The Mother-in-Law, book review (flash)

Married or not, give the Mother-in-Law a read
Title: The Mother-in-Law, the other woman in your marriage
Author: Veena Venugopal
Price: Rs. 299
Publisher: Penguin

As published in Hindustan Times

Cover of the book

The title and the cover may mislead you into thinking that you’ll get to read silly, ridiculous stories about the proverbial mother-in-law (MIL) and daughter-in-law (DIL) tiffs. But, be warned. This book exposes the vile and barbaric world of ‘monsters-in-law’, who go the extra mile to make lives of their DILs unliveable.

Through the harassed DILs, dotted with writer’s impression of them and their in-laws, the book — in 11 chapters — shows that villainy, cruelty and inhumanity knows no class, religion or society. For instance, this bikini-wearing MIL ensures that her not-allowed-to-wear-jeans DIL gets no love from her son, even in her (DIL’s) dying days. And this Delhi-based MIL and her three daughters treat the three DILs (a journalist, a banker, a professor) as maids, and ­worse still – DILs take it.

And men, conditioned to not stand up for their wives, are just spectators, when not beating or abusing their wives to please their moms. Although it would’ve been nice to read Mummyjis’ perspective too, this engaging, well-written book is capable of making it to the human psychology syllabus. Married or not, give it a read.

Medha Shri

First published in Hindustan Times 

Saif Ali Khan interview excerpts:

Modi is glamorous: Saif Ali Khan

Actor Saif Ali Khan and wife Kareena Kapoor recently met the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. While Kareena is thrilled about clicking a selfie with the PM, Saif says he found him "glamorous".
In a freewheeling chat, Saif talks about the meeting, his open letter, and social media.

How was it to meet Modi?
I found Narendra Modi glamorous. It was wonderful meeting him; he is so kind. It’s not every day that you get to meet the leader of your country — one who is so humble. He gave a wonderful speech and he has my 100% support.

Your open letter on Love Jihad, where you defended inter-religion marriages, became quite popular on the internet.
I don’t think it’s important for you to be important on the internet, that doesn’t last for very long. Popularity on the internet goes up and down. But that was from the heart and something I really meant. I don’t think religion is that important. How does it matter if you are Hindu or Muslim?

Is that why you are not on Twitter or Facebook?
I am not on Twitter because I don’t have something to say all the time ... though I may change my mind one day. In fact, with so much going on, it might be important to tap into that voice and clarify things. So social media can be important, but it can also be very frivolous.

First published in Hindustan Times

Junglezen Sheru uses intelligent symbolism: Book review (flash)

Musings from the jungle

Junglezen Sheru book cover

Title: Junglezen Sheru
Author: Samarpan
Publisher: Pan Macmillan IndiaPrice: Rs. 150


This fable is about a ­forest which loses its leader, the lion, and his family to poachers. The royal family is survived by an orphan cub, Sheru, who is taken in by a wise elephant. The elephant tries to educate Sheru. But the education ­system has ruined Sheru’s individuality.
The writer, a monk, has used intelligent symbolism and imagery. Dotted with ­little gems of wisdom, the book, with many morals, makes as much sense to kids as to the grown ups. It’s a ­clever ­allegory on social, ­political, educational and ­corporate state. It is an open-ended book, so complete it the way it suits you.

First published in Hindustan Times

John Abraham, Bollywood actor, reacts to comments (such as 'rape is a mistake boys make') made by politicians

Our politicians’ remarks on rapes are embarrassing: John Abraham
Medha Shri

Besides being an actor-producer, John Abraham is a ­compassionate humanitarian. He has lent his star power to many a social cause and hasn’t shied away from voicing his thoughts on what he ­considers inappropriate. For instance, referring to the recent remarks by some politicians on rapes, he says, “Such remarks by our politicians are embarrassing ... they’ve embarrassed us enough already.”
Although the 41-year-old calls himself apolitical, he isn’t politically ignorant. “I am not politically inclined but I am politically aware. It’s a waste of time to discuss such statements, but politicians ought to be careful with their words, since their words make a huge difference as they are public figures,” says John, who was in Delhi on Monday as the face of the CSR campaign Fever Voice of Change.

The Madras Cafe actor ­further says that to make ­society safe for women, one must start with making changes at the grassroot level.

