CATEGORIES

Opulence In The Land Of Eternity

One doesn't think tourism or luxury resorts at the mention of Oman. The oldest independent state in the Arab world, the Sultanate of Oman is a prosperous and stable nation making it an anathema to news hungry media constantly looking for stories about turmoil and terrorism.

Calling The Shots

Nestled amidst well-manicured lawns and lush green foliage is a building that is reminiscent of all things earthy and ethnic! The Revathy Kalamandir Film Academy situated inside the KINFRA, is a smooth blend of nature, tradition and modern expertise! When it’s inspired by two generations of Mollywood veterans, immensely passionate about cinema, raising the bar comes naturally. The RKFA, that began operations in 2014, is gaining popularity for its wide network within the film fraternity and for the excellent experiential training it offers! Revathy Suresh, daughter of Film producer Suresh Kumar and renowned actress Menaka Suresh, talks to RITZ about the family’s mission and dreams for RKFA.

a new frequency in chennai

a vintage grunge feel hits you as you walk into the eclectic environs of chennai's newest hotspot the radio room. located in mrc nagar, this stylish neighbourhood resto-bar is co-owned by five of well-known names in the city's social circuit, muthu venkatachalam, riaz ansari, arun prasad, rakesh gowthaman and sandesh reddy. and they're luring in the junta with their quirky menu, distinctive interiors and novel price-points. ritz spends an evening checking out the place, in an effort to keep pace with the new pulse point of chennai.

charisma unbridled

he dominates glossy magazine pages and their ‘best dressed’ lists. his clothes are usually carefully accentuated by his collection of watches, hats, bowties, and jackets. his socks are carefully chosen and he curates pocket squares with the discerning eye of an aesthete. there’s a winning smile, a booming voice, and a perfectly trimmed beard. put all this in sum with a personality that can fill a room, and you get sanjiv shanmugam, bengaluru’s much admired and secretly envied high-flying businessman. no glamorous gathering in town is complete till sanjiv walks in, but to rely only upon his looks can be deceiving. there’s more to this single dad, nostalgic brother, and dedicated son than meets the eye. ritz catches up with this charismatic bengalurean in a candid tell-all to find out what makes him a style icon and, more importantly, a man, who behind all the stories, quietly supports a mission greater than himself, touching the lives of rural women and giving them the wings they need to rise to a better future and a better tomorrow.

the backstage pro

she has a career that spans over fifteen years. as a newbie in the field, she blew the world of styling wide open making her way from advertising, to modelling to being the industry’s most coveted celebrity stylist. a rather private and media shy deepali noor opens up to ritz and fashion blogger purushu arie, in one of her only interviews, about how clothes and fashion became part of her life.

a style of her own

it is the margazhi season and music is predictably in the air. while the city limps back to some semblance of normalcy after vardah, happier moments are being experienced in the sabhas and other forums where music is being made, dances are being discussed, a variety of tiffins are being eaten, several cups of piping hot filter coffees are being dispensed and rustling silks are being displayed on concert platforms. chitra mahesh talks to aruna sairam, one of the biggest singers in the carnatic firmament today on how she has infused her stage appearances with a dose of style and chutzpah, that is inimitably her own.

creating fashion phases

she is the mastermind behind the looks that many celebs carry off with such ease, both on screen and off. as a celebrity stylist, she is a magician of sorts, a fashion magician if you may, pulling off one stylish look after another. ritz sits in on a conversation between neeraja kona, one of tollywood’s most sought after celebrity stylists, and saloni shah, who hopes to become chennai’s own goto-girl for all things style and lifestyle related.

the making of a champion

she is the star of the nation, cynosure of the world’s attention and on the top of her game. her enviable routine over the last few weeks has consisted of clicking selfies with the prime minister narendra modi, being received by k t rama rao at the airport, felicitated by the telangana chief minister kcr, playing a game of badminton with the ap chief minister chandrababu naidu, picking up awards like the khel ratna and cruising in the new bmw gifted by no less than the god of cricket, sachin tendulkar. that is the current scenario being played out in young p v sindhu’s eventful life. however, the path that led her to the glory is replete with challenges, hard work and above all, a gruelling fitness regimen. behind the silver medal she snapped up at the 2016 olympics in rio, is a story that has all the trappings of a blockbuster. it’s an honour for ritz to present the nitty-gritty of what went into the making of the super-shuttler who has mastered the winning formula.

