she didn’t give up! Soon she was ready with the script of Ustad hotel, which swept the state, national and international awards! With her next blockbuster, Bangalore Days, she had built a brand for herself! Anjali Menon, is a name that is the pride of Kerala today! Ritz catches up with the ace filmmaker, whose latest flick, ‘Koode’ is rocking at the box office!

Crime & Punishment: Resolve Not Rage

When a crime shocks the collective conscience of society, that itself constitutes a ground for the harshest punishment - the death penalty. The social media has opened the floodgates for freedom of opinion, which makes these platforms a barometer of public sentiment. But is it informed opinion on display? Whether it was Nirbhaya or the Kathua horror or, closer home, the Child Rape in Chennai, there was a loud cry for justice.

Timeless Tales

This month RITZ goes back in time to two places that are a few centuries old and have been restored with modern sensibilities yet keeping the aesthetics and essence of the era gone by — The Tamara Kodai luxury resorts in the historical La Providence, in Kodaikanal, built at a 160-year old monastic retreat that has been restored and added with new constructions and revisit India’s magnificent past at Narendra Bhawan in Bikaner, Rajasthan that was once the grand residence of Narendra Singh, the last reigning Maharaja of Bikaner HH. We showcase a first-hand experience…

Curating Art Beyond Boundaries!

Kochi is hosting the fourth edition of its very own Kochi Muziris Biennale that has become a popular global platform for expression of art today. This year, apart from the celebration and exhibition of art in a multidimensional, epic scale, the event boldly echoed voices – voices from the margins. There were artists and collectives from across the globe who spoke about gender rights and equality, there was a distinct element of women empowerment with more women artists coming to the forefront, art installations involving the queer community and artists from all walks of life who jointly put up a great show. It was invigorating to see how suppressed voices were given their due space amidst celebrated artists. The mastermind behind it all is the renowned contemporary artist and a true liberalist at heart, who has literally broken all the barriers and invisible norms laid down by social conditioning. As the grand art fiesta draws to a close, RITZ is delighted to catch up with the first ever lady curator of the Kochi Muziris Biennale, Anita Dube.

From Martial Arts Action To Lights, Camera, Action

THE STORY OF A MARTIAL ARTS PRACTITIONER, WHO TURNED INTO AN ACTOR IN THE FINAL QUARTER OF HIS LIFE…KravMaga SreeRam is a name well known among police and corporates in Tamil Nadu. From being an artist to a karate black belt, from being an ad films maker working behind the scenes to KravMaga practitioner and trainer, he has seen it all in the first three quarters of his life, and now in the final quarter, he has got his big break as an actor in a movie based on different perspectives of romance.

Yami Strikes & Struts On The Ramp

Yami Gautam, walked the ramp at the Blenders Pride Magical Nights for designer Rina Dhaka at Conrad in Bengaluru. The actor of the Vicky Donor movie fame, who got recognition for her role as an intelligence agent in the recent Bollywood hit Uri-The Surgical Strike, spoke to RITZ Magazine in a candid interview post the show.

Our Star In The Skies

Wing Commander ABHINANDAN VARTHAMAN.

Making Kerala Proud

Mollywood adores this Diva who enthrals her audience with her power-packed performances and melodious songs! Be it comedy, romance or drama, her movies have kept the cash registers ringing and through the years, she has charmed Kollywood and Tollywood audiences as well with her music and acting prowess. Her fans were devastated when they learnt of her battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, but her family and friends stood by her like a rock. With her ‘never say die’ attitude, it didn’t take long for her to stride right back into Mollywood in full vigour! Ritz gets into a candid chat with the gorgeous diva, Mamta Mohandas, who never ceases to amaze her audience!

5 Minute Genie In The Kitchen!

You are a working mom and have an important board meeting.

Ayurveda In Its Purest Form

For times when you want to return to nature and rejuvenate.

The Silent Superheroes

Quite often working moms find themselves at the heart of controversy - what makes them tick, how they operate and how they manage life seems to be a subject of complete and utter fascination. Why else would we find entire research studies devoted to whether or not working mothers are happier and healthier than non-working mothers? Having said that, what working women do - raising children and managing a professional life - is no joke as most people find playing only one of these roles awfully challenging. On the occasion of this Mother’s Day, we asked some successful mums about how they shuttle between these two extremely important roles in their life. Read ahead to understand how easy/difficult it is to strike a balance between being a good mother and professional…

Happily Never After

Heart – the most powerful organ in the human body; the centre of our existence also happens to be the most fragile; prone to getting broken, shattered into smithereens when the one you love also happens to be the one that hurts you the most. What do you do in such scenarios? What do you do when you know you’re in a relationship that makes you feel stifled, remorseful and despondent? Many moons ago, people would stay stuck in the rut pretending all is well due to various reasons but not anymore. With changing social mores, independent personalities and freedom of choice, many youngsters and some not-so-young couples are breaking the vows. The year gone by is a testimony to the fact. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that 2016 has been a year of break ups, some acrimonious and some dignified, some expected and some completely shocking... Does the concept of `Happily Ever After’ exist anymore? RITZ takes a look at what’s going on in the ubiquitous splitsville around the globe.