“The laws should be made stricter. We, all of us in the nation, are hoping that the new government proactively works towards women’s safety issues. We are all optimistic about it. And even parents should teach their sons to respect women. The mindsets need to change. Jo hamari soch chali aa rahi hai, that has to change. How we think about women, how we treat them should also change for the better.”

Not one to believe in mere lip service, Abraham walks the talk. From helping ­charities raise funds to doing events for charities, he is also one of the few actors who chose to cast his vote in the general elections over attending an awards function abroad. “How can you attend award functions?  You have to vote, no? I don’t like awards, but that’s a ­separate story,” says John.

The actor feels that films, too, need to change the way they depict women. “I agree that movies are a great ­influence, but in movies, we do a lot of things like picking up guns and firing, and not everything translates into real life. But as creative people, we must be responsible. When we make films, we call them  ‘women centric’ or ‘male ­centric’. We must do away with gender-bias and these tags. As an actor-producer, I hope we create responsible films.”

Firs published in Hindustan Times

Ritu Dalmia: The MasterChef on food, TV Shows and Books

Epicurean Traveller 

She lives to eat and believes that people highly underestimate the power of good food. And you have to accept Ritu Dalmia’s verdict, for she has become an authority on all things gastronomical. Medha Shri talks to the kitchen diva about what it takes to be a chef, and the first meal she cooked when she was only nine.   Ritu Dalmia’s name has a synesthetic effect. It evokes delicious food imagery activating one’s salivary glands. She is an insatiable innovator when it comes to food, and a wine connoisseur. Owner of popular restaurants and a popular television chef, Dalmia’s work includes travelling, eating and appearing on television. She lives an enviable life, you may think. But Dalmia gives you a reality check: “Mine is a fifteen hour- a-day job without any holidays. While people party away on special occasions, we are busy making it enjoyable for them. I am not complaining about it, I love every bit of it. But at the same time, it is not a bed of roses.” Since 1993, the year she launched her first restaurant, her New Year’s eve celebration has meant more work, for she is busy serving revellers gourmet delights. But she does take a break to satiate the traveller, the cook and the foodie in her, once everyone else’s celebrations have subsided.   Interestingly, what inspired her to get into the business of food was travel. On one of her several trips to London, she visited Rose Gray’s River Cafe. “It used to be my favourite. That’s where I decided I would have my own restaurant,” shares the owner of popular Delhi restaurants Diva, Cafe Diva, Latitude 28 and a restaurant at the Italian Cultural Centre, which are synonymous with epicurean excellence. But she didn’t taste success with her first venture Mezzaluna, which served Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on Italian. The menu had Dalmia’s personal touch such as ‘I learnt this in Italy’ or ‘this I loved the first time I tasted it’. Unfortunately, it had to be shut down. She then flew down to London, opened Vama with a partner, turned it into a success and came back to India to launch Diva. Diva has indeed become a diva with Italian-food lovers – what with its marvellous collection of fine wines and Dalmia’s own gregarious personality as she goes from table to table, interacting with regulars, most of whom she knows by name.   You’d expect someone as busy, acclaimed and much interviewed as her to be haughty. But Dalmia’s unpretentious, self-effacing, witty personality surprises you. When it comes to conversations, she is as smooth as her wine collection. Dalmia turned an author with her first cookbook Italian Khana and a TV-show host when a series based on her book was aired on NDTV Good Times. She recently launched another book, Travelling Diva (Hachette India), a collection of recipes from around the world. Dalmia says that the book “just happened”. “Whenever I travel, I carry a notebook with me in which I jot down notes on how that delicious cuisine was prepared or how was the sauce made,” she says. “This book is the final version of those personal notes.” NDTV has proposed to make a series based on this book as well.   Winner of several awards like the Wine Spectator award and Cavallier title for outstanding contribution in the field of food, it is hard to believe that this awardwinning chef who has travelled around the world with a camera in the tow is not a trained chef. “You have to be naturally talented. It’s a little like art and you have to go with your gut. You either have it in you to be a chef or not,” is what she believes in. Like an artist she doesn’t abide by any rules in her kitchen: “Where is the fun if you cook by the rules? It should be guided by a sense of which taste goes with what.”   Her cooking instincts kicked in when she was just nine years old. She cooked her first meal – rice and baked beans – for her brother. “He loved it, but he was only twelve years old so what else could you expect,” she says, half seriously. By the time she was twelve, she had started dishing out three course meals for her mother. “My mom complains now; she says I don’t cook for her now the way I used to when I was young,” says Dalmia.   Her mother’s indignation is surely tinged with some pride, as Dalmia’s list of clients now includes Sonia Gandhi the Italian president and prime minister, the Belgian queen, the Swedish king, the royal family of Norway, and the German president, among others. Ask her about the experience of serving such dignitaries and she confides, “No better, no worse. I am nervous before every meal.” A fun person herself, Dalmia is a budding DJ in her personal time. Playlists at her restaurant are carefully selected by the culinarist herself. She also loves reading, and says that if she weren’t a chef she would have run a book shop or a music store.   Dalmia is essentially a traveller at heart, if food maketh her soul. Her love for Italy and Italian food makes one wonder if she was an Italian in the previous birth. “Possibly,” agrees the bon vivant. “I went there for the first time in my life at the age of ten, without my mom and dad. It’s amazing how comfortable I was in a foreign land without parents. I was so much at home. I stayed there for a month and was very happy. That’s when the love affair started and, since then, it has only grown.” The Italian government recently knighted her with the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity.   To her, food means instant pleasure or nirvana. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Dalmia adds, “To anyone’s heart. People highly underestimate the power of good food. It can do wonders.”       “Cooking is a little like art and you have to go with your gut. You either have it in you to be a chef or not.”   Cuisine Ritu doesn't  like: I hate Korean. It has never gone down well with me. I don’t like Burmese or Moroccan food either.