Kochi Ultimate Rejuvenation!

The soft glow from the Vellaku (lamp) is the only glimmer of light in the dark room that is soaked with the distinct fragrance of Ayurvedic oils and rose petals. Even under this faint flicker, the soothing music, entwined with the sounds of chirping birds gently calm your nerves. As the warm concoction of oils touches your skin, your body starts to unwind and before you realise it, the smooth yet firm massage swiftly drifts you into a state of sheer bliss. The Ayurvedic massage is the ultimate form of rejuvenation that eliminates stress, fatigue and pain using medicated herbal oils. The science of life that dates back to over 5000 years is one of the oldest traditions of healing that has its roots in India. Ritz explores the Ayurvedic therapies offered at the Ayuh Spa at the Le Meridien hotel, with Dr. Amrutha Raj, who has been practising Ayurveda for over a decade now.

Get Set To Shine

Say goodbye to dull and lifeless skin and welcome fresh and naturally glowing skin with Juicy Chemistry

Elixir For A Good Life

Whether you’re planning a summer vacation weekend getaway or a staycation in your own city, RITZ recommends you spend two-days at Conrad Bengaluru that is known worldwide for its functional luxury. Soaring 24 stories above Bengaluru’s Central Business District, enter a world of understated luxury right in the heart of the city with magnificent views of Ulsoor Lake. Dine at the four restaurants – each more elegant than the other serving world cuisine and save yourself a trip across the globe. Friendly staff are always on hand to guide you through the entire smorgasbord of delectable flavours as you eat your heart out at some of their most sought after restaurants. ​​​​

When Beach Life Beckons

Head to Novotel Dona Sylvia, Goa for your share of luxury, serenity, breathtaking views and unspoiled adventure

Blazing A Path Of Light And Laughter - Maya

A whirlwind of energy, Maya is balancing a lot of different things at the moment. Back from her high of working with the Superstar in 2.0, she is doing impactful roles in a host of big banner productions. That1Too.com catches up with this Theater Artist/Actor/Part-time Clown/Full time Gymnast on what makes her tick.

New Age Cure For Low BP: Driving In Our Cities!

One fifth of the urban population in South India is estimated to suffer from hypertension. It's a medical research finding. Everytime you drive on the city's roads, you cannot help wondering if that figure is grossly under-reported.

Living The Life Of A Parisian

When in Paris, do as the French do. RITZ gets invited by Atout France India for an exclusive coverage of offbeat Paris and to soak in the sights, sounds and experiences of the exotic kind.

Happy And Fat!

Almost setting a ‘before and after’ kind of a benchmark in the night life of Hyderabad, Fat Pigeon, is one watering hole that has enough to offer to everyone who enjoys getting out.

Elevate Your Epicurean Expectations

Let your senses take a journey through the Orient with Bengaluru’s haute new Kitchen & Bar

Of Swag, Style & Sass

Sonakshi Sinha exudes a certain confidence and charisma that no one else does and comes across as effortlessly gorgeous in all that she does. In Bengaluru to walk the ramp for designers Gauri & Nainika at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2017, the actor who lives life on her own terms, spoke to RITZ Magazine on her feisty, filmy journey a couple of hours before the show over a candid tête-à-tête in her casual jeans and black tee.

Crafting Narratives In Fashion!

One fine day, three young boys are summoned to the Principal’s office. They were sure they hadn’t been upto any mischief, never the less, they were anxious! As they entered the office, the principal greets them warmly and asks them to take their seats. She explains that there is going to be an entrance exam conducted by NID and that, she wants them to take the exam. Though relieved, they were not sure what it was all about but since the principal had personally made the request, they decided to go for it. One among the boys who cleared the exam, joined NID Ahmedabad. He opted for textile design and later joined the international brand, Ikea. But deep down, he knew he wanted to return to his hometown, Kochi, and start a label of his own. And that’s exactly what he did! RITZ is in conversation with cool young fashion designer, Sreejith Jeevan, curator of the Indian label, ROUKA that is creating waves across the country!