The Beauty Spot

The business of beauty is at an all time high. After all, who doesn’t want to feel good and look beautiful! Every beauty addict will admit that they constantly and discreetly check out tips from beauty gurus and beauty bloggers, who are generously dishing out beauty advice supported by equally amazing photographs and videos. Mastering the art of a smokey eye, cat eye or a perfect pout isn’t a cakewalk and these passionate beauty aficionados turned bloggers are giving you your fix of hair care, skin care and makeup tips for a picture perfect look. Meet five of Bengaluru’s top beauty bloggers who stand out from the pack for their edgy and informative content and photographs.

The Changing Face Of Facebook

The Changing Face Of Facebook

A Hat - Trick at Ripon Building

A Hat - Trick at Ripon Building

Carving Her Own Niche!

SHE GREW UP AMIDST ARDENT ARTISTS, HER MOM BEING A PROFESSIONAL SINGER AND HER DAD BEING A RENOWNED MUSIC DIRECTOR. SO IT COMES AS NO SURPRISE THAT DANCE AND MUSIC WERE AN INDISPENSABLE PART OF HER LIFE; WHICH IS ALSO WHY EXPRESSING ART COMES NATURALLY AND EFFORTLESSLY TO THIS YOUNG STARLET. AS A CHILD ARTIST, HER RENDEZVOUS WITH THE CINEMA STARTED WHEN SHE WAS JUST 13 AND SOON, QUITE UNEXPECTEDLY, SHE GOT A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH FAHADH FAASIL IN ‘MAHESHINTE PRATHIKARAM’. THE MOVIE WENT ON TO BECOME A SUPER HIT AND HER CHARACTER, ‘JIMSY’ BECAME SO POPULAR THAT TO THIS DAY, PEOPLE RECOGNISE HER BY THAT NAME. SHE WON ACCOLADES NOT JUST FOR HER DEBUT PERFORMANCE BUT ALSO FOR HER MELODIOUS PLAYBACK SINGING IN THE MOVIE. RITZ CATCHES UP WITH THE YOUNG, CHIRPY AND VERY TALENTED, APARNA BALAMURALI, WHO IS BUSY JUGGLING PROJECTS IN MALAYALAM AND TAMIL.

A Toast To Kerala!

This elegantly well-appointed 62 cover restaurant resonates impeccable class and a mysterious old world charm that lures you to explore its bounty. Warm smiles and enticing aromas greet you as you arrive at this warm diner. There is a distinct ethnic touch to the ambience with the open kitchen revealing the beautiful array of earthen pots and pans, glass baranis filled with pickles and uperis, striking hues of magical spices and other vintage knickknacks. Ever since its launch in 2014, this Kerala speciality restaurant has been a charmer for all the right reasons. As an added bonus, new add-ons on the menu offer delectable delicacies that are to be savoured with an assortment of beverages to compliment the meal. Ritz explores Cassava at the Kochi Marriott hotel that has opened its doors to another exciting culinary expedition with Sous Chef Saji Alex.

Tovino's Avatar As 'Luca'

Virus, Kalki, Luca, Oscar goes to, Kilometers and Kilometers….and there is more lined up. There is no stopping this superstar, who has now become Mollywood’s most celebrated hero! With no Godfathers or mentors in the industry, he fought his battles with sheer passion, determination and hardwork. Even when people were ready to write him off, he persevered, without giving up. Today, he is one of the most bankable and gifted actors in the Malayalam film industry. With Maari 2, he made his presence felt in Kollywood too. Ritz is in conversation with the fun loving, down to earth and super talented star, Tovino Thomas!

Voice Of An Angel

Singer and actor, Soundarya Bala Nandakumar has won many hearts with her talent. The songstress who began her television career as a Super Singer contestant made her way into many households through popular television serials. Soundarya lets us in on her reel and real life in a candid conversation.

Bengaluru's Beauty Queens With A Purpose

Uneasy is the head that wears the crown. Meet these city girls who are fabulous at their age and have crossed all hurdles to follow their dreams and win coveted titles with their sheer grit and determination.

Pranitha's Peregrination

2017 marked a historic year for Indo-Israel relations, marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel (India’s first Prime Minister to visit Israel) and ever-growing bilateral cooperation between Israel and India in a number of fields. In order to strengthen this further, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised a Discover Israel Programme, for which a Young Indian Leaders delegation went to Israel. Well-known actress, Pranitha Subhash, recently adopted a government school in Hassan district in Bengaluru – and was invited to be a part of this delegation for being a change maker and social influencer. We caught up with this PYT to learn more about her travel…

Fake It To Make IT: The Hands That Play With Clay To Make Food

Shilpa Mitha makes fake food for living. Sumptuous meals are at her fingertip, which even five-star chefs can’t dream of making. Her skillful hands can mold clay into an array of culinary dishes from all around the world. She may not be willing to share her secret recipe of clay making but she opened up to Ritz about her unique creative pursuit.

Say It With Florals

It is February and love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is here and it is time to celebrate the special bond we share with our loved ones. So this Valentine’s day, is it going to be a romantic date with your partner or a fun evening with friends and family? Either way, let’s check out the fashion forecast for the month. Archana Nandal, Co-Founder of Cult Modern, the all new design-forward fashion-house at Fort Kochi, takes us through her exclusive collection from the February edit that has been crafted by select designers and labels from across India and the world!