Jacqueline Fernandez talks to Medha shri

"Namaskar" Says Jacqueline Fernandez Jacqueline Fernandez had a dream debut with legend Amitabh Bachchan and veteran actors Sanjay Dutt and Ritesh Dutt as co-stars in a fantasy flick, Aladdin. Recently she became hot property after her Murder 2 became a hit. With some big projects in her kitty, she has shifted base to India. (First published in ATELIER). How do you like it in India? What is it that makes you fall in love with this country? India is my home now. I think it is the excitement in the air, in the city, the people, there’s something new happening here in Mumbai every single day. It’s a very “alive” city. When I’m in India, it’s unlike anywhere I have been before. And how’s Bollywood been treating you? It has been an interesting journey in Bollywood. It does take a lot of hard work to survive out here in the industry, but the great thing is that hard work does pay off eventually. Bollywood is like family to me now. It’s so exciting working here that it makes me want to work more and more and be a bigger part of the Bollywood fraternity Is it taxing to keep up with what Bollywood demands in terms of fitness, dieting, networking and looking good? How do you cope up with that? Yes, it is taxing to keep up with the demands, but that’s why you’ve got to enjoy what you do. I think it’s very important that you have a great team working with you, so you are not on your own to take on everything that happens in and around you. We heard you have been working on your Hindi. Speak a few lines for us, please. Namaskar, mera naam Jacqueline Fernandez hai. Mujhe aap logon ka pyaar pa kar bohut khushi milti hai. Apne darshakon ka pyaar mere prati isi tarah badtah rahe, meri yehi aasha hain (Namaskar, my name is Jacqueline Fernandez. Your love gives me a lot of happiness. I hope my viewers will continue to love me more and more). Were you a tomboy or a girlie girl while growing up? I was both. I would have a tough time making up my mind whether I wanted to be at home and play with my Barbie dolls or go out and play football with my brother’s friends. I was torn between the two. As a child, what did you see yourself as? I always saw myself working in the entertainment and glamour industry. However, at that time, I did not realise it would be in the Bollywood industry. How did Bollywood happen? Bollywood happened because I was in India doing several modelling projects and that’s when I auditioned for Aladdin. A sexy siren versus a good actor, what do you choose and why? A good actor, because a good actor has more shelf life, you last long. Also, a good actor can essay any role. Staying away from family and friends must be overwhelming. Do you miss family a lot or have you made friends close enough who take care of you and hang around with you? Of course, I miss my family. There are times when I’m homesick, which is why I’m very involved with my work. I keep myself busy with my work. But yes, I do think I’m at a point where I’ve made friends whom I can trust and call at any time. The thing that you miss the most about Sri Lanka, other than your family, of course, is… The beaches and the food. I miss my grandma’s cooking. What are some of the craziest things you have done in Sri Lanka, India and in Bollywood? In Sri Lanka, the craziest thing I did was joining Miss Sri Lanka. In India, the craziest thing I did was in Goa, while I was out there shooting. I indulged in many water-sports, which were adventurous and fun. In Bollywood, the craziest thing I’ve done would be Murder 2! Quickly then… I love Bollywood for: The sheer joy of movie making. I hate Bollywood for: Erratic schedules. My dream Man: Jamie Oliver. An annoying habit I would change: My forgetfulness. All the link-ups made me: Laugh.