Luxury A Second Life

While most of India's business women concentrate on power dressing, adopting a no-nonsense demeanour and outworking men on clocking time, 20-year-old Mehal Kejriwal with her boho dressing style, petite stature and casual working module has banked upon an idea that not many have cashed in on in the country as yet.

The Unconventional Beauty

“Working with Mammootty Sir and Dulquer has been an awesome experience they are both very beautiful individuals and are very cool to work with.”

A Time For Tea

The moment she stepped into Bengaluru from West Bengal as a young bride, she was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug that had mesmerised the Silicon City for much of this decade. Tea was what she eyed with concentration, having grown up close to the verdant gardens that the eastern state is famous for. After having sipped some of the finest blends back home, Pritika Agarwal felt the need to introduce individuals in her new city to the fine and luxe experience of tea appreciation. Over a chat with RITZ, she unravels the concept behind TeaBrew and her passion for India’s favourite beverage.

It's Not Just An Indian Thing

He dons way too many hats! He’s an engineer, a salsa instructor, an entrepreneur, a chai lover and a Tea-E-O. Having started one of Bengaluru’s earliest tea cafés, Chaipatty, he is now all set to foray abroad with tea cafés in Canberra, Cape Town and New Jersey. Over a steaming hot kullad of chai and onion pakoras, RITZ chats up with Chirag Yadav.

Make In India A 911 Emergency Service

Three questions. Do you remember all your passwords? For your net banking transactions, to alter your profile, for your debit and credit cards, your email ID s, mobile PIN...the list can be quite endless. Now,do you remember all the helplines that exist? Apart from 100 for the Police, you may still be confused between 101 and 102 for Fire & Ambulance, or whether you need to dial 108 for a medical emergency, or individual hospital hotlines, not to speak of helplines for Senior Citizens, Child Abuse and all the myriad situations we may find ourselves in.

The Super Woman

She’s vivacious, effervescent and pretty...meet VANATHI SRINIVASAN the General Secretary of Tamil Nadu BJP

An Eye On Fashion

Over the years Vimonisha has gained its reputation as a designer that labels branding specialists. Every fashionista in Chennai looks forward to its next edition of exhibitions, the next one will be held on September 5 and 6 at Hyatt Regency Chennai. Monisha Gidwani, brand strategist and promoter of the successful Vimonisha Exhibitions and Events tells us how she built her brand over the years and consulted on numerous brands and labels in the last 26 years.

The 'Field' Man In Khakhi

It was not the proverbial silver spoon but the farmer's plough that he had to contend with in his early years. The son of a farmer M.C. Madhiah and a homemaker Sarojamma, attending school in rural Karnataka was an adventure. It meant walking several kilometres to the bus stand and climbing atop the jampacked vehicle because there would be not even a toe hold inside. For a student who studied in Kannada medium right upto his Masters and M Phil in History from Bangalore University and who had made a trip Delhi for the first time only in '92, on a Sleeper Class ticket by Karnataka Express, clearing the Civil Services Examination, first for a Group B Service and then the IPS in '96, was no mean task. Jayaram is quick to point out that his grandparents are from Tamil Nadu and he considers himself to be a son of Tamil soil. "After all, my native Kugramam is just 10 kilometres away from Tamil Nadu near Anchetty."

Finding Solitude & Peace In The Princess Of Hill Stations

Recce of The Tamara Kodai, a luxurious heritage resort that was once La Providence, an idyllic monastic retreat

Save Your Ocean

Our oceans provide half of the world’s oxygen supply, regulate the global climate system, and provide the primary source of protein for more than 3 billion people, yet little more than 3% are formally protected.

'I Am Living My Dream'

She is all of 19 – young, beautiful, confident and raring to go! Even before she realised it herself, she had become an internet sensation overnight. The social media has celebrated her and criticised her in equal measure but she is determined to prove her mettle and rise beyond the tag of being called the ‘wink girl’! Ritz is in conversation with the bold and sizzling Priya Prakash Varrier, whose much awaited debut movie, ‘Oru Adaar Love’ is hitting screens this Valentine’s Day!