Jacqueline walking the ramp in Manish Malhotra at IIFA Toronto Meet Miss Sri Lanka, who’s been a muse to many an international designer from Australia to Singapore, Dubai to Sri Lanka. Enchanting audiences with her beautiful smile, Jacqueline Fernandez is riding high. Medha Shri talks to her about her childhood dreams, Bollywood and her dream man.

Neeta Lulla on Bollywood Costumes, Fashion and her Designer Journey

Decking up the Stars

Neta Lulla's costumes depict life. The clothes become an indispensable part of the narrative and an essential agent of story-telling. From screens to red-carpets, she is everywhere. India's original Bollywood designer Neeta Lulla shares with Medha Shri her journey from a teenage bride to a tailoring student to the most coveted designers to the stars.  (First published in ATELIER). With more than 350 Bollywood movies to her credit and several awards in her kitty, Neeta Lulla definitely knows what women want. The fashion designer, known for her meticulousness in understanding her subject before working on a design, has made a formidable reputation for creations that are a happy communion of fashion, colours and grandeur. “If I’m designing for a film, I need to have the script narrated to me, which helps me understand the character, his or her life, and the setup,” explains Lulla, who has various period dramas in her repertoire of film costume design. Her designs are remembered as much as the characters of the films themselves. After Jodhaa-Akbar, Jodhaa’s jewellery and saris became every bride-to-be’s trousseau wish. After Devdas, Paro’s (both roles played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), detailed saris became a cult too. But not many know the mental, physical and emotional labour on Lulla’s part that went into creating those masterpieces. For instance, she scanned several Bengali movies, visited museums, read through the script several times and had hours-long discussions with the creative team to develop costumes which were magically periodic yet acceptable to contemporary audiences. About 600 saris were brought from Kolkata, which were later mixed and matched to create memorable costumes – light and simple in the first half of the film when Paro is a wilful young girl, rich and detailed once Paro marries into a wealthy household. Each sari was also about eight to nine metres long, and took at least three hours to tie. With that kind of effort, it comes as a surprise that Lulla didn’t really start out as a designer; she was a trained fashion choreographer. “It was never planned. I feel God had a plan for me. I had a fashion choreographer background and experience, since I worked a lot with friends like Hemant Trivedi. Thanks to them, I got introduced to fashion and designing.” Her initial films like Lamhe and Chandni got great reviews and the films themselves were box-office hits, but she never really realised where this path was going to lead her. “At that time, it was just a Bollywood project for me. It was much later, after the film turned out to be a hit and I got more offers, did I understand the challenges, work and art of this field,” she reminisces. Lamhe also got her a National Film Award for best costume design in 1991. Later, she also won the same for Devdas, Jodhaa-Akbar and Balgandharva (2012). Looking back at her youth, it does seem as if her career path had been a result of divine intervention. A rebel child, Lulla quit high school as she had ‘no interest in books and studies’. Her parents threatened to marry her off if she didn’t get back to her studies. Lulla didn’t take up the alternative option. Instead, she was married at the vulnerable age of 16. Her in-laws, however, forced her into another school. By the time she reached class 12, Lulla had her first baby. Talking about those times, she smiles, “I loved each and every part of my life. I don’t regret any decisions I made. I had a whale of a time growing up and I always had fun in doing what I did. Given a chance I would want to repeat some of the crazy things I did!” Later, her in-laws and husband suggested she go for a tailoring and designing course. “I have very supportive, loving in-laws. They let me do what keeps me happy,” she says. As Lulla’s brand grew stronger and bigger, her family became a part of her happiness. “They were always happy for my growth. In fact, it was my husband who received my first national award with me and even explained to me the magnitude of the same, as I was ignorant of its prestige and value at that time,” she shares with ATELIER, adding that her family is very close-knit and her parents and in-laws have been her support system all these years. Though she didn’t appreciate studying, she emphasises the importance of following the heart backed up by excellent skills and knowledge. “The choice of a course for your career has to be studied honestly in order to grow and develop yourself as a person. One needs to have certain skill sets even to utilise one’s talents,” opines she Lulla’s client list includes Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Juhi Chawla, Sridevi, Dia Mirza, Sushmita Sen to name but a few. That’s many generations. What remains unchanged? “The only factor that remains unchanged is that they all stick to their signature style and personality, and I have to design outfits keeping in mind their distinct style factor. I am a versatile designer, reinventing my style and creating new innovations in my costumes in each film,” she shares. She likes to experiment with colour, cuts and design and has noted that her client’s preferences are also changing. “Every actor today needs to look their best and at the same time have an outfit that looks different. I guess that’s where a designer needs to understand the fashion trend and help the celebrity,” Lulla explains. Celebrities are known to throw tantrums, but Lulla say she has been lucky so far: “By the grace of God, I have faced no tantrums. Besides, I believe they all have a right to look their best and ask for the best since they work in an industry that is very competitive and very tough. Their films go down in history; their roles are forever. No wonder they want to look perfect.” She refrains from naming any personal favourite star, of course. “Each one that I have worked with has been a beautiful experience,” she quips diplomatically, while pooh-poohing popular notions that the industry is ‘fake’. “It is a very warm and affectionate world. People are very real and dedicated,” she says, admitting that she herself is an affectionate and a very emotional person. Lulla’s timeless designs rooted deep in cultural heritage have helped India leave a mark all over the world. Her shows in the UK, Monte Carlo and Canada besides other international destinations, and film projects such as Pride and Prejudice, Provoked, et cetera, got appreciative reviews and proved that, besides blingy Bollywood designs, she is equally adept at crafting prêt, couture and Western masterpieces as well. The three-time President’s Award winner’s daughter Nishka Lulla has also picked up designing. “Nishka is one of the youngest designers we have in the industry. She is full of energy and creativity,” says the mother with pride. “I enjoy working with her. Her designs have a young, vibrant Boho touch today.” The mother-daughter designer duo share notes all the time. “I'm playing mom and she keeps saying, ‘Don't be a momma,’ when I do,” she laughs. Is this the culmination of her dream? Lulla pauses before she responds, “I dream every day and that’s what really keeps me going on an everyday basis.” Aishwarya Rai in the movie Jodhaa Akbar Shriya Saran showcasing Neeta Lulla’s creation. An anarkali sketch by Neeta Lulla. Neeta Lulla in a black ensemble after one of her shows.

Sonam Kapoor on Bollywood Movies, Style, Fashion, Love and Crush

Princess Charming

Actress Sonam Kapoor 

An endearing diva, a chic fashionista,and a through romantic, Sonam Kapoor is also delightful as a breeze, finds Medha Shri, who talks to her about love, life and adventure sports. 

(First published in ATELIER ). 

Sonam Kapoor is known for her style sense.  Even at midnight, Sonam Kapoor bubbles with energy. Her optimism and captivating smile are sort of contagious. Only a few years old in the industry and still in her twenties, she already has the world by its tail. “I would say I have been very lucky. In fact, I am very lucky to have got so much of love from everyone, so many opportunities and such a loving family,” says Sonam, humbly, attributing much to destiny. “Hard work is extremely important but fate and chance also play a role in deciding the outcome,” she believes. Her beliefs about work also tie in with her romanticism. She is a romantic to the core. She grew up reading cheesy romances, dreaming about her prince charming, in a room full of Tom Cruise pictures and posters. So, when she got a chance to meet her teenage crush, she was naturally ecstatic about it. “You know, at one point when I was a teenager, he was my crush. So when I met him at my dad’s movie premiere (Mission Impossible 4), it was fantastic! He is so good looking,” gushes Sonam. She adds that, in later years, her crush was Leonardo Di Caprio but Tom is now back to being her favourite. “Like any other teenager, I loved Tom and Leo and Brad Pitt. When I watched Interview with the Vampire, I was delighted; Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in the same frame! Isn’t it any teenage girl’s dream, you know what I mean?” asks she in her usual zealous style. Moving on from crushes to her dream man, she states he has to be, “An absolute gentleman. A great guy. A great friend. Should love food and travel. That would be the perfect guy,” she giggles. You connect to her instantly. Under all the labels of star kid and fashionista, she is just a regular girl. And she loves food and travelling too. One of her favourite destinations is Rome, because of its historical value, rich past, interesting culture and aesthetic appeal. Also because, “there is so much beauty to see and enjoy there”. Well, also because she loves vintage. Her Mausam co-star, Shahid Kapoor, once said that anyone can sell Sonam junk in the name of vintage. She only laughs and says that a vintage piece contains so much of history and heritage in it that it is irresistible. Did you notice the incurable romantic surfacing again? Well, let us introduce you to a lesser known side of her, the adventure seeker. This delicate looking dame is an adventuresports enthusiast. She loves bungee jumping and skydiving, amongst others. “I like skydiving the best. I remember doing that in New Zealand,” recounts Sonam passionately, “We had to just jump from the plane. It was exhilarating.” She loved it so much that she went back to it again. And while recalling the thrill she makes a point, “It’s an amazing way to discover oneself. I love adventure sports. It thrills and teaches you to enjoy the moment. You know,when you are young you don’t care about mortality, you believe in invincibility... the thrill and the kicks...” She is very passionate about whatever she does, be it sports, films or dressing up. Her impeccable style sense has made her a fashion diva. From getting offers to wear ‘it’ brands to attending international fashion parties in Paris, Sonam is always dressed for the occasion. Her sister Rhea does help her choose a look or a dress, but mostly it is her own fashion instincts. And it comes to her naturally. “I enjoy dressing up. I love clothes. It’s a part of every girl’s growing up, like all the girls enjoy it. It’s a girl thing, you know what I mean,” she shares. Though she has a reputation for donning high-end brands, she iterates that “brands do not matter so much; the quality has to be good.” Her magnetic persona has fetched her several fans and admirers. She is used to people rushing to her for autographs and media chasing her, but a few encounters with some unlikely fans – at least she thought they were unlikely fans – have left an indelible mark on her. “This is about the time Aisha released; often little girls about four to fifteen would walk up to me and tell me they love me or that they think I am pretty or that they love my dresses. That was really special for me. I mean the realisation that I influence children too; the whole idea that kids look up to me is very special,” she divulges, adding that it also makes her think of it as a great responsibility. One action can influence so many, “The whole thing about great power coming with great responsibility is absolutely true,” believes she. She adores her fans and makes it a point to stay connected to them on a personal level through social networking sites (Twitter). She is also very techno-savvy and loves gadgets. “I can’t live without my gadgets like laptop, iPad, phones etc. Today, you can carry your whole world wherever you go. And it’s important to be tech-friendly in this age,” she opines. Talking about gadgets and technology, does she sometimes Google her name just to see what’s happening and doing rounds? “I will be very honest and tell you, yes, I do look up my name. I don’t get much time but once in a while kind of thing,” she confesses candidly. So, has she stumbled upon any piece of gossip? “Not really. Though my mangers keep updating me on it. Nothing too alarming has come my way yet, I am still safe that way. But sometimes they’d tell me ridiculous stories about me,” she adds, “It’s like the 24x7 channels need news all the time. When they run out of it, they start making up fictitious stuff. At the same time, they need us and we need them.” As you begin to know her better, she surprises you more and more. She is polite, responsible and chilled out. She has no starry tantrums, maybe because she has grown up in a family where her father, uncles, aunts et al were all stars. The stardom is not new to her. And also because her mother made sure the kids had a regular childhood. They went to a regular school, did regular things with friends and weren’t spoilt. Her sister is her best buddy. But it is her mother whom she is closest too. “I love dad, but I am closer to mom. Mom is your, well, mom, you know,” she smiles. Her dad is her favourite actor too. As for actresses she admires Zeenat Aman and Kate Moss. Ask her if her multifaceted life has taught this multifarious charmer any lessons and, in her signature childlike enthusiasm, she says, “Lessons? I am still too young to comment on that, you know what I mean? I believe in enjoying the moment.” So what would the mantra of this chirpy star be? “Enjoy what you do, have fun and live it up as it comes. Live life to the fullest,” she announces. Her joie de vivre is infectious; you know what we mean?

Cavalli Wines: Roberto Cavalli and Son Tommaso Cavalli

Cavalli Wines from fashion designer Roberto Cavalli's family

PASSION in a BOTTLE Cavalli is a name associated with grand gestures and a few fine things that life has to offer, whether to do with couture or viticulture. Medha Shri meets Tommaso Cavalli, son of the iconic designer Roberto Cavalli, to learn the fine details of winemaking from the man himself. (First published in ATELIER ).

Iconic, maverick fashion designer Roberto Cavalli enjoys his reputation as a fashion czar. There is hardly anything about the fashion giant that’s not larger-than-life. No wonder one is naturally excited and curious at the opportunity to delve into the finesse that goes into the making of Cavalli delgi Dei Wine from his son Tommaso Cavalli, who owns the liquor brand known for its fine wines and other products. He also co-owns their winery, Tenuta degli Dei, with father Roberto.

There, on the sofa, sits he, in a Cavalli jacket and Just jeans – “not because I am expected to wear these but because they are really nice,” we are told. No paparazzi running around, no dramatic aura and no star tantrums. A little shy and charmingly soft-spoken, that’s how Tommaso comes across. In India to promote Cavalli delgi Dei Wine and Roberto Cavalli Vodka, he says he wishes to visit Rajasthan and Goa. His winery is one thing that Tommaso talks about passionately. “My father and I would visit the place whenever we could when I was a boy, taking long walks. Here, I learned to ride. Here, horses and vineyards are integral parts of the landscape,” he says nostalgically. The estate was bought by Roberto in the seventies, but it was Tommaso who transformed it into a first-rate working farm, fuelled by his two great passions – breeding competitive horses, and since 2000, winemaking.

Spread over five hectares in the Tuscan region, carefully spaced rows of French varieties of grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Alicante Bouschet dot the estate. These were planted following a careful analysis of the terrain; the sunniest, highest areas of the estate, with elevations ranging from 400 to 450 metres above sea level, are conducive to healthy breeds. In 2000, Roberto Cavalli’s four-hectare Florentine villa, which is located in the hills just south of Florence, also turned to wine. In both vineyards, the vines – planted in March 2001 – are pruned using the cordon spur system, with a planting density of 6,700 vines per hectare. All 50,000 vines, which when they enter production, will yield about the same number of bottles.

Work in the vineyard is continuous throughout the year and entirely by hand – from counting the number of buds, to the tilling of the land, to green harvesting to assure quality at every step. Every operation is aimed at bringing just a few bunches, about a kilo per vine, to perfect ripeness. The harvest extends from the end of August to the beginning of October every year, a long time if one considers the size of the estate, but quite reasonable if one considers that the five varietals ripen at different times, and the Florentine harvest comes about two weeks ahead of the Panzano harvest. The grapes are then taken to the cellar. While Panzano yields are easily transported, the Florentine grapes are transferred in refrigerated trucks that keep fermentation from starting spontaneously, owing to the distance.

Once they reach the winery, the grapes, divided by vineyard parcel, are put through two selections by a squad of 10 people. In the first, imperfect berries are removed, and in the second all traces of leaves and stems are eliminated. The grapes thus selected drop by gravity feed into temperature-controlled vertical steel fermentation tanks. The vinification takes about 20 days; to optimise extraction, the cap is delicately pushed down into the Once they reach the winery, the grapes, divided by vineyard parcel, are put through two selections by a squad of 10 people. In the first, imperfect berries are removed, and in the second all traces of leaves and stems are eliminated. The grapes thus selected drop by gravity feed into temperature-controlled vertical steel fermentation tanks. The vinification takes about 20 days; to optimise extraction, the cap is delicately pushed down into the

“This is a magical moment, rather like witnessing the birth of a colt. The different characteristics of the individual varietals and vineyards come together, like the pieces of an intricate mosaic, to define the character of the wine,” says Tommaso with sparkling eyes. Once bottled, Cavalli Tenuta degli Dei refines for another 14 to 16 months in bottles, and Le Redini another four to six months.

In its first four vintages, Tentua degli Dei was made from grapes from all of the estate’s varietals. However, it is now made from Cabernet Sauvignon (60 per cent), Petit Verdot (25 per cent) and Cabernet Franc (15 per cent) – a blend with considerable character and personality. In 2008, a young, soft red, Le Redini – which was 90 per cent Merlot – also became part of Cavalli’s cellar. The cellars, which were completed in 2004, are adjacent to the Panzano vineyard, and occupy the space under the Pieve di San Leolino, whose foundations date to the ninth century. “In respect to the countryside, we decided to use these historic spaces rather than build something new. We are thus able to work in a place of great beauty, perfectly integrated in the history and setting surrounding it and be almost invisible, for there are no signboards,” smiles Tommaso.

The structure of the cellar consists of two superimposed chambers; the upper one, which contains the fermentation tanks, has the ceiling and the exposed entablature typical of Chiantigian architecture. At the entrance is the receiving area for the grapes, with the two selection tables. The chamber is occupied by the fermentation tanks, while there is, in the centre of the floor, a trap door through which the wine is transferred to the underlying ageing cellar. The underlying chamber, almost entirely below ground  level, has a barrel vaulted ceiling of exposed stone. “Here the barriques rest, one really can say, in religious silence, protected from the world’s view by a heavy, ancient door,” says Tommaso.

It’s not just the second name of the family that sells the wines, it is the content inside the stylish bottles that does, says Sumedh Singh Mandla, CEO (Core Brands), Aspri Spirits, which brings the smooth, full-bodied wine to India,

The bottles, which feature Cavalli’s signature animal insignia, are designed by, yes, Roberto himself and change with fashion. According to the son, “I am hardly fashionable. My shopping happens only twice a year, once for winters and then for summers. It’s papa who creates and lives fashion. Sometimes he laughs at me, saying I have so many black pullovers, people will think I wear only one pullover all the time.”

While the logo of the winery contains a piece of family history, the details present on all the estate’s bottles is from a painting by Giuseppe Rossi, Roberto Cavalli’s grandfather, who was a famous painter and also directed the Scuola Fiorentina di Pittura for many years. The Roberto Cavalli vodka, which is Italy’s first own, features a chic serpent, reminding one of the forbidden yet tempting fruit of Eden.

Do u Want a Millionaire Husband? Ask the Expert...

Lisa’s rules for the dating game

Medha Shri, Times News Network

How did your husband react when he read How To Snare A Millionaire?

He, of course, did a net search of me in the beginning (which I advise everyone, both male and female to do on each other) and he said he laughed and laughed. Jim thought I had to be very enterprising, creative, and well aware of what pleases a wealthy man to write such a book. I find that men who are secure in their wealth are not at all threatened by my book and my presentations. In fact, wealthy men often attend my classes in order to meet women who are better prepared to marry them.

How can one know that the person one is dating is the right one?
I suggest everyone make a list of ten character traits that their spouse absolutely must have. Don’t waste your time with anyone who doesn't have at least the top five characteristics. If you want your relationship to last, some chemistry or spark, must be on that list somewhere. It’s the glue that holds a marriage together, along with respect. If you find yourself having to work too hard in the relationship, that person is definitely not for you. Remember that you need to feel loved, valued and cherished, and if the person you’re with doesn't make you feel that way, find someone who will.

Why do you teach only women how to get a rich husband, what about the men who want a millionaire wife?It’s different dynamics when a man of average means wants to marry a wealthy woman. A successful woman, no matter how competent and independent, longs to find a man who can take care of her and make her feel like a woman. This doesn't necessarily require money. A man needs to prove that he can take care of the things she can’t, or doesn't want to.

How can men save themselves from getting dumped by their more successful partners?They need to make themselves an invaluable part of their partners’ lives. Once again, find out which responsibilities they’re uncomfortable with, and perform them for your spouse. Men need to avoid resentment and jealousy of their more successful spouses. And never, ever, male or female, take your spouse for granted.

What should or shouldn't one do on the first date?
Never talk about money, your ex, your health or sex. Steer clear of cheap gossip. Be positive, supportive, appreciative and interested.

You've interacted with people from different continents. Are the questions asked about love similar everywhere?
There are certain questions that always pop up, no matter where I go. One of them is about gold diggers. I always say that a gold digger is someone who wants to take the money and run – she wants to make the man part with his money. The women who follow my advice want to enhance a man’s wealth and be an asset to him, rather than bleed him dry. Everyone wants to love and be loved. I try to address that wherever I go.

Your grandmother was born in India. What’s your notion of India? When are you scheduled to come here?
My grandmother was born in San Francisco, but her parents soon moved to India and she spent her childhood there. She used to tell us wonderful stories. I understand India is very different now, but I think my vision of India, like so many other Americans, is largely shaped by Bollywood and films like Slumdog Millionaire. Still, it has always seemed like a very exotic, magical place to me, and I look forward to visiting